“March 23.

“If the Greek deputies (as seems probable) have obtained the Loan, the sums I have advanced may perhaps be repaid; but it would make no great difference, as I should still spend that in the cause, and more to boot—­though I should hope to better purpose than paying off arrears of fleets that sail away, and Suliotes that won’t march, which, they say, what has hitherto been advanced has been employed in.  But that was not my affair, but of those who had the disposal of affairs, and I could not decently say to them, ’You shall do so and so, because, &c. &c. &c.’

“In a few days P. Mavrocordato and myself, with a considerable escort, intend to proceed to Salona at the request of Ulysses and the Chiefs of Eastern Greece, and take measures offensive and defensive for the ensuing campaign.  Mavrocordato is almost recalled by the new Government to the Morea, (to take the lead, I rather think,) and they have written to propose to me to go either to the Morea with him, or to take the general direction of affairs in this quarter—­with General Londo, and any other I may choose, to form a council.  A. Londo is my old friend and acquaintance since we were lads in Greece together.  It would be difficult to give a positive answer till the Salona meeting is over[1]; but I am willing to serve them in any capacity they please, either commanding or commanded—­it is much the same to me, as long as I can be of any presumed use to them.

[Footnote 1:  To this offer of the Government to appoint him Governor-General of Greece, (that is, of the enfranchised part of the continent, with the exception of the Morea and the Islands,) his answer was, that “he was first going to Salona, and that afterwards he would be at their commands; that he could have no difficulty in accepting any office, provided he could persuade himself that any good would result from it.”]

“Excuse haste; it is late, and I have been several hours on horseback in a country so miry after the rains, that every hundred yards brings you to a ditch, of whose depth, width, colour, and contents, both my horses and their riders have brought away many tokens.”

LETTER 558.  TO ME.  BARFF.

“March 26.

“Since your intelligence with regard to the Greek loan, P. Mavrocordato has shown to me an extract from some correspondence of his, by which it would appear that three commissioners are to be named to see that the amount is placed in proper hands for the service of the country, and that my name is amongst the number.  Of this, however, we have as yet only the report.

“This commission is apparently named by the Committee or the contracting parties in England.  I am of opinion that such a commission will be necessary, but the office will be both delicate and difficult.  The weather, which has lately been equinoctial, has flooded the country, and will probably retard our proceeding to Salona for some days, till the road becomes more practicable.