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DESTRUCTION OF THE TURKISH FLEET.

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is, that ten days ago six Greek fire-ships, hav→ ing been sent into the Bay of Modon, where the Turkish fleet then lay, twenty-seven of them were consumed, of which four were frigates, and eight corvettes. This is great if true: but alas! "c'est trop bon, pour être vrai."

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Monday, 23d May.-Arrived off Hydra. It is delightful to find that the news relative to the destruction of the Turkish fleet (with which were four Austrian merchantmen that had been used as transports) is quite correct. Besides this, Modon, a Turkish possession, has been reduced and burnt. A boat came along side of us just now containing several Greeks; amongst them is a nephew of the Admiral Miaoulis, and Tombasis, a member of the senate, and brother of him who formerly commanded the Greek fleet. They are both fine looking men, but the countenance of the latter is extremely prepossessing. There was likewise a Mr. Masson, (a Scotch gentleman) who has been residing at Hydra several months, and who speaks enthusiastically of the amiable and intellectual qualities of the principal people.

364 ENDEAVOurs of mr. MASSON TO ASSist the greeks. Colocotroni is still here, but has almost made his peace, and is laying down plans for the ensuing campaign. Mr. Masson thinks he is not so bad as report represents him. This may be, or not; but the Greeks should be careful of entrusting him again with too much power;— he is certainly a dangerous man. Ambition

and avarice cannot co-exist with patriotismscarcely with probity.

Mr. Masson, it appears, has fixed himself at Hydra for the purpose of establishing a college there, and of presiding over the establishment. He instructs several young Greeks in English, and seems to be greatly respected by the primates, who listen to him (he says) with much deference. This accounts for his admiration and praise but still, as I understand that he does not possess any further means of assisting them than by his own individual efforts, the fact speaks favourably for both parties. They are endeavouring to scrape together a library.

I lost an opportunity of landing at Hydra this morning, and we sail for Napoli di Romania to-morrow. But our return in a few days is pretty certain; and we shall be here

GREEK VESSELS BUILDING IN AMERICA."

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frequently so that many occasions of investigating this place and people are likely to arise. There are two Englishmen at present there, beside the Scotchman above mentioned; their names I forget.

Our old friends the "pirates," departed with Tombasis. They are to be placed on board a Greek vessel of war; and will thus have the means of effacing the dishonourable stain attached to their late proceedings. Amongst other circumstances of moment, we have learnt to-day, that the Greeks expect, in less than a couple of months, two large frigates, built in America, and equipped with every requisite. These vessels have been provided at the expence of certain Englishmen ; and it must be confessed, that the measures they are now adopting, are much more likely to be of service than any, or than all their previous undertakings. Vessels of magnitude, sufficient to cope with the larger ships of the enemy, and to enable them to strike a sure and effective blow ;-to take advantage of opportunity, and, by some resolute and well-concerted plan, to seize and employ the finely-modelled ships of

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GREEK VESSELS BUILDING IN AMERICA.

the line, which the Turks so uselessly construct, are objects of the deepest and most vital importance. And all this may be effected by the frigates about to be delivered to them. Men and officers are already prepared; and they only wait their arrival to begin with loftier pretensions, and more assured success.

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