were in the same destitution; and, as he still clung to it, and said he would not be a whole day absent, I could not but consent. Such is the man, and I therefore mention it to you. But at the same time he is quite ready to act as I wish when present with me; and though delays and difficulties will arise, I doubt not but we shall come out pretty well in the end. Count Heiden was on board the 'Asia' to-day, and is to dine with me to-morrow. He appears to be all I could wish; like one of our service, eager to act under my orders as he is directed by his instructions to do, whether the French commander do the same or not; and his ships are apparently in good servicelike order

From Sir E, C. to Lady C.

Off Navarin: October 15, 1827.

On the 13th, when close to the southward of Zante, we were joined by both the French and Russian squadrons. I think to-morrow will bring my own two friends from Malta (Genoa' and 'Albion') and De Rigny back from Zante, where he went on the 13th with his squadron, to get some grub. I offered to share mine with him, having already sent him two sheep and twelve fowls; but as he pressed the point, I did not like to offer any objection to his going, ill-timed as it was. I must say that now, after having done what excites the approbation of all hands, I feel somewhat proud of my mixed and most extraordinary command. The whole history will be better detailed by others than by myself; for I have not time for more than my actual duty claims, except this little relaxation with you. It is altogether so curious: we have at this minute a Greek brig-of-war in company which brought me letters, and a Turk watching our movements, in addition to our own three flags. Sir G. Don calls the Treaty the tricolour treaty, which I think not inappropriate.

From Lord Dudley to Sir E. C.1

F. O.: November 5, 1827.

MY DEAR SIR EDWARD,—An Ionian messenger goes to-day,

1 After receiving the account of the encounter with the Turkish fleet off Patras on October 4.

1827

LORD DUDLEY'S LETTER ABOUT PATRAS.

341

and though it is not my business to communicate with you officially, yet I may be allowed to tell you as a friend how much I am gratified by the spirit and ability you have shown in the late transactions with the Turks.

If this affair is speedily and satisfactorily terminated, you will have contributed your full share to that result.

We are on the tiptoe of expectation for accounts of the effect produced at Constantinople by the communication from Ibrahim Pacha. Upon that depends the turn subsequent events are to take.

Believe me, ever most truly yours,

DUDLEY.

Lord Dudley was Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; there was no hesitation in expressing approval of the execution by force of a portion of the Treaty, when it had been successful without a battle. But the account of this bold act of personal and naval responsibility, maintained by cannon shot against so superior a force this first instålment of active hostility-was never published, either from ministerial fear, or from some anti-professional influence at the Admiralty. And so, the gallantry called forth in this almost unique episode, and the success resulting from the moral effect of that gallant bearing, have remained even to this time almost unknown to the English public. It is, however, such acts as these that awaken the warm sympathy of Englishmen, and the public acknowledgment of which forms the best incitement to their imitation.

It seemed as if those in England responsible for the Treaty, did not dare to show to the world that its execution against the will of Turkey involved actual hostility. This affair of Patras was a warning—a practical measure of war, sure to culminate in something more serious when the time might come for enforcing upon the Turkish and Egyptian forces a full compliance with the Treaty. Meanwhile, the warm cordiality of Lord Dudley became

checked, and this was the last expression of it. No more private letters were received from him, and the next communication from his Lordship was the official despatch containing the "Queries.'1

Given in detail in the larger edition of this memoir.

1827

DE RIGNY'S WARNING TO FRENCH OFFICERS.

343

CHAPTER XV.

THE following warning from Admiral De Rigny to the French officers in the Turkish fleet was supposed to have been given some time before, when if done it might have had a very advantageous effect.

From Admiral De Rigny to Messrs. Letellier, Bompard, et autres Officiers français à bord de la Flotte turque.'

Syrène le 15 octobre 1827.

MESSIEURS,-La situation dans laquelle vous voyez les flottes ottomanes blocquées dans le port de Navarin, la circonstance du manque de parole de S.A. Ibrahim Pacha, qui s'était engagé à une suspension d'armes provisoire, doit vous indiquer que désormais vous pouvez vous trouver en face de votre pavillon. Vous savez les chances que vous courez, et en vous sommant de quitter le service turc au moment où la flotte ottomane s'est placée dans une situation agressive dont elle doit courir les chances, je vous donne un avis que vous ne devez pas négliger si vous êtes restés Français.

J'ai l'honneur, etc.,

DE RIGNY.

From Sir E. C. to Captain Hamilton-H.M.S.' Cambrian.' Given on board the Asia,' off Navarin : October 16, 1827.

WHEREAS, I have received information that a part of the army of Ibrahim Pacha, in direct breach of the agreement which he made with Rear-Admiral De Rigny and myself on September 25 last, has advanced into the plain of Kalamata where it is ravaging the country, destroying the habitations, and burning the olive and other fruit trees; and that it is

likely to force the pass of Varga for the purpose of going to Maina-you are hereby directed to proceed in the ship you command towards Varga, put yourself in communication with the Greeks, and use your utmost endeavours not only to defend them against these barbarities, but to drive back the army of the Pacha within the lines of Navarin.

EDWARD CODRINGTON.

From the English, French, and Russian Admirals to His Highness Ibrahim Pacha.

Abord du vaisseau de S.M.B. 'Asia,' le 17 octobre 1827.

ALTESSE, Des informations très-positives, qui nous arrivent de toutes parts, nous annoncent que de nombreux détachemens de votre armée parcourent dans différens sens la partie occidentale de la Morée ; qu'ils dévastent, détruisent, brûlent, arrachent les arbres, les vignes, toutes les productions végétables; qu'ils se hâtent enfin de faire de cette contrée un véritable désert.

Nous apprenons de plus, qu'une expédition est préparée contre les districts de Maina, et que déjà des forces avancent dans cette direction.

Tous ces actes de violence extrême se passent sous les yeux pour ansi dire, et au mépris de l'armistice que Votre Altesse s'est engagée sous sa parole d'honneur d'observer fidèlement jusqu'au retour de ses courriers-armistice en faveur duquel la rentrée de sa flotte à Navarin lui fut accordée le 26 septembre dernier.

Les soussignés se voient dans la pénible obligation de vousdéclarer aujourd'hui qu'une pareille conduite de votre part, une violation aussi étrange de vos engagemens, vous placent, Monsieur, hors la loi des nations, et au dehors des Traités existans entre leurs Cours et la Porte ottomane.

Il y a plus; les soussignés considèrent les dévastations qui se commettent dans ce moment même par vos ordres, comme directement contraires aux intérêts de votre souverain, qui pourroit perdre, en raison de ces dévastations, les avantages réels que le Traité de Londres lui assure sur la Grèce.

Les soussignés demandent à Votre Altesse une réponse