The letter reproduced below was sent to Dr A Teodorov-Balan, secretary of Bulgarian Exarchate in Istanbul, seeking a teaching position at the Bulgarian school in Salonika.

Misirkov's letter was accompanied by an introductory letter (that is a reference) by the Bessarabian Bulgarian G Zanetov. In his letter, Zanetov describes Misirkov as an "energetic" but somewhat "unrealistic" person. Zanetov also states

Drawn by the desire to help his Fatherland Macedonia, he had pursued a false path, which he now completely refutes and apologises for publicly

K MISIRKOV'S PERSONAL LETTER

6 August 1908 [Odessa]

Five years ago I was faced with events which forced me to stop teaching Greek and Bulgarian literature and language at the Bulgarian Classical Male Gymnasium in Bitolia, and to leave the general Turkish domain. The Ilinden Uprising of 1903 had a pronounced effect on me and caused me to make some mistakes which completely isolated me from the Bulgarian cause in Macedonia.

With great respect I was forced to temporarily renounce completely working for the realization of the Bulgarian national ideals and devote myself to lecturing duties in Russia, first in Berdyansk and afterwards in Odessa. In both cities my work secured me a good life with which I could have been fully satisfied if it was not for the annoyance and difficultly I experienced, together with an inability to concentrate on the questions of my main interest, South Slav philology and history. What these questions are you are probably already aware, particularly description of the Morava dialect. You will be more familiar with my scientific pursuits, when reading my "Notes on South Slav Philology and History".

Hampered with lessons, not favourably welcomed by the Russian steeped in outdated patriotism, I had a difficult struggle to prepare and print my "Notes" while doing master's exams on Old-Bulgarian and the Slav languages and literature at the Kiev University. The problems experienced in my scientific pursuits are so great that at one time I suspended numerous studies of direct interest to me, and was only made aware of my actions by Mr G Zanetov; in recognition of whom I have dedicated my "Notes".

The same Mr Zanetov gave me the idea to appeal to you and ask for a lecturing position at the Bulgarian Male Gymnasium in Salonika. I agreed with satisfaction to Mr Zanetov's proposal, since in this way I would receive the opportunity, anew, and according to my ability

    to serve the Bulgarian national interest and ideals
In view of the latter, I plead with you, respected Sir, to inform me as soon as possible whether the Holy Exarchate might reinstate my teaching rights within the teaching establishments under its jurisdiction, and appoint me, even within this year, as a lecturer on Bulgarian and general history or Bulgarian literature, at the Bulgarian Male Gymnasium in Salonika, so that I can arrive in Salonika in time to commence my duties. On receiving your answer I will send the documents to the Holy Exarchate. Accept honoured Sir, my sincere respect towards you.

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