so precious in the present
circumstances of Greece. At present naval and military operations alike
are all suspended, while the enemy is preparing to put an end at once to
the question which engrosses your attention, and to the independence and
liberty of Greece!" That sensible advice was not taken, but the first
difficulties in the way of administrative reform were overcome.

On the 7th of April, the National Assembly met at Damala, on the coast
opposite to Poros, and half way between Hermione and Egina--the
meeting-place, for want of a building large enough, to hold the two
hundred members, being a lemon-grove, watered by the classic fountain of
Hippocrene. Its first business, attended by turmoil which threatened to
bring the whole proceeding to a violent close, was the election of Count
Capodistrias as President, for seven years, of the Greek nation.
Capodistrias was the favourite of the Moreot party, but disliked by the
Phanariots, and hated by the island primates. The two latter would have
prevented the election, but for the support given to it by Lord
Cochrane, who on this account has been frequently and seriously
blamed.[2] There can be no doubt, however, that, whatever may have been
the subsequent shortcomings of Capodistrias, he was greatly superior to
any of the other and native candidates for the office. None of these
candidates had given any proof of statesmanlike powers or disinterested
regard for the welfare of Greece. Lord Cochrane judged, with good
reason, that that welfare could only be promoted by placing at the head
of affairs a man who had hitherto had no share in party strife, who had
proved himself to be possessed of great abilities and of generous love
for the nation of which, as a native of Corfu, he was in some sort a
citizen. Unfortunately, though for this Lord Cochrane was in no way
responsible, the management of affairs during the time that must elapse
before Capodistrias, if he accepted the office tendered to him, could
enter upon it, was entrusted to a Vice-governing Commission composed of
three inefficient men, Georgios Mavromichales, Milaites of Psara, and
Nakos of Livadia.

[2] See especially Trikoupes, vol. iv., p. 126, and Gordon, vol. ii., p.
364. Mr. Finlay approves of the choice, but, not caring to say anything
in favour of Lord Cochrane, makes no mention of his share in the work.
Vol. ii., p. 139.

The most important business done by the Troezene Assembly was the
install