CHAPTER VIII.
THE ARMENIANS.
1836-1840.
The first visit of Mr.Johnston to Trebizond was in 1834.

Through priestly interference, he failed in three successive attempts to procure a house, and at last secured a contract for one only on condition of obtaining a firman from Constantinople.

The United States Minister at the Porte procured a vizierial letter, directing that Mr.Johnston suffer no further molestation, and he removed his family thither in the spring of 1835.

The breaking out of the plague prevented him for a time from having much intercourse with the people.

In August of the next year, he had the pleasure of welcoming the Rev.William C.Jackson and wife as associates.
The Patriarch of the Armenian Church at this time was Stepan, who was averse to severe measures; and Boghos, his vicar, though inclined to oppose the spreading reformation, thought it prudent to do nothing openly.