I happen to know the details of the persecutions and sufferings of these people; I am in communication with them, and they asked me to help them. Therefore I consider it my duty to address myself to all good people whether Russian or not Russian, asking them to help the Doukhobors out of their terrible position in which they now are. I have attempted to address myself, through the medium of a Russian newspaper to the Russian public, but do not know as yet whether my appeal will be published or not; and I now address myself to all sympathizers, asking for their assistance – first, in the form of money, of which much will be needed for the removal to a distant place of ten-thousand people; and secondly, of advice and guidance in the difficulties of the coming emigration of people who do not understand any foreign language and have never left Russia before.

Appeal on Behalf of the Doukhobors (March 19, 1898)

Peter V. Verigin (left) visiting Vladimir G. Chertkov (right) in England, on his way from Siberian exile to join his doukhobor followers already in Canada, November 1902.