Επιστολή των μελών της προσωρινής κυβέρνησης της Ιθάκης προς τον George Canning, σταλμένη από την Ιθάκη στις 29 Σεπτεμβρίου/11 Οκτωβρίου 1809, με την οποία οι Θιακοί εκφράζουν την ευγνωμοσύνη τους για την απελευθέρωση των νησιών τους, που όπως τονίζουν θα οδηγήσει στην επανέναρξη της εμποροναυτιλιακής τους δραστηριότητας, που αποτελούσε την κύριά τους επαγγελματική δράση, ενώ αναφέρονται και στην σημαντική συνεισφορά του Φορέστη. Προτότυπο και αγγλική μετάφραση.
To the R.H. Mr. Canning H.B.M. principal secretary of state.
May at please your Excellency
As it is impossible to express the joy and exultation of this affectionate population of Ithaca on the recovery of their freedom, which awoke them from the lethargy into which they had been miserably plunged, raised them from the debasement and inertness under which they groaned, and opened them the way to resume their independent navigation and ruined commerce, that gave them existence; so, likewise, do they set no bounds to their obligation gratitude and acknowledgments toward His Majesty, who was the great and beneficent author thereof. The people, who are represented by us, have not powers sufficient either to express or describe their devotion; still, however, animated by the knowledge of the immense generosity of the Royal Benefactor, we make bold to assure Your Excellency of this dutiful and eternal gratitude of ours, which is indiscriminately engraved on the hearts of all the inhabitants of this island, and to secure at the same time our loyal attachment to the great British nation and our highest veneration of the Crown.
While, however, most honorable Sir, we supplicate Y. E. t be pleased to lay our most humble duty at H. M. feet we cannot pass over in silence the incomparable merit of this very worthy minister, Mr. Foresti, which has been conspicuous not only in his personal and indefatigable cooperation in that fortunate circumstance, whereby he was instrumental in bringing matters to a happy issue, but also in exerting at all times his best endeavors for the prosperity and relief of the Ionian people in their most trying situations.
We have the Honor to be
Your Excellency’s
Demetrio Vlassopulo Presid.
Spiridion Caraccia
Gerasimo Draculi
Provisional Committee of Government
Ithaca 29 Sept./11 Oct. 1809