nd has consequently always refused to meddle in the
intrigues he regrets so much to see cause the misfortunes of his
country. So much for introduction. Mr. Nicolo Kalergy has been good
enough to wait upon you to receive your orders respecting the prizes I
have lately captured. These vessels contain grain chiefly, and therefore
would in that state be of no use to you. Your commissaries must turn it
into biscuit before it is sent to the Piraeus. The Government has sent
for the Admiralty Court from Napoli to sit here upon the judgment of
vessels detained. As to the sale, I am of opinion that to appease the
jealousy of the seamen a public sale should be held, and your
commissaries purchase it if they please. They will thus always obtain it
cheaper than they could buy it at Syra, and thus nobody can complain. I
am anxious to receive from your lordship an order respecting the
distribution of prize-money, and this, I think, should be public.
Hitherto the Government has received fifteen per cent. upon all prizes.
Of course your lordship will arrange as you think proper upon this
subject; but if any part of a prize goes to the public purse, it is only
but just it should aid in the payment of the wages of seamen. I am now
paying a month's wages out of my own pocket, which I hope and trust your
lordship will reimburse me, as I cannot continue this system. Anything
can be done in Greece by prompt payments; with arrears nothing is to be
done. My friend has much and various information respecting every part
of Greece, and can furnish you with much useful matter. I do not doubt
but you will shortly appreciate his merit.

I have the honour to be, &c.,

F. A. HASTINGS.

P.S.--May I beg of you, my lord, to furnish me with a commission of
lieutenant for Mr. Darby, the only officer doing duty as a sailor on
board--in truth, he is no sailor, and does not pretend, but he is brave,
diligent, and a gentleman, and has served with me for about four months?

IX.

_Karteria_, Poros, April 30th, 1827.

MY LORD,

I had the honour to receive your orders of the 28th inst. Your lordship
will have observed, by the letters I had the honour of transmitting to
you, that the condition of this vessel is such as to render it
impossible for her to put to sea immediately. Dr. Gosse last night was
occupied sending you off 68-pounders, and I am happy to hear this
morning tha