finally, consented. Wonder not at this fray: wonder, rather, that 5,000 undisciplined, ill-paid, armed soldiers, from different quarters, should have been here nearly a month, should have consented to a reduction of their force, and should, under these circumstances, have departed without having been guilty of any outrage.

The Greek fleet is under sail to

watch the Turkish We are expecting

fleet, which is said to be coming out. Parry every moment. The Turkish fleet has, since writing the above, ventured to quit the Gulf, and is, we think, gone to Prevesa.

Dr. J. J. Meyer has conferred the greatest possible service on the cause of Greece, by establishing a free press at Missolonghi. He conducts it on the most liberal and enlightened principles, and I do, therefore, most earnestly solicit the Committee to subscribe £50 or £100 toward the support of the Greek Chronicle. This paper will be regularly forwarded to the Committee.

MEN of business and talent are much wanted in Greece. In no country is there a greater deficiency of practical statesmen, and in few is there a greater

diffusion of intellectual aptitude among the people. I mention this because I wish you to send out here a few men of political acquirements to write for the public journals; and,' also, to induce as many independent persons to travel hither as possible. The continent of Europe is overrun with Greeks, whose presence in their own country would be of infinite service to the cause. Try to persuade all friends of liberty to bend their course this way, provided they can afford to spend from £60 to £100 per annum. Such men will materially assist the

state.

The Greek fleet has departed, and the Turkish fleet now blockades the port. What will become of Parry? I have suggested the following plan:-To write to Parry to proceed to some safe port in the neighbourhood, with orders to come hither, and to disembark the moment the Turks disappear; then to spread a report that the Greek fleet is expected here immediately, and to send out some gun-boats in the dead of night to fire into the sterns of the Turkish vessels. These measures, I should expect, would induce the Turkish fleet to retire into the Gulf, and Parry would thus be enabled to land the stores, and the Ann might afterwards depart in safety.

Enclosed is the third number of our Chronicle. The first article is on the war: the second is a strong attack on the defunct executive body. Its language is bold and true. I doubt, however, whether it is wise to make enemies of a party so powerful. My policy in this country, and at this period, would be to strive to offend no one, but, on the contrary, to make all friendly to the press. I would, however, at the same time, contend

for the absolute liberty of the press, and for publicity in every shape. If the bolder course succeed, so much the better; but I do not like to hazard and gamble where the fundamental happiness of a nation is at stake. The last article in the Chronicle is on Mr. Bentham. Its object is to dispose the people to read and contemplate his works. Conviction follows.

Lord Byron possesses all the means of playing a great part in the glorious revolution of Greece. He has talent; he professes liberal principles; he has money; and is inspired with fervent and chivalrous feelings. He has commenced his career by two good measures:-1st, by recommending union, and declaring himself of no party: and, 2dly, by taking 500 Suliots into pay, and acting as their chief. These acts cannot fail to render his Lordship universally popular, and proportionally powerful. Thus advantageously circumstanced, his Lordship will have an opportunity of realizing all his professions. In his course he will be closely watched and scrutinized by his countrymen, and by the whole world. His fame, like that of other prominent men, must depend on his conduct.

We are preparing a brulot, for the purpose of endeavouring to fire one of the Turkish ships. Should we fail, which is probable, we may, nevertheless, succeed in frightening the delicate nerves of the enemy, and inducing him to re-enter the Gulf and raise the blockade. Mr. Hesketh is about to proceed to Cefalonia, to concert measures for Parry's safe embarkation.

Yours,

L. S.

LETTER XXIX.

TO THE SAME.

My dear Bowring,

Missolonghi, 24th January, 1824.

I AM in the habit of putting written questions to Lord Byron for his decision. The following have received his Lordship's answers, and I am desirous of submitting them to the Committee.

1st.-Will your Lordship allow me to make over a certain quantity of Greek and Roman types to the editor of the Greek Chronicle?-Yes.

2d.-Will your Lordship subscribe £50 for the support of the Greek paper?-Yes.

3d.-Will your Lordship allow me to take round the printing press, &c. to the seat of the Greek government, i.e. of the legislative body?-We will talk over this article.

4th.- Will your Lordship subscribe £100 towards the support of the German artillery?—Yes.

5th.-Will your Lordship allow £100 of your loan to the Greek government to be made over to the German Committee, they having advanced that sum to the said government on my guaranteeing its repayment?-Yes.

6th. Would your Lordship approve of Mr. Hesketh being appointed Sub-intendant of Stores?-Yes.

7th.-Would your Lordship approve of my exchanging the Greek Committee's press for the one belonging to the editor here?-This article I do not quite understand, but will talk it over with you.

The following one has given rise to some discussion

between his Lordship and myself, with the substance of which I think it necessary that the Committee should be acquainted. I have, therefore, subjoined the heads of a conversation which has passed between us on the subject. Your Lordship stated yesterday evening that you had said to Prince Mavrocordato that, 66 were you in his place, you would have placed the press under a censor," and that he replied, No; the liberty of the press is guaranteed by the constitution." Now I wish to know whether your Lordship was serious when you made the observation, or whether you only said so to provoke me? If your Lordship was serious, I shall consider it my duty to communicate this affair to the Committee in England, in order to show them how difficult a task I have to fulfil, in promoting the liberties of Greece, if your Lordship is to throw the weight of your vast talents into the opposite scale on a question of such vital importance. To this question I solicit a written answer, lest I should misrepresent your Lordship's opinion and sentiments.

After Lord Byron had read this paper he entered into conversation with me on the subject. He said that he was an ardent friend of publicity and the press; but he feared that it was not applicable to this society in its present combustible state. I answered that I thought it applicable to all countries, and essential here, in order to put an end to the state of anarchy which at present prevailed. Lord B. feared libels and licentiousness. I said that the object of a free press was to check public licentiousness, and to expose libellers to odium. Lord B. had mentioned his conversation with Mavrocordato to show that the Prince was not hostile to the