Legation of
the United States,
Constantinople, August 24, 1892.
(Received September 12.)
No. 523.
[Inclosure in No. 523.]
Mr. Andrus to the
United States Legation.
Honored Sirs: The Eastern Turkey Mission of the
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions at its recent
meeting, held in Harpoot July 18–27, requested me to convey to you the
hearty thanks it feels for the energetic efforts and successful services
rendered by the members of the legation of our beloved country, both to
us as American citizens and to our legitimate work as missionaries.
We would especially express our gratitude to you for the effectual
endeavors exercised in behalf of our countryman and missionary colleague
Rev. D. A. Richardson, of Erzeroom Station, in his case with the wall of
that province; and also our hearty recognition of the prompt, vigorous,
and complete defense, not only of our rights as missionaries in
connection with our educational interests vested by our board in this
country, but also of the rights of the protestant community as conveyed
to them in the historical charter of their existence—the
Hatti-Hoomayoon.
Please accept this testimonial of our deep appreciation of the vigilance
exercised by you all in our behalf, both in respect of our personal
safety and individual rights, and also with reference to the legitimate
work in which as missionaries we are possessed of treaty rights which no
imperial rescript may suffice to stultify.
Grateful for your faithfulness in the past, we shall not cease to pray
that you may continue to enjoy the healthful favor of Him by whom “Kings
reign and princes decree justice” in your future efforts to guard and
conserve the interests distinctively American in this land.
On behalf of the Eastern Turkey Mission of the American Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
