'Lieut.-General Sir James Outram's Persian campaign in 1857; comprising general orders and despatches relating to the military operations in Persia, from the landing at Bushire to the treaty of peace; also, selections from his correspondence as commander-in-chief and plenipotentiary during the war in Persia.' [‎406] (425/454)

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she could rely for her defence was the British Government. He
had that statement from the mouth of the Persian Ambassador
himself. After the treaty was despatched from this country
doubts were very generally expressed whether the Shah of
Persia would ratify it, in consequence of the influence of Russia.
He had a long conversation with the Persian Ambassador, and
himself raised that very objection. The Persian Ambassador's
reply was, " we are thoroughly satisfied from the manner in
which you have conducted this war, that our only hope of pre
serving the integrity of the Persian Empire is the friendship of
the British Government." The war was brought to a successful
termination almost before Parliament could be brouo-lit together
n o
again after its prorogation last year. Was it at all necessary,
in the midst of an uninterrupted success, to consult the Members
of that House as to what ought to be done ? To have done so
would have been more prejudicial than otherwise, for " quot
homines, tot sententice? and the debate in that House might have
produced dissentions which would have weakened our cause.
At the head of the expedition was placed a man (Sir James
Outram) in whom confidence might well be reposed, and who
had given ample proofs of the excellence of the choice. Every
minute particular of his plan was laid down before he started on
the expedition. He (Colonel Sykes) would not touch upon the
policy of the war, but he would say that he entirely concurred
in the propriety of a measure to prevent Persia from taking pos
session of Herat, which had been known for ages as the key of
India.
House of Commons.— July 16, 1857.
Ml?. Vernon Smith .—In this contest the Indian army has
distinguished itself in the most eminent degree, and the glory
it has achieved in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. will long be remembered in
the East. Long will the rapidity with which the Persian expe
dition was fitted out be sung in story on those shores. Long
will the inhabitants of India bear in mind the gallantry with
which the work which it had to execute has been performed.
When Persia is again disposed to offer us an insult, she will
pause before she does so, when she reflects upon the renown
of those few gallant soldiers whom her own thousands were
unable to resist. She will call to mind the victories which
General Outram has achieved, and the bravery which upon the
part of the youngest lieutenants in the service has been so con
spicuously displayed. The result of these victories and of that
bravery will, 1 trust, be beneficial to the country.
Yiscount Palmerston .—On the other hand, the effect of the