The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-02-18 00:00:00

SCENES IN THE MOREA.

An interesting little work under the above name, or " a
Sketch of the Life of Demetrius Argyri," has just been
published, and contains some interesting details. Turkish
:despotism and rapacity, under which Greece has so long
suffered, are pictured with striking truth and fidelity.
Every thing relating to this classic land, and the struggles
of its gallant ptople fbr freedom, is full of interest; and
some animating details of the first efforts of the Greeks,
and their results, are given in this little work. The local
descriptions come from 'one evidently well acquainted with
the Mores and its people. The following description of one
of the first successful attempts made by the suffering Greeks
to burst their fetters, and the effbrt of the Turkish Pacha
to suppress the insurrection, is drawn with great truth and
spirit:—
The Greeks continued to improve, both in numbers and disci-
pline, and having hoisted the national standard, the Turks began
to view the revolt in a sezious light, and to consider the war as na-
tional on the part of their opponents. This view had placed those
(heck. who had not jfaned the standard of revolt in a most
trying and dangerous sitqation. Ever ready to perpetrate acts of
the most savageatrocity lawn the Christians, the Turks, in many
towns and villages, had then upon the peaceable and unoffencling
inhabitants, and massacred them in cold blood. The news of such
cruelty spread with the rapidity of lightning, and created the most
fearful alarm in the minds of the Greeks, Who' apprehending sinii-
lar atrocities were to be committed throughout Greece, had in some
instances retaliated by simultaneous attacks upon the Turks, and
exterminated a considerable number of them. Finding that the
once suppliant Greeks bad gained courage, that they were no
longer to be intimidated, and that they retaliated again and again
upon their barbarous oppressors, the Pacha of the Mora deter-
mined to take the field, and prosecute the war with vigour.
The Paella was SD instance of one of those singular and rapid
elevations which sometimes occur under the Turkish Government.
From a humble station, he had, by dint of intrigue, courage, and
wealth, 'raised himself to the important post of Governor of the
Moms. The Patera.' of a powerl competitor divided the Cloo-
nan Divan, when Mins, who had acquired great wealth in an
'Asiatic province, employed this certain means of success, and tri-
umpheel over his less wealthy opponent. Under the Government
of the Sultan, all the great offices are sold to the highest bidder;
and when Selina consented to purchase hiseprovince at an exorbi-
tant price, he, at the same time determined to reimburse himself,
with interest, from the unfortunate people whom he was proceed-
ing to govern, and who ought to have become the objects of hit
protection. But the legitimate objects of civil government never
enter the mind or guide the actions of a Turkish Pacha ; his sole
object is to get wealth ; and, in the present case, where an extraor-
dinary large sum had been paid for the province, the only means of
recovery kit, was to increase the taxes of the already ovezburthened
population, 'to impose heavy avaniahs, and to use all those other
means of grinding extortion, which are the resort of hluraulman
despots under similar circumstances. Such was the system of go-
vernmeut, or rather of robbery, and such were the sufferings of the
people, when, reduced to beggary,--nay, almost to starvation,—the
spirit of resistance arose within them, and with a courage bordering
on desperation, they raised the standard of liberty ; the result re-
mains to be proved ;--that it may be successful, is the prayer of the
wise, of the just, and of the humane, in every part of the civilized
world.
Selim had managed to keep the Divan in ignorance of the real
state of his province which he bad endangered by his extortions.
He was perfectly aware that should the rebellion of the Greeks be-
come known to the Sultan, he would be recalled immediately and
probably expiate his offences by the loss of his head. To preserve
himself from disgrace. and restore the prosince tetranquillity, be
now determined to offer that opposition to the insurgents, which
had he done at the beginning of the contest, would, perhaps, hare
crushed their hopes; but which, now, would prove unavailing
aid useless. Hitherto the Pacha had not employed a large army
for the reduction of my countrymen, a circumstance which had
grftily favoured their cause; but now, when he was going to place
himself at the head of the whole of his forme it became the duty
of every one who panted for freedom, to join their ranks and oppose
a powerful hoot to the enemy.
After the lapse of some weeks, the first news which reached us
was an account of the.advaece of the Fiche's army. When Selim
declared that he valid prosecute the war with vigour, his meaning
was well undetsbed by the Greeks, and as he advanced, he found
the towns and villages, which lay in his route. nearly deserted. In
a Turkish army there is little order or discipline, and when on its
march, the troops commit every species of rapine and cruelty.
Finding their prey had escaped, that the Greeks had conveyed into
safety every tbmg which they possessed, either useful or valuable,
the diwappuinted Moslems became infuriate, and satiated their ven-
geance upon die helpless population which remained. Neither age
nor sex was spared, and the streets streamed with the blond of the
oLI and the infirm ; of the women, the children, even to the very
lefants; and so determined were these demons upon extermination,
that in some places not one individual escaped their barbarity to
left the horrid tale. Thus the army of the Fuchs prowled on, like
the hordes of wild beasts, its course marked by desolation and
terror.
A subsequent description of the first contest of the
Greeks with their repressors, and their success, is written
with great power and animation ; there is no mind of soy
feeling that weltaskparlielpide warmly in the struggles of
that gallant people for Hterty, and acknowledge the almost
unparalleled exertions they have made for fret:dom.
The Meiniotes received me with the most extatic enthu-
siaen ; they net the air with acclamations, danced around me,
and discharged their rides over my head, by way of a salute of ho-
nour. Lacedemoniare by birth, they possess all the martial ardour,
spirit, and bravery of their ancestors. Trained from their child-
hood to the use of arms, the Mainiote never appears without his
rifle, and such is his dexterity and precision in its use, that he
rarely misses the object at which he aims. As soldiers, they were
in the same state as the rest of the Greeks, wholly undisciplined,
and fit only for the defence of a rugged and mountainous country,
like that which they inhabit. But rugged and barren as are the dis-
tricts of Mains, yet here it is that liberty has always preserve! her
standard unfurled as a rallying point for the rest of the Greek na-
tioni; here it is that the Greek, feeling his independence, boldly
meets the eie of his fellow-men; here the Moslem feats to approach,
and never pollutes the hallowed soil, by his preeence with impunity.
Their expertness in mottetain warfare is astonishing ; they almost
fly from crag to crag, and from precipice to prcciplece, over yawn-
ing depths that would appal the stoutest hearts unaccustomed to
such dangerous adventures. which gives them such decided advan-
tages over their more timid enemy as to establish the fullest confi-
dence in their own security. I felt regret that these brave, hardy,
and active people, who possessed every quality requisite to form
good soldiers, had zee been trained by modem discipline to be
more effective in the field, when removed from the moureainous
regions where, alone, their method of warfare can be efficacious,
lute.' determined to try whether they would submit to receive in-
struction. I apprehended this would be a difficult task, knowing
.how warmly they are attached to their ancient customs, and how
unwilling to alter an iota of any of their established practices.
Early one morning, and shortly after this scene, the videts came
in from several quarters, to announce that the Turks were in sight,
aid appeared to be of considerable force. This intelligence made
:L rCeart bound with delight at the approaching opportunity of
ing the natural enemies of Greece, and the war_song, and
every other species of martial excitement, occupied the entire po-
pulation of Mains. The old sad the young, the women and the
boys, all appeared armed, and ready to defend with their lives the
freedom of their native land. My bosons glowed with patriotic ar-
dent at this interesting sight. I telt conscious that I had benefited
my countrymen—and my only remaining wish was to be permitted
to lead some of them against the enemy. The news of the ap-
proach of the Turks was spread with rapidity, and the hey called
a Council of Chiefs to deliberate on the plan of a defence, at which
I was invited to attend. We afterwards reconnoitred the ground.
when I proposed several means of annoyance, to render the passage
of the road more difficult, and was not only gratified by finding my
plans adopted, but in receiving an appointment to carry them into
execution. Warmly seconded, and readily obeyed, we soon raised
several barriers across the road ; these would obstruct the march of
the enemy, expose him to the destructive lire of our anew, while
endeavouring to pass them, and render his retreat extremely diffi-
cult, if not altogether impracticable. • Higher up the road we col-
lected a large quantity of huge stones, which, should the Turks
succeed in passing the barriers, might be rolled down upon them
with tremendous effect, with such other means of defence as pre-
sented themselves as available at the time.—My friend, Captain
had invented a species of missile, in its nature resembling
the ancient Greek fire, which he had instructed me how to make. I
thought this might prove useful to us ; but the wart of some en-
gine by which it might be thrown to a distance, and in a given di-
rection, appeared at first an insurmountable obstacle. On men-
tioning my wishes to 31avromouni and some of my comrades, they
offered to construct such an engine as I reauired, from a very hard
species of wood, and to bind it round with iron. which I readily
agreeu to, for though such an engine would be of little durability,
still it would enab,e me to threw my new terrors for a short tiara,
and strike the enemy with dismay. I immediately gave orders for
their construction, and night saw me furnished with four of this
new description of artillery, so strongly and closely hooped round
with iron, that they appr-sired to be made of that metal alone. I
then posted them in such a position as commanded a great extent
of the road, after which I felt myself quite prepared for the attack.
I had ordered the entrance to the road to be cleared from all ob-
stacles, in order that the Turks might be deceived as to its state,
and, if possible, be induced to enter it on horseback, knowing that
their horses would add greatly to their confusion when they be-
came ealberreseed in attempting to pass the barriers.
The Pacha had intrusted this expedition against Mains to Ismael
Bey, a man of undaunted coutage and most consummate treachery,
whole savage disposition was so universally known, that his name
carried dismay along with it, and contribute d, by its terror, to his
general RUCC?ars Knowing die impetuous character of this d' and
headstrong spoiled child of fortune, I hoped that by persevering
coolness in all my movements, I should get hint Into a snare that
would ensuee his defeat. By dawn, on the following morning, we
saw the Turks halt in front of the road; a reconnoitring party en-
teed it. and soon after returned to the main body. The advance,
under Osman Aga, now entered ; they were soon followed by the
rest of the army under filmed? the greater part being mounted as
we had desired. As no opposition was made to their entrance of the
reed, and not a Mainiote appeared to watch their movements, the
Turks were deceived, and imagined that no resistance would be
offered to their progress, a circumstance they attributed to the
strength of their numbers, and the dismay of the Mairtiotes. Un.
der these impreetions they gained courage, and marched with all
the careless .ssrurance of those who hold victory certain on their
aide. During their prayers, I frequently distinguished the tall
majestic figure of 'mend, mounted on a feetutiful white charger,
richly caparisoned ; I:is lonj;l,l.‘,A; beard reaching to his breast, and

his dimmed-hilted handier and atagan ittering in the sunbeams.
On reaching the lint barrier, the a of the Turks be-
came mated: but finding the road beyond it, and no enemy
in sight, they soon threw down the stones of which it was composed,
and leaving them strewed carelessly across the mad, continued to
advance. As soon as their rear had passed, the men under ills.
vrotnouni began a well-directed fire upon it, without showing them-
selves to the enemy. The Turks fell in considerable numbers,
and Ismeel, when be found himself entrapped into an ambuscade,
commanded the troops to increase their speed, in order to reach the
village at the top of the road ; but in this marueuvry he was doom-
ed to be disappointed, for the second barrier, which was both
stronger and higher than the first, now stopped his progress. He
commanded a portion of the troops to destroy the barrier, and the
remainder to fire in the direction of his assailants; but they fired
in vain, while his men continued to fall around him in every direc.
tion. Enraged at this unexpected assault, he placed himself at the
head of his delis. and attempted to ascend to the ambuscade ; but •
tremendous volley front the3lainiote rifles dealt such havoc through
his ranks, that he was obliged to relinquish the attempt. He Dow
directed all his efforts towards the destruction of the barrier, which,
after much labour, gave way, and opened him a clear passage. The
road was extremely rough, and he was just about to enter a long
steep ascett, when I gave the signal to Mavromeuni to increase the
briskness of his fire, and at the same time began to roll some of the
huge stones, which had been collected for the purpose, down the
road. /The noise which they made in their progress was frightful ;
the havoc tremendous; men and horses gave way before them,
and lay crushed by their ponderous weight. The whole Turkish
army was thrown into confusion; the horses became unmanago.
able, which increased its consternation and its difficulties, and it
was ;lain that the hopes of Ismael were nearly annihilated. But his
spirit was too daring to yield, and animating his remaining force,
he dismounted, commanded his troops to follow his example, and
rushed forward with the impetuosity of a madman. I now threw
some of my rockets among them ; the fire greedily seized the tur-
bans and flowing robes of the Turks, and enveloped great num-
bent of them in flames. The astonishment and terror created by this !
new • of destruct ion, were general; murmuring and dismay tar. I
• the whole remaining force; the men refused to advance, and de.
I mended of Ismael to be allowed to retreat. Alavromouni still kept
up a brisk fire on their rear, not withstanding all the efforts of Osman
Aga, who had made several bold, but unsuccessful, attempts to dis.
lo Ige him from his position. Ismael upbraided his troops with cow.
ardice ; showed the danger of a retreat under the galling fire of
Mavrnmouni, and commanded them to follow him to victory and
reward. I saw the determined resolution of Ismael and his forlorn
hope, and prepated to frustrate his last desperate attempt by load-
ing my guns with the missile fire that remained, anti throwing a
a part of my men across the road. The Turks, fatigued and dis-
heartened, gave way under our fire, and with the exception of
about twenty delis, who followed Ismael till they gained my pod-
don, made a precipitate retreat. His rage at being thus deleted,
became ungovernable ; and observing me to be the commander, he
rushed furiously at me, dealing a heavy blow with his sabre, which
I returned, slightly wounding his cheek. He then endeavoured to
grapple my left arm ; but I eluded his rasp, and struck • despe-
rate blow at his head ; this, however, did him little injury. After
combating for some time longer, with varied success, he hastily
snatched a pistol from his sash—fired, but missed me. Angry at
his failure, he threw the pistol with great violence against my
breast,. reeling with the r..,:ertion which he used, and before he
could recover his equilibrium, I darted forward, and thrust my
sabre through his body, delighted to be the cause of ridding my
country of a cruel, treacherous, and blood-thirsty villain.
Thus ended the Pacha's expedition against Mains, an expedi-
tion which covered his troops with defeat and disgrace, while it
gave to the Mainiotes additional confidence, courage, and security.
The valuable arms of Ismael I appropriated to myself, as trophies
of victory ; and those of (human, who fell late in the contest, were
claimed by Idavromouni. Loud and enthusiastic were the acclama-
tions which met our ears on every side, from the assembled popu-
lation ; and the Bey and Chieftains testified their entire approba.
lion of our conduct through the eventful day.

LA H' INTELLIGENCE.

COURT OF KING'S BeNCII, TCESDAY, Fes. 17.

BYRNE T. PARKINS.

This wax an action for defamation of character.
Mr. C. PHILLIPS. for the plaintiff, said he had a proposal to
make to the Learned Counsel on the other side, which was, that if
the defendant paid the costs of the action, and acknowledged in
open Court he had accused his client wrongfully, there would be an
end to a subject of the most unpleasant nature.
The defendant's Counsel having consulted with their client for a
few rninutes_— _ . .

......
The Ex-Sheriff rose. and raid he considered it prudent to accede
to the proposal suggested ; at the same time he intimated his inten.
don of moving for a new trial in the action of the preceding day.
His Lordship observed that was another business.
The Jury then returned a verdict for the plaintiff.—.damages, 40a.

some there also t believes they_hati
nionthins with Mr. Gibbs t Mr. Hawkins
sad bad them. Mr. Hawkins invested r
the transaction with the Marquis of
any complaints respecting them.
By Mr. Sergeant Caoss—Wm never
between Howard and teibbs. and Mr.
went the circuit.

I Edward Kemp was sworn, and examined
ness examined the judgments entered
11Lusdlord in the years 11111, 1812, 1813
!copies. The whole amount was above i
1 judgments for 218.0001.
tin .dward
1814, bukt itici was 1817 r n
in .11th•
the
Howard and Gibbs in 1817, when they
Mr. James llenay Mann sworn—W
two annuity deeds executed by the M
were banded to him, and he proved his t
The deeds were read by the officer;
for 1501., being both at the rate of 12k
Mr. Sergeant BOSANQUET said this ,
In answer to a question from the Loan .
was stated that in every count of the declaration
owing to the negligence of the defendants the e-
lThe LORD CHIEF JI, ST ICE observed, e
. action was to show, by satisfactory proof, I
not forthcoming.
Mr. EVANS.--It was to that objection h
self. The question was, whether the defeat
vigilance in the transaction ? or whether ti
tire money to pay themselves, the Noble . .
their debt? He contended it was a groat fraud.
The Loan CHIEF JUSTICZ repeated, that the easy gift of
action was, the failure of the annuity; and whet evidence t
there, his Lordship continued, that the annuity was not '
to the very hour 1 There was not a tittle of proof to shots 1
annuities were not forthcoming. If the Counsel pressed t
case must go to the Jury; but his Lordship had so I g
opinion on it, that he thought the plaintiff must be calls& i
tE
He was called acconlingly—Nonsuit.
411° .
COURT OF OF EXCHEQUER, TUZIDAY, Frs. Is.

THE ZING T. JOHN HOLDEN. I
Mr. Wanwox opened the pleadings. •
The SOL IC.I T 0 R.(IENEIIA I. Said this WAS an i11f0HT1160114464;14
the defendant, a brick-manufacturer at novo°, in Lan
sending out, at va►ious times, Nicks which had net paid tits
thereby subjecting him to a penalty of 301. for odd) also;
nut keeping the duty-paid bricks from those not duty paid, ;
which offence another penalty of M. is imposed ; and far not tn.
ing proper entries of the bricks he made, fur which a *nd.r al
became lbrfeited.

The defendant submitted to a veriliet for the Crowr„
THE NINE V. riEDEMICIC BEATHIVAITE. i
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL said this IWO an infurmarn •
the defendant, a brewer, in Marrwtrea, Hampstead, f ha rg
certain unlawful liquid in his possession, by which he keno( 31.,
ble to the penalties of 20111. each. .
The Jury returned a verdief of 401. for the Crown.
.11fIDDLESEI SESWONS, 4l
TUESDAY., FAR. 17.
lobo Williams stood itui=l3y the West India Deck Ono.
party, for assaulting John Morgan, an officer of police.
Mr. LAW TM for the proseention, and Mr. ALLEr and Mr.
Anoceirus fur the defence.

It appeared by the evidence for the prosecution, that eke defend-
ant was going through a part of the docks on the.24tle of December
with a parcel, and un being interrogated by the preemies officer
ab• Jut the parcel he carried, refused to answer, and on the officer
touching it he received a blow from the mistime, which hurt hint
severely.
The CHAIRMAN summed up the evidence, and the Jury abetted
their sense of the officer's conduct by acquitting the primader.
Robert Qttoy, James Collins, and James Ashton. were pot to dre
bar, on an indictment, charging them with having asistuked sad
falsely imprisoned Thomas Claridge.
The prosecutor, it appeared, was charged by the defeedatts
having stolen a bottle of wine during a tire at (htz-sireet, I.
coin's Inn, and for this they took him into custody.
The Jury found Ashton and Collins Guilty. Quay hAti
The COUNT admonished the prisoners, and sentenced Askew*
pay a fine of 61., and Collins Ile. lid. The former is lace the
liberty of speaking to the prosecutor.

POLICE.
HATTZRZIEDEN. •
„„c
DESPERATE RIOT.-Yesterday Patrick JP , Mn
APDerneol, Stephen Finnerty, John Flumegen, Men Couto',
Jaws Dawson, Jaws Gawky, Damiiiii,k Flanagan, mines Mu,.
pill. and Michael S'emitell, were brought up in the ct yid all
the constables and watchmen of the neighbouring parist clasp!
with being concerned, on ltforrlay eight, in a &swat riot at the
flare and Hounds public-house. St. John's.-street, and v4tb dread.
fully wounding and beating different watchmen and toratables;
but a very few of whom were able to attend at' the oilk . MAY cf
them being taken so iltifetent hospital; ._...,... -
Ilt appestat in evidente, that nearly a hundred of the Usk of
the neighbourhood assembled en 3londay night at the
tinned public-house fur some club-meeting; and, at de 'edit
the landlord requested them to retire, which they most ilviselyin
fused, and insisted on having mot: liquor. Finding ettiusralatila
unavailing,he called in the watchman to clear the house, at has
immediately struck senseless, and on the arrival of Me Mewl
constables, they were successively struck down with sticks. pas,
&c. and trampled upon.
Among the wounded who were able to attend was Illness&
a powerful and active constable of ClerktnwelL He was suppasel
' into the office to give his evidence, his head being in I Rightist
state of contusion, and hie clothes all covered with bloc& Oast
attended in nearly the same conditirn.
.. . .. . . . ..

A from time to time
tins applied for hit
sd other monies besides
Inuitlford, but serer
MIT lllTelellt at Ny.
dr. Hawkhis. Mr.
'mine; bar, Mr.
i Elias*
red the AI: sr
813, 1 .11, and 1818,
re 500,0001.; he had
to annuity : it was cot ht
had a communicatioe
ry paid him a bill.
-1i as subscribing wi to
Marquis of Illandford;
s signature. /
; one was for 3761., the
li per cent.
its was his case.
Loan CHIEF Jrsrrc 11
declaration it was alle hot
(ants the annuity was los
erred, that the very gistthe
roof, that the annuitiesme
t
Mon he meant to apply
r defendants had used
tether they had not bo
Noble 31arquis being Is