Δευτέρα 18 Ιανουαρίου 2010

ΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΠΡΟΕΔΡΟΥ ΤΗΣ ΑΪΤΗΣ ΣΤΟΝ ΚΟΡΑΗ

Ο Πρόεδρος της Αϊτής JEAN PIERRE BOYER


απέστειλε στον Αδαμάντιο Κοραή και άλλους τρεις Έλληνες στο Παρίσι ένα γράμμα το 1822. Το γράμμα δημοσιεύτηκε σε Ελληνική μρτάφραση στο Δοκίμιον Ιστορικόν περί της Ελληνικής Επαναστάσεως του Ιωάννου Φιλήμονος. Μεταφρασμένο στα αγγλικά και σχολιασμένο από δύο Έλληνες (Ε. Σιδέρης και Α. Κώνστα) δημοσιεύτηκε στο Journal of Haitian Studies.

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LIBERTE (The Flag) EGALITE

JEAN PIERRE BOYER

President of Haiti

To the citizens of Greece A. Korais, K. Polychroniades, A. Bogorides and Ch. Klonaris

In Paris

Before I received your letter from Paris, dated last August 20, the news about the revolution of your co-citizens against the despotism which lasted for about three centuries had already arrived here. With great enthusiasm we learned that Hellas was finally forced to take up arms in order to gain her freedom and the position that she once heldamong the nations of the world.

Such a beautiful and just case and, most importantly, the first successes which have accompanied it, cannot leave Haitians indifferent, for we, like the Hellenes, were for a long time subjected to a dishonorable slavery and finally, with our own chains, broke the head of tyranny.

Wishing to Heavens to protect the descendents of Leonidas, we thought to assist these brave warriors, if not with military forces and ammunition, at least with money, which will be useful for acquisition of guns, which you need. But events that have occurred and imposed financial restrictions onto our country absorbed the entire budget, including the part that could be disposed by our administration. Moreover, at present, the revolution which triumphs on the eastern portion of our island is creating a new obstacle in carrying out our aim; in fact, this portion, which was incorporated into the Republic I preside over, is in extreme poverty and thus justifies immense expenditures of our budget. If the circumstances, as we wish, improve again, then we shall honorably assist you, the sons of Hellas, to the
best of our abilities.

Citizens! Convey to your co-patriots the warm wishes that the people of Haiti send on behalf of your liberation. The descendants of ancient Hellenes look forward, in the reawakening of their history, to trophies worthy of Salamis. May they prove to be like their ancestors and guided by the commands of Miltiades, and be able, in the fields of the new Marathon, to achieve the triumph of the holy affair that they have undertaken on behalf of their rights, religion and motherland. May it be, at last, through their wise decisions, that they will be commemorated by history as the heirs of the endurance and virtues of their ancestors.

In the 15th of January 1822 and the 19th year of Independence

BOYER


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Sideris, E G - Konsta, A A: A Letter from Jean-Pierre Boyer to Greek Revolutionaries. Journal of Haitian Studies, Volume 11, Number 1, April 1, 2005

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