III. “Greek Fire” The Grass Roots Response A. Expression of Public Support for the Greek Cause
A10. Sentiments of Nathaniel Rochester toward the Greek Cause
(Booras, p. 186) Boston Recorder, December 20, 1823
[Col. Nathaniel Rochester, the distinguished citizen after whom the city was named, was himself an ardent Philhellene, and during the period of the revolution made many effective appeals in behalf of the Hellenes. In one of them he concludes:]
The Greeks appealed to heaven for the justice of their cause - but not to heaven alone. They have appealed to the United States for sympathy and assistance. We rejoice that that appeal has not been made in vain...
Fellow-citizens, think of the nature of the contest in which that valiant nation is engaged; the sufferings she has endured and her destitute situation.
(Hatzidimitriou 155)
Source: Constantine G. Hatzidimitriou, Founded on Freedom and Virtue: Documents Illustrating the Impact in the United States of the Greek War of Independence, 1821-1829 (New Rochelle, New York: Aristide D. Caratzas, 2002).