'Lord Curzon's Notes on Persia' [‎671r] (1343/1386)

79
stakeztbisoopportunityof stating officially that such reports as those which have
been ci reulated to the prejudice, of the American missionaries are mischievous slanders,
completely devoid of truth. The United States have every reason to be proud of men
who, at all times conspicuous for their practical piety, displayed at Oroomiah, amidst
famine, pestilence, and war, a coolness and pluck which will never be forgotten bv those
who were present during that season of trial.
In making representations to the Azerbaijan authorities on behalf of the missionaries,
I have brought the preceding facts to their notice, and intimated that any molestation
offered to those gentlemen or their families would be viewed with grave displeasure bv
Her Majesty s Government. _ r •
Inclosure 2 in No. 85.
Consul-General Abbott to Mr. Thomson.
Sir, . Tabreez, December 29, 1880.
I HAD this day the honour to send your Excellency the following telegram
" Oroomiah letter, dated 23 rd instant, from American missionaries, informs me
that they have met with very gracious reception from Sepeh Salar, who assured them
of his willingness to afford them protection, and that Persian Government gave no
credence to slanders circulated against them.”
I inclose an extract of the letter referred to above.
I have, &c.
(Signed) . WILLIAM G. ABBOTT.
Inclosure 3 in No. 85.
The Rev. B. Labaree to Consul-General Abbott.
(Extract.) Oroomiah, December 23, 1880.
WE called on the Sepeli Salar the day after his arrival here, and were very
graciously received.
We called on the Sepeh Salar to-day. He assured us that the Government gave
no credence to these slanders against us, and expressed his appreciation of our large,
disinterested, and impartially-bestowed charity. He stated that he had received to-day
a communication from Tehran that Earl Granville, at the request of the American
Government, had telegraphed to Mr. Thomson to ask the Shah to protect the American
missionaries from the animosity of the Persians in Oroomiah. He expressed his good
will to do so.
No. 86.
Consul-General Abbott to Earl Granville.—(Received February 4, 1891.)
My Lord, , , T abm /< 31, 1880. ,
I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Lordship extracts from my recent
despatches (forming six inclosures) to Her Majesty’s Minister at Tehran on subjects
of political interest.
1 T have, Ac.
(Signed) WIILLIAM G. ABBOIl.
Inclosure 1 in No. 86.
Consul-General Abbott to Mr. Thomson.
Tabreez, December 9, 1880.
IT appears that the work of pacification on the Kurdish frontier is progressing
favourably under the Sepeh Salar’s directions; that a considerable number of captives,
taken by the kurds at Miandoab and elsewhere, have been given up to his Highness ;