Mr. Tyler to Mr. Gresham.

No. 123.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a letter, dated August 24, which I have just received from the Rev. James W. Hawkes, of Hamadan, conveying the gratifying intelligence that the Shah, in the exercise of his authority, had telegraphed to the governor insisting that he preserve order in the town and prevent any further molestation of the Jews and Christians, and that the missionaries be permitted to live in peace, that no occasion be given to the U. S. legation to make representations of this character.

It is a source of satisfaction to learn that the Shah took the matter into his own hands, and in his orders to the governor has given it to be understood that he looks with undisguised displeasure at the persecution of the Jews and Christians, whilst at the same time he conveys the sanction of his approval at the work of the missionaries.

I have, etc.,

John Tyler.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 123.]

Mr. Hawkes to Mr. Tyler.

Dear Mr. Tyler: Your favor of August 14 was received by our last mail, and I wish to thank you in the name of my fellow-missionaries for the prompt measures you have taken to secure our safety and prosperity. This morning the Beglar Begi, Hussein Khan, Sarteeb, showed me two long and explicit telegrams sent in the name of the Shah to our governor, insisting that he preserve order and see to it that the Jews and Armenians of Hamadan be not molested, reciting the occurrences of the past month or so, and insisting that the missionaries be in peace, so that the U. S. legation have no further need to make [Page 503] representations of this character. This is the substance of the telegrams so far as I can recall them. I did not think to ask for a copy of them just then, and when I asked for a copy they had gone back to the governor.

There has been perfect quiet here since I wrote you last week, and we have expressed our thanks to the governor for his timely aid and our gratification at its success. The Hessam-ul-Mulk arrived here about a week ago, and he took pains, during our call yesterday, to say that he holds himself ready to summarily quiet any further disturbances. We trust there may be no need for his carrying this determination into effect.

With many thanks,

Jas. W. Hawes.