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Presentation of the Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honour to the Sultan, at Constantinople, 1856. Monsieur '...Thouvenel went in great state from the French Embassy to the Palace of Tcheragan, to present to his Majesty the insignia of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, and an autograph letter from the Emperor Napoleon. In his speech to the Sultan, M. Thouvenel alluded to the sentiments of high esteem and sincere attachment which the Emperor Napoleon entertains for the Sultan; and concluded by saying that these insignia were a new pledge of the memorable alliance between Turkey and the Western Powers, for the purpose of repelling the unprovoked aggression of Russia, and taking such steps as may be deemed necessary to maintain the independence of the Ottoman empire. The reply of the Sultan was not less complimentary'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.