But while the admiral was waiting on the Sea of Marmora for the result of negotiations, or for a favorable wind to make the attack upon Constantinople, the fortifications of this city were put in order, and the Turks actively employed, under French engineers and artillery officers, in repairing the defences of the Straits.

Campbell, in his Naval History, says:--"Admiral Duckforth now fully perceived the critical situation in which he was placed.

He might, indeed, succeed, should the weather become favorable, in bombarding Constantinople; _but unless the bombardment should prove completely successful in forcing the Turks to pacific terms, the injury he might do to the city would not compensate for the damage which his fleet must necessarily sustain.

With this damaged and crippled fleet, he must repass the Dardanelles, now rendered infinitely stronger than they were when he came through them_." Under these circumstances the admiral determined to retreat; and on the 3d of April escaped through the Dardanelles, steering midway of the channel, with a favorable and strong current.

"This escape, however," says Baines, "was only from destruction, but by no means from serious loss and injury.