72. It is believed that the Empress Catherine had formed the plan of a similar expedition, and that her death prevented its timely execution. When in 1812, the approaching war between France and Russia rendered the cessation of hostilities, on the Turkish frontiers, absolutely necessary to the future operations of the Russians against the French, it had been determined, and measures were taken accordingly, that an army composed of regular troops, marines, and militiamen, amounting to fifty thousand men, under the command of the Duke of Richelieu, should have been transported from Sevastopol in the Crimea to Domouzdéré, where its landing was to be effected under the protection of a fleet, commanded by Admiral Bailie. This army was to take possession of the reservoirs, and the Turks by whom the event would have been perfectly unexpected and unforeseen, would, no doubt, have been compelled to sign peace immediately. This bold scheme was to have been executed in case any new difficulties had arisen in the negotiations of Bukorest. It has been kept so secret, that it is doubtful whether any Turk suspects, even at the present day, its having been conceived and seriously intended.

73. A Turkish proverb.

74. The deceased Sultan.

75. Teryak, formerly an article of trade coming from Venice, is supposed in Turkey to be a remedy against the bite of snakes.

76. The titles of some superior officers amongst the Janissaries.

77. A corps of gardeners for the Seraglio, but at the same time the Sultan’s body-guards.

78. Regiment.

79. Mahometan priest.

80. The Thracian Bosphorus.

81. These are proverbial expression to denote the vicissitudes of fortune.

82. The Janissaries.

83. Before the institution of the Janissaries, the corps employed in war were chiefly called Segbans.

84. Hagee-Bektash, whose memory is reverenced by the Turks.

85. The Christian Sovereigns of Europe.

86. Markwick Markham, a London watch-maker, in great esteem with the Turks.

87. 7 or 800 leagues.

88. Men of sense.

89. A kind of confection sold in the streets of the principal towns in Turkey, made of paste, butter, and honey.

90. An epithet of disdain, bestowed upon Christians in general.

91. The honour of the Turkish regiments is attached to the preservation of their kettles.

92. The Turks call the head-quarters of a corps, as well as their posts and guards, hearths, as coffee is always made there.

93. In the reign of Sultan Selim, the petty governors of Thrace revolted, and committed great disorders, even menacing the neighbourhood of Constantinople. The city of Adrianople took part with them. The new troops were sent against them, but did not obtain so much success as the author is willing to attribute to them.

94. Men, commonly dervises, who relate stories to amuse people at coffee-houses, and who receive a pecuniary recompense from the auditors.

95. It also means infidel, but it has the sense of reproach or insult.

96. This has happened to them at Zenta, Craoul, Rimnik, Hotim, and Aboukir.

97. Peter the Great. The epithet of mad is in Turkey considered as a compliment to those who distinguish themselves by courage and bravery.

98. Meaning the Author.

99. Domouz, and pezevenk in Turkish, are common epithets which mark disdain.

100. I have seen and conversed with Turkish women in Russia, married to Russian officers who had made them prisoners, and who assured me that they were very highly satisfied with their condition, and felt not the least desire to return to Turkey.

101. The Turks consider the marriage contract to be so intimately connected with religion, that a man who has committed any grievous infraction of their law, is obliged to renew his profession of faith and marriage ceremony, both of which have been rendered void by it.

102. The Author.

103. This is a jeu de mots, as Hazinay means in Turkish, both cistern and treasure.

104. The military and financial regulations of the Sultan Suleÿman are contained in a book entitled Kanuni-Humayoun, or Imperial-Mandate.

105. The Janissaries can easily alienate their pay, suffering others to draw it in their name by presenting these documents.