All Items 30

Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 July 12

Nisbet, Alexander, active 19th century

Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins in which Nisbet notes Captain Sheil's current mission connected with the Ruwandooz affairs. He goes on to discuss the primary topic of his letter, the case of the Caldean (presumably Chaldean) girl who was taken from Urmia and who converted to Islam. Upper level individuals involved including the Ameer, the (British) Ambassador, Ismael Khan, Hajee Seid Hoossain, and Mustakeed Meerza Ahued are mentioned. Nisbet says that he and E. Burgess were assigned to go to the girl and hear her profession, and he describes the event in detail. He then discusses the response of the Caldeans to the girl professing to be a "Mussleman" (Muslim) and deciding not to return to her father and people. He the writes of his conversation with the Ameer and other ministers regarding the Caldeans saying they will leave Persia and go to Russia. Nisbet notes that the Ameer plans to write two firmans regarding their protection at his own suggestion. The Caldean "white beards" are mentioned several times in the letter.

Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 July 12
Benjamin Labaree letter to Justin Perkins, 1866 August 19

Labaree, Benjamin, 1834-1906

Benj Labaree letter to Justin Perkins in which Labaree reports on the health of Miss Rice and thanks Perkins for the particulars in regard to Mr. Thompson and the delegations. He mentions Deacon Ishak. He says he feels adrift about Nestorian affairs and provides his negative opinions about the Nestorian people. He discusses Mar Yohannan, Yonan, the Malek, and leadership in general amongst the Nestorians. Labaree says that his chief comfort is in President Johnson's sentiment, "that time is an important element in reform," and writes specifically about the people of Gavalan (Gavlan, Urmia). Baboona, Jaffar Koolif Agha, and Yahya Khan are also discussed.

Benjamin Labaree letter to Justin Perkins, 1866 August 19
Samuel Audley Rhea letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 May 20

Rhea, Samuel A. (Samuel Audley), 1827-1865

Sam A. Rhea letter to Justin Perkins in which Rhea provides extracts from Deacon Joseph's letter regarding Meerza Nejef Ali, "the new Nestorian Agent in Salmas." He firstly explains Joseph's previous purchase of land in Salmas, subsequent building there to serve as a residence and school for Armenian girls, and Joseph and Khoshaba's purchase of a home and lot in Sawoora. He notes that all of these activities were approved by authorities. Rhea then includes the extracts which discuss the activities and character of the new Governor of the Armenians and the Nestorians. In the extracts, Joseph also says that the Governor ordered him not to reside in Salmas, build houses, or open schools. His response to the orders and subsequent interactions are described.

Samuel Audley Rhea letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 May 20
Austin Hazen Wright letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 May 12

Wright, Austin Hazen, 1811-1865

A.H. Wright letter to Justin Perkins in which Wright writes about his, Mr. Breath's, and Deacon Tamo's travels and meeting Nestorians as they travel. He also writes regarding the Meera's household and the castle of (Kurdish) chief in Julamerk (Hakkari). He remarks on the oppression of Nestorians there and shares his plan for preaching should they be permitted to go through the Nestorian districts. He expresses his anxiety about his family, especially Lucy. He says if Breath decides to leave him these parts, his present feeling is that it would be one of the saddest times of his life when he bids him adieu.

Austin Hazen Wright letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 May 12
Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 June 13

Nisbet, Alexander, active 19th century

Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins in which Nisbet writes that he received Perkins' note regarding the situation the Nestorians were brought to "by the lawless conduct of their Mohammedan (Muslim) oppressors." He says that their (the British) Ambassador is there and is to give them assistance. He notes that the Ambassador has spoken to the Ameer and someone has been sent to bring "the individual who carried off the girl" to Tabreez (Tabriz). Nisbet writes that the Ambassador will also do what he can on behalf of the Jews and then goes on to share updates on British military officers and diplomats, including Captain Sheil, Sir Henry Bethune, Mr. Ellis, and Mr. McNeill. He also mentions the two hundred Tomans in silver which Perkins should now have.

Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 June 13
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
Frank N. H. Young letter to Justin Perkins, June 6 to 12

Young, Frank N. H., active 1860

Frank N.H. Young letter to Justin Perkins in which Young says he spoke with Mr. Abbott on the subjects Perkins' mentioned and Mr. A. is strongly in favor of English protection for Christians in Persia. He writes further on the options they discussed and the suggestions of Abbott. Young goes on to write regarding his stay in Georgia and discussions with Pastor Roth about German colonists making donations to the mission, the Protestant movement among Armenians in Georgia, and the abuse of Protestant Nestorians by Armenians. He notes that Roth is Prussian and the Russian Government has made additions to his church and house. Young shares that he spoke to the English Consul in Pote on the matter and writes about the result. He writes again on June 12, mentioning the box of books and Henry Martyn's case.

Frank N. H. Young letter to Justin Perkins, June 6 to 12
Frank N. H. Young letter to the Nestorian Mission, August

Young, Frank N. H., active 1860

Frank N.H. Young letter to members of the Nestorian Mission in which Young writes about what he has been trying to accomplish in England. He discusses, firstly, his besieging the Foreign Office to interfere on behalf of their mission in relation to the Lazarists and get them to do more to protect the Nestorians. He mentions Mr. Layard writing to Alison. He secondly discusses his attempts to get up a subscription for the Nestorians separate from missionary funds. He mentions the Bible Society and Tract Society and asks if they would like him to apply to the English Prayer Book Society. He says it is uncertain if he will be permitted to join their circle again and that if he goes to England again he will go to the Bishop of London for help.

Frank N. H. Young letter to the Nestorian Mission, August
R. W. Stevens letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 May 17

Stevens, R. W. (Diplomat)

R.W. Stevens letter to Justin Perkins in which Stevens assures Perkins that he will not allow Lord Cowley's dispatch or the past behavior of Mar Shimon to influence him in his endeavors to ameliorate the condition of Persian Nestorians and protect them from oppression. As proof he says Aly Khan is to inquire into some cases of injustices committed and the Serteep himself will return to Oroomya (Urmia) when possible. He remarks on ignorance about the Vallyahd's Court and notes his brother's injured leg. He goes on to write about current political events, including revolutions, in Europe.

R. W. Stevens letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 May 17
Augustus Walker letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 July 7

Walker, Augustus, 1822-1866

Aug. Walker letter to Justin Perkins in which Walker responds to a letter from Perkins which came to him by Dr. Mulling who returned from Bitlis. He mentions Mrs. Mulling's brother visiting on his way from China to the United States and remarks on the journey of his loved ones and Miss Beach across the ocean where Miss Fisk (Fiske) greeted them. He writes about his wife's visit to her parents the Hardings, how he is afraid to go home because he might be reluctant to come back, his recent travels, the ordination of Tomas Boyajian, members of the Diarbekir Church in another village forming a separate church, news about pastor ordinations from Mr. Schneider, Goss' summer plans, and Nestorians seeking governmental protection there. Multiple other missionaries in Turkey are also mentioned in the letter.

Augustus Walker letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 July 7
Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 13

Haas, Christoph Friedrich, 1801-1882

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins in which writes regarding communications between Perkins' Society (American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions), Mr. (James Lyman) Merrick, Mr. (Christian Gottlieb) Wolters, and himself. Haas thanks Perkins for the recommendation to join Perkins' mission and states the reasons why they cannot join and discusses his friendship with Perkins. Haas offers some encouragement by sharing good news he received from Dr. Riach. Haas also writes of a number of topics including Spanish and Portuguese revolts and a fear in France and Italy of the same, the oppression and subjugation of the Jews in Persia, "excitement" caused by the distribution of Persian translations of the New Testament and the response of the English Ambassador, an assault made on Perkins, threats made to Haas' pupil while in Ourmia (Urmia), the instruction of young Persians, and books and their associated costs. Mentioned in the letter are Mr. Ellis, Melik Kasem Mirsa (Malik Qasim Mirza), the late Fath Ali Shah, Mr. Pfander, Mr. Perkins' recovering health, Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Haas and Victor.

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 13
Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 June 27

Abbott, Keith Edward

Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins in which Abbott thanks Perkins, Mr. Breath, and Dr. Wright for their letters, remarks on Lutf Aly, and discusses the situation with Daoud Khan and the Nestorians, mentioning Yahia Khan, Col. Sheil (Justin Sheil), the Prince, and Yaya Khan. Abbott also shares his thoughts that there may not be a war "about the Oregon," but both sides are preparing for it.

Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 June 27
George Whitefield Coan letter to Justin Perkins, 1862 March 9

Coan, G. W., 1817-1879

G.W. Coan (George Whitefield Coan) letter to Justin Perkins in which Coan says that they followed Perkins' journey back to his Persian home and writes of the oppressions of the people (the Nestorians), wondering if they will migrate to Russia. He hopes God will give all needed wisdom to young men and women and writes of how they (the missionaries) cannot afford to lose the confidence of the people by too hastily removing support. He also writes regarding what he has been doing and where he has been since being in America.

George Whitefield Coan letter to Justin Perkins, 1862 March 9
Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1864

Abbott, Keith Edward

Keith Edward Abbott letter presumably to Justin Perkins in which Abbott explains his delay in attending to his friends, noting that he has had an illness since his arrival. He discusses having to leave some of his and his wife's children in England. He goes on to write of the suffering of the Nestorians and of many in Persia, mentioning tyranny. Abbott notes the death of a friend of Perkins and shares other news he has received. He also discusses an incident in which people were captured and carried off into slavery, mentioning the Shah.

Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1864
Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1862 December 5

Abbott, Keith Edward

Keith Edward Abbott letter presumably to Justin Perkins in which Abbott responds to a letter from Perkins and expresses his regret that Perkins has had to separate from his family. He mentions two of his cousins and then goes on to discuss Perkins' visit to England. Abbott also writes regarding the Persian government and the oppression of the Nestorians.

Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1862 December 5
Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 July 27

Abbott, Keith Edward

Keith Edward Abbott letter presumably to Justin Perkins in which Abbott responds to Perkins' letter and writes regarding Persian government management over the Christians of the area. He also writes regarding current events in Europe and relations with Russia, mentioning the countries of Poland, England, France, Austria, Prussia, and Russia. Abbott goes on to write regarding the American Civil War and slavery. He also writes regarding Mr. Alison (presumably Charles Alison), the Shah, and a friend of Perkins. Abbott asks about the amount of the Nestorian population and number of villages on Perkins' plain, and says he will try to interest the government in their fate. He also mentions Dr. Young and Miss Crawford.

Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 July 27
Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 June 27

Abbott, Keith Edward

Keith Edward Abbott letter presumably to Justin Perkins in which Abbott thanks Perkins for the copy of his party's intentions. He notes that he sent it on to Thomson. Abbott goes on to write regarding the minimal news he has received and discusses the Christians of Persia and what is going on at Salmas. Abbott also writes that Herat has fallen into the hands of Dost Mohammad Khan and that the Polish Insurrection continues. He mentions the Suez Canal. Alison (Charles Alison), William Abbott, Dr. Young, Mrs. Barbara who is living with the Sisters of Charity, and several members of the Persian and Russian governments whose names are illegible are mentioned in the letter.

Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 June 27
Edward Breath letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 May 20

Breath, Edward, 1808-1861

E. Breath (Edward Breath) letter to Justin Perkins in which Breath writes that after considerable effort by Dr. (Wright), "the way is at last opened for our departure." He writes of "the bey" returning from his hunting and says that his departure for the country of Bader Khan Bey (also called Bedr Khan Beg) will be delayed. Breath writes of interactions with the Chief including a conversation about a Bible in which was written "presented to Mar Shimon, Patriarch of the Nestorians by the American Bible Society." He also writes of the Mudebbir. Breath goes on to discuss the status and treatment of Nestorians, the feeling between the people of different districts, and the desire for the return of the Patriarch. He says the people feel that the Patriarch is detained by the English Consul and the Pasha. Breath also writes of Julamerk and their travel plans.

Edward Breath letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 May 20
Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 July 11

Haas, Christoph Friedrich, 1801-1882

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins in which Haas informs Perkins about events concerning the "stolen girl and her pretended robber" who was taken and converted to Islam and the aftermath of the girl confessing herself a Musulman (Muslim). Haas discusses the Amyr, Ismael Kahn, Mr. Nisbet (Alexander Nisbet), Mr. Ellis, Mr. Burgess, the Ambassador, the Russian consul, Mar Elias, the Nestorians, the Mustahid (mujtahid), the girl, her family, and himself in regards to this event and of confrontations told to him by Mar Elias and Mr. Nisbet. Haas notes the Nestorian fate regarding staying in Persia under protection or leaving for Russia is still unsettled and states that Mr. Nisbet felt the girl converted quite of her own will and that she wished to be protected by the Musulmen (Muslims) against her own people. Haas also speaks of his disappointment about the Nestorian's false reports about this event.

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 July 11
Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 May 7

Abbott, Keith Edward

Keith Edward Abbott confidential letter presumably to Justin Perkins in which Abbott conveys a message that was left by the new agent for the superintendence of the affairs of the Christians of Oroomiah (Urmia), Salmas, and another illegible location (possibly Khoy or Khosroabad). The statement notes the sects of Christianity that the government recognizes and includes restrictions on the actions of the missionaries in relation to proselytizing, schools, property, printing, ringing of church bells, funds, and churches. Abbott also writes regarding his thoughts on the statement and mentions the Lazarists' influence. Abbott goes on to write of Dr. Young, Mr. Alison (Charles Alison), the possible governor of Oroomiah, Bekky, and current events in Europe. The chief of all the native Christians of Azerbaijan and the agent appointed to act under his orders are both named in the letter, but illegibly.

Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 May 7