The most obedient and humble subjects representing
the Christian population of Crete.
(Here follow signatures.)
[Translation.]
TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF GREAT BRITAIN.
Madam: The undersigned representatives of the Province of the Island of Candia venture to place the present petition at the feet of your Majesty, addressing at the same time a similar one to the sovereigns of the two other protecting powers of the Hellenes.
The inhabitants of Candia, having taken an active part with the whole Greek race in the bloody war of independence, which, begun in 1821, has continued through many years, succeeded, at great sacrifice, in making themselves masters of the island and of Grambousse, one of its principal fortresses.
Consequently, they hoped that, enjoying the same rights as their brethren of the Continent of Greece, their efforts would have been crowned by the consecration of their independence, but the three Great Powers in their wisdom decided otherwise. The Cretans, heartbroken, submitted to this decision, and since then have dragged on their existence, at one time under the sovereignty of the Pasha of Egypt, at another under that of his Majesty the Sultan.
In recommending to us to submit to this decision of Europe, the President of Greece, the late Count Capodistria, who was greatly interested in us, led us to hope that this great misfortune would be of short duration, and that in a short while our wishes would be fulfilled. On the other hand, we received solemn promises that we should be governed in a kindly manner.