MUSTAFA AGA, American Consular Agent, Lugsor to Charles Hale, October 29, 1867

Mustafa Aga, United States consular agent at Lugsor, to Mr. Hale

I have the honor to inform you that this day, Tuesday, 1st day of the month of Ragheb, year of the hegira 1284, (29th October, 1867,) there have been returned to Lugsor Stefanos, Abdul Melek, and Bifsadah, who had been sent as far as Esneh. In consequence of an order addressed by the inspector general of provinces to the local authorities of Esneh they were there set at liberty, and on their arrival here I received them, in company with the American missionary whose home is at Ghous, who had come up to meet them.

I found them cheerful and happy, very grateful for your kindness and good faith. Indeed, I myself am very happy, because great honor comes even to me in this matter, and great praise to our government, the subjects of whose care enjoy great honor and great reputation throughout the whole world, after what you have done in this affair; and we pray God to give you a long life of happy days.