472 APPENDIX. 



characteristic of its author, as subsequently known during a long life 

 and in transactions of much larger scope; direct, candid and kind; but 

 decided in tone and full of integrity in matters of money. It is ad- 

 dressed to the Rev. Dr. Richard Peters, but was obviously intended for 

 him and some other person ; probably Dr. Smith. Thus it reads : 



Newtown, L. I., April 20, 1772. 

 Reverend Gentlemen : 



I have received your letter in answer to what Mr. Griffith wrote to Dr. Peters at my 

 request concerning the mission at Cole's church, though the answer is not so plain and 

 full as I could wish it. 



You, gentlemen, are very sensible that the provision made in that parish for the sup- 

 port of a minister is, at best, but very small, and unless he could get the whole of what 

 the people promise to give, I am sure, though I am a single man, I should be unable 

 to stay among them. It never was my design to make money by the gospel. I always 

 had, as I hope, far better views. Yet it is my opinion that any one who is worthy of 

 that honorable and sacred character is also worthy of a comfortable maintenance from 

 the people he serves. I shall accept the invitation you have given me, but I have one 

 thing to request of you, which will be very easily performed by gentlemen of your in- 

 fluence; that is, that you will settle matters in such a manner with the people of Cole's 

 church that when I come among them (if it be God's will that I return in safety) we 

 may have no dispute about the payment of the salary. If they design to pay me, I 

 cannot conceive why they are so fearful of giving bonds ; for that is the usual way of 

 settlino' among us, and is found very advantageous in its effects. It leaves no room for 

 uneasiness on either side ; each know what they have to depend upon, and each are 

 contented with what they have agreed to. 



Gentlemen, I know that you will do whatever lies in your power for the good of the 

 church. I rest in the assurance of your kind endeavors. I return you my sincere 

 thanks for your kind wishes towards me in a prosperous voyage and quick return. 



I expect to sail in about a fortnight in the ship called the " Duchess of Gordon," 

 Captain Winn, commander. I should have gone sooner, but our spring vessels have 

 just returned. Captain Miller has sailed for London some time since; but I had only 

 three days' notice, so that I was unable to get ready to go with him. 



Reverend gentlemen, I remain your most obedient and humble servant, 



Robert Blackwell. 



Eighteen days previous to the date of this letter, Dr. Auchmuty had 

 written to Dr. Peters : 



Blackwell has received your letters and is now preparing for his voyage. I hope he 

 will be despatched in a short lime. We shall give him ample testimonials. He is a 

 good lad, and will be useful. 



On Thursday, the eleventh day of June, 1772 — that day being the 

 Feast of St. Barnabas — he was in England, at the little suburb of 

 London called Fulham ; and at a "special ordination," then and there 

 held, was, by the then Bishop of London, the excellent Richard Ter- 

 rick, "holding a special ordination, in the chapel of his palace at the 



