Note 280 — JOURNAL OF ELIZABETH LADY HOLLAND (continued 4)

Owing to the infraction of treaty obligations in Moldavia and Wallachia by Turkey, largely instigated by Sebastiani the French Ambassador at Constantinople, Russia thought fit to declare war with the Porte late in 1806. Alexander, however, had need of all his forces to meet the French in Central Europe, and he suggested to the English Government that a fleet should be sent to Constantinople to secure their joint interests, and to demand the dismissal of Sebastiani. This was done, and Arbuthnot, the British Minister, was ordered to insist on the latter point, on the pain of instant bombardment. Unfortunately Arbuthnot had to leave owing to ill health, and Sir Thomas Duckworth, the British Admiral, allowed himself to be drawn into fruitless negotiations, and finally withdrew without accomplishing his object.

The force sent to Egypt under General Mackenzie captured Alexandria, but lost a large number of prisoners in an attack on Rosetta. Nothing further was effected, and the troops were removed in the autumn.