The Cretan Insurrection of 1866-7-8

by William James Stillman

A'ali Pasha said that he entirely concurred in the views of Her Majesty's Government. He told me that it had been definitively settled that Mustapha Kiritli Pasha should be sent to Crete with large powers; that this measure would show the Cretans that their petition had been seriously taken into consideration by the Sultan; and that he had reason to hope that order would very soon be restored.

I said that I hoped that Mustapha Pasha's powers were not merely conferred with a view to quelling the present resistance of the Christian Cretans, but that they were to be exerted for the purpose of removing causes of complaint and placing matters in the island on a footing likely to be permanently satisfactory.

A'ali Pasha said that Mustapha Pasha would be empowered to take into consideration all reasonable complaints, which were brought before him in a loyal and dutiful spirit, but, of course, he would not listen to men unlawfully assembled in defiance of the Government, and would repress revolt and treasonable attempts to change the relation of the island to the Porte. On being further pressed by me, A'ali Pasha said that no Christian blood had been shed; that he was confident none would be shed; and that it was the earnest desire of the Porte to avoid, if possible, a collision between the troops and the Christians. He added that he was convinced that the movement was due to foreign instigation, and that, if that instigation ceased, it would rapidly subside.

---

[INDEX.]

• A'ali Pasha arrives in Crete, [143], [148];
• rebuilds church at Lakus, [157]
• Abdou, [128]
• Abdul Aziz, Sultan, accession, [36];
• rage over Crete, [111]
• Abdul Medjid, Sultan, deceased, [36]
• Afendallos, a Moreote chieftain, [30]
• Agios Basilios, [126], [131], [135]
• Agios Roumeli, [133]
• Alikianu, plain of, [88], [107];
• town, [156]
• Ali Riza Pasha, movement against Omalos, [105];
• rescued, [106];
• beaten at Topolia, [120]
• Amari, [106], [135]
• American Secretary of Legation at Constantinople, [116];
• intrigue against Consul Stillman, [118]
• Anopolis, [132], [133]
• Apokorona district, [54], [58];
• Egyptians surrender, [66];
• movement against, [74], [89]
• Aradena, [133]
• "Arethusa" man-of-war, [61]
• Arkadi, convent of, [83];
• bombardment of, [84];
• butchery at, [86];
• effect on European opinion, [90]
• "Arkadi," blockade-runner, [114]
• Asfendu, [132]
• Askyphó(Askyfó), [71], [82], [102], [132]
• Assembly at Murnies (1833), [33];
• at Nerokouro (1858), [35], (1864), [36];
• at Omalo, gathers April 12, 1865, moves to Boutzounaria and Nerokouro, [41];
• games at Boutzounaria, [42];
• sends a deputation of captains with a petition to the Porte, refuses to adjourn when ordered by Ismael Pasha, [43];
• insists on a promise of immunity, dissolution urged by all friendly consuls, [47];
• decided by Parthenius Kelaïdes and Joannides, [48];
• committee retreat to the mountains, [48];
• counter-proclamation to Mustapha's, [68];
• provisional government, headed by Mavrocordato, [123];
• appeals for Coroneos to become commander-in-chief, [151]
• "Assurance" sloop-of-war, [91]
• Baleste, a French Philhellene, [30]
• Barron, Mr., English chargé at Constantinople, [141]
• Bishop of Canéa threatened with burning, [29];
• (another), heroic end, [35]
• Bondapoulo, [78]
• Boniface, Duke of Montserrat, possesses Crete, [20]
• Borthwick, Col., adventure at Meskla, [162]
• Boutakoff, commander of "Grand Admiral," [76], [96];
• ordered to the Sphakian coast, [98]
• Boutzounaria, seat of the Assembly, [41], [42];
• source of water supply of Canéa, [42];
• attack on aqueduct, [121]
• Bulgaris, evil genius of Greece, [145];
• tool of Russia, [146];
• withdraws all support from Crete, [152]
• Campos, [78]
• "Canandaigua," American ship-of-war, [117]
• Candanos, fortress, refuge of Mussulmans, [66];
• expedition for relief of, [67], [69]
• Candia, [106], [125]
• Cave-stifling at Kephalá, [79];
• in Mylopotamos, [128], [137]
• Christians persecuted in Crete, [27], [29];
• panic and exodus, [51], [52], [57];
• massacres, [64], [65];
• stifled in caves, [79], [128], [137]
• Colucci, Italian consul, advises giving an assurance to the Assembly, [45];
• wins the Pasha's ill-will, [47]
• Comitades, pass, [102]
• Comoundouros, premier at Athens, [114];
• prepares insurrection in Turkey, [116];
• dismissal effected by Russia, [145]
• Consular corps summoned by Ismael Pasha, [44];
• refuse him support, [46];
• protest against calling in the Mussulmans, [50];
• unite in preventing a Mussulman outbreak, protect Christian refugees, [57];
• fortify the consulates, [59];
• side with Schahin Pasha against Ismael, [62]
• Coroneos, Col., timely arrival, [83];
• headquarters at Arkadi, [83];
• unites with Zimbrakakis to defend Omalos, [89];
• moves eastward, [95];
• operations on Mt. Ida, [99];
• at Kallikrati, [123]; attacks
• Omar at Margaritas, [125];
• at Kallikrati, [131];
• falls back on Askyfó, holds Muri, [132];
• drives Reschid, [133], [135];
• wanted for commander-in-chief, [151]
• Cretans, the best types of ancient Greeks, [13];
• ancestors, [14];
• present characteristics, [16], [19]
• Crete, climate and products, [13];
• antiquities, [14], [16];
• present inhabitants, [16];
• language, [17], [18];
• literature, [18];
• music, [19];
• conquered by Saracens, [19];
• recovered by Byzantine emperors, [20];
• transferred to Boniface, and sold to Venetian Republic, [20];
• cruel government, [20-26];
• conquest by Turks favored, [26];
• Turkish rule, [26-37];
• Sphakiote insurrection of 1770, [27];
• of 1821, [29-31];
• united by the allied powers to government of Mehemet Ali, Egyptian régime, [32-34];
• assembly at Murnies in 1833, repression by Mustapha Pasha, [33];
• insurrection of 1840, [34];
• Assembly of 1858, [34];
• of 1864, [36];
• hardships preceding the insurrection of 1866, [36]
• Criaris, a Cretan chief, [105]
• Damasta, [127], [128]
• Dante's description of Crete, [26]
• Dendrino, Russian consul, sincere in advising against insurrection, but probably strengthened Parthenius, [48];
• character, [96];
• orders a frigate to the Sphakian coast, [98]
• Deportations, [92], [99], [140], [142]
• Derché, French consul, supports Ismael Pasha in everything, [44];
• urges violent dispersal of the Assembly, [45];
• confirms the Pasha against consular protests, [46];
• labors to provoke a collision, [52];
• intrigue with Schahin Pasha, [54];
• refuses to ask for a man-of-war, [57];
• recalled, [122]
• Dibaki, port, [130], [135]
• Dickson, English consul, humane and honest, ordered to co-operate with his French colleague, [44];
• supports Ismael Pasha against the Assembly, [45];
• declares an assurance unnecessary, [46];
• refuses to ask for a man-of-war, [57];
• reports the atrocities at Arkadi, [90];
• proposes to send a ship to pick up Cretan families, [92];
• dispatch on the affair at Krapi, [104];
• captured by Cretans near Canéa, [150]
• Dimitrikarakos, an Hellenic chief, [125]
• Diodorus Siculus, on the first inhabitants of Crete, [14]
• Egyptian régime in Crete, [32];
• troops in Crete, [30], [31];
• under Schahin Pasha, [53];
• at Vrvsis, [63], [64], [66];
• as found by Mustapha, [68];
• beaten at Stylos, [78];
• driven to the assault of Arkadi, [85];
• sufferings in the mountains, [90];
• slaughter at Krapi, [104];
• recalled home, [122];
• losses at Sime, [130]
• "Ennosis" blockaded at Syra, [152]
• Episkopi, [84], [123];
• surprised, [99]
• Erskine, English minister at Athens, [107]
• Fair at Omalo, April, 1865, [38];
• turned into an Assembly, [41]
• Foligniaco, Venetian raid on, [25]
• Franco Castelli port, [102], [130]
• Gaiduropolis, [132]
• Geissler (Dilaver Pasha), Turkish chief of Artillery, [124];
• death, [134]
• Gnossus, [128]
• Goldsborough, Rear-Admiral, [101], [116]
• Grabusa, captured by Kalergis, [32]
• "Grand Admiral," Russian frigate, [76];
• ordered to assist in deportation, [96]
• Greek Government and the insurrection, [63], [112], [114];
• under Russian influence, [145];
• ostentatious pretence of aiding the revolt, [151]
• Halará, [135]
• Hobart Pasha blockades the "Ennosis" at Syra, [152]
• Homer, account of Ancient Crete, [14], [15]
• Hostí, [105]
• Hussein Avni replaces Mustapha, [118];
• locum tenens of Omar Pasha, ravages plains of Kissamos, [120];
• block-house plan, [148]
• Ida, Mt., [83], [99]
• Ignatieff, Gen., Russian minister, [96], [99];
• prevents Mr. Stillman's recall, [120]
• Insurrection of 1866, preparation, [42-52];
• first bloodshed, [52];
• overtures from Schahin Pasha, [54];
• first Mussulman blood, [56];
• collision at Selinos, [63], [64];
• general outbreak of hostilities, [65];
• Vrysis taken, [66];
• engagement at Kakopetra, [70];
• at Malaxa, [72];
• Lakus abandoned, Zurba held, [73];
• Theriso lost, [73];
• stand at Stylos, [78];
• Campos abandoned, [78];
• Vafé lost; retreat to Askyfó; loss of confidence in Greek volunteers, [82];
• revived by Coroneos, [83];
• Arkadi lost, [84-87];
• Kissamos besieged, Omalos defended, [89];
• shut up in Sphakian Mountains, collapse imminent, [94];
• revival in Eastern Sphakia, [99];
• Turks shut up in Retimo, [100];
• affair at Krapi, [103];
• defeat of Ali Riza Pasha, [105];
• of Reschid Effendi, [106];
• aid from the Greek Government, [115];
• defeat of Ali Riza Pasha at Topolia, [120];
• of Mehmet Pasha at
• Krapi, and Omar Pasha at Kallikrati, [123];
• reinforcements in the east, [125];
• Omar shut up at Margaritas, [126];
• Reschid beaten at Lasithe, [129];
• Omar attacked at Kallikrati, [131];
• at Aradena, [133];
• checked at Agios Roumeli, [133];
• retreat to Canéa, [135];
• Reschid killed, [135];
• armistice, [142];
• pusillanimous surrender of volunteers, [151];
• collapse, [152]
• Ismael Gibraltar, [31];
• killed, [78]
• Ismael Pasha, appointed governor, outwits the Assembly of 1864, [36];
• hated for his extortions and cruelty, [37];
• quarrels with Consul Stillman, [38];
• shirks the apology ordered by the Porte, [39];
• makes a present of a paste intaglio, [40];
• orders the Assembly at Boutzounaria to disperse, [43];
• calls a conference of the consular corps, [44];
• threatens to disperse the Assembly by force, [45];
• fails to get the support of the consular corps, [46];
• calls in the Mussulmans to the walled cities, [50];
• attacked with fever, [55];
• arms his co-religionaries, [57];
• superseded by Mustapha Kiritli, [58];
• quarrel with Schahin Pasha, [62];
• withdraws Turkish supports from him, demands a battalion of Egyptians, [63];
• unnerved at Cretan successes, [66];
• packed off to Constantinople, [67]
• Italian words in Cretan speech, [18]
• Janissary sway in Crete, [28]
• Joannides, a Greek physician, decides the Assembly not to disperse, [48]
• Kakopetra, ravine of, [70]
• Kaìergis, a Greek chief, [31]
• Kallikrati, pass, [123], [130]
• Kalyves, [78]
• Kares, [132]
• Kephalá, cave-stifling, [79]
• Keramia, movement against, [72], [73]
• Khalepa, [57]
• Kissamos, captured by Kalergis, [32];
• besieged by volunteers, [89];
• plain districts ravaged, [120]
• Korakas a Cretan chieftain, [99]
• Krapi, [78], [88], [99];
• passage by the Turks, [103];
• attack of Mehmet Pasha, [123]
• Krustogherako, pass, [90]
• Lakus, movement against, [72], [73], [157];
• reoccupied by Cretans, [83];
• abandoned, 89:
• situation, [157];
• church-bell strife, [158]
• Lasithe, [125];
• attacked, [128]
• Lasithe Effendi mountain, [129]
• Lasithri district, [83]
• Levantine, a person of foreign ancestry, born and bred in Turkey, 44
• Loutro, a port of Sphakia, [94]
• Lyons, Lord, [56], [97], [113]
• McDonald, Capt., [61]
• Mainote irregulars, [95], [99]
• Malavisi, [127]
• Malaxa, block-house attacked, [72]
• Manosouyanaki, a Cretan captain, [73]
• Margaritas, [126]
• Mathea, [129]
• Mavrocordato appointed president by the Cretans, [123]
• Mehemet Ali, awarded Crete by the allies, [32];
• oppression, [33]
• Mehmet Ali, "the Prussian," [174]
• Mehmet Pasha guards Krapi, [88];
• out-flanks Theriso, [89];
• attack on Krapi, [123];
• shut up at Kares, [132];
• driven back to Vryses, [133]
• Melambos, [135]
• Melidoni, Antoni, a Cretan captain, [29];
• assassinated, [30]
• Meskla, [159]
• Messara, [106], [129], [130]
• Mikhali, Hadji, of Lakus, [81];
• reoccupies Lakus and Theriso, [83];
• successes near Canéa, [83];
• fights Ali Riza Pasha, [105];
• character, [106], [163], [168]
• Morris, Hon. E. Joy, U. S. Minister at Constantinople, [97], [101], [119]
• Moustier, Marquis de, plan to transfer Crete to Viceroy of Egypt, [53]
• Murnies, [25];
• Assembly at, in 1833, [33];
• executions at, [34]
• Murray, commander of "Wizard," [62], [91];
• letter to Minister Erskine, [107];
• visit to Omar, [137]
• Music of the Cretans, [19]
• Mustapha Pasha (Kiritli), the "Albanian butcher," [33], [34];
• made Imperial Commissioner, [58];
• arrival, [67];
• summons insurgents to submit, [68];
• relieves Candanos, [69];
• retreat harassed, [70];
• return to Canéa, [71];
• moves against Lakus, Theriso, and Keramia, relieves Malaxa, [72];
• attacks Zurba, occupies Theriso, [73];
• march on Krapi, opposed at Stylos, takes Campos, [78];
• carries Vafé, [81];
• tarries at Prosnero, takes Arkadi, [82-87];
• return to Canéa, prepares for Theriso campaign, [88];
• moves through the passes of Kissamos, [89];
• ravages the valleys of Selinos, [90];
• permits Dickson to ship off Cretan families, [92];
• embarks at Suia, repulsed at St. Rumséli and Tripiti, returns to Selinos, [95];
• removes to Askyfó, [102];
• losses at Krapi, [104];
• orders an attack on Omalos, [105];
• slights Capt. Strong, [117];
• replaced by Hussein Avni, [118]
• Mylopotamo, [125], 127
• Navarino, result of battle on Cretan insurrection, [31]
• Nerokouro, seat of the Assembly of 1858, [35]
• Nicolaïdes, an Hellenic chief, [133]
• Nikephoras Phocas drives the Saracens from Crete, [20]
• Omalos, annual fair at, April, 1865, [38]; turned into an Assembly, [41];
• situation, [74], [89], [90], [105], [165];
• concentration of insurgents and volunteers at, [89];
• attacked by Ali Riza Pasha, [105];
• expedition against, [135]
• Omar Pasha arrives, [121];
• moves on Sphakia, [122];
• attacks Kallikrati, [123];
• faithlessness, lust, and cruelty, [124];
• sets out for Candia, [125];
• bottled up at Margaritas, [126];
• rescued by Reschid Effendi, [127];
• orders an attack on Lasithe, [128];
• prepares for Sphakian campaign, [130];
• attacked at Kallikrati, [131];
• at Aradena, [133];
• transports his troops to Agios Roumeli and to Canea, [133];
• losses, [134];
• gets the ill-will of French consul, [138];
• proclamation of amnesty, [142];
• return in disgrace [148]
• Osman Pasha, [52]
• Outrey, French minister at Constantinople, [141]
• Paget, Lord Clarence, arrives in the "Psyche," [61]
• "Panhellenion" blockade-runner, [74], [114]
• Pappadakis, Dr., see Joannides
• Parthenius Kelaïdes, priest, decides the Assembly not to disperse, [48]
• Pashley, on the Venetian rule in Crete, [20-26];
• on the rule of Mustapha Kiritli, [34]
• Pediada, [128], [130], [134]
• Pergamos, [156]
• Perivoglia, [42]
• Petropoulaki, Mainote chieftain, [99];
• jealousy, [127], [133];
• made head of Greek Government's expedition, [156]
• Platanos (Iardanos) river, [156]
• Porte, change of policy, [109];
• proclamation, [110];
• threatens to revoke Consul Stillman's exequatur, [119]
• Prosnero, [82]
• "Psyche" despatch-boat, [61]
• Pym, commander of "Assurance," [91];
• carries Cretan families to the Peiræus, [92];
• act disapproved by government, [93]
• Reign of terror, [57-60]
• Reschid Effendi drives back the insurgents, [100];
• moves on Amari, [106];
• ordered to join Omar, [125];
• rescues him, [127];
• attacks Lasithe, [128], [129];
• marches from Dibaki, [131];
• to Askyfó, [132];
• rescues Mehmet, [132];
• driven back to Kallikrati, [133];
• fatally wounded at Melambos, [135]
• Retimo, [83], [84], [99], [100]
• Rhizo, [74]
• Rhizo Castron, [129]
• Rogers, E. T., Acting English Consul-General at Beyrout, [142]
• Romaic and Cretan speech compared, [17], [18]
• Russia's relations to the insurrection, [76], [77];
• Russian minister at Constantinople sends a ship to aid in deportation, [96], [99];
• intrigues with the Viceroy, [122];
• agreement with France, [137];
• encouragement to the revolt, [143];
• overthrows Comoundouros ministry, [145]
• Russos, a Sphakiote chief, [30]
• Sacopoulos, Greek consul, [91]
• Samariá, impenetrable fortress, [27], [95], [133];
• glen of, [166];
• chapel, [172]
• Saracen conquest of Crete, [19]
• Sarpi, Fra Paolo, advice to Venetian senate, [23]
• Schahin Pasha, general-in-chief of Egyptians, [53];
• intrigue with the French consul, [54];
• fruitless mission to the Apokorona, [54];
• approaches Consul Stillman, [55];
• difference with Ismael, [62];
• refuses him troops, [64]
• Scylax on the settlement of Crete, [14]
• Seliniotes, [16]
• Selinos shut in by insurgents, [63];
• second sortie, [64];
• third sortie, [66];
• entered by Mustapha, [90], [135]
• Server Effendi sent to Crete, [109];
• character, [111];
• compels delegates to go to Constantinople, [113]
• Seward, Hon. Wm. H., instructions to Consul Stillman, [101];
• despatch to Minister Morris, [119];
• decides to recall Stillman, [120], [144]
• Sime, [130]
• Simon, French Admiral, ordered to Cretan coast, [141]
• Sitia, [143]
• Skoulas, a Cretan chieftain, [106], [127]
• Smolenski, an Hellenic chief, [133]
• Soliotis, an Hellenic officer, [89];
• at Krapi, [123], [132]
• Sphakian mountains, [73]
• Sphakiotes, [16];
• insurrection of 1770, [27]
• Spratt, on the geology of Crete, [14]
• St. Irene pass surprised, [90]
• St. Roumeli river, [172]
• St. Rumséli, entrance to Samariá, [95]
• St. Thomas, [107], [130]
• Stanley, Lord, [141], [142]
• Steedman, Commodore, [62]
• Stillman, William J., U. S. consul,
• arrives in Crete in summer of 1865, [36];
• plans a journey to Sphakia via Omalos, opposed by Ismael Pasha, consulate violated, broil with the Pasha, [38];
• checkmates him at Constantinople, [39];
• and in Canéa, [40];
• returns a spurious gem, [40];
• abandons the journey to Sphakia, [41];
• protests against using violence towards the Assembly, [46];
• remonstrates against the conduct of a dervish, [52];
• approached by Schahin Pasha, [55];
• besieged in his home, [59];
• advises Schahin Pasha to disobey Ismael, [63];
• warns Mustapha of the result of his successes, [75];
• hopes after Arkadi, [88];
• urges European intervention, Turkish espionage, [97];
• news agency, pressure on the Russian Consul, [98];
• asks for an American ship-of-war, [101];
• rude treatment from officers of the "Canandaigua," [117];
• sends his family to Syra, lives on yacht "Kestrel," [118];
• anxious to leave the island, [119];
• recall determined on at Washington, trip to Cerigotto, [120];
• to Candia, [129];
• sends first news to Constantinople, [130];
• excites Tricou against Omar, [138];
• favors acceptance of A'ali Pasha's terms, [144];
• scorbutic illness, [149];
• witnesses a skirmish between Zurba and Lakus, [159];
• leaves Crete under medical orders, [150];
• death of Mrs. Stillman, [154];
• deposed by Secretary Fish, revisits Crete after the war, [154];
• trip to Omalos, [155];
• mission to Constantinople, [175]
• Strong, captain of ship "Canandaigua," [117]
• Stylos, 78
• Suda Bay, [61]
• Suia, of Selinos, [92], [95]
• Temenos, [127]
• Theriso, movement against, [72], [73];
• occupied, [74];
• reoccupied by Cretans, [83], [83], [89]
• "Ticonderoga," corvette, [61]
• Tombasis, a Hydriote chief, [31]
• Topolia, [120]
• Tricou, French consul, succeeds Derché [122];
• refused permission to accompany Omar Pasha, [125];
• makes a list of atrocities, [137];
• despatch, [138]
• Tripiti, [95]
• Turkish rule in Crete, [26-37]
• Turkish words in Cretan speech, [17], [18]
• Vafé [78];
• attacked, [81]
• Veloudaki, Costa, of Sphakia, [81];
• surprises Episkopí, [99];
• at Krapi, [123]
• Venetian Republic purchases Crete, [20];
• barbarous régime, [20-25]
• Volunteers distrusted, [82];
• behave badly, and are carried home, [94];
• Mainote reinforcements, [95];
• surrender, [151]
• Vrysis, [55], [123], [132], [133];
• held by Egyptians, [63];
• threatened by Cretans, [64];
• taken, [66];
• effect on Greek Government, [68]
• White Mountains, [73]
• "Wizard" gunboat, [62], [66];
• ordered to Malta, [91]
• Xyloscala, [166]
• Yennissarli, a Greek chief, [95]
• Yerakari, [106]
• Zebeques, dance of, [168]
• Zimbrakaki, commander of volunteers, [81];
• joins Coroneos, [89];
• attacked by Ali Riza Pasha, [105];
• inertness, [106], [133];
• at Krapi, [123];
• pursued by Omar, [132]
• Zurba, attacked, [73], [149]

FOOTNOTES:

[A] Aboriginal or true Cretans, of whose distinctive characteristic, great stature, make note in considering the Sphakiotes, who even to-day are remarkable for their size, and always assert themselves to be the most ancient Cretans.