For example, if I wish to recommend military discipline to them, I speak of the combined operations and close order observed by their ancestors in their arrays: speaking of education, I lament that their Turkish masters should have deprived their children of the means of acquiring that knowledge which their great forefathers so eminently possessed. As a proof that this works on their minds, several parents went this morning to Dr. Meyer, and solicited him to speak to me about establishing a school. Their chief want is a master to teach the system. Elementary works, too, are much wanted; such, for instance, as the School Encyclopædia, &c. and the Bible, in modern Greek.

The followers of the Greek religion, like the Catholics and the Hindoos, do not read their Scriptures: the consequence is, ignorance of their creed and superstition, upon which is always engrafted despotism. The only edition of the Scriptures in modern Greek was, I believe, published at Venice a few years back. I beg of you always to bear in mind that no one speaks English in this country; that it is a serious task translating first into one language and then into another; and, consequently, that all writings and matter sent out here should be either in Italian, in French, in German, or in Greek.

Yours, &c. &c.

L. S.

My dear B.

LETTER XVI.

TO THE SAME.

Missolonghi, 20th December, 1823.

I SEND you an account of the proceedings of the third meeting of the General Committee. [Vide Appendix, Nos. 13 and 14.] It is necessary to explain this matter to you. The Greek fleet, consisting of nine Hydriot and five Spetziot vessels, are at the same time blockading the Gulf of Lepanto and protecting the Bay of Missolonghi from the Turkish fleet now off Patras: they are also destined to co-operate with the army against the fortresses on the borders of the Gulf of Lepanto. Now we look to this conjoint operation as one that will, if successful, place Western Greece in a state of security; and, from the character of Mavrocordato, the military chiefs, primates, and people, in the way to obtain good government. But the plan in contemplation was likely to miscarry, owing to the government having no means to pay the fleet, and the sailors having, consequently, refused to continue their services. Under these circumstances, Mavrocordato borrowed here and there, until at last he could procure no more money; and 500 dollars were still wanting, without which the fleet would not remain. Under these circumstances he sent Mr. Meyer to me to obtain the money. I told him that I should devote twothirds of my income to the Greek cause, but that I should only make that sacrifice to the furtherance of important objects which would have a lasting influence

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on the nation; for example, in promoting education, a free press, and posts, to give currency to men's ideas, &c. I said that the expedition could not depart for a month, nor accomplish its purpose under two months, and therefore I could only consent to risk my money on the guarantee that the fleet should remain here during that period. Mavrocordato signed a document, giving his word of honour that seven of the ships should remain here for two months, which being equal to the object, the contract was concluded that night.

Your agent has now been at Missolonghi one week. During that period a free press has been established, a corps of artillery has been decided on, the funds furnished for its maintenance during nine months, and a person despatched to assemble it; means have been furnished to prevent the Greek fleet from dispersing, and a proper house and grounds have been procured for the establishment of a laboratory. This is a very encouraging commencement of our labours.

The loan should, I think, be placed under the control of a commission, and the money sent to Zante. I think Mr. Barff, and myself, and another close-fisted person, should be named as commissioners: the funds should then be placed in no hands but those of the government;-by government I mean a regular established administration, and not two factions. Were this the case, the people, who are daily gaining strength, would soon oblige their masters to attend to their interests, or else select other rulers. The press will issue its prospectus this day in it I have caused an article from Bentham's pamphlet to be translated; it treats of the influence of freedom in America, and is all comprehensive and conclusive. I have also

written a letter in the prospectus, soliciting subscriptions; this I shall sign and send to each member of the executive and legislative bodies, and also to the principal Capitani and Primates. I was yesterday visited by Capitano Hormari, a brave and modest soldier: I asked him how many head of cattle he had; he replied 500,000. Dr. Meyer confirms his statement.

Parry has not yet arrived. He was first ordered to Cefalonia, then to Spetzia, and I, six days back, directed a letter to him at Corfu, changing his destination, and desiring him to proceed to Missolonghi. Lest he should be already off for Spetzia, I have addressed a letter to him there, requesting his return. My orders to him have been founded upon the best intelligence which I was able to obtain, and they changed with the change of circumstances. I have obtained permission to associate the Captain of the Port and the Commissary with Parry as his agents. They are good men, and will be useful to him. Money is what I want here: a little from the Committee, a little from the Quakers; schools, presses, posts, hospitals, all will then flourish; elementary books on education, war, agriculture, &c. newspapers, useful pamphlets, Greek Bibles, the Monthly Repository, medical stores, blankets, bandages, matter for the press, and two schoolmasters, to teach the Lancasterian system, are all much required. I think with such means, placed in judicious hands, this nation might be regenerated. Address your letters to me at Zante, and all things to me must be sent to Missolonghi. If you send persons out, which I hope you will not, take care to place them in subordination under your agents.

I have heard of two extraordinary boys here. One is ten years of age, and possesses a great talent for making extempore poetry; the other is a little Jew, of seven years old, whom the Turks converted, par force, on account of his calculating powers. I have sent to Jannina for them, and, should they answer the description, I shall send them home to Mr. Bentham, to be educated at Hill's school, (Hazelwood.) [Vide Appendix 15.]

A sort of surly misunderstanding still exists between the executive and legislative bodies. The latter is accused of having fulfilled none of its engagements ; namely, to equip a fleet of sixty ships, to employ 12,000 men in an expedition, and to establish schools, presses, posts, &c.

LETTER XVII.

TO THE SAME.

L. S.

My dear Bowring,

Missolonghi, 23d December, 1823.

A TURKISH brig was pursued by a number of Greek ships on the 10th, and, after a gallant running fight, driven on a rock near Ithaca. The Greeks rifled the sinking ship and pursued forty-eight Turks who sought a refuge on the shore. Some were killed; some escaped. The brig had 250,000 piastres on board, for the payment of the soldiers at Patras. Letters addressed to Usuff Pacha, the commandant,