[Footnote 1:  “At this time (February 14th),” says Mr. Parry, who kept the accounts of his Lordship’s disbursements, “the expenses of Lord Byron in the cause of the Greeks did not amount to less than two thousand dollars per week in rations alone.”  In another place this writer says, “The Greeks seemed to think he was a mine from which they could extract gold at their pleasure.  One person represented that a supply of 20,000 dollars would save the island of Candia from falling into the hands of the Pacha of Egypt; and there not being that sum in hand, Lord Byron gave him authority to raise it if he could in the Islands, and he would guarantee its repayment.  I believe this person did not succeed.”]

The letter of Parruca, to which the foregoing alludes, contained a pressing invitation to Lord Byron to present himself in the Peloponnesus, where, it was added, his influence would be sure to bring about the Union of all parties.  So general, indeed, was the confidence placed in their noble ally, that, by every Chief of every faction, he seems to have been regarded as the only rallying point round which there was the slightest chance of their now split and jarring interests being united.  A far more flattering, as well as more authorised, invitation soon after reached him, through an express envoy, from the Chieftain, Colocotroni, recommending a National Council, where his Lordship, it was proposed, should act as mediator, and pledging this Chief himself and his followers to abide by the result.  To this application an answer was returned similar to that which he sent to Parruca, and which was in terms as follows:—­

LETTER 552.  TO SR.  PARRUCA.

“March 10. 1824.

“Sir,

“I have the honour of answering your letter.  My first wish has always been to bring the Greeks to agree amongst themselves.  I came here by the invitation of the Greek Government, and I do not think that I ought to abandon Roumelia for the Peloponnesus until that Government shall desire it; and the more so, as this part is exposed in a greater degree to the enemy.  Nevertheless, if my presence can really be of any assistance in uniting two or more parties, I am ready to go any where, either as a mediator, or, if necessary, as a hostage.  In these affairs I have neither private views, nor private dislike of any individual, but the sincere wish of deserving the name of the friend of your country, and of her patriots.  I have the honour,” &c.

LETTER 553.  TO MR. CHARLES HANCOCK.

“Missolonghi, March 10. 1824.

“Sir,

“I sent by Mr. J.M.  Hodges a bill drawn on Signer C. Jerostatti for three hundred and eighty-six pounds, on account of the Hon. the Greek Committee, for carrying on the service at this place.  But Count Delladecima sent no more than two hundred dollars until he should receive instructions from C. Jerostatti.  Therefore I am obliged to advance that sum to prevent a positive stop being put to the Laboratory service at this place, &c. &c.