chains, that they must either become a substantive state of importance, or a dependent one to swell the pride and power of an already preponderating empire, she now wishes to model her into a monarchy of federal states. To generalise all these interests, the Chevalier thought that these three powers would endeavour to place the son of the late King of Sweden on the throne of Greece. In that event, he must commence his course by changing his faith (if he has any),—the Mogul, circumcised and then baptized, might be quite as acceptable to the commonwealth. Nothing, he imagined, was more likely to thwart interference in the affairs of Greece, than a treaty between the belligerents, on the basis of the acknowledgement by the Porte of the independence of Greece, on condition of the latter paying an annual tribute.

The Chevalier is of opinion, that quiet steps should be taken to gain over the Servians from Russian, Turkish, and Austrian interests; this effected, the course of Greece would be more secure. To this end he recommends that some competent person should proceed thither to probe the state of feeling in that quarter, preparatory to the adoption of more decisive measures. Mons. M. thinks a negotiation should be entered into with the Pacha of Egypt to render him independent. This might spread, and could not fail to prove a powerful diversion. Mons. M. at my suggestion, has agreed to write a short historical pamphlet on the conduct of our government in the Ionian Isles. I have recommended him to select a number of strong facts, and to state them in so soft a tone that even the sensitive nerves of delicate politicians may not shrink from their

C

perusal. This pamphlet will be sent over to the Greek Committee for dispersion in the newspapers. The Chevalier is of opinion that the Greek government should again, in becoming language, solicit the Pope to take an interest in the holy cause in which they are engaged. He should be reminded of the instances in which his predecessors have endeavoured to excite the sovereigns of Europe to act against the Turks; and this appeal should be so framed as to touch the feelings of the Christian world. A my solicitation the Chevalier has agreed to send me the draught of a letter to that effect. I shall submit it to the Greek government for consideration. Mons. M. recommends the cultivation of the silk-worm and the vine in Greece. The former especially would prove a mine of wealth to them, that may immediately be converted into money. I shall endeavour to procure works on these subjects. To raise the feeling of the people, the Chevalier suggests that a prayer in favour of their sacred cause should be introduced into the quotidien; also, that a selection should be made of the great events recorded in Grecian annals, that they should be narrated in plain language, and published in a series of letters in the newspapers, for the information of the people. I asked him how the military chiefs could be rendered subservient to the governHe said, by the latter acting virtuously and deserving the confidence of the people, and by a loan, which would enable the state to pay and reward honourable services. This gentleman suggests, that a society and a museum should be formed in Greece; by who all records and antiquities should be preserved, and every event of importance registered. Pray favour me

ment.

with information on this subject. I think Mr. Hobhouse, and Mr. Foster, of Liverpool, should be consulted. The Chevalier is of opinion that a Greek committee might be formed at Florence. I told him I feared much that such generous spirits could not breathe in the Boeotian atmosphere of the Holy Alliance. They would immediately be converted by the three great magicians into carbonari. In this letter I have purposely avoided giving the names mentioned by Mustoxidi. I start from hence to-morrow. At Bologna, at Florence, and at Pisa, I have to confer with men of eminence.

I am, &c.

L. S.

P.S. I remained two days after my business was completed at Genoa, in the hope of receiving Mr. Bentham's manuscript. It came not, and I reluctantly departed without it. I have directed it to be sent after me by the post, and have also spoken about it to Mons. Dumont.

MONS. JACOVAKY RIZO gave me the following information. The Hydriots and Spezziots, in virtue of a promise formerly made to them, wished to settle

their families at Napoli di Romania. Colocotroni, it seems, opposed this measure, upon which the islanders refused to act. Mavrocordato was, in consequence, sent to Hydra to conciliate them, and to persuade them to equip their fleet. He succeeded; they set sail, had a naval engagement with the Turks, between Tenedos and Mitylene, and took and burnt five or six vessels. Mavrocordato has returned to the Morea. Mons. Rizo thinks it a matter of the greatest importance to promote concord among the Capitani, and their subordination to the government. To this end he recommends my having personal conferences with the chiefs, for the purpose of convincing them that neither they nor their country can prosper, unless they act in concert. Servia he considers completely under the influence of Russia, because the Servians acquired their privileges under the protection of that government. The Turks, it seems, have secured four of their principal chiefs as hostages at Constantinople. Albania, though a large portion of its population are Turks, is by no means attached to the Porte. A supply of provisions going to Corinth has been taken by the Greek fleet, and that place is now treating; it is by no means strong, and might be taken in two days. Patras is held by a great Turkish proprietor, and the wealth contained in it is considerable. This has excited the avarice of the various Greek chiefs, and their dissensions have hitherto prevented its capture. Madon and Coron are strong places, but not of much importance.

Mons. Rizo thinks that Greece will afford a most advantageous refuge for our superfluous population.

I am going to have an interview with the Prince

Caradgia this evening. To-morrow I proceed to Pisa.

Yours, &c.

L. S.

Mons. R. thinks that if the Greeks are to have a king, the Prince of Cobourg would be as acceptable as any that could be selected.

LETTER VIII.

TO THE SAME.

Pisa, 5th Nov. 1823.

Dear Bowring,

I ARRIVED here last night, and proceeded to business with the Metropolitan, Ignatius. He considers it a matter of first-rate importance that the London Committee should do all in their power to influence the British government in favour of Greece. England, he says, is the only power that can ensure her by a naval superiority. Turkey cannot, because her fleets are inferior; so, indeed, are her armies; and the more numerous these are the more difficult is their supply. Russia cannot invade the islands, because her fleet is not equal to cope with that of England, nor even with that of Greece; nor can she reach it by land without passing through the Turkish territory, which neither the Porte, nor England, nor Austria, would allow. It is true, that Russia looks with a steady eye to the conquest of Turkey; but ere this happens Greece may be mighty and invulnerable. I am grieved to report to you, on