CONCLUSION.

At this crisis, when both the political and transition state of Turkey render it a subject of more than usual importance to all who are interested in Oriental affairs, a work on the Bosphorus would be incomplete if wanting a record of the most remarkable period of its modern history, during the presence of the Russian expedition, which arrived upon its shores in February, 1833; and this I am fortunately enabled to give through the kindness of a diplomatic friend who was resident at Constantinople at the time, and who obligingly furnished me with the very interesting details.

It was known that the Sultan had accepted the offer of Russian assistance, after having in vain applied to France and England in the extremity to which he was driven by Mehemet Ali. But the design had been decidedly disapproved of in a grand council of his people and ministers, summoned to take it into consideration:—“Were it the English, they might bid them welcome; but to invite the Muscovite infidel, their bitter and hereditary foe, was inadmissible; they would rather leave the event to Providence.” Not so judged the Sultan, who had seen no reason to change his mind. The battle of Konia was his last cast, and had been lost; he had no army left, and the people would not fight in his cause; whilst Ibrahim, at the head of his victorious troops, had advanced to within a fortnight’s march of the capital, and menaced the throne. The order for relief from Russia had been despatched by the Envoy, under discretionary authority from his Court, and never been recalled; a circumstance of which only a few Europeans were aware, besides the parties to the arrangement. Various rumours on the subject were afloat, and the public in anxious suspense, when all doubt was ended by the intelligence that the Russian fleet had appeared in sight. Hearing the news, numbers of persons crowded the windows of the houses which commanded a view of the passage from the Black Sea, whence they could discern one or two large ships already advanced within the channel, followed by several others, looming in the distance. The blue cross in a white field soon became visible, salutes were interchanged with the Turkish batteries, and, in another hour, a Russian squadron of seven line-of-battle ships was anchored at Buyukdèrè.

Never before had a naval force visited these waters since they owned the sway of the Crescent, but what bore its emblem. A single frigate, or, occasionally, a two-decker, conveying an Ambassador, was admitted as a favour—their mission being regarded as a tribute to the sublime dignity of the Porte. Even the English, the heroes of the sea, and countrymen of Nelson, had, under Duckworth, ventured only in sight of the bristled walls of Stamboul, but not in reach of their cannon; and the granite masses launched from the huge guns of the Dardanelles, had taken revenge on their return for their audacity in forcing an entrance. For nearly four centuries since its conquest from the Greeks, the Imperial City of Islamism had not bowed to the dominion of strangers.

The Ghiaours, the fleet of the Muscov Ghiaours, arrived! It seemed incredible to the astonished and bewildered Turks. They would not at first believe the assurances of eye-witnesses of the fact; and numbers ascended the channel, and gazed on the ships, before they were fully satisfied. “Ah! where are our own that fought so manfully at Navarino?” some exclaimed. Others, “Why did we not make a stand in defence of our Sultan and country, when we might have squeezed like paste (as truly they could) the handful of infidels that crossed the Balkans with Diebitch?” Mehemet Ali was also a favourite with the populace, and they wished him success in order to keep out the Russians, with hopes of better fortune under his command. A Turkish workman standing by as their ships entered, cast one look at them, and then quietly resumed his labour, with the ejaculation, “Zavali Mehemet Ali yeldizin caboul edemez;” It was not your destiny, Mehemet Ali—your star would not permit.

An encampment was ordered for the Russian troops on the hills, on the Asiatic side, above Unkiar Skelessi,⁠[59] famous afterwards for the treaty concluded there before their departure; but in the country, more noted for the delightful valley of the same name to which it is the landing-place. Mouravieff, the commander-in-chief of the army, was a bluff, uncouth Russian, who seemed indifferent to intercourse with strangers, and concerned only with his military duties, taking notice of no one but to give his orders and receive visitors of rank with a stiff, formal salute. He scarce felt at ease, more than his soldiers, as to what part they might have to act, and how the inhabitants would endure their presence. Strict precautions were taken to keep the men within their lines, placed where not a hut or human being was to be seen in their immediate neighbourhood; and the ships in sight, not two miles distant, with which they could communicate. The Turks, however, suppressed their indignation, submitting to circumstances which they could not control, and considering that the strangers had come by the authority of their Sultan. Their national character, at times furious and ungovernable on sudden excitement, is tractable under command, and guided by calm discretion when they have time for reflection; and there is, perhaps, scarcely an instance of a people entertaining such a rooted animosity, and restraining it so completely, when thus placed in contact with the objects of their hate.

The heights soon exhibited a novel and picturesque appearance, dotted over by the Russian encampment; and some regiments of Turkish guards, with their circular and blue tents, according to national usage, shortly after took their quarters a little below, in unwonted fraternity. The representatives of the other great powers, anxious to see the Sultan’s new allies dismissed as quickly as possible, made an arrangement in a few weeks to that effect. It was proposed by the French Ambassador, supported by the Austrian, under the guarantee of the former, that Mehemet Ali should accept the terms. Our minister, who was only ad interim, of minor rank, and without instructions, also assisting in promoting a settlement. The compact, however, was rejected by Mehemet Ali, and disapproved of by the French government; and although the basis was far more favourable to the Porte than that of the Convention of Kutaya afterwards concluded, as Adana and Tarsus were reserved, and Syria only ceded to the Egyptian chieftain, it was fortunate for the Sultan that the sailing of the expedition, if ever seriously intended at the time, did not then take place. A few days before that fixed for the purpose, news arrived of an event which caused its indefinite postponement, and superseded all diplomatic combinations.

Smyrna, the second city in Turkey, with a population of 120,000 inhabitants, had withdrawn from its allegiance to the Porte, and under circumstances, notwithstanding the gravity of the change, perfectly ridiculous. Ibrahim’s detached parties had already assumed the command of Magnesia, another city, thirty miles distant; and from thence, three individuals, the bearers of a pretended letter, with his sanction, presented themselves to the Governor of Smyrna, requiring him to abdicate in favour of a successor appointed by their Chief. The Egyptian General, who had agreed to an armistice until an answer should be received from his father to the recent proposals, disavowed having sent the summons when called on for an explanation. It had, however, been immediately obeyed by the notables of Smyrna, who, when consulted on the occasion, judged submission to be the most prudent course; and an intriguing personage of their own body, named Buladauli, who contrived the plot, was, without a dissentient voice, installed in the Government, like Sancho Panza in that of Barrataria. The customs and other branches of the revenue, of which he took possession, showed afterwards by the empty state of the money chests, deep traces of his ten days’ administration, for it lasted no longer. As soon as the matter came to be understood, orders were despatched by the Porte to the legitimate Governor to resume his functions. On the firman to that effect being read, the foreign Consuls, who, without instruction, had judiciously declined to acknowledge the intruder, again hoisted their flags, his mock lordship decamped, and in the brief space mentioned, a second revolution took place as tranquilly as the first. No violence or disorder occurred on either occasion; and the principals in the contrivance having sought Ibrahim’s protection, no other individual suffered, either at that time, or since, the slightest molestation for having been its dupes. But the example must have been dangerous, perhaps contagious, at the capital, on the first shock, had the Sultan possessed no foreign support. It was at the option of England to have rendered him the service he then received from another power; and we may regret to this day that our Government did not seize the opportunity of securing the lasting advantage to both countries to which it would have led.

Further reinforcements for the fleet and army next followed from Russia, accompanied by Count Orloff, as Ambassador Extraordinary, and invested with the supreme command by sea and land. Shortly before, in March, Lord Ponsonby arrived to fill his post, and, with his political associate and colleague, Admiral Roussin, the French Ambassador, saw with great dissatisfaction this increase of strength, and appearance of a prolonged sojourn. It was remarked that the Russian ships, in conveying the new troops to the camp, passed under their Excellencies’ windows at Therapia, making a sweep, as if for the purpose, before proceeding to the opposite side. A corvette, armed en flute, with her decks crowded, and a band playing, was particularly conspicuous in paying this compliment; one of the most unwelcome serenades to which Lord Ponsonby, a thorough anti-Russian in politics, had probably ever been treated.

From the first entrance of the squadron, there had been abundant firing of salutes for distinguished visitors; and in mutual courtesy between the flags of Russia and the Porte, every national anniversary receiving from both the like honours. But now began the full roar of cannon, till scarce an hour elapsed but the whole line of the channel re-echoed with the sound, and as much powder was expended as might have sufficed to decide the fate of the empire in battle. When the fine season set in, with calm, cloudless nights, the tones of the Russian sentinel’s challenge, mellowed in traversing the water to the European shore, fell on the ear in the stillness with an effect not easy to describe. Again, on the morrow, recommenced the continuous discharge of artillery from the ships and forts, as the Sultan, or other high personages, passed in state in their visits to the military stations. The stirring news and discussions of the day more seriously occupied the public mind amidst this joyous show of ceremony and cordiality between the Porte and its allies, since it was yet uncertain how the event might terminate for the country, and with whom the sovereignty would remain. From their warlike attitude on the hills, where they were making additional entrenchments and depôts, it appeared that the danger for which the Russians had been summoned was not past, or that they were in no haste to depart. Suspicions were not wanting that the temptation to keep possession was too strong for them to resist. But reserve and distrust gradually gave way to more placid feelings and cheerful prospects; and fêtes and spectacles assumed their wonted gaiety. Some of the foreign ministers, who had hitherto declined visiting the camp, attended a grand review, where it was announced that the Sultan was to be present; and the whole diplomatic corps, invited by his special desire, came in full pomp to meet his Highness.

He was received with due honours on landing by Count Orloff, and after consulting his pleasure, aides-de-camp were sent off at full gallop to form the troops immediately under arms, till then remaining at ease near their posts. They were placed under the Sultan’s command for the day, the General-in-chief acting as his adjutant, and repeating the orders for the different manœuvres, after they had been first submitted to his approbation. The Sultan, equipped in a splendid military cloak, the collar ornamented with diamonds, a surtout, light pantaloons, boots, with massive gold spurs, and a red fur cap, rode through the field on a noble Arab charger with the ardour of an accomplished horseman, and the air of a soldier, attended by Orloff and a numerous staff. All the expertness of Russian tactics was displayed, and men and officers decked in their best attire; the soldiers, having their mustachoes stiffened with grease, and their chests thickly padded. The evolutions, performed with due precision, presented nothing remarkable, with the exception of one manœuvre, in which two battalions crossed each other’s ranks by companies, each file spreading a little for the purpose, and the first battalion occupying the ground from which the former retired. A Russian officer, standing by, observed, that this manœuvre, which the Turks did not comprehend, had cost them dear in battle. It is, however, known in our army, and allows any corps which may be weakened or harassed in action, or whose services might be more effective at some other point, to be relieved by an almost instantaneous change, scarce requiring any additional space, and in no degree deranging the order of the line in bringing up the reserves.

The extent of the valley afforded more than ample room for the exercises, and an immense concourse of spectators assembled, of both sexes and of every nation. The whole scene was, from the circumstances, exciting, far beyond mere parade, for the Russian force, stated to consist of fifteen thousand troops, appeared to have been far overrated when their camp was emptied; and they had, moreover, brought with them but a single troop of Cossack cavalry, and a very slender train of light artillery.

At the close of the review the Sultan received the staff and the members of the diplomacy in an adjoining kiosk, the same in which the treaty was afterwards signed. His position was a trying one for a sovereign, as he stood in the midst of a foreign soldiery, whom he might consider as his masters, having accepted their protection against his own subjects. It was therefore expected that he would appear somewhat subdued on the occasion,—not such, however, was his bearing; and never did he acquit himself with more éclat. Count Orloff was very remarkable during the ceremony of audience; a fearless soldier, of massive stature, and renowned as one of the most powerful men living for muscular strength, a noble and a courtier; and, still more, he was the generalissimo and delegate of his Emperor, selected by him, and entrusted with unlimited powers for this important service; but in the presence of Sultan Mahmoud he seemed completely overcome by the commanding aspect of the Turkish sovereign; and his looks and attitude, in tendering his homage, bespoke that sort of submissiveness and awe which he might himself inspire in his own humblest dependents. It is this imposing, lofty air, accompanied by extreme energy of will, which has given to the Sultan the wonderful ascendant he possesses over the minds of all who surround him. Those who have been accustomed to intercourse with royalty, and contact with the most distinguished statesmen and geniuses of their time, speak of the Moslem monarch as the most remarkable person they have ever seen, beside whom every other individual sinks into insignificance. A stranger meeting him incognito, would be struck by his appearance, as if denoting a more than common dignity; and at times, the expression of his countenance will cause an impression which none other could excite. His features are manly, though not regular, his cheeks being angular and prominent, and his complexion is flushed, when he is in exercise, as if from vigorous health. His person is a little above the middle size, neither spare nor corpulent, well-proportioned except in the legs, which are bent slightly inwards from the knee; and his whole appearance much enhanced by a handsome jet beard, arranged and preserved with special care. In minute attention to his person and dress he resembles George IV.; but he is, both physically and mentally, more active than that monarch. While flattered by the deference he inspires, and the observance of the forms of devotedness paid to absolute sovereignty in the East, he assumes no studious gestures, or affectation of majesty. Regality is stamped by nature on his brow, animating every feature and every movement; and even on that day, when surrounded by Russian bayonets, and his armies scattered in the field by a vassal—his spirit remained unquenched—he was “every inch a king!”

Terms had, meanwhile, been made with Ibrahim, whose army was withdrawn from Kutuya to Syria; and the Russians, who had only waited for the intelligence of his having retired within his own boundary, quitted the country a few weeks after the review. During their stay, they constantly remained twelve miles distant from Constantinople, which was not even in sight from their position; and the precautions taken in keeping the men to their quarters, and the placid temper of the inhabitants, prevented any squabbles of the least consequence arising between them. Their semi-barbarism was, however, constantly showing itself to strangers, in some shape or other. On one occasion, during an inspection of the troops, the Crown Prince of Bavaria, a tall slim youth, was presented to the Sultan on the ground. As the concluding ceremony, a soldier of each regiment advanced singly to his Imperial Highness, and gave the history of his corps, recapitulating the actions in which it had acquired its honorary titles. No one offered to explain; but the names of the places had almost all reference to campaigns in Turkey or Persia, whence the Sultan could sufficiently understand the drift of an address, not calculated to revive in his mind any agreeable recollections. It appeared to me that the mortification was harsh and displaced, if designed to gratify Russian pride; or very bad taste if it were mere formality. The artificial step and starched attitude of the soldier in this piece of acting were highly amusing and ludicrous; not a muscle of his boorish features changed as he delivered his set speech; after which he presented arms, turned round, and marched off with the same automaton strut. This rapidity was more conspicuous in a single individual than when the men were seen en masse, and proved how perfectly Russian discipline reduced them to mere living machines, guided by an instinctive impulse to obedience, the character for which this army is justly distinguished. So severe are the rules, and so rigidly are they observed, that several of their sentinels perished at St. Petersburg, some years since, during an inundation of the Neva, from remaining at their post till submerged, when they could have saved themselves on the first rise of the waters, by a prompt retreat, which they dared not attempt without receiving orders in the regular routine.

One of the minor Perote Diplomatists, who had gone en grande tenue to the camp at Unkiar Skelessi, had a soldier assigned to him, in compliment, as his attendant in taking a survey. By this guide, who could only speak Russian, not a word of which the other understood, he was led round their quarters, obliged to listen to long unintelligible details, till his patience became exhausted, and he made some significant signs of a desire to depart. But he was a prisoner; for the soldier, who had received orders to show and to explain to his charge every thing necessary, fulfilled his instructions to the letter, and detained him for hours, to complete his office; not sparing an item from the titles of the colonels, and the distinctions in the colours of each regiment or battalion, down to the calibre of a howitzer, and the mess in their kettles, which was not of the most savoury description, consisting of beans and other coarse vegetables, and sour crout, eaten with black bread, with the addition of an allowance of fresh meat twice a week. On this rude fare the men looked prim and hardy enough in their limbs, but dingy in their complexion, and stunted in size.

One morning in the beginning of July, their tents were struck; ten thousand troops, with their equipage, reimbarked, and their fleet advanced before evening to the head of the Bosphorus. A single vessel was reserved for Count Orloff, who followed the next day, having been occupied to the last in the settlement of the secret treaty relating to the Dardanelles, which was signed on the 8th July, 1833. The Russians came to the Moslem nation as friends, and might have left with the glory of generosity towards their ally, but for this act of rapacity, which emulated the prowess of a bird of prey leaving the marks of its talons on its victim. Orloff had well performed his mission in obtaining the consent of the Porte to the contract, of which it is believed he carried the draft in his pocket—giving to Russia the power she had not attempted to enforce, of closing or opening the passage for ships of war at her pleasure. Such was the General’s eagerness to arrive, under the apprehension that affairs might be already so settled as to thwart his object, that he flew into a violent rage with the captain of the ship for losing some hours’ way, by mistake, in making the Bosphorus, and he is stated to have knocked him down on the quarter-deck. Their naval officers, nettled at this story being made public, denied the concluding circumstance, but admitted the remainder. Orloff had next a trial of pride, as well as temper, to undergo, which he is not likely to have borne with complacency. It happened that both himself and Lord Ponsonby waited on the Sultan the same day for their introductory audience; and his Lordship learning that Count Orloff, who had preceded him to the palace, was to be honoured with the earliest reception, sent in a message that in such case he would quit the country without delivering his credentials. They were of equal rank as ambassadors, but the British envoy asserted his right of precedence from priority of arrival at the capital, which regulates the etiquette, and carried his point, leaving the Count to pass the time as he best might, till the ceremony of his own presentation was ended.

The legitimate line of the Orloffs is extinct, and the name is now borne by two natural nephews of the famous Prince Orloff, the favourite of Catherine, and the leader in the conspiracy which deprived the Emperor Paul of his throne and life. Count Alexis, who figured in the expedition, owes his honours and favour to the zeal which he displayed in supporting the reigning Emperor at the time of the insurrection at St. Petersburg, in December 1826, on his Majesty’s accession to the throne. The brother of Alexis, who had unhappily connected himself with the revolutionists, was said, by an English writer, to have obtained a remission of the severer part of his sentence; but there is every reason to believe that he continued up to that very period an exile in Siberia, to expiate his crime. Such is the diversity of fortune, and the extreme of summary reward and punishment among Russian nobles of the same family at the present day.

A stone, erected at the foot of their lines, near the sea, commemorates by a simple inscription of dates in Turkish, the visit of the Muscovite forces to the Bosphorus; no other vestiges of the event being now visible, save in the bare and shorn aspect of the hills on which they were encamped; and, doubtlessly many a longing on their part did that visit excite for their permanent establishment in a land and climate, so superior to their own flat and icy regions.

PRINTED BY RICHARD CLAY, BREAD-STREET-HILL.