Office of the Historian

Mr. Terrell to Mr. Olney.

Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, December 5, 1895. (Received Dec. 23.)
No. 710.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that information deemed reliable has reached me which exhibits in enviable contrast with atrocious conduct of Mohammedan rioters the brave and humane conduct of the following Turkish officers in the protection of American citizens, viz, Mehmet Bey, alai beyi of Harpoot; the kaimakam of Aintab; Bekir Pasha, moutessarif of Amassia; the kaimakam of Marsovan, and the colonel commanding the troops at Marsovan.

Each of these officers exerted his official authority to protect American citizens and their property against infuriated rioters. The conduct of each I will specify when time permits.

I deemed it but an act of justice to express my gratification at the conduct of these officers in a formal note to the Porte, a copy of which is inclosed.

Missionaries report that they owe the preservation of their lives to the courageous conduct of the officers named. Such men, in the midst of this hell of fanaticism and carnage, are like beautiful stars seen between rifted storm clouds at midnight. I would be glad if authorized to convey in some formal way the expression of the appreciation felt by your Department of the soldier-like conduct of those Turks.

I have, etc.,

A. W. Terrell.
[Inclosure in No. 710.]

Mr. Terrell to Tevfik Pasha.

Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, December 5, 1895.
No. 102.]

Sir: Just as whenever a complaint becomes necessary I deem it my duty to present it to the Sublime Porte, so in the present instance, when the conduct of certain army officers and civil functionaries of Harpoot, Marsovan, Aintab, and Amassia, whose names are appended, is worthy of the highest praise on account of their protection of the lives of American missionaries, I take great pleasure in transmitting to your excellency the expression of the deep satisfaction I have felt on hearing of their meritorious action, of which I am also informing my Government.

Mehmet Bey, alai beyi of Harpoot; the kaimakam of Aintab; Bekir Pasha, moutessarif of Amassia; the kaimakam of Marsovan, and the colonel commanding the troops at Marsovan.

Receive, etc.,

A. W. Terrell.