Autograph Letter Signed Alexander Baillie Cochrane to Leicester Stanhope, soldier, on Greek affairs; with added note from Stanhope to Dewing..

Four pages, cr. 8vo, handwriting faded but readable, folded, foxing/staining, some damage, some crudely repaired, marginally affecting text (two words lost). Baillie Cochrane discusses a visit to Greece and the political situation in Greece from the point of view of a Philhellene. Letter addressed to The Honble. Mr. Leicester Stanhope, Ashburnham House, Kensington, Chelsea, London. Added at top of letter: France 24 Jany. 1847 | My dear Dewing, | Pray read this letter from Mr. B. C. I deeply regret that I shall not be in England to exert my self in doing honor to Gl. Kalergy & his glorious Country. Had I been there I wd. have exerted all my energies under B. C. to promote the object he has in view - for no one is so zealous & untiring in the Great Cause as he. | Believe me ever | Most Sincerely Yrs. L. Stanhope."My dear Leicester Stanhope | As the staunchest among the freind [sic] of Greece & greek order I take the liberty of writing you a few lines from Athens where I have been staying a week under the hospitable roof of Sir Edmond & Lady Lyons. Before my departure from England I saw Lord Palmerston & Mr Brunar[?] who both expressed the warm interest which they take in the welfare of this country, and I confidently hope that on my return they will adopt some decided measures to arrest the too rapid progress of despotism & disorder. It really is not an exaggeration to say that unless some immediate steps are taken Greece will soon become a mere province of France, but even this much to be lamented result might be supported if it really added to the happiness of the people and the development of their resources. But if it so for that the resources of the country are being squandered in the worst corruption: and the spirit of the people is entirely crushed, the only hope now is that the English Government will feel themselves in honour justice called upon to insist upon the fulfilment of the treaty of 1832, but whatever steps the government decide upon, all parties here think should be aided by a public demonstration in England. General Kalergi with whom you are in all probability presumably acquainted is now in London, & we think that before his return to Greece the Phillelhenes might give him a dinner and invite the Greeks resident in London this would have a very good effect in this country, and at the same time arouse public sympathy in England. Will you think over this suggestion and send me a line to 32 Grosvenor Place where I shall be about the 18th of January, & will immediately call upon you if you will kindly communicate yr address. | At all events neither King or government can spoil the Acropolis & its Beauty, or the [?] of their glorious purples[?]. | Ever My dear Leicester Stanhope | With the best wishes of the sender to yourself & Mrs Leicester Stanhope, | ...Athens Dec 20/46.