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William Frederic Williams letter to Justin Perkins

Williams, William Frederic, 1818-1871

W.F. Williams letter presumably to Justin Perkins in which Williams responds to a letter from Perkins. He notes that he did not receive intelligence of when Perkins' delegation will arrive and they will probably arrive after he has left just as last year. He goes on to write passionately regarding his views on the "abomination of iniquity" that is the new fugitive slave law (Fugitive Slave Act of 1850). He notes the law's impingement upon constitutional rights, the sovereignty of Massachusetts, the decisions of the Supreme Court, and the treaties of the supreme law. Williams also writes about his residence, the temperatures there, and his consul, Mr. Rassam.

William Frederic Williams 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
John O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 December 20

Mead, John O.

J.O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins in which Mead writes regarding his health, the health of family and friends, the status of the family business, and current events in the United States. Mead discusses messages from the government and states that he rejoices in the prospect of the abolishment of slavery. He also writes about the army, including the "colored troops," and what is being done for freed slaves and "the poor deluded white people in the rebellious states." In the letter, Mead mentions Alexander Cummings, a Missionary Society, and family members: Henry, Charlotte, James, and Mrs. Mead (Julia Perkins Mead).

John O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 December 20
Judah Ely letter to the students of the Collegiate Institution, 1824 March 1

Ely, Judah

Judah Ely letter to the students and alumni of the Amherst Collegiate Institution in which Ely writes regarding the death of Zephaniah Swift Moore and suggests an annual essay contest with a monetary reward, in Moore's honor. Ely writes that he had sent Moore a letter and three dollars for the purchase of a prize to go to an essay winner and that he had suggested to essay subject should be "the evil arising from an intemperate use of distilled liquors in the U. States and the best means of preventing them." He explains his plans for the essay contest he had proposed further, and proposes a new plan for a prize essay contest to honor Moore, called the "Moore Prize Essay" for which a "Moore fund" could be raised. He suggests two possible subjects, one relating to the importance of Christianity to national prosperity and happiness and the other regarding the evils of slavery and best means of removing them. Ely then writes regarding his own opinions on each subject, discussing current topics such as a decreasing reference to God in government and the aims of the American Colonization Society. He also states that he is enclosing ten dollars to go towards the Moore fund. The letter is addressed to the alumni of Amherst Collegiate Institution though the salutation of the letter states it is to the students of the Institution.

Judah Ely letter to the students of the Collegiate Institution, 1824 March 1