The Paget Papers.

Letter from Lord Elgin to the Hon. Arthur Paget (Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the King of the two Sicilies).

Source: Paget, Right Hon. Sir Augustus B. Paget, G.C.B. The Paget Papers, Diplomatic and other Correspondence of the Right Hon Sir A. Paget. G.C.B., 1794-1807, 2 Vols. Longmans, Green and Co. New York 1896. Vol 1.  Pages 295-296.

Constantinople, Decr, 27th, 1800.

There can be no doubt of its being the object of Buonaparte to cross the Adriatick & attack Turkey from thence. This must in some degree depend on our success against Egypt. For with a strong naval force in that sea, It would be too hazardous for the French to attempt crossing, & finding (if they did land) their communications cut off.
But a new embarassement has arisen in the conduct of Russia. You know, that a fresh Embargo has been laid upon our Shipping there,* not in consequence of any dissatisfaction given by communications frum our Government, but by the first & unexplained circumstance of our capture of Malta. A step so violent taken at such a period, leads to every apprehension, and if supported by the Emperor, God knows to what difiiculties the Porte may be driven. Hitherto it is impossible for me to have had any hints from home for my guidance under such unaccountable occurrences. But the connexion in which Russia stands with England in regard to Turkey is upon such a system, so inoffensive to all parties & so beneficial to all, That I cannot allow myself to dread any material change of measures, upon any ground of policy. And yet, lt is expected by the publick. Indeed already The Russian Ships hesitate on exposing themselves to meet English Men of War, dreading Hostilities, & at all events reprisals. The Russian Minister has, I'm led to believe, made an overture to the Porte on the late decision of the Emperor, in the view of justifying it at our expence ; and it wd appear, That the interests of the King of Naples are represented as agreeing with his on this matter. I, of course, let the business take its progress, perfectly satisfied that our proceeding has been no less consistent with our engagements, & with a strict sense of propriety than highly beneficial to the prosecution of the war, & equally prejudicial to the plans of the Enemy. I trust in God we shall retain it, nor take any measure untill the conclusion of the war regarding the place in the world the most difficult to dispose of,—Believe me, &c.,

(Signed)          Elgin.

*Paul, as Grand Master and assignee of France, demanded Malta : on the refusal of England he in November laid an embargo on English ships.

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