All Items 18

Philander Oliver Powers letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 August 6

Powers, Philander O., 1805-1872

P. O. (Philander O.) Powers letter to Justin Perkins in which Powers writes regarding the mission in Broosa (Bursa). He describes a recent disturbance after an increase in their audience caused a "wrath of other bigoted women," resulting in the opposing women assaulting Powers' house. Powers writes that the good from this is that they are now acknowledged as a Protestant community. He discusses more news from the community, including the imprisonment of two of their brethren, the first baptism, the first Lord's supper, the organization of a church, and the death of one of their number. He also remarks on the revival in the Nestorian community and news of Protestant churches now organized in several other locations in Turkey. Mr. Dwight, the Peabodys, and Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are mentioned in the letter.

Philander Oliver Powers letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 August 6
Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 January 17 and 26

Johnston, Thomas P., 1808-1883

Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins in which Johnston thanks Perkins for his letter and explains his delay in responding. Jackson writes of learning about Perkins' mission suffering from "domestic afflictions" and says it's fortunate that there was a physician. Jackson says that from what Perkins has reported of events at Van that he is encouraged to expect a glorious reformation in the oriental churches and notes that although progress at his mission at Trebizond (Trabzon,) is slow he does not despair. Jackson tells Perkins the Greeks and Armenians were friendly and he believes he could open a school if he had some good teachers and reports that shipments to Perkins had been detained at Erzeroom (Erzurum) and Trebizond and mentions boxes for Dr. Grant have been forwarded. Johnston regrets that the German brethren appear to be leaving Persia and asks if there was news of brother Merrick (James Lyman Merrick). Johnston comments on his impression of Mr. Holladay (Albert Lewis Holladay) with whom he had some acquaintance while a student in Virginia.

Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 January 17 and 26
William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 May 4

Jackson, William C. (William Chamberlain), 1808-

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins in which Jackson discusses the brethren who had visited in Trebizond (Trabzon) and who will shortly reach Perkins at the Nestorian mission at Oroomiah (Urmia). Jackson recounts the threatening responses to his work from the Greeks and Armenians. He mentions his attempts to learn Turkish and shares his eventual goal of mastering the Armenian language and of his devotion to building "an enlightened christian community" which he feels will be a difficult task.

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 May 4
Edwin Elisha Bliss letter to Justin Perkins, 1847 December 14

Bliss, Edwin Elisha, 1817-1892

Edwin E. Bliss letter to Justin Perkins in which Bliss says that Perkins will find an answer to his question regarding his brother's wife on a copy of a paper Bliss sent him previously. Bliss remarks on the changed character of a young man he recently saw and explains why it has been so long to his last letter to Perkins. He also congratulates Perkins on the addition on Miss (Mary Susan) Rice to the Mission and mentions Mr. and Mrs. Cochran (Joseph Gallup Cochran and Deborah P. Cochran).

Edwin Elisha Bliss letter to Justin Perkins, 1847 December 14
Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins, 1841 September 15

Johnston, Thomas P., 1808-1883

Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins noting that Perkins had probably already encountered Mrs. Johnston, who was in Constantinople as a guest of Dr. Riach. Johnston reports that a group of Nestorians had just departed Trebizond (Trabzon) and contrary to Perkins' orders he allowed the priest to return to Ooromiah (Urmia) with the bishop's saddle. The servant also wished to take a bridle, which he claimed was his, but this Johnston refused and loaned him money for a new one, which was charged to Perkins. Johnston wishes Perkins a pleasant and steady passage home.

Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins, 1841 September 15
Isabella Holmes Porter Bliss letter to Charlotte Bass Perkins and Catherine Myers, 1843 September 9

Bliss, Isabella H., 1819-1897

Isabella H. Bliss letter to Mrs. Perkins (Charlotte Bass Perkins) and Kate (presumably Catherine Myers) in which Bliss discusses her current situation in Trebizond (Trabzon). Bliss writes of learning the Turkish language and current happenings in her missionary circle. She also writes regarding news received from home, including news regarding the health of Mr. Condit. She mentions missionaries Dr. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, Dr. Anderson, Mr. Calhoun, Fidelia (Fiske), and Harriet. She also sends her love to Perkins' daughter Judith. The letter is signed "your sister Bell." It has been determined that Bell is Isabella H. Bliss.

Isabella Holmes Porter Bliss letter to Charlotte Bass Perkins and Catherine Myers, 1843 September 9
William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 January 21

Jackson, William C. (William Chamberlain), 1808-

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins expressing concern for the extent of illness among Perkins' circle and comments on the political atmosphere between England and Persia that might break down into armed conflict, which Jackson notes would then involve Russia and expand into war in Europe. Jackson comments on Mr. Merrick selecting Tabreez (Tabriz) for his mission station and wonders what success Perkins foresees for an Armenian mission in such a "hard field." Jackson says he will soon go to Erzroom (Erzurum) and asks Perkins to reveal what to expect of his neighbours and neighbourhood. Jackson also writes that he called on eight Armenian families, it being their Christmas, and was well received but feels his labors in that mission are long and his self confidence sometimes wavers.

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 January 21
Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 December 11

Johnston, Thomas P., 1808-1883

Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins in which Johnston claims to be fulfilling his Christian duty to report on the Christian character of Mr. Fowler. Johnston writes in detail about statements, conversations, and charges regarding activities Mr. Fowler engaged in involving the sale, ownership, and shipment of bales of silk and a claim of unpaid debts between Syeed Khan and the late Dr. Campbell. Johnston also mentions the impact this matter has had on Mr. Fowler's social reputation. Also referenced in the letter are Mr. Nisbet, Rev. Newman, and Mr. McNeill in relation to the charges discussed in the letter. Johnston asks Perkins to share his judgement of the facts he has shared and warns that given the feeling among their English friends respecting Mr. Fowler they as missionaries need to be extremely cautious in what they say and do.

Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 December 11
Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 July 7

Johnston, Thomas P., 1808-1883

Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins in which Johnston discusses deliveries of boxes and items to Perkins, Grant, and Merrick and also mentions Mr. Dwight's role in the process. Johnston congratulates Perkins on the birth of his son (William Riach Perkins) and shares news of the birth at Constantinople of a daughter to Mrs. Jackson. Brethren from the mission station at Shoasha visited and were considering re-locating their printing press to Trebizond (Trabzon). Johnston says there is no other news to report from his station and that their prospects are about usual but he would not be discouraged and sends blessings to Mrs. Perkins (Charlotte Bass Perkins), the Grants, and to all the families at Perkins' station.

Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 July 7
Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 June 8

Johnston, Thomas P., 1808-1883

Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins in which Johnston references his return to Trebizond (Trabzon) and mentions he has had no news about Perkins' departure from Erzroom for Oormia and notes his concern for Perkins' safe arrival. Johnston also expresses concern for the critical state of Dr. Grant's family. Johnston references the increase of missionaries and shares an Armenian priest's opinion that "God has now cast his eye upon this part of the world." Johnston reminds Perkins and his colleagues to communicate frequently and mentions Merrick (James Lyman Merrick) and Southgate and predicts a "very refreshing season" for Perkins' missionary station if health and lives are spared and hopes Merrick's courage would be renewed during his stay at Oormiah and mentions Mar Yohanna (Mar Yohannan).

Thomas P. Johnston letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 June 8
J. H. Charnaud letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 February 25

Charnaud, J. H.

J. H. Charnaud letter to Justin Perkins in which Charnaud responds to a letter from Perkins and thanks Perkins for his interest and intervention in the case between "the Pole and Nestorian." He says that his brother must be left to settle accounts with the Nestorian. Charnaud also writes that on his brother's arrival to Oroomiah (Urmia) he will endeavor to find employment for the young German. He discusses the upcoming journey and plans of his brother, expressing his hopes that his brother's presence will render his people more docile. He sends regards from Mrs. C. to Mrs. Perkins and notes the birth of another little girl.

J. H. Charnaud letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 February 25
William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 August 25

Jackson, William C. (William Chamberlain), 1808-

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins. Jackson comments about not having received personal correspondence for some time from friends in Persia or Armenia and notes that due to the heat and the plague they had retreated from the city with only the absolute necessities and are living in tents in a nearby village. Jackson writes about the plaque and his ambition to be able to console the people who were suffering from it and notes the death of H. G. O. (Harrison Grey Otis) Dwight's wife (Elizabeth Barker Dwight) and son (John White). Jackson also discusses financial pressure facing the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 August 25
Edwin Elisha Bliss letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 October 12

Bliss, Edwin Elisha, 1817-1892

Edwin E. Bliss letter to Justin Perkins in which Bliss writes regarding the good news that has come from Perkins' station the last few months. He expresses hopes that the Holy Spirit will continue to bless Perkins' labors. Bliss also writes of faculty and presidential appointments at Yale College and of a situation at Andover Theological Seminary relating to lectures in theology. He asks Perkins to pass on a message to Brother Stoddard and discusses boxes of mostly paper that he sent to Perkins' station in Oroomiah (Urmia). Reverend Porter of Springfield, Professor Woosley, President Day, and Professor Park are mentioned in the letter.

Edwin Elisha Bliss letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 October 12
Edwin Elisha Bliss letter to Justin Perkins, 1845 December 29

Bliss, Edwin Elisha, 1817-1892

Edwin E. Bliss letter to Justin Perkins in which Bliss writes that they have felt joy on hearing from Perkins' notes and from Stoddard's circular that "the Lord seems to be with you." He remarks on the Amherst paper that he sent to Perkins and goes on to ask if Mar Yohannan remembers his companions from the Emma Isadora. Bliss discusses how little Mary loves a picture of Mar Yohannan and a picture of Andover Seminary. He also writes regarding how Professor Stuart and a doctor with an illegible name must have enjoyed the meeting of their children the alumni of Andover. In a postscript he says that when the railroads in Turkey and Persia are as fast as the American ones he will come see Perkins, and he notes that Bishop Alexander of Jerusalem is dead.

Edwin Elisha Bliss letter to Justin Perkins, 1845 December 29
Edwin Elisha Bliss letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 February 25

Bliss, Edwin Elisha, 1817-1892

E. E. Bliss (Edwin E. Bliss) letter to Justin Perkins in which Bliss responds to a letter from Perkins with news of the mission in Oroomiah (Urmia) and news from America regarding Mr. Merrick and Mr. Jones. He remarks on Merrick's situation, mentioning the Committee. Bliss goes on to discuss their house. He also remarks on the Catholic Friars in Trebizond (Trabzon), saying that the friars oppose them. He discusses other news of their mission that Perkins will find in a circular sent to him. Brother Powers, Mr. Goodell, Mr. Van Lennep, Professor Condit, Mr. Holladay, Brother Stoddard, and Mr. Charnaud are all mentioned in the letter.

Edwin Elisha Bliss letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 February 25
William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 November 30

Jackson, William C. (William Chamberlain), 1808-

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins. Jackson explains the circumstances connected with receiving parcels and boxes from America and shipping them throughout Turkey and Persia. Jackson mentions recent deaths among missionaries of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, including two young children of William G. Schauffler, and notes the state of the plague in Constantinople and Trebizond (Trabzon).

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 November 30
William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 March 27

Jackson, William C. (William Chamberlain), 1808-

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins. Jackson thanks Perkins for surviving an attack and rejoices at the welcome of the missionaries in Persia which he notes was contrary to the threatening responses received from the Greek and Armenian patriarchs in Turkey. Jackson also shares news of other missions in the region, including arrivals of new personnel, beginnings of new projects, births of children, and the state of the plague in Constantinople (Istanbul) and Trebizond (Trabzon), and describes the other Americans and Europeans in his community.

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 March 27
William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 December 23

Jackson, William C. (William Chamberlain), 1808-

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins in which Jackson expresses pleasure at learning of Perkins' good health and comments on the role of health in the work of missionaries and the price the plague had demanded from his labors and his faith in the past months. Jackson references letters from Constantinople concerning the imminent "private concert of prayer" on behalf of the nearly one hundred children of missionaries in the Mediterranean and the Western Asia missions. Jackson also writes about the character and suitability of Miss Taylor, who had moved on to Tabreez (Tabriz). Jackson notes who among his community has attended the latest "communion season," and the Christmas celebration hosted by the French Consul. Jackson also writes regarding the storage of Perkins' press in Trebizond (Trabzon).

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 December 23