Although Colonel Ross's reasons were quite sufficient and also recognized by Sir James Dundas, the stubborn Sir James Dundas never made an exception for Colonel Ross. He always believed that the Mediterranean Fleet must act only under the directives of the Cabinet or the British Envoy to the Ottoman Empire.
Otherwise, James Dundas would be undermining the sacred discipline of the British Navy, and the esteemed Royal Navy should not learn from the Army.
Facing the rigid Sir James Dundas, Colonel Ross could only choose to continue observing.
On the morning of April 1st, as the faint light of dawn rose from the sea horizon.
At the Port Head Pier in the central Mediterranean location of Malta, a steamship flying the French flag was slowly approaching from the northwest direction.
The steam patrol warship responsible for guarding Malta quickly closed in on the French steamship as soon as it was discovered.
