ΕΦΟΔΙΑΖΟΝΤΑΣ ΤΟ ΠΟΛΙΟΡΚΗΜΕΝΟ ΜΕΣΟΛΟΓΓΙ (1825-1826) : Ο ΡΟΛΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΕΜΠΟΡΟΥ ΕΜΜΑΝΟΥΗΛ ΞΕΝΟΥ

Abstract

The supply of Missolonghi during the last siege by the Ottoman troops (April 1825-April 1826) was directly linked to the action of the Patmian merchants and brothers Emmanuel and Theodoros Xenos. Until then, Emmanuel Xenos, who was supported by merchants of the Greek community of Amsterdam, and kept strong bonds with the government and the notables of Hydra, had been engaged in arms and ammunition trade. The supply of Missolonghi with provisions by Xenos brothers had its base on the island of Zakynthos and faced difficulties from the beginning during the last months of 1825, a fact that contributed to the food crisis in the city. The main reason was the government’s default on its financial obligations, specifically the non-redemption of the bills of exchange, which had been agreed to fund the food purchase. The redemption was not possible due to the lack of rational planning, regarding the management of the money of the second British loan. The government’s sloppiness gave Xenos the right to adopt a commercial logic, seeking to secure his interests at the expense of an ideal “patriotic” duty.