86 RECOLLECTIONS OF FORTY YEARS. 



ing with usage, you will not be at liberty to infringe it 

 in any way pending its ratification or non-ratification. 

 (Signed) "F. DE LESSEPS. 



"P.S. The Triumvirate has forwarded to me a 

 copy of the letter which you addressed them this 

 morning with their reply. The step which you have 

 taken is a deplorable one, because it makes public a 

 difference of opinion as to which our Government was 

 the sole judge, and which for the present should have 

 remained a private matter between ourselves/' 



General Oudinot to the Triumvirs. 



" Gentlemen, I had the honour of informing you 

 this morning that I accepted, so far as regarded myself, 

 the ultimatum which was transmitted to you on the 

 29th by M. de Lesseps. 



"To my great surprise, M. de Lesseps, upon his 

 return from Eome, brought me a species of convention 

 completely opposed to the basis and spirit of the ulti- 

 matum. I am convinced that in signing it he has 

 exceeded his powers. 



" The instructions which I have received from my 

 Government formally prevent me from associating 

 myself with this last proceeding, which I regard of no 

 effect, and it is my duty to inform you of this without 



delay. 



(Signed) " OUDINOT DE BEGGIO." 



