Page:The invasion of the Crimea vol. 2.djvu/45

 IN THE WAR AGAINST RUSSIA, 15 Turkish Comraander, 'six sail of the line, a brig, chap. I. ' and two steamers, are constantly off the port ' above mentioned, and at one time they lie-to, ' frigates and two steamers have been seen off the ' may well happen that the Imperial fleet may ' incur disasters.* The power and habit of concentrating all energy inaction of in a sin^jle channel of action, was one of the sadorsand ° the Afl- qualities which gave force and grandeur to Lord mirais. Stratford in the field of diplomacy, but it also seems to have had the effect of preventing him from casting a glance beyond the range of his profession ; and it is curious that, when the exigencies of the time called upon him to perform duties not commonly falling within the sphere of a diplomatist, his mind refused to act. England and France, without the wholesome formality of a treaty, had glided into an engagement to defend ' Constantinople, or any other part of the Turkish ' territory, whether in Europe or in Asia, that ' might be in danger of attack.' f So much of this grave duty as consisted in originating a resolve to put forth the naval strength of the Allies remained
 * and another they beat about. From six to eight
 * port of Bartin and Amasbre, and this news is
 * certain. Besides, the great naval port of the
 * enemy is near. He may therefore receive rein-
 * forcements, or attack us with fire-ships. That
 * being the case, if reinforcements are not sent to
 * us, and our position continues the same for some
 * time — may God preserve us from them ! — It
 * 'Eastern Papers,' part ii. p. 313. t Ibid. p. 143.