Details
NAVAL JOURNAL OF MARTIN KIRKES, 1840
A 140pp. manuscript notebook by Martin Kirkes, written for "Dearest Polly," containing a detailed account of the capture of Sidon and the withdrawal of the Egyptians from Beyrout, with entries dated from early September to October 8th, 1840. Kirkes repeatedly mentions his commander, Sir Charles Napier, the "Old Fire-eater 'Napier,'" describing how at one point: "He came on board us about 9 at night had a glass or two of wine and was off again to drive them [the enemy] down at 4 in the morning," and the rumour of his capture by the enemy. Mehemet'Ali, the leader of the Syrian revolt against the Porte, is called an "extrordinary talented man," while Solomin Pasha is reproved for his "impertinence" when discussing terms of surrender ... he "has ordered everyone's head to be cut off who is found within a mile of the beach." Preparations for the engagement, and the position of the two armies, are carefully provided: "We had intelligence by signal from one of our ships along the Coast that they had been informed by a Spy of the arrival of 6,000 troops and 2,000 Cavalry ... the sooner they intend to attack the better for us ... the Turkish Army command the upper heights and village fortification ... the lower down our Royal Artillery Sappers and Miners and then close to the sea ... our Royal Marines and the Austrian force. The three ensigns waving triumphantly on large Flag Staffs." A massacre by the Maronites is reported, and the eventual battle: "I heard a tremendous fire suddenly open in the valley above ... and there they were sure enough hard at it they appeared by the bayonets to be at close quarters amongst the vineyards ... our gallant fellows seem to hold out well ... all we hope is that they have not been overpowered by numbers ... the slaughter lasted about 3 quarters of an hour, I then observed a retreat to the right by the Egyptians ... news has just come from the Camp saying that 900 of our Royal Marines are lost." The journal concludes when Kirkes develops an infection and is ordered to a Naval Hospital at Malta: "It is with reluctance and regret I must now forfiet my services to my Country for the benefit of myself," and he signs and dates the last entry: "Martin Kirkes, Djuni Bay, Coast of Syria, October 8th 1840"; together with 5 family common place books. (6)
