University of Virginia Library

TO WILLIAM BRADFORD, JR.

My Worthy Friend,—I have another favor to
acknowledge in the receipt of your kind letter of
March the 4th. I did not intend to have written
again to you before I obtained a nearer communication
with you; but you have too much interest in my
inclinations ever to be denied a request.

Mr. Brackenridge's illness gives me great uneasiness;
I think he would be a loss to America. His merit is
rated so high by me that I confess, if he were gone, I
could almost say with the poet, that his country could
furnish such a pomp for death no more. But I solace
myself from Finley's ludicrous descriptions as you do.

Our Assembly is to meet the first of May, when it
is expected something will be done in behalf of the
dissenters. Petitions, I hear, are already forming
among the persecuted Baptists, and I fancy it is in the
thoughts of the Presbyterians also, to intercede for
greater liberty in matters of religion. For my own
part, I cannot help being very doubtful of their succeeding
in the attempt. The affair was on the carpet
during the last session; but such incredible and extravagant
stories were told in the House of the monstrous
effects of the enthusiasm prevalent among the
sectaries, and so greedily swallowed by their enemies,
that I believe they lost footing by it. And the bad
name they still have with those who pretend too much
contempt to examine into their principles and conduct,
and are too much devoted to the ecclesiastical establishment
to hear of the toleration of dissentients, I am

apprehensive, will be again made a pretext for
rejecting their request.

The sentiments of our people of fortune and fashion
on this subject are vastly different from what you have
been used to.[1] That liberal, catholic, and equitable
way of thinking, as to the rights of conscience, which
is one of the characteristics of a free people, and so
strongly marks the people of your province, is but
little known among the zealous adherents to our
hierarchy. We have, it is true, some persons in the
Legislature of generous principles both in Religion
and Politics; but number, not merit, you know, is
necessary to carry points there. Besides, the clergy
are a numerous and powerful body, have great influence
at home by reason of their connection with and
dependence on the Bishops and Crown, and will
naturally employ all their art and interest to depress
their rising adversaries; for such they must consider
dissenters who rob them of the good will of the
people, and may, in time, endanger their livings and
security.

You are happy in dwelling in a land where those
inestimable privileges are fully enjoyed; and the
public has long felt the good effects of this religious
as well as civil liberty. Foreigners have been encouraged
to settle among you. Industry and virtue
have been promoted by mutual emulation and mutual
inspection; commerce and the arts have flourished;

and I cannot help attributing those continual exertions
of genius which appear among you to the inspiration
of liberty, and that love of fame and knowledge which
always accompany it. Religious bondage shackles
and debilitates the mind, and unfits it for every noble
enterprise, every expanded prospect. How far this is
the case with Virginia will more clearly appear when
the ensuing trial is made.

I am making all haste in preparing for my journey.
It appears as if it would be the first of May before I
can start, which I can more patiently bear, because I
may possibly get no company before that time; and
it will answer so exactly with the meeting of the
synod. George Luckey talks of joining me if I can
wait till then. I am resolutely determined to come
if it is in my power. If anything hinders me, it will
be most likely the indisposition of my mother, who
is in a very low state of health; and if she should
grow worse, I am afraid she will be more unwilling
to part with my brother, as she will be less able to
bear the separation. If it should unfortunately happen
that I should be forced off or give out coming,
Luckey on his return to Virginia will bring me whatever
publications you think worth sending, and among
others [Caspapini's?] letters.

But whether I come or not, be assured I retain the
most ardent affection and esteem for you, and the
most cordial gratitude for your many generous kindnesses.
It gives me real pleasure when I write to
you that I can talk in this language without the least
affectation, and without the suspicion of it, and that
if I should omit expressing my love for you, your

friendship can supply the omission; or if I make use
of the most extravagant expressions of it, your corresponding
affection can believe them to be sincere.
This is a satisfaction and delight unknown to all who
correspond for business and conveniency, but richly
enjoyed by all who make pleasure and improvement
the business of their communications.