Viewing page 79 of 283

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

seventy members, superintended (until his decease) by P H Willard Esqr & now by Robert Morris Esqr, a member of the Free State Constitutional Convention.  We have but one room for the congregation & the Sunday School. The unavoidable difficulties connected with the building up of a Church & Sunday School, at this place, although, as we trust appreciated by us, do not discourage us. 

But the recent introduction of a Colored School has been & is likely to be seriously prejudicial to our work. A use of church property always & in the instance peculiarly in conflict with is appropriate use, I see not on what ground it can be justified, except it be that education (from whose importance I am the last to derogate) is paramount to religion.

I am well aware that no such sentiment is cherished by the Commanding General & that this step has been taken without his authority; nor do I impute it to any persons who are responsible in the premises; for I am persuaded that they have not proceeded understandingly in the matter & will be more than willing to rectify the mistake. 

I have the honor to be with high respect
Your obedient servant
Mr J Gilbert