“I need not suggest to the Committee the very great advantage which must accrue to Great Britain from the success of the Greeks, and their probable commercial relations with England in consequence; because I feel persuaded that the first object of the Committee is their EMANCIPATION, without any interested views.  But the consideration might weigh with the English people in general, in their present passion for every kind of speculation,—­they need not cross the American seas, for one much better worth their while, and nearer home.  The resources even for an emigrant population, in the Greek islands alone, are rarely to be paralleled; and the cheapness of every kind of, not only necessary, but luxury, (that is to say, luxury of nature,) fruits, wine, oil, &c. in a state of peace, are far beyond those of the Cape, and Van Dieman’s Land, and the other places of refuge, which the English people are searching for over the waters.

“I beg that the Committee will command me in any and every way.  If I am favoured with any instructions, I shall endeavour to obey them to the letter, whether conformable to my own private opinion or not.  I beg leave to add, personally, my respect for the gentleman whom I have the honour of addressing,

“And am, Sir, your obliged, &c.

“P.S.  The best refutation of Gell will be the active exertions of the Committee;—­I am too warm a controversialist; and I suspect that if Mr. Hobhouse have taken him in hand, there will be little occasion for me to ‘encumber him with help.’  If I go up into the country, I will endeavour to transmit as accurate and impartial an account as circumstances will permit.

“I shall write to Mr. Karrellas.  I expect intelligence from Captain Blaquiere, who has promised me some early intimation from the seat of the Provisional Government.  I gave him a letter of introduction to Lord Sydney Osborne, at Corfu; but as Lord S. is in the government service, of course his reception could only be a cautious one.”

LETTER 521.  TO MR. BOWRING.

“Genoa, May 21. 1823.

“Sir,

“I received yesterday the letter of the Committee, dated the 14th of March.  What has occasioned the delay, I know not.  It was forwarded by Mr. Galignani, from Paris, who stated that he had only had it in his charge four days, and that it was delivered to him by a Mr. Grattan.  I need hardly say that I gladly accede to the proposition of the Committee, and hold myself highly honoured by being deemed worthy to be a member.  I have also to return my thanks, particularly to yourself, for the accompanying letter, which is extremely flattering.