“I embarked at sunset of the 25th instant, in obedience to your directions, with a Turkish battalion, under Chef de battailon Kourschid Aga, and the first battalion of Royal Marines, under Captain Morrison, of the Princess Charlotte, in the two steam ships Gorgon and Cyclops, and proceeded off Sidon. At daylight the Thunderer, and the Austrian frigate Guerriera, commanded by the Archduke Frederick, a Turkish corvette, and Wasp, joined; as also Stromboli from England, with 284 marines, under Captain Wylock.

“The wind being light, the Cyclops towed the Thunderer to her position, previously fixed by Captain Berkeley. The Stromboli towed the Austrian frigate Guerriera, and the Turkish corvette, who were placed by Captain Berkeley abreast of the town. The Wasp and Stromboli anchored more to the southward, to flank it. The Gorgon, Cyclops, and Hydra, who joined from Tyre with Walker Bey, took up their positions to the southward, close to the castle. The inclosed summons was sent to the Governor, with which he refused to comply. The Turkish battalion was now put into the boats, and rendezvoused round the Cyclops; a few shot and shell were fired from the Gorgon at the castle and barracks, and shortly after, the whole of the squadron opened their broadsides to drive the troops from the houses and the intrenchments they had thrown up to prevent a landing. In half an hour the firing ceased, and Captain Austin landed the Turkish battalion in the castle, which is joined to the town by a narrow causeway; this was effected with some loss. As the enemy still stuck to their intrenchments, the fire of the ships was again opened, and the houses in front battered down.

“Commander Mansel, of the Wasp, was directed to seize the first favourable moment of throwing the detachment of marines, brought out by Stromboli, and the Austrian marines, into the castle abreast of him, which he did with great gallantry and judgment.

“Lieutenant Hockin, of the Marines, and several men were killed and wounded. They were directed to work their way to the upper castle, which commanded the town.

“The first battalion of marines were now landed by Captain Henderson, of the Gorgon, on the beach to the northward of the town, where they formed, and advanced to the walls. All being now ready, the Turkish battalion, headed by Walker Bey and Captain Austin, pushed along the causeway, and entered the town. I put myself at the head of the British marines, and broke into the barracks. Captain Henderson, and another party, lodged themselves in a house above the barracks; this done, I marched the battalion along the line wall to the upper gate, broke it open, and seized the castle. All seemed now quiet below; and leaving a guard in the castle, we descended through several streets arched over, where occasional skirmishing took place, with detached parties of Egyptian troops, who were easily driven, and finally took refuge in a vaulted barrack, where we found upwards of a thousand men lying ready for a sortie, should occasion offer, or to lay down their arms, should they be discovered; the latter was their fate! I congratulate you, Sir, on the success of this enterprise. The garrison consisted of nearly 3000 men, and not one escaped; our force was under 1000. Our loss, which I inclose, has been trifling; one marine officer and three seamen, killed; two mates, a boatswain, and thirty men wounded.

“I have much reason to be satisfied with the conduct of the captains, officers, and men under my orders; all showed the greatest zeal, English, Austrian, and Turks vied with each other. Commander Mansel is an old officer well deserving of promotion. Messrs. McGuire and Price, old mates, are both severely wounded, and behaved most gallantly, as did Mr. Cummings, mate of the Cyclops, whose conduct was seen by the Hon. Captain Berkeley, who wrote him a strong letter on the occasion, and I trust their Lordships will promote them. My aide-de-camp, Lieut. Bradley, was also forward on all occasions. The Archduke Frederick placed his ship well, and kept up an excellent fire; he landed with his men. Walker Bey, who was there by accident, was the first who advanced along the causeway.

“My thanks are due to the Hon. Captain Berkeley, who assisted me on all occasions, as well as to Captains Henderson and Austin, Commanders Robinson and Williams, and the Captain of the Turkish corvette; to Captain Morrison, who commanded the Marine Battalion, and to Captain Wylock, who commanded the Marine Detachment.

“I am also much indebted to Captain LouÉ, of the Prussian service, who is attached to my staff.

Half the garrison were immediately embarked, and arrived at Beyrout the same evening, thus keeping our word to the Admiral twenty-four hours sooner than we had promised.

In taking a town by storm, much confusion necessarily arises, accompanied by plunder and other barbarities, but to the honour of the Marines, the Austrians, and the Turks, I believe there never was an occasion where less blood was spilt, or disorder easier put an end to, which was to be attributed in a great degree to the exertions and excellent arrangements of Captain Berkeley (to whom I gave command of the town,) assisted by the Archduke and the Captains of the squadron.

Souliman Pacha’s family embarked in a French steamer before the attack began; his house, situated in one of the positions first assailed, I regret suffered much, in spite of all the efforts of the officer to save it.

Next morning many wounded Egyptians were found in various parts of the town, and it was extraordinary to see the patience with which they endured their sufferings; a black man I particularly observed, with his leg broken, lying in a corner without uttering a murmur, though he appeared in much pain: a shutter was procured, on which he managed to place himself, holding the wounded leg with both hands, (for he would not accept assistance,) and in this manner he was safely carried to the hospital. In the afternoon I embarked the remainder of the garrison, and returned to D’Jounie Bay, after an absence of forty-eight hours, leaving a battalion of Turks in the town, and the squadron under Captain Berkeley.