(second sheet)

for the United States. The Charge d'Affaires, Mr John
Riddle has assited me very willingly. He at once sent
a dragoman to the Government ^to find out^ how to proceed in this
matter, and finally we were refered to the Minister of Religions,
Mr. Ziver Bey. He remembered me from former visits. He explained
to us that it was nessesary first to send the petition to Alepo and
have it signed by the native Elders of our Church, then to the
Vali who would investigate if we had a people there and certify
to the findings. Then the petition would come here and be
considered by the sublime Porte. This government could not recogni-
ze us as we are foreigners but it would consider a petition from
its own citizens. He promised his assistance. He has read and
formally excepted the petition with a slight correction and it is
now ready to sent to Sivas & Alepo. Please find a copy with this
report in seperate envelope marked A.

Just at the time of getting up this petition I was in a little
trouble how to begin and where to get assistance. Mr. Riddle pre
sented me with a ticket to go to Selamlik, to see the Sultan
drive to the Hamidiea Mosque to prayer. I attended and upon
my return I was hailed by Brother Binyad, our Greek brother &
a sort of lawyer by profession. We were so pleased to meet. After
investigating his condition I sent him to find out from some
high officials all he could of how we should proceed & he re
turned a report identical with Ziver Bey's advise. He at once
struck up a plan or form which was excepted as above stated.
Ziver Bey & the Legation people promised such aid as we would
need when the petition comes back. And Mr. Garqiula the
Legation enterpreters presence upon each visit gave a great
deal of force to my position.

(second sheet)

for the United States. The Charge d'Affaires, Mr John Riddle has assited me very willingly. He at once sent a dragoman to the Government to find out how to proceed in this matter, and finally we were refered to the Minister of Religions, Mr. Ziver Bey. He remembered me from former visits. He explained to us that it was nessesary first to send the petition to Alepo and have it signed by the native Elders of our Church, then to the Vali who would investigate if we had a people there and certify to the findings. Then the petition would come here and be considered by the sublime Porte. This government could not recognize us as we are foreigners but it would consider a petition from its own citizens. He promised his assistance. He has read and formally excepted the petition with a slight correction and it is now ready to sent to Sivas & Alepo. Please find a copy with this report in seperate envelope marked A.

Just at the time of getting up this petition I was in a little trouble how to begin and where to get assistance. Mr. Riddle pre sented me with a ticket to go to Selamlik, to see the Sultan drive to the Hamidiea Mosque to prayer. I attended and upon my return I was hailed by Brother Binyad, our Greek brother & a sort of lawyer by profession. We were so pleased to meet. After investigating his condition I sent him to find out from some high officials all he could of how we should proceed & he re turned a report identical with Ziver Bey's advise. He at once struck up a plan or form which was excepted as above stated. Ziver Bey & the Legation people promised such aid as we would need when the petition comes back. And Mr. Garqiula the Legation enterpreters presence upon each visit gave a great deal of force to my position.