History of the Greek Revolution Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1861 edition. Excerpt: ...and popular songs spoke of the Turks as a race which ought to disappear from the face of the earth.1 The military incapacity of the Hetairists and primates threw the conduct of the war into the hands of the chiefs of klephts. This was a sad misfortune for the nation, as it perpetuated a state of anarchy in the army of Greece during the whole of the Revolution. The military system that prevailed in the Morea will be best described by giving an account of the career of 1 A song in everybody's mouth at this time, said--" TovpKos fj.bj fj.eiVi 's rbi MupeA MijSe 's T&p Kauov 8Aov." Phrantzes, ii. 377, note, mentioning that the Moreot Turks were useful to Ibrahim Pasha as guides when he invaded the Morea, remarks, " eir' avTtp Toutw, i3t es elxov SiKatov j& aipiffojffi aJVTa iroScipi, Ik Ttav TeOi vuiv"--a strong opinion for a Christian priest. THEODORE KOLOKOTRONES. 189 a distinguished leader. Theodore Kolokotrones offers A. D. the best type of the class. He became the head of a considerable political party; he has left memorials that throw considerable light on his personal character and conduct; and general attention was so long fixed on his proceedings that he can already be tried before the great tribunal of public opinion.1 Theodore Kolokotrones was fifty years old at the commencement of the Revolution. Age had somewhat tamed the violence of his passions without lessening his personal vigour, and both his physical and mental qualities fitted him to be a leader of irregular bands. A large head, a bold countenance, a steady eye, and a profusion of black hair, gave some dignity to an aspect that did not conceal looks of cunning and ferocity. His powerful frame exceeded the middle size, and his voice had the volume of sound required in...