THE TOWN OF NEW ROCHELLE. 64I 



Service is performed in English, the congregation is so numerous of late that 

 people scarce can sit — some resorting from Eastchester, some from Mamaroneck, 

 especially in the summer season, besides the English and Dutch of this town, 

 who have all hitherto applied to me for supplying their spiritual necessities, par- 

 ticularly for administering baptism to their children. 



Now, Reverend Sir, one thing I beg leave to offer to the Honorable Society's 

 consideration is, that Christmas next there will be ten years since I have been 

 admitted into Holy Orders by the present Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of 

 London, and thereupon appointed the Honorable Society's missionary for this 

 place. That during the said space of ten years, besides their annual salary to 

 me, I have received but very small contributions from my hearers — not for want 

 of good will or good understanding between them and me, (God forbid) there is 

 no congregation in the province better united than we are, but because being 

 crowded upon one another they have but little land ; and being generally encum- 

 bered with the maintenance of large families of their own, they are unable to do 

 it — and can but just pay their contributions to Westchester parish, whereof they 

 make a part and have not as yet been discharged from. 



Upon this account, Sir, my circumstances are but straight in comparison to 

 those of other missionaries, who by law are allowed yearly some £60, this country 

 money, besides their salary from the Honorable Society: and as I conceive my 

 sincere intentions and endeavors for the good of the Church, as well as the actual 

 and constant performance of duty, to come short to that of none of my brethreni 

 I make bold to intreat that Honorable Society in consideration thereof, and 

 in consideration that clothing and moveables are very dear in this country, 

 that they would be pleased in their goodness to allow and bestow upon me any 

 small gratification, not that it may quicken my zeal for the church and diligence 

 in discharging my duty — for either of them can hardly receive any addition — 

 but that it may comfort and ease me and my family under my present 

 low circumstance. However, if the Honorable Society's fund will not permit 

 them to grant this my humble request, I shall look upon a refusal on that ac- 

 count with all the resignation imaginable. 



I am, Reverend Sir, Your most obedient, humble Servant, 



Peteb Stouppe."* 



June ist, 1855, he acquaints the Society: — "That the members of 

 the church increase at New Rochelle, that there is always a very hand- 

 some auditory when Divine service is performed, especially in the sum- 

 mer season of the year, when the English, Dutch and Germans settle 

 within a mile or two, do join with them ; and that he hath baptized since 

 Christmas last, nine white and five negro children." Upon the 4th of 

 November, 1737, he transmitted the following account: — "That the 

 state of his church continues good, the members thereof being very as- 

 siduous and punctual in attending Divine service all the parts of the 

 year, and being thankful for that blessing. He hath 32 communicants, 

 and hath baptized within the year 1 2 white and 6 black children." 6 



a New York, MSS. from archives at Fulham, vol. ii. 265-6. (Hawks.) 

 h Printed abstracts of Yen. Society. 



