rather an ingenious than a profound mind. He seems, at all times, disposed to concede, and to advance every good measure; and I consider it a grand advantage for Greece that he is now in power at Missolonghi. The society here, consisting chiefly of soldiers, have received me with warm, and, I believe, with sincere professions of regard. I consider myself one of them, and hope, by that means, to be considered so by them.

In

Schools there are, I believe, none in Greece. concert with some good natives I hope they may be established. What we most stand in need of is a good master to teach the system. How comes it that the Quakers are backward in this useful work? I have written to Lord Guildford and others on the subject. The dissensions are moderating. Lord Byron's letter, and even my presence at the seat of government may, perhaps, do good.

Lord Byron's presence here is anxiously solicited by the government and people. A Greek vessel has been sent to Cefalonia for him, and I doubt not but he will come. So we expect Byron, Parry, and the press all to enter the field together. From the blaze of such a constellation I shall turn my face, and seek honours at Napoli, Argos, &c. Half my day is taken up with paying and receiving visits, and the rest in local business, so that I have not much time to devote to the Committee.

Yours, &c. &c.

L. S.

Do not send any more persons or things; send us a little money, and if we squander it or rob you, then

condemn us, and be more prudent in future. The military power, in the neighbourhood of Missolonghi, is attached to the government, especially the brave Suliots. The people seem to have no prejudice against us. Metaxa, a person cruelly persecuted by Maitland, is the prefect here. He is not much attended to. In fact, the system in Greece is quite military and feudal, and the laws are neither much known nor observed.

The executive are accused of having attempted to sell and to appropriate to their own use the public lands, which has rendered them odious. The first defence of Missolonghi, with only 300 men, was wonderful, and its successful result most important. This fortress has now some works, and its second defence, therefore, is less extraordinary. The Turks attacked it with 24,000 men. They lost by wounds and sickness 3000. The defence of Anatolico, which is in the neighbourhood, was also admirable. Previous to the siege of this place, it had always been supplied with water from a distance. During the siege, however, a shell fell in the centre of the place, and out gushed a spring of water, from which the inhabitants have ever since been supplied. Whether this is a miracle or a falsehood, priests and historians must decide.

After the assembly of the primates has been held, 1 anticipate the following result, viz. an expedition against Lepanto, the Castles, and Patras. Byron will, I hope, take 2000 Suliots into pay; Parry and the artillery will, by that time, be ready, and success will thus be secured. You must be aware that such a triumph would place this part of Greece in security,

and enable the friends of freedom to pursue all their

ENCLOSED are letters addressed to you by Lord Erskine and Lord Byron. The arrival of the Greek fleet off Missolonghi, and the interesting anticipations associated with that event, lead me from my direct course to the seat of the Greek government; and I am now waiting to see Lord Byron, who is daily expected in this quarter. These circumstances have deprived me of the honour of appearing before you and explaining to you the objects of my mission. For the present, I shall not intrude upon your time by giving you an imperfect sketch of the feelings which your noble cause excites in Great Britain, or the measures which those who represent that feeling are anxious to pursue towards the deliverance of Greece, the promotion of her knowledge, and the firm establishment of her liberties. Suffice it to say, that we have no selfish and no foreign feeling lurking about us, but are, from sentiment, as from policy, Greeks to the very heart. Actuated by these considerations, I have heard, with deep

concern, that dissensions prevail amongst the Greeks. Where this fault lies is beyond my knowledge; and even were I informed, it would ill become a foreigner to interfere in such concerns. All I can venture to pronounce is, that whoever or whatever may be the cause of the disease, it is one that threatens the independence and the freedom of Greece. God grant, therefore, that it may be removed.

I am, &c. &c.

L. S.

LETTER XV.

TO J. BOWRING, ESQ.

Missolonghi, 18th Dec. 1823.

My dear B.

CONSIDERING my presence here for a time useful, I have deferred my journey to Napoli, and have addressed a letter to the general government of Greece.

The object of this was to remove the jealousy on the part of the executive body which my presence here was calculated to excite, and to destroy all idea of my belonging to a faction. Parry has directions to proceed hither; I shall to-morrow remove my abode to the Seraglio, in order to arrange every thing for his reception. The yard belonging to the Palace is walled in, and in its front is a large space, where it is proposed to exercise the artillery. The artillery officers and men

have been carefully selected. A German has been despatched to convey instructions to them to proceed hither. In a fortnight all will be here, and, if expedient, at drill. I have advanced the funds for three months' pay; the German Committee have funds for six months more; and the rest we have solicited from Lord Byron. When this corps shall be formed, by attaching to it 100 Greek soldiers or sailors, they will be able to man a sufficient number of mortars and guns to take any fortress in Greece.

The press will be at work next Monday. Its first production will be a prospectus. On the first day of the year 1824 the Greek Chronicle will be issued: Dr. Meyer is the editor, and I have hired an intelligent man to assist him, and have furnished him with much matter. It will be printed in Greek and Italian; it will come out twice a week, and the price will be six dollars per annum. Pray endeavour to assist its circulation in England, and send out all newspapers and other matter. I hope to establish presses in other parts, but must wait until after the meeting of the Primates, who are to settle concerning the expedition, and till the inspector Parry is settled and hard at work. Money expended in England will not do one-tenth as much good as money expended here.

For example, for £200 I can set the press at work; for £100 I can establish a post across the Morea; for £500 I could put a force in movement that would take Patras, Lepanto, and the Castles, which would free Greece. Send, therefore, no more men or things ;~ send me money. Solicit the Quakers to send out a good schoolmaster, books, medicines, surgical instruments,