This and other letters were sent to the Methodist Missionary Society in England from Newfoundland in the early 1800's. The letters are now archived at the Methodist Missionary Society, although microfilm copies can be found at the United Church Archives in Toronto, Ontario under location number "87.225C".

04 December 1833 - William Wilson - Trinity, Newfoundland

Your Communication of the 4th of September came to hand on the 13 Oct; and it was with feelings that I will not attempt to describe, that I perused its important, and to me deeply interesting, contents.

I read and pondered, I wept and prayed, again and again, over the following paragraph: "It was with deep regret, that we read the record made in your district minutes, regarding your general conduct. Several charges of imprudence it appears were prefered against you at the District Meeting, and thus have seen matters of such frequent occurrence, and your Brethren have so frequently admonished you in vain, that they seem to have lost almost all hope of amendment on your part; and your conduct has made so unfavourable an impression on the friends in general that there is not a place or circuit scarcely in the whole District willing to receive you. And again the Committee can never reconcile to the trust reposed in them to waste the public money in supporting the missionary work an agent who instead of answering the benevolent [tear] for which he has been sent out instead of building up the Churches wherever he goes, has conducted himself so injuriously to the cause as [tear] make himself at last shunned by all the societies as "a common pest"." Dear Fathers; If all this were true, it would be an awful [tear]! If it were a fact, that my imprudeness were so frequent, so [looks like "restorated"], and so glaring, as to lead my Brethren to give up all hope of amendment [tear] part; If it were true that my general conduct had made so unfavourable an impression on the minds of the friends in general, so that there is scarcely a place or circuit in the whole District willing to receive me; If it were true, that I had conducted myself so injuriously to the cause of religion as to make myself shunnedby all the societies as a common pest; Nay further If I was not conscious, that I lived in the affections and esteem of the pious and thinking amongst all our societies where I have laboured; I would on the receipt of your letter, have withdrawn from the employment the society; and have ceased to eat the bread of a labourer, when I was only a trifler in the Lord's vineyard. But I demur to the charge, and beg the Committee to hear my defence, against the imputations cast upon me in the minutes of our late District Meeting.

In drawing up my defense I labour under the following difficulties viz:

1. I have a District Meeting, or rather an influential party in the District as my opponents; am at present under the censure of the Committee and have to prove a negative.

2. The record in the District Minutes, to which the Committee refers, I have never seen; I have never heard; and should never have known that any record was made against me in the Minutes; until the Committee letter came to hand, had not Brother Smithies informed me of it in Blackhead, sometime after the termination of the District Meeting; and at this moment, I can only gather what that record is from the remarks of the Committee thereon.

3. The Committee's letter arrived at a season of the year, when it is extremely difficult and in some cases impossible, to communicate with the societies where I have laboured; so as to ascertain (for the information of the Committee) the views of those societies [unclear] as to my general conduct.

4. It would be imprudent to tell the societies with whom I can communicate, that I am accused by the District with having conducted myself so injuriously to the cause of religion, as to be shunned by all the societies as a common pest; for if I did, I know they would rise up as one man against such an imputation of my character and a counter imputation would thereby be thrown upon the District as a Body; and the result would be a serious injury to the Cause of religion.

5. But the greatest difficulty I find, is, to maintain a true Christian feeling; that whereas I have, as I concieve, been seriously injured by what I would call the inadvertence of my Brethren, I may not return railing for railing; but act in accordance with that Charity that endureth all things.

I read in the volum of inspiration "Commit they [unclear] unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass". Encouraged by this promise, and believing as I do, that the Body to whom I now appeal; will hear my case with candour, and determine it with equity; after due consideration and much prayer; I get to submit to them an abstract of the proceedings of the District in reference to me.

Previous to the meeting of the District, I had no [unclear, maybe "idea"] whatever, that anything had occured, that could by any means be [unclear] into a charge; except, that Mr Hillyard our Schoolmaster told me he heard in Carbonear that Mr Knight had intended to say something at the District Meeting, that had occured between Doctor Tuelon and me. After the District had set nearly two days; as I entered the meeting (having obtained leave of absence for a short time) the Chairman read "are there any objections to any of the Preachers?" Blackhead! He paused for a time and then said something to the following effect... "A certain brother had intended to say something relative to Brother Wilson, but in consequence of peculiar circumstances in prevented; and he has therefore imposed the duty upon me. There are several things afloat, but there is one respecting some act of indelicacy, towards a female. I do not mention it as a charge but by way of admonition".

Charge 2. As soon as the Chairman has done, Mr Haigh arose, and spoke to the following effect, "I have been told [unclear, probably "that"] Brother Wilson has been telling Fortunes, by astrology or the Black Art!!! or something of the kind. A woman had been told that she should die in Child Birth; by some Fortune teller; but Brother Wilson said she should not. She was afterwards safely delivered which proved his superiority in the art"

Charge 3. When Mr Haigh had done, Mr Ellidge arose; and said, "He had a charge of Defamation of Character to prefer. That I had acused a married woman with having had criminal connection with another man, without sufficient reason; and added (if my memory is correct) I have offered her money, to enter a legal process [tear, maybe "against"] Brother Wilson"!

When all these charges were thus unexpectedly [tear] I own I was surpised, but thought some part was only a Jest; particularly Brother Haigh's charge of "Astrology". He however assured me he was serious! which compleately unerved me and filled me with astonishment. As soon as I was able, I gave not a defence for I was not prepared, but an explanation the substance of which the Committee will see in my letter to the Chairman page 4 and 5 marked thus No 1 ((A copy of which letter I now forward to the Committee, and as I consider that letter, as well as the other small [looks like "pactul"] as appended to this communication, I shall henceforth refer to them as appendix No 1 and No 2))

But as it is necessary to inform the Committee of all the particulars of this [unclear] I beg to submit the following statement:

On charge the first, I get to state; that in many parts of this land, there is an entire destitution of all medical aid; in which case, the real, or imaginary skill, of many persons who make no pretentions to a knowledge of medicine; is often brought into requition. In such circumstances, several of the Preachers have tried their skill; and of course with more or less success. This was precisely the case with me. And here I beg to say that I have never made medicine any part of my skills, that I do not, and never did, possess any medical work except Buchan's Domestic Medicine and a small Medical Dictionary; and further to the best of my [unclear] I have never spent an hour at a time in reading any work; on either medicine or surgery. But notwithstanding this, I for the reasons assigned above have often been pressed to exercise my imperfect medical skill and from motives of humanity and mercy, I have sometimes yielded, and as I have always [tear], I have [tear] I am aware of [tear or ink blot] done any harm but have [tear] successful.

When I went to Blackhead last summer, a Medical Man (Doctor Brown) resided on the shore; and during his residence with us, I never gave the least particle of medicine to anyone. Doctor Brown left us in November; after which there was great sickness amongst the inhabitants; and as there was no medical aid to be obtained, nearer than Carbonear; the people necessarily applied to the Preacher; and I felt in my duty, under such circumstances to do what I could for their bodies, as well as for their souls.

In the month of January, a young man named Tuelon, who had been a shopman in an Apothecaria shop in St Johns, came on the shore to practice.

Understanding him to be a serious man, we received him at the Mission House with courtesy. He had not however been long with us, before we began to see something in his moral character that was objectionable, and for the Credit of our Mission, as well as for the comfort of my family; I found it necessary to manifest a line of conduct, that induced him to leave our Mission House.

About or shortly after this, one of our Members was afflicted with "Prolapsus Uteri". Doctor Tuelon [looks like "whent"] constantly to see her, but as he afterwards admited, did now understand what he complaint was. I also went to converse and pray with her. Upon one occasion she asked me "Sir do you know what my complaint is? I am in the greatest agony and am certain the Doctor does not understand my complaint" I happened to have known a case like hers; and the means of cure and told her what I thought her complaint was. When the Doctor came again she informed him. He seemed surprised, and said, he did not understand that before. She replied "Now Doctor you know what is the matter with me, what can you do for me?" After making an unsuccessful attempt to cure her; he requested her husband to send for his brother, who also practiced in Carbonear. The husband replied "I am a poor man, and unable to pay two Doctors; she is in your hands, do what you think proper, but I cannot afford to send for another Doctor." Under such circumstances the Doctor left her. It was then her sister came for me. I told her I should be happy to see her at anytime as her Minister but strongly objected to do anything for in the way of medicine.

Her mother entreated me to do what I could for her and the poor woman looked at me and with tears in her eyes spoke to me as follows "O Sir the Doctor has tried all his skill and can do nothing for me: and altho I have told him my complaint, yet he can do nothing for me: I find I am much worse! Can you sir see me in my present agonies and know anything that will do me good and not do it? O Sir do take pity upon me" I could resist her entreaties, and her tears no longer, and altho to me it was a great sacrifice of feeling yet, I attempted to reduce the Prolapsus; the attempt was successful and in a few days she got the better of that complaint.

This Dear Fathers is a full statement of the case, and in this way will I admit it, but in no other. The performance of the act was quite inimical to my feelings; but from motives of humanity and mercy, and in compliance with the earest entreaties of the individual herself [looks like "as well as of her"] mother, her sister, and her husband, [the next (last) line on the page cannot be seen on my copy]

A spirit of resentment might have actuated Doctor Tuelon. He mentioned it in Carbonear, there I suppose; Mr Knight heard it; I suppose also (for I do now know) Mr Knight must have mentioned it to the Chairman; who brought it before the District Meeting.

I beg the Committee will not labour under [looks like "impress"] that any promicious effects, were produced in the circuit or that any unpleasant feeling existed toward me, in consequence of the above act; for I can assure them the reverse of this was the case. If however, the Committee thinks, I acted [looks like "impoli"] by doing what I admit I have done then I will thankfully receive their advice; their reproof; or their censure; and throw myself wholly on their mercy.

I must here beg to inform the Committee; that in addition to the explaination of the preceeding case as found in my letter to The Chairman (see Appendix 2 page No 4) I told the District, that if they wished it; I would promise never to give another dose of medicine. But the reply was; that I ought to administer medicine under certain circumstances and I received a compliment or two, for what I had done in that way; particularly; in the case of a Mr Derby, a merchant residing in Burin, whose life under God; it is believed I was instrumental in saving. Thus Dear Fathers I was placed within the horns of an inextricable dilemma; For on the one hand I was told that I ought to administer medicine under certain circumstances; and on the other for doing so, under what I thought were peculiar circumstances, I was placed under the Censure of the District.

I now come to Charge II viz Astrology or the Black Art!!

I replied to this charge in District as stated in Appendix No 1 page 4 marked thus No 2. In addition to what is there stated I beg most respectfully to inform the Committee; that the whole charge, is a vile slander; a gross untruth! Perhaps there is not not this day, a greater enemy upon Earth; then I am to everything like prognostigation or astrology. The poor woman who is there mentioned; was almost in a state of melancholy, because she was pregnant with her twelfth child; and some vile [looks like "impostu"] many years since; told her she should in Child Birth, with her twelfth child. I went to see her, I reasoned I prayed I read the Book of God with her. The passage I read was Deut [unclear] 9-15. I explained the terms used, and endeavoured to impress upon her mind the sinfulness of pretending to fortel futur events, and the no less moral turpitude of those who listened to such predictions. I [unclear] that if she would come to the Mission House; I would read something that would prove all the man had said; was [looks like "imposs"]. I here beg to inform the Committee; that what I intended to have read, had she come to the Mission house, was, Doctor Clark, and Mr Benson, on Duet 18-9-15; with [looks like "Brick" or "Buck"] on Divination. I exhorted her to look to God, and he would bringher through through her trial. My exhorting her thus, was construed into an Astrological Prediction!!!

Dear Fathers, I can write no more on this subject; pray forgive me, when I say, I am indignant. Had I been accused of Murder, or High Treason it could not have been a greater slander. I hope the world will never know; that one Methodist Preacher brought a charge against another at a District Meeting; for Reading and expounding the Scriptures; for praying with; and exhorting; one of his Members, to repose her trust and [looks like "confi" but then there's a tear] in God, in the time of trial and danger!!! Tell [tear] "Gath; publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the [looks like "Phites" but then there's a tear] rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph"

Charge III. Defamation of Character!

My reply to this District, may be seen in Appendix No 1 Page 5 marked thus No 2. But I beg to say a few words more, in order that the Committee may fully understand the subject. The person alluded to had been a member of our society, in the Bonavista Circuit. Some years since, she removed to Hearts Ease, in Trinity Bay; there she was accused with living in criminal connection. This report was circulated from Bonavista to Brigus; and I have often heard the subject adverted to, by our friends; as a source of much regret; and as an awful instance of Apostacy; and by our enemies; as a cause of triumph. Before I left Bonavista, I met with a person, a Member of Society; who had lived near her at the time the criminal connection was reputed to have taken place. She told me it was true, and she described particulars; until I was shocked and disgusted. When I went to Blackhead I found this person a Member of Society. I took an early opportunity of speaking to her on the subject. At first she smiled. I told her that would not do; for she was either one of the worst or one of the most [unclear] of women and that as her minister, I felt it my duty to inquite into the [looks like "fact"] that if she was innocent, I would do my utmost to wipe away the slander from her character; but if she was guilty she was a disgrace to our Society, and could not be suffered to continue in it. I added that I would give her until the Fall, in hope that she would by that time, be able by some means to exhonerate herself from so foul an imputation. Before the Fall she left the Circuit. She told something to Brother Knight, or Brother Ellidge, or both; and I was accused of Defamation of Character.

When my [unclear] crime (if a crime it was) was a determination to investigate a scandalous imputation of one our Members; which imputation I most conscientiously believed; and still do believe was but [unclear] well founded.

Here Dear Fathers you have a full statement, of the Charges which were prefered against me; and to the best of my knowledge and recollection, an accurate statement of the facts upon which those charges were founded. Surely False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I know not.

If the Committee believe the Charges; they will I apprehend; think of me guilty of something more than "Imprudencies"; but if they believe my defense; they will see, that both justice, and mercy, had taken [looks like "sheer"] flight for the time from our District Board.

After I had made my defence, or rather given the explanation as seen in my letter to the Chairman; I was directed to retire; and on my return; a resolution was read; a copy of which I requested. That copy as given me in District by the subsecretary I here enclose.

When I received this resolution I was astounded - and thought at first of positively refusing a compliance, and of insisting upon a thorough investigation of the whole matter. But I afterwards declined for the following reasons viz; 1. The resolution stated; that it was the opinion of the Board; which Board; exclusive of myself, consisted of 12 Members; of whom 3 were my accusers; 2 were absent; and 2 more, were under the censure of the Board. Besides I had neither time nor evidence at hand; to bring in defence of any charge that might be produced. Consequently I could have but little hope of changing that opinion; or of getting the Board to rescind the resolution, it had so recently framed.

2. I knew that an influential Party; existed in the District against me: and that a previous attempt and that not the most honourable had been made to effect my removal from the District. See appendix No 2.

3. My removal to another District, was in full accordance with my views; and had nothing occured, I should have prefered a request to that effect.

4. When the Board said in their resolution; "The promise to use their influence to facilitate his object" I did not understand thereby they meant to draw up a censure; and accuse me to the Committee with having conducted myself so improperly as to be "shunned by all the societies as a common pest."

5. But I did understand: that if I requested a removal; the affair would be dropped; our differences would terminate; and that nothing contrary to that affection, which as fellow Christians and as fellow Labourers; would ever after exist between us.

In these reasons; I at length came to the determination of requesting a removal to one of the North American Districts: on the ground, that I could not obtain a competent education for my Children; and if spared, I could see no prospect of their future settlement in life; to my satisfaction.

A draught of a letter to that effect I [unclear] shewed to [the last line(s) of the page aren't shown on my copy] the close of the district; I was asked what I had to say to the resolution. I replied; that I would make a request for a removal, and offered to read the letter. The Chairman said it was quite unnecessary. He had seen the letter and he could assure the meeting is was quite sufficient.

When at Blackhead on my way to Trinity Brother Smithies gave me the first information that a censure was sent home. He also made a remark to the following effect; "Brother Wilson you have not been treated with Justice: and I would not be unjustly censured; and in consequence, be sent out of the Land. Was I in your place I would not send that letter to the Committee".

I adopted his suggestion, withdrew the letter; and have not yet prefered my request to the Committee.

Thus the Committee will see

1. That I was unexpected charged with three crimes and that on these charges; which were perfectly groundless; was framed a resolution, purporting; that by many imprudences; I had closed up my way for usefulness, in most of our respectable circuits.

2. That the District recommended me, to request a removal; and "promised to facilitate my object": accompanied however, with a threat if I refused compliance.

3. That I did comply; and that to the full satisfaction of the Meeting: But the District, forgetting its promise, carried only its threat into execution.

The Committee will Judge both of the Justice and mercy of the entire transaction.

I must now examine the assertion in the resolution; which is the same as in substance in the minutes, as I gather from the Committee's letter: viz in the resolution that "I have closed up my way, in most of our respectable Circuits" and in the minutes "That I have conducted myself so injuriously to the cause, as to be shunned by all the societies as a common pest."

What is meant by this I cannot tell. It surely must be a mistake! If the District is in possession of any facts; that will justify such an assertion from any Circuit, where I have laboured; beyond the slander, of a few individuals; whose "moral character is objectionable"; or with whom I have found it necessary to be faithful I beg to assure the Committee, that such facts are altogether unknown to me. On the contrary; if the tears; and prayers; and the Petitions [Petitions were sent from Trinity, English Harbour, and Blackhead] of the societies; mean anything: I repeat it, this surely must be a mistake!

I feel reluctant at saying anything of myself but it now seems necessary. I therefore beg to inform the Committee that since I have been in this Mission, I have been more or less acquainted in every Circuit in it; and have been stationed in eight different Circuits. I have traveled as much; and suffered as much (perhaps more) both by land and water: I have laboured as extensively; I have contended with as many difficulties, and as much opposition as any preacher that ever came to this Land. and with humility, and thankfulness; I add, that in every Circuit where I have laboured without exception, God has been pleased to give me some fruit of my labour. The Committee will perhaps be surprised when I tell them; that so far from being "shunned by all our societies as a common pest"; according to the minutes: that in every Circuit where I have laboured; it has been the general (and with the above exceptions) I may add the universal wish of the societies; that I should continue longer with them: and further; that every Circuit, to the best of my beliefe, without exception; has at some period of my residence amongst them; Petitioned for my return. These positions if required I can substantiate; but I leave the District to their congruity with the assertions in the minutes.

The first news of my removal last spring, was like an Electrick Shock to the Blackhead society. When I arrived there, from District, on my way to Trinity, I found the society in the greatest agitation at my removal. And altho neither they nor I then knew that the District Meeting; had accused me to the Committee with having conducted myself so injuriously to the cause: yet they drew up a Petition; the purpose of which I understand was; to pray the Chairman to call an extra District meeting, to reappoint me to that station: or else to do so at our next annual District. This Petition however I have since heard, was not sent to the Chairman, because no opportunity for a long time offered for Port de Grave.

I have written for that Petition, and should it come in time, I will forward it, with these communications: that the Committee may see the sentiments of the people in reference to me, from the very Circuit where the alledged "Impudences" are reported to have taken place.

I have never yet left a Circuit where there was not a very general feeling of regret amongst the people; but leaving Blackhead exceeded anything I had ever witnessed before. Brother Smithies was [look likes "asked"] me, when I went to take my leave of several of the families of our friends; and he can bear testimony to that deep rooted affection, which every where existed, towards myself and family. And so numerous were the reflections cast upon the District, for removing me; that Brother Smithies felt quite uncomfortable: and had we been Wind Bound [or maybe "Mind Bound"] a few days longer, he had intended to try his influence with the Chairman and Preachers in the Bay, to get immediately removed from the Circuit. And Dear Fathers had you been present when I preached my farewell sermon; or held our last prayer meeting; or when I embarked for this place; had you witnessed the tears; the prayers; and the many marks of affection that were shewn to us; you would have wondered where the District could have gotten the materials wherein to frame their censure. Brother Smithies was there and could not refrain from expressing his feelings in the public congregation.

As the resolution refers to the respectable part of the inhabitants of this land: it may be improper, to repeat what I have said in my letter to the Chairman (see Appendix No 1 page 10) viz: I have had considerable transactions with the Government: and have been brought into the immediate notice, and correspondence; with several of the principal authorities from His Excellence down. to which I would just add; that for the space of two years; I filled the office of Chairman of the Committee for the relief of the Poor of Bonavista; and Bird Island Cove. And His Excellence was pleased to express to me, both by letter and personally his entire approbation of the manner in which I had discharged the duties of that difficult litigation. So much for my characteristick imprudences and their effect upon the respectable portion of the Community.

I now beg to submit to the consideration of the Committee two Memorials from this Circuit; one from Trinity; and the other from English Harbour. In Trinity I am perhaps better known than in any other circuit in the land. And altho our numbers are small; yet they are a pious, respectable; and intelligent people. The Committee will please to observe that the Trinity Memorial is signed by two Magistrates, who are our particular friends. and I may be pardoned for saying that myself and family live in the affections and esteem of all classes of that Community.

From the Honourable John Bingley Garland Esq: member of His Majesty's Council; and late Speaker of the House of Assembly: whose business is here, and who himself resided here that past summer; I have received every mark of kindness. and altho not one of us; yet he recently, gave 2 Pounds 17 towards a stove for our chapel; and shortly after he gave me 2 Pounds more for his subscription: and further; he promised his services, in any way, that he could to promote the welfare of our Mission.

I here beg to assure the Committee; that if I had an opportunity, to ascertain, the sense of every society where I have laboured; I doubt not, but it would be a mere echo, of the Memorials now laid before them. The sense of the Burin Society the Committee will see, in their Petition, a copy of which is in Appendix No 2 page 5 marked thus No 3.

The committee will perceive; that I have carefully guarded saying anything, as to the motives, of my Brethren: but I feel that I am bound in justice to myself, and family, to state; that a Party has existed in this district for several years; and to the displeasure of that Party I have become obnoxious. Some of the proceedings of that party in reference to me, are noticed in my letter to the Chairman see Appendix No 1 page 8 marked thus No 4.

But after, all I have said; I should doubt of producing much effect upon the mind of the Committee: if I could not furnish a perfectly parallel case to the one in the minutes. But a parallel case I now beg most respectfully to introduce. It is refered to in my letter to the Chairman; page 9 marked No 5 and detailed in Appendix No 2 entitled Copies of certain communications.

The substance of these Communications was as follows; A person of the name of Moore, of Burin; a professed socinian; who occasionally corresponded with Mr Ellis during the winter that I lived in the woods: in a joke wrote the following sentence "Our Parson is gone into the woods on half pay". This was construed into a general dissatisfaction with me and out of it was made that terrible charge which the Committee will find page 1 of the "Communications" marked No 1.

For there alledged crimes; which were grossly untrue, I was tried, condemned, and actually voted out of the country: while absent near 200 miles! and when I knew no more of the matter, then Dear Fathers, did any member of your Body. Authentic copies of all the documents, except the official letter; and reply thereto noted at the foot of page 6; are now before the Committee.

The cause of my speedy removal from hence; the society here cannot conjecture: for the sake of religion; I have purposely concealed it, from my most intimate friends. If however the Committee desire the sense of this society or of any other society where I have laboured; upon the "resolution" or the "minutes" of the District; it shall be given with all candour; forwarded with all possible promptitude: and I am quite willing to stand or fall by such representation.

I beg the Committee to pardon me, for taking up so much of their time: but I have been as concise, as I could, with a fare representation of my case. Upon the whole; whatever may be the opinion of the Committee, at present, yet on their perusal of these papers; I think they will see that through the inadvertence of some of my Brethren I have suffered a series of injuries and have been [looks like "tricked"] unmethodistically; and without mercy or justice. But from my heart I forgive my Columniators; as well, as the inadvertance of my Brethren; and I pray the Committee to do so likewise.

If my remarks; with the memorials of the societies; produce any effect upon the Committee: we shall thank them, to allow us to remain another year in Trinity: after which we would prefer a removal to another District. I need scarcely add, that if we hear not from the Committee; we shall proceed God willing, to "[looks like "Bedque"]", after the District, agreeably to their instruction of Sept 4.

In Conslusion; I beg most respectfully to state, to the Committee: that altho I have my failings in common with my fellow mortals; yet ever since, I have been on this mission, it has been my great desire, to sake my own soul, and them that [unclear] me. And in order to this, I have read only those Books, which would [unclear] to edify, or elucidate the sacred volume, and thereby fit me more for my public labours: I have succeeded in my attempt to read the new Testament, in the Original: and Dear Fathers accuse me not of [looks like "Egation"], if I add, that I have preached as often as any of my Brethren in the same Circuits, have been as attentive to Pastoral Visits; to Sunday Schools; and prayer meetings; and as I have always considered my mission was to save souls from death; I have made it a rule to go no where, except under peculiar circumstances in a social way; where I could not pray with the family before I left. If I know my own heart, I am as full of missionary zeal as when I first offered myself to the society: and am happy to add, that such is the case, with my Dear Partner also. Some years since, we offered our services for the Labrador Mission, and if necessary, would do so again. And in accordance with this principal; we are willing to labour wherever you think proper to appoint us; and to do that department of the work you assign unto us.

And now Dear Fathers; let me crave an interest in your prayers, that God may make me more holy, more faithful, more zealous, and more useful, in the vineyard of our great redeemer.

I remain Dear Fathers your affectionate son in the Gospel

William Wilson

PS. Dear Fathers, I have presumed to act contrary to your instructions, by sending two packets of letters enveloped. My reason was, I feared there would be some confusion if I sent all in separate sheets; and I was most anxious to place the whole before the Committee as explicity as possible.

The number of sheets now sent are as follows viz:

Letter to the Committee 4 sheets
Ditto copy to the Chairman 3 ditto
Copy of certain communication 2 ditto
Memorial from Trinity 1 ditto
Ditto from English Harbour 1 ditto
Total 11 sheets.

I remain yours truly, William Wilson

Trinity Dec 19 1833.