Joshua Rowe, Serampore, to the Revd John Williams, New York, 3 October 1805.

Serampore Octr 3rd 1805.

My Dear Bro: Williams,

         I have just been informed by Bro: Marshman, who is come from Calcutta, that there is a Ship going to sail for N. York in a few days. I suppose the shortness of the time allotted me, will confine the limits of the present correspondence to one letter, and I am persuaded I owe that to you. – Hope long before this my New York friends have received the profiles &c that I sent from Madras, by the return of the Sansom. Many of them are a letter in debt to me. A few months since, I recd some pamphlets &c from my friend Mr Cauldwell; also, a share in a letter! I had no idea, while in N. Y. that paper was scarce; If I had,  wd have left him a Quire.

         From the supposition that our letters from Madras have been received, I shall say nothing respecting our voyage in the Sansom. – During our residence at Madras we experienced much kindness from Europeans. We had an opportunity of preaching, in the house in wh we lived, every Lord’s Day, and often on Wednesdays. In general , we were pretty well attended. Hope the seed down will take root. Some of us were invited to stay. They went so far as to make three subscriptions, one to a Chapel, and another for a standing fund the interest of wh was to go towards our support if we would remain; some individuals also came forward with considerable offers, on condition of our continuing. These circumstances had much weight on my mind, being solicited to stay. After considering the design of our coming out, and also of there being a Mission already established there, we answered their solicitations in the negative.

         Am sorry that I have little to say respecting the flourishing state of religion at Madras. The Death of Swartz & Gerick will be serverely felt. They were truly apostolic Missionaries. There are two Missionaries there, Mr Paezold, & Dr Rottler (from Tranguebar).[1] From all I cd see & hear, money is the great idol of the former, but the latter (Dr R – of Tranquebar) I sincerely love as a Missionary. Hope the Lord will raise up more faithful servants, and thrust them forth into his vineyard.

         We had to wait a long time for a passage, and after all were obliged to leave Brethn Marden and Biss behind, in consequence of Mrs Mardon’s being near her time. Mrs Biss staid to nurse her. About the 4th of Feby last, Bror Moore and self sailed for Bengal, and in about 15 Days arrived at Calcutta, after a narrow escape from a French Frigate.

         We found our friends here well, except the affliction occasioned by the death of Mrs Chamberlain. Am very happy in my present situation. Have my hands full of work, wh is so various that I cannot here particular [sic] mention them. Since my arrival Bro: Carey has baptized ten persons, 8 of whom were natives, and 2 Europeans. Expect that Bro: Carey will baptize 4 or 5 more next Lord’s Day. Bro: Moore has been to Dacca to distribute tracts. Bro: Biss is going to live near Dinegapore, and Bro: Mardon is going into the Jassore Country. There is a Chapel going to be erected, by subscription in Calcutta, for the use of all who preach Xt. Bro: Carey continues at the College. Is publishing a Shanscrit Grammar, and Mahcatta Dictionary. The Brethren have engaged, under the patronage, & support of the Asiatic Society & College Council, to translate & print some of the Hindoo Shasters. The Ramyun [Ramayana] is the first selected, and will take 3 or 4 years to accomplish. – Hope the Bible will soon be completed in the Bengalee. The translation of the Scriptures into several of the Eastern languages is also going on. Several other things of lesser notice are also going on. We have had two or three enquiries within this day or two. Petumber Singhee is dead, he died triumphing in God. Most of our native Brethren give us much pleasure. Many of them preach. Upon the whole we have much reason for thoughtfulness. –

         Am glad to hear of the increase of your church. Often think of you, often pray for you, often anticipate the meeting above. Brethren & Sisters, did they know I was writing wd cordially unite with Mrs R. & self in love to you, Mrs W. & all our N. Y. friends –

                     Most affectionately your’s

                                 Joshua Rowe

Address: Revd John Williams |Fayette Street | New York

Postmark: none

Endorsed: Beverley 16 April  | Sh 19

[1] Charles William Paezold served as the CMS leader of the Madras mission from 1804 to 1817. John Peter Rottler, D. D., originally from Strasburg, would work in various capacities as a missionary in Madras until 1836.

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