an one-third of what was in them; and I
have good reason for supposing that other magazines equally stored are
to be found in the town, about an hour's distance.

Here there were only a dozen Turks, who fled at our approach. In the
evening no less than nine small vessels were seen standing in to Kumi. I
weighed and boarded six of them; three being entirely empty, I allowed
to pass; two I detained and have brought with me.

The want of men, of time, &c., has prevented my putting a finishing hand
to this infamous traffic; but I have no doubt your lordship will see the
propriety of sending a vessel of war without delay to destroy these
depots. It is idle to talk of blockading the Gulf of Negropont whilst
such an extensive commerce is carrying on at other points of the island.

I have the honour to be, &c.,

F. A. HASTINGS.

VII.

_Karteria_, Poros, April 28th, 1827.

MY LORD,

Captain St. George going to join you, I take the opportunity of
informing you, besides what my other letters contain, that my
information from Kumi imports that Negropont contains two months'
provisions for the army of Kutayi and fortress, and that all their hopes
are in the Turkish fleet, expected daily. It seems to me of the first
importance that the Greek fleet should be ready to encounter the Turks;
and the Gulf is a place particularly favourable to the smaller, lighter,
and more skilful party. Might I suggest, my lord, the propriety of
sending a couple of light vessels upon whom you could depend to cruise
off the Dardanelles, and give information in time? The corvette, brig,
and schooner off Tricheri requested me to represent their want of
provisions, and the necessity they have of paying their crew regularly;
many I suspect have already quitted them: with Greek sailors no arrears
of pay can exist--hitherto they have been accustomed to receive their
wages in advance; if they can be made to go to sea without that advance
it is a great point gained; to omit fulfilling the engagement would be
to ruin all confidence and oblige the sailors to return to their ancient
demands.

With respect to Kumi, I beg leave to urge the necessity of sending a
vessel (perhaps better Captain St. George than a Greek, who probably
would not dare do his duty there, was he so disposed) to destroy the
infamous traffic existing there. May I beg of your lordship to order
here the Mar