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Letterbook Jan 1827 - 30 Dec 1836

Department Archive
Collection George Finlay Papers
Reference No. FIN/GF/B/01
Level Item
Dimensions 20 X 24 cm
Dates 3 January 1827-30 December 1836
Scope and Content Blue mottle board, white paper spine (cracked), pp. 1-248+5 letters loose, handwritten, bound. Letters sent by George Finlay 3 January 1827-30 December 1836, varying from bare note of dispatch to complete draft of letter sent [only drafts are noted here]. With 1 newspaper clipping of an advertisement for a book.

(1) (p. 5) George Finlay to K[irkman] F[inlay]. Zante, 3 January 1827.
Unofficial appointment of Ipsilanti as king; decision of the assemblies; Miaoulis takes command of frigate. Followed by George Finlay's brief note (13 February 1827) saying that Ipsilanti was never appointed king.
(2) (pp. 5-14) George Finlay to Messrs. Ricardo. Zante, 6 January 1827.
Complaint and trouble regarding disappearance of Greek loan; need of financial backing for Greek troops; note on military organization and observations on the attitude of the Capetani to loan. State of free part of Peloponnese. The division of Greek government. Approval of Fabvier, Gordon, and Hastings. Need of money for Greece and advice on how to secure and distribute it. Description of state of Turkish fortresses.
(3) (pp. 15-17) George Finlay to the Hon. Col. Leicester Stanhope. Zante, 8 January 1827. Comment on Greek affairs; need for union and organization in Greece and among philhellenes; evil consequences of disorganization. Proposition to assist Greek navy with steamships. Request to S to use influence with Gordon and Ricardo. Observations on need for help for Greek cause and better disposal of supply of money to Greece. Importance of Greek independence for England.
(4) (p. 18) George Finlay to George Brown, Ratcliff Cross. Zante, 8 January 1827.
Request for aid for Hastings; recommendation on disposal of money by commis­sioners, and comments on purpose of assistance.
(5) (pp. 23-6) George Finlay to Lord Cochrane, High Admiral of Greece. Poros, 4 May 1827. Memorandum on potential revenues of Greek islands, with view to provision of supplies for the national navy. Proposal of system to assure collection of revenue and protection of the islands.
(6) (pp. 28-33) George Finlay to Col. Napier, C.B., His Britannic Majesty's Resident in Cepha­lonia. Syra, 23 October 1827.
Confidential opinion of affairs in Greece and organization of the Morea. Criticism and comments on foreign leaders, Church, Fabvier, Col. Heideck, Col. Pisa, and Col. Urquart. Revenues of the islands. Demoralization of Greek government. Capodistrias's establishment. Approval of Hastings's naval activities.
(7) (pp. 34-6) George Finlay to Lord Cochrane. Egina, 30 December 1827.
Confidential information on Hastings's activity in Mesolonghi, and possible destruction of Turkish vessels at Patras. Activities of Greeks in region of Meso­longhi.
(8) (pp. 39-41) George Finlay to Gibbon Fitzgibbon, Lt. Greek Artillery. Egina, 15 June 1828. Problems concerning the body and personal property of Hastings. Remarks on delivery of ship Karteria.
(9) (pp. 41-2) George Finlay to Count Capodistrias, President de la Grèce. Egina, 16June 1828. Official request that body and papers of Hastings be handed over. Indifference of Zographos to George Finlay's request re ship Karteria (in French).
(10) (pp. 44-5) George Finlay to Count Viaro Capodistrias. Egina, 6 July 1828. Complaint re insolence of Ipsariotes and retention of George Finlay's letters.
(11) (p. 49) George Finlay to Count Viaro Capodistrias. Egina, 30 September 1828
. Seeks official order for building of school in order to avoid quarrels with inhabi­ tants of Egina (in French).
(12) (p. 50) George Finlay to the President Count Capodistrias. Egina, 4/16 October 1828.
Re sum due to Ross, formerly servant of Hastings (in French).
(13) (p. 52) George Finlay to S. Tricoupis. Nauplia, 3 December 1828.
Informing him of receipt of draft on him as Secretary of State from Barff and Hancock of Zante.
(14) (p. 53) George Finlay to Thomas Gordon of Cairness, Napoli. Egina, 2 February 1829. Concerning arms, books, and other effects of Hastings.
(15) (p. 55) George Finlay to Thomas Gordon. Egina, 27 February 1829. Request for return of Hastings's sword.
(16) (p. 58) George Finlay to Count Capodistrias, le Président de la Grèce. Egina, 12 June 1829. Request for payment of sum due to Hastings for maintenance of Karteria before victory of Salona and capture of Vasiladi (in French).
(17) (p. 65) George Finlay to Count Capodistrias. Egina, 18 November 1829.
Requests authority to take charge of sum due to Hastings's heirs (in French)
. (18) (p. 66) George Finlay to Count Capodistrias. Egina, 25 November 1829.
Request for grant of Greek citizenship (in French).
(19) (p. 68) George Finlay to Count Capodistrias. Egina, 21 December 1829.
Request for settlement by Greek government of sum due to Hastings's heirs (in French).
(20) (pp. 68-9) George Finlay to Count Capodistrias. Egina, 26 December 1829.
Further request for grant of Greek citizenship.
(21) (pp. 70-2) George Finlay to Captain E. Scott, George's Street, Croydon, Surrey. Egina, 29 December 1829.
Explanation of cause of delay over receipt of sum due to Hastings by Greek government; troubles over proof of Hastings's will due to Greek law; Hane and Kalergy (Kallergis) disclaim hostile proceedings, but oppose dispatch of Hastings's effects to England.
(22) (pp. 72-4) George Finlay to the Revd. Wm. McDouall, Luton, Bedfordshire (under cover to Geo. Hawthorn, 33 Old Broad St., London). Egina, [31 December 1829]. Explanation of involved legal procedure preventing execution of Hastings's will under English law without previous proof in Greece; George Finlay's wish to abide by terms of H's will.
(23) (p. 79) George Finlay to E.J. Dawkins, H.B.M. Resident in Greece. 13 April 1820.
George Finlay offers services should British government wish to employ persons in Greece for furtherance of Treaty of 6 July 1817.
(24) (p. 86) George Finlay to Messrs. Lee and Sons, Smyrna. 19 October 1830.
Re money at his disposal at Smyrna.
(25) (pp. 87-8) George Finlay to Mr. Cirkis Askerian, Pera, Constantinople. 21 October 1830.
Re Mrs. Finlay's property in Constantinople.
(26) (pp. 101-3) George Finlay to G. Gropius, Austrian Consul General, Nauplia. 15 January
1832. Charges for repairs to George Finlay's house. Rumours of Russian influence.
(27) George Finlay to Schaubert and Cleanthes, Architects. Athens, 24 March 1832.
Thanks for assistance in construction of George Finlay's house; payment for services (in French) ; (loose sheet inserted between p. 107 and p. 108).
(28) (pp. 108-10) George Finlay to ( ? G. Gropius). 21 October 1832.
Complaint re unjust measures of Bey commanding Athens against landowners in Attica; unfair tax on olives and prohibition on private sale of grain.
(29) (pp. 110-11) George Finlay to the Revd. J. H. Hill. 13 November 1832.
Terms of sale of land of Ali Rhiga.
(30) (pp. 119-20) George Finlay 'an die Königliche Regentschaft von Griechenland zu Nauplia'. Athens, 10/30 May 1833.
Requests nomination as Royal officer ('officier à la suite') for services during Greek War of Independence (in German).
(31) (p. 122) George Finlay 'à Son Altesse le Prince de Saxe Altenburg, Chef du Royal Gouverne­ment Militaire, Nauplia'. Athens, 7 July 1833.
Request for agreement to George Finlay's nomination as Captain of the Greek Army (Capitaine à la suite) (in French).
(32) (pp. 123-4) George Finlay 'à Son Excellence le General van Heideck. Athens', 12 July 1833. Thanks for assistance in George Finlay's nomination as 'Capitaine à la suite' (in French).
(33) (pp. 125-6) George Finlay to the Royal Ephor of Attica, George Lasanes. Athens, 24 July 1833.
Complains that tenants of George Finlay's property at Liossia, Dimitraki Chatzi Petros and Chatzi Tzikakes, refuse to pay the percentage on the revenue from acorns (in Greek).
(34) (pp. 127-8) George Finlay to the Magistrates' Court, Syra. Athens, 11/13 October 1833. Appointment of Konstantinos Stratoudakes as George Finlay's attorney in Syra (in Greek).
(35) (p. 129) George Finlay to the Police Station, Athens. Athens, 12 October 1833.
Re theft, with request for action (in Greek).
(36) (p. 133) George Finlay to Prince Caradza. 6 June 1834.
Psyllas accused of giving false information re child abandoned on George Finlay's doorstep.
(37) (p. 134) George Finlay to Mavrocordatos. 10 June 1834.
States his claim for honours, if any are to be conferred, by reason of services in war of independence and aid towards consolidation of the Greek monarchy.
(38) (p. 135) George Finlay to Lt. Slade, R.N. 12 June 1834. S accused of making false statement.
(39) (p. 136) George Finlay to J. Kolettes, Minister of lnterior. 10 July 1834.
Thanks K for his nomination as 'Commissaire extraordinaire du Gouvernement' to assist Nomarch of Athens in planning of city and to advise Count Klenze.
(40) (pp. 137-41) George Finlay to M. Theocharis, Secretary of Finance. Athens, 22 August 1834. Complaint against Forestry Administration for Attica re felling of timber on George Finlay's property at Lyosha [Liossia]. Suggestions for agricultural measures and for financial support for reconstruction of devastated villages of Roumelia. Remarks on protection of private woods and collection of acorns. Offer of personal financial assistance if government takes suitable measures (in French).
(40a) (pp. 141-3) [no address or title] 2 September 1834. In French.
Complaint re decision of Ephor of Attica to fell timber on private estates. Demand for investigation. Fear expressed that the proprietors of 'tchiftiks' will abandon land.
(41) (pp. 143-5) George Finlay to the Nomarch of Attica. Athens, 5 September 1834. Complaint re non-receipt of title deed of property at Liossia; comments on unsatis­factory agricultural situation arising from governmental indifference. In French.
(42) (p. 146-148) George Finlay to James Russell, No. 2 Old Court, Lincolns Inn. Athens, 16 Septem­ber 1834.
Order for books.
(43) (pp. 151-3) George Finlay to J. Kolettes, Secretary of State for Ministry of lnterior. Athens, 20 September 1834.
George Finlay's activity in connection with plan of Athens; purpose of plan; government and municipal assistance. System of town planning in America and England (in French).
(44) (p. 155 (loose) ) J. H. Hill to George Finlay. n.d. (? 1834).
Re George Finlay's subscription to 'Galignannis' which has run out (with part draft on back in French dated 4 October 1834 re George Finlay's intention to set up model farm and proposed barracks; see no. 46).
(45) (p. 155 (loose)) George Finlay to A. Kleomenes. Athens, 1 November 1834.
Re George Finlay's resignation as member of Town Planning Commission.
(46) (p. 155 (loose) ) George Finlay to 'Monsieur le Capitaine'. November (?) 1834.
Re decision to establish barracks on George Finlay's property in Patissia St. near Hartmann's house, on the occasion of transfer of Greek government to Athens; request for compensation.
(47) (p. 155 (loose) ) George Finlay to Mayor of Athens, Anargyros Petrakis. Athens, 1/15 June 1835.
Thanks for gift of medal struck by Municipality on occasion of His Majesty's accession (in Greek and English).
(48) (p. 163) George Finlay to Baron de Rheineck. 6 January 1836.
Refuses de Rheineck's offer to buy Finlay's property in Egina for 5,000 dr.; would accept 6,ooo dr.
(49) (pp. 163-73) George Finlay to H. Robinson, J. Hodgson, T. Spring Rice (Treasury), Lord Palmerston (Foreign Office). 24 January 1836.
Memorandum on establishment of banks in Greece; on contract between Greek government and Mr. Glass; desirability of interest of British bankers; hope of improvement in Greek financial situation despite low revenue and lack of organi­zation. Armansperg's measures ineffective. Deterioration of the army.
(50) (pp. 174-5) George Finlay to Mr. Theocharis, Secretary of State in Department of Finance. 1 February 1836.
Complaint re illegal collection of acorns on George Finlay's property at Elaioussa [Liossia] in Attica.
(51) (pp. 176-7) George Finlay to Sir Edmund Lyons. 13 February 1836.
Request for intervention to obtain titles of property at Lyosha [Liossia] from the Greek government according to protocol of the three Protecting Powers dated 22 March 1829.
(52) (pp. 177-81) George Finlay to Lord Palmerston (with another letter with same subject deleted). Athens, 22 February 1836.
Request for assistance in obtaining the title deeds of his property; difficulties because of loss of Turkish deed ('hodjet'); copies of letters to Lyons, and Lyons's answer enclosed [first draft (pp. l77-80) deleted, followed by shortened version (pp. 180-1)].
(53) (pp. 182-3) George Finlay to Count Armansperg, Chancellor of Greek Kingdom. Athens, 10/22 February 1836.
Complaint re appropriation of land belonging to George Finlay for construction of royal palace; request for early compensation (in French).
(54) (p. 183) George Finlay to Nomarch of Attica. Athens, 21 February 1836.
Explanation of reason for George Finlay's resignation from membership of tax commission.
(55) (pp. 185-6) George Finlay to General Schmaltz, Minister of War. 28 March 1836. Agreement not to resign from Greek army, with request for same pay as officers of the Phalange.
(56) (p. 186) George Finlay to Lord Palmerston. 9 April 1836.
Copy of memorandum re general administration of kingdom sent to king of Greece, with request for Palmerston's opinion on contents.
(57) (p. 187) George Finlay to Mr. Lassanis, Secretary of State of Department of Finance. 2/14 April 1836.
Request for compensation for damages to George Finlay's property at Elaiousa [Liossia] in 1834.
(58) (pp. 188-9) George Finlay to G. Psychas, Syra. 8 May 1836.
George Finlay unable to help Psychas because of personal financial difficulties.
(59) (pp. 190-9) George Finlay to Hancock. 30 May 1836.
George Finlay's views on establishment of English Bank in Greece; problem of inexperience and ignorance of Greek government and people; necessity of carefully defined bank law. Criticism of Armansperg's legislative and administrative authority. Disappearance of banditry, but increase of irregular troops; Church unable to intervene.
(60) (pp. 200-3) Copy of Power of Attorney sent to George Finlay by Capt. Copeland. Malta, 25 May 1836.
Power of Attorney made in Malta, 25 May 1836, by Capt. Richard Copeland, before Notary Public, appointing George Finlay to manage, direct, and represent him legally in respect of his property of Vromassa in Negroponte (Euboia).
(61) (p. 203) Testimony of Charles Curry, Notary Public, Malta. Malta, 25 May 1836. Power of Attorney given by Capt. Richard Copeland is confirmed by Greek Consul in Malta, Thomas MacGill (in Italian).
(62) (pp. 204-6) Statement of Capt. Richard Copeland before Greek Consul of Malta, T. MacGill. La Vallette (Valetta), Malta, 25 May 1836.
Re property at Vromassa in Euboia, purchased 6 May 1831. C does not delegate authority to agent Mr. Lapierre.
(63) (p. 206) Plenipotentiary of Ottoman Empire, Hadji Ismail Bey. June (?) 1836. Plenipotentiary attests legal purchase of Capt. Copeland's property near village of Vromassa in Negroponte (Euboia), 6 May 1831 (in French).
(64) (pp. 208-11) George Finlay to Sir Edmund Lyons, H.B.M. Minister Plenipotentiary in Greece. 15 August 1836.
Copy of George Finlay's memorandum to Greek government regarding prices fixed for sale of valania (oak) trees (acorn-crop). Complaint re unreasonable discrimination as between Greek and Turkish properties.
(65) (pp. 211-15) English translation of memorandum to Greek Minister of Finance. 2/14 August 1836.
See no. 66.
(66) (p. 215) George Finlay to general lessee of acorn crop in Attica Mr. Panagiotis Lazaras. Athens, August 1836.
Request that L pay tax for acorn crop on his property at Liossia, according to clause 4 of decree of June 1836.
(67) (pp. 215-19) George Finlay's memorandum to Greek Minister of Finance. 2/14 August 1836. Grounds for modification of Greek government regulation concerning tax on oak trees; request for establishment of single price for Greek and Turkish properties; in case of damage purchaser of Turkish property must be indemnified by the Turkish seller, according to the protocol of the Allied Powers of 22 March 1829 (in Greek).
(68) (pp. 219-21) George Finlay to Governor of Attica. Athens, 3/15 August 1836.
Re legal rights of George Finlay's property at Liossia; complains of unfair and illegal collection of acorn crop by peasants of Menidi; request for action.
(69) (pp. 222-3) George Finlay to Mr. Rizo, Secretary of State for Education and Religion. 9-10 August 1836.
Request for regular and prompt payment ofrent for George Finlay's house. Statement of George Finlay's financial difficulties resulting from arbitrary collection of acorns by peasants on his property.
(70) (pp. 224-5) George Finlay to M. Lassanis, Minister of Finance. Athens, 13/22 August 1836. Request for compensation for loss of revenue from acorn collection on George Finlay's property at Liossia.
(71) (pp. 225-6) George Finlay to Robinson, Patras. 25 August 1836.
Re publication of law concerning Greek Bank; excessive dependence of Greeks on government; exile of army officers; measures of the government; political trial of Skoufo provoking commotion; expression of disapproval regarding Armansperg's public holiday. Further references to illegal acorn-crop collection and damages caused on George Finlay's property.
(72) (pp. 227-30) George Finlay to Sir Edmund Lyons. 26 August 1836.
Thanks for intervention over the acorn tax; complaint over Greek government's decision requesting George Finlay to pay more tax than Greek proprietors; request of modification of law in his favour, otherwise matter will be submitted to counsel in England.
(73) (pp. 231-5) George Finlay to Sir Edmund Lyons. 27 August 1836.
Regret over government neglect of agriculture law; objection to taking case to Mixed Commission, as proposed by L; George Finlay's rights over his oak trees.
(74) (pp. 235-7) George Finlay to Sir Edmund Lyons. 31 August 1836.
Dissatisfaction at L's proposal to carry George Finlay's affair to the Mixed Commission; defence of his legal rights; reference to his services to Greek nation.
(75) (pp. 238-9) George Finlay to John Hodgson, London. 6 September 1836.
Request to submit, as soon as possible, George Finlay's Memorandum to Lord Palmerston. Disagreement with Lyons and Greek government. Reference to George Finlay' services to the London bankers in connection with Greece; view on Armansperg's unfair policy; suggestion to remove legislative authority from Armansperg's ministry.
(76) (pp. 240- 1) George Finlay to Mr. Frey, Councillor of H.M. Cabinet. 16 September 1836. Wishes to know whether he desires renewal of tenancy of George Finlay's house.
(77) (pp. 242-3) George Finlay to H.R. 20 December 1836.
Copies of George Finlay's correspondence with Lyons; request for Palmerston to be shown George Finlay's memorandum. Accuses Bavaria and Austria of tyrannical policy in Greece. British subjects left without protection; threat to bring case to Parliament if the present English administration remains indifferent.
Notes Greece was one of the last European countries to adopt the newer Gregorian calendar. For most of the nineteenth century, the Julian calendar was 12 days behind the Gregorian. British correspondents in the Finlay Collection tend to use the newer calendar. Letters with two dates 12 days apart, eg. 24 April / 6 May 1828, refer to both the Julian and Gregorian calendars.