After this I went to Batoum, which place Dervish Pasha was gallantly holding against Russia.

He was sadly in want of naval help, as the Russians had advanced by the sea-shore to within six miles of that much-coveted port.

On arriving there I took the command of eight Turkish ships of war, besides transports that were constantly coming and going between Constantinople and Batoum with provisions, ammunition, &c., for the army and navy.
Here, again, if the Russians could have disposed of the Turkish fleet they would have easily taken Batoum.

By commanding the sea, even with a couple of vessels, they would have prevented supplies being sent.

It must be remembered there was no way of supporting the soldiers and sailors except by sea.