are wanted, and yet nobody
comes to buy the prize provisions. As every Greek is by nature a thief,
things disappear daily; and if they remain much longer, nothing will be
forthcoming. Already my Greeks have petitioned me about the prizes; and
everybody acquainted with Greek sailors must be aware they will not go
to sea again until they have been paid their prize-money. Till now there
never was no example of a ship quitting her prize until sold and the
proceeds distributed. I am sorry to be obliged to remind your lordship
again that on my arrival here I paid my crew one month's wages, due the
16th of last month, and in ten days more another month's wages are due,
and pay I must, for, as I have frequently remarked to your lordship, no
arrears can exist in this country. The wages also is not the only
expense. I was obliged to purchase about one hundred tons of firewood at
Scopulo. Fresh meat in harbour runs away with great sums; and when the
engine works, it consumes about half a dollar a day of oil. Besides all
this, I have been obliged to hire three carpenters for ten days to
repair damages done in late expedition. I had a fluke shot off a bower
anchor at Tricheri, and ought to have another one. I must get a new
main-sail made here. It is disagreeable to me to torment your lordship
with all these statements, but you must be aware that a vessel like this
cannot be sailed without great expense. There are here a number of
seamen from the brig who want to enter with me. I have as yet refused to
receive them; but, if you thought proper to give me an order, I should
then be justified in so doing.

I have the honour to be, &c.,

F. A. HASTINGS.

XI.

_Karteria_, Spetzas, May 30th, 1827.

MY LORD,

Having lost my two masts in a squall off Cape Malea, and having business
at Poros requiring my presence, I have thought it the most expeditious
way to go myself to purchase other masts at Hydra, and settle my affairs
at Poros. I therefore do myself the honour to transmit to your lordship
a report of my proceedings after you left me near Stamphane. At sunset I
lighted the fires, and, as soon as steam was up, steered for the passage
between Zante and the Morea. The wind freshening much in a contrary
direction, I found myself about ten miles to the southward of Zante in
the morning. About three A.M. we perceived a large vessel standing
towards us fro