All Items 25

Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1857 September 19

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

J. Perkins letter to William S. Tyler in which Perkins writes about the death of Stoddard from typhus fever. He responds to news from Tyler that he is again engaged in his work at the college (Amherst College). He asks Tyler to give his attention to preparing a memoir of Dr. Lobdell as Mr. Seelye has given the matter up. He also asks him to ride to Northampton and give his sympathy to Stoddard's friends and family there. Perkins remarks on letters by Tyler in the Congregationalist and responds to Tyler's hope about the result of the Presidential election. He says that to them there it seems the whole country (the United States) will soon be enslaved or the union will soon be severed. He also notes that the war between England and Persia does not greatly trouble the mission and provides updates on the mission and its schools.

Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1857 September 19
Justin Perkins, William Redfield Stocking, Austin Hazen Wright, and Joseph Gallup Cochran letter of introduction for Mar Yohannan, 1848 November 22

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

A letter of introduction for Mar Yohannan in which J. Perkins, Wm. R. Stocking, A.H. Wright, and J.G. Cochran commend him to the Christian kindness of missionary friends and others in India.

Justin Perkins, William Redfield Stocking, Austin Hazen Wright, and Joseph Gallup Cochran letter of introduction for Mar Yohannan, 1848 November 22
Justin Perkins letter to Bela Bates Edwards, 1837 June 21

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

Justin Perkins letter to B.B. Edwards in which Perkins thanks Edwards for his letter and a Prospectus of the Repository. He explains his delay in responding as he had to go to Erzeroom (Erzurum) to assist Holladay and Stocking with languages. He answers Edwards' question about European travelers in these regions, writing about Monsieur Auchet Eloy (Aucher-Éloy), Mr. William Hamilton, and James Brant. He says that the English Embassy in Persia is doing little of a literary nature at present but mentions Mr. McNeill's past articles. Perkins also discusses the newspaper published by the Lithographic Press under the auspices of the king. He writes about Mt. Ararat and indications of former volcanic action in regions west and south of it. He also responds to Edwards' request for an article relative to the Nestorians.

Justin Perkins letter to Bela Bates Edwards, 1837 June 21
Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1837 August 11

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

Justin Perkins letter to William S. Tyler in which Perkins congratulates Tyler on his return to Amherst and notes how dear Amherst and letters from officers and students of Amherst College are to him. He shares that their friends accomplished the journey through Kurdish country between Erzeroom (Erzurum) and Persia with his assistance. He remarks on past sicknesses and says that they hope they will suffer less sickness as they become more accustomed to the climate. Perkins goes on to provide updates on the state of the mission and its boarding school, and he writes about the "mohammedans" (Muslims) of Persia as a missionary field, mentioning Br. Merrick. In postscripts, he mentions the Prof. and Mrs. H., South parish, Mr. Southgate, and the Sabbath School.

Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1837 August 11
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
Justin Perkins letter to Bela Bates Edwards, 1837 February 8

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

Justin Perkins letter to B.B. Edwards in which Perkins writes regarding Edwards' remarks on the Researches of Messrs. Smith and Dwight in the January 1835 issue of the Biblical Repository and Quarterly Observer. He provides his positive opinions on the book, author, and its content. He relays a story in which an Armenian priest thought that the book must have been written by a native Armenian ecclesiastic due to its accuracy. He expresses his desire for the book to soon be presented to the attention of the American public through an able review in Edwards' periodical.

Justin Perkins letter to Bela Bates Edwards, 1837 February 8
Justin Perkins letter to Edward and Orra White Hitchcock, 1843 July 28

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

J. Perkins letter to Edward and Orra White Hitchcock in which Perkins shares thanks from him and Mrs. P. (Charlotte Bass Perkins) to the Hitchcocks and other friends in Amherst for the box and contributions therein. He says that the letter in the portion from the north part of their parish was mislaid and he cannot remember the name of the writer, so Perkins asks that the Hitchcocks send them a note. He writes about the clothing contributions and goes on to discuss their journey back to Persia and current situation. He mentions Miss Fisk (Fiske), notes mineral specimens he has picked up which he will forward, and remarks on the damage to Khoy from an earthquake. He also thanks them for the letter and copy of Hitchcock's Geology sent to the Prince. In a postscript he provides updates on the health of their little girl and mentions the bishop.

Justin Perkins letter to Edward and Orra White Hitchcock, 1843 July 28
Fragment

A fragment of paper with unattributed handwritten text.

Fragment
Priest Abraham and Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1838 June 5 and 28

Abraham, Priest, -1871

Priest Abraham letter to William S. Tyler in which Abraham expresses his joy at receiving a letter from Tyler and his desire that they continue writing one another. He prays that God will grant Tyler and his companions assistance and strength. He assures Tyler that his people who are with them (the missionaries) are pure and intent on good. He remarks that it is a trying time for them due to oppression from the mussulmans (Muslims). Abraham writes about the religious beliefs of the Nestorians and asks Tyler to pray for them, writing of the oppressions they suffer. At a later date, Justin Perkins writes to Tyler regarding Priest Abraham's letter. He notes that the account of the oppressions they suffer is not exaggerated.

Priest Abraham and Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1838 June 5 and 28
Justin Perkins letter to Thomas Pinkney Johnston, 1837 April 28

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

Justin Perkins letter to T.P. Johnston in which Perkins says that they hope their friends who are to join them (at the Nestorian Mission) will soon be with Johnston. He writes about his past suggestion that these friends secure Mr. Haas' servants on their return from Trebizond, saying that Haas is detained and so he would now advise that they not wait on him at Trebizond. He notes that Haas is detained because Persians owe him money and provides further suggestions for the friends' travels. Perkins gives brief updates on his circle, notes that they are expecting a visit from Dr. Riach, and writes about his hopes for Johnston's labors and their own.

Justin Perkins letter to Thomas Pinkney Johnston, 1837 April 28
Justin Perkins letter to Ebenezer Burgess, 1837 July 27

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

Justin Perkins letter presumably to Ebenezer Burgess in which Perkins responds to Burgess and attempts to convince Burgess to join him in Persia as a missionary, specifically as a missionary to the "Mohammedans" (Muslims) in Tabreez (Tabriz). He mentions that Mr. Merrick is proposing to the Board that they send a missionary to Tabreez and explains that the German missionaries had been there but were recalled by their Society. Perkins notes that it is comparably easy to find men to go to South Eastern Asia versus finding someone to go into Persia. He goes on to write about how he tries to report on the Nestorian mission with accuracy but also with acknowledgement of the good the mission receives.

Justin Perkins letter to Ebenezer Burgess, 1837 July 27
Fragment

A fragment of paper with unattributed handwritten text.

Fragment
Justin Perkins letter to Philander Oliver Powers, 1833 September

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

J. Perkins letter to Philander O. Powers in which Perkins writes while on the ocean portion of his voyage to Persia, providing a list of answers to questions Powers left with Mrs. P. His answers provide biographical information, including relating to his religious and academic history.

Justin Perkins letter to Philander Oliver Powers, 1833 September
Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1865 September 29

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

J. Perkins letter to William S. Tyler in which Perkins writes about his affliction on account of the illness of his son Henry, who had never betrayed the slightest tendency to depression in his letters. He writes about Mr. Rhea and his recent death. He notes the grief of Rhea's family and says that he thinks Miss Rice has sent Mrs. Rhea's narrative to Mt. Holyoke Seminary. He requests Tyler read it. Perkins writes regarding Mrs. Rhea and then goes on to remark on the death of two missionaries in Turkey. He comments on the prosperity at Amherst (College) and says that he had hoped Henry would join that college or Middlebury. He says there is no change in the health of his wife. He also responds to news that Tyler's son survived the war and remarks on the end of slavery.

Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1865 September 29
Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1862 March 4

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

J.P. letter to William S. Tyler in which Perkins remarks on his visit to Amherst and writes about the question of his return to Persia, which relates to the peculiar state of Mrs. P.'s (Charlotte Bass Perkins) health. He notes that there are few living men whose advice on the subject he would prize more than that of Tyler and Hitchcock. He says he is enclosing a letter from Mrs. Labaree which will better give him the form in which the matter lies in Mrs. P.'s mind. He asks Tyler to peruse it, give him his opinion, and return it. He also mentions the possible arrangements for Henry (Perkins) in the future. He notes the confidentiality of this letter and its contents and expresses his confusion over what he should do.

Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1862 March 4
Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1841 February 16

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

J. Perkins letter to William S. Tyler in which Perkins responds to Tyler's letter and news of his marriage. He shares news of the death of their only son, William, writes about their grief, and shares news of the birth of a daughter who is now six months old. He writes about the negative effects of sickness and bereavements on Mrs. Perkins health, the struggle they would go through if they needed to leave the missionary field temporarily or permanently, and their plans for recreation for her. Perkins also remarks on Priest Abraham and provides updates on their mission, native pastors, congregations, seminary, and press. He notes trials, including the Papists pouring in upon them. He responds to news of the prosperity of (Amherst) College.

Justin Perkins letter to William Seymour Tyler, 1841 February 16
Justin Perkins letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1864 January 1

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

J. Perkins letter to Edward Hitchcock in which Perkins says that he should have written him since hearing of the death of his wife (Orra White Hitchcock) but the notices of his poor health made it seem doubtful that any letter would ever reach him. Perkins writes that he is glad to learn that Hitchcock is lecturing in the college and has published a new book. He gives Hitchcock condolences on the loss of his wife and congratulations on his restoration to health. He reports on his own health and his loneliness due to being separated from his wife. He writes about his wife (Charlotte Bass Perkins) and provides updates on his missionary work and the current suffering of the Nestorians from want of food.

Justin Perkins letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1864 January 1
Justin Perkins letter to Hannah Hooper Reed, 1837 Sepember 26

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

Justin Perkins letter to Mrs. (Hannah) Reed in which Perkins writes regarding the death of her husband, William Reed. He quotes Bible passages and shares their condolences for her in her bereavement. He asks that she also tender their heartfelt sympathies to Miss Hooper. He expresses his hopes that this event will be blessed to their church and Sabbath School scholars. Perkins says that they are deeply affected to know that the meeting during which William Reed died was for the object of aid to their mission. He notes that Mrs. P. would write but she is suffering from ophthalmy.

Justin Perkins letter to Hannah Hooper Reed, 1837 Sepember 26
Bound pamphlets regarding the Charity Fund and the founding of Amherst College, 1818-1881

Charity Fund (Amherst, Mass.)

A volume containing 11 pamphlets "bound at the expense of Mr. Frank W. Stearns." An unattributed typed table of contents is included at the beginning of the volume and there are unattributed handwritten notes on the pamphlets. The pamphlets primarily pertain to the controversy regarding the suggested removal of Williams College from Williamstown, Massachusetts, the proposed chartering of the Collegiate Institution, or the Charity Fund. The pamphlets contain contributions from various individuals, including: Lucius Boltwood, John Morton Greene, Rowland Ayres, Christopher Cushing, Joseph Gowing Kendall, Nathaniel Smith, John Fiske, Hezekiah W. Strong, J.E. Trask, Rufus Graves, Paul Willard, Daniel Davis, Joseph E. Sprague, John Leland, Sherman Leland, Redford Webster, and Zephaniah Swift Moore.

Bound pamphlets regarding the Charity Fund and the founding of Amherst College, 1818-1881
Letter from unidentified correspondent to Jane Hitchcock Putnam, 1864 March 25

Putnam, Jane Elizabeth Hitchcock, 1833-1894

A letter in which Jeremiah, a friend of Jane Hitchcock, expresses his sympathy for the loss of her father.

Letter from unidentified correspondent to Jane Hitchcock Putnam, 1864 March 25