The Sun.
London, England, 1840-04-09 00:00:00

EGYPT.

--s.-
" ALEXANDRIA, MAncit 22, 1840.—My letter of the
16th instant will have informed you of the arrival of the
Hajji Baba steamer, from Leghorn, here on the 14th in-
stant, bringing the pleasing news that the impolitic alliance
between Great Britain and Russia had been broken off.
I regret this news, which was so welcome to every
good-wisher of his country and mankind, has not
been confirmed by the arrival of the English steamer on the
19th instant. I believe the notice of motion was made by
Mr. Hume in the House of Commons ; I trust it will lead to
the speedy alteration in the miscalled policy of Lord Pal-
merston with respect to the Eastern question. I shall look
out most anxiously for this discussion, because theie are se-
veral Members besides Mr. Hume who can speak from their
personal knowledge of the Pacha, his system, and goveri:-
ment, and contrast the improved state of this country with
what it was under the rule of the Turks. I cannot believe my-
self that Great Britain has formed any alliance with
Russia; because I cannot imagine that Lord Palmer-
ston would be so insane as to form such an alliance.
You may rely upon it, the wisest plan for England to
adopt is to allow the Porte and the Pacha to settle
their differences, which they would soon accomplish
if left alone. I hr.ve the fullest reliance in the mo-
deration and forbearance of the Pacha ; at the same
time I am convinced that if any attempt is made to coerce
him, he will resist to the uttermost, although I cannot
doubt that if pursued by England and Russia he must
yield, but it will be after he has occasioned immense
expense to them and sacrifice of human life. Should
any attack take place, I much fear the position of
the British, as it will be made a religious war—
Mussulmen against Christians. The Pacha returned
from Cairo on the 13th instant, only being absent
six days. He is in excellent health and full of activity, fre-
quently reviewing the troops and fleets. I cannot say much
for the Sultan's sailors ; they form a wide contrast to Me-
hemet Ali's, both in discipline and general conduct ; their
hatred to the Christians, and the frequent insults they offer
to Europeans, surpass all description. I should be very
sorry that any rupture with England should take
place while they arc here, for I am sure they would
make an attempt to massacre the Frank popu-
lation. We hare had several cases of plague, but
withal the morality is not greater than usual. Ex-
change on London 74 at three m "labs. I have
just heard of the arrival of the Gorgon steamer ; she comes
from the fleet, but it has not yet transpired what news she
brings, and as the mail leaves immediately. I cannot let
you know in time. The Indian mail arrived here on the
21st inst., with Bombay papers to the 29th ult. The cotton
of the new crop keeps coming down slowly ; the stock is
now about 22,000 bales, and the quality very superior.
The Government are decided upon asking 17 dollars per
baulin ; this high price cannot, 1 think, be maintained, as
• the prices in England would render a loss upon consign-
ments ; however, they seem very firm.-:--Morning Ad-
vertiser. ,