I felt that, although the Turks had a splendid army, and a fleet even for a first-class European Power to be proud of, the obstinacy and stupidity of the commanders of the Danube were sure to cause disaster.
Unhappily my prognostications came true.

In war the first blow is half the battle, and it was sad to see such glorious troops out-manoeuvred at the very outset.

His Majesty the Sultan in his wisdom has justly punished by banishment and disgrace these men who, instead of covering the Turkish nation with glory through the deeds of its army, were the cause of the defeat of the finest troops in the world.

That the Russians might and would have been beaten, had the means in the hands of those commanding the Turkish army being properly utilised, is as clear as day.

However, it is not my business to comment on such matters.
I now return to my own element, and will endeavour to describe some of the occurrences of the war in the Black Sea.