_Karteria_, off Tricheri, Monday,
April 23rd, N.S., 1827.

MY LORD,

I have the honour to inform you that in pursuance of your orders, I
carried the squadron under my command, consisting of corvette
_Themistocles_, brig _Aris_, schooner _Aspasia_, and schooner _Panayia_,
before the port of Volo, the evening of the 20th. I found eight vessels
at anchor in the port; immediately I directed the _Themistocles_ and
_Aris_ to anchor off a battery at the point, and cannonade it whilst I
entered the harbour with boats and schooners. At 4.30 P.M. they anchored
with much gallantry, and soon silenced the musket-shot from the battery.
At the same moment I entered the harbour with the boats and schooners,
and we shortly took possession of seven brigs: they were all on shore,
and most without sails bent. However, by 9 P.M. we succeeded in getting
out five prizes, three loaded with provisions and ammunition, two light;
and this most fortunately without the loss of a man killed or wounded,
although we lay at anchor in the harbour four hours and a half, exposed
to the fire of the Castle of Volo. The ship has received no material
injury, although several shot struck her. We set fire to two prizes we
could not succeed in getting out; one light brig remains, but we shot
away her foremast and did her such damage in her hull as will (I hope)
prevent her putting to sea again. Last night I entered Tricheri with the
boats of _Themistocles_, _Aris_, and _Aspasia_, to endeavour to carry
out a brig of war, Turkish, of sixteen guns and two mortars, but found
her protected too advantageously by batteries and musketry. I send the
prizes to your lordship under the convoy of the _Aspasia_, and shall
remain here a few days to endeavour to destroy the Turkish brig of war,
and shall then return to join your lordship. I beg leave to assure your
lordship before I conclude that in these affairs I have met with the
most cordial support from the captains of the vessels under my orders,
and that their conduct, as well as that of all the officers and men of
the squadron, has been highly meritorious.

I have the honour to be, &c.,

F. A. HASTINGS.

P.S.--As the schooner _Panayia_ will participate in the prizes, I have
ordered her to remain on the blockade, although not sent by your
lordship.

V.

_Karteria_, at Sea, April 24th, 1827.

MY LORD