No. 239.
Mr. Read
to Mr. Evarts
.
Athens , April 11, 1878. (Received April 29.)
Sir: The details which are now known concerning the massacres of Macrinitza surpass even what had been supposed.
The committee of consuls, who visited the locality, found evidences of pillage and murder in all directions. The bleeding bodies of old men, young children, and women were discovered weltering within the precincts of their churches, to which they had fled in vain for refuge. Women had been dishonored and assassinated at the very steps of the altar. It was the brave protest of Mr. Ogle against these atrocities which drew down upon him the vengeance of the commander of the Turkish forces. It is said that as the brave but unfortunate young man was leaving the presence of Amusagha, the latter, pointing to him, said, “That dog must die!” and he put a price upon his head. He was shot through the breast and bayoneted, and his head cut off and carried away to serve as proof to obtain the reward. The headless body arrived on Tuesday, and yesterday the remains were followed with every mark of tender respect by an immense procession of many thousands, and were buried with military honors. Each profession and trade in Athens and the Piraeus was represented by a magnificent wreath of immortelles. Sixty-five of these beautiful emblems were carried before the funeral car. I have never before seen such a manifestation in Athens.
I have, &c.,