A large number were also present as spectators, many of them deeply interested.
Deacon Guwergis of Tergawer, the well known "Mountain Evangelist," died on the 12th of March, called suddenly from earnest and most useful labors to his reward.
The course of the Persian government towards the mission and its friends, at this time, was very unsatisfactory.

Asker Khan, a general in the Persian army, was appointed to investigate the truth of certain charges brought by the papists against the American missionaries, and early evinced a most unfriendly feeling towards them, and a partiality for their accusers.

Indeed, he took no pains to conceal his hostility, and did all he could to stop the schools and other evangelizing agencies.

But the missionaries had the aid, as far as aid could be rendered, of the Hon.

C.A.Murray, the English Ambassador, and of Mr.Abbott at Tabriz, and Mr.Stevens at Teheran, and also of Mr.Khanikoff, the Russian Consul General at Tabriz.