Meaning: The quote "To say, that Capt. Ingraham violated the rights of Turkey, is nonsense" by Gerrit Smith, a prominent American politician, encapsulates a significant historical event and the perspective of a key figure in American politics during the mid-19th century. The quote refers to an incident involving Captain Duncan Ingraham and his actions in protecting a group of individuals from the Ottoman Empire, which was commonly referred to as Turkey at the time. To fully understand the implications of this quote, it is necessary to delve into the historical and political context in which it emerged.

The incident in question took place in 1853 when Captain Duncan Ingraham, a U.S. naval officer, intervened to protect a group of Christian missionaries and their converts in Smyrna, a city in the Ottoman Empire. The missionaries had been persecuted by the Ottoman authorities for their religious activities, and Ingraham's intervention was seen as a direct challenge to the authority of the Ottoman Empire. His actions were met with both praise and criticism, sparking a debate about international relations, religious freedom, and the rights of sovereign nations.

Gerrit Smith, the author of the quote, was a prominent figure in American politics and an outspoken advocate for abolitionism and civil rights. His perspective on the incident reflects the tensions and debates surrounding U.S. foreign policy, interventionism, and the treatment of minority groups in other countries. Smith's assertion that Captain Ingraham did not violate the rights of Turkey suggests a belief in the universal principles of human rights and the importance of protecting persecuted individuals, even if it meant challenging the authority of a foreign nation.

The quote also sheds light on the complex dynamics of international relations during the mid-19th century. At that time, the Ottoman Empire was a major power in the Eastern Mediterranean and a key player in the geopolitics of the region. The incident involving Captain Ingraham brought to the forefront the question of how the United States should engage with foreign powers and how it should balance its commitment to principles of freedom and human rights with the realities of global diplomacy.

Ingraham's actions and the subsequent debate also reflected the broader tensions between the Western powers and the Ottoman Empire, as well as the growing influence of the United States on the international stage. The incident highlighted the evolving understanding of international law and the concept of sovereignty, as well as the competing interests of different nations in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

In conclusion, the quote by Gerrit Smith encapsulates a significant historical moment and the perspectives of a key figure in American politics during the mid-19th century. It reflects the complexities of international relations, the tensions between principles of freedom and sovereignty, and the evolving role of the United States in global affairs. By understanding the historical and political context surrounding the quote, we gain valuable insights into the debates and dynamics that shaped the international landscape of the time.