Extract of a Letter from Lafayette to Gallatin (December 9, 1825)

Paris, December 9, 1825

[...] I am anxiously awaiting letters from America, not only because it is hard for me now deprived of those communications so happily enjoy’d of late, but also for the sake of this interesting period relatively to the Congress of Panama and the concerns of the Greeks. It is highly important that the frigates building at New York may reach very early the Archipelago. I have heard no more of our steamboat subscription. A few of them have bought in England with the money of the Loan. Lord Cochrane after having made his bargain with the Greek Commissioners is now at Boulogne. But there is so much intricacy and selfishness in those British politics that I can't say what their Government will forbid, permit or wink at. They are more anxious to oppose the aggrandisement [sic] of Russia, to cancelthe difference of the prize of navigation between them and the Greeks and to monopolize influence and trade than to serve the cause of Grecian liberty. They would like to unite with the French Government in establishing a kind of half independence, like that of Moldavia and Valachia, which might stifle the spirit of Republicanism and commercial improvement, while it should baffle the ambitious views of Russia. On the other hand the French Cabinet are successfully worked upon by Russia, the inveterate enemy of Greece, and while a French Committee, composed of men of different opinions are honestly supporting the Greeks with cloaths [sic], arms, ammunition as far as their money goes, and it has been found that assistance in materials was more serviceable that pecuniary succours [sic], while the only corps capable to fight in open field the Egyptian battalion is trained and commanded by Col. Fabvier, encouragement is given by the Ministry to serve in, to recruit and build for the Egyptian forces against the Greeks. It must be confessed, our friends are divided into two different people, the islanders more rich, more enlightened, who constitute their naval force, and the continentals who fight with bravery, in their scattered way, but are not easily brought to a perseverant understanding and control. But what better could be expected after the last centuries? Are not heroic deeds every day performed? Are they not determined not to submit to the Turkish yoke? And also it appears they are rather dispirited by this late addition of forces from Egypt which the two frigates and steamboats had they arrived sooner, might have abated to advantage, it is not very probable that some assistance and fellow feeling, given in earnest may rekindle their ardor? The friendly conduct of Commodore Rogers and his Fleet, as it has been represented had made them very popular in this and other countries. It has since been rumored they were disatisfied [sic] with the Greeks, and it has occasioned some suspence [sic] in the first applauds, at the moment when they were supposed to be much satisfied with the Turks for having been denied the passage to the Black sea which is granted almost to every body [sic].

[...]

Lafayette