ng 32-pounder, which, in my opinion,
is very inferior in every point of view to a 68, but indisputably so for
cannonading a fort only to be reduced by shells. For this reason I
changed her 32-pounder long gun for a 68-pounder cannonade. On the 22nd
I bombarded Vasiladhi alone (the gunboat having been detached), with
little effect, the weather being unfavourable; nor could I recommence
until to-day, when, considering the distance we were off (about one and
three-quarter mile), and the diminutive size of the object fired at,
better practice has rarely been displayed: four shells out of seven from
this ship and gunboat exploded in, and one blew up, their magazine. I
immediately ordered an assault, in which all the boats took part. The
Turks, intimidated by the explosion, and by our attitude of attack,
called for quarter, which I granted them, although they had previously
forfeited their lives by firing on a flag of truce I sent to them with
terms of capitulation. I embarked the prisoners on board this ship, and
from thence conveyed them in safety to near Missolonghi. They were
thirty in number; and one Greek badly wounded I have retained on board
to be treated by our surgeon. The original number was from forty to
fifty, the deficit having been killed off by our previous cannonading
and by the explosion. I am happy, my lord, to testify to the exemplary
conduct of the Greeks during the whole of this service; they have borne
the fatigues and privations of a winter's blockade in open boats with
extraordinary patience, and the forbearance they displayed towards the
Turks rendered any interference of mine in their favour superfluous. Of
my officers, Lieutenant Falanga and Captain Hane, M.A., I have only to
repeat the often-told tale of their meritorious conduct. To M.
Fabricius, commanding the gunboat _Helvetia_, I feel much indebted for
his zeal and activity, and I am happy to have so deserving an officer
under my orders. The fort of Vasiladhi mounts twelve guns, three of
which are of that remarkably useful piece of ordnance, the Turkish
licorne. I have offered to deliver the Fort of Vasiladhi to General
Church upon his remunerating for their services those employed in taking
it.

I have the honour to be, &c.,

F. A. HASTINGS.

List of small vessels employed in taking Vasiladhi.

A mistico, Galaxidhiote, Captain Urgaki; the same sent with me into
the Gulf of Lepan