All Items 58

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
Hannah W. Lyman letter to Charlotte Bass Perkins, 1855 March 19

Lyman, Hannah, 1816-1871

H. W. (Hanna Willard) Lyman letter to Charlotte Bass Perkins in which Lyman responds to a letter from Charlotte noting that Mrs. Wilkes whose death was referenced by Perkins was Lyman's aunt. Lyman passes a reply from her Pastor to Perkins and discusses the marriages and children of Dr. Wilkes. Lyman comments on her esteem for Dr. Wilkes, on the character of dissenters, of the English, and of New Englanders, and her feelings for her present situation in Montreal which she notes "is not quite missionary ground" wishing that if she can do any good it would be in her own country. Lyman mentions Perkins' bereavement and reflects on the spiritual consequences of death in childhood.

Hannah W. Lyman letter to Charlotte Bass Perkins, 1855 March 19
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
Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 June 5

McClure, Mary Brewster

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins reflecting on her faith, and sharing news of her children and other family members and notes she has hopes that the current strife has a glorious purpose and "might result in making this a great missionary country!" McClure comforts Perkins about his wife (Charlotte Bass Perkins) mentioning her heart is stirred by what Perkins shared and says she feels that Charlotte will be greatly improved by her sojourn at the asylum, noting the Summerville (Somerville) Asylum's good reputation and references God, Providence, and discusses her faith. McClure also references Henry (Perkins) and her feelings that his development into manhood and future will be affected by a parent with an unstable mind and relays news from a family member that Henry appeared well and had much improved.

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 June 5
Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 October 12

M'Clure, Alexander W. (Alexander Wilson), 1808-1865

Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins in which McClure writes of his own poor health and of rumors of Perkins ending his work in Persia. He sympathizes with Perkins' separation from his wife and child and congratulates him on the solace he finds in his missionary work. McClure shares a passage from the doctor at the Retreat for the Insane who cared for McClure's niece in hopes Perkins will find the same comfort from it that he did. McClure shares his regrets that his secluded life outside of Pittsburgh has removed him from access to the news and gossip he was once able to share when he lived "Eastward." He questions the New England moral theology which was so introspective to the point of neglecting the fullness and sufficiency of Christ and apologizes for his former congregation of Malden neglecting to support Perkins' mission and asks to be remembered to certain colleagues of Perkins.

Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 October 12
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
Simeon Miller letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 March 20

Miller, Simeon, 1815-1898

Simeon Miller letter to Justin Perkins in which Miller shares his reflections on the last weeks of the life of Perkins' mother. In addition, Miller discusses the many religious, social, and economic changes confronting his community, Ireland Parish, associated with the construction of a dam across the Connecticut River and the development of a canal system to sustain a large number of new mills. Miller also shares news of acquaintances, friends and family of Justin Perkins.

Simeon Miller letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 March 20
Hannah W. Lyman partial letter to Justin Perkins

Lyman, Hannah, 1816-1871

A partial letter from H. W. (Hanna Willard) Lyman presumably to Justin Perkins expressing pleasure at Perkins' prospect of returning to Persia and the Nestorians. Lyman sends greetings and offers help to Mrs. Perkins (Charlotte Bass Perkins) and says she is glad Charlotte "has decided to have Henry in this country" which Lyman feels will be to the boy's advantage. Lyman also discusses "the city" which she notes has more troops in it than there were in all of Canada during the rebellion, mentions Grenadier Guards of the Scotch Fusiliers going up Beaver Hall Hill to the Cathedral, notes she does not believe there will be war between England and America, and shares her thoughts on current events and the Lord's will imploring Perkins to think of "Prof. Peck at Beaufort amongst the contrabands." Lyman also mentions Carter wrote to her regarding the sale of Henry's memoir and notes she wrote to ask Carter on what terms their Societies might be allowed to have it.

Hannah W. Lyman partial letter to Justin Perkins
Daniel Veech McLean letter to Justin Perkins, September 15

McLean, D. V. (Daniel Veech), 1801-1869

D. V. McLean letter to Justin Perkins requesting that Perkins in company with the Nestorian Bishop visit his congregation of the Village Church at Freehold in Monmouth County, New Jersey before leaving the country in hopes that Perkins would increase interest in and support for foreign missions among his parishioners.

Daniel Veech McLean letter to Justin Perkins, September 15
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
Julia Perkins Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 February 19

Mead, Julia Perkins, 1803-1881

Julia Perkins Mead letter to Justin Perkins in which she expresses happiness at receiving Perkins' letter announcing a safe return to his "Eastern home" in Persia the day before the end of his son's vacation and his return to Middlebury College. Mead writes of everyone's very high opinion of Henry (Perkins), of his special bond with Eddie Mead, and of the care he showed to his mother (Charlotte Bass Perkins). Mead expresses sympathy and admiration for Charlotte's "grappling with insanity." In addition, Mead shares news of her own children and shares her fears for James who was serving in the army.

Julia Perkins Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 February 19
Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 July 25

M'Clure, Alexander W. (Alexander Wilson), 1808-1865

Alexander Wilson McClure partial letter to Justin Perkins in which McClure he writes that he was filling in for Dr. Payson but was not sure what lay ahead for him and comments on the state of church work at home and in Perkins' world and shares his opinions on the outcomes of Armenian persecution at Constantinople noting that for the first time the Turks obtained correct knowledge of Protestant Christianity. McClure shares news of changes at Amherst College including the appointment of Prof. Hitchcock (Edward Hitchcock) as president and the retirement Dr. Humphrey (Heman Humphrey) who McClure describes as perceptibly broken with years and labors. McClure notes there was an interesting revival at Amherst stating the institution is somewhat more prosperous. McClure also shares news of Andover (Andover Theological Seminary) including Prof. B. B. Edwards travels and improving health, Dr. Woods' whose family had advised him to throw himself upon the Trustees to make provisions for his old age, noting the students refuse to remain under his instruction. McClure shares news of his family and passes writes on behalf of his wife sending Christian love to Perkins, his wife and offspring.

Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 July 25
Charles Murray letter to Justin Perkins, 1856 March 6

Murray, Charles Augustus, Sir, 1806-1895

Charles Murray letter to Justin Perkins in response to Perkins' offer of hospitality. Murray writes that he will arrive at Urumiah (Urmia) on Monday the 17th. He defines what accommodations for sleeping, food preparation, and dining he requires for himself, his servants, and for the eight other gentlemen in his mission.

Charles Murray letter to Justin Perkins, 1856 March 6
Julia Perkins Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 October 8

Mead, Julia Perkins, 1803-1881

Julia Perkins Mead letter to Justin Perkins in which Mead writes about a recent trip to Holyoke, Massachusetts and discusses their old home, of friends and acquaintances, of a picnic on Mount Tom, news about her family, and shares that Henry was well and his mother (Charlotte Bass Perkins) was about the same.

Julia Perkins Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 October 8
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
Daniel T. Lane letter to Justin Perkins, 1829 December 9

Lane, Daniel Tappan, 1805-1832

Daniel T. Lane letter to Justin Perkins in which Lane describes his initial impressions of Andover Theological Seminary including the scenery, accommodations, missionary spirit, instruction, and preaching.

Daniel T. Lane letter to Justin Perkins, 1829 December 9
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
Mary Brewster McClure and Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 August 12

McClure, Mary Brewster

Mary Brewster McClure and Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins. Mary McClure writes to Perkins reflecting on the wide contrast between the settings in which she and Perkins live and notes they each share the gift of a new child to raise as a loving, serving Christian. She announces that "our ladies here" have adopted the young lad of promise Perkins recommended, asks that the youth write to them, and blesses the boy in his missionary work to his own people and shares news of her family. Alexander McClure writes informing Perkins that the people of Malden remember him well and wish to hear from him as often as possible and that they also wished to hear from John for whom they will pray and notes the ladies who had committed to his maintenance asked that his name be changed to Alexander but McCLure presumes that is not possibly assuming the child is baptized. McClure offers to be of service to Perkins in any way necessary and hopes that Mrs. Perkins (Charlotte Bass Perkins) is happy and a great contributor to Perkins' usefulness.

Mary Brewster McClure and Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 August 12
Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1842 January 31

M'Clure, Alexander W. (Alexander Wilson), 1808-1865

Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins expressing disappointment at having missed connecting with Perkins in Boston after nearly a decade apart. McClure shares everyone in Malden, Massachusetts was also anxious to meet with him, his wife and child, his Nestorian friend, and to learn of his mission work, and of the youth they sponsored. McClure invites Perkins and his Nestorian friend to spend a Sabbath where he says a subscription will be taken for the American Board (American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions). McClure shares in the Perkins' bereavements with news of the death of two of his family members including his first born noting it must be thrice as painful to bury three children as it is to bury one.

Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1842 January 31
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