The Greek War of Independence suffered greatly from infighting among politicians and military leaders. Georgios Karaiskakis, was a popular general, but he was unwilling to obey the orders of the central government. Alexandros Mavrokordatos tried to reduce the power of military leaders by limiting the number of their men. Karaiskakis had more men than other commanders but the government refused to pay their salaries. He retired to Aitoliko and conspired to take over someone else’s area of responsibility. When his nephew was abused in the streets, Karaiskakis arrested the representatives of the government and threatened to attack Missolonghi. Mavrokordatos accused him of treason; the trial was held in the church and the judges found him guilty. They hesitated to order his imprisonment or execution, but instead ordered him to abandon Aitoliko, even though he was seriously ill and unable to walk.