er prominent men, before the good end that he and all true
Philhellenes and patriots sought could be gained. "I have received the
letter which your excellency has addressed to me," wrote the worthy
Miaoulis, on the 3rd of April, in answer to a letter declining to take
command of the fleet until the differences were settled; "and I
appreciate the objections which it contains. I wish with all my heart
that the reasons which prevent you may not exist beyond this evening,
and that a general union will induce you to place yourself at the head
of the Greek navy."

Before that, on the 28th of March, Lord Cochrane had received a formal
commission from the Government at Egina. "Knowing well," ran the
document, "the valour, wisdom, ability, and energy, and all the warlike
virtues which are joined in the estimable person of Lord Cochrane, and
by which he has been distinguished in all the various services with
which he has elsewhere been charged, the Governing Commission ordains,
first, that Lord Cochrane be appointed First Admiral of the Fleet and of
all the naval forces of Greece; secondly, that he rank above all other
naval officers, and enjoy all the honours, privileges, and rights that
appertain to his office; thirdly, that all the admirals, officers, and
seamen of Greece recognize him as their superior, and obey his orders in
all that concerns the service of the nation, and that all servants of
the State, whether civil or military, render him the honour and respect
that are his due; fourthly, that the General Secretary of the Government
execute this order in all respects so soon as his Excellency Lord
Cochrane shall have taken oath to perform the duties, in regard of which
he pledges himself to serve and to act." The document was signed by
Andreas Zaimes, as president, by Trikoupes, Demetrakopoulos, Blakos,
Zamados, Mavromichales, Anargiros, Monarchides, and Zotos, and by
Glarakes, the Secretary of State.

Lord Cochrane refused to accept the trust thus imposed upon him,
however, until the authorities at Egina had united with those at
Hermione and with the primates of the islands in forming one true
National Assembly. They still hesitated and objected, and he still had
to warn and to expostulate. At length, on the 3rd of April, being
convinced that milder language was useless, he wrote to the rival
leaders, informing them that, as his counsels appeared to be of no
avail, seeing that they were addressed to persons, who, profes