Office of the Historian

Mr. Terrell to Mr. Olney.

Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, February 6, 1897.
No. 1166.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter, long delayed in delivery, from Rev. O. Sanders, writing for Miss Shattuck, which compliments the Turkish troops for their efficient protection afforded at Ourfa, and desires that Miss Shattuck’s approval of the conduct of the colonel commanding be made known to the war office.

I have, etc.,

A. W. Terrell.
[Inclosure in No. 1166.]

Mr. Sanders to Mr. Terrell.

Ourfa, December 1, 1896.

Dear Sir: Miss Shattuck wishes very much to write you this week, but had no time, so I write a few words in her place.

You probably remember that the red ifs of Ourfa were sent away from Ourfa very soon after the massacre by the Ferik Ahmed Loufti Pasha, on account of their disgraceful behavior during those two days. In their places came two Arab regiments, one from Maghara, in the vilayet of Aleppo, and one from Hamid, in the vilayet of Damascus. What is especially now brought to your notice is the fine record of the colonel of the Maghara regiment.

This regiment has guarded those parts of the city in which the Armenians live, and also all the region around our premises. Only a single untoward incident, and that only affecting three or four men out of the whole regiment, has occurred during all their long stay here. They have won the entire confidence of the Christians. I may add also that we have found the men detailed to watch over our premises all that heart could wish. They have been very faithful, very respectful, and very zealous in performing their duties.

There have been rumors that this regiment is to go home and [be] dismissed. While certainly a very pleasant rumor for them, the Christians of Ourfa have felt very sorry over such news. The absolute confidence they now feel promises to change to entire certainty [uncertainty], which can not but continue until the disposition of those who take their place has been ascertained.

The colonel of this Maghara regiment has given Miss Shattuck to understand that he would be pleased if she would bear witness to his conduct here during these ten and half months. He has been so just and so kind, and so zealous in protecting the Christians that it is a very great pleasure to bear witness to his splendid record. Miss Shattuck has had a short certificate prepared, which has been sent to the Muschir Pasha in command, and if you can use the inclosed copy [Page 571] in any way that will help him in the war office it will be a very great personal favor.

Thanking you in advance in behalf of Miss Shattuck, yours,

C. S. Sanders.