'Remarks on the Bashi-Bazouks and other irregulars; including brief reflections on the present war. With a sketch of General William Ferguson Beatson, organiser of the Bashi-Bazouks during the Crimean campaign' by Colonel William Ferguson Beatson Laurie [‎7r] (13/24)

quarters; but a few such dashing troops under an old and daring leader
would be eminently useful, and would surely help in planting the
Englishman’s footsteps, even firmer than now, on the banks of the
Nile! This news from India comes opportunely; for, under any
circumstances—but especially as Russia seems to think she has a right
to attack Egypt, as a portion of the Ottoman Empire—as has been well
said (Bullionist) “ We cannot allow any other power to hold Egypt,
and if it were necessary we should land an army there and hold it against
all comers!" Turning to the famous chapter in Eothen, on the
Sphynx, it is just possible, if affairs go on at a rapid stride, its author
may also hazard a reflection that, even during his life, the Englishman
having so long held his “loved India,” he may really behold him one
day sitting “ in the seats of the Faithful 1 ”
The Turkish Irregulars.
Under the above heading, the Daily Telegraph (June 12th) has most
excellent remarks by the “ Special Correspondent,” some of which must
be here alluded to. Of the Bashi-Bazouks he saw, we are told—“ They
wear no kind of uniform, nor is their organisation at all that a
disciplinarian would desire;” but he thinks it much better “to let
them fight in their own way than to endeavour to change undrilled
peasants into regular soldiers.” Besides the Bashi-Bazouks, he saw
innumerable squadrons of Circassians. “ It is impossible to estimate
the number of Circassians now in the field, but there cannot be less
than 40,000, well armed and mounted, and no cavalry in the world
could be more useful for picket duty, obtaining information of the
enemy’s movements, and so on, than those bitter enemies of the
intending invaders.” He feels assured that no living man can tell the
force of Bashi-Bazouks on which the Porte can count; and “were the
Russians to once cross the Danube they would have to encounter some
250,000 volunteers, besides the regular army.” He sums up with the
excellent remark that a “judicious general”—say (if not an Ottoman), a
Beatson or a Chamberlain—" might turn to very great advantage the
large irregular forces of .the country, provided he makes them co-operate
with the regular troops, and does not try the generally fatal experiment
of defending positions solely with the volunteers.” The “ Special ”
himself appears to have in him the makings of a first-rate general!