“Bábism had many adepts in all classes of society, and many among them were of important standing; great lords, members of the clergy, military men and merchants had accepted this doctrine.”
(Journal Asiatique, 1866, tome 8, p. 251; Footnotes to chapter 9 provided by Shoghi Effendi)
These precautionary measures which the Báb deemed wise to undertake, relieved Him from the immediate danger of violence from the infuriated people of Shíráz, and served to lend a fresh impetus to the propagation of His Faith beyond the limits of that city. His disciples, who had spread throughout the length and breadth of the country, fearlessly proclaimed to the multitude of their countrymen the regenerating power of the new-born Revelation. The fame of the Báb had been noised abroad and had reached the ears of those who held the highest seats of authority, both in the capital and throughout the provinces. A wave of passionate enquiry swayed the minds and hearts of both the leaders and the masses of the people. Amazement and wonder had seized those who had heard from the lips of the immediate messengers of the Báb the tales of those signs and testimonies which had heralded the birth of His Manifestation. The dignitaries of State and Church either attended in person or delegated their ablest representatives to enquire into the truth and character of this remarkable Movement.
(Chapter 9, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
He [the Báb] likewise dismissed the rest of His companions who had gathered in Shíráz, and bade them return to Isfáhán. He retained Mullá ‘Abdu’l-Karím, to whom He assigned the duty of transcribing His writings.
(Chapter 9, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)