“October ——.

“We are still in Cephalonia, waiting for news of a more accurate description; for all is contradiction and division in the reports of the state of the Greeks.  I shall fulfil the object of my mission from the Committee, and then return into Italy; for it does not seem likely that, as an individual, I can be of use to them;—­at least no other foreigner has yet appeared to be so, nor does it seem likely that any will be at present.

“Pray be as cheerful and tranquil as you can; and be assured that there is nothing here that can excite any thing but a wish to be with you again,—­though we are very kindly treated by the English here of all descriptions.  Of the Greeks, I can’t say much good hitherto, and I do not like to speak ill of them, though they do of one another.”

“October 29.

“You may be sure that the moment I can join you again, will be as welcome to me as at any period of our recollection.  There is nothing very attractive here to divide my attention; but I must attend to the Greek cause, both from honour and inclination.  Messrs. B. and T. are both in the Morea, where they have been very well received, and both of them write in good spirits and hopes.  I am anxious to hear how the Spanish cause will be arranged, as I think it may have an influence on the Greek contest.  I wish that both were fairly and favourably settled, that I might return to Italy, and talk over with you our, or rather Pietro’s adventures, some of which are rather amusing, as also some of the incidents of our voyages and travels.  But I reserve them, in the hope that we may laugh over them together at no very distant period.”

LETTER 525.  TO MR. BOWRING.

“9bre 29. 1823.

“This letter will be presented to you by Mr. Hamilton Browne, who precedes or accompanies the Greek deputies.  He is both capable and desirous of rendering any service to the cause, and information to the Committee.  He has already been of considerable advantage to both, of my own knowledge.  Lord Archibald Hamilton, to whom he is related, will add a weightier recommendation than mine.

“Corinth is taken, and a Turkish squadron said to be beaten in the Archipelago.  The public progress of the Greeks is considerable, but their internal dissensions still continue.  On arriving at the seat of Government, I shall endeavour to mitigate or extinguish them—­though neither is an easy task.  I have remained here till now, partly in expectation of the squadron in relief of Missolonghi, partly of Mr. Parry’s detachment, and partly to receive from Malta or Zante the sum of four thousand pounds sterling, which I have advanced for the payment of the expected squadron.  The bills are negotiating, and will be cashed in a short time, as they would have been immediately in any other mart; but the miserable Ionian merchants have little money, and no great credit, and are besides politically shy on this occasion; for although I had letters of Messrs. Webb (one of the strongest houses of the Mediterranean), and also of Messrs. Ransom, there is no business to be done on fair terms except through English merchants.  These, however, have proved both able and willing,—­and upright as usual.[1]