[Translation.]
My Dear Consul:My telegraphic despatch of the 2d, by way of Aleppo, advised you that Mustook Pasha, two of his sons, (for one has escaped,) and Yusef Bey, his cousin, were arrested at Pay as, the 2d ultimo, by order of his excellency Ali Riza, Pasha of Adana, through the instrumentality of Husni Pasha, despatched from Aleppo at the head of 1,800 soldiers. At the invitation of the Pasha of Adana, Mustook Pasha repaired to that place a week ago; but not having been able to pay up his arrears to the Porte, now fifteen years standing, he left Adana alone as he entered it. The pasha not being satisfied with his extremely vague promises, two days after despatched Husni to Payas, and there, by stratagem, Mustook Pasha was made prisoner, with his suite. He is at present at Alexandretta, under a guard of 200 regular soldiers, to remain until the arrival of the Russian steamer of Sunday next, by which he is to be taken to Constantinople under a strong escort.
It is unnecessary to say to you, Monsieur le Consul, that the country attributes this capture to the influence of our minister at Constantinople; and that it is generally believed that the mountain will be more sure now that Mustook Pasha is arrested.
I have taken several steps of late in relation to Kaleel. I know that he is near Ali Bekir Oglu. I am on his track, but the capture of Mustook will probably defeat my plans. I do not despair, however, to be able eventually to take him. On this I will speak further in my next.
Yours, &c.,
J. A. Johnson, Esq., United States Consul, Beyrout.