William Rogers, Philadelphia, to John Williams, New York, 16 July 1802.

Phila July 16. 1802.

Dear Sr –

         Your’s of the 14th Inst respectg Mr Chamberlaine came to hand yesterday – In the Evening I had a visit from good Capt Wickes, who informed me that he had no thoughts of going to India himself – but that a vessel, a Capt Davy, would sail from this Port for Calcutta the beginnning of next month.

         One of the owners concerned is Mr Robert Ralston, a very religious Man – the Capt & Ship’s Company will probably be as is usual – this Mr Chamberlaine must expect – A worthy young Man, a Neighbor of mine, Dr Robt Davidson is to go as Doctor & Surgeon of the Ship – by whom Dr Staughton & myself propose writing to Messrs Carey &c – As the Vessel is bound directly for Calcutta. –

         Capt Wickes recd sometime ago a few lines from Dr Fuller mentioning Mr Chamberline, & means to interest himself this Day with Mr Ralston, the Captain &c on his & Mrs Chamberlaine’s behalf – and will either this Evening or to-morrow inform me more particularly, when I shall again address you & let you know the result – the business is in good hands –

         At present we are under some apprehensions of the yellow fever – it was brought to our City, the northern part of it, by the St Domingo Packet – I hope GOD will be better to us than our fears & deserts – Should it prevail I propose taking my family out of Town, probably to Burlington – as Mrs Rogers draws near the time of Child-bed Confinemt. – Should the fever prevail, of which you will be seasonable apprized, Capt Wickes says that Mr & Mrs Chamberlaine need not enter the City but take Shipping at Chester, Marcus Hook, or New Castle as the Case may be – In all which Country we have several Baptist Friends – probably Mr Chamberlaine may make it convenient to journey via Burlington – I am well assured that Dr Staughton will be glad to see him – and I know, if I am fixed there, I shall. –

         Rev. Mr Milledoler, for whom I preached last Lord’s Day & of whose Church Capt Wickes is a member, is now in N. York on a visit – As he corresponds with one of our Missionaries at Serampoor, I am not sure which of them – I should like that he was introduced to Mr Chamberlaine – Mr Milledoler is an Evangelical Preacher. – Religion appears to be on the revival among us and all around us – Oh for greater effusions of GOD’s Holy Spirit! –

         Very affectionately your’s in a dear Redeemer

                                 Wm Rogers.

Address: Rev. Mr John Williams, | No 16. Fayette Street, | New York. | Single.

Postmark: none

Text: John Williams Letters, RG no. 1207, America Baptist Historical Archives, Atlanta.