Philip Gibbs, Plymouth, to John Rippon, London, 18 March 1794.

Plymouth March 18: 1794

Revd & Dear Sir

        Captn Peake handed me your favor, I have conversed with him very Agreeably, he is a good man, attends public means on all Occasions, and has engaged to call on me again before he sails – I have sent by him, for our American Friends, directed to you 83 Vols,  which were as many as the Box would take, I am glad they give satisfaction &c have also returned by Cap: Peake as tender –

32 Registers of different dates –  @ 12d -- £1: 12 –

  9 North America do –           @ do –      0:  9 –

24 Sermons –                           @ do –      1:  4 –

                                                                 £3:  5 –

You will see by this, that our friends here have more Attachment to preaching than reading – When you write me again, shall be oblig’d for a State of my Acct. As to ye state of the Church which Mr W. [William Winterbotham] told you he had drawn up, & not quite finished, I imagine it must be pack’d up with his Papers & under lock, would otherways send it – As there is no prospect of Mr W: returning to us again, I shall be under a necessity of procuring other assistance, finding my strength inadequate to ye work of preaching thrice Lords Days, Lectures in the week, Administering [fol. 18v.] the Ordinances, visiting burying the dead &c would on this acct esteem it a favor, if you know of any Minister you think would suit us, to inform as soon as you can make it convenient to write – As you say nothing about your health, I take it for granted it is nearly as usual. Mrs Gibbs & Self both feel the Infirmities of advanc’d years – Our Niece Mrs Davie is at present much indisposed; yet we have all reason to sing of mercy as well as of Judgement, cannot enlarge as I am going to preach ye Lecture. Mrs Gibbs unites in Xtian respects to Self Mrs Rippon &c – may the good will of him that dwelt in the Bush be with you –

         I am very Affecty yours &c –

                                 Philip Gibbs &c

Do you purpose to visit Devon this year, if so I need not repeat the pleasure it would give me to see you at my House

Address: none

Postmark: none

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 24287, fol. 18.