According
to rumours was a British squadron in the Mediterranean with the order to stop
all ships send by Mehemed Ali to reinforce his army in Syria. The
French navy was to be strengthened and admiral Duperré was appointed as supreme
commander with the rear admirals Lalande, Hugon and La Susse. All efforts were
done by the government to go on with the building of steamships. If necessary
steam engines could be ordered at Belgian factories. Duperré got the order when
he was at his estate near Bloirs to command the French force in the Mediterranean according to the rumours consisting of 27
ships of the line. The frigate La Belle Poule with on board the prince de
Joinville to transport the remains of Napoleon departed 21 July with the
corvette la Favorite Cadiz.
