USA > New York > New York City > A history of the parish of Trinity Church in the city of New York, pt 3 > Part 18
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O N New Year's Day, 1821, the Rev. Henry J. Feltus, the Rector of St. Stephen's Church, New York, an admirer of the Bishop, composed and sent him the following
"ACROSTIC
" I wish you happy, free from care your mind,
O r only for the Church to feel concern. H ere while on earth in this your pleasure find N or other hopes, nor other fears alarm.
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" H is constant love that watch'd your early days, E ach painful trying hour shall still attend. N or doubt his faithfulness, tho' dark his ways, R esign your cause to him, and He'll defend, Y our path shall thus be peaceful to the End.
" H ow great the trust !- to feed the Flock of God O'er which the Holy Ghost has fix'd your care,
B lest charge !- The Church He purchas'd with his Blood, A nd still her cause defend, and in her honor share R est in the Confidence of your Brethren here, T ill in that brighter world we all appear.
" H. J. F. " Jan. 1, 1821 "
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Bishop Hobart's regard for the Indians was displayed not only in his visits to their reservations but in efforts to educate some of them in Christian homes.
He placed in the family of the Rev. Samuel Fuller, a parish priest of primitive piety and great learning, a bright young Indian boy, Abraham La Fort, for whose education, the appeal made by the Bishop has already been given. After a course at Geneva College, in the Class of 1829, La Fort became a Catechist and teacher among his people at Onondaga. After some years of devotion to duty he grew indifferent to the Christian religion and sided with the Pagan party.
Shortly before his death on October 5, 1848, he sent a message to the Rev. Eleazer Williams, his old pastor, that he died in the belief of the Christian religion, and ac- knowledged the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour.1 This letter written in a well-formed clerkly hand will be an
1 Quoted by the Rev. Charles W. Hayes, p. 51, Diocese of Western New York, from p. 123, J. V. H. Clark's Onondaga.
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evidence that the attempt was successful. It is given exactly as written :
" RENSELAER VILLE May 5th 1821. "RIGHT REV. SIR,
"This morning the little opportunity I have at present I improve by writing to you a few lines. I long to see you, perhaps you would like to hear from me, and to know how I am. I go to school and learn to read and spell and sometimes at home I study geography. I hope I sha soon be able to speak and English very well. I hope to go my brethren in the widiness and teach them good things. I am much please with study, and that I very much thank you that you sent me to school. I am great joy to God about my education. I find some good Books to read about Jesus Christ. I thank you to pray for me beside my own prayers, pray to God that he might pour down his holy spirit upon all our souls.
"Give my respects to all your family. One thing I thought I must mention to you. I shall go home in twenty-fifth of May to make visit to our countrymen a little while. I wish you to assistance for me. You please to write me as soon as you can, and This is latter from your Friend
" ABRAHAM LA FORT.
" RIGHT REV. JOHN H. HOBART, "New York."
It was the plan of the Government of the United States with the consent of the State of New York to open the In- dian reservations in that State for settlement, and to re- move the Indians to the reservation in Michigan Territory bordering on Green Bay. Mr. Williams seems to have been a potent factor in this attempt although that fact does not appear in contemporary correspondence. When this letter of the remnant of the Stockbridge Indians was written he was still the faithful Catechist without special ambitions or engaged in political jobbery.
"NEW STOCKBRIDGE, June 9th 1821.
" RIGHT REV. SIR,
" This is particularly to state to you that our tribe have all agreed to send messengers to meet with the Tribes in the Northwest Territory, VOL. III .- 13.
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agreeable to an arrangement made with those Tribes last summer by Mr. Williams and his Oneida friends.
"We would further inform you that we as a tribe united with our brethren in a speach to those Tribes and received a friendly answer, brought by Mr. Williams.
"We would further inform you that we are expected by those heathen Tribes to visit and hold a general Council with them this sea- son in union with our Brothers the Oneidas.
"Our object is to recommend perpetual peace among themselves & among both Red and White people.
" Also to recommend Civilization and the Christian Religion among that heathen people.
"We well know that those Tribes will expect us with a few of our breathen, the Oneidas. We have good reason to believe that Oneidas will not send unless your Missionary Mr. Williams goes as their leader.
" We have reason to expect that we may obtain from those tribes a fire place or Country which will be beneficial to our tribes.
" We are now nearly ready to send four of our principal young men on this great and important business.
"We have reason to hope we shall meet the blessings of Heaven, and by our Council be able to do much good for the glory and honour of our Common Saviour to a numerous population of Red people. Now, Right Rev. Sir, our request is that for the above mentioned rea- sons you give your consent and approbation that your Missionary, Mr. Williams go with us.
" Remain Rev. Sir, your friends and children.
" We shall expect an answer as soon as is convenient.
" HENDRICK AUPAUMENT,
" JACOB KONKAPOT, " ABNER W. HENDRICK,
" SOLOMON U. HENDRICK.
" RIGHT REV. BISHOP."
The Berrian MSS., which were in the custody of the Very Rev. Dean Hoffman, and by whose courtesy we have been able to examine them, contain many interesting letters between Bishop Hobart and Dr. Berrian. The following one gives an account of one of the Bishop's missionary tours :
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" ALLEGHANY COUNTY,
Aug. 20, 1821.
"MY DEAR FRIEND :
"I have travelled for some days past thro' a country compara- tively newly settled and very mountainous, so that we suffered not a little from the badness of the roads, and the heat of the weather. Yesterday I officiated at Angelica, the county town, near which Capt. Church resides with whom we lodged. To-day we had a most tremendous ride thro' a country in which 5 years ago there was not a settler and now there are only a few scattered settlers. The stumps and the stones and the roots of trees prevented us from travelling but little more than two miles an hour, and that at the risk of break- ing or oversetting our carriage. We are now going north into Ontario County where we shall have good roads and a cultivated country. I shall be anxious to hear how you all are. Remember me to Onderdonk and all friends. Yesterday was only the second time that the Episcopal service was performed in Angelica. Mr. Phelps officiated there once several years ago. How much we have lost from not having a sufficient number of missionaries.
"Truly and affectionately yours, "J. H. HOBART." 1
While to Bishop Hobart must be given much credit for seeing the necessity of a College under Church aus- pices in Western New York, and using his great influence to accomplish that purpose, the exertions of the earnest Dr. Orin Clark of Geneva and the accomplished Dr. McDonald, scholar and theologian, are not to be forgotten. Their well-matured plan, which was substantially carried out, is given in this letter :
" GENEVA, 13 Decr 1821.
" RT. REV. SIR,
" We take the liberty of communicating to you our views relative to a college in this place. The necessity of having one West of Clin- ton is obvious, and some other place will soon advance pretences to it if we do not. We shall say nothing to a person as well acquainted with the West as you are, relative to our claims founded on local
' No. 67, Berrian MSS.
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circumstances. But the necessity of our having a College is pressing. A College gives great weight and influence to that Denomination that has it, and manages it well. We could educate more young men and better in a College than in an Academy, because it would be popular and possessed of better Discipline. Such is the charm of a Diploma to a youth that he will ever prefer a Col: to an Acad: Hence some will leave us. A Diploma, like an oath in Disputes, cuts off all controversy, and the professor is admitted by the world as competent without further examination. But what is worthy of deep attention in Ecc1 concerns is this; He that goes to College must, & thinks he must, proceed through regularly; he that is a member of an Academy thinks himself at liberty to study as much as he pleases & no more. Hence a College is indispensably necessary to us if we mean to have a learned clergy.
"$50,000 exclusive of Acad Buildings and lot will be required by the Regents before they will permit us to exercise Coll. functions ; to obtain this sum to the satisfaction of the Regents we propose:
" Ist. To get the Regents to accept of the Sherred Professorship as a part of required fund, if acceded to by the Trustees of Th: School, which is 10000.
" 2. We hope Trinity Church would in case we could obtain a charter, convert her Donation into an Annuity which would count 11000 more.
" 3. We would hope to have another professorship here; 10000 more making $31,000. We think that 9,000 could be filled with subscrip- tions of Lands and some lands perhaps might be obtained from the State, and roooo the remainder must be solicited through the country secured on property where the principal was not paid down.
" The Professors in the Theol: sch: might be officers in the College. Thus the President might receive the stipend from Trin. Ch: There might be a Professor of Divinity as in N. Haven; and the Professor of Ecc1: Hist: might be prof of Languages and History generally-The prof of Divinity might also be prof of Logic & Rhetorick.
"We press & think there is more need of pressure upon this point of a College from this consideration; without flattery we think that the whole weight of the Theo Branch here rests upon you, Sir; You are its author and supporter; But what guaranty have we of your life, of the good will of your successor, or of the favourable views of other States towards us after your exertions shall have ceased by the course of nature ? But if we had a College with the proper professors sanc- tioned by the Trustees of the Theo: School we should be safe, and always have the means of educating young men ourselves. Party feel-
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ing could do little mischief to a College; but might destroy a Br. Th. School.
"This winter seems to present a combination of favourable cir- cumstances for us to apply-Mr. Verplanck is in the Legislature; no application of this kind is pending. The census is recent by which the importance of this Western world is fresh in the minds of all; and the West is favourable to the majority in politicks.
"Our friends here are decidedly for making an application this winter. Col. Troup thinks there will be no difficulty in obtaining a Charter. There will probably be difficulties in Obtaining the Charter as we want it. We want it to be our own; but the property given must secure the Control of it. We hope to hear from you soon touching this point; in the meantime we shall open communication with Mr. Verplanck, with whom we trust you will consult & wish us to do so.
"The Legal course of procedure in the actual application is pointed out in the Statutes, but we wish to have the thing well under- stood by the Church before we move, that there may be unity in motion.
" We are with great respect & obedience,
-" Your much obliged and dutiful Presbyters,
" D. McDONALD, " ORIN CLARK.
" RT. REV. BP. HOBART, = "New York."
1822 .- In the following familiar epistle the Bishop of Connecticut touches upon several matters of interest.
"NEW HAVEN, Jany 2, 1822.
" RT. REV. AND DEAR SIR,
"I have sent the Library of the Seminary to N. York by the Packet Paragon, Capt. Curtis, which sailed on Saturday evening last. It was not thought best to take the shelves of the Library to put the books in; as they would not have held one-quarter of the number, and the nails would have spoiled them for future use. Some cheap boxes were bought at the merchants and the Bookshelves were sold to a Carpen- ter. The Books were sent to the care of the Rev. Mr. Feltus who has doubtless received them before this time.
" Bishop White has kindly consented to write the notes upon the
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alterations from the English Book which have been introduced into our book of Common Prayer for my contemplated Family Prayer Book.
"I should be glad to receive any aid from you which you may find it convenient to afford; either by way of advice; or by notes of your own; or such as you may think proper to select for any part of the work.
"As you have been pleased to express your appreciation of my design, I should be obliged to you for two or three lines to that effect to publish in my Prospectus. I have made a similar request of the other Bishops, and have this day received the recommendation of Bp. White.
"I can hardly reconcile myself to the idea of our proposed journey to the South. The thought of the cold rides and the crossing of the great rivers amidst the broken ice seems to me formidable as I sit snugly in my study. If, however, you think it necessary for me to accompany you I shall hold myself bound to do so; though I shall wish to defer it till February is considerably advanced.
"Should it be your intention to put Mr. Richmond's services in requisition, he had perhaps better be informed of it as soon as con- venient, that he may make arrangements for the supply of his Church in his absence. Does Mr. Reed accept his appointment ? And does he conclude to go to the South ? Have you commenced your solicita- tions anew in New York?
" I cannot forbear to express my perfect satisfaction with the result of our proceedings in New York. I do believe that everything relative to the Seminary will now go on as harmoniously and prosperously as the nature of such an institution will admit, and all the anxiety and trouble which I have felt on this subject I consider as trifling in com- parison of the result which such a state of things has Providentially produced.
" In much haste, though with perfect respect & esteem,
" I remain, " Your Friend & Brother,
" T. C. BROWNELL. " RT. REVP BP. HOBART."
The proposed southern journey by the Bishops was not taken as the Rev. John Croes became the agent to solicit funds for the Seminary. The Rev. Dr. John Reed of
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Poughkeepsie had also been appointed as a solicitor of subscriptions. The Family Prayer Book appeared in 1823 and was acceptable to the Church. It passed through several editions.
In January, 1822, the Trustees of the Geneva Acad- emy petitioned the Regents of the University for a College Charter. Bishop Hobart wrote to Lieutenant-Governor Tayler, Chancellor of the Board of Regents, March 13, as follows :
" DEAR SIR,
"I hope you will permit me respectfully to call your attention to an application from Geneva for a College. I understand there is a similar one from Ithaca (for a Methodist College) and may not both be granted on the principle, that whenever a denomination of Christians raise funds to a certain amount for a College, it is expedient to grant them a Charter. Would not the security that this would give to every denomination as it respects its influence in literary instruction, the im- partiality which this would discover, the removal of all causes of jeal- ousy, and the competition which would thus be excited among the various Colleges for public patronage more than counterbalance any disadvantage, which might arise from the multiplication of Colleges, and after all those only would be eminent which were deserving, and degrees would be intimated 1 according to the character of the College which conferred them.
" The establishment of a branch of the theological school of our Church at Geneva leads to an earnest wish that the powers of a College may be granted to the Academy there.
" Union College and Hamilton are de facto under Presbyterian influence, and subservient to Presbyterian views in a great measure.
" All that the Church would wish is an opportunity to employ her means as she may think proper for the advancement of literature and religion, having of course no objection to the same opportunity being enjoyed by others.
" May I presume, Sir, that you will give these suggestions an in- dulgent consideration. And believe me to be with great respect, " Your obedient friend and servant,
" J. H. HOBART."
1 Estimated ? The letter is given literatim et verbatim as found in the Pamphlet.
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Bishop Hobart wrote soon after to Dr. McDonald a letter in which he said :
" The moment I heard it1 I took all the measures in my power to promote its success and addressed letters to several of the Regents. You who know how much I have thought, and how much I have planned and laboured for this object can readily conceive my delight at seeing it thus far accomplished, sooner indeed than I could have expected. Providence has favored us. I am the more gratified as I have found it difficult to make the Clergy and others in this quarter feel as I have felt on the subject.2
The Rev. John Reed, a frequent correspondent of the Bishop, always wrote to him in the frankest man- ner possible; his letters are therefore worthy of con- ·sideration as revealing not only his own feelings, but under-currents of those times which it is hard to realize to-day.
He thus writes to the Bishop relating to the reorgan- ization of the Seminary, March 16, 1822 :
" The school is but just organized-the funds are not collected and an income is not ascertained. If considerable appropriations are now made and a deficit should happen it would damp and retard every thing. And hence however desirable to begin strong, it is wisdom to begin as we can hold out. Another thing. I judge from your letter that much prudence and caution will be neces- sary with the general board in refference to the branch school.
" I presume if we are patient and prudent in exhibiting the argu- ments in favour of the branch two or three professorships may be permanently established by the general board which will establish it forever. But if the matter be driven I am fearful it might fail be- cause I fear that some might be disposed to construe the thing into a measure of interest of this diocese. These are my present impressions. Perhaps I might have different views had I the happiness of a con- versation with you.
' The forwarding of the application to Albany.
2 Pp. 9, 10, 11, Some Historical Notes Connected with the Origin of Geneva College. Utica : H. H. Curtiss, printer, 1849. Pp. 22.
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Charter for Geneva College 201
"This had better be inter nos."
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"You very justly express an interest respecting the school at Geneva. I view it of vast importance to your diocese in par- ticular. It must be a matter self-evident that a school there would add more to the strength, honour and increase of the church in this state than even the general school. If at all well managed it will make that rich and extensive wilderness blos- som as a rose, and during your life at least there can be no fear of low church principles taught there to corrupt the peace of the church. I therefore view that branch as of all importance to this diocese. But you are aware of caution here for the present. It appears that we should at present plead only for the ,endowment of 2 or 3 professors as soon as convenient.
" But there is another light in which [the school is to be viewed, in as important relation as even the one in the city. The inte- rior navigation will soon bring all the Episcopalians of the western states to educate their young candidates there. The Canadas must soon in all human probability constitute a part of the U. S. A. In such case the School at Geneva will be as important to the union in general as that at New York, for it will have water communication to a greater extent of country. I shall write to Doc McDonnald soon not in a discouraging manner, nor shall I say any thing I have to you but endeavour to strengthen his hands as far as I can. I shall see you, God willing, at the Convention. In the mean time I am yours most siny.
" JOHN REED."
The passage of the preliminary charter for Geneva College is announced in these letters of Dr. Lacey, of St. Peter's Church, Albany, and Judge Duer. The College did not actually go into operation until 1825 when Dr. McDonald became President.
" ALB. 10 April, 1822.
" RT. REV. SIR,
"The Regents have this moment decided (5 against 3) to grant the Geneva petition on consideration that the Corporation raise a fund that shall produce an annual income of 4000 dols. So I trust we shall have an Episcopal College in the State of N. York.
"Yours with very great respect,
" Wm B. LACEY.
" BISHOP HOBART."
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JAM
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" ALBANY, April 11th 1822. " DEAR SIR,
" I have the gratification of informing you that the Regents last evening accepted the Report for incorporating the Geneva and Ithaca Colleges. The votes were five to two exclusive of the Lieut Gov' who presided as Chancellor of the University. It was however determined to require each institution to secure funds within the three years which shall actually produce an income of $4000 annually.
" From the best information I can collect I am induced to believe that the Ithaca College will not be able to comply with this requisition. "I received your favour by Mr. Verplanck, and had previously written to Mr. Williams, but that gentleman was unable to attend.
" I am, Dear Sir, " Very respectfully & truly, " Your obedient servant " W. A. DUER. " THE BISHOP."
The attempt of Mr. Christian Bergh, a wealthy ship- builder, father of our great philanthropist, Henry Bergh, and others to found a " Free Church " seems to have been entirely overlooked in any history of the Free Church movement in New York. Evidently the money desired could not be obtained, and the Churchmen of the East Side who did not live near St. Stephen's Church were obliged to wait two years until All Saints' Church was founded, although without free seats.
"NEW YORK, 12 April, 1822.
"RT. REV. SIR,
" As you were pleased to express your favourable sentiments & good wishes towards the plan of a free Church on a former occasion, will you have the goodness to read to the Congregation in which you shall officiate on next Sunday the following notice, accompanied with such remarks & recommendations as you shall see proper to annex ?
" In behalf of the Building Committee, " Your ob Serv.
"C. BERGH."
" For the benefit of those who may not have seen the public notifi- cation, the Congregation are informed that it is designed to erect in
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the Eastern part of the City, a Free Episcopal Church, that is a Church which shall in all points be organized exactly as the other Episcopal Churches with the single exception that none of the Pews shall be either sold or rented, but all shall be retained free without the least reserve, for the use of all who shall be induced to attend.
" In order to effect this benevolent purpose, especially desirable in the neighbourhood, where it is designed ; several individuals have en- gaged to erect the building ; at least so far as to have it enclosed, with a dependence on the Benevolence of their fellow Christians & especially their fellow Episcopalians. In order to defray the expences in erecting the building, a subscription is opened to ascertain the amt of contri- butions ; but no payment will be demanded until the building shall be enclosed.
"A Suitable Spot of ground is already procured in a very eligible situation, and the work will soon be commenced & proceed without delay. Several benevolent individuals have volunteered their services for the purpose of soliciting contributions, the members of the congre- gation may therefore expect to be shortly calld on.
"Should however any be unavoidably overlooked ; all who feel dis- posed to aid the design, which promises to be so highly beneficial to the community in various points of view, will have an opportunity of contributing by depositing at the Savings Bank, where an Account will be opened for the benefit of the Free Church."
The " Natchez district," with other portions of West Florida, had been seized upon by the Spanish Government in 1779, in gross violation of the treaty of 1763 between Great Britain and France, which gave to the conquering nation that territory. In 1795, by the treaty of Madrid, it was ceded by Spain to the United States, and final posses- sion given in 1798. The Rev. Adam Cloud, from Dela- ware, came to St. Catherine's Creek, near Natchez, in 1792. Exercising his ministry during the Spanish domination brought upon him persecution. He removed and did not return until 1816. This letter describes the condition of affairs immediately before and after the arrival of Mr. Pilmore, who had been assistant to Bishop Kemp, in Balti- more. On May 17, 1826, the Diocese of Mississippi was
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