New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-02-26
THE PALESTINE MISSION.

ROBBERY, MURDER AND OUTRAGE UPON ONE OF
THE MISSION FAMILIES.
The readers of THE TRIBUNE will remember
some accounts of the agricultural success and con-
seQuent influence of the Mission to Palestine upon
the Arab population, which we published some time
since, and which seemed to open fattering pros.
pect of an improvement in the Holy Land. We
regret now to learn that these hopes are to be dis
appointed The facts are detailed in the following
letter, which will be read with great interest By the
numerous friends of the missionaries. Mr.. and
Mrs. Dickson were from Connecticut, where their
relatives now reside
JOPPA January Il, 1853
On the morning of the 18th inst, Mr.. Murad, our
Vice. onsul, Bro. Walter Dickson and his son Henry
came 10 our house. Bro. Dickson face, hands and
clothes had much blood upen them. He announced
enc Of the most atrocous deeds that has taken place
in this country for long time. 1t has cast sadness
and gbom over the community.
Five men came the preceding night to his house, and
broke open the gate TO the yard. Mr.. Dickson and
Frederick Gross Steinbeck, bis sonin-law, went out.
They shot Frederick, who fell, but succeeded in get
ting into the house. Mr.. ID. fastened the door. The
men cane, broke open the door, and knocked down
Mr.. ID. with large club; and while Frederick was
DIVING for lie lived only about half hour, the men
dragged his wife out of the house, beat her. and vo
lated her person in that would be too shock
ing too relate At the same time Of the men re-
NAMED in the house. with his gun pointed at the breast
Of Mr. Dickson he sat the foer Afterward, one
of them beat Mrs. Dickson, dragged her out, aud
abused Ler in the same shocking manner. They then
pillaged the house; took all Of his money, silver
spoons and what clothing and other things they
wished After Mr.. d. had given them all the money
that he had, they attempted to cut off his head be.
cause he would not give them more. As the man
struck Mr. d. caught the sword in his hand, when his
band badly cut. During the night, they threatened
Mr. ID. 8 life five times
Mrs Saunders aud myself went TO Bro. Dicksons as
soon could. The first thing that met eyes as
we entered the door was poor Frederick lying upon
the floor in his blood aud by sat his abused aud
heart broken wife, with beautiful little boy in her
arms and sweet little girl standing By her side and
there sat Mrs. Dckson-her countenance bespoke her
suffe1ng.-- The whole truly hesrt-rendng,
and bcggars description
Henry Mr. Dickson's SON was away that night
stay ing with his sister Mrs. j. Stcinbeck about half
mile from Mr.. DIS.
started for Jerusalem about p. NJ, to notify our
Consul DIR. j. Warren Gorhaml, and also brother
and sister of the deceased and Bro Jones. reached
Jerusalem at 10 o'clock p. M; succeeded in getting
the gate opened after about half an hour went to
the Consulate; after which arrived at Bro. Jones'
about II o'clock. The following morning went with
our Consul to see the Prllssan Consul as Frederick
was a Prussian, though under American protection.
At 1? o'clock noon, our Cor sui, the Prussian Consul
and myself went to the Pasha to lay the case before
him. lie promised to do all in his power to arrest the
murderers and bring them to Justice.
Bro. Dicksons family are broken up, and it Is
thought advisable for them to move into the city.
l am truly thankful that or Consul has taken hold
of this matter in the most prompt and energetic man
possible aud trust salutary Lesson will be given
to the authorities here, that life and property may
be more secure hereafter. CHARLES SAUNDERS.