ine Tribunal from Napoli to adjudge the prizes taken; also
to issue a public order respecting the distribution of prize-money, by
which I may be guided in my payments? You will observe that in my letter
respecting the affair of Tricheri I mention simply having burnt the
brig-of-war without saying how. That letter being a despatch for
publication, I thought it as well not to proclaim to the enemy the use
we made of red-hot shot. It was by those I burnt the brig, and could
quite as easily burn by the same means the largest ship ever built.
Might I suggest the advantage that would result from using the same
projectile from almost every ship? each vessel might as well as me have
a furnace in her hold for the feeding of two of her guns--the effect
would be tremendous. If the fleet was ready before the Turks came out, a
slight excursion to Salonica might be attended with profit and
advantage. I shall require a little time to repair damages. I have lost
my larboard cat-head, my jib-boom, second topmast, main-gaff, bowsprit
shot through, and the engine requires various repairs--the steam
waste-pipe is completely gone, and I must get another made. I hope and
trust your lordship has still the intention of forming a national fleet
and a dockyard; without this your difficulties will be multiplied beyond
measure. I merely mention this because I hear intrigues are on foot to
prevent such measures. I, a stranger, who belong to no party, and who
neither fear nor love the Hydriots and Spetziots, will tell you the
truth on these points. Although your orders prescribed for me to remain
a fortnight on the blockade of the Gulf of Negropont, I was forced to
return--wanting ammunition, fuel, provisions, and various repairs. I
shall use my endeavours to be ready for sea as speedily as possible.
Before I conclude, give me leave to congratulate your lordship upon your
brilliant success at the Piraeus. I have no doubt it is but a prelude to
more important successes.

I have the honour to be, &c.,

F. A. HASTINGS.

VIII.

_Karteria_, Poros, April 30th, 1827.

MY LORD,

May I beg leave to present to you my very particular friend, Mr. Nicolo
Kalergy? You will find him a young man of good education, talent, and,
what is of still greater value, of great probity. I have known him many
years, and esteemed him equally long. By his private fortune he is
independent, a