1848: Rev. George J. King to Rev. John Holt Rice

This letter was written by Rev. George J. King, an agent of the American Tract Society who was based out of Alabama.

King wrote the letter to Rev. John Holt Rice (1818-1878), the son of Rev. Benjamin Holt Rice and Martha Alexander. Rice graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) in 1838. He studied law for a time but returned to Princeton and graduated from the Seminary in 1845. He served as a missionary in New Orleans before being installed as pastor in Tallahassee, Florida, in the fall of 1847. He married Lizzie Bogart Neil, the daughter of Rev. William Neil.

King also references Rev. Francis Huger Rutledge (1799-1866) in the letter. Rutledge became the rector of St. John’s Church in Tallahassee in 1845.

Stampless Letter

TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to Rev. Mr. Rice, Pastor of Presbyterian Church, Tallahassee, Florida

Newnansville, Florida
January 16, 1848

Rev. Mr. Rice, my dear sir,

I am visiting your state as general Agent of the American Tract Society and expect to be in Tallahassee on Saturday the 22 inst. and should be pleased to have an opportunity to present the claims of the tract cause to the consideration of your people and also to the Episcopal and Methodist churches on Sabbath, the 23rd inst. if the way is open.

I shall not probably reach Tallahassee until late Saturday evening as I wish to spend next sabbath here and during the week visit Columbus & Madison & if possible, Monticello, on the way.

Yours truly, — Geo. J. King

P. S. Will you be so good as to confer with the Rev. Mr. Rutledge and also the Methodist clergymen of your place as to the best means of advancing the interest of the cause in your place. I would not ask it of you but have so much work laid out for the coming week that I shall not get to Tallahassee in time to complete the arrangements myself.

1848 Letter