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foreign troops, except as instructors of discipline or military science. The principles of a mercenary army are directly opposed to those of freedom, and their interests are at variance with their duties. Rather let the Greeks follow the example of the best confederate commonwealths, say Switzerland. Her army consists of 60,000 men, of from twenty to thirty years of age. Her military schools, her staff, artillery, engineers, infantry, and sharp-shooters are all admirable. Her cavalry is the only defective arm. Every branch of her service is assembled and exercised for one month in the year, and the whole force is ready to march at twenty-four hours' notice. It is evident, that a militia of this description cannot be equal, on their first taking the field, to a more exercised army. The Swiss, however, like the Greeks, having a strong country to guard, can act on the defensive, till they become aguerried. This constitutional force costs Switzerland about £60,000 yearly.

It may be said, that the Greeks, though excellent partizans, are unequal to cope with disciplined soldiers in the field, or to undertake sieges. What then is to be done? Are the Greeks to endanger their liberties by employing a standing army, or their independence by not employing one? Neither. They should have a mixed force, consisting of irregulars and a militia. The modern history of the Greeks shows the strength of their irregular troops and armed peasantry. They are like a hive of bees, that, being disturbed in their productive labours, will drive an elephant mad and make him court destruction.* The annals of their ancestors and of

* If an elephant strikes a branch in which there is a hive, the

their phalanxes have taught the whole world the power of co-operation in war. The Greeks should, therefore, instil a martial spirit into their people, and should have their youth instructed at their schools in military discipline. A portion of the Greeks should be exercised like the Swiss armies; a portion of them should remain as at present; and the whole nation should be, at all times, armed, ready to protect their property, their persons, their liberties, and their country.

YOUR letters of the 18th November and 15th January last, with the minute of the Committee, recommending reconciliation to the Greek government, came safe to my hands yesterday evening. It is my duty to act upon them immediately. To the heads of the various parties in the state I shall, therefore, address the following letters, with copies of the Committee's despatch, which will afterwards be published.

bees settle on him and he runs madly on to destruction. So the Turks, beset by the Greeks, allow their heads to be struck off without an effort.

Excellent Sir,

TO M. IPSILANTI.

Athens, 30th March, 1824.

I HAVE the honour to forward to you the copy of a minute just received from the Greek Committee of Great Britain, by which you will perceive that its members and that all England deplore the disunion which prevails in Greece. I address myself to you on this subject, because you have great influence with your countrymen, and because you first asserted, and have ever since nobly maintained, not only the independence, but the liberties of the Greeks. Continue, I implore you, this magnanimous conduct, and the love of your country and of all mankind will be the sweet reward. I am your friend,

L. S.

TO PRESIDENT MAVROCORDATO.

Excellent Sir,

Athens, 30th March, 1824.

I BEG of you to publish the accompanying minute from the London Committee, recommending reconciliation to the Greeks. There should be but one party among the Greeks; the minds and bodies of all should be devoted to the expulsion of the Turks, the establishment of the constitution and the laws, and the security of person and property.

I hope that a congress will take place at Salona, for the purpose of concerting measures of good government and military co-operation in Eastern and Western Greece. Odysseus is resolved to proclaim his noble sentiments, and to act up to them with vigour.

I REQUEST you to lay before the Greek government and to publish the accompanying letter from the London Committee, recommending reconciliation to the Greek leaders. Without union, your independence and liberties-all will be lost.

There are who say that the views of Great Britain are selfish. Some pretend that she wishes to purchase the Morea. Now I put it to the good sense of the representatives of the people whether the magnanimous Alexander, with his million of disciplined and valiant troops, and backed by the victorious Greeks, would sanction such a bargain. In one sense, indeed, my countrymen are selfish. They wish to see Greece great and free; great that they may benefit by her industry and wealth, and free that the numbers of the enfranchised may be augmented, and give additional security to the liberties of England. All other selfish views we disclaim. In fact, were our ambition of the worst character, what success could the most unprincipled minister expect against Greece, supported by a million of Russian bayonets? What, but that Greece would be subdued by her protector.

I wish the legislative body to understand that I by no means complain of these erroneous notions; on the con

trary, I wish them to be published, that they may be established or confuted. Free men and free governments should court publicity, because it leads to the elucidation of truth.

I am your friend,

L. S.

TO THE GOVERNOR OF HYDRA.

Excellent Sir,

Athens, 30th March, 1824.

I REQUEST of you to reflect on and to publish the enclosed letter on reconciliation, from the Greek Committee in London. The evidence of every day proves the evils arising out of disunion. But for it, the Greeks would have been in possession of Patras, Lepanto, Negropont, and Candia; and their good people would not have been starving in this fertile region.

I rejoice that the Hydriots have established a free press. The full exercise of truth upon all immoral actions promotes virtue and secures the highest measure of happiness.

I am your most devoted servant,

L. S.

Humphreys has just arrived from Missolonghi. He has succeeded in his mission. A congress is to take place immediately at Salona, at which Mavrocordato, Lord Byron, and other Englishmen will be present. [Vide Appendix, Nos. 24 and 25.] Mavrocordato was much indisposed towards the congress, and Mr. Finlay had not succeeded in bringing him to the adoption of that measure. He hinted to Lord B. the possibility of