1847: Rev. John H. Gray to Rev. Matthew B. Hope

This letter was written by Rev. John H. Gray, pastor of the Beale Street Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1844 to 1857. Gray previously served (1826-1836) as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Eutaw, Alabama.

Gray wrote the letter to Rev. Matthew B. Hope (1813-1859), publisher of the Biblical Repertory from 1840-1847.

Stampless Letter

TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to Rev. M. B. Hope, No. 29 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Memphis [Tennessee]
September 23rd 1847

Dear Brother Hope,

In my rambles this summer, I visited Paulding in Jasper County, Mississippi & found that the Repertory was coming to that office for Mr. Jackson N. Corvant, formerly a student at Oakland College. He has not resided at Paulding for a long time & is now residing at Monticello, the county seat of Lawrence County, Mississippi & is a clerk of one of the courts of that county.

The Rev. Edmond Anderson settled in that county (Jasper County) in 1846 & finding the Repertory coming there has taken it since that time, & I have now four dollars & fifty cents for you which pays up for Mr. Anderson to the close of this year.

For ½ of 1846  — 1.50
For 1847 — 3.00

It would be proper for you to change the name of Mr. Corvant to that of the Rev. E. Anderson, Paulding, Jasper County, Mississippi.  From all that I could learn, Mr. C. is able to pay & would send his account to some agent in that state, closing it at July 1846, since which time Mr. Anderson has taken it & paid for it. I can remit only five dollars. Give me credit for the surplus.

I returned to my charge last week with improved health & laden with a rich experience of the mercy of God to myself, my family & my flock, for all of which I desire to be thankful.

Our new synod is to meet & constitute in our city in October. If you will send me the accounts due by Bretheren in its bounds, I will try to serve you & will take great pleasure in doing it. I was prevented by sickness from attending the Spring Sessions of Presley & hence was able to make but a small remittance for you. Please acknowledge the receipt of this & send Rev. Mr. Anderson his receipts for the four dollars & fifty cents.

Very affectionately your Bro., — J. H. Gray

P. S. You will perceive that Mr. Anderson is not properly within my jurisdiction, but I desired to be useful to you & to aid you in sustaining & circulating that very excellent periodical. Mr. C., I think, does not desire the work. — J. H. G.

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