All Items 35

Mesrob David Taliatine letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 September 15

Taliatine, M. D.

M.D. Taliatine letter to Justin Perkins in which Taliatine writes from Ashan. He notes that he sent furniture down while at Sheeshavan and writes regarding difficulties with the Prince, including between the Prince and his head wife and between himself and the Prince. He references a letter from the Prince to him and his responding note, both of which he says he is sending along. After describing the difficulties, Taliatine explains that he was ready to leave the Prince's service but was then made fearful upon hearing that the Prince intended him to force him to render his Dagger. He writes about the interest the Prince owes, mentioning A. Nisbet and hadji Chasem. He asks Perkins' opinion on whether or not he should go to Ormiah (Urmia) with the Prince this month as the consequences of him telling the Armenian gentlemen there the truth or not are both undesirable. The note and letter referenced no longer accompany this item.

Mesrob David Taliatine letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 September 15
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
Joseph Reed letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 January 16

Reed, Joseph, active 19th century

Joseph Reed letter to Justin Perkins in which Reed says they are all in good health, including Willie. He primarily writes regarding Persian court politics and other current affairs, mentioning the Vahliad, Doctors Bell and Cadé, H.M. (presumably Hājī Mīrzā Āghāsī), Malik Cossim Meerza, Meerza Nasr Ali | Hakim Barbee, the Pilgrim, the Minister at War, the Shah's "Zeen Khaneh," the Tookomans (presumably Turkmen) making a "Chopow," and cholera advancing in the direction of Tehran. He also discusses Meerza Ibraheem (Mīrzā Muhammed Ibrāhīm) and his wife. He briefly writes about the Turkeys for Perkins and snowfall in Tehran. Reed provides the address of Alexander Nisbet and mentions Col. Sheil, the improved condition of the Nestorians, and Daood Khan in a postscript.

Joseph Reed letter to Justin Perkins, 1846 January 16
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
Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 July 17

Nisbet, Alexander, active 19th century

Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins in which Nisbet discusses mail received and forwarded. He says he has nothing new to say on the subject of the Nestorian girl and relays that the Bishop returns to Orumia (Urmia) tomorrow and the "old white beard" received from the Ameer the papers to afford that people (Chaldeans) protection. He mentions the (British) Ambassador and discusses Perkins' accounts, including information on monetary exchanges. Nisbet goes on to share news from Tehran regarding the armies of Feridoon Meerza and the Shah. Khorasan, Herat, and Khiva are among the mentioned locations.

Alexander Nisbet letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 July 17
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
James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 April 30

Merrick, James Lyman, 1803-1866

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins in which Merrick shares concern over disturbances which interrupted Perkins' plans to create a summer retreat and outlines the intervention on behalf of the missionaries by the Russian Consul General and some of the political considerations that informed that course of action. Merrick says he retained for future use a copy of the firman from Kāhrāmān Meerza, its translation, and a copy of the Governor's letter. Merrick wrote once again of the difficulties in shipping possessions from place to place in Persia and hopes that what he finally arranged was safe and timely. Merrick assures Perkins that his ability to be of some service to Perkins' mission or any of its members would promote his own missionary happiness and he entreated the colleagues at Ooroomiah (Urmia) to visit him and his wife at Tabreez (Tabrīz). Merrick mentions an accompanying letter that is no longer with this letter.

James Lyman Merrick letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 April 30
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
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
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
Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 February 9

Haas, Christoph Friedrich, 1801-1882

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins. Haas talks of news of war and his hopes it is not yet near and his fears it will be a terrible one. He notes that the Amyr is half way here with guns that will be directed against the Kurds next spring. In addition, Haas notes he is waiting for decisive news from Basle (Basel Evangelical Missionary Society) about the school at Teheran (Tehran). Haas also writes that he is sending letters and parcels, mentions expenses, and requests Perkins pay the muleteer. Mr. Zohrab, Mr. Abbott, Mr. Merrick, Mr. Dwight, Mrs. Perkins (Charlotte Bass Perkins), and Dr. and Mrs. Grant (Asahel and Judith S. Grant) are mentioned in the letter. The final page contains notes on expenses related to the transported items.

Friedrich Haas letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 February 9
William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 January 21

Jackson, William C. (William Chamberlain), 1808-

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins expressing concern for the extent of illness among Perkins' circle and comments on the political atmosphere between England and Persia that might break down into armed conflict, which Jackson notes would then involve Russia and expand into war in Europe. Jackson comments on Mr. Merrick selecting Tabreez (Tabriz) for his mission station and wonders what success Perkins foresees for an Armenian mission in such a "hard field." Jackson says he will soon go to Erzroom (Erzurum) and asks Perkins to reveal what to expect of his neighbours and neighbourhood. Jackson also writes that he called on eight Armenian families, it being their Christmas, and was well received but feels his labors in that mission are long and his self confidence sometimes wavers.

William C. Jackson letter to Justin Perkins, 1839 January 21
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
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