No. 228.
Mr. Read to Mr. Evarts .

No. 352.]

Sir: In continuation of my No. 350, I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 2d of February, the Greek army of 10,000 men stationed on the frontiers was ordered to advance into the Greeco-Turkish provinces of Epirus and Thessaly. The minister of foreign affiairs, in communicating this order to the Turkish legation, said to Photiades Bey:

The government does not propose to make war against Turkey. In ordering the troops to occupy Epirus and Thessaly, it is merely adopting a measure for the protection of the lives of Christians now menaced by the irregulars of Turkey. This movement is the more essential because of the revolution which has broken out in those provinces and because Turkey cannot spare her regular troops to restore order and protect the people.

Photiades Bey answered that he would communicate this interesting information to his government and await instructions.

In the mean time the foreign telegraphs announced yesterday that the Turkish fleet had been ordered to sail to Greece for the purpose of bombarding the Piræus and other coast towns.

The Greeks fear the pillage of the Turks far more than the preliminary bombardment. I believe, however, that there is far more danger of internal than of external troubles for the moment.

Hasty fortifications were begun at the Piræus on the 3d instant. I remarked to a Greek officer that this might invite attack from the Turkish fleet, which otherwise would have little or no excuse for firing upon a defenceless town. His reply was significant: “I assure you, sir, that the people are in such an excited condition, that if we did not do this civil war, with all its horrors, would overtake us.”

In this connection it should be remarked that 10,000 chassepots have been distributed to the national guards. Among those who have received arms are inevitably mingled some who ten days ago threatened the lives of the present cabinet and ex-cabinet ministers. To-day the national guard are summoned to assemble and take the usual oaths.

I have, &c.,

JOHN MEREDITH READ.