who had resided nearly all his life at Constantinople, generally attached to the British embassy, grew so alarmed and nervous, that he used every argument that fear could dictate, or his knowledge of the Turkish character inspire him with, to return to the Royal George. Lieutenant Willoughby, however, although aware that the Porte had hitherto treated Mr. Arbuthnot’s representations with silent contempt, and that the destruction of the Ottoman squadron, off Point Pesquies, would naturally enrage both the government and the populace, felt the importance of delivering the above letter and message to be so very great, as it would afford him an excellent opportunity of reconnoitring, that he determined to persevere, whatever might befal him at such a moment of general excitement[1].
After many ineffectual attempts to open a communication. Lieutenant Willoughby was at length allowed to approach Seraglio Point, near which a large gun-boat was stationed to receive him. Having explained to her commander that he was charged with a letter from the British Ambassador, and that he had orders, if possible, to communicate with the Turkish government, an officer came off from the point and requested that he would accompany him to the Grand Vizier. This officer proved to be Ysak Bey, of whom mention is made in Sir John T. Duckworth’s despatches of Mar. 6, 1807.
On his way to the dock-yard. Lieutenant Willoughby was enabled to reconnoitre the different military positions, &c.; and from having read and heard much of the sluggishness of the Turks, he was astonished to find the whole harbour exhibiting as much energy and activity as could have been shown in any English port under similar circumstances. On landing, the same hostile spirit displayed itself; and before he left the naval arsenal, he felt perfectly convinced that but little good would be effected by negociation.
The first house Lieutenant Willoughby entered was the residence of Ysak Bey, who pretended sudden indisposition, and left his guest several times, evidently for the purpose of
- ↑ The affair at Navarin proves how little flags of truce are respected by the Turks.
