Lewis P. W. Balch, New York, to Rev. Dr. S. H. Turner, Theological Seminary, or Revd Dr [Robert Alfred] Vaughn,Morton Street, New York, 30 January 1841.

N. Y. Jan 30./41.

Revd & dr Sir,

   Mr Low who will hand you this, is an Englishman, and in many respects an interesting character. His Parents were of the middle rank of life. Gave him a good plain Education with a trade. He however conceived a strong desire to penetrate the interior of Africa from the north east coast near Abysinia. To this he has devoted his life, and is apparently fully aware of all the perils he must encounter.

   His object is twofold. First—to carry a knowledge of Xny where a white man has never yet been, and 2d, to gain information. To effect the former he is desirous of studying the Arabic language and such words as will best qualify him to impart the elementary principles of religion. To accomplish the latter, he is now learning navigation &c—He applied to me for advice respecting the best mode of securing his 1st object and I felt it my duty to send him to you, as one able and willing to give such information.

   I doubt not but that it will give you pleasure to aid in advancing an object wh[ich] may be the means under God, of promoting the interests of the Redeemer’s Kingdom on earth. We are directed not to despise the day of small things and I confess any thing wh[ich] may contribute to the social or spiritual well being of [paper torn] Africa, always holds creates a deep interest in my heart.

                           I am Revd & dr Sir,

                                       Faithfully & cordially yours

                                                   Lewis. P. W. Balch

Revd Dr Turner

Text: Timothy Whelan, Baptist Autographs in the John Rylands University Library of Manchester, 1741-1845 (Macon: Mercer University Press, 2009), pp. 221-22 (annotated version); also MAW, Box 39, John Rylands University Library of Manchester. Edgar Anthony Low (his letters on this site can be found here) was attempting to become a BMS missionary; he may or may not have achieved that goal, but he did serve for a time as a missionary at Fernando Po, Africa, where the BMS had established a mission. The main individuals involved in her request above include Lewis Penn Witherspoon Balch (1814-1875), Evangelical Rector at St. Bartholomew’s Church (Episcopal) in New York City, 1838-1850; Samuel Hulbeart Turner (1790-1861), theology professor at the General Theological Seminary (New Haven and later New York City), 1819-1861; and Robert Alfred Vaughn (1795-1868), prominent Congregational minister, eminent scholar, and prolific writer in England.