1845 Manuscript Letter Extract Likely from American Missionary Josiah Peabody on the State of Turkey's Attempts to Battle Russia Following Destruction of the Turkish Fleets

On offer is an original manuscript extract handwritten dated Erzurum, Turkey Mar. 3, 1854, it is believed to be in the hand of Rev. Josiah Peabody (1807-1873).

Peabody served under the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (A.B.C.F.M.). He and his wife, Mary Lawrence Herbert Peabody (1817-1899), lived in Turkey for his missionary work from 1941-1955 (see BIO NOTES at the end of the listing). 

The writings are a superb relic of the times; what historians and collectors of Turkish-Russian relations era will recognize as pivotal being only mere months after Russia destroyed Turkey's fleet and this note reports the Turks' struggle to gain any advantage, the handwriting describes: "As to the war everything is still dark. Immense efforts are made by the Turks in this region and hopes are entertained that they may be able to withstand the Russians especially as they have a number of European officers…"

The letter also includes content regarding some of the new officers, the Sultan and further analysis of Turkey's chances against Russia.

While unsigned this extract was found amongst the letters sent by his wife, Mary L.H. Peabody, to her brother, Rev. Charles D. Herbert (1818-, in Missouri. Timelines and genealogical records indicate that this letter extract can be confidently attributed to Josiah. 

Condition: Handwritten on 7.5 x 5.5 inch scrap of paper. Overall VG. 

BIO NOTES:

Reverend Josiah Peabody (1807-1873)was born in Topsfield, Mass. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1936 and Andover Theological Seminary in 1840. In March, 1841, he married Mary Lawrence Herbert (1817-1899) of Ellsworth, Maine. About a month after their wedding, Peabody and his bride sailed to Smyrna on route to Ezroum, Turkey for his missionary work under the direction of A.B.C.F.M. He served in Turkey until his transfer to Constantinople in 1855. The Peabodys returned to the USA in 1860. They had three children that survived beyond infancy: Mary Charlotte, Anne Lucy and Josiah Charles. 

Mary Lawrence Herbert (1817-1899) and Charles D. Herbert  (1818-1893) were born to George Herbert (1778-1820) and Charlotte Tuttle (1782-1869). They were two of six children born to George and Charlotte. George Herbert was educated at Dartmouth and became a well-known lawyer in Ellsworth, Maine, sometimes referred to as the first lawyer in Ellsworth.

Reverend Charles D. Herbert was the youngest son of the family. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 1841 and from Bangor Theological Seminary in 1843. Following a few years doing home missionary work "in the west", he became the pastor of the West Newbury Church in Mass. He married and had two sons, George Herbert and Rev. C.E. Herbert.