Επιστολή των μελών της προσωρινής κυβέρνησης των Κυθήρων προς τον George Canning, σταλμένη από Κύθηρα στις 30 Οκτωβρίου 1809, με την οποία εκφράζουν την ευγνωμοσύνη τους για την απόφαση της Βρετανίας να καταλάβει το νησί τους και εν γένει τα Επτάνησα, ενώ σημειώνουν και την σημαντική παρουσία και συμμετοχή του Φορέστη. Προτότυπο και αγγλική μετάφραση.
May it please your Excellency
His Britannic Majesty’s magnanimity has been pleased to restore to the Ionian Islands that liberty and independence which had been usurped by an abhorred and despotic government.
His invincible and valorous arms, whose prodigies surprised all Europe, have overcome the enemy and succeeded likewise in relieving this unhappy island, which against its own will gravened for a long time under an horrible tyrannic yoke.
What homages are not due to the August sovereign and to the glorious British nation!
The people of this island with great respect have recourse to Y.E. requesting that you would be the interpreter of the sentiments of our veneration and our dutifulness towards H.M. as well as of that gratitude, which is deeply engraved on our hearts.
The benevolent act, from which originates happiness, will be transmitted to our latest posterity.
A provisional organisation, which has taken place in compliance with the wishes of Mr. Spiridion Foresti, the Chargé d’ Affaires, who ever evinced the most lively attachment to our country as well as to all the Ionian Islands, affords us the greatest satisfaction and draws closer the ties of our indelible gratitude.
We avail ourselves of this first most agreeable opportunity to assure Y.E. of the sentiments of our highest veneration.
Cerigo October 30, 1809
Teodoro Stati
Gio. Condoleo
Teodoro Stai
Gio. Mormori
Counsellors