Description | The rani, on McDouall's recommendation has rescinded the edict for restoring the four churches to the Syrians; needs to know if metran wishes to avail himself of offer of having divine service performed according to his rite in the Changanacherry church; willing to second any application for grant of land on which to build Syrian church at Changanacherry; the church at Cottayam was transferred without an edict but will doubtless be claimed by Roman Catholics; asks for all possible information on this matter; if Ramah Panniker is in Bailey's service McDouall would be glad of his attendance for a few days. 21 Aug 1819: Cottayam: Bailey to McDouall Grief of metran at surrender of rights of church, but will accept the joint occupation of the church; the Christians at Cottayam are of nearly equal numbers with the majority being Syrian Christians, there are 87 Roman Catholic families and 100 Syrian families; the Parota church had 25 Roman Catholic families, while there are between 200 and 300 Syrian families; the church has been repaired by the Syrians; the property was purloined by Roman Catholic catanar and the matter is in the court [Aug 1819]: Bailey to [Mortlock] Sends letter from Resident; his mode of action appears ungracious; the surprise and grief of the metran is very great, his comment "he not an Englishman" [Aug 1819]: Fenn to [Mortlock] Will not go to Changanacherry until Mortlock tells him to do so; is not discouraged though saddened by actions of Resident; Resident sent for his munshi and hopes he will return him as he is a very fine teacher [copy] |