# - Coloctronis, Theodor.

written shortly before the national assembly of 1827 and a turning-point in the greek war of independence, stating that he has arrived at Damalas and looked for Lord [Thomas] Cochrane but cannot find him, and that nobody knows where he is, though he thinks he must be on a nearby island, and asking the president for further instructions, 1 page, 4to, integral address leaf, contemporary docketing, Damalas, 6 March 1827, traces of seal, some staining and creasing

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The loan raised by the London Greek Committee to help obtain Greek independence from Ottoman rule secured the services of Thomas Cochrane, who was given supreme command of the Greek fleet at the Third National Assembly held at Damalas in April 1827, shortly after the present letter was written. Cochrane arrived in Greece in March, but found that none of the British and American sailors and only two of the steamers he had demanded were available. Nor could he rely on the Greek sailors, who lacked sufficient pay and patriotism. But although Cochrane's reputation may have added might to the Greek cause, it was Sir Edward Codrington's defeat of the Ottomon fleet at Navarino on 20 October 1827 which proved decisive.

It was at the same National Assembly in April 1827 that Sir Richard Church was appointed as commander of the Greek land forces, and Count Ioannis Capodistrias, then in exile in Geneva, was elected as head of the Greek state.