Captain Richards received a letter from the British Ambassador at Constantinople, a copy of which we shall lay before our readers, for the purpose of shewing that the “Elgin Marbles” &c. were not so cheaply procured by the noble collector as many persons are disposed to believe:
“Constantinople, Oct. 25, 1802.
“Sir,– As I understand that Major Brace left you at the Dardanelles, I beg leave to address the bearer to you, in case he should he so fortunate as to meet you. I send him to Cerigo, where I am assured that a brig belonging to me foundered about a month ago. I have no direct intelligence, either of the accident, or of the means or hopes of recovering the vessel, or the cargo. A merchant-captain, who travelled with Major Brace to Constantinople, declares he was on the island at the time; and that Mr. Hamilton, an English gentleman, attached to my embassy (who was on board), had engaged two large merchantmen to raise the brig, which, he adds, they expected to be able to accomplish. This merchant-captain further says, he heard you intended not proceeding to Constantinople, in case the northerly wind should continue. This probability makes me venture to say, that if it does suit your plans to call at Cerigo, and examine, direct, or even assist in recovering my brig (the same for which you obligingly took an interest last year), you will confer the highest favor upon me. The vessel, in itself, is of consequence, as she is not insured; but her cargo is infinitely more so. She had on board a number of cases of acquisitions, which I had collected with immense trouble, and expense, at Athens, and which are, in their way, invaluable. I venture to say, that, altho’ the ship and cargo are my property, and cannot therefore justify my asking your interference, publicly, yet the assistance I have experienced from Lord Keith and Sir Richard Bickerton, on the subject of these acquisitions, gives me confidence in saying, that, in as far as they, or the commanding officer under whose orders you may now be, are to judge, they will not pass an unfavorable opinion, on your making as much exertion, for the recovery of this vessel and cargo, as for any other merchantman: in saying this, I beg you to be assured, that I feel the decision on your part to rest solely with yourself, and that my obligation will of course be entirely to you. At all events, I am confident you will understand the anxiety I must have on this occasion, and that you will give the bearer any directions or aid which you may think useful for him. I have the honor to remun. Sir, with much respect, your faithful, humble servant,
(Signed)“Elgin.”
In consequence of this communication, Captain Richards immediately proceeded to Port St. Nicolo, where he used every means in his power to recover the Ambassador’s valu-
