Addresses re Greeks and Hungarians., 04/12/1854-12/22/1856

File — Box: 1, Folder: 14

Identifier: 47651

Series-level Scope and Content Note

From the Series:

This series contains material pertaining to Carroll Spence.

Dates

04/12/1854-12/22/1856

Collection-level Access Restrictions

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Extent

From the Collection: 2.5 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Shelf Location

08/12/05

Container Summary

Contains the following items - @ 1. Address to Carroll Spence, in English, 3 sheets/6 pages. Dated April 12, 1854. Signed by 31 prominent Greeks from the Greek community in Smyrna, Turkey. A petition against the impending business and religious persecution of the Ottoman government, and for protection from the U.S. @ 2. Address from Spence in response to the preceding petition, 2 sheets/4 pages. Dated April 24, 1854. Retained copy. Although sympathetic to the problems faced by the Orthodox Greeks, Spence explains that as a government official, he cannot offer the desired protection - "There is however a Greater Power which will be invoked, and I trust not in vain, by your Church for its suffering children, by the grace of which you will be enabled in the day of trial to stand up manfully under the misfortunes which now press heavily upon you. To that power your wives and children must look for that protection which I am sorry to say my country is not permitted to extend to you. Believe me gentlemen I deeply sympathise with you in your distress..." Throughout his later career as EEMP to Turkey, however, Spence was to do his utmost through personal means and diplomatic influence to assist numerous European political refugees in Turkey and to further religious toleration in the Ottoman Empire. @ 3. Autograph signed address from Spence to Hungarian exiles (from the 1848 revolution led by Louis Kossuth) in Turkey. Dated from the U.S. Legation in Turkey, December 22, 1856. 2 sheets/4 pages. Expresses regret and sympathy concerning an unsuccessful mission to the U.S. by a representative for the exiles to elicit financial support for their cause, specifically to erect a Christian church and schoolhouse in Turkey. In conclusion, Spence enclosed a donation of 500 piastres as a contribution to the prospective church and school.

Subjects and Associated Physical Materials

SPENCE, CARROLL - ADDRESS FROM GREEK COMMUNITY, SMYRNA, TURKEY (1854): Manuscript

GREEK COMMUNITY, SMYRNA, TURKEY: PERSECUTION BY OTTOMAN GOVT. (1854): Manuscript

OTTOMAN GOVERNMENT, GREEKS IN SMYRNA, TURKEY, Persecution of (1854): Manuscript

SPENCE, CARROLL - ADDRESS TO GREEK COMMUNITY, SMYRNA, TURKEY (1854): Manuscript

SPENCE, CARROLL - ADDRESS TO HUNGARIAN EXILES, TURKEY (1856): Manuscript

HUNGARIAN EXILES IN TURKEY - PERSECUTION (1856): Manuscript