flying politician of the Gentz or Metternich school.

Greece and all the islands are tranquil, with the exception of two towns, namely, Napoli, which is blockaded by the government, and Missolonghi, which is disturbed by a body of Suliots, who play the pretorians.

Civilization and good government are gaining ground, chiefly through the means of publicity. There is a great fund of virtue in Greece, but it is monopolized by the peasantry. What is most wanted is a good representative body, some good prefects, good judges, and public writers. Two or three active and strong-minded Englishmen might do incalculable good in Greece, for the people are anxious to improve.

The war lingers, owing to the dissentions which prevail among the ruling few; otherwise it might easily be put an end to with the assistance of the loan. Eastern and Western Greece may be defended with about 12,000 men. By taking one of the castles at the mouth of the Corinthian Gulf, and blockading Patras and Lepanto with 1,000 men each, these fortresses might be reduced. Negroponte might also be taken by blockade. During these operations the people of Olympus should be encouraged to rise in rear of the Turkish armies.

After a summer's defensive campaign, the Greeks should push on in the winter, and surprise and

conquer.

My principal exertions have been directed towards promoting education, publicity, union, and military exertion, and towards crushing the oligarchs, by giving power to the people and raising the character of their representatives. I confess that I am sanguine with respect to the ultimate success of the Greeks. I found this opinion on the virtuous character of the people, on the strength of their country, on their martial character and their being all armed, on the multiplicity of little chiefs, on a sudden rise and fall of their leaders, on the love they have for their ancestors, on the clashing interests of their enemies, and on their attachment to the elective franchise, annuality, universality, publicity, etc.

Believe me ever, etc.

P. S. I shall be in London in July next.

L. S.

LETTER LXXIII.

TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT.

Excellent Sirs,

Salona, 3d May, 1824.

I HAVE this moment received orders to proceed to Zante, to receive the Greek loan, in company with Colonel Gordon, and to carry its conditions into effect. I request of you to send thither some able men as commissioners to treat upon that subject with the deputies from England.

Our first duty will be to as certain whether there are reasonable grounds to believe, that the Greek nation will be able to abide by her contract, by regularly paying the interest of the loan. Upon the deputies from England being satisfied upon this point, the delivery of the money depends. I think it highly necessary that you should give a careful statement of the present condition of Greece, as well as an exact account of the income and expenditure of the Government, both in the time of the

Turkish administration, and from the commencement of the insurrection until the present time.

The system of taxation which the government intends to adopt must be explained, as well as the plan proposed for carrying on the war both by land and sea, and all expenses required, separately, for each division of soldiers and vessels. The English deputies must be informed whether a government will be established, which unites all military, political, and national benefits. If the chiefs of Greece will not lay aside their prejudices, their envy and dissensions, and endeavour to form a wise and virtuous union of all parties, it will be impossible to establish in Greece a powerful and permanent government. They are wrong who think otherwise; unless this be done, Greece must remain in a state of anarchy.

By birth I am a stranger to Greece; but as a man accustomed to hold dear the liberty and happiness of mankind, I would, in my present circumstances, consider myself a Greek, and, in that character, I would admonish you, that no other system than the one I have pointed out should be pursued. Should any other course be adopted, every Greek will repent, and repent in vain.

LEICESTER STANHOPE.

My dear B.

LETTER LXXIV.

TO J. BOWRING, ESQ.

Calacrista, 7th May, 1824..

my

I SEND you a copy of letter to the government, on the subject of the loan, and strongly recommending union among the chiefs.

Acting upon the principles of this letter, I have advised, that Odysseus should be placed in the executive; Ipsilanti, as president of the legislative body; General Colliopulo, as minister of war; and Negris, as ministre d'état. This is a question upon which men may fairly differ, but upon which my mind is made up. The object of the measure is to break the force of contending factions, and to confound the traitors who are for a foreign king.

Megaspolio is a curious convent. It is situated at the end of a magnificent valley, and backed by a lofty mass of rock. It was formerly the seat of the oracle of Apollo. The senior of the convent was civil and hospitable to us. He said he was