Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President, Transmitted to Congress December 2, 1895, Part II

Mr. Terrell to Mr. Olney.

Legation of the United States,
Constantinople , July 19, 1895 . (Received Aug. 1.)

No. 574.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose for your information the copy of a letter received on the 15th instant from Creecor Arakelian, to whom a passport was given by me. No foreign consul is at Marsovan, and I have no means of verifying his statement. It was, however, deemed proper to demand the release of the man, which was done by a written note to the Porte. No answer has been received as yet.

I have, etc.,

A. W. Terrell.

[Inclosure in No. 574.]

Mr. Arakelian to Mr. Terrell.

Prison of Marzifoun (Marsovan), July 1, 1895.

Sir: For a case of murder, with. 150 other Armenians and Protestants, I have been imprisoned at Mar so van Prison. I have no part at all with revolutionary affairs, but all the foreigners are suspected. Many of my prison fellows have been tortured, and I fear much that the turn may come to me also, though there is nothing to be found, as the murderer is known.

I beg the precious protection of my Government. I telegraphed four times to my consul at Sivas, Mr. Jewett, and once also to your excellency, but no answer reached me; so I suspect my telegram has not been dispatched. Please to demand me from Turkish Government and release me from here, where we do not see the sun of God, and which is full of every kind of insects. Please remember me as soon as may be for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am, etc.,

Creecor Arakelian.