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Description

James C. Richmond follows up on Palmer Dryers letter of Feb. 7th and invites Chase to build a collegiate institution similar to Kenyon College in the developing Diocese of Illinois.

Date

3-13-1835

Keywords

Palmer Dryer, England, William Richmond, Bishop Brownell, Sir Thomas Acland, G.W. Marriott, Mr. James, Mr. Harris, Peoria, Tremont, Tazewell County, Bushville, Beardtown, Edward Worthington

Transcript

K.Ch.350313

Steamboat, below Peoria, March 13. 1835

Rt. Rev and dear Sir,

It was with no common feeling of gratitude to the Great Head of the Church, & with much joy & hope for her prosperity in this important state, that I listened to the unanimous & most hearty adoption of the Resolution which the Rev. Palmer Dryer Secy. of our primary convention forwarded you by the last mail. By this act I feel that God has permitted us to be his instruments in removing a stigma from his church, & allow me to say, dear & highly respected Father in God, I do rejoice that a successor of the Apostles is thus at liberty to assume in one of the fairest & most promising portions of the vineyard, his place as master-laborer & earthly head. May the God of the harvest crown with his most abundant blessing every thought, every wish, every prayer & every movement which shall now under your guidance & counsel be direct[ed] to the building up of [?] in this lovely region.

It now becomes my duty to request your direction & advice on a very important subject. I had intended to visit you in your own home on purpose, but the season, the very bad roads, the urgency of time, all require me to return by the most rapid route, & considering your situation I supposed I might receive all the necessary directions as well in writing. - It seems evident that the only source whence we can hope for a supply of laborers, is an institution similar to that which you succeeded in establishing & which will remain a noble monument of your zeal and patience in Ohio. To this we alluded in our joint communication, and we have no doubt that under your presidency such an institution might be established. We are satisfied that, humanly speaking, there is no man in our country who might hope for success with more reason than Bishop Chase. The question has been much discussed whether it would be possible or probable that you might be willing to visit England again, & it is earnestly hoped that such may be your wish. But at the same time we remember that your removal to this diocese will increase your business, that you may wish to spend some time in seeking the most suitable location, in short that it is too much for us to expect from a man in your situation, to suppose that a voyage across the Atlantic would be undertaken. Then, as we have nothing to offer, & as the diocese is yet poor, we know not certainly where to look for the funds to furnish you on setting out. Should no other difficulty interfere this might, I trust, be obviated. At the least I would exert myself to this purpose - I must repeat, that we do earnestly hope that you may undertake this important mission in person -- Should you however be absolutely unable to do so, I know of nothing better than to offer my services, should you think it advisable for me to go under your direction. I should have the following circumstances in my favour. Having spent three years in Europe, I have friends in England, & of such a character as to open the way for me to persons of the highest respectability. Again my brother, the Rev Wm Richmond, after having visited the West in company with Bp: Brownell, went to England, & excited much interest among the very people who would most assist us, on the subject of the western distitution [sic]. Among his friends to whom his letters would prepare my way, are many also of yours - The lamented [Wilberforce] alas! cannot assist us more on earth. But Sir Thos. Acland, Geo W. Marriott Esqr. & his brother & many others remain to be active in every good work. While in England my brother published a sermon on the West, which I send with this. -- But above all, dear Sir, I should hope for letters & your influence, which I am rejoiced to believe is undiminished. If then, you cannot go, & believe that the cause will be advanced by my efforts I shall endeavor to hold myself in readiness to embark as soon as I receive your [?] & other papers which you may deem necessary. Please direct to me care of Rev Wm Richmond Newyork, where I hope to be in 20 days. I am now on my way to St Louis, & shall make as little delay as possible.

I would remark, before closing that a most beautiful spot, not far from the centre of that state has just been purchased by a colony of 55 eastern families, to form a colony. It is called Tremont, is in [Tazewell] county, & will be one of the most respectable towns in the state. I am induced to think if you should incline to settle in it, with the expectation of establishing a college they would give a quarter section, & [?] of [now] at $1.25 (though it is now more valuable) &c. I make this suggestion, but of course you will wish to examine the site in person -- The Commissioners of the colony are Messrs James & Harris, Peoria, or Tremont. The county is populous - with great regard & [hopes] to hear from you in Newyork, & kind remembrances to your family I remain Rt Rev & very

dear Sir

Yrs in the gospel -

James C Richmond

P.S. I should have observed that with $200 (wh. is [?] by the [D.]&F Miss. Socy.) we can hope for a support of [$2100] at least in [Bushville] & Beardstown. Should you wish to write on this subject or [?] any one, please address Edward Worthington Esqr. [Bushville], highly respectable layman in our church.

Letter to Philander Chase

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