would be attacked, if the enemy persisted in his resolution of proceeding to Epacto: as in that case he could not leave behind him such a large body of troops, which, if not driven off the field, might intercept his convoys and molest him in a thousand ways.

That all attempts of the enemy might be the more readily frustrated, a solemn bond was formed between the capitani of the two camps; and promises of mutual assistance in case of attack. Certain signals were fixed upon to announce the approach of the Turks; and, on their appearance, those, who should perceive the fires were, without delay, to march to support the others.

In the morning, three fires were perceived on the hill of Aetos. The capitani assembled immediately at the convent to deliberate which of them should put himself in march, and by whom our camp should be kept. Every one endeavoured to prove, more clamorously than his neighbour, that it was not fit, that he should go in preference to another. Mavrocordato, perceiving that the time was precious and not to be wasted in interminable disputes, rose, and said: Gentlemen, as for me I shall go, and let whoever loves his country follow me."

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In an instant, the whole army was in motion; and even those, who, a moment before, had been loudest in demanding to remain behind, were now among the foremost. In the same manner as at first no one would march; now, no one would remain. The camp was thus completely deserted. Hardly had we advanced half a league towards the plain of Babini, when Macri, who most unwillingly led the vanguard, ordered a halt. He assured every one, that he perceived the enemy's banners on the hill of Machalà; and that they were evidently advancing towards us. His men confirmed their general's opinion, and

although with the aid of a good telescope I could not distinguish any thing but brushwood, the words, "the Turks are coming," circulated from mouth to mouth, and the alarm spread itself like lightning throughout the ranks. "Let us go back;" "let us hasten to our tambouri," was the general voice. The prince spurred his horse, and flying back as if a squadron of Turkish cavalry had been at his heels, set the bad example. Panic-struck, the soldiers ran with the same pêle-mêle confusion, as if routed. Fortunately for Zonga, the Albanians were as little inclined to fight as the Greeks. Many of them were even his former friends: so, after remaining a few hours at the wells, that are at the foot of the hill of Aetos, they withdrew without even firing a gun; and advanced in search of booty towards Papadades, where they spent the night. The next morning, they proceeded to Babini, where they burnt the houses, and then returned to the general camp, by way of Larpi.

Had they been more inclined to fight, and had they only contented themselves with making intrenchments around and blockaded Zonga for five days, want of water would have compelled him either to surrender, or to force his way across their camp. Our troops were too demoralisés, ever to have mustered resolution enough to go to his assistance. Thus, the stupidity and singular apathy of the enemy, and a want of knowledge in respect to our weakness, proved our only safeguard. For, had they displayed the slightest judgment, merely by cutting off our communications with Mesolonghi and Anatolico, from which towns we received our daily supplies, they would have compelled us to abandon our position. After the taking of Tripolitza, the Greeks, to the number of 7000, undertook the siege of Patras. They had gained possession of the town, where they in

trenched themselves, and established a battery, from which they began firing on the fortress. Youssouf Pasha, who was then at the castle of Morea, actuated by the most fanatical courage, and the contempt of the Giaours, placed himself at the head of 150 Delhis, determined to die for the faith, or drive away the besiegers. Arrived close to the town, he ordered the men to fire their muskets, in order to apprize the garrison of the fortress of their arrival; and without further delay, charged on the Greeks, who, panicstruck, fled without even offering the slightest resistance. Mavrocordato and Caradja, who had just arrived in Greece, lost every object they had brought with them. They owed their lives only to the swiftness of their horses. The Turks, after conveying to the fortress the booty they found on this occasion, reduced the town to ashes.

Mercenary feelings only actuated the Albanians; and fanaticism, which proves a never-failing stimulus to the true Osmanli's courage, has no effect whatever on them. Interest made them change their religion; and to gain money is the only article of their creed, and their guide in war. Far from wishing the extermination of the enemy, the Albanian apprehends nothing more than his destruction; because his services being then no longer required, he is compelled to return to the barren mountains, and being deprived of a most lucrative occupation, he thinks the destroying of the Greeks as irrational an act, as setting fire to his own harvest.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Peasants surprised by the Turks-Inhuman conduct of Macri— Jani Souka and his mistress.

THE only undertaking of any note, which took place during the whole of this pretended campaign, was an incursion towards Vrachori. Encouraged by the boasting assurances of the capitani, some of the poorer inhabitants of this once flourishing town were employed in reaping the Indian corn, which forms their chief nourishment. The enemy, they were told, was so closely surrounded on every side, and so attentively watched, that he could not make the slightest movement without being instantly perceived; that, far from thinking of advancing, he was rather meditating how to retreat without danger-they might, therefore, continue their agricultural occupations in perfect security.

But to their surprise and horror, they, one morning at daybreak, found themselves surrounded by a large body of Turkish cavalry. All the men were put to the sword; the women and children led into captivity! We saw from our camp large droves of oxen and sheep, escorted by horsemen, proceeding in the direction of Caravansera. At this sight our palicharis, after vociferating a long litany of injurious epithets and ridiculous menaces against the enemy, contented themselves with discharging their guns and pistols in the air. No one offered to descend into the plain to rescue the booty out of their hands.

Many smaller villages were plundered also by the

enemy: and in that of Calyvia, Achmet Pasha, nephew of Omer Pasha, surprised in the bed, which she occupied only for the third time, the lovely bride of a Greek Papà, who came shortly after to Ligovitzi, and endeavoured to excite the Greeks to fly to her rescue. His exhortations, however, were vain.

Towards the beginning of September, I was called to the assistance of two Anatolikiots, whom I found lying in an almost lifeless state; occasioned by a most inhuman bastinado, they had received from Macri and his men. The particulars of this fact will enable the reader to form some opinion as to the manner of administering justice in Greece. The establishment of juries was not even dreamed of. During a quarrel, which had arisen at Anatolico between some of the inhabitants and the lawless soldiers of Macri, some of the latter were wounded. As soon as this was reported to the capitano, he ordered his men to get under arms, and to accompany him to Anatolico. In vain did Mavrocordato, and the other chiefs, endeavour to soothe his anger, by representing to him, that the local authorities of Anatolico should be enjoined instantly to investigate the affair, and punish the delinquents with due severity; or to suspend his resolution, by pointing out the danger, to which he exposed the whole camp, by abandoning his position so suddenly when we expected daily to be attacked.

After a thousand difficulties, he consented to remain, on the promise that the Anatolikiots, who had wounded his men, should forthwith be brought to the camp, and tried before an assembly of capitani. The next morning an outpost, which he had purposely placed, came to apprize him of their approach. He went in person to meet them; and, without losing