Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward
Sir : Within three days eight Egyptian men-of-war have entered the harbor of Alexandria, bringing altogether 5,827 soldiers of the Egyptian army lately in service in Candia.
On the 5th arrived the Galiub, bringing 470 soldiers, and the Fayoum with 939.
On the 6th arrived the Masr with 911 soldiers; the Minieh with 730 ; the Mehemet Ali with 900 ; the Tautah with 475 ; the Gharbie with 800, and the Rhaminieh with 602.
The total of these figures is that stated in the first paragraph, 5,827. It is confidently stated that others will arrive shortly.
This withdrawal of the Egyptian contingent from service against the insurgents in Candia is a fact of which you will be able to appreciate the full significance by regarding it in connection with the information which you no doubt are receiving from other officers of our government at the island. I understand that the Swatara is at Candia.
It is said, I know not with how much truth, that the return of these soldiers to Egypt was vehemently opposed by the Turkish commander.
The returned soldiers do not make a favorable appearance. It would seem that they have had hard service and scant fare.
The transit of the British soldiers for India, more than 1,000 in number, has been successfully accomplished. They were taken through in one day from Alexandria to Suez, without stoppages except at one station in the desert beyond Cairo, for refreshment. No cases of illness or desertion are reported. On arrival at Suez they were immediately embarked.
The number of British officers arrived here in preparation for the expedition in Abyssinia has been considerably increased. But the soldiers for that service are expected to come from the east to some port in the Red sea.
The Quaker City, American pleasure boat, arrived in this harbor on the 2d instant, and will depart this day.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.