Mr. Terrell to Mr. Olney.

No. 815.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose copy of a letter from Rev. Mr. Fuller, dated Aintab, January 27, informing me of the security afforded both to missionaries and their Armenian employees during massacres, and asking for suitable recognition by our Government of the valuable services of Consular Agent Poche.

I have, etc.,

A. W. Terrell.
[Page 851]
[Inclosure in No. 815.]

Mr. Fuller to Mr. Terrell.

Sir: Your very kind and welcome letter of January 1 was duly received, and its contents gratefully noted. For myself and on behalf of my associates at Aintab and Ourfa, I desire (though a little late) to return you, with our kindest regards and best wishes, the compliments of the season, and to express to you our most hearty thanks for the energy and skill with which you have safeguarded our rights and interests as American citizens. We fully appreciate that it is chiefly owing to your influence at Constantinople and the reported stringent orders you have caused to be sent to the local governments under which we live, that we have not only not been molested, but have been most carefully guarded; and even Turkish subjects in our employ and under our care have for the most part enjoyed exemption from the violence to which their coreligionists have been subjected. We shall hereafter prize, as never before, our glorious birthright of American citizenship, and shall always cherish very grateful memories of yourself for the courage and fidelity with which you have protected American interests in these times of peril and violence. We fully believe that any less watchful and vigorous policy than that which you have pursued would inevitably have resulted in great destruction of property and perhaps serious loss of life.

We also desire to express to you our very high appreciation of the kindness and efficiency of our vice-consul at Aleppo, Mr. F. Poche, and we earnestly desire and beg you will use your good offices with our Government to secure for him some suitable recognition of the ability, energy, and fidelity he has so clearly displayed in the service of our country, not only in this crisis but throughout a long period of official service,

Wishing you a long continuance of your most important and honorable service.

I am, etc.,

A. Fuller.