This fact coming in some way to the knowledge of the Patriarch, he made proclamation through the mountains, that the American missionaries were denounced by their own government as troublesome, mischief-making proselyters, and would not be protected.1 1 This mistaken opinion of the Minister was made the subject of correspondence with the United States Government, and the favorable response by Mr.Webster, Secretary of State, is quoted in chapter xviii.
Meanwhile, the English officers had obtained a more correct understanding of the relations of parties in Lebanon; and they saw at once that it was for the interest of England that the Druzes should be encouraged to become Protestants.

They therefore held consultations with the Druze sheiks, and the results were communicated to the British government.

As a natural consequence, the Druze sheiks expected support from England, and some at least of the British officers were in favor of such support, should the Druzes put themselves under the instruction of the American missionaries.

It is certain, at any rate, that the Druze sheiks confidently expected this.

With such expectations, they made a definite agreement with the mission, that a school for the sons of the ruling class should be established at Deir el-Kamr, and other schools as fast as practicable in their villages, and that the missionaries should be welcomed as religious teachers among all their people.
A school was at once opened at Deir el-Kamr by Messrs.