All Items 21

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
James Pringle Riach letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 January 2

Riach, J. P. (James Pringle), 1797-1865

J. P. Riach letter to Justin Perkins in which Riach shares the plans for members of the British party in Persia leaving, mentioning the Detachment, McNeill, Sir Henry Bethune, Major Farrant, Colonel Sheil, Saville, and Thomsen. He says he grieved at parting from Woodfall and shares the reasons for all the servants of the British Government leaving Persia, mentioning the Shah, Russia, and the Emperor. He writes of tensions between the United States and English governments as well. He writes further about the Shah and the prospects of Perkins' Mission should his own never return to Persia. He notes the proposal of some French people and an Italian Priest to establish a school.

James Pringle Riach letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 January 2
George Alexander Stevens letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 June 18

Stevens, George Alexander (Diplomat)

Geo Alex Stevens letter to Justin Perkins in which Stevens primarily writes regarding an affair in Tabreez (Tabriz) in which some twenty-five Armenian homes were plundered and three Armenian women were violated. He calls the event "a regular flare up here- I mean the threatened murder of all the Armenians." He provides a full account of the incidents leading up to the event involving the Begglerbeggee (Beylerbey) and Russian Consul; the event itself, during which he was the Acting (British) Consul as his brother was away; and the aftermath. Mentioned in the account are Burgess, the Vizier Nizam, a servant of the Russian Consul's secretary, the Mooshtahed (Mujtahid), the Sheik ul-Islam, the Vallyahd, Malek Mansour Meerza, Meerza Hassam Ibrahim Agha, Mehdy Khan Ketkhada, and the Topchees. In closing he also mentions Ferajullah Khan and Hussan Aly.

George Alexander Stevens letter to Justin Perkins, 1848 June 18
James Pringle Riach letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 January 2

Riach, J. P. (James Pringle), 1797-1865

J. P. Riach letter to Justin Perkins in which Riach responds to the news of the arrival of Perkins' party at Ooroomiah (Urmia). He discusses letters he has alluded to from Hajee Aya and says that Perkins should let him know if he requires letters of introduction and recommendation. He also directs Perkins' party to communicate any wishes for the Government officially to Mr. Ellis. He writes of the possibility of getting to visit them. Riach shares his thoughts regarding the Shah, prospects for elevating the Persian people "to the station among God's creations which they might hold," and the prospects of British political efforts in the country. Riach notes that Ellis applied for a firman to allow books for Mr. Merrick to come into and pass through Persia free of duty. He says Ellis talks seriously of leaving Persia.

James Pringle Riach letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 January 2
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
James Pringle Riach letter to Justin Perkins, 1838 April 2

Riach, J. P. (James Pringle), 1797-1865

J. P. Riach letter to Justin Perkins in which Riach writes in continuation of his political report of Persia. He discusses the departures of Mr. (John) McNeill and the Russian Ambassador from Tehran to Herat. He says he thinks "we" (England) may have to show their teeth to both the Shahs and the Emperor of Russia. He also shares his opinion that they may be ordered by McNeill to leave Persia soon. Riach suggests that Perkins and his party should remain at Ooroomiah (Urmia, Iran) and seek protection from the Consul General of Russia. He says that most of the Russians there think that Russia will cajole the Shah into a quarrel with them (the British).

James Pringle Riach letter to Justin Perkins, 1838 April 2
James Pringle Riach letter to Charlotte Bass and Justin Perkins, 1836 October 16

Riach, J. P. (James Pringle), 1797-1865

J. P. Riach letter to Justin and Charlotte Bass Perkins in which Riach explains that for the last three months he has had little time to write to anyone but their (the British) Ambassador. He says that Sir Henry Bethune and all of their party, with the exception of Captain Stoddart, returned from the Shah's camp and after resting proceeded to meet their new Elchee (John McNeill). Riach goes on to write of current affairs in Persia, noting the activities of the Shah. He also writes regarding McNeill. He says that they are to have a regular monthly communication to and from Constantinople, by which the Perkinses will benefit. Riach notes that Bethune and Mr. Todd have gone to Tabreez (Tabriz).

James Pringle Riach letter to Charlotte Bass and Justin Perkins, 1836 October 16
James Pringle Riach letter to Justin Perkins, March 19

Riach, J. P. (James Pringle), 1797-1865

J. P. Riach letter to Justin Perkins in which Riach writes regarding current affairs between the Persian and British governments. He says that their Elchee (John McNeill) and Majors Farrant and Todd left Tehran for Herat on the 11th. Riach expresses his surprise at this. He wonders what may happen if the Shah refuses to come back with the Elchee or make peace with Herat. He says that as a precautionary measure he thinks one of Perkins' Mission should be there (Tabriz) at the time they expect letters from McNeill. Riach also remarks on the weather Merrick must have had on his journey, expresses his faith in God, and notes that this letter is for only Perkins' party.

James Pringle Riach letter to Justin Perkins, March 19
Richard Wilbraham letter to Justin Perkins, 1838 January 1

Wilbraham, Richard

Wilbraham letter to Justin Perkins in which he shares news received from Colonel Stoddard at the Shah's camp regarding the status of the siege of Herat. He also shares his view that if the Heraters remain true to themselves, there is every probability of their resistance being successful. He writes about his journey from Tabreez (Tabriz) to Tehran and says that he did not write Mr. Merrick from Tabreez as Dr. Riach told him that the Prince reads all letters. He remarks on the heat in Tehran and on his journey compared to the climate of Ooroomiah (Urmia) and gives a message for Dr. Grant. Mr. McNeill is mentioned several times in the letter.

Richard Wilbraham letter to Justin Perkins, 1838 January 1
James Pringle Riach letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 November 20 to 21

Riach, J. P. (James Pringle), 1797-1865

J. P. Riach letter to Justin Perkins in which Riach responds to information received in a letter from Perkins. He writes regarding a variety of topics, including the Nestorian Mission and its schools, the failed negotiations of Bishop Yoosaof, his own need for (religious) assistance in Tabriz, Malek Kassim Meerza's conduct and school, his own visits to Ooroomiah (Urmia), religious conversations he's had, the possibility of success or failure of the Shah at Herat, and individuals at his location and at Perkins' mission. Mentioned in the letter are Prince Bahatoff, Major Woodfall, Dr. Grant, Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Perkins, Clarendon, Mr. Holladay, Mr. Banham, Mr. Nisbet, the General, Taylor from Bagdad (Baghdad), and Colonel Wilbraham.

James Pringle Riach letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 November 20 to 21
Edward Breath letter to Justin Perkins

Breath, Edward, 1808-1861

E. Breath (Edward Breath) letter to Justin Perkins in which Breath writes that he is sending Perkins money via someone with an illegible name. He also writes regarding Perkins' "teeth," saying that he fears he would not succeed as well as the watchmaker, but Yonan is confident that he can mend the broken part. Breath says he will let Yonan try. He goes on to write regarding the probability of a new rupture between England and Persia that the French are reporting.

Edward Breath letter to Justin Perkins
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
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
Letter from unidentified correspondent to Justin Perkins, 1836 October 22

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

A portion of a letter from an unidentified correspondent to Justin Perkins in which the sender discusses the health of Perkins and his party at Ooroomiah (Urmia). They inquire about an incident that involved the destruction of books, state that they are enclosing a letter to the Society for Perkins' information, guarantee to Perkins and Grant that "all our party here" (the British Embassy) will be happy to assist them, and discuss the current political situation. They also discuss their thoughts on reports of the Temperance Society and alcohol in England. Mrs. Perkins (Charlotte Bass Perkins), missionaries Merrick and Grant, Colonel Sheil, McNeill, and the Shah are mentioned in the letter. An enclosure noted no longer accompanies this letter. This letter may have been written by James Pringle Riach.

Letter from unidentified correspondent to Justin Perkins, 1836 October 22
Christian Gottlieb Hoernle letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 April 16

Hoernle, Gottlieb

G. Hoernle letter to Justin Perkins in which Hoernle responds to a letter, books, and other mementos from Perkins. He also writes regarding boxes sent to the Perkinses, April Fools' Day pranks, and the "lip-salve" Perkins mentioned. Hoernle expresses his hopes that Mr. Haas will write to Perkins regarding the trouble with Solyman Chan, and discusses the possible poisoning of The Valiāt. He also writes about the current war on Herat, mentioning Sir Henry Bethune and sharing that some people say the King intends to make an expedition to Ispahan (Isfahan). He notes the passing of Mooharam (presumably the Muharram observances) and says he did not succeed in delivering the translation of Perkins' letter to the Governor before he started for Ooroomiah (Urmia). He writes that they have not received instructions from Basel (Basel Evangelical Missionary Society) yet, and so cannot decide on the time of their departure.

Christian Gottlieb Hoernle letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 April 16
Christian Gottlieb Hoernle letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 March 31

Hoernle, Gottlieb

G. Hoernle letter to Justin Perkins in which Hoernle relays that Perkins' boxes have departed this evening by the servants of Soolyman Khan and it is said the Khan himself is coming to "Oroomiah" (Urmia). Hoernle also remarks on his delayed departure from Persia and responds to news of Mrs. (Charlotte Bass) Perkins' fever and William's (Perkins) improving health. He writes of his faith in the Lord to protect them and goes on to respond to Perkins' inquiries regarding Persian news. He calls the country and its people miserable and shares that the King may intend to go to Herat again and the army is being mobilized. He relays news of a conversation between the Consul and the Ameer and provides his opinions on the possibility of the war. He also mentions Mr. Haas' troubles with Soolyman Khan.

Christian Gottlieb Hoernle letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 March 31
Letter from unidentified correspondent to Justin Perkins, 1837 December 17 to 19

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

A portion of a letter from an unidentified correspondent to Justin Perkins in which the sender thanks Perkins and others in Ooromiah (Urmia) for their letters, notes that they will be forwarding the introductions along to their brothers, writes of their chances of visiting the United States or Europe, discusses current political tensions between their party (the British) and Persian government authorities, and writes of their retirement finances. The sender mentions the missionaries Merrick, Holladay, Stocking, and Grant. He also mentions a murdered Russian ambassador, ill-treatment of their Goolam, the Shah, Colonel Sheil, Colonel Wilbraham, Miss Tyler, Malek Kassim Meerza, and Hajee Meerza Aghasee (Haji Mirza Aqasi). Herat and Tehran are mentioned locations. This letter may have been written by James Pringle Riach and may be related to a letter in Box 2 Folder 2 of this collection written by Riach and dated December 19 to 22, 1837.

Letter from unidentified correspondent to Justin Perkins, 1837 December 17 to 19
Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 April 24

Abbott, Keith Edward

Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins in which Abbott writes that he is obliged for Perkins' expressions of regret at his departure from Tabreez (Tabriz). He notes that the departure is likely to be deferred until the winter. He goes on to write regarding the end of "the war with the Punjab" (the First Anglo-Sikh War). Abbott also writes that he will think about the case of the Deacon, discusses Daoud Khan and Yahia Khan, and mentions Yaya Kahn. Messengers Stern and Sternshap, noted as belonging to the "Jew Missionary Society of London" (now the Church's Ministry Among Jewish People) are also mentioned several times in the letter.

Keith Edward Abbott letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 April 24
Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 January 14

Haas, Christoph Friedrich, 1801-1882

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins in which Haas informs Perkins of the fate of the men who assailed him, noting Mr. MacNeil (Sir John McNiell) has procured a Firman from the King to punish them. Haas says the Amyr would have taken care of it and punished them "like the robber of the Nestorian girl." Haas shares information he learned about Don Isa, a Catholic Bishop at Selmas, who said Perkins was only preparing the way by convincing the Nestorians of the Divinity of Christ and that eventually they would all become his (the Bishop's) property. Haas responded that the Nestorians need not be convicted of this, they already believed it, and that only their enemies "wish to prove them their unbelief in this dogma." Haas tells Perkins to relay this to his Nestorians and keep their eye against the Catholics so they won't be deceived. In addition, Haas tells Perkins of a conversation his Servant, Nicolas, had with Colonel Shel (likely Colonel Sheil) who did not speak well of Mr. Nisbet, Mr. Merrick, and the German and American missionary presence. Haas goes on to discuss goods and the progress of Perkins' school.

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 January 14