To his Excellency the President
Greek. N. V. of War
Proserpine Port of Poros
4 / 16 December 1828
Sir
I assure your Excellency that I regret the occurrence of any whatever circumstance
that occasions uneasiness to you; and I feel gratified in the belief that on reflection, you will
clearly perceive that all which has occurred has been independent of my will, and the work of
others, whose acts I could neither control nor foresee. Truly impressed with this feeling, I beg most respectfully to state that I cannot conform to the opinion which your excellency has been advised to offer in your official letter (No 8117) of this date – Namely that “les communications écrites qui ont eu lieu entre vous, Milord et te Gouvernement Grec depuis votre arrivée out suffisamment éclaircies et décidées la question de savoir, si à côté du titre du Grand amiral que le Congres de Trézène vous a
conféré le Gouvernement Grec pouvait on devait, dans les circonstances actuelles vous donner celui de chef des petits forces navales de la Grèce” first because the congress of Trezene gave me, not the title only but the command, at a period when the naval force was less than it now is; and secondly because I have since my arrival here been honoured in that very official correspondence to which your Excellency is advised to refer (No 7550) with
the rightful designation of “Grand Amiral et Commandant en chef des forces navales de la
Grèce” of which title and authority, written both on the cover and on the endorsement, I have never been divested or deprived. It is scarcely necessary to add on a point so clear as my right of command, that the Secretary of State, in his official letter No 2208 addressed mein the same terms. My wish however is not to contend for offices knowing, as I do, that whatever shall distract your Excellency’s attention must, in the existing state of affairs, prove injurious to Greece. I wave therefore my right to insist at present and on such explicit recognition of my
command; and though there is ample justification for my seeking more than I desire; all that I beseech of your Excellency is, for the sake of Greece, not to suffer sanction your ministers in an endeavour to force me on to public explanations by persevering in the “scandalous” line of conduct they pursue. Surely your Excellency cannot be aware of the importance which naval men attach to the continuance of the insignia of office whilst actually embarked within
the limits of their station, or you would not, for an instant, tolerate the attempt made to degrade me in the estimation of the high authorities, and numerous officers, here present in the Port of Poros. Be this, however, as it may _ to prevent my being instrumental in evils, which I foresee, and ensure my peace of mind, I respectfully await your Excellency’s official commands, and warrant to strike my flag: - not founded on reasonings, nor on assumptions,
which it is evident may prove fallacious or incorrect, but dictated in explicit terms, such as an officer can – such as he ought to obey.
I have the honor to be with profound respect
your Excellency’s most obedient servant
Signed
Cochrane
To his Excellency
Mr President of Greece
(EN)
Ioannis Kapodistrias
(EN)
Ιωάννης Καποδίστριας
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