Horace Maynard to Hamilton Fish, July 20, 1876

No. 308. Mr. Maynard to Mr. Fish.

Sir: It seems proper for a full and complete history of the recent unhappy occurrences in Salonica to transmit my latest dispatches from the United States consular agent there. The first is official, dated June 21, 1876, some three weeks after the accession of the new Sultan. The second and third are marked personal, and I transcribe only those portions which are of a public nature.

Appearances are very unfavorable. There is evidently a very bad spirit abroad. Especially is this manifest ever since England has seemed to be at variance with the other European powers. While what are known as the guaranteeing powers were agreed in their eastern policy, a very different tone of feeling prevailed throughout the empire. Whatever may have been the intent in sending into these waters the enormous British fleet now in Besika Bay, it is undoubtedly a great moral support to the sentiment at this moment prevailing in Turkey.

Ever since the revolution outlined in my dispatches Nos. 66 and 67, of May last, the Turkish armies have been constantly and rapidly recruited, and that in the prevailing name of Islam. The recruits are gathered very largely from Asia, and from the most fanatical portion of the Mussulman population; and, to show the sort of appeals made to them, I inclose a copy of the translation of a vizierial proclamation hung up in the streets of Aintab, furnished by the United States consular agent of that city.

I have, &c.,