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"Grecian Proclamation" article from the Franklin Herald newspaper

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The Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire began in March 1821. The city of Kalamata was liberated on March 23, and the Messenian Senate was founded. A declaration was signed by the head of the Greek army in Kalamata, Petrobeys (Peter) Mavromichalis (1765-1848) and sent to the rulers in Europe declaring that they would fight for their freedom. This proclamation, also signed by Mavromichalis, asks the United States for support with their revolutionary cause. Interestingly, he states that America has restored "to the oppressed Africans the character of Men," implying that slavery no longer exists in the country. In 1821 that was far from truth. The Franklin Herald was the newspaper in Greenfield, Massachusetts, from January 7, 1812 to August 27, 1822. It changed its name to the Franklin Herald and Public Advertiser.

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