The history of its mismanagement is one of those strange records of which the writer has seen so many during his search into the by-ways of financial history. It must be in the memory of many, that, for some years previous to 1824, the arm of the Greek was lifted in resolute, though almost hopeless, resistance against the Ottoman. When the intelligence reached England, that the nation whose tongue was classic, whose statuary was regarded with despairing wonder, whose records formed one of the finest pages of history, was, after centuries of subjugation, striving to obtain freedom, a genuine enthusiasm pervaded English society. The antique grandeur of Greece was remembered; the ancient glory of her people brought to mind; names which had roused the enthusiasm of schoolboys were repeated; the clime which had produced the great men of a great age was in every man’s thought; dreams of renewed glory were in every man’s brain; and on every man’s tongue, and in every man’s heart, were the virtues of that past world revived. Of this feeling the subtle Greek availed himself, and negotiations were entered into to procure a loan. The proposal was favorably received by the Stock Exchange. In 1824, two agents of the Greek government, or deputies, as they were popularly called, arrived in London; and loans to the amount of £1,602,000 were raised for the service of Greece. This sum was not placed uncontrolled in the power of the deputies, the sanction of Mr. Edward Ellice, Mr. Joseph Hume, and another, being necessary to its appropriation. After much hesitation, 50,000 sovereigns were despatched to aid the cause; but when they arrived, the government of that unhappy country refused to give any pledge as to their worthy employment. The emissaries declined to part with their treasure without; and, to the alarm of the Greeks, they saw this large amount sailing from their shore. Any pledge would now have been given; and the English emissaries were followed with protestations and promises, which meant nothing but an earnest desire for the gold. Scarcely had the ill-fated vessel returned, ere the yellow fever attacked the crew. Helpless and dying, they reached the Asiatic coast; and their money was taken by the Greek government with an avidity which did not affect disguise.