Letters and Journals of Lord Byron
Lord Byron to Charles Hancock, 2 January 1824
“Dragomestri, January 2d, 1824.
“DEAR SIR ’ANCOCK†,’
“Remember me to Dr.
Muir and every body else. I have still the 16,000 dollars with me, the
rest were on board the Bombarda. Here we are—the Bombarda taken, or at least missing,
with all the Committee stores, my friend Gamba,
the horses, negro, bull-dog, steward, and
* Count Delladecima, to
whom he gives this name in consequence of a habit which that gentleman had of
using the phrase “in ultima analise” frequently in conversation. |
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† This letter is, more properly, a postscript to one
which Dr. Bruno had, by his orders, written to
Mr. Hancock, with some particulars of
their voyage; and the Doctor having begun his letter, “Pregintmo. Sigr. Ancock,”
Lord Byron thus parodies his mode of address. |
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| A. D. 1824. | LIFE OF LORD BYRON. | 709 |
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domestics, with all our implements of peace and war, also
8000 dollars; but whether she will be lawful prize or no, is for the decision of the
Governor of the Seven Islands. I have written to Dr.
Muir, by way of Kalamo, with all particulars. We are in good condition;
and what with wind and weather, and being hunted or so, little sleeping on deck, &c.
are in tolerable seasoning for the country and circumstances. But I foresee that we
shall have occasion for all the cash I can muster at Zante and elsewhere. Mr. Barff gave us 8000 and odd dollars; so there is
still a balance in my favour. We are not quite certain that the vessels were Turkish
which chased; but there is strong presumption that they were, and no news to the
contrary. At Zante every body, from the Resident downwards, were as kind as could be,
especially your worthy and courteous partner.
“Tell our friends to keep up their spirits, and we may yet do
well. I disembarked the boy and another Greek, who were in most terrible alarm—the boy,
at least, from the Morea—on shore near Anatoliko, I believe, which put them in safety;
and, as for me and mine, we must stick by our goods.
“I hope that Gamba’s detention will only be temporary. As for the effects and
monies, if we have them,—well; if otherwise, patience. I wish you a happy new year, and
all our friends the same.
“Yours, &c.”
Samuel Barff (1793-1880)
Merchant and banker at Zante from 1816 who worked with George Finlay to establish a
banking system in Greece.
Pietro Gamba (1801-1827)
The brother of Teresa Guiccioli and member of Carbonieri. He followed Byron to Greece and
left a memoir of his experiences.
Charles Hancock (1793-1858)
Merchant at Zante where he was the partner of Samuel Barff.
Henry Muir (1790 c.-1826 fl.)
The Health Officer at Argostoli when Byron visited; some notes on Byron were published in
Notes and Queries by his son, H. Skey Muir, in 1884.
