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Description
Hall discusses the acquisition of certain lands around Alum Creek and the wishes of parishes in the area.
Date
5-25-1825
Keywords
Mrs. Reed, Alum Creek, Convention, Worthington
Recommended Citation
Hall, Rev. John, "Letter to A. Battles" (1825). Philander Chase Letters. 526.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/526
Rights Statement
Transcript
Ashtabula May 25 1825
Dear Sir
Yours of the 13th inst is just [recd]. The subject of it is interesting but is presented in a shape somewhat different from what I had anticipated. I had understood by the news paper that Mrs. Read had obligated herself to make a donation of 1000 acres of land on Alum Creek to the Seminary, provided it should be placed upon the premises, but knew not that she would give it to the Bishop’s fund in case of the failure of locating the seminary there. The newspaper account for this states “There is little doubt that land to the amount of 6000 acres in the neighborhood of Mrs. Read’s tract will be given to the Seminary. So confident are the numerous friends of the institution that this place will meet the entire approbation of the Convention, that some hundreds of our citizens are engaged in clearing a sufficient quantity of land to contain the necessary buildings.” From this I had supposed it almost unnecessary to make any exertion in favor of the location at any place. That question [served] only to want the mere formality of a Conventional vote to fix it upon the above mentioned premises. I should concur with you in the sentiment that the vicinity of Worthington on account of its healthy and central situation would be decidedly preferable to any [in the] North or South, &, other circumstances being favorable, I should act accordingly. The parishes with which I am connected would undoubtedly prefer the central location. And I think that all the parishes in the Northern part of the state would concur with those in the center. Could I have rec’d yr. letter a month sooner I should have had time for exertion agreeably to your wishes. Our parishes have been rather averse to legal incorporation and some of our lawyers have no confidence in the constitutionality of the act. We have no incorporated societies and can have none before convention. My want of health will prevent my attending Convention & from the same cause I have been unable to visit the parishes & make exertions to have them represented & it is now too late [ever] to have them represented by proxy. We have not, since the information respecting Mrs. Read’s and other donations on Alum Creek, anticipating any opposition from the Southern Parishes because we expected no greater donation in that quarter. There seems to be little reason to expect any other donation on Alum Creek than Mrs. Read’s and if that is lost to the seminary, it seems by your letter, it will be served to the Church by being given to the Bishop’s fund. You inform me that Worthington will make a handsome contribution in case the Sem. sh’d be located there would Worthington and its vicinity add to Mrs. R’s donation and draw the Sem. to Alum Creek should you fail of obtaining it at Worthington. I assure you, dear Sir, I am partial to the views you sum to entertain of the subject and consider it unfortunate that I am incapacitated from cooperating with you. Can there be an postponement, should these views miscarry at the next convention. Perhaps such a motion might be advisable. If the [?] should not be finished at the ensuing Convention I will use all my exertions to have the Northern Parishes entitle themselves by incorporation to as many delegates as possible and be well represented in any special convention which may happen for finishing the business respecting the Seminary. All which is respectfully submitted. My best wishes to yourself and family and all our friends in Worthington.
Most affectionately yours,
J. Hall
Hon. A. Battles