All Items 38

Benjamin Schneider letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 November 6

Schneider, Benjamin, 1807-1877

Benjamin Schneider letter to Justin Perkins in which Schneider expresses his faith in God that all of his family's trials are for their highest good. He shares that they were preserved from the plague but his wife became ill with typhus fever immediately after they were permitted to return to their house. He writes about her illness and how they thought she would die, mentioning the assistance of Sister Powers and Dr. Zohrab. Schneider adds that their house was broken into by robbers twice and discusses the events.

Benjamin Schneider letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 November 6
Eliza Cheney Abbott Schneider and Harriet Goulding Powers letter to Charlotte Bass Perkins, 1835 March 2

Schneider, Eliza Cheney Abbott, 1809-1856

E. C. A. Schneider letter to Charlotte Bass Perkins in which Schneider responds to the news that Charlotte (Charlotte Nisbet Perkins) has died. She writes of faith in God. Schneider says that they all live together at the present (the Schneiders and the Powers) and writes regarding the temporary removal of her and her husband to C. (Constantinople) due to her health. Following Schneider's portion, Harriet G. Powers addresses Perkins. She writes regarding her arrival at Broosa (Bursa), her husband's and her own health, their accommodations, the trials of Perkins, their prayers for the Perkinses, faith, and yesterday's religious service.

Eliza Cheney Abbott Schneider and Harriet Goulding Powers letter to Charlotte Bass Perkins, 1835 March 2
William Rawlinson letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 October 21

Rawlinson, W.

W. Rawlinson letter to Justin Perkins in which Rawlinson says he thinks of Perkins often and remarks on the sad state of Perkins' country (the United States). He writes that he wonders if Perkins still considers the Northern States justified in carrying forward a war even though their object be the abolition of slavery and if it would not be more in the spirit of Jesus to leave the accomplishment in the Lord's hands. Rawlinson goes on to mention the power raised against the spread of the Gospel in Turkey. He writes regarding the illness of one of his daughters, the upcoming marriage of another daughter, and feelings of religious doubt in England. In a postscript he notes that Miss Young has just lost her only brother.

William Rawlinson letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 October 21
Sophia Riach letter to Justin Perkins, 1867 September 28 to 1868 January 31

Riach, Sophia

Sophia Riach letter to Justin Perkins in which Riach writes regarding a variety of topics including faith in God, her deceased husband (James Pringle Riach), her husband's son Hugh Riach, Hugh's salvation, the subscription to the building fund for the new church in Oroomiah (Urmia), Protestantism, a letter from Mrs. Perkins, the oppression of the Nestorians, her minister, her dear friend Mrs. F. (Fishbourne), and how she looks forward to Heaven. Hugh's aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. John Heugh, and Lady McNeill are mentioned. The first several pages of the letter were written at an earlier date and from a different location than the continuation of the letter on the last several pages.

Sophia Riach letter to Justin Perkins, 1867 September 28 to 1868 January 31
Payson Williston letter to Justin Perkins, 1855 October 5

Williston, Payson, 1763-1856

Payson Williston letter to Justin Perkins in which Williston responds to Perkins saying that, due to Williston's advanced age, he looks on each of his letters as the last. Williston writes about this sentiment and others younger in years who have died, including Mr. C. (Edwin Crane). He discusses faith in God in relation to such losses and in respect to the aggressive movement (the Crimean War). He writes about the prospects for missionaries and the field missions improving and about the last meeting of the American Board (of Commissioners for Foreign Missions), mentioning N. Adams, the Choctaw and Cherokee missions, and Secretary Wood. He also briefly remarks on the late successes of the allies at Sevastopol.

Payson Williston letter to Justin Perkins, 1855 October 5
Charlotte Bass Perkins letter to Justin Perkins, 1862 March 24

Perkins, Charlotte B., 1808-1897

C. B. (Charlotte B.) Perkins letter to her husband Justin Perkins in which Charlotte responds to a letter from Justin, remarking on the difficulties of his journey. She writes regarding the extensive field he has before him to preach Christ, saying that "surely there is nothing like it in all heathendom or even in enlightened Persia." She mentions the buzz of war, noting the death and funeral of Dr. Stearns' son. Charlotte discuss her own health and shares that Henry (Martyn Perkins) said "I am not undecided at all but wish to go right back to Persia." She says that as for herself, she dare not choose but leaves herself in her heavenly Father's hand.

Charlotte Bass Perkins letter to Justin Perkins, 1862 March 24
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
Joseph Salter letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 August 23

Salter, Joseph, 1822-1899

J. Salter letter to Justin Perkins in which Salter writes from the Strangers' Home for Asiatics. He writes regarding Adam and his companion and their fundraising efforts. He goes on to discuss money coming to Oroomiah (Urmia), the Syriac scriptures Perkins sent, and the polyglot Gospel of John which he himself is compiling. He updates Perkins on his "work on the Nestorians," mentioning Assemani, Layard's Nineveh, and the massacre under Beder Khan (also called Bader or Bedr Khan Beg). Salter asks if he can help with the cut off in correspondence with Erz (presumably Erzurum) that Perkins is experiencing. In closing, he writes of his faith in God and hope for the time when Jesus will reign.

Joseph Salter letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 August 23
Harrison Gray Otis Dwight letter to Asahel Grant and Justin Perkins, 1837 July 31

Dwight, H. G. O. (Harrison Gray Otis), 1803-1862

H.G.O. Dwight letter to Justin Perkins and Asahel Grant in which Dwight responds to letters received from them both. He writes regarding the death of his wife (Elizabeth Barker Dwight) and son, John White, from plague. He expresses his faith in the mercy of God, and he writes of his blessings and God's providence. Dwight notes that he is still in quarantine but hopes to remove to Pera this week.

Harrison Gray Otis Dwight letter to Asahel Grant and Justin Perkins, 1837 July 31
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
Sumner G. Clapp letter to Justin Perkins, 1845 July 28 to 1846 April 20

Clapp, S. G. (Sumner G.)

S.G. Clapp (Sumner G. Clapp) letter to Justin Perkins in which Clapp writes on a variety of days from July 1845 to April 1846. He responds to a letter from Perkins and writes of reading it to Perkins' mother. He discusses the health of Perkins' mother multiple times in the letter. He also writes regarding the moral state of American churches, national political affairs, and Perkins' spiritual health. He notes the deaths of Mrs. Williston and Mrs. Bassett and writes of time spent with Father Williston. Mount Holyoke Seminary, Amherst College, and the Seminary are mentioned in the letter. The annexation of Texas to the United States and potential war with Mexico are also mentioned.

Sumner G. Clapp letter to Justin Perkins, 1845 July 28 to 1846 April 20
Fidelia Fiske letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 June 24

Fiske, Fidelia, 1816-1864

Fidelia Fiske letter to Justin Perkins in which Fiske writes of spending the last several months in Boston after leaving the Seminary (Mount Holyoke Seminary). She remarks on the possibility of her returning to Oroomiah (Urmia) and discusses a visit with Mrs. (Charlotte Bass) Perkins (in the asylum). Writing of Perkins' separation from his family, she expresses her faith in God's designs. Fiske also writes regarding American missionaries returning to their fields and Perkins' impressions of a book he called the "Persian Holyoke" (Woman and Her Savior in Persia). Mr. Laurie, Miss Lyon, Miss Rice, Dr. Tyler, Mr. Beber, Henry (Martyn Perkins), Mr. Eddy, Dr. Lord, Mr. Washburn, Mr. Hazen, Mr. Treat, and Dr. Anderson are all mentioned in the letter. The letter appears to be missing a page.

Fidelia Fiske letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 June 24
Harrison Gray Otis Dwight letter to Justin Perkins and Asahel Grant, 1837 December 4

Dwight, H. G. O. (Harrison Gray Otis), 1803-1862

H.G.O. Dwight letter to Justin Perkins and Asahel Grant in which Dwight thanks both of them for their sympathising letters. He says that he is now nearly settled in Mr. (William) Goodell's family and is getting back into the regular duties of the mission again. He writes of his loneliness after the loss of his wife and with his family scattered, noting that only his son Charles is with him now. Dwight discusses his faith in God and his blessings, including that his two other boys are provided for in Broosa (Bursa). He remarks on the (Syriac) type Perkins wrote about and Grant's inquiries regarding postage charges.

Harrison Gray Otis Dwight letter to Justin Perkins and Asahel Grant, 1837 December 4
Ebenezer Burgess letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 12 to 1837 January 2

Burgess, Ebenezer, 1805-1870

Eben. (Ebenezer) Burgess letter to Justin Perkins in which Burgess begins by writing on December 12, 1836 regarding his expectations for his missionary appointment and the recent tours of Mr. Arms on islands in Southeast Asia, mentioning Borneo and Sumatra. He writes further on January 1 and 2, 1837 regarding his recent missionary appointment to the "Indian archipelago" and his companion for life Miss Grant (Mary Grant Burgess). He remarks on the missionary spirit at Andover Theological Seminary and updates Perkins on changes at Amherst College. Burgess also writes of faith and spirituality. Mr Robbins, Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard, Mrs. Perkins, Mr. Tyler, Mr. Fiske, Professor Park, Dr. Skinner, and Mr. Anderson are all mentioned in the letter.

Ebenezer Burgess letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 12 to 1837 January 2
George C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 November 2

Knapp, George Cushing, 1823-1895

George C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins concerning the delivery among mission stations of packages, letters, and news. Knapp references an editorial which claimed civilization had advanced in Turkey more in the last fifty years than in the preceding two hundred, however Knapp notes it failed to credit what "pure Christianity" had contributed to that change. Knapp informs Perkins that Lizzie died on October 9 and that Mrs. Knapp (Alzina M. C. Knapp) "had looked forward to such an event with fearful misgivings lest she should fail to endure the separation" and says the care and anxiety has weakened her health but the Lord sustained them both. Knapp thanks Perkins for the consoling letter and for sharing a photograph of his son and says they pray for his progress and continuing solace to the Perkins. Knapp closed his letter with items concerning mission stations, acquaintances and colleagues, and shared news of success and trial.

George C. Knapp letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 November 2
Elizabeth Dickinson letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 September 19 and 23

Dickinson, Elizabeth, active 19th century

A letter with a torn signature presumed to be from Elizabeth Dickinson to Justin Perkins in which Dickinson writes that she has left Lafayette, Indiana and is now in Cambridge, Massachusetts after stays in New York and Amherst. She wonders over the enjoyment and suffering of living and remarks on the trials of Perkins. She goes on to discuss the health of Mrs. Perkins (Charlotte Bass Perkins) per Dr. Tyler. Throughout the letter, she writes of the Christian God and faith. She mentions multiple individuals including Miss Fisk (Fidelia Fiske), Mary Cochran, Dr. Wilkes, Mr. Rice, Mary Barbee, Miss Lyman, and Perkins' children Henry and Judith.

Elizabeth Dickinson letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 September 19 and 23
Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1868 January 21

McClure, Mary Brewster

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins recalling her visit with Perkins and describing religious and church activities in Chicago where she has moved to reside with her oldest son. She conveys news of family members and of her children and mentions the memorials for her husband (Alexander Wilson McClure) and shares verses her sister had composed following the death of their brother in Scotland which she transcribed on the final page of the letter. McClure comments on her health, asks to be remembered to some of Perkins' colleagues, and inquires about his family.

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1868 January 21
Fidelia Fiske letter to Justin Perkins, 1862 August 11

Fiske, Fidelia, 1816-1864

Fidelia Fiske letter to Justin Perkins in which Fiske prays for Perkins as he departs to return to the mission in Oroomiah (Urmia). She speaks of faith and God's mercy in discussing Perkins' separation from his family. Fiske says that she hopes to see Henry (Martyn Perkins) and will try to see Mrs. (Charlotte Bass) Perkins in the future. She writes that Miss Lyman felt that Dr. Tyler was right in refusing friends seeing Mrs. Perkins and shares her own opinions on the matter. Fiske discusses that topic further, says that she believes Perkins is right for returning to their Nestorian friends, and says she will do all she can to encourage Dr. Wright going next year.

Fidelia Fiske letter to Justin Perkins, 1862 August 11
Harrison Gray Otis Dwight letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 1

Dwight, H. G. O. (Harrison Gray Otis), 1803-1862

H.G.O. Dwight letter to Justin Perkins in which Dwight responds to a letter from Perkins. He remarks on Perkins' and his child's restoration to health. Dwight also comments on the death of Mrs. Smith and the grief of Mr. Smith. He writes of faith and goes on to discuss boxes he sent to Perkins' mission. Dwight writes regarding Perkins' request that he no longer open his communications for the (Mission) Rooms and simply forward them unopened. He discusses his mission's high school closure due to plague and the health of Eliza Oscancan. He also writes of boxes on their way to Perkins and Grant and the Scriptures Perkins ordered.

Harrison Gray Otis Dwight letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 1