LA QUOTIDIENNE 10/7/1823, Folio, 35x23cm, pp.4. The French Navy continue to send war ships in order to protect Syra. Description of the situation in Aegean with mounting piracy. Several islands are in chaos, many small pirate ships, full with determined men, attack every possible target. Other islands are deserted. In one case, they had even assassinated the Greek crew of 2 ships before confiscating the cargo. In another case, a crew of 14 Greeks had been eliminated by Pirates, with only one escaping to Syra. Piracy is now more violent as in the past the pirates were just interested of cargo and killings were rare. Now everything is possible. Syra population rises sharply as the island is protected by French frigates. Other islands (several cases described, as Gioura) are now pirate centers. In Syros, more than 500 men are ready to defend the island. Hydras government sent letter to Syra to remind that the taxes of the island, amounting to 40.000 piastres, have not yet paid. If the amount will not be paid at once, Hydras government will send armed ships to gather this amount (plus the expenses of the expedition). But, according to the French newspaper, Syras Catholic population have not the will to pay any such taxes or to cooperate in this revolution. They prefer the Ottoman rule. Turkish fleet has exited the Dardanelles. The Greeks immediately activated a system of communication and signals established (!) to inform at once Hydra and Spetses. Turkish fleet went first to Mytilini. They handed to the local Greeks a letter of the Patriarch inducing them to obey the Ottomans. The Greeks replied that they do NOT recognize a Patriarch that is against the independence of Greece!!! & is not officially appointed by the Holy Synod. Meanwhile, Admiral Tombazis had approached the Turkish fleet in Mytilini and had taken 4 small ships during the night of the 4th of June. The Turkish fleet left for Negreponte. The Greek fleet gathering at Hydra. A certain confrontation will occur.