Setting aside the want of reciprocal security, which must finally result from such a state of things to the subjects of the respective powers, the Sublime Porte cannot allow such transactions to pass silently. Accordingly, the Porte has never omitted to reply to the different pretensions advanced, by appealing to the justice and the equity of the powers who are its friends, by often reiterating complaints respecting the assistance afforded to the insurgents, and by giving the necessary answers in the course of communications with its friends. In fine, a mediation has at last been proposed. The fact, however, is, that an answer restricted to one single object can neither be changed by the process of time, nor by the innovations of expressions. The reply which the Sublime Porte gave at the beginning will always be the same; namely, that which it has reiterated in the face of the whole world, and which is in the last result its sentiment on the position of affairs.

Those who are informed of the circumstances and the details of events are not ignorant that at the commencement of the insurrection some ministers of friendly courts, resident at the Sublime Porte, offered effective assistance in punishing the rebels. As, however, this offer related to an affair which came exclusively within the resort of the Sublime Porte, in pursuance of important considerations, both with regard to the present and the future, the Porte confined itself to replying, that though such an offer had for its object to give aid to the Ottoman government, it would never permit foreign interference. What is more, when the ambassador of a friendly power, at the pe

riod of his journey to the congress of Verona, entered into explana tions in conferences with the Ottoman minister on the proposed mediation, the Sublime Porte declared in the most unequivocal manner, that such a proposition could not be listened to; reiterating every time that the subject was resumed, the assurance that political, national, and religious, considerations, rendered such refusal indispens able.

In yielding to this reasoning, and in admitting more than once that right was on the side of the Porte, the before-mentioned ambassador on his return from Verona to Constantinople, again clearly and officially declared in several conferences, by order of his court, and in the name of the other powers, that the Greek question was recognized as belonging to the internal affairs of the Sublime Porte; that as such it ought to be brought to a termination exclusively by the Porte itself; that no other power was to interfere in the sequel; and that if ever any one were to interfere, all the others would act according to the principles of the law of nations.

The agents of one of the great powers which has recently consolidated its relations of friendship and good understanding with the Sublime Porte, also officially and explicitly declared, in their conferences with the Ottoman agents, that there should be no interference on this subject. That declaration having served as the basis for the result of those conferences, there cannot now be any question respecting this affair, which the Sublime Porte is entitled to consider as completely and radically adjusted. radically adjusted. Nevertheless, the Porte still considers itself sus

thorized here to add the following observations in support of its antecedent assertions :

The measures which the Sublime Porte has adopted from the commencement, and which it still pursues against the Greek insurgents, ought not to make the war be considered a war of religion. Those measures do not extend to all the people in general; for they have for their sole object to repress the revolt, and to punish those subjects of the Porte who, acting as true chiefs of brigands, have committed atrocities equally serious and reprehensible. The Sublime Porte has never refused pardon to those who submit. The gates of clemency and mercy have always been open.

This the Sublime Porte has proved by facts, and still proves it, by granting protection to those who return to their duty.

The real cause of the continuance of this revolt is to be found in the different propositions made to the Sublime Porte. The injury arising from the war, too, has only been felt by the Porte; for it is known to all the world that European navigation has never been interrupted by this state of things, which, far from prejudicing European merchants, has afforded them considerable advantages.

Moreover, the troubles and the revolt exist only in one single country of the Ottoman empire, and among the partisans of malevolence; for, thanks be to God, the other provinces of this vast empire, have no way suffered, and with all their inhabitants enjoy the most perfect repose. It is not easy, therefore, to understand how these troubles are to be communicated to other European countries. Suppose, however, that this were

the case, as each power is paramount within itself, it ought to know such of its subjects on its own territory as manifest seditious dispositions, and it ought to punish them according to its own laws, and in pursuance of the duties inherent in its own sovereignty. It may be superfluous to add, that the Sublime Porte will never interfere in such transactions.

Considering the points above set forth with reference to justice and equity, every one must be easily convinced that there remains no ground for discussion upon these affairs. However, though it is fit that all ulterior interference should cease, an offer of a mediation has been in the last result made.

Now, in political language, it is understood by this expression, that if there arise differences or hostilities between two independent powers, a reconciliation may be brought about by the interference of a third friendly power. It is the same with respect to armistices and treaties of peace, which cannot be concluded but between recognized powers. But the Sublime

Porte being engaged in punishing on its own territory, and in conformity with its sacred law, such of its turbulent subjects as have revolted, how can this case ever be made applicable to its situation; and must not the Ottoman government attribute to those who advanced such propositions views tending to give consequence to a troop of brigands? A Greek government is spoken of which is to be recognized in case the Sublime Porte does not consent to some arrangement; and it has even been proposed to conclude a treaty with the rebels. Has not the Sublime Porte great reason to be struck with astonishment at hearing such

language from friendly powers, for history presents no example of conduct in all respects so opposed to the principles and duties of governments?

The Sublime Porte, therefore, can never listen to such propositions to propositions which it will neither hear nor understand, so long as the country inhabited by the Greeks forms part of the Öttoman dominions, and they are tributary subjects of the Porte, which never will renounce its rights. If with the aid of the Almighty the Sublime Porte resume full possession of that country, it will then always act as well for the present as for the future in conformity with the ordinances which its holy law prescribes with respect to its subjects.

The Sublime Porte, then, find ing that in respect to this affair, it is impossible for it to listen to any thing except to the precepts of its religion, and the code of its legis

lation, considers itself justified in declaring, that from religious, poli tical, administrative, and national, considerations, it cannot give the slightest countenance to the propositions which have been framed and finally brought forward. Always prepared to comply with the duties imposed by the treaties concluded with the friendly powers who now render this categorical reply neces sary, the Sublime Porte hereby declares, for the last time, that every thing which has been stated above entirely accords with the sovereign intentions of his highness, of his ministers, and of all the Mussulman people.

In the hope that this faithful exposition will suffice to convince its equitable friends of the justice of its cause, the Sublime Porte embraces this opportunity for reiterating the assurance of its high consideration.

Health and peace to him who followeth the path of rectitude.

DESPATCHES as to the

Admiralty Office, Nov. 10, 1827. Despatches, of which the followmg are copies or extracts, have been this day received at this office, addressed to John Wilson Croker, esq. by vice admiral sir Edward Codrington, K. C. B. commanderin-chief of his majesty's ships in the Mediterranean.

His Majesty's Ship Asia, in the port of Navarin, Oct. 21, 1827. Sir, I have the honour of informing his royal highness the lord high admiral, that my colleague, count Heyden and the chevalier de Rigny, having agreed with me that we should come into this port, in order to induce Ibrahim Pacha to

BATTLE of NAVARINO. discontinue the brutal war of extermination, which has been carrying on since his return here from his failure in the gulf of Patras, the combined squadrons passed the batteries, in order to take up their anchorage, at about two o'clock yesterday afternoon.

The Turkish ships were moored in the form of a crescent, with springs on their cables, the larger ones presenting their broadsides towards the centre, the smaller ones in succession within them filling up the intervals.

The combined fleet was formed in the order of sailing in two columns, the British and French

forming the weather or starboard line, and the Russian the lee line. The Asia led in, followed by the Genoa and Albion, and anchored close alongside of a ship of the line, bearing the flag of the Capitana Bey, another ship of the line, and a large double-banked frigate, each thus having their opponent in the front line of the Turkish fleet. The four ships to windward, part of the Egyptian squadron, were allotted to the squadron of rear admiral de Rigny; and those to leeward in the bight of the crescent, were to mark the stations of the whole Russian squadron; the ships of their line closing those of the English line, and being followed up by their own frigates. The French frigate Armide was directed to place herself alongside the outermost frigate, on the left hand entering the harbour; and the Cambrian, Glasgow, and Talbot next to her, and abreast of the Asia, Genoa, and Albion; the Dartmouth and the Mosquito, the Rose, the Brisk, and the Philomel were to look after six fire vessels at the entrance of the harbour. I gave orders that no gun should be fired, unless guns were fired by the Turks; and those orders were strictly observed. The three English ships were accordingly permitted to pass the batteries and to moor, as they did with great rapidity, without any act of open hostility, although there was evident preparation for it in all the Turkish ships, but upon the Dartmouth sending a boat to one of the fire-vessels, lieut. G. M. H. Fitzroy and several of her crew were shot with musketry. This produced a defensive fire of musketry from the Dartmouth, and La Syrene, bearing the flag of rearadmiral de Rigny; that was succeeded by a cannon-shot at the rear

admiral from one of the Egyptian ships, which of course brought on a return, and thus, very shortly afterwards the battle became general. The Asia, although placed alongside the ship of the Capitana Bey, was even nearer to that of Moharem Bey, the commander of the Egyptian ships; and since his ships did not fire at the Asia, although the action was begun to windward, neither did the Asia fire at her. The latter, indeed, sent a message "that he would not fire at all," and therefore no hostility took place betwixt our ships for some time after the Asia had returned the fire of the Capitana Bey.

In the mean time, however, an excellent pilot, Mr. Peter Mitchell, who went to interpret to Moharem my desire to avoid bloodshed, was killed by his people in our boat alongside. Whether with or without his orders I know not; but his ship soon fired into the Asia, and was consequently effectually destroyed by the Asia's fire, sharing the same fate as his brother admiral on the starboard side, and falling to leeward a mere wreck. These ships being out of the way, the Asia became exposed to a raking fire from vessels in the second and third line, which carried away her mizen-mast by the board, disabled some of her guns, and killed and wounded several of her crew. This narration of the proceedings of the Asia would probably be equally applicable to most of the other ships of the fleet. The manner in which the Genoa and Albion took their situations was beautiful; and the conduct of my brother admirals count Heyden and the chevalier de Rigny throughout was admirable and highly exemplary.

Captain Fellowes executed the part allotted to him perfectly, and,

with the able assistance of his little but brave detachment, saved the Syrene from being burnt by the fire vessels. And the Cambrian, Glasgow, and Talbot, following the fine example of captain Hugon, of the Armide, who was opposed to the leading frigate of that line, effectually destroyed their opponents, and also silenced the batteries. This bloody and destructive battle was continued with unabated fury for four hours, and the scene of wreck and devastation which presented itself at its termination, was such as has been seldom before witnessed. As each ship of our opponents became effectually disabled, such of her crew as could escape from her, endeavoured to set her on fire, and it is wonderful how we avoided the effects of their successive and awful explosions.

It is impossible for me to say too much for the able and zealous assistance which I derived from captain Curzon, throughout this long and arduous contest; nor can I say more than it deserves for the conduct of commander Baynes and the officers and crew of the Asia, for the perfection with which the fire of their guns was directed, as each vessel in turn, against which her broadside was directed, became a complete wreck. His royal highness will be aware that so complete a victory by a few, however perfect, against an excessive number, however individually inferior, cannot be acquired but at a considerable sacrifice of life; accordingly I have to lament the loss of captain Bathurst, of the Genoa, whose example on this occasion is well worthy of the imitation of his survivors. Captain Bell, commanding the royal marines of the Asia, an excellent officer, was killed early in the action, in the steady

severe

performance of his duty; and I have to mourn the death of Mr. Wm. Smith, the master, admired for the zeal and ability with which he executed his duty, and beloved by all for his private qualities as a man. Mr. H. S. Dyer, my secretary, having received a contusion from a splinter, I am deprived temporarily of his valuable assistance in collecting and keeping up the general returns and communications of the squadrons. I shall therefore retain in my office Mr. E. J. T. White, his first clerk, whom I have nominated to succeed the purser of the Brisk. I feel much personal obligation to the hon. lieut.-colonel Craddock, for his readiness during the heat of the battle, in carrying my orders and messages to the different quarters after my aides-de-camp were disabled; but I will beg permission to refer his royal highness for further particulars of this sort to the details of the killed and wounded, a subject which it is painful for me to dwell upon, but when I contemplate, as I do with extreme sorrow, the extent of our loss, I console myself, with the reflection that the measure which produced the battle was absolutely necessary for obtaining the results contemplated by the treaty, and that it was brought on entirely by our opponents.

When I found that the boasted Ottoman word of honour was made a sacrifice to wanton, savage devastation, and that a base advantage was taken of our reliance upon Ibrahim's good faith, I own I felt a desire to punish the offenders.— But it was my duty to refrain, and refrain I did; and I can assure his royal highness, that I would still have avoided this disastrous extremity, if other means had been open