A Greek vessel has arrived from the squadron to convey me to Missolonghi, where Mavrocordato now is, and has assumed the command, so that I expect to embark immediately.1 Still address, however, to Cephalonia, through Messrs. Webb and Barry of Genoa, as usual; and get together all the means and credit of mine you can, to face the war establishment, for it is "in for a "penny, in for a pound," and I must do all that I can for the ancients.

I have been labouring to reconcile these parties, and there is now some hope of succeeding. Their public affairs go on well. The Turks have retreated from Acarnania without a battle, after a few fruitless attempts on Anatoliko. Corinth is taken, and the Greeks have gained a battle in the Archipelago. The squadron here, too, has taken a Turkish corvette with some money and a cargo. In short, if they can obtain a Loan, I am of opinion that matters will assume and preserve a steady and favourable aspect for their independence.

1. Byron had originally intended to remain in Cephalonia till parties in Greece were once more united. But it was difficult for him to adhere to his prudent resolution, strongly urged, as he was, both by Mavrocordatos and Stanhope, to go at once to Mesolonghi. Gamba (Narrative, pp. 295, 296) quotes from three letters, one from Mavrocordatos, the other two from Stanhope. Mavrocordatos writes, December 29, 1823, “Je n'ai pas besoin de vous dire, mi "Lord, combien il me tard de vous voir arriver; à quel point votre "présence est desirée de tout le monde, et quelle direction avanta"geuse elle donnera à toutes les affaires. Vos conseils seront "écoutés comme des oracles; et nous ne perdrons pas le tems le plus "précieux de nos opérations contre l'ennemi."

"It is right and necessary to tell you," says Stanhope, December 28, 1823, "that a great deal is expected from you, both in the way "of counsel and money. With respect to your coming here, "all are eager to see you. I walked along the street this "evening, and the people asked me after Lord Byron !!!" The next day, December 29, he writes again, "You are expected with "feverish anxiety. Your further delay in coming will be attended "with serious consequences."

With these letters was also sent one from the Legislative body, asking Byron to co-operate with Mavrocordatos in Western Greece (ibid., p. 67).

In the mean time I stand paymaster, and what not; and lucky it is that, from the nature of the warfare and of the country, the resources even of an individual can be of a partial and temporary service.

Colonel Stanhope is at Messolonghi. Probably we shall attempt Patras next. The Suliotes, who are friends of mine, seem anxious to have me with them, and so is Mavrocordato. If I can but succeed in reconciling the two parties (and I have left no stone unturned), it will be something; and if not, we must go over to the Morea with the Western Greeks-who are the bravest, and at present the strongest, having beaten back the Turks-and try the effect of a little physical advice, should they persist in rejecting moral persuasion.

Once more recommending to you the reinforcement of my strong box and credit from all lawful sources and resources of mine to their practicable extent-for, after all, it is better playing at nations than gaming at Almack's or Newmarket and requesting you to write to me as often as you can,

I remain ever yours,

N. B.

1119.-To Charles F. Barry.

Iobre 239 1823.

DEAR BARRY,-I have received your three letters, but can only reply briefly, as I expect to embark immediately for Messolonghi, where P. Mavrocordato now is: a Greek Vessell (sic) has arrived from the Squadron to convey me there, etc.

I leave the enclosed letter to Mr. K. open, that you may read the news therein: you can put in a wafer and forward it immediately.

VOL. VI.

U

A Greek vessel has arrived from the squadron to convey me to Missolonghi, where Mavrocordato now is, and has assumed the command, so that I expect to embark immediately.1 Still address, however, to Cephalonia, through Messrs. Webb and Barry of Genoa, as usual; and get together all the means and credit of mine you can, to face the war establishment, for it is "in for a "penny, in for a pound," and I must do all that I can for the ancients.

I have been labouring to reconcile these parties, and there is now some hope of succeeding. Their public affairs go on well. The Turks have retreated from Acarnania without a battle, after a few fruitless attempts on Anatoliko. Corinth is taken, and the Greeks have gained a battle in the Archipelago. The squadron here, too, has taken a Turkish corvette with some money and a cargo. In short, if they can obtain a Loan, I am of opinion that matters will assume and preserve a steady and favourable aspect for their independence.

1. Byron had originally intended to remain in Cephalonia till parties in Greece were once more united. But it was difficult for him to adhere to his prudent resolution, strongly urged, as he was, both by Mavrocordatos and Stanhope, to go at once to Mesolonghi.

Gamba (Narrative, pp. 295, 296) quotes from three letters, one from Mavrocordatos, the other two from Stanhope. Mavrocordatos writes, December 29, 1823, "Je n'ai pas besoin de vous dire, mi "Lord, combien il me tard de vous voir arriver; à quel point votre 'présence est desirée de tout le monde, et quelle direction avantageuse elle donnera à toutes les affaires. Vos conseils seront "écoutés comme des oracles; et nous ne perdrons pas le tems le plus "précieux de nos opérations contre l'ennemi."

66

*It is right and necessary to tell you," says Stanhope, December 28, 1823, "that a great deal is expected from you, both in the way "of counsel and money. With respect to your coming here, "all are eager to see you. .. I walked along the street this "evening, and the people asked me after Lord Byron !!!" The next day, December 29, he writes again, "You are expected with "feverish anxiety. Your further delay in coming will be attended "with serious consequences."

With these letters was also sent one from the Legislative body, asking Byron to co-operate with Mavrocordatos in Western Greece (ibid., p. 67).

In the mean time I stand paymaster, and what not; and lucky it is that, from the nature of the warfare and of the country, the resources even of an individual can be of a partial and temporary service.

Colonel Stanhope is at Messolonghi. Probably we shall attempt Patras next. The Suliotes, who are friends of mine, seem anxious to have me with them, and so is Mavrocordato. If I can but succeed in reconciling the two parties (and I have left no stone unturned), it will be something; and if not, we must go over to the Morea with the Western Greeks-who are the bravest, and at present the strongest, having beaten back the Turks-and try the effect of a little physical advice, should they persist in rejecting moral persuasion.

Once more recommending to you the reinforcement of my strong box and credit from all lawful sources and resources of mine to their practicable extent-for, after all, it is better playing at nations than gaming at Almack's or Newmarket-and requesting you to write to me as often as you can,

I remain ever yours,

N. B.

1119-To Charles F. Barry.

Iobre 23d 1823.

DEAR BARRY,-I have received your three letters, but can only reply briefly, as I expect to embark immediately for Messolonghi, where P. Mavrocordato now is: a Greek Vessell (sic) has arrived from the Squadron to convey me there, etc.

I leave the enclosed letter to Mr. K. open, that you may read the news therein: you can put in a wafer and forward it immediately.

VOL. VI.

U

A Greek vessel has arrived from the squadron to convey me to Missolonghi, where Mavrocordato now is, and has assumed the command, so that I expect to embark immediately. Still address, however, to Cephalonia, through Messrs. Webb and Barry of Genoa, as usual; and get together all the means and credit of mine you can, to face the war establishment, for it is "in for a penny, in for a pound," and I must do all that I can for the ancients.

I have been labouring to reconcile these parties, and there is now some hope of succeeding. Their public affairs go on well. The Turks have retreated from Acarnania without a battle, after a few fruitless attempts on Anatoliko. Corinth is taken, and the Greeks have gained a battle in the Archipelago. The squadron here, too, has taken a Turkish corvette with some money and a cargo. In short, if they can obtain a Loan, I am of opinion that matters will assume and preserve a steady and favourable aspect for their independence.

1. Byron had originally intended to remain in Cephalonia till parties in Greece were once more united. But it was difficult for him to adhere to his prudent resolution, strongly urged, as he was, both by Mavrocordatos and Stanhope, to go at once to Mesolonghi.

Gamba (Narrative, pp. 295, 296) quotes from three letters, one from Mavrocordatos, the other two from Stanhope. Mavrocordatos writes, December 29, 1823, "Je n'ai pas besoin de vous dire, mi "Lord, combien il me tard de vous voir arriver; à quel point votre "présence est desirée de tout le monde, et quelle direction avantageuse elle donnera à toutes les affaires. Vos conseils seront "écoutés comme des oracles; et nous ne perdrons pas le tems le plus "précieux de nos opérations contre l'ennemi."

"It is right and necessary to tell you," says Stanhope, December 28, 1823, "that a great deal is expected from you, both in the way "of counsel and money. With respect to your coming here, "all are eager to see you. .. I walked along the street this "evening, and the people asked me after Lord Byron !!!" The next day, December 29, he writes again, "You are expected with "feverish anxiety. Your further delay in coming will be attended "with serious consequences."

With these letters was also sent one from the Legislative body, asking Byron to co-operate with Mavrocordatos in Western Greece (ibid., p. 67).