the timely arrival of the ships of the european squadron and their landing force gave protection to the american consulate and to american citizens and interests caught up in the fighting, and also afforded a refuge for the citizens of other nations, who had been displaced from their homes or businesses. advancing cautiously through the burning and rubble strewn streets, the americans reached the grand square of mehmet ali, at the heart of the city. the american consulate was there, and it became the headquarters of the force. although the french troops had abandoned the city and cautiously returned to their ships, the marines secured the grand square and began to patrol the streets of the european quarter, as the international business and consular area was named. cochrane, waller and their marines were assigned to lord charles beresford's british force for the protection of the european quarter. the anticipated rebel counterattack never came, and a ten-day standoff ended with the arrival of the four thousand-man british relief force. according to the times of london: