Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that Ahmet, one of the assassins of the American missionary, Rev. J. G. Coffing, who was murdered some months since in the vicinity of Alexandrette, was executed by decapitation at Adana on the 25th of September last.
The proceedings, according to the report of the United States consular agent at Adana, were conducted with unusual solemnity, in order to make a lasting impression on the public mind. The firman ordering the immediate execution was presented and publicly read, after which the sound of a trumpet was heard, and the prisoner appeared in chains, followed by one hundred regular troops. Khoorshid Pasha, the governor of Adana, the consular agents of the United States of America, France, Russia, and Italy, followed in procession to the place of execution.
After the criminal had been surrounded by the armed soldiers, the chains were taken from his neck and feet, a jug of water was given him to drink, and he was allowed to perform his prayers and ablutions, (being a Mussulman,) which lasted for about half an hour. Afterwards he was made to kneel in the centre, his eyes being bound with a white handkerchief; and in the presence of the above-named persons, and at least 5,000 spectators, he underwent the punishment of his crime. Not a single word was uttered by any spectator against the execution, and many, in sign of their approbation of it, exclaimed aloud, “Padishah sagh olsoun !”—“May the Sultan live!”
The confederate assassin, Kaleel, is secreted in the territory governed by Mustapha Pasha, kaimakan of Payas. As he does not appear to be acting in good faith, in redeeming his promises to deliver him up, I have sent in a note to the Porte requesting his removal from office. I hope, however, that the efforts of Khoorshid Pasha, the energetic governor of Adana, to whom we are much indebted for bringing to justice the murderer Ahmet, will also be successful in securing Kaleel.
I beg to repeat my acknowledgment of obligations to the government of the Sultan for the steady support it has given me throughout this case, regardless of expense and local and religious prejudices. The instructions sent hence, at my request, to the local authorities, were of such a nature as to compel them to the most active exertions, and they were enforced by the presence of Faik Bey, specially by the Porte to superintend these proceedings, and to see that they did their duty.
From first to last, J. A. Johnson, esq., United States consul at Beyrout, despite the pestilential fevers of the country and the perils of secret assassination, has pursued this case with most extraordinary energy. His conduct is of such a rare character, and characterized by such fearlessness and conscientiousness in the discharge of duty, that I deem it an act of justice to respectfully suggest that it is deserving of your especial commendation. Such an officer does honor to the government he represents.
The persevering pursuit of the executed assassin through the mountains and wilds of Syria, and the summary manner in which he was brought to justice, will do much to enforce respect for the lives and property of American citizens residing in or travelling through the Turkish empire. It is the more striking because of the impunity which criminals have too often enjoyed who have murdered the subjects of other Christian powers.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.