accompanied by a rare exhibition of
generosity. "The direct and active interference of the great European
powers having decided the glorious contest for the freedom of Greece,"
he said in a letter to Count Capodistrias, written at Poros, on the 26th
of November, "and its independence being formally acknowledged by
accredited agents from these powers, no means now present themselves to
me whereby I can professionally promote the interests of this hitherto
oppressed people. I beg, therefore, that I may be permitted as an
individual to alleviate their burdens by presenting the State with my
share as Admiral of the corvette _Hydra_, and schooner-of-war
_Athenian_, captured from the enemy; and further by absolving the State
from any and every obligation whereby the sum of 20,000l. was to be paid
to me on the acknowledgment of the independence of this country. If your
excellency shall be pleased, conjointly with the National Assembly, to
appropriate any part of the said amount to the relief of the seamen
wounded, and of the families of those who have fallen during the
contest, it will be a high gratification to my feelings, and I hope will
be admitted as a testimony of my satisfaction at the introduction of
useful institutions, and of the pleasure I experience at the rapid
advancement towards order which has taken place even during the short
period of your excellency's presidency. I have only to add that, if at
any future time your excellency shall deem my services useful, I shall
be delighted at an opportunity to prove my zeal for the welfare of
Greece, more fully than circumstances have heretofore permitted."

The President's reply, dated the 4th of December, was complimentary:
"The Government of Greece," he said, "thanks you, my lord, for the
services you have rendered, and for the new proof of your interest and
your benevolence which you have shown in your letter of the 26th of
November. As you observe, Greece having been taken under the protection
of the great Powers of Europe, the Provisional Government can engage in
no warlike operation worthy of your talents and your station. It
regrets, therefore, that it cannot offer you an opportunity of giving
further proof of the noble and generous sentiments which animate you in
favour of Greece. The Government will make it its duty to convey to the
National Congress your offer to cede your rights in the corvette _Hydra_
and the schooner _Athenian_, and in the 20,000l. which Gre