Post to J. Aug. Johnson, September 27, 1865

[Untitled]

Dear Sir: It becomes our duty to bring to your notice a case of flagrant outrage upon our rights as American citizens residing in the Ottoman empire, and to ask that you will take such action as you shall deem best in the circumstances.

On the 30th of July last, as we were conducting religious worship in our own hired house in the village of Duma, we were rudely and grossly interrupted by an individual named Nassel Camall, said to be from Bukflayeh

On the evening of the same day the said Nassel Camall, with his brother Constantine and Girguis Morahd, of Tamoureen, came to one of our houses with a company of the villagers whom they had stirred up, armed with guns, pistols, &c.

An assault was made upon the person of Dr. Post, who received a very severe blow on the shoulder. They were prevented from further carrying their design into execution, but continued to utter threats of violence until we were compelled to ask aid from our vice-consul at Tripoli. The issue of the whole matter is, that for the peace and safety of ourselves and our families we have felt constrained, at a very considerable expense and much trouble, to leave that part of the mountains, the account of which is enclosed. Justice to the inhabitants of the village of Duma impels us to say that we had until that time lived among them in great quietness, and that we had no reason to suppose that they would have molested us unless they had been excited by the individuals already mentioned.

As the government has thus far, we believe, been unable to secure the persons of the guilty individuals, we embrace the opportunity afforded us by the expected speedy return of his excellency Daoud Pacha to ask that you will make such representation of the case to his excellency as you shall deem proper, assured that he with his known love of justice will take such steps as shall result in the proper discipline of the offenders.

Our professions as well as our personal inclinations lead us not to push matters as rigidly as we might lawfully do, and this fact we would like you to keep in mind in all your intercourse with his excellency.

With sentiments, &c.,