William Ward, Serampore, to Lucius Bolles, Salem, 30 September 1822.

Serampore Sept 30, 1822

My dear Br

         I have had the pleasure of seeing Capt. Moriarty; & he has afforded us the pleasure of a short visit. I am most obliged by the letter & other communications from Mr Moriarity: pray present to him my best thanks; nor am I less obliged to you, my dear Bro. for your communications. I value them much & hope we may hear from each other frequently. I shall send with this a book or two; & hope you received safely a parcel some time ago.

         We have had much disease in Bengal lately: a number of our native friends have left us; & among the rest our brother Krishnoo: his was a happy death: he had been baptized more than 20 years: we shall prepare a short Memoir. Br. Chamberlain is among the numbers of those removed: such a mortality among Missionaries was never known in India. Br. Colman was removed suddenly; but he died in his work; & his conduct for self-denial in choosing so solitary a spot for labour ought to endear him to all his fellow-christians; though I think he should not have left his work remained in the rains in that unhealthful spot. My youngest daughter has been very ill; & her recovery is a miracle. She is still very weak, & is on the [ruin?] for her health. But what so greatly enhances the mercy of her recovery is that I hope she has been touched by His hand who raises the dead in sin. She has been very much opposed to the gospel in its spiritual effects on the heart, & seemed very angry with her sister after she had been baptized. She seems now humbled, & asks with anxiety, “Do you think, father, Jesus Christ will save me?” My other daughter is I hope decidedly the Lord’s; & recently my son-in-law appears under considerable concern. Mrs Marshman’s niece was baptized a few sabbaths since; Mr Marshman’s second son has given in his name as a candidate for baptism: a great change appears to have been wrought in him; & Mr Marshman’s eldest daughter appears well-disposed. Such are our family mercies. Among the heathen no great work is yet going on; here one & there one is call’d; but neither in these is there much of deep & awakening impressions. My eldest daughter is now very ill in a fever. Mrs Ward continues pretty well, though fatigued in nursing the sick. The College Translations, &c. as usual. Mr John Marshman in is England.

         Remember me very tenderly to your dear partner, to your eldest & to Carey. Ask Carey is he recollects losing his finger ends. I hope to hear again soon.

         To Mr Cornelius to the Episcopal Minister, & all the dear friends at Salem please to make my best regards.

         I remain My dear dear Br

                                 Indeed yours,          

                                             W. Ward

Serampore,

Sept. 30, 1822.

Address: Rev. L Bolles, | Salem, | United States

Postmark: none

Endorsed: Receivd Feb 22. 1823 -- | Answered April 14. 1823

Text: William Ward Letters, RG no. 1373, American Baptist Historical Society Archives, Atlanta.