All Items 16

Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 April 1

Nisbet, Alexander, active 19th century

Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins in which Nisbet writes that he received Perkins' note and letters and that he now forwards the enclosed five letters addressed to Perkins and his party. He says that he will transmit the balance due to Perkins from his bill by Mr. Merrick, and he asks Perkins to tell Saddock he wishes him to return immediately with something of Syeed Khan's. He writes regarding Stephen whom he fears will not rejoin Perkins in Ormiah (Urmia). Nisbet comments negatively on servants in the country in general and shares updates on Mr. Merrick's health. The enclosed letters he mentions no longer accompany this item.

Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 April 1
Copy of James L. Merrick and Emma Taylor marriage certificate, 1839 March 11

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

An unattributed copy of the marriage certificate for James L. Merrick and Emma Taylor. It is noted that the couple were married at the dwelling of Alexander Nisbet in Tabreez (Tabriz) and signed by Justin Perkins. This item may have been enclosed with a letter from Emma Taylor Merrick to Justin Perkins in Box 1 Folder 11 of the collection in which Taylor references sending Perkins a copy of her marriage certificate.

Copy of James L. Merrick and Emma Taylor marriage certificate, 1839 March 11
William Gottlieb Schauffler letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 June 28

Schauffler, William G. (William Gottlieb), 1798-1883

W. G. Schauffler letter to Justin Perkins in which Schauffler explains his delay in correspondence due to the winter his missionary circle had. He writes of their illnesses, their move to Bebek, and the fire in Pera (Beyoğlu) that consumed the houses of the Schaufflers, Dwight, and Homes. He notes that their chapel and Female Seminary in the houses of Goodell and Everett were preserved. He discusses Merrick's Appeal and his and his wife's attempts to dissuade Merrick from such a step. Schauffler thanks Perkins for his copy of the Nestorian N. T. (New Testament) and mentions the copies for Germany. He references the circular of Stoddard with facts regarding their Patriarch and writes further about the fire.

William Gottlieb Schauffler letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 June 28
William Gottlieb Schauffler letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 March 1

Schauffler, William G. (William Gottlieb), 1798-1883

W. G. Schauffler letter to Justin Perkins in which Schauffler explains that his health was poor when Perkins wrote previously. He writes regarding Perkins' books which were left at the Prussian Embassy first by Dr. Rosen and then by his servant. Schauffler says he has now sent the package to Vienna to be forwarded on to Germany. He notes that his own copy and a copy of Holladay's Modern Syriac Grammar were taken for the library of the Theological Seminary of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Schauffler discusses Brother Merrick's Appeal to the Board. He shares a story of an innocent nobleman who was whipped to death by order of "Ivan the Cruel" but the man exclaimed to the last "O God, bless the Czar!" He says this is the spirit he would wish to cherish if the Board or a missionary brother did him wrong.

William Gottlieb Schauffler letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 March 1
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 December 10

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins in which Merrick reports that the prince (Malik Qāsim Mīrzā) was very kind to him noting the staff at the confused palace at Sheshawan ( Shīshavān) acted much differently. Merrick states that "neither the present nor the future looks encouraging" and reflects on the perfect acquiescence in the divine will and says whether joy or sorrow fell to his duty and privilege, he intends to stay as long as he felt called to do so. Merrick expresses sorrow that Mrs. Perkins (Charlotte Bass Perkins) still suffers from sore eyes and sends his kindest regards to her and Willy (William Perkins) and to Mr. and Mrs. Holladay.

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 December 10
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 April 30

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins in which Merrick shares concern over disturbances which interrupted Perkins' plans to create a summer retreat and outlines the intervention on behalf of the missionaries by the Russian Consul General and some of the political considerations that informed that course of action. Merrick says he retained for future use a copy of the firman from Kāhrāmān Meerza, its translation, and a copy of the Governor's letter. Merrick wrote once again of the difficulties in shipping possessions from place to place in Persia and hopes that what he finally arranged was safe and timely. Merrick assures Perkins that his ability to be of some service to Perkins' mission or any of its members would promote his own missionary happiness and he entreated the colleagues at Ooroomiah (Urmia) to visit him and his wife at Tabreez (Tabrīz). Merrick mentions an accompanying letter that is no longer with this letter.

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 April 30
Emma Taylor Merrick partial letter to Justin Perkins

Merrick, Emma Taylor, 1812-1858

Emma Merrick partial letter to Justin Perkins in which Merrick mentions her husband's departure from Oroomiah (Urmia) and the warm feelings both of them had for the place, the people and the work and expresses her faith in providence of their experiences. She mentions an enclosed copy of her marriage certificate and requests it be duplicated and include the attestation of Mr. Stocking, who was present at the ceremony. Merrick mentions a number of people with whom she had recently corresponded or met with, including the Woddfalls, Nisbets, Riachs, the Glens. She sends her blessings and regards to Justin and Charlotte, their children, and their circle. A copy of the marriage certificate for James L. Merrick and Emma Taylor is in Box 2 Folder 7 of this collection.

Emma Taylor Merrick partial letter to Justin Perkins
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 December 12

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins in which Merrick writes about mail service and of the many problems involved in arranging and paying for the delivery of packages, especially in winter. Merrick transcribes a portion of a letter dated November 2, 1839 from Mr. Nisbet who was offended to learn that a private and distressing incident involving his daughter, Maria, had been made public in a published copy of Perkins' sermon preached without his consent or knowledge and notes that if additional information, which had been shared in confidence with Merrick, was also made public Nisbet would suffer more severe pain. However Merrick, upon reflection, feels the allusion in Perkins' sermon was justly excusable and no one would question his motive. Merrick references a man he supposes had hoped might find employment in Tabreez (Tabrīz) in the spring was now working instead at Ooroomiah (Urmia ) and there was no need to pursue the matter further if the arrangement was satisfactory.

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 December 12
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 January 10

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins in which Merrick responds to Perkins' inquiry about "a box of newspaper etc. from America" noting the article had not yet arrived but a caravan was expected soon. Merrick relays news of the political conflict between France and the United States and the likelihood of war. He comments on the Persian King's desire for a European school at Teheran (Tehran) and endorses Perkins' opinion that this was the time for evangelical action in Persia. Merrick says he is glad that Perkins has a good home and is no longer subject to the cares and troubles of a pilgrim. Merrick also conveys greetings from Mr. Twig and from Mr. Buchner, who hopes Perkins is blessed with many children.

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 January 10
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 May 22 and 23

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins in which Merrick recalls with fondness the recent visit he and Mr. Hoernle had made to Oormia (Urmia) and thanks Perkins for his "fraternal sympathy" as Merrick worked out his mission assignments. In preparation for his upcoming journey to Isfahan, Merrick says he is sending boxes of his possessions to Perkins along with Perkins' money from Mr. Nisbet and other articles belonging to the circle at Oormia. Another box which had not yet arrived at Tabreez (Tabrīz) would be forwarded later. Merrick says sending his goods and chattels to Perkins was a pledge that he would visit again some day and sends his love and blessings to Mrs. Perkins and little William (Perkins).

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 May 22 and 23
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1842 October 9

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins. Merrick thanks Perkins for his too short visit to the Merrick family during his visit to the United States. Merrick says he and his wife were still settling in at Oroomiah (Urmia), as nothing has been prepared for their arrival and reflects on all that had taken place in the years since his arrival in Persia and on the uncertain future that awaited him. He notes that he and his wife had been ill and that several members of the mission were recovering from ophthalmia. Merrick thanks Perkins for his recommendation of the Pilgrim's Harp and hopes Perkins will act as editor. Merrick expects the manuscript, forwarded to Constantinople the previous month, would reach America by December and asks Perkins to check on the whereabouts of an article he sent to the Biblical Repository. Merrick closes with news from Persia, acknowledgement of Mrs. Perkins' letter to Mrs. Merrick, and with loving regards from himself and colleagues.

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1842 October 9
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 July 26

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins. Merrick expresses the concern he and his wife had for the severe sickness of dear little Justin (Justin Humphrey Perkins) and of the ongoing recovery of Willey (William Perkins). Merrick mentions his shock at the news of the murder of their messenger stating few Musselman (Muslim) deaths have affected him more and noting the man's two sons had visited him and reported that their father was attacked for his personal possessions. Merrick shares contradictory news that the published report of the "Fŭrmân for a school at Tabreez" which had been granted to Merrick was a measure of the Board's commitment to his work and hopes that there might be some way to carry on. Merrick is doubtful that the British Mission would return to Persia and feels Perkins was not well informed about the British Ministry and shares what he knows of recent proceedings in England involving the formation of a new government. Merrick promises to call on the Russian Consul General on Perkins' behalf and acknowledges the power of Russian influence and shares rumor that the Consul had gone into hiding following a recent altercation between an Armenian Russian and a Persian which escalated to street mobs and banishment. Merrick regards the situation as an illustration of the "the deadly bigotry of Tabreez the most tolerant town in Persia."

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 July 26
James Lyman Merrick letter to Charlotte Bass Perkins, 1836 March 28

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Charlotte Perkins thanking her for her letter to him and sympathizing with the impaired state of her health. Merrick reports that he and (Friedrich) Haas had made no progress persuading her servant, Stephen, who had returned to family at Tabreez (Tabrīz), to resume work at Oormia (Urmia). Merrick notes that his planned journey to Teheran (Tehran) that summer might have to be rescheduled, which would postpone his visit to Oormia until autumn. He sends his kindest regards to Justin Perkins, to Dr. and Mrs. Grant, and to Mr. Hoernle and Victor.

James Lyman Merrick letter to Charlotte Bass Perkins, 1836 March 28
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 September 23

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins reporting that he had just had word from Nazir Aly Khân that the money taken from the Bishop would be restored to its rightful owner through Perkins. Merrick asks to be informed of this exchange as soon as possible and would send more information by the next messenger. Merrick also notes that an expected item from Erzeroom (Erzurum) had not yet arrived.

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 September 23
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 February 20

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins in which Merrick makes note of the observance of the sabbath in Persia, of calls upon his charity, and of the local mail service. Merrick says he was cheered by news of Perkins' evangelizing among the Mussulmans (Muslims) of Oormia (Urmia). He comments on the situation of Stephan, who left Perkins' service in Oormia and returned to Tabreez (Tabrīz). Merrick makes comparisons between Stephan's situation and slavery in the United States confessing he has "a little 'abolition'" in him when he hears of how people of their countries are treated and spoken of. Merrick reports that Mr. Haas (Friedrich Haas) might visit Perkins' in the near future if his son's health improves enough to travel. Merrick also shares news that the prospect of war between France and the United States was nearly removed.

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 February 20
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 March 6

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins sharing his negative opinions on the Sunday mail service and of Persia and of the impending visit to Perkins by Reverends (Friedrich) Haas and (Christian Gottlieb) Hoernle with Victor, who suffers from poor health. Merrick regards the chance for Christian intercourse and communication to be of great importance and relays news of the political conflict between France and the United States, reporting that war is now laid aside.

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 March 6