After Palmerston spoke these heavy words, the three ministers present were momentarily stunned, somewhat unable to believe what they had heard.
After a while, the Duke of Newcastle, coming to his senses, sought confirmation from Palmerston: "Your Excellency the Prime Minister, has the Russian Empire indeed declared war on the Kingdom of Britain?"
"No!" Palmerston shook his head and answered the three ministers present.
Before the three ministers could breathe a sigh of relief, Palmerston continued, "It's worse than a declaration of war! According to intelligence from the Near East, the Russian Empire's fleet is treating our fleet as a helper of the French Fleet and has launched attacks on our ships!"
The three ministers present could hardly believe their ears; the Russian Empire's fleet attacking the British Fleet? That would be like lighting a candle in a latrine—seeking death!
"What are the casualties for the fleet?" the Duke of Newcastle quickly inquired.
