He told him that "very serious objections" to his appointment at
Damascus had reached the Foreign Office, and, although he allowed the
appointment to go forward, on receiving from Burton assurances that the
objections were unfounded, he warned him that, if the feeling stated to
exist against him on the part of the authorities and people at Damascus
should prevent the proper performance of his Consular duties, it would
be the duty of the Government immediately to recall him.
In a subsequent letter Lord Clarendon directed his Secretary to repeat
to Burton what he had already told him verbally.[3]
To this letter Burton replied: "I once more undertake to act with unusual
prudence, and under all circumstances to hold myself, and myself only,
answerable for the consequences.[4]
Whether or not he acted with "unusual prudence" the following will show:
1. _His difference with the English missionaries_.--The first
unpleasantness occurred in June and July, 1870, with the Superintendent
of the British Syrian School at Beyrout. This gentleman, who was a
Protestant missionary, came to Damascus to proselytize, and to distribute
tracts among the Moslems, and doubtless acted with little discretion.
Burton reprimanded him, and reported him to the Foreign Office. In this
no doubt he was right; but his manner of doing it apparently inflamed
many against him, especially the wife of the missionary aforesaid, who
vigorously espoused her husband's cause, and in this was supported
officially by the Consul-General at Beyrout.
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