All Items 15

Elias Riggs letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 June 1

Riggs, Elias, 1810-1901

Elias Riggs letter to Justin Perkins in which Riggs writes that he is improving in health; his family has returned in safety; and, at last account, Emma (Riggs) appeared to be gaining somewhat. He writes further of Emma's health. He goes on to write regarding their stay in Egypt and the United Presbyterian Mission, its schools, its congregation, and books sold. Riggs writes of his trips to other missions in Turkey. He shares details and news of missions in central and eastern Turkey.

Elias Riggs letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 June 1
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 September 1

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

W. G. Schauffler letter to Justin Perkins in which Schauffler says he thinks Perkins misunderstood a remark he made. He explains that he was interested in the case of Mar Shimon's position relative to the Mission because it was new to him and thus he feared losing knowledge of their Mission and not being able to communicate it via missionary intelligence in Germany. He goes on to write about the case of Brother Stoddard, discussing his and his child's health, the nurse, and their journey. He mentions Wood, Homes, and the Hamlins; references Breath's object of a journey; and remarks on the health of Dwight, Bliss and family, and all of their mission. He shares news of the death of Everett's child and cholera in Smyrna.

William Gottlieb Schauffler letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 September 1
George C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 August 22

Knapp, George Cushing, 1823-1895

George C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins in which Knapp tells Perkins his family arrived in Erzroom (Erzurum) after leaving Bitlis and gives details of their travel noting the children’s comfort and safety. Knapp tells Perkins that Lizzie's health was more favorable than when at home but she had grown thinner every day and notes she is but a skeleton. Knapp discusses a possible diagnosis of worms but says if it is not correct could mean very little hope of her recovery. Knapp also mentions the good health of his wife (Alzina M. C. Knapp) and son Georgie (George Perkins Knapp). Knapp informs Perkins of tentative plans to return home by a route allowing for a visit with the Perkins that will depend on the outcome of Lizzie's illness.

George C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 August 22
Simeon Howard Calhoun letter to Justin Perkins, 1860 May 8

Calhoun, Simeon H. (Simeon Howard), 1804-1876

S.H. Calhoun (Simeon H. Calhoun) letter to Justin Perkins in which Calhoun writes that new generations have come on since they entered the field and remarks on those still left, mentioning Brothers Schauffler, Schneider, Powers, Riggs, and Thomson. He also writes of faith in God and the afterlife and sympathises with Perkins' trials. Calhoun says that Lucy Wright is there in Abeih (Aabey) with them this summer. He writes of children there and in the United States. In a postscript he passes on a message from Wright.

Simeon Howard Calhoun letter to Justin Perkins, 1860 May 8
Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 May 20

Haas, Christoph Friedrich, 1801-1882

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins in which Haas discusses Mr. (Christian Gottlieb) Hoernle and Mr. (Friedrich Eduard) Schneider leaving for Isfahan and notes Perkins' better ability to keep Hoernle's spirits up and hopes Perkins will excuse Schneider's haste. Haas discusses his son Victor's health and education and that he and Mrs. Haas are happy to know Victor is happy and safe but implore that he return once Dr. Grant feels Urmia is of no advantage to his health. Haas mentions letters he is enclosing from Constantinople and notes that Mr. Ellis and Sir Henry Bethune are expected in Tabriz. Haas tells Perkins of a conversation he had with Chief Mushtahid (Mujtahid) about their religious beliefs, of the Gospel and Mohammed, and other topics of peace and friendship, and tells Perkins that if he had time to tell of everything that he had seen and heard, that Perkins would "laugh and weep." In closing, Haas mentions the improved health of Mrs. Perkins (Charlotte Bass Perkins) and the Perkins' new little boy and that Nicolas is to go to Wan with books.

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 May 20
Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 September 17

Haas, Christoph Friedrich, 1801-1882

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins in which Haas discusses the health of the Perkins and Haas families and mentions letters, goods and associated costs, and congratulates Perkins on opening new schools. Haas asks Perkins if he could make use of copies of Arab Bibles, New Testaments, and Psalms and notes that his servant Nicolas was to take these bibles to Mosul but now refuses to travel there after accounts he had heard on his last journey. Haas mentions Mr. Hoernle and Mr. Schneider's return from Isfahan and Mr. MacNeil's (Sir John McNeill) visit. Haas also notes that he soon expects English officers from Teheran (Tehran) who belong to the Detachment and refused to fight against the Prince of Herat. Mr. Nisbet and Dr. Grant are also mentioned in the letter.

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 September 17
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
Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 May 2

Haas, Christoph Friedrich, 1801-1882

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins. Haas writes of his son Victor's illness and notes if Dr. Grant (Asahel Grant) does not feel that remaining in Ourmia (Urmia) would be of use to Victor's health that he and Mrs. Haas feel it would be better for Victor to return to be with his brethren in Tabriz. Haas mentions goods he will be sending to Perkins and Mr. Merrick (James Lyman Merrick) and references Mr. Hoernle and Mrs. Perkins (Charlotte Bass Perkins).

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 May 2
Alzina M. C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 February 24

Knapp, Alzina M. C., 1830–1909

Alzina M. C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins thanking him for sending her a copy of his book, Missionary Life in Persia, but states that her sick daughter, "wee baby," and work at the mission had delayed her opportunity to read his book until recently and thanks Perkins for the gift. Knapp tells Perkins that they feared they would lose George (George Perkins Knapp) but things had improved somewhat. Knapp expresses anxiety at the thought of losing another child and mentions the Burbanks' (Lysander T. and Sarah S. Burbank) reaction to the loss of their son, Harry. Knapp also shares that a young member of the theology class was lying deathly ill of "Typhus fever" in Mr. Knapp's study whose devoted parents were not supportive of his acceptance of the missionaries and were not friendly to the Knapps. Knapp recounts the joy experienced by members of the Bitlis missionary station on reading Perkins' amusing description of his visit there and notes the mission was also pleased to hear news of the awakening at Oroomiah (Urmia).

Alzina M. C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 February 24
Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 June 9

Haas, Christoph Friedrich, 1801-1882

A partial letter from Friedrich Haas to Justin Perkins in which Haas writes of the welcome news of Victor's improved health and makes arrangements for Victor's return to Tabriz. Haas notes he is sending letters and goods, and shares news of departing members of his mission and laments the small number of Europeans remaining in Tabriz. Haas discusses the oppression of the Nestorians by the "Mohammedans" (Muslims) and Mr. Nisbet's appeal to Mr. Ellis who asked the Nestorians to make an appeal stating their case. Haas says nothing is likely to be done until the Amyr returns who left to meet the Prince Kariman Mirsa, who will have command of civil affairs in Aderbeidjan (Azerbaijan). Haas states he was quite provoked about an event that took place in Oormia (Urmia) amongst the Jews and mentions their "barbarous oppression." General Lindsey (Sir Henry Bethune), Dr. McNeill, Mr. Hornle, Dr. Riach, Mr. Merrick, Dr. Grant, Mirsa Asadoollah (Mirsa Asadullah), and Mr. Wolter's quarantine are also mentioned.

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 June 9
George C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 February 18

Knapp, George Cushing, 1823-1895

George C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins sharing his feelings on the death of his son, Arthur, and four other children of missionary associates and a renewed sense of joy in his missionary work. Knapp also mentions the improved health of Lizzie after a severe bout of influenza and that the others at his station were all in good health. Knapp notes that his mission has been suffering an unusual amount of persecution of which their Caimacam (Kaymakam) has taken a prominent part and discusses a delegation of protestant delegates that had traveled to Erzroom (Erzurum) but had not yet returned and states the missionary work remains prosperous but their hearts don't feel the presence of God's grace.

George C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 February 18
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
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
Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 April 17

Haas, Christoph Friedrich, 1801-1882

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins in which Haas speaks of leaving Persia and hopes letters to be delivered before his departure that will determine if Hoernle and Schnieder travel with him. Haas states he has not left yet as he is waiting for money he borrowed to be sent to a watchmaker appointed by the Shah and notes it is private money so he cannot leave it to others and describes the arrangement and details to Perkins. Haas shares that he may be made a chevalier of the Persian order of the sun & lion, commenting that it should be called the order of the moon and cat, for his services in the time of cholera. Haas notes that it is a great honour however, he feels it is more a curiosity and decoration. Haas mentions William (Perkins) being ill with measles and hopes him a speedy recovery noting how trying it must be for Perkins to never be without sickness. Haas writes about the Salmas Bishop noting the Bishop will not do anything against the Nestorians or Perkins and mentions the Bishop's "imprudence" in going to a Mohamendan (Muslim) tribunal to decide a theological question. In addition, Haas mentions Mr. Nisbet and Mr. Merrick, shares negative opinions about Persia and the Persians, describes a dispute with Soolyeman Khan, and says the Prince Royal is recovering from a suspected poisoning by Kariman Mirsa.

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 April 17