Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-01-05
GREECE.

GREECE.
The very interesting letter which we this day
publish, the situation, genius and prospects OF
the Greeks has reached US from a source which
iusties us in calling the attention of readers
TO II, authentic eTpose OF facts and circum-
stances whica have come under the immediate cog
nisance ofthe writer. We regret that the picture
it exhibits is Of so Swallowed and grave a cast.
We regret that the truths it presents will diminish
the expectations of the enthusiastic, and the hopes
9th rational friend OF freedom. Nat. Jo,Tn.
Eriraet cfa Letter dc.ed Gi5ral.ar, Oc 21h. 1925.
We returned to this place on the 9th inst from
cruise in the Archipelago, during winch we Wis
tied the Islands OF Paros, Anti-Paros, the Oliaros
of the ancients, NaXos, and Delos, SMYRNA in
Asia Minor, and Napoli dc Romania in the Morea
and the present seat OF Government of Republican
Greece.
At Napoli (Ancent Nanpia.) became per-
aonally acquainted with Conduriotii the Pre- .ident
Prince Mavrocordato, The Secretary of Stale sew
rrsl members OF the Executive Council and Senate
and several officers OF the army, from whom |
endeavored to inform myself of the true situation of
The affairs of Greece the result, lament mos,
truly is not as promising could wish, or had
expected
The Government is admins cred by an Execu-
tive, consisting of President one Chief, and Two
under Secretaries to each Department Of State, FL
nance, War, and Marine, an Executive Council of
each OF the four departments. Their only Legis.
lative Body is a Senate, the number of which or
the mode OF their election l could not ASCERTAIN
Condarlotti Is esteemed honest and amiable
man, Gas his countenance bespeaks devoted 10 the
cause OF his country but without talent information
or experience. as statesman, politician he
was formerly ship master and Merchant Of HYDRA
where he had acquired very large fortune in Com
Inerce, and wasselevaed to his present high station
lii consideration OF his riches, and his having ap-
Piled a large portion OF those riches, and many Of
mis- vessels, to the public service.
Prince Mavrocordato, from Constantnopte was
Tor long time President, is reputed to (and /
have 10 doubt) does, possess talents information
industry and patriotism, has distinguished himself
IN his defence of Missoonghi, and moves the whole
political machine. OF the other Heads of Depar,-
Inent, none were mentioned as being distinguished
men, could learn that there were any men of
superior talents in the Senate.
Among the leading or prominent men, there ex-
lists extreme jealousy OF each other all desire
10 rule none to obey and, it is said much of the
loan obtained in England, and Of the money con-
trihu'ed by friendly powers, is expended in the I'M
profitable contests OF party, faction. The Trea-
sury is consequently always empty.
Colocotroni, who is brave and able General.
devoted 10 bis country, and who has greatly disiin-
Spished himself, Is commander in chic. of the land
forces All are jealous of him, and have made va
Eous efforts to divest him OF command, and even
c.niine him at Hydra he left Napoli o.Iv two
days before Our arrival, were informed TO oin
the army bnt where The army was nobody could
inform me the general impression was, that he
had gone to Minorca, of which he is a native.
Prince DemetTi1s Ypsilanti was at Napoii withou,
employ he visited ship, and seemed n yery
common man in appearance, nor above mec.ocrity
tn talent.
inquired OF Mayrocordato about their army, its
numerical force, appointments, discipline Sc &c
To which he replied, the army was dsper.ed here
there, and every where, and nigh, safely have adj
ded no where, for tie truth IS they have no regular
army he added that every man was a solder
That every man carries arms of some description
FOR personal defence is thus far they are SOL |
diers, and farther being scattered too over an
extent OF extremely noun ainous country much of I
which is occupied by Vigilant active enemy great
difficulty is experieh ced, and time reqnised 10 col
lect them and when collected they emain or dis
perse at pleasure remaining embodied only a. !
ong they may be paid in advance which is usu
ally three months They just now raising 4 |
regiment OF Inf,ntfy. and Troop OF Cavalry. The
former to consIs of 200, the latter Of 100 men
70 complete this s;Gall number all labor was sus.
pended, and the shops ere closed NJ NspoIi Inv
proclamation Oi tie Government, that ab.olu,e
want shoii compel men 10 enlist. These CORPS
gre to be formed, trained, and disciplined, in he
French system, by French officers, of HON they
have several in their service, and who informed me
hat they experienced almost nsuperable difficulties
in introducing European tactics, which the Greeks
affect to despise and ridicue and as hey were
too republican 10 submit 10 coercion, they were
Obliged TO have recour-e to argument and example.
to induce them to conform to their Instructions
and could not therefore reasonably EXPECT much
perfection this comprises the whole of the REGULAR
army.
The Navy is composed Of vessels from the Mer-
chant service, belonging to and hired from ndiyid
lals, armed and manned by the Government, prin-
cipally light briggs and small Graf, in all about 80
sail; The Island, Of lIyJr, and Spezzia furnishing
nearly all The fire vessels are generally Gted
from captures. TO man the fee,, on which their
political existence depends, advance OF three
months pay must be made 10 each, before a man
will go o. oard; and the very day the advance
expire, tney demand their discharge, and unless
further advance is immediately made, the vessels
ict1rn TO their respective ports, however important
the service on which they may ut the time bc EN-
pioged, unless. indeed, there appeared prospect
= plumber and other indalgences TO Indemnify
,hem, such a. burning town and numbering the
uhabilans. Such cases, was told, had occur
I'D
Mavrocor1ato informed me that the executive
had determined to change the mode OF conducting
.he war by land. and not again 10 risk general