DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.1041#0171
History of the Society of 'Dilettanti 15-1
« Telescopes, Pistol barrels and Locks, some articles of cut Glass,
and some Shawls of British Manufacture, compose the assortment, and
it may be observed, that the articles carried, are such as may be at
any time sold to advantage, should they not be wanted as presents.
'It is to be considered as a fortunate circumstance, that an
intimate friend of Mr. Gell's, the Hon. Keppell Craven, ac-
companies the mission at his own expense. In case of any
Accident, whether by illness or other misfortune, the addition of
a man zealous in the pursuit of knowledge and of the most amiable
manner must be at great advantage, and at all time his co-operation
may be depended on.
' Fortunately for the expedition a Turkish Ship of War com-
manded by a Man of Science far superior to most of his countrymen,
had last year arrived in the Thames, and had been there completely
refitted at the expense of the English Government, in the best
style of a Sloop of War of 2,4 guns. Her commander Captain
Ismael Gibraltar was particularly well known to Mr. Gell, and
on hearing of his Intention, immediately offered a passage to
Rhodes to himself & his party in the handsomest Manner. It
would have ill suited the Dignity of the Society to have accepted
this offer without some Retribution; the Artists and Mr. Gell's
servant were to pay the Sum usually taken by the Packets to Malta,
& Mr. Gell makes him a present nearly of the same value. It
may be observed that by this mode of conveyance, the party is for
the same expense carried over 700 miles further; and as Captain
Gibraltar is a native of Rhodes & is extremely well acquainted
with the contiguous parts of Asia Minor, he cannot only furnish
information, but valuable Recommendations to the Travellers.
' His Majesty's Ministers, who were applied to for letters to the
British Ministers and Consuls, most readily forwarded the Views
of the Society, and Mr. Listen, just now appointed Ambassador to
the Porte, gives every assistance in his power.
'Our venerable Father Lord Dundas ever desirous to promote
the Interests of Science and Art in general, and actuated by
paternal Affection for this Society, stated the circumstance of our
Mission to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, who with his
well known love for the fine arts, and his constant desire to
promote their progress in this Country, honoured the Undertaking
by every attention, which it was in his power to show.
' The written Instructions delivered to Mr. Gell were principally
drawn up by the Earl of Aberdeen, following as far as appeared
desirable those which had been formerly given to Dr. Chandler.
A copy of them is annexed.
' Under these favourable Auspices the party went on board the
Turkish frigate "The Africa" the 5th day of October 1811, and
« Telescopes, Pistol barrels and Locks, some articles of cut Glass,
and some Shawls of British Manufacture, compose the assortment, and
it may be observed, that the articles carried, are such as may be at
any time sold to advantage, should they not be wanted as presents.
'It is to be considered as a fortunate circumstance, that an
intimate friend of Mr. Gell's, the Hon. Keppell Craven, ac-
companies the mission at his own expense. In case of any
Accident, whether by illness or other misfortune, the addition of
a man zealous in the pursuit of knowledge and of the most amiable
manner must be at great advantage, and at all time his co-operation
may be depended on.
' Fortunately for the expedition a Turkish Ship of War com-
manded by a Man of Science far superior to most of his countrymen,
had last year arrived in the Thames, and had been there completely
refitted at the expense of the English Government, in the best
style of a Sloop of War of 2,4 guns. Her commander Captain
Ismael Gibraltar was particularly well known to Mr. Gell, and
on hearing of his Intention, immediately offered a passage to
Rhodes to himself & his party in the handsomest Manner. It
would have ill suited the Dignity of the Society to have accepted
this offer without some Retribution; the Artists and Mr. Gell's
servant were to pay the Sum usually taken by the Packets to Malta,
& Mr. Gell makes him a present nearly of the same value. It
may be observed that by this mode of conveyance, the party is for
the same expense carried over 700 miles further; and as Captain
Gibraltar is a native of Rhodes & is extremely well acquainted
with the contiguous parts of Asia Minor, he cannot only furnish
information, but valuable Recommendations to the Travellers.
' His Majesty's Ministers, who were applied to for letters to the
British Ministers and Consuls, most readily forwarded the Views
of the Society, and Mr. Listen, just now appointed Ambassador to
the Porte, gives every assistance in his power.
'Our venerable Father Lord Dundas ever desirous to promote
the Interests of Science and Art in general, and actuated by
paternal Affection for this Society, stated the circumstance of our
Mission to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, who with his
well known love for the fine arts, and his constant desire to
promote their progress in this Country, honoured the Undertaking
by every attention, which it was in his power to show.
' The written Instructions delivered to Mr. Gell were principally
drawn up by the Earl of Aberdeen, following as far as appeared
desirable those which had been formerly given to Dr. Chandler.
A copy of them is annexed.
' Under these favourable Auspices the party went on board the
Turkish frigate "The Africa" the 5th day of October 1811, and