Trelawney, who, with the other partisans of Ulysses, is closely blockaded in the Cave on Mount Par

nassus.

Ibrahim Pasha has been promised by the Sultan the Pashalik of the Morea for eight or ten years, if he can regain possession of it: I am inclined to believe, if he once gets it, the term will be exceeded considerably, and some years hence we may possibly see a colony of Arabs very comfortably established in the Peninsula.

The Egyptian fleet has returned for the fourth time to the Morea, accompanied from Suda by the Capoudan Pasha's fleet; they arrived safe at Navarin on the 4th instant, and have landed five thousand Albanians, to reinforce Ibrahim Pasha's army. The disembarkation having been effected, the Capoudan Pasha sailed for Missolongi with his fleet, consisting of fifty-five vessels, of which number only two are transports with provisions, the Greeks having captured the others on their voyage from Constantinople. The frigate bearing the Capoudan Pasha's flag, and having on board his treasure, was also destroyed at the same time by the Turks, to prevent her falling into the hands of the Greeks*. This Turkish fleet passed Zante on

* The particulars of this action were told me by three English sailors, who had been cajoled into the Turkish service, and were on board a Brig at the time the Capoudan Pasha's frigate was destroyed. She was quite new, having been just launched from the Arsenal at Constantinople, and had all the money destined for

the 9th instant, and is now closely blockading Missolongi. Since its arrival we have distinctly heard from hence a constant firing. The Seraskier is vigorously prosecuting the siege by land, and is occupied in filling up the ditches. The garrison are nearly destitute of provisions and ammunition. Six Greek vessels, which had constantly kept up a blockade of the Gulf, retired on the approach of the Turkish fleet, and passed through the Zante channel to the southward on the morning of the 10th.

There is no alteration in the state of affairs at Patrass; Isouf Pasha still commands there.

The greatest anarchy and confusion prevails among the Greeks; nothing but some master-stroke of skill or bravery on their part, or dissensions among the Ottomans, can avert their overthrow.

the troops on board. It is well known that the rigging of a new ship requires, in sea phrase," to be set up," as the ropes do not acquire their greatest tension for some time, but the Turks, who in this, as in every instance, have proved their thorough want of naval knowledge, permitted the rigging to flap about loosely. The consequence of which was, that a slight breeze carried away the three top-masts, and the vessel became almost unmanageable. The Greeks, as soon as they perceived the state in which she was, sent down a couple of fire-ships upon her; but the dogged valour of the Turk would not permit such a triumph to the enemy. The Captain fired the magazine, and blew himself, crew, and treasure, into the air. About thirty, however, who had either jumped overboard, or had miraculously escaped, were picked up.

LETTER XLV.

Zante, 6th August, 1825.

REFERRING to my last letter of the 18th ultimo, I will now endeavour to give you the best account in my power of events which have since taken place, and in the same order as they occurred.

Having occasion to pay a visit to Isouf Pasha, who I learned was assisting at the siege of Missolongi, I quitted Zante on the 20th ultimo, and arrived at the former place the next day. On my arrival I found Isouf Pasha was co-operating with the Seraskier; that he had fitted out, at Patrass, a flotilla, consisting of fifty or sixty boats, which were manned with two thousand Turks, and at this time were within the island of Vassiladi, under the very walls of Missolongi. A constant firing was kept up from this flotilla upon the town, while the Albanians bombarded the place from the land side. I could not obtain an interview with Isouf Pasha; but, wishing to observe the nature of the operations, I landed, and proceeded to the head-quarters of the Seraskier Reschid Pasha, by whom I was courteously received. This Commander appeared to entertain no doubt of reducing Missolongi; indeed, he told me that he could not possibly quit the place without

first taking it. I remained at the camp under the walls two days, and never before witnessed such a scene. The plain beyond the walls of Missolongi, to the extent of three or four miles, was occupied by the Seraskier's army, which was stated to consist of upwards of twenty thousand men. I have no doubt that such was the case; but it is necessary to observe, that not more than six or eight thousand of that number were soldiers in regular pay and in the service of the 'Seraskier. The rest were mere followers of the army, and under no command, consisting chiefly of merchants, tradespeople, or adventurers, attracted either by the prospect of gaining largely by supplying the army, or of participating in the sacking of Missolongi. It is true that they were all armed; and, although they never interfered with any of the operations, yet, in case of a sortie by the garrison, would have afforded considerable assistance to the regular soldiers. These Jast were composed of undisciplined Albanians, collected by the Chiefs of the different districts on the requisition of the Seraskier, and a few Osmanlis immediately attached to the Seraskier's person: there were besides many thousand horses and mules: provisions of all kinds were abundant, and cheaper than in Zante. Outworks had been thrown up by the besiegers, from whence a constant bombardment of the town was kept up, and many parts had been demolished. The Turks were occupied in filling up the ditches surrounding the walls, which they

had nearly effected; while the besieged were in great want of provisions and ammunition*. Indeed, the garrison had twice offered to capitulate, on condition of being permitted to march out retaining their arms. The Seraskier replied, that he could listen to nothing short of an unconditional surrender. The Greeks, having too much cause to fear the ominous import of this reply, resolved to defend the place to the last extremity, and rather run the risk of being buried in its ruins, than expose themselves, by surrendering, to the almost certain massacre that would follow. On the other hand, the Osmanlis repeatedly urged the Seraskier to be allowed to make an assault; but from doubts of success, or for some other reason, he declined allowing them to do so. It was said that no quarter would be given in the event of the place being taken by assault, as the besiegers were much irritated by their losses before the walls. The Capoudan Pasha's fleet had been at anchor in the roadsted of Missolongi since the 10th; but, with the exception of keeping up a blockade, and sending boats to assist Isouf Pasha's flotilla, had remained quite inactive.

I paid a visit to the Capondan Pasha, the same person who was at Patrass in 1823. His fleet, consisting of fifty-five vessels, appeared to be in good order; and about forty sail were occasionally under weigh, to keep a look-out.

* See Note at the end of this Letter.