Report of the Deputation of the American Branch of the Evangelical Alliance, Appointed to Memorialize the Emperor of Russia in Behalf of Religious Liberty. Document VI
New York: 1871. 32pp. Original printed wrappers. Minor dust-soiling and spotting to wrappers. Some marginal insect damage to lower right corner not costing any text. Faint dampstain to upper margin of most leaves. Good. Item #5818
A scarce work in which an "Evangelical Alliance" of American and British religious leaders petition Tsar Alexander II to grant religious freedom to Catholics and Protestants in 1871. The report begins with some background on the "Evangelical Alliance and Religious Liberty," religious persecution in the Baltic States, some information on the penal laws in Russia, and then the alliance's work in arguing for religious freedom beginning with their "Prepatory Labors" and "Meetings in London and Stuttgart" and ending with the "Final Promise of the Prime Minister" and "The Result." The latter included "partial relief" from religious persecution with hopes for "further improvements." The report is signed at the end by its President, Samuel F.B. Morse. The report is followed by an Appendix printing "Prince Gortschakoff's Report to the Emperor of Russia" and three other memorials and interviews pertaining to the alliance's activities in Europe. An early example of religious diplomacy from American and British leaders. Ten copies in OCLC.
Price: $450.00