VOLUME VII

VOLUME VII

1680-1762

PENNSYLVANIA

1-2. Extract from grant of Pennsylvania, Mar. 4, 1680. If twenty or more members of the Church of England apply in writing to the Bishop of London for a minister, the said minister shall be allowed to reside in the province without molestation.

3-4. Another copy of the same provision.

5-6. Another copy of the same provision.

7-8. Members of Christ Church, Philadelphia, to Governor Nicholson, Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 1696/7. Acknowledging his help in building their church, now completed, and in applying on their behalf to the King in Council for a minister, they now ask his further aid in recommending Robert Quarry, who is being sent to present their need to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

9-10. Copies, in Nicholson's hand and endorsed by him, of letters to him from Joshuah Carpenter and John Moore, dated Philadelphia, July 2 and Aug. 25, 1696, and Sept. 8, 1797, thanking him for his help in various phases of the organization of Christ Church.

11. Copy in Nicholson's hand and endorsed by him of letter to him from Richard Powell, Oct 9, 1697. Visited and preached in Philadelphia at Nicholson's order. Commends Arrowsmith, who labours faithfully and is well liked (cf. ii. 87-88). Quakers divided between Lloydian, or regular, and Keithian, or Christian. Latter are friendly to the Church and sometimes attend its services. Governor Markham, though just recovering from illness, attended church when Powell preached.

12. Copies, endorsed by Nicholson, but not in his hand, of a letter, undated, from Governor John Danforth of Massachusetts to Governor William Markham of Pennsylvania and of Governor Markham's note to Governor Nicholson, enclosing a copy of it, Philadelphia, Apr. 20, 1698. Governor Danforth asks Governor Markham's aid for Benjamin Woodbridge, a Congregationalist missionary, who has been sent southward to preach the Gospel, ignoring issues on which Protestants differ.

13. Copies in Nicholson's hand and endorsed by him of letters from J. Arrowsmith, Philadelphia, Mar. 26, 1698, and Moore, May 6, 1698 (extract). Arrowsmith says that Quakers have endowed a school in opposition to his and that there has been a delay in paying his royal pension. Moore reports the comming of ministers from Boston.

14-17. Robert Snead to (Nicholson?), Philadelphia, Oct. 20, 1698. Having come to Philadelphia from Jamaica in 1695 for his health, he complains of Quaker opposition to a petition he circulated asking for a minister of the Church of England and permission to raise a militia, and another expressing abhorrence of a recent attempt to assassinate the King. Governor Markham at first supported the latter petition, but later backed down under Quaker pressure. It was, however, sent from New York by Mr. Randolph.

18. Thomas Martin on behalf of the Yearly Meeting of Quakers to Thomas Clayton, Philadelphia, Nov. 16, 1698. They acknowledge a friendly greeting from him and profess goodwill to the Church of England though unable to unite with her in 'strict fellowship'.

19. Thomas Clayton to a group of clergymen (probably in Maryland), Philadelphia, Nov. 29, 1698. Speaks apologetically of overtures he made to both Quakers and Baptists.

20-21. Thomas Clayton to Governor Nicholson, Philadelphia, Nov. 29, 1698. He has discontinued correspondence with Lloydian Quakers because of an 'inhibition' from his brethren. His negotiations with the Keithians seemed to be progressing favourably, but have suffered a setback. He has friendly relations with the Presbyterian minister, who plans to return home in the spring. Complains of haughtiness of Madam Markham.

22-23. Copy of an act for regulating trade in Pennsylvania, Feb. 12, 1699, with criticisms by Edmund Randolph.

24-25. Wardens and vestry of Christ Church to Archbishop Tenison, Philadelphia, Mar. 25, 1700, asking him to support the Bishop of London in seeking a royal pension for a chaplain and schoolmaster in Philadelphia.

26-27. Vestry of Christ Church to Archbishop Tenison, Philadelphia, July 12, 1700. The grant has been made but the necessary order for carrying it out has not been issued.

28-29. Edward Portlock to Archbishop Tenison, Philadelphia, July 12, 1700. There are now about 500 members of the Church in and around Philadelphia, and the church building needs to be enlarged. Christianity will flourish and Quakerism be rooted out, if they can only have a royal governor.

30. Affidavit of Elizabeth Starkey, Feb. 8, 1713. John Philips, a mariner, is the father of her bastard child.

31-32. Account between Evan Evans and Francis Philipps, Sept. 11, 1713. Attested by John King.

33. Challenge to a duel by Peter Evans to Francis Philipps, Jan. 21, 1714, for having 'scandalized a Gentlewoman'.

34. Copy of (33) attested by Philipps.

35-36. Affidavit of Elizabeth Starkey, 'bought servant' to John Humphreys, that she knows of no improper conduct by Francis Philipps.

37-38. Duplicate of (35-36).

39-40. Affidavit of Elizabeth Starkey, formerly servant of the Reverend Mr. Humphreys, July 2, 1714. Asserts that she saw Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys pilfering goods belonging to Philipps, and that they tried to make her say that he was the father of her child.

41-42. Duplicate of (39-40).

43-44. Governor Charles Gookin and many parishioners of Christ Church to Bishop Robinson, Philadelphia, Mar. 7, 1714/15, with original signatures. Defend Philipps against charges related below (45-46). Say that Moore and Trent have withdrawn their charges.

45-46. Francis Philipps to --- ('Most Revd Doctor'), Philadelphia, Mar. 23, 1714/15. He has been jailed by Peter Evans the high sheriff (cf. 33) on complaint of John Moore and William Trent based on an affidavit of John Smith that Philipps had boasted of debauching Trent's wife and Moore's daughter. His defence is mainly an attack on his accusers, who are all, he thinks, emissaries of Colonel Hunter. Smith, whose real name is Bright, was expelled from Ireland for drinking confusion to William III. He is a Roman Catholic.

47-48. Francis Philipps to --- ('Rev'd sir'), Philadelphia, Mar. 31, 1715. Repeats (45-46) with minor variations.

49-50. Copy of (43-44) attested by Ralph Ashton, notary public, Mar. 31, 1715.

51-52. Governor Gookin and vestry of Christ Church, Philadelphia, Apr. 20, 1715 In further defence of Philipps.

53-54. Duplicate of (51-52).

55-56. Duplicate of (51-52).

57-58. Andreas Heffelius to Bishop Robinson, Christina, Apr. 16, 1715 (in Swedish). Gives some account of his work among the Swedes and makes some comment on the Philipps case.

59-60. Francis Philipps to --- ('Rev'd Doctor'), Philadelphia, May 16, 1715. Mostly a repetition of (45-46). Adds Talbot to his list of enemies (cf. vi. 128-9).

61-64. A series of affidavits sworn before Governor Gookin by various persons, May 18-21, 1715. Copy attested by Ralph Ashton, Aug. 10, 1715. Elizabeth Starkey having forsworn her former affidavits in favour of Philipps and accused him of fathering her child, these deponents testify to occasions on which she exonerated Philipps and admitted to being bribed or coerced into testifying against him (cf. 30, 35-36).

65-66. Francis Philipps to --- ('Rev'd Sir'), Philadelphia, May 22, 1715. Praises Governor Charles Gookin as a protector of the Church and clergy and accuses Governor Robert Hunter of New York of harassing them.

67-68. W. Hall to Bishop Robinson, Parsonsgreen, Aug. 11, 1715. Encloses some of the papers sent by Philipps relating to his case and comments on the difficulty of deciding such cases justly. Also speaks of sending a catalogue of the library at Colchester and some other papers relating to the bishop's revenue.

69-70. Vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Robinson, Philadelphia, Aug. 12, 1715. Express continued confidence in Philipps's innocence and say they are sending a special messenger, unnamed, to lay the case before the bishop.

71-72. Charles Gookin to Bishop Robinson, Philadelphia, Aug. 13, 1715. Says that after an exhaustive inquiry he is fully satisfied of Philipps's innocence.

73-74. Francis Philipps to --- ('Most Rev'd Doctor'), Philadelphia, Aug. 15, 1715. Defends himself against Starkey's accusations (cf. 30, 35-36, 61-64). Accuses both Jenney and Talbot of working against him. Says that Talbot was rewarded by having some debts cancelled.

75-76. Francis Philipps to Bishop Robinson, Philadelphia, Aug. 15, 1715. Refers him to the unnamed bearer and to documents sent to the Reverend Doctor King and Mr. Hall for an account of the case.

77-78. Francis Philipps to (Doctor King?), Philadelphia, Aug. 16, 1715. Expresses conviction that documents sent will prove his innocence. Says that Evan Evans owes him £50.

79-80. Affidavit of Jonathan Ashton, Clerk of Christ Church, Philadelphia, 16, 1715. Testifies to Philipps's good character and devotion to duty.

81-82. John Newberry to Reverend Mr. Vesey in Oxfordshire, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1715. Writer identifies himself as Vesey's former clerk. The high sheriff, Peter Evans, arrested Philipps on a cold night and held him in jail until the next afternoon, when a mob released him. He was later tried by the high sheriff and fined £20, but the governor intervened and acquitted him. Then an order arrived from the bishop forbidding the Church to hear him. Now he is going home to appeal to the bishop. He is the best preacher Newberry has heard in America, next to Vesey of New York.

83. Account of money given to Church and clergy in Pennsylvania by Governor Charles Gookin, ---, 1715. Comes to a total of £157. 10s. 0d.

84-85. John Evans to Bishop Robinson, Denbigh, Mar. 13, 1715/16. Having formerly waited on the bishop, in company with Micàja Perry, to present the case against Philipps, he now protests the ordination of Meredith Jones and his appointment as schoolmaster in Philadelphia. Jones ran away from Denbigh after going into debt to many poor peole and making off with funds contributed for a charity school.

86-87. Richard Grafton to John Willis, Philadelphia, May 30, 1716. Chiefly an account of his partially successful efforts to establish himself in business in an unnamed town, fifty miles from Philadelphia. He has persuaded some of the Church people in his neighbourhood to assemble for services, which he reads in a private house. He also mentions the unsuccessful efforts of a Maryland parish, 'at ye head of north east River', to obtain a rector.

88-89. Evan Evans to Bishop Robinson, June 25, 1716. Apologizes for staying so long in England. The recent controversy has exhausted funds for the support of the ministry in Philadelphia and he has been hoping to obtain a royal grant. A recent attack of ague has put him to great expense, and he cannot afford to return without help. Speaks of having received a degree from Oxford.

90. Minute of vestry, Feb. 3, 1717, signed by Peter Evans. Resolve that only persons who have received communion at least once during the preceding year shall vote in the election of the vestry.

91-92. Governor William Keith to Bishop Robinson, Philadelphia, Sept. 23, 1717. Reminds bishop, at Doctor Evans's request, of a royal grant which the bishop obtained for the church but which has not been paid. Church building needs repair and they need money to pay a schoolmaster. Many well-to-do people send their children to New York, 'under a fanatick school master' or to the college in Virginia, where he is sending his own son, to be under the watchful eye of his friend, Governor Spottswood, who is now visiting him. He encloses Ross's journal (ii. 1-2) and commends his work.

93-94. William Keith to Bishop Robinson, Philadelphia, Oct. 23, 1718. Christ Church is vacant as Doctor Evans has gone to Maryland. It is being supplied during the winter by Thomas Hughes, a Virginia clergyman recommended by Governor Spottswood. He is giving satisfaction, but his health does not permit him to preach more than once a day, and he is unwilling to stay beyond the winter. The work of the parish is really too much for one man. --- Skinner, the new schoolmaster, is having trouble because --- Piper, a rival master, arrived a little before him with recommendations from some Irish bishops and has won the support of some of the best people.

95. Marriage licence for John Bringhurst, mariner, and Mary Claypole, seamstress, issued to Thomas Hughes by Governor Keith. Printed form with names written in. Signed by governor.

96-97. William Skinner to Bishop Robinson, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1720. Though his school is flourishing, he has difficulty in subsisting on his fees and the royal bounty. Some of the Quakers send their children to him, not having an advanced schoolmaster of their own, but, though wealthy, they are not willing to pay more than the Church people, who are poor and, having been mostly educated in Wales or the outer parts of England, are not accustomed to pay high fees. In view of the need for clergy, he will return for orders if the bishop approves.

98-99. Governor William Keith to Bishop Robinson, Philadelphia, Dec. 5, 1720. Refers to two previous letters, not in present collection, complaining of the conduct of the rector, John Vicary. Encloses an account of parish's payments to Vicary (100), to show that they are not ungenerous. Also encloses account of funds paid to schoolmaster (101), of which he is ashamed. Skinner cannot support himself by his calling in Philadelphia, although he is one of the best schoolmasters in the colony.

100-1. The two accounts enclosed in (98-99). Vicary's total receipts, beginning Michaelmass, 1719, were £262 currency, or £196. 10s. sterling. Skinner's were £35 currency, or £26. 5s. sterling.

102-3. John Vicary to the Reverend Mr. Berriman, Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1721. His differences with Governor Keith were composed before the bishop intervened, but he is annoyed with the governor for appealing to the bishop.

104-5. Clergy of Philadelphia and vicinity (including two Lutheran ministers) to Bishop Robinson, Mar. 28, 1722. Testimonial to William Skinner, who is going home for orders.

106-7. Governor William Keith to Bishop Robinson, Philadelphia, April 12, 1722. Improvement of his own children under Skinner makes him regret his departure. He hopes that the bishop can persuade him to return under his protection. No definite reference to ordination.

108-9. Condition of the Church of Apoquiniminck during the time that Mr. Andrew Heffelius did preach there, and how the sd. Church was left in Sept., 1723. Does not say much about Heffelius's work, but pleads for the appointment of an Society for the Propagation of the Gospel missionary. Previous missionaries have either sought better posts or been dismissed by the society as unworthy. People are partly English, partly Dutch, 'as from Bohemia in Maryland'.

110-11. Wardens and vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia Dec. 18, 1723. Congratulate him on his translation and ask him to appoint a rector to succeed Vicary, deceased. They have been supplied for a year by Urmiston, formerly Society for the Propagation of the Gospel missionary in North Carolina, but he has been dismissed by the society and by them. Since discontinuance of the royal bounty some years ago, the rector has been supported entirely by voluntary subscription which comes to £150. They estimate that surplice fees and the use of the rectory make the total compensation about £250.

112-13. R. Davies to Bishop Gibson, Carmarthen, Jan. 23, 1723/4. Mainly concerned with the return or non-return of books lent by the bishop, the writer's authorship plans, and Bishop Gibson's recommendation of him to the Bishop of St. David's. Appeals on behalf of a relative, Walter Jones, who has been employed as schoolmaster in Philadelphia for two years on appointment of the vestry, but who has no licence. Bishop Robinson said that he could not be licensed in absentia, but that he would not interfere with him, in consideration of the distance. Davies asks Bishop Gibson to continue the same indulgence.

114-15. Governor William Keith to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, July 20, 1724. Christ Church languishes for want of a regular rector. Vestry allow clergy who are supplying to omit prayers for King and royal family. For the sake of peace, the governor, though not attending these services himself, has taken no official action, but he asks the bishop to intervene, especially as it is rumoured that these non-juring clergy claim episcopal authority.

116. John Humphreys to Bishop Gibson, Chester, Nov. 25, 1724. Says he has answered the bishop's queries, but answers are not in present collection, except his share in joint reply to queries to commissaries (ii. 5-6). Asks for an increase in Society for the Propagation of the Gospel allowance.

117-18. Ph. Shibbs to Bishop Gibson, Wiltner, Apr. 16, 1725. Quotes from a letter from Urmiston which charges that Talbot convened the clergy (what clergy?), put on his robes, and demanded episcopal obedience. On the governor's being warned that his might cost him his government, he shut up the church.

119-20. The Case of John Moore, Collector of his Maj'tys Customs in the Province of Pennsylvania in America. Presents Moore's side of a dispute with Governor Keith over the custody of a ship seized for customs violation. The case has been referred to the Committee for hearing appeals from the plantations and Moore prays for a speedy decision. The document is undated, but refers to dates up to July 19, 1725.

121-2. Memorial of Peter Evans to Bishop Gibson. Undated, but notation reads 'abt. 1725' and it deals with events of that and the preceding year. Chiefly a defence of the vestry, of which he is a member, for allowing Welton to officiate in Christ Church. Church was in danger of disintegrating for want of a minister, and they had read reports in an English paper that Welton had taken the oaths. Governor Keith's protests are not too convincing, for he was involved in the Scottish conspiracy of 1703. Urmiston was dismissed for drunkenness. Evans asks restoration of royal bounty.

123. Tho. Glentworth to Arch. Cummings, Feb. 14, 1725/6. Welton was officiating regularly in Philadelphia when Glentworth left, Dec. 4, but the order for his recall did not leave England until early in December.

124-5. William Keith to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Apr. 8, 1726. Welton sailed for Lisbon after being presented by Keith with a royal order commanding his return to England. In answer to complaints that have evidently been made to the bishop that Christ Church is unkind to its rectors, Keith says that he knows of no place where the minister is treated with greater respect, and that the stipend is adequate. Vicary was so impressed with his own popularity that he forced Keith off the vestry, but Keith says that he submitted patiently and continued to attend and support the church. Vicary received about £300 a year, but got so involved in debt through bad management that he had to return to England, where he died. He was in poor health most of the time he was in Philadelphia.

126-7. P. Gordon to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, July 19, 1726. Christ Church is supplied intermittently by Robert Weyman, who also serves Radnor and Oxford, but a new rector, Cummings, is on the way. There are thirteen churches or chapels in 'this government' (Pennsylvania and Delaware) but only three ministers: Weyman, Ross at Newcastle, and Beckett who serves Lewes and two other towns.

128-9. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Oct. 19, 1726. Arriving after a difficult voyage, he has been well received by the leaders of the Church, especially Moore. Welton delivered a farewell sermon, which was printed, attacking all the clergy of the established Church and advising the people not to accept any minister who was sent to them. At the request of the other clergy, Cummings makes a plea for Talbot, who broke off all correspondence with Welton, because of his 'chimerical projects', before official action was taken. He hopes the bishop will see to the payment of £50 granted to supplement his salary, and £30 for a schoolmaster. An unnamed young man has been filling that post for two years and is well qualified to continue.

130-1. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Dec. 15, 1726. Again urges payment of the £50 pounds. Subscriptions are undependable, there are no baptismal fees, and marriage fees are divided with others, for the governor issues licences to dissenting ministers.

132-3. List of churches in Pennsylvania and Delaware supplied with ministers, together with Governor Gordon's proposals for their rearrangement, 1726.

134-5. Alexander Campbell to Bishop Gibson, Apoquinami, Sept. 30, 1727. Asks bishop to wait to hear his defence before condemning him on charges brought by a meeting of clergy at which he was not present, being ill with ague (cf. iii. 110-11).

136-7. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Jan. 31, 1727/8. At request of Governor Gordon and Campbell, he reports that Campbell vigorously denies the charges that were brought against him by his people and reported to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel by the missionaries of the area, supported by Cummings. Campbell says that he will take legal action to vindicate himself.

138-9. P. Gordon to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Feb. 14, 1727/8. Campbell has clearly been guilty of indiscretion, but the governor believes that he can clear himself of the more serious charges.

140-1. Alexander Campbell to Bishop Gibson, Apoquiminck, Feb. 16, 1727/8. He has sent a full defence to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and again protests the action of the clergy in condemning him unheard.

142-3. William Becket to Bishop Gibson, Pennsylvania, Mar. 15, 1727/8. Though the Penns and Calverts are contending for the Lower Counties (Delaware), the general opinion is that the title to them remains with the Crown. He suggests that they be granted to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel as an endowment. He also asks the bishop to try to have Governor Gordon restrained from issuing marriage licences to dissenting ministers. He says that this was never done until the last year of Governor Keith's rule.

144-5. Wardens and vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 4, 1728. Thank him for sending Cummings, whom they praise, and ask his help in raising money to enlarge the church.

146-7. Cummings and wardens and vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, May, 4, 1728. Testimonial in favour of Robert Weyman, missionary at Oxford for eight years, who is returning to England in an effort to persuade the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to send more missionaries.

148-50. Alexander Campbell to Bishop Gibson, May 31, 1728. He is sending home a report of his action for slander, which is still pending.

150-1. Alexander Campbell to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, June 2, 1728. Again refers to having sent report of his suit to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel It will not be heard until fall. He is willing to be transferred to Chester or some other station.

152-3. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, June 7, 1728. Introduces Weyman and says that vestry have applied to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for help in enlarging church.

154-5. Alexander Campbell to Bishop Gibson, Newcastle, July 8, 1728. Gratified to read of the issuance of the Royal Commission to the bishop but warns him to be careful in his selection of commissaries, citing what he considers the injustice of his treatment by his fellow clergy. Those who reported the charge against him were: Cummings, Ross, Holbrook, Weyman, and Beckett.

156-7. Robert Weyman to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel London, Aug. 3, 1728. Criticizes Quakers and urges appointment of more missionaries. Says there are only three in the colony at the time of writing.

158-9. Several parishioners to Campbell, Newcastle, Aug. 23, 1728. Concerned over his refusal to officiate because of differences, they ask him to forget his resentments and return to Appoquiminck, where they promise that he will be received with respect. Certificate by Thomas Janvier, Justice, says that when this was filed with the court at Newcastle, Campbell withdrew his action against the signers.

160-1. Alexander Campbell to Bishop Gibson, Apoquiminick, Nov. 8, 1728. He says that he has been completely cleared locally, though it would appear from (158-9) that there was no trial and no retraction. He is now returning home to vindicate himself before the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

162-3. Alexander Howie to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, July, 22, 1731. Appointed missionary to Whitemarsh and Perquihoma (Perkiomen), he asks to be allowed to combine Oxford and Whitemarsh instead, as they are nearer together. Perkiomen, which is nearer Radnor, might better be combined with that.

164-5. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Mar. 29, 1732. If his commission is intended to be coextensive with the present government, the names of the Lower Counties must be added after Pennsylvania, as is always done in the governors' commissions. These counties are in dispute between the Penns and Calverts, with the Crown also claiming them as granted to neither.

166-7. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Mar. 6, 1732/3. Acknowledges revised commission and introduces John Forbes, a well-connected Irish clergyman, who has been visiting the colonies and has officiated for a time at Oxford, rendered vacant by Weyman's removal to Burlington. Forbes will return if given an appointment by Society for the Propagation of the Gospel which Cummings recommends. Falk, the Swedish minister, lost all his possessions in a shipwreck in which a Welsh clergyman, Hugh Hughes, perished.

168-9. Gabriel Falk to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Mar. 8, 1733. Having lost all his possessions in a shipwreck, he asks help from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

170-1. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 11, 1736. The vestry are eager to call Richard Peters as assistant and to ask the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to give him an allowance as catechist. He has assisted unofficially for several months and took all the services for five weeks while Cummings was ill. Cummings refuses to support the application until he is sure that it has the bishop's approval, for Peters does not now have the bishop's licence. Though he has behaved well in Philadelphia, Cummings is under the impression that he left England under a cloud. P.S. introduces William Curry, a young Presbyterian minister who is recommended by Ross, and who will go to England for orders in the fall, after visiting Virginia.

172-3. Jeremiah Langhorne to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 28, 1736. Relates Peters's history, probably as derived from him, for it presents his conduct in as favourable a light as possible. He is the son of the Town Clerk of Liverpool, Ralph Peters. While at Westminster School, from which he graduated at fifteen, he was 'deceived' into marrying a servant girl. When his parents learned of it, they sent him to Leyden, instead of Oxford, to complete his education. He studied at Inner Temple, but eventually obtained parental consent to enter the ministry. Ordained by the Bishop of Winchester, 1730 and 1731, he was collated to a donative in the Diocese of Chester. Being creditably informed that his wife, whom he apparently abandoned shortly after marriage, was dead, he married a relative of the Earl of Derby, only to have his wife turn up alive. As a result of this scandal, he came to America. Langhorne favours his appointment as assistant.

174-5. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, June 15, 1736. Sent by --- Fraser, former missionary at Dover, who has been appointed to a living in Buckinghamshire. Curry, who goes with him, can replace him, if the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel approves. A catechist is much needed in Philadelphia, and Cummings finds Peters acceptable, if the bishop approves. --- Hughes, formerly at Perkiomen, has gone to Barbadoes.

176. Parishioners of St. James's Church, near Perquahoma, to Bishop Gibson, Aug. 1, 1736. Complain that Hughes abandoned them and that, anyway, he was a rambling sort of preacher, whom they could not understand. Ask appointment of a man of riper years who is a good preacher.

177-8. Jacob Henderson to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Sept. 30, 1736. Peters has designs on a parish in Maryland as well as Philadelphia, and Henderson, though acquainted with his history, would be very glad to have him.

179-80. Jeremiah Langhorne to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Oct. 20, 1736. Explains that Peters's delay in applying to the bishop for a licence was not due to lack of respect, but to a desire to prove himself before seeking testimonials from Philadelphia.

181-2. Duplicate of (179-80).

183-4. Richard Peters to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Sept. 31, 1736. Says that before coming to America he applied to Edward Markland to obtain a licence from the bishop, but Markland was seized with the gout and so was unable to apply to the bishop before Peters sailed. Recounts circumstances of his call to Christ Church. If he is disappointed in this, he will feel that he should abandon the ministry.

185-6. Richard Peters to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Oct. 20, 1736. Mostly a repetition of (183-4), but omits reference to Markland and speaks of enclosing (181-2).

187. Statement by William Currie, missionary at Radnor, July 7, 1737. On Whit Sunday, 1737, he heard Peters preach a sermon in Christ Church in which he extolled natural religion, using arguments borrowed from Deistic writers. Note on the back, unsigned but apparently in Cummings's hand, refers to another sermon, Apr. 3, in which Peters advised against teaching children to read from the Bible and recommended that it be read in families only when accompanied by some exposition of the passage read.

188. Duplicate of (187) without the added note.

189-90. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, July 22, 1737. Indicates that Peters has declined to assist further though supported by a majority of the vestry and the dominant political faction, led by Andrew Hamilton. Langhorne, whom Cummings identifies as a relative of the bishop, belongs to this faction. Asks bishop to secure grant from Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to support an assistant.

191-2. Duplicate of (189-90), with a postscript saying it would increase the fury of the Hamilton faction against Cummings if they knew that he had written against Peters.

193-4. Statement by Peter Evans, Christ Church, Philadelphia, July 16, 1737. Apparently addressed either to the congregation or the vestry, but without formal ascription. Recommends a peaceful settlement of dispute and reminds them that the bishop once said that he could not conscientiously send a minister to such a troublesome congregation. Refers to charges made against Cummings of improper utterances from the pulpit, but does not indicate what they were.

195. Testimony of John Robinson, senior warden, and others of the congregation, July 26, 1737 that in a sermon on July 3, Peters, referring, as they understood, to two sermons preached by Cummings on June 12, said that 'much Scripture had been wrested and that Ecclesiastical History had been misapplied'.

196. Richard Peters to ---, undated, but said in notation, probably by Cummings, to have been written July 28, 1737. A brief note relating to the management of a vestry meeting that is supposed to ask him to explain his refusal of further assistance.

197. Copy of (196) with a covering note by Cummings to Bishop Gibson.

198-9. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Aug. 1, 1737. On same sheet with a duplicate of (189-90). As there is a report that Peters has received the bishop's licence, Cummings asks that it be revoked as applied to Philadelphia. He could not act in the case as commissary, because he was a party, and because the opposing faction has questioned his authority. There has been no governor since Governor Gordon died. A postscript says it is reported that Governor Thomas of Antigua has been appointed governor of Pennsylvania but that his confirmation has been delayed by the dispute over the lower counties. Presence of a bishop might prevent needless controversies.

200-1. Duplicate of (198-9) without the duplicate of (189-90).

202-3. William Chancellor to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Aug. 2, 1737. Encloses (204-5) and says that Edward Markland is authorized to supply further information if it is required to answer complaints from Cummings.

204-5. Some vestrymen of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, undated, but with certificate of identity by Clem Plumsted, Mayor, dated Aug. 3, 1737. A testimonial in favour of Peters. Admit that his appointment has displeased some of the congregation, but say that he has given satisfaction to most.

206-7. Duplicate of (204-5).

208-9. Jeremiah Langhorne to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1737. Accuses Cummings of insincerity in his dealing with Peters.

210-11. Protest of John Robinson, senior warden, and several vestrymen of Christ Church against (204-5). Undated, but probably signed at the same time as or shortly after (204-5).

212-13. Richard Peters to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1737. Gives his side of the controversy.

214-15. Copies of (189-90 and 198-9) dated Aug. 6, 1737, with a note saying that they are being sent via Lisbon, whereas the other copies were sent via New York.

216-17. Copy of (208-9) dated Aug. 13, 1737.

218. --- Howie to Bishop Gibson, Oxford, Pennyslvania, Aug. 19, 1737. (Incomplete, with signature missing. Writer identified in notation.) Asks for increase in Society for the Propagation of the Gospel stipend. Says that Peters is bringing the Church into disrepute with the dissenters because of his Deistical leanings and because of rumours that he left England to escape prosecution for bigamy.

219-20. Copy of (202-3) dated Aug. 20, 1737.

221-2. Copy of (212-13) dated Aug. 22, 1737.

223. Testimony of Arthur Usher, missionary at Dover, Sept. 18, 1737. He also heard Peters preach on Whit Sunday (cf. 187) and got the impression that the tenor of his sermon was to proclaim the sufficiency of natural religion.

224-5. William Chancellor to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1737. Introducing a merchant and vestryman identified in a notation as --- Shippen.

226-7. Richard Peters to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Nov. 29, 1737. He has accepted the post of colonial secretary, offered him by the Proprietor.

228. Statement of John Kearsley and Peter Evans, undated, but referring to Peters's sermon of July 3, 1737, in which they say that he declared that he would no longer officiate among them because of some affront he had received from Cummings.

229. Testimony of John Kearsley, undated, but referring to an incident on July 17, 1737, when he says that Peters, at Cummings's house, declared that Cummings was not rector and Christ Church no parish and that the bishop's letter to Cummings was licence enough for Peters.

230. Draft of letter from Bishop Gibson to Cummings, undated, but referring to events of 1737. Glad, since dispute has arisen, that Peters has decided not to officiate longer. Is influenced in Cummings's favour by the fact that he had never had any previous complaints against him nor any report of dissension in Christ Church under his rectorship prior to Peters's arrival.

231. Draft of letter from Bishop Gibson to congregation of Christ Church. Undated, but referring to events of 1737. Urges them to peace and reminds them of earlier complaints of mistreatment of ministers by them.

232-5. A portion of the congregation of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, undated, but in answer to a letter from him of which (230-1) is probably the draft. Acknowledge his admonitions and pledge themselves to work for peace, though they regard themselves as the innocent portion.

236-7. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Mar. 30, 1738. Acknowledges a letter from him. Fearing that Fernando Paris has laid charges against him, he asks to be informed of their nature, so that he can answer them. Says that Peters secured his appointment as secretary through the recommendation of Hamilton.

238-41. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Aug. 12, 1738. His supporters were turned off the vestry at the last parish election. Present vestry is sending an address (242-3) which contains innuendoes against him and the bishop and asserts a claim to the right of patronage which, he says, has never been disputed.

242-3. Vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson. Undated, but identified in (238-41). Chiefly concerned to assert that they are not responsible for the dissension. Claim to patronage is based on the fact that they support the church by voluntary subscriptions.

244-5. Petition of Presbytery of Philadelphia to Governor George Thomas, complaining that marriage licences as at present issued require them to perform the ceremony in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer, which is against their consciences. Signed for the presbytery by Jedidiah Andrews and Robert Cross and joined, on behalf of the Baptists, by Jenkin Jones. (Copy.)

Archibald Cummings to Governor Thomas, July 12, 1739. Having been sent the above petition for comment, he says that the present form of licence is that issued, with minor variations, by all of the governor's predecessors, and that he has had complaints from the missionaries that the Presbyterian ministers do marry on the present licences, in spite of their declaration that it is against their consciences. Final note by Cummings says that shortly after this the form of licence was altered to read 'To any Protestant minister'.

246-7. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Nov. 17, 1739. Whitefield has just been in Philadelphia and gone on to New York, but will visit Philadelphia again on his way back to Georgia. While regarding him as 'enthusiastically mad', Cummings, for the sake of peace, allowed him the use of his pulpit but he also prayed ex tempore and preached in the streets every evening. A postscript introduces the bearer, Robert Charles, son-in-law to the later Governor Gordon.

248. Alexander Howie to Bishop Gibson, Oxford, Pennyslvania, Oct. 19, 1739. Since the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel cannot increase his stipend, he asks to be transferred to Staten Island. Whitefield is admired by the Quakers and by the former followers of Peters (cf. 259-60).

249. Archibald Cummings to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Aug. 29, 1740. A testimonial for Aeneas Ross, with some account of Whitefield's activities. His followers have erected a large building in Philadelphia for the use of itinerant preachers of his school.

250-1. Clergy of the area to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Apr. 23, 1741. Report death of Cummings. They have agreed to supply the church as well as they can, but urge the speedy appointment of a successor, who should not be Peters.

252-3. Duplicate of (250-1).

254. Wardens and vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Apr. 23, 1741. Also report Cumming's death and request appointment of a successor.

255-6. Sundry members of the congregation of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 3, 1741. Ask appointment of Peters.

257-8. Duplicate of (255-6).

259-60. Wardens and vestry of Christ Church to the clergy who signed (250-1), Philadelphia, May 7, 1741. They say that the clergy are mistaken in thinking that Peters's appointment would divide the congregation. Those who oppose his appointment are only a third of the congregation. The largest portion of these are followers of Whitefield (cf. 248-9) whom the vestry do not regard as entitled to consideration. A few others are perpetuating old grudges. The rest object to Peters's morals. Admitting that his life has been more gay than becomes his calling, the vestry hold that he has not been guilty of any serious moral lapse.

261-2. George Ross to Bishop Gibson, New Castle, May 8, 1741, and Richard Backhouse to Bishop Gibson, Chester, May 10, 1741. (Two letters on one sheet.) On the basis of the information given in (259-60) they retract their objection to the appointment of Peters. (They are two of the six signers of 250-1).

263-4. Richard Peters to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 11, 1741. Says Ross admitted that the objection to him was added to the clergy's letter at the instance of Doctor Kearsley and Peter Evans.

265-6. Governor George Thomas to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 14, 1741. Favours appointment of Peters and testifies to his character.

267-8. Governor Lewis Morris of New Jersey to Bishop Gibson, Trenton, May 17, 1741. Recommends Peters, mostly on hearsay.

269-70. William Currie, Alexander Howie, and Colin Campbell to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 18, 1741. Reaffirm opposition to Peters and assert that Arthur

Usher and William Lindsay, though too far away to attend this second meeting, are also opposed to Peters. All those named, except Howie, were signers of (250-1).

271-2. Sundry members of the congregation of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 18, 1741. Oppose appointment of Peters.

273-4. Duplicate of (271-2).

275-6. Alexander Howie to Bishop Gibson, Oxford, Pennyslvania, May 18, 1741. Attributes Ross's retraction (261-2) to a desire to secure Hamilton's patronage for his son, who is beginning the practice of law in Philadelphia.

277. William Currie to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 19, 1741. Reaffirms opposition to Peters.

278-9. Richard Peters to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 20, 1714. Attacks the motives of his opponents. Quotes at length, though inaccurately, from Howie's letter (275-6).

280-1. Benjamin Morgan to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 21, 1741. The father-in-law of John Ross, the young lawyer referred to in (275-6), recounts the story of the signing of (250-1) and George Ross's retraction (261-2) as it appeared from his point of view. Like Peters, he gives a purported quotation from (275-6) which, though inaccurate in wording, correctly reflects what was said.

282-3. George Ross to Bishop Gibson, New Castle, May 24, 1741. Defends his retraction. Agrees with Peters that Doctor Kearsley and Peter Evans were principally responsible for the opposition. Adds the information that Hamilton is related to Peters by marriage.

284-5. Wardens and vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 30, 1741. Defend Peters, Ross, and Backhouse and condemn the opposing missionaries.

286-7. Alexander Howie to Bishop Gibson, Oxford, Pennyslvania, May --, 1741. A copy of (275-6), with minor differences in phrasing.

288-9. Richard Backhouse to Bishop Gibson, Chester, June 1, 1741. Defends his retraction. On the basis of his present information, he says that the pro-Peters party is larger than the anti-Peters party.

290. Aeneas Ross to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Nov. 16, 1741. Though appointed by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel as itinerant in Pennsylvania, he has agreed to supply Christ Church until spring.

291-2. Copies of letters from Thomas Penn to Robert Jenney, London, Dec. 23, 1741, and Jenney to Penn, North of Ireland, Jan. 14, 1741/2. Penn indicates that he would be glad to have Jenney as rector in Philadelphia but advises him to make sure of his acceptance there, as he understands that there is a disagreement between the vestry and the bishop concerning the right of presentation. Jenney replies that Penn is mistaken in thinking that the bishop claims the power of presentation. He will not appoint anyone except at the request of the vestry, but they, if they believe in episcopal government at all, must submit to his power to license.

293. Jenney to --- ('Rev'd Sir'), Hairymont, North of Ireland, Jan. 14, 1741. Encloses (291-2). As Thomas Penn has no religion, it would be better if he left the choice of rector to the vestry and the bishop. Jenney would like to settle in Philadelphia if he could do so in peace, but, as that seems unlikely and his father, whom he is visiting, is unable to provide for him in his home country, he will return to his mission at Hempstead in the spring. He finds the weekly trip to Oyster Bay tiring now that he is 54, but hopes the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel will either relieve him of it or enable him to keep a horse and chaise.

294-5. Vestry and wardens of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 27, 1742. Ask that Aeneas Ross, who has been supplying the church, be licensed as rector.

296-7. Robert Jenney to Bishop Gibson, H.M.S. Lanceston, Portsmouth, Aug. 7, 1742. Forbiden by Admiral Cavendish to pay a final visit to London, he sends this farewell note to acknowledge the bishop's favours and promise to carry out his commands when he reaches America.

298-9. Wardens and vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Nov. 17, 1742. Acknowledge Jenney's appointment as rector.

300. Robert Jenney to Bishop Gibson, New York, Dec. 8, 1742. He has been well received in Philadelphia, and hopes that the controversies there have subsided, even Peters having pledged his support. He has been asked for a testimonial by --- Lyon, but can only repeat what he was told by Aeneas Ross, that Lyon desires an Society for the Propagation of the Gospel appointment as far from his family as possible, for they are reproaching him with deserting their cause. If Seabury is transferred to Hempstead, Lyon might be sent to New London. Ross was authorized by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to go to Hempstead, but would prefer to settle at Oxford, vacated by Howie's removal to Jamaica, British West Indies.

301. A fragment from what appears to have been a duplicate of (300).

302-3. William Thomas to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, May 13, 1743. Thomas, a Baptist, encloses a 'creed' (304) held by some other Baptists which he considers heretical and asks the bishop to write some comments on it.

304. The 'creed' enclosed in (302-3). It is a rather complicated statement of difficulties felt with regard to the procession of Persons in the Trinity. The general position appears to be adoptionist.

305-6. Robert Jenney to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, June 24, 1743. Acknowledges appointment as commissary, but fears clergy of lower counties may demur to his commission, as they are not mentioned by name. Because of the heat, he has postponed a meeting of the clergy until fall, on the advice of George Ross. Acknowledges a box of tracts which probably relate to Whitefield, for he says in the same context that Whitefield has many more followers among the Presbyterians than among the Churchmen.

307-8. Account of the present state of the churches at Oxford and Whitemarsh by Aeneas Ross, Sept. 1, 1743. He officiates two Sundays in three at Oxford and the third at Whitemarsh. Both congregations are growing. There are twenty-five communicants at Oxford. He has not held Communion at Whitemarsh yet, but his brother-in-law, Currie, who administered there in the spring, reported seventeen. There are two Quaker congregations, one Baptist, and one Presbyterian in Oxford, but relations are friendly.

309. Arthur Usher to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Sept. 4, 1743. He has now been seven years in the employ of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and has baptized a total of 558 persons. He has been supplying the mission at Lewes since Becket's death and before, for Becket was disabled for most of his last two years. He estimates the population of Kent County at 1,020, of these 484 profess the Church of England, 56 are Quakers, and 394 Presbyterians, and 62 Roman Catholics, who are proposing to build a church near the Maryland line.

310-11. Account of the churches at Radnor and Perkiomen by William Currie, Plymouth, Sept. 4, 1743. He preaches once a fortnight at Perkiomen and once a month at Radnor and at a chapel-of-ease, eight miles from Radnor. The lastnamed has the largest congregation, which overflows the building, so that he often preaches in the fields in summer. He had between 80 and 90 communicants in all three stations last Easter.

312. Robert Jenney to Bishop Gibson, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1743. He has held a convention of the clergy, at which the above accounts (307-11) were presented. Learned of two unlicensed ministers. One, Blackhall, is reported of irregular life. The other, John Gordon, formerly a curate in Ireland, is sending testimonials with a view to obtaining a licence and an appointment from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

313. Testimonial of residents of Londonderry and adjacent parts of Chester County, Pennyslvania, Sept. 17, 1742. Say that Gordon has served St. John's Church, bordering on Fagg's Manor, for 6½ years.

314-15. Robert Jenney to Bishop Sherlock, Philadelphia, May 23, 1751. In answer to bishop's query how commissarial jurisdiction was exercised, he says that he was able to do little with it, as no one respected it. Some maintain that as the Church only exists in Pennsylvania because tolerated by the proprietor, its canons are not in force there. Some of the clergy who come there from warmer climates for their health misbehave.

316-17. Testimony of Susanna, wife of Frederick Maus, stocking weaver, and others before Judge Henry Harrison, June 28, 1762. After William Sturgeon, catechist and assistant at Christ Church, had married Charlotte Maus and William Deadman without a licence, it was discovered that Deadman had another wife. The Maus family and friends testify that Sturgeon performed the ceremony, under considerable pressure from them, late in the evening, when the clerk who issued the licences could not be located, because Deadman had got Charlotte with child and they were afraid he would skip town if the ceremony was not performed immediately. Deadman swore a solemn oath before Sturgeon that he was not previously married.

318-19. Wardens and vestry of the united congregations of Christ Church and St. Peter's to Bishop Osbaldeston, June 8, 1762. Ask him to license Sturgeon as one of the ministers of the united congregations. He has been acting as assistant for fifteen years, presumably under a licence as catechist or schoolmaster, though that is not explicitly stated.

320-1. Wardens and vestry of St. Paul's Church to Bishop Osbaldeston, Philadelphia, June 22, 1762. Congratulate him on his translation and ask him to license William Macclenachan as their minister. Macclenachan, a former Society for the Propagation of the Gospel missionary, visited Christ Church and so pleased the congregation with his preaching that he was invited to remain as assistant. After a year, Jenney forbade him further use of the pulpit. Considering this unjust, the present members of St. Paul's withdrew and organized a new church. (NOTE: Though it is not stated here, the dispute arose because Macclenachan was a follower of Whitefield.)

322-3. Duplicate of (320-1).

324-5. Copy of original agreement among the subscribers to St. Paul's, June 4, 1760. Copy attested by John Ross and Thomas Charlton, wardens, June 22, 1762.

326-7. Duplicate of (324-5).

328-9. Francis Alison to Samuel Chandler, Philadelphia, June 24, 1762. Sturgeon and Jacob Duché are both going home to seek licences as ministers of the united parishes. As the Quakers have complained to the Archbishop of Canterbury about Sturgeon's action in the Maus-Deadman affair, it is thought that Chandler's intervention might have a countervailing effect. Alison gives a similar account of the affair to (316-17) and testifies to Sturgeon's good character and devotion as a minister.

330-1. William Sturgeon to Bishop Osbaldeston, Philadelphia, June 29, 1762. He was ordained by Bishop Gibson and appointed catechist to the Negroes and assistant in Christ Church by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in 1747. After Jenney became paralysed, Sturgeon carried on the whole work of the parish for about three years, until Jacob Duché, a native of Philadelphia, returned in deacon's orders. Now the vestry propose to make both him and Duché their ministers.

332-3. William Sturgeon to Reverend John Waring, Philadelphia, July 1, 1762. Because of complaints arising out of the Maus incident (316-17), he asks the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to intercede with Bishop Osbaldeston on his behalf, as he needs the bishop's licence to accept the post at Christ Church.

334-5. Testimonial of the clergy of the area to Richard Peters, Dec. 20, 1762. Approve of his becoming rector of Christ Church.

336-7. Printed copy of patent of George III, 1762, authorizing William Smith and James Jay to raise money for the College of Philadelphia and King's College, New York.

338-9. Printed certificate of Smith and Jay appointing collectors for the County of Stafford. Undated, but refers to the above patent (336-7).

340-1. Printed appeal for contributions to the College of Philadelphia by William Smith, 1762. Gives names of trustees and faculty.

FP VII

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