USA > New York > New York City > A history of the parish of Trinity Church in the city of New York, pt 3 > Part 32
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" MANCHESTER, Aug 20, 1824.
" MY DEAREST WIFE :
"Though daily occupied in the many interesting things which I see in travelling through this wonderful country my thoughts almost hourly turn to you, to my beloved family, and to my home. And sometimes I feel as if, without regard to consequences, I must imme- diately return to them, and to my congregations and my diocese, where
357
Letter to Mrs. Hobart
1824]
I have so much to do. But the very consideration of the increased du- ties which will then force themselves upon me, occasions the serious apprehension, that with the discharge of them will return the debility and sickness which disqualified me for them, and which led to my ab- sence. The causes of my complaints are by no means removed. Whenever I use extraordinary exertions, and engage in much thought or mental labour, they assume more virulence, and I sensibly feel my debility. It would seem, therefore, as if I ought not to return until I make a longer and more decisive effort to remove the causes of my complaints, and to renovate my constitution ; and yet again I feel as if I could not procrastinate my return. Travelling has lost much to me of the charm of novelty, and I begin to be tired with seeing so many new objects. Gladly, did my circumstances, and above all, my sacred duties permit, would I retire from that perpetual intercourse with the world which was never agreeable to me, and at the Short Hills, in the bosom of my family, heightening every enjoyment by the society of my friends, which gives such a zest to them, be forgotten by the world, and the world forget. But these are feelings which I ought to suppress in gratitude to that Almighty Being who, while he has placed me, since my entrance on public life, in the midst of trying duties and cares, has solaced and supported me by so many comforts and privi- leges, and next to my domestic bliss, with what is so grateful and ani- mating, the confidence and affection, as I have reason to suppose, of those among whom my duties have been discharged.
"I expect to be in London, in two or three weeks, when I shall write to you again. You and the family must write as usual to me. That God may bless you and them, is the prayer of
" Your ever affectionate, " J. H. HOBART."1
On his arrival at the Lakes, Dr. Hobart wrote to his wife :
" AMBLESIDE, LAKES OF WESTMORELAND, " Aug. 24, 1824.
"I wrote to my dearest wife a few days since from Manchester, but an opportunity unexpectedly offering to Liverpool, I cannot avoid writing a few lines to say, that I passed yesterday in company with Mr. Wordsworth, one of the celebrated poets of the Lakes, the most de- lightful day which I have enjoyed since I left home. More romantic,
1 P. 297, Berrian's Memoir.
0
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beautiful, and picturesque scenery than this part of England affords can scarcely be conceived, and a more rural and delightful spot than Rydal Mount, the seat of Mr. Wordsworth, I scarcely ever saw. He devoted the whole day to rambling with me through the vales and on the sides of the mountains adjoining his residence, and the only draw- back was, that I was much more fatigued than I should have been in former times, when my strength was greater. His conversation as you may suppose, was highly interesting, and his manners, and those of his family, were marked by the utmost simplicity and kindness. The views from his house and the grounds adjacent have almost the char- acteristics of beauty and sublimity, softness and ruggedness, in strong contrast. When I said there was only one drawback on my enjoy- ments, I was wrong. There was another much greater-the absence of my beloved family. This solitary enjoyment is not according to my feelings. In a few minutes I set off for Keswick, where I ex- pect to see Mr. Southey, with whom I formed an acquaintance last winter in London.
Your ever affectionate,
" J. H. HOBART." 1
On finishing this letter to his wife he set off to pay his visit to Mr. Southey, but found the poet out, who on his return home in the afternoon immediately sent off this polite note :
" DEAR SIR
"I am sorry that I happened to be out when you did me the favour of calling,-& still more sorry that I cannot offer you all the hospitality I would, my house being filled at this time with inmates. You will I hope take your tea with me this evening,-(six is our hour in this part of the world, where we live in some degree as we please)-& we will then settle some plan for tomorrow. I owe you many thanks for the two volumes which you were kind enough to send me,-they have given me great satisfaction & great pleasure. And I should not have delayed thanking you for them till now if I had not thought that a let- ter might have had to follow you on your continental travels.
"Believe me Dear Sir "Yrs with sincere respect
" ROBERT SOUTHEY
"Tuesday afternoon."
1 P. 299, Berrian's Memoir.
1
bear der
am sorry Hei ! happenc ) to be out when you did ine the favour of calling , - V still more sorry that I cannot for you all the hospitality " works, my houve being filled at this time into ummates . "You will I hope take your he wasn't me the evening, waux u ver hour in their part of the works where we hus in some Defree at we please ) - If we will then rette irue plan for tomarore. - I've Eu many thanks for in tso volume , which you ben kind enough to read the , -
Great pleasure: it's . read not have
Letter from Robert Youthey to Bishop Hobart.
359
Letter from Mr. Berrian
1824]
By the same messenger, apparently, that brought Mr. Southey's note, the Bishop returned answer :
" DR SIR,
" I thank you sincerely for your very kind note & would with great pleasure take tea with you-but I engaged a few minutes before I rec'd your note to spend the eveng with a family with whom I be- came acquainted in London & who are on a visit to the Lakes & arrived this eveng at Keswick. I will avail myself however of your in- dulgence to call at as an early an hour to-morrow morning as may suit your convenience, & beg you to believe that by engrossing a portion of your valuable time I shall feel that I am rec'g no inconsiderable favor. I am very comfortably lodged-at the same time I thank you for the hospitality to which your wishes prompt & which you so frankly & kindly express a desire to shew me.
"I am my dear Sir "Most truly " & respectfully "yrs. " J. H. HOBART.
" Tuesday afternoon " Aug. 24, 1824."
We give a reproduction of this correspondence, not only for the sake of presenting to our readers a fac-simile of the Bishop's writing in his maturer years, as we have already given his writing, while a lad, in part of his letter to his sister,1 but also as reproducing the autograph letter of the English poet.
The letters which the Bishop wrote in August dis- quieted his friends in America very much, and their un- easiness was heightened when the Bishop formally applied for further leave of absence. Mr. Berrian writes him im- mediately on hearing that news.
"NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 1824.
"RIGHT REV AND DEAR SIR:
"Your last letters were the occasion of unfeigned sorrow among all your friends and of a most painful disappointment to your family.
I See p. 91.
----
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I had never been without my suspicions and fears from the tone of your letters that you were not improving as much as we hoped you would, but still the assurance of it from yourself in express terms when we were looking for your return was so unexpected as to distress us exceedingly. I went out immediately to Short Hills and put on as cheerful a countenance as I could assume, and broke the matter in the most gentle manner, but the grief and agitation of your family was ex- cessive. When, however, they grew composed, they seemed to acqui- esce with readiness in the expediency of your plans ; and to prepare themselves for a longer separation from you. . [Refers to the engagement of Rebecca Hobart to the Rev. Levi S. Ives, his frequent visits, the expediency of a speedy marriage with the consent of the Bishop & Mrs. Hobart, which would be on every account advisable as these long visits were really detrimental to Mr. Ives' work in his parish. ']
"With respect to your letter to the Vestry, it has produced only one feeling as far as I have learned, of affectionate regret and increased solicitude for you. I have seen a number of the Vestry who all agree in the propriety of your measures for the restoration of your health, and not the slightest difficulty is apprehended in regard to providing the means for your longer absence. [Advises the Bishop to write one full letter to some member of the family, and then mention in brief letters to others that he had thus written. In this way his family would hear more frequently and he would be saved the fatigue of re- writing on the same topics.]
" With earnest wishes for the improvement of your health,
" I remain your affectionate friend, " WILLIAM BERRIAN." 2
" NEW YORK, Sep. 16, 1824.
"RT. REV. & DEAR SIR :
"I wrote to you by the last packet and have nothing now to men- tion to you except that the Vestry with entire unanimity passed a res- olution that you should have leave of absence for another year, not choosing to limit you to the shorter period which you probably had in view. The resolution was expressed in these brief and general terms, with the understanding that all that was proper be done with regard to the expenses of yourself and family should be done. Your family is well and so are mine. I forgot to mention to you in my last letter that
' Trinity Church, Southwark, Philadelphia.
9 Berrian MSS.
Delayed thankcy you for them the a ' I had not thought that a letter myls have has to jolla you on your continental travele. 4 Belen que bear der.
you with cucure respect Robert dow they.
Tuesday afternoon .
1
in hi, I Made you vinnerely in
your very how won I would on the great pleasure habe na will you. but sanguine a jew man who blon ." vi of your work
rund Tu come withay finn in tour & who can Il' Re La hus & arri on this wine
of your indul gence ? call of isas cary Convenience-
Growing a portion of your valu able un
rable favor. I am un tomtostates I at the sarme home I Thank you in The Restritalily to which youg wine formul ( which you whothey Really is to new me.
morairaly
420
aug- 24-1824.
Bishop Hobart's answerto letter from Robert Youthey.
361
Letter to Mr. Berrian
1824]
Onderdonk lost his youngest son in the Spring. It has been my hap- pier lot to have another. Mrs. Berrian was confined last month and is remarkably well.
" Yours affectionately, "WILLIAM BERRIAN." 1
About the same time that Mr. Berrian was writing to the Bishop, the latter was also writing him, giving him an account of his health.
" LONDON, Sept. 17, 1824.
MY DEAR BERRIAN :
" I have received your letter, No. 7, and have been waiting some- time expecting the arrival of the packet which I trust will bring an- swers to the letters which I sent in July last. I have determined to go to the Continent as I find the autumnal weather in England does not agree with me, and change of scene is essential to my health and spirits. I purpose to go up the Rhine and thro' Switzerland and winter princi- pally in the south of France. Give my best and affectionate regards to the Wardens and Vestrymen and remember me in a particular manner to those who you may expect to be particularly remembered, among whom will be Mr. McFarlan and Mr. Weeks on account of the trouble they take about the house. How is Mr. S. coming on ? Have you any idea that he is unsound on the subject of Baptismal regeneration or disposed to unite with the Bible Society. If so, as Bishop Kemp has influence with him, would it be well for me to have a prudent com- munication with Bishop K. on the subject. [Dissatisfaction with the choice of professions by his sons, Dayton and William. Asks Mr. B. to be in the place of a father to them.]
" Alas, how many calls have I home. The time was when I thought the journey I am now about to take would be almost the sum- mit of earthly enjoyment, and now I go with a heavy heart. My ap- petite is good, too good, and I look better, but I am compelled to check my bilious tendency by constant medicine, and I find myself in- capable of more than ordinary exercise of body or mind, of such exer- cise as in New York my duties would demand.
" Dr. Milnor wrote me a kind letter before I left New York, and I think it best to let him know that I do not forget him. Please to give my kind regards to him, and to all others who you think will expect to be remembered. To Mr. Mackie give my deep and affectionate con-
3 Berrian MSS.
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dolence, and tell him we must hope to meet his most excellent de- parted wife in that state of bliss to which she has gone. I passed some delightful days at the Lakes in company with Mr. Southey and Mr. Wordsworth. Tell Mr. Eastburn that Mr. Southey has put the poems, of his son1 into the hands of a literary gentleman who thinks of pre- paring an article upon Am. Lit. 2 for the Quarterly Review. Remem- ber me kindly to his son ; and tell Mr. Eastburn I am much obliged to him for his letter to the Rev. Mr. Pratt, who is an excellent man. And now, my dear Berrian, remember me most affectionately to your wife and children and take for yourself the warm affection and prayers of " Yours,
"J. H. HOBART." 3
To his daughters the Bishop wrote from Dover :
" DOVER, Sept. 20, 1824. " I address this letter to both of my dear daughters. . This country is delightful on account of the general richness of its cul- tivation, the beauty of its verdure, its lawns, its trees, its hedges, and above all, the court-yards filled with flowers and shrubs, and its houses often covered with ivy or jessamines, or some other creeping plants. Its majestic cathedrals and its ruined castles give an air of solemn grandeur to the scene, of which we can scarcely form an idea in America. And yet, on the whole, I prefer the scenery of my own country in many respects. We have a greater number of comfortable farm houses land with us being more equally divided ; our rivers are larger, our ranges of mountains more extensive, and we have woods and forests of which here they have none.
" That God may bless my dear daughters, prays their " Affectionate father, "J. H. HOBART." 4
The following letters from Messrs. H. U. Onderdonk, Thomas N. Stanford, Cornelius R. Duffie, and S. H. Tur- ner deal with a variety of interesting matters. The War- dens and Vestrymen of Christ Church, Cincinnati, took the side of Bishop Chase, and made a formal protest
' The Rev. James Wallis Eastburn.
9 American Literature.
3 Berrian MSS., No. 89.
4 P. 301, Berrian's Memoir.
3
1
363
1824] Letter from Rev. H. U. Onderdonk
against Bishop Hobart's action. It is to this protest that Mr. Onderdonk refers.
" BROOKLYN, September 22nd-1824 "RT: REV: & DEAR SIR
ยท
After the second pamphlet of the Cincinnati vestry, addressed to me, I have hesitated for some time whether it were best to answer it,-for it appeared to me so silly & so base, as to be likely to defeat itself. It seemed proper on the whole not to let it pass unnoticed, & I published a short pamphlet, just before the meeting of the Seminary .- I am aston- ished to find these Ohio productions spoken of in respectful terms by the author of the Letter to Lord Kenyon. The soft heads & dupes of our mother country have become, I think, singularly prominent.
"About 10 days ago a paragraph from a Liverpool paper, was in- serted in Dwight's, stating, among several flatteries of Bp. Chase, that 'all opposition to him in England, from his own countrymen had been withdrawn,'-& intimating that his school, as 'a western seminary' had the patronage of the Abps., Bps., &c. This seemed to me a good opportunity of correcting or at least checking in a degree the rumours whh for some months had been floating of your having been defeated by Bp. Chase,-& I sent an article to Dwight, stating that the Liver- pool paragraph was 'incorrect in one or two important particulars,' but declined specifying them, to avoid newspaper discussion. Dwight refused to print it,-but Coleman did-& D. & I have had a personal controversy in the papers, in whh he has unexpectedly allowed me to have the last word .- Your packet, of April last, to my brother, had not then been opened, as he was absent,-had I known its contents, I should not have troubled the newspapers. But I think there was ground to say, that 'all opposition to Bp. C. had not ceased, from there having just arrived two pamphlets on the opposite sides of the case, one dated June, the other July. And I think that it was not true that the Apbs. & Bps. had patronised a 'western seminary' in the broad sense of the phrase, tho' they countenanced a sort of Branch School in Ohio. At all events I thought that something might very justly be done to let the public know that all that was rumoured was not to be credited. Dwight has been much blamed for his coarse & rough treatment of me. Whether my poor article did any important good I cannot say,-but I have no reason whatever to think the contrary.
" We are greatly in want of you, -- but will bear our deprivation as well as we may, if it can be of the least service to you. Mrs. O. joins
M
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me in affectionate remembrance to you, as does my sister Phobe, who has made her home here for a few weeks. Mr. Moore's family always desire to be remembered.
" I am very sincerely & faithfully " Your affectionate & humble servant "HENRY U. ONDERDONK." " NEW YORK NOV. 13 IS24. "RT. REVP & DR SIR
"Circumstances deeply affecting my domestic relations have for more than two months prevented my writing to you, or of paying that re- gard to your repeated injunction respecting communications from your family & friends, which would insure to you a knowledge of what is pass- ing here during your protracted absence. The chief of them is the loss I have sustained by the death of my beloved wife ; & subsequently the sickness of two of my children added greatly to my cares & anxieties. Mrs. Stanford's illness was long, but not considered at all dangerous until a short period before her death. It was a disease of the lungs with which she became affected early in the Spring. At the time when serious symptoms appeared we added to our attending Physicians Drs. Post & Brush, the aid of Drs. Handy & Watts. No effort within human power was left untried to subdue her complaint, but all was of no avail. Providence had marked out her days ; and though in early life, & surrounded by a fond family & by friends whose sympathies & kindness are never to be forgotten, she was summoned to everlasting happiness, to dwell with the saints in heaven. In our affliction we have often thought of you and of your goodness to us in former bereave- ments. It will gratify you to know that both Mr. Berrian & Mr. Onder- donk were unceasing in their attentions to us; the former calling 5 or 6 times a day. I cannot find language to express my thanks for the at- tentions of these two excellent men, & for the sympathies of a large number of friends whom this affliction brought in pure friendship to our house.
"I was made very happy by the receipt of your letter of the 24th of August, dated from the Lakes of Westmoreland. It appeared to con- vey an assurance that you were enjoying yourself, in the most pictur- esque & beautiful part of England, & in the company of intelligent & hospitable friends. With this truly acceptable letter, I received a most interesting one from the Rev. Mr. Norris. Both these treasures were read with feelings of high gratification by the Clergy & by those friends of the Laity whom you value most. Mr. Norris' letter contained in-
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Letter from Mr. Stanford
1824]
formation relative to the recent transactions in England of which we were much in need. How valuable a friend has this gentleman proved to you. It will surprise you much to hear that Bp Chace upon his ar- rival in this country reported upon the declared authority of a Letter from Lord Kenyon that you had 'shaken off Mr. Norris.' A vile slander; & of which circumstances rendered it expedient that I should apprise him. When you meet he will I have no doubt mention it. By the ship Brighton for London I intend sending Mr. N. a box of very rare & beautiful plants, such as are known not to be in England: also some Newtown Pippins. In procuring these plants I have been aided by Mr. Panton, in Ann Street & by others who are florists. Some of our native seeds will likewise be sent. This has been done from a desire to afford gratification to this gentleman & from the im- pression that any mark of attention to him will be pleasing to you. The apples are known to be a rarity in England, & I propose sending a few of Prince's best trees at the same time.
"The Convention was attended by a larger number of the Clergy than usual, say, 55 or 60. Its proceedings were perfectly harmonious. Those from the country flocked around me as soon as they arrived for information of their absent Diocesan, & for a sight of his letters.
"The concerns of the church have been managed as well during your absence as could be expected. In the city all is perfect harmony. The cause between the two Christ churches has been decided wholly in favour of Dr. Lyell. Mr. Duffie & Mr. Clark are both going on prosper- ously. You will be surprised & delighted to hear that Dr. Samuel Miller has come out most nobly in a recent Address to the students at Prince- ton. He avows the same sentiments on the subject of the distribution of the scriptures, which you have always held & which has caused so much unfriendliness to you from Bible Society folks. The Revd Robt. Croes prepared an article in consequence of this disclosure of Dr. M's sentiments for the Christian Journal. This was so well received that we had 500 copies struck off in a pamphlet form, which I have sent to such of the Clergy of our church as do not take the Journal & likewise to the officers & members of the American Bible Society. 100 Copies will go to Mr. Norris, for distribution in England. A single copy is enclosed herewith. I have been governed in this & in many like mat- ters by a desire to afford you satisfaction & also by a conviction of duty to the Church.
"I need not inform you Rt. Revd & D' Sir how much your family & all your friends are affected by your protracted absence. It is with grief that we reflect upon the circumstances which render this so
1
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necessary : But we are encouraged to hope that under the approving smiles of Him to whose service you have ever been devoted, your health will be restored & that you will return to the bosom of your family, to your Diocese & to your Parish with a full share of health & strength.
" With sentiments of great regard & affection, I remain " As ever Your faithful friend & servant,
" THO' N. STANFORD"
"NEW YORK 15 nov. 1824. "RIGHT REV: & DEAR SIR,
"I was made very happy to day by the receipt of your letter of 17th Sept., and I thank you most sincerely for the kindness it mani- fested, and for the good wishes which it expressed.
"'The good providence of God'" is indeed upon our Church throughout the State, and for the success which has attended my humble efforts to increase its prosperity, I in particular have great reason to be thankful. The infant congregation of St. Thomas' from a handful, has become a very respectable society of pious worshippers. Our Church is nearly ready to be enclosed, and thus far has given sat- isfaction both for its design & execution. The wishes which you have expressed respecting its interior arrangement agree entirely with our intentions and plans, and I hope that upon your return when it will be ready for consecration you will find it such as you would desire it to be.
" While I have reason to rejoice in the goodness of God in respect to the undertaking, I have not been without a feeling of His chastening hand. My eldest child, my dear Charles, a fine boy of nearly eight years of age, and who since the death of his mother was becoming to me a most interesting companion, has been called to the home of a better Father. I pray that He, who has given me submission to His will, would also give me grace worthily to improve this very trying dispensation.
"I ought to inform you, that about a month ago I received Priest's orders. This ordination I delayed for a considerable time, looking for your return this fall. But as it seemed requisite for the advantage of my congregation, and was also called for by their wishes, when it was ascertained you would remain abroad until spring, I ap- plied to the Rt. Rev. Bishop Croes and was by him admitted.
"I have troubled you with a long letter. I will only add how sincere is my affection and respect, and how much I desire your pater-
1824]
Letter from Rev. S. H. Turner
367
nal advice & direction in that new relation in which as yet I have been almost entirely debarred from enjoying it. That your protracted absence, the necessity of which we all so much lament, may be the means of completely restoring your health, and of giving to our Church the advantage of your valuable services, and to your numerous friends the happiness of your society for many, many years is the earnest prayer of "Rt. Rev: & dear Sir,
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