https://digital.francke-halle.de/fsdhm/periodical/titleinfo/171151
ARTICLE
Title Herrn Miss. Richtsteigs und Herrn Miss. Sartorii auf dem Schiff Bridgewater gefuehrtes Diarium.
Author Richtsteig, Samuel Gottlieb; Sartorius, Johann
Named persons Williamson; Worm, Andreas; Schlegelmilch, Caspar Gottlieb; Siron; Schultze, Benjamin
Place and Date of Creation [s.l.], 1730
Annotation
Laufzeit des Tagebuchs: 11.2.-12.7.1730
Shelf mark Halle, BFSt: S/MISS:A 1:3. Cont. 30
Published in
Der Königl. dänischen Missionarien aus Ost-Indien eingesandte ausführliche Berichte von dem Werck ihres Amts unter den Heyden / hrsg. von Gotthilf August Francken, Vol. (1735), (1732) : 30. Continuation. - 1732. - S. 597-607
Subjects Diarium
Subjects (Geographical) Ceylon ; Deal ; Dover ; Kap der Guten Hoffnung ; Kapverden ; Lissabon ; London ; Madeira ; Madras ; Portland ; Porto Santo ; Portsmouth ; Tranquebar
URN urn:nbn:de:gbv:ha33-1-28898 Persistent Identifier (URN)
LINKS
Archive METS (OAI-PMH)
https://digital.francke-halle.de/fsdhm/periodical/pageview/147891
...
Drittes Stück ,
Worin
Ein Doppeltes Reise=Diarium der zuletzt
Abgegangen herrn Missionarien von ihrer
Abfahrt aus England bis zur
Ankunft in Indien.
I. herrn Miss Richtsteigs und herrn Miss Sartorii auf dem
Schiff Bridgewater gefurtes Diarium.
Anno. 1730.
FEBRVARIVS
Den 11ten Februarii 1730 gingen wir bende Nachmittags Anno 1730.
um 4 Uhr an Bord des Schiffes Bridgewater, dessen Feb.
Commandeur Williamson , in Begleitung , herrn
Worms , herrn Schlegemilchs und Mr. Siron, ei=
nes Chirurgi, der uns zum Dolmetscher aus Londen
war mitgegeben worden. Von dem beständigen Wancken des
Bootes, auf welchem wir an unser Schiff gefahren waren, befun=
den wir uns etwas unpass , welches aber diesen Abend noch auf=
hörte , so , dass wir uns folgenden Tages wieder ganz wohl be=
funden.
Den 12ten=18ten Febr. brachten wir in den Downs vor Deal zu,
und erwarteten einen favorable Wind fur unsere Schiff Fahrt.
...
rough Google translation:
On the afternoon of the 11th of February, 1730, at 4 o'clock
in the afternoon, we boarded the ship Bridgewater, whose
commander Williamson, accompanied by Mr.
Worms, Mr. Schlegemilch and Mr. Siron, a
surgeon, who was assigned to us as
the interpreter from London. From the constant shaking of the
boat, on which we had driven to our ship, we found
ourselves a little unfit, but this evening still stopped,
so that we found ourselves next day again quite well. ...
-------
See also page 597 of
Der Königl. Dänischen Missionarien aus Ost-Indien eingesandte Ausführlichen Berichten: Von der XXV. bis XXXVIsten Continuation;
Darin die Fortsetzung des Missions-Wercks bis aufs Jahr 1732. umständlich beschrieben wird. Dritter Theil, Part 3
Gotthilf August Francke
in Verlegung des Waysenhauses, 1735 - 1458 pages
=======================================================================
("Excerpts from the Original Diary of Johann Martin Boltzius and Israel Christian Gronau", Supplement
in Jones, George Fenwick, Detailed Reports on the Salzburger Emigrants, Vol. 3 (1968) )
p.292
Wednesday, the 23rd. of Dec. [1733] [Dover, England]
A few of our members, particularly women, who become some-
what discouraged by the difficult circumstances up to now nad
therefore would prefer to remain here rather than continue to en-
trust themselves to the ship. They are afraid they might become
sick and miserable again and even die. But they were strengthened
again by not only being cheered up and diverted from their fearful
thoughts but also by having good food and drink set before them
to fill them up and refresh them--a provision made by the accom-
panying Trustee and the court chaplin Mr. Butienter. For that
purpose they were taken off the ship by us and the commissary and
were led in pairs to a certain house where fresh meat was boiled and
roasted for them. . . . Food was also prepared for us in the aforesaid
house. . . . We were told that we should find Mr. Siron in Pennsyl-
vania, whither he traveled last summer to settle there, because he
had to endure much displeasure among his unconverted parents
and relatives. They say he is very partial to Count von Zinzendorf.51
...
p.334 Notes
51. In 1722 Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700-60), godson of Spener,
granted refuge on his estate in Berthelsdorf, Upper Lusatia, to a group of Moravians
of the persecuted Bohemian Brethren. Their community, called Herrnhut, became a
refuge for the Brethren from other lands and for members of other perescuted Pro-
testant sects. For more information see the Encyclopaedia Britannica or the Univer-
sal Standard Encyclopedia, 9457.
=======================================================================
Here is a more detailed account of the activities of the Salzburgers at Dover on Dec. 23, 1733:
William Holton Brown, "The diary of the pastors who accompanied the first transport of Salzburgers
to Georgia, 1733-1734", (Unpublished Master's thesis, University of Maryland, 1970).
p.30
Mittwoch, den 23ten Dec. [1733]
Einige unter unsern Zuhörern, sonderlich unter dem Weibesvolck, waren
wegen der bisherigen harten Umstände etwas kleinmüthig worden, und wolten
daher lieber hier bleiben, als weiter sich dem Schiffe anvertrauen, aus
Sorge, sie möchten wieder kranck und elend werden, oder gar sterben.
Doch sind sie wieder gestärcket worden, da man ihnen nicht allein kräftig
zugeredet, und ihnen ihre besorgliche Dinge ausgeredet hat, sondern da
man ihnen auch aus Versorge des mitgekommenen Trustee und Herrn Hof-Pre-
p.31
digere Butjenter gut Essen und Trincken zu ihrer Sättigung und Erqvickung
vorgesetzet. Zu dem Ende wurden sie paarweise durch uns und den Herrn
Commissarium aus dem Schiffe abgeholet und in ein gewiß Haus geführet, in
welchem für sie frish Fleisch gekochet und grbraten worden. Vor dem
Essen sungen sie zum Vergnügen der gegenwärtigen Personen einige Lieder,
und weil sie sich in allen Stücken vor, unter und nach der Mahlzeit sehr
christlich und artig bezeigeten, wurden einige fast Los zu Liebes- und
Freunden-Thränen beweget. Für was auch in gedachtem Hause Essen zu-
bereitet. Die Mahlzeit wurde wie mit Gebet und Gesang angefangen, also
auch geendiget; welches bey den Engelländern, so als Colonisten und unse-
re Reise-Gefehrten an einem andern Tische speiseten, einige Verwunderung
machte. Hierauf gingen sie paar weise in dasjenige Haus, das zu ihrer
Beqvemlichkeit war gemiethet, und eine Stube darin warm gemachet worden.
Hier sungen wir: Komm, Heiliger Geist x. Darauf hielt der Herr Butjen-
ter eine erbauliche Ansprache an sie über zwanzig Jahren ein Pfund
Sterlinge, und denen von geringern Jahren etwas weniger. Ausser dem be-
kamen sie noch ein jeder durch die Banck eine halbe Crone. Alle diese
Wohlthaten nahmen sie mit grosser Demuth und hertzlicher Dancksagung an.25
Es wurde uns erzehlet, daß wir den Herrn Siron in Pennsylvanien finden
würden, wohin er vergangenen Sommer gereiset, sich daselbst zu setzen,
weil er bey seinem unbekehrten Eltern und Anverwandten grossen Verdruß
ausstehen müssen. Von dem Herrn Grafen von Zintzendorff soll er sehr
eingenommen seyn.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Reports on the Salzburger Emigrants who Settled in America, . . . Edited by Samuel Urlsperger
Volume one: 1733-1734.
p.33
On December 22nd [sic-23rd] some of the Saltzburgers, particularly
women who had become somewhat discouraged by the difficulties
of the boat trip, let it be known that they would prefer to stay
here in this country; but they were encouraged again and
acquiesced. Afterwards, the Saltzburgers were taken off the ship
by us and Commissioner von Reck and were led in pairs to a
certain house where a meal had been prepared for them. Before
the meal they sang a few songs which not only pleased those pres-
ent very much, but also moved them almost to tears of sympathy
and joy because the Saltzburgers showed themselves so very re-
ligious and unassuming during and after the meal.5*
Because the meal was started with prayer and song and was
closed in the same way, some astonishment was caused among
those Englishmen who were eating at another table and who
were also to go to Georgia as colonists. After this we all went to
the house that had been rented for the Saltzburgers and sang
there: "Come Holy Ghost," etc. Hereafter the court chaplain
Butienter gave the Saltzburgers a sermon on 2 Corinthians
6: 17-18. When he had finished, he gave to each person over 20
p.34
years old one pound sterling, and to those of lesser age a little less.
Besides that each person received one half crown. This generosity
was accepted by them with great humility and heartfelt thanks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Reports on the Salzburger Emigrants Who Settled in America . . . Edited by Samuel Urlsperger
Volume Three, 1736
p.271
SUPPLEMENT
Excerpts from the Original Diary
of Johann Martin Boltzius and Israel Christian Gronau
from November 26, 1733 to May 14, 1734,
which having been deleted by Samuel Urlspringer from his
Ausführliche Nachricht . . . provides a welcome
supplement to Volume One of The Detailed Reports . . .
...
p.292
Wednesday, the 23rd. of Dec. [1733]
A few of our members, particularly women, who become some-
what discouraged by the difficult circumstances up to now nad
therefore would prefer to remain here rather than continue to en-
trust themselves to the ship. They are afraid they might become
sick and miserable again and even die. But they were strengthened
again by not only being cheered up and diverted from their fearful
thoughts but also by having good food and drink set before them
to fill them up and refresh them--a provision made by the accom-
panying Trustee and the court chaplin Mr. Butienter. For that
purpose they were taken off the ship by us and the commissary and
were led in pairs to a certain house where fresh meat was boiled and
roasted for them. . . . Food was also prepared for us in the aforesaid
house. . . . We were told that we should find Mr. Siron in Pennsyl-
vania, whither he traveled last summer to settle there, because he
had to endure much displeasure among his unconverted parents
and relatives. They say he is very partial to Count von Zinzendorf.51
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a complete translated text of Boltzius' diary as compiled from the
above sources:
Wednesday, the 23rd. of Dec. [1733]
A few of our members, particularly women, who become some-
what discouraged by the difficult circumstances up to now nad
therefore would prefer to remain here rather than continue to en-
trust themselves to the ship. They are afraid they might become
sick and miserable again and even die. But they were strengthened
again by not only being cheered up and diverted from their fearful
thoughts but also by having good food and drink set before them
to fill them up and refresh them--a provision made by the accom-
panying Trustee and the court chaplin Mr. Butienter. For that
purpose they were taken off the ship by us and the commissary and
were led in pairs to a certain house where fresh meat was boiled and
roasted for them.
Before
the meal they sang a few songs which not only pleased those pres-
ent very much, but also moved them almost to tears of sympathy
and joy because the Saltzburgers showed themselves so very re-
ligious and unassuming during and after the meal.
Food was also prepared for us in the aforesaid
house.
Because the meal was started with prayer and song and was
closed in the same way, some astonishment was caused among
those Englishmen who were eating at another table and who
were also to go to Georgia as colonists. After this we all went to
the house that had been rented for the Saltzburgers and sang
there: "Come Holy Ghost," etc. Hereafter the court chaplain
Butienter gave the Saltzburgers a sermon on 2 Corinthians
6: 17-18. When he had finished, he gave to each person over 20
years old one pound sterling, and to those of lesser age a little less.
Besides that each person received one half crown. This generosity
was accepted by them with great humility and heartfelt thanks.
We were told that we should find Mr. Siron in Pennsyl-
vania, whither he traveled last summer to settle there, because he
had to endure much displeasure among his unconverted parents
and relatives. They say he is very partial to Count von Zinzendorf.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Compare the complete translated text of Boltzius's daiary entry for Dec. 23, 1733 [New Style] above
with Mr. Butjenter's Journal at Dover below.
(The English were still using the older Julian calendar [Old Style]; so Dec. 23, 1733 [N.S.] was the
same as Dec. 12, 1733 [O.S.])
Henry Newman's Salzburger Letterbooks
Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (Great Britain), Henry Newman, Samuel Urlsperger,
George Fenwick Jones
University of Georgia Press, 1966 - Law - 626 pages
p.454-456
Mr. Butjenter's Journal at Dover. An Account of the several
Occurrences during my Stay at Dover and in my Journey thither.
On the 26th of November O.T. having received Commission
from the Honorable Society for Promoting christian Knowledge
I entered on my Journey which towards the Evening of the 27 I
had finished.
After we had been some Days at Dover, on the 11th of December
about 10 in the morning we saw the Ship that carried the Saltz-
burg Exiles, enter the Port; I with a Friend that accompanied me
on some Business (but more especially on account of my Ignorance
of the English tongue) Standing on the Shore near the Ship well-
comed the Saltzburgers. The Exiles seemed very melancholly not
on Account of any fatigue on their Voyage, but because there were
some who told'em they were carried to Georgia in order to be
made Slaves of. We had some difficulty to remove those their
apprehensions, but at last we effected it. Having thus a little gained
upon the fears of the Saltzburgers, I took home with me the
Reverend Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau their Ministers to the house
which Capt. Coram had prepared to receive Mr. [Ph.] De Reck
who had the day before left the Ship at Deal and had been to visit
us. Then returning to the Ship and finding that there were some
sick persons and some were Infants and that therefore it would be
necessary that they should come on shore. I with the Leave of
Capt. Coram hired one Room in a publick house wherein they
might repose themselves and take some refreshment, and now the
Saltzburgers began to be a Little heartened and to give credit to
our persuasions when they were not only convinced by my words
and those of their Ministers but by actual experience that their
good was wholly consulted. The approach of the Evening closed
our interview and discourse of that Day.
On the 12th Day of December [O.S.] in the morning I bought for and
gave the Saltzburgers what the Ministers instructed me would be
necessary for'em, afterwards I examined the Saltzburgers whom I
found much more chearfull than before. A Dinner was that Day
provided them by Mr. Coram's direction in the Workhouse where
the poor are Maintained which was a greatway thro' several
Streets[.] Mr. De Reck led'em they following in two Companies
with their Children in their Arms and Singing Psalms while I
with the other Ministers closed the procession. I could scarce forbear Tears at this Sight. When we came into the House where the Dinner was prepared when they were all sit down at Table they sung Psalms in praise of the Providence of GOD. When Dinner was served up, after Grace said, they received it with all
imaginable Thanks to God, acknowledging his Bounty at every
mouthfull. what they left they refused to take away saying that
they were Satisfied and that they chose that others that were
hungry might have it. They drank very sparingly everyone having
about a Pint to his Share tho' many of them refused to have ale.
We Dined with them in the same House, where after having Sung
Psalms and Hymns to God I returned with the Saltzburgers to the
said publick House where after having Sung, Standing in the mid-
dle of them, I preached to 'em from the 2 Corinthians 6. v. 17, 18
which they attended with the greatest Devotion and with Sighs
and Tears some of them Kissing my hands whilst I spoke to them.
Having finished my Sermon and Sung Psalms I distributed the
money ordered by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge
which they received Kissing my hands with singular marks of
acknowledgement, some of them at first declining to take so much
money. Having conversed sometime with them I proceeded to
their Minister's Lodgings with whom I consulted about settling
the form of their publick Worship.
Their publick Worship as near as may be will be conformable
to the Church of England to which End I delivered to'em German
Books in which are the forms of prayer, Baptismal Rites, The
Lord's Supper, Matrimony and Burial etc.198
On the 13 of December in the Morning I proceeded to buy
Things that were necessary for the Saltzburgers on their Voyage
and Examined whether the Clergymen's Lodgings were convenient
on Ship bord. After Dinner I again visited the Exiles and dis-
coursed with'em upon Religion and faith and I perceived a greater part of them wanted to be more fully Instructed in the fundamental Articles of the Christian Doctrine and being asked whether they proceeded on their Journey with Cheerfulness they answered that they were willing to go to the uttermost parts of the
Earth, That they were Children of God and that God would be
with them. I took my Leave of them with Tears in their Eyes. I
took also Leave of Mr. De Reck and Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau
who do their utmost to chear up the Saltzburgers this they did in
my presence[,] They likewise performed divine Service by reading
and explaining to them every morning and Evening the Holy
Scripture and concluding with Prayers and Hymns.
On the 14th Day of December about 4 in the morning I began
my Journey for London by the Stage Coach in company of a
Friend of mine Mr. Junner Matthison whose assistance was of
great Service both to me and the Saltzburgers, which Journey by
the Grace of God I finished the next Day in the Evening very Safely.
Henry Alard Butjenter
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yet Another account was given by Philipp von Reck, the commissary for the Salzburgers.
Henry Newman's Salzburger Letterbooks
Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (Great Britain), Henry Newman, Samuel Urlsperger,
George Fenwick Jones
University of Georgia Press, 1966 - Law - 626 pages
p.427-428
Extract of a Letter from Dover from the Commissary Mr. [Ph.]
Von Reck to N.N. in A. dated 23 December [N.S.] 1733.
...
... The 23rd at 1 o'Clock they
were debarqued and brought into a House whither they went in
due order 2 and 2 together with their Pilgrims Staff in their Hands,
singing their Hymn of Exile and had there a very good Dinner.
After that a Charity of the Society was distributed among them,
by the Reverend Mr. Butjenter 1 £ Sterling per Head. Likewise
hath this illustrious Society out of a particular Favour made them
a present of 5 £ Sterling and of another Benefactor from London
was given them half a Crown per Head by the said Reverend Mr.
Butjenter. ...
=======================================================================
(Jones, George Fenwick, Detailed Reports on the Salzburger Emigrants, Vol. 1 (1968), p.56-58)
...
The 7th [of March 1734]. Although we had a favorable wind the ship will not
proceed to Charleston but will anchor in a safe place and remain
there until we get a pilot who can lead us to our destination. We
got leave to go to Charleston with the captain in a sloop ...
...
The 8th of March [1734]. Adverse winds did not permit us to return
to our ship in the sloop, although we had left the harbor. A shoe-
maker from Nürnberg, who had come to America a few months
earlier told us that not only had they been at sea for fifteen weeks
but also a great storm had broken all of their water barrels save
one. And, when all of the sixty persons aboard were near death
for lack of water, God had taken mercy on them and had sent an
unusually hard rain so that they could fill many barrels and thus
escape death. As there are opportunities in Charleston to reach
Pennsylvania, we wrote a letter to Mr. Siron. We hope he will
visit us, since we will need him for a number of reasons.
The 9th. Today our dear Father brought us back to our flock
[on shipboard], which caused great rejoicing. God had kept all
of them in good health, and they had provided edification for
each other from the Word of God, ...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Jones, George Fenwick, Detailed Reports on the Salzburger Emigrants, Vol. 2 (1968), p.26-27)
The 10th, Dec. [1734] Yesterday evening we had, quite unexpectedly,
a violent thunderstorm with severe lightning and rain which
lasted nearly all night. The people who have lived in this region
for some time do not consider this unusual. Instead, they point
out that a thunderstorm at this time is usually followed by much
rain and cold weather. A German, who with his wife has been
living for some time in Philadelphia, brought me a letter from
Mr. Siron, of Philadelphia.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Source: Franckesche Stiftungen zu Halle, Studienzentrum A. H. Francke, Archiv: AFSt/M 1 E 2 : 90)
Brief von Friedrich Michael Ziegenhagen an Gotthilf August Francke.
Datum: 10.01.1735 [10 January 1735]
Form: Ausfertigung
Ort: Kensington <London>
Sprache: deutsch
Bericht über Gespräche mit [A. G.] Spangenberg zu den Ereignissen an der Theologischen Fakultät Halle und seinem Entschluss, mit den Herrnhutern nach Amerika auszuwandern; Informationen zu Herrnhutern, zum Tagebuch von [J. M.] Boltzius, zur Besoldung der Missionare in Madras und zur Kollektensammlung an der Hofkapelle; Dank für die Nachricht von den letzten Stunden [J. M.] Mischkes; Kurznachrichten vom Unglück der Eltern [S.] Sirons und von einem heftigen Sturm über England.
English translation of last sentence:
Short messages concerning the misfortunes of the parents of [S.] Siron and a major storm over England.
Note: The complete text of that part of the letter pertaining to Simon Siron was provided by Jürgen Gröschl of the Franckesche Stiftungen zu Halle in an email dated December 16, 2011:
"Den 7. Januar [1735] haben die Eltern des Ihnen bekannten Simon Sirons, der itzo in Philadelphia ist, und sich verheiratet hat, das Unglück gehabt, das ihr Haus nebst andern abgebrannt ist."
English translation:
"On the 7th of January [1735] the parents of Simon Siron, whom you know well and who is in Philadelphia now and got married, had the misfortunes that their house burned down amongst others."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Reports of the United German Evangelical Lutheran Congregations in North America, specially in Pennsylvania (1882), p.84-87)
VIII.
The Letter of the Three Congregations.
Philadelphia, Feb. 28th, 1735.
Most Worthy, Most Learned, Most Honored Professor :
Your own most acceptable communication to us, and Mr. Weisiger's
verbal statements, have convinced us of the great pains and anxiety
with which your Reverence has prosecuted, and still proposes to prose-
cute the work, both of collecting benevolent contributions in our aid
and of sending us an ordained pastor for our congregations. For this,
your fatherly interest on our behalf, we offer our most humble thanks,
and beg you to continue to extend to our congregations your co-opera-
tion in promoting the Glory of God. Mr. Weisiger, having sailed
from England to Georgia in company with certain Salzburg emigrants,
has now come back to us. We learn from his statements as well as
from certain written documents, that divers unjust reports about our
Evangelical Lutheran congregations are circulated both in Germany
and in England. But under the Grace of God we find comfort in our
own innocence. We know very well that the great enemy, the devil,
is always striving, through the operations of his lying progeny, to dis-
turb the Kingdom of God, and to hinder the growth of Christianity.
We have begged Pastor Ziegenhagen, Court Chaplain, to use his influ-
ence with the Royal Society, so that Pastor Bolzius may be authorized
to investigate our condition, which is, in fact, so lamentable that any
description of it must fall far short of the reality. People of a worldly
spirit cannot understand the miseries that oppress our religious life in
consequence of the lack of churches and schools. We, however, have
to make the sad experience that, for this very reason, our children are
betrayed into all kinds of crooked ways, and that those who, at first,
encouraged us to hope that they would help us in advancing the inter-
ests of true religion, afterwards turned out to be its destroyers.
Mr. Siron, who is not unknown to you, is one example of such char-
acters. When this man first came among us, the prospect of his use-
fulness in many of our congregations was quite promising; for he
was known in Halle and also in other parts. But in a short time
he broke off from the congregation altogether ; and now seeks to pass
himself off as one inspired. He cries out against all the exercises of
public worship without exception ; says that it is better to build sta-
bles than to erect churches ; and strives, by his slanders and his lying
letters, to make us odious everywhere.
...
In conclusion, we thank your Reverence for the books you have so
kindly sent us. In our spiritual hunger and thirst they have been a
great refreshment for us. We humbly beg that your tender sympathy
and your activity in promoting our spiritual welfare may be continued :
and may our gracious God not only bless but also richly reward your
faithful" labors in His Name !
With profoundest sentiments of sincere respect we remain your Rev-
erence's most humble servants, the present Wardens of the Evangelical
Lutheran congregations at Philadelphia, New Hanover and Providence
in Pennsylvania.
John F. Hartmann, Thomas Meyer,
Henry Miller, Albrecht Haasse,
Christian Sackreuder, Jan George.
A Monsieur Franke,
Professeur en Theologie et Ministre de la Parole de Dieu a Halle.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Heinrich Melchior Mühlenberg, Patriarch der lutherischen Kirche Nordamerikas: Selbstbiographie, 1711-1743 (1881), p.217)
Boltzius an Prof. Francke 28. März a. St. 1735 : „Aus Penn-
sylvanien haben wir seit der Abreise des Herrn Weisiger von
uns keine Nachricht gehabt, obwohl an den Herrn Siron in Phi=
ladelphia etlichemal geschrieben worden. ...
Rough English translation:
Boltzius to Prof. Francke, 28 March 1735: "Since the departure of Mr. Weisiger, we have had no report from Pennsylvania, although we have written to Mr. Siron in Philadelphia several times."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Reports of the United German Evangelical Lutheran Congregations in North America, specially in Pennsylvania (1882), p.87-88)
IX.
Under date of July 6th, 1735, G. A. Francke replied to the forego-
ing letter [of Feb. 28th, 1735] of the wardens ; and having stated that he would rejoice if
Mr. Bolzius should visit them and make the investigation they speak
about ; because, in the meantime, sad accounts had been received from
America, he then continues : " I deeply regret that Mr. Siron has fallen
into such extravagant notions — yet in view of the fact, that in his very
temperament he is rash and inconsiderate, it is not much to be won-
dered at. Possibly, Pastor Bolzius may succeed in bringing him back
to the right way ; for in his earlier years he had made a good begin-
ning. As to the rest Dr. Ziegenhagen will do his best, with the Divine
Help, to supply you with an ordained pastor. Although no collection
can be undertaken in this country without the royal permission, yet we
have received from several benevolent friends, as voluntary offerings
for the building of churches and schoolhouses, the sum of 425 Thaler,
of which 72 Thaler, 9 Groschen, 3 Pfennige have been paid out here, by
order of Mr. Weisiger. About St. Michael's day I propose to send the
balance, 352 Th., 14 Gr., 9 Pf., by Bill of Exchange to Dr. Ziegenha-
gen. Efforts have been made to take a collection for the same pur-
poses in Denmark ; but, so far, Without success. Still, we cherish the
hope that some good friends of the cause in that country will freely
forward their own contributions.
It appears also that the preacher Schultz is still running up and
down Germany, and that contributions for the building of your churches
have, here and there, been placed in his hands ; in Cleve he is said to
have received 50 Thalers. Whether he transmits any of these funds
to the contemplated object I am not able to say ; but I have a suspi-
cion that he keeps it for his own uses. This I cannot help ; since he is
constantly passing along from place to place, so that I am not able to
find him. I appeal to you, my dear sirs, to do what you can so as to
arrest this mischief.
P. S. — I am just now informed that Pastor Mayer, of this city has
received 200 Thalers, additional, given towards the building of your
churches and school-houses. This money shall be forwarded at once.
And I have yet to add, that a further contribution of 100 Thalers has
been received from Moscow, and nearly as much from Silesia.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Salzburg, Halle, Nordamerika: ein zweisprachiges Find- und Lesebuch zum Georgia-Archiv der Franckeschen Stiftungen, Volume 4 of Hallesche Quellenpublikationen und Repertorien (1999), p.224-225)
AFSt/M 5 A 3 : 11
Brief von Johann Martin Boltzius an Gotthilf August Francke, in dem er ausführlich die wirtschaftlichen Verhältnisse der Gemeinde Ebenezer beschreibt, auf das Zusammenleben mit den Herrnhutern eingeht sowie seine Heirat bekanntgibt.
Datum: 01.09.1735
Form: Ausfertigung
Ort: Ebenezer
Sprache: deutsch
...
72 Die Salzberger aus Ebenezer werden
von den Herrnhutern in Savannah einge-
laden und über Nacht beherbergt, wenn sie
aus geschäftlichen Gründen in dieser Stadt
sind.
Boltzius ist aber sicher, daß sie sich von
deren Anschauungen nicht beeinflussen
lassen.
73 Man hört von ihnen nur daß sie fleißig arbeiten, still zusammen leben, mit wenig Kost auskommen, täglich geistliche Übungen und sonntags Gottesdienst abhalten. Zwar würde Spangenberg lieber mit den Indianern ins Gebirge reisen, um ihre Sprache zu lernen, geht aber, seinem Versprechen gemäß, nach Pennsylvania.
Darüber hat Boltzius Weisiger infor-
miert. Er hätte auch Siron geschreiben,
doch werfen sich Siron und Weisiger ge-
genseitig persönliche Verfehlungen vor. So
weiß Boltzius nicht, an wen er sich halten
soll.
74 Die Situation Ebenezers erlaubt es Bolt-
zius oder Gronau nicht, nach Pennsylva-
nia zu reisen.
English translation:
72 The Salzbergers from Ebenezer are in-
vited by the Herrnhuters in Savannah and
provided overnight lodging when they have
business in that city.
Boltzius is absolutely certain that they
will not be influenced by the Herrnhuters'
views.
73 The only thing heard about them is that
the Herrnhuters are hard-working, live together quietly, live on little food, and that they conduct spiritual exercises daily and on Sundays hold their worship services. Although Spangenberg would rather travel with the Indians into the mountains in order to learn their language, he is still
going to Pennsylvania as he promised.
Boltzius informed Weisiger about that.
He also would have written to Siron,
but Siron and Weisiger make accusations
against each other. Thus, Boltzius does not
know to whom he should turn.
74 The situation in Ebenezer does not allow
for Boltius or Gronau to travel to Pennsyl-
vania.
...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Mühlenberg, Patriarch der lutherischen Kirche Nordamerikas (1881), p.218)
Am 26. September 1735 schreibt Francke, daß bei ihm von
Philadelphia aus keine weitern Schritte geschehen, in zwei nächst-
folgenden Briefen handelt es sich wieder um die Recognosci=
rungsreise, Boltzius aber hat durchaus keinen Zug dahin, wie
ein Brief vom 1. September a. St. 1735 es auch unumwunden
ausspricht. Der Herrnhuter Spangenberg hat sich in Ebenezer
eingefunden, er hat Brüderkolonisten nach Georgia gebracht, sein
Sinn aber steht nach Pennsylvanien : Er wird freilich daselbst
seinen Anhang finden, und vielleicht läßt er sich's gefallen gar
da zu bleiben, wenn der Anhang stark wird, weil er daselbst wohl
eher zu seinem Zweck kommen möchte als in Georgien Dem
Mstr. Weisiger habe von seinem Vorhaben Nachricht gegeben
und würde noch mehr an den Herrn Siron deshalb geschrieben
haben, wenn ich wüßte, wie ich recht mit diesem daran wäre.
Weisiger beschreibt den Herrn Siron als einen Mann, der von
einer Stufe zur andern gefallen sei, welches ich aber aus Si-
ron's Briefe nicht schließe : hingegen dieser beschreibt den Weisiger
als einen Erzheuchler und schlimmen Mann, sein Weib
aber als eine sehr schändliche Person, die viel Aergerniß gebe. ...
---------------------------------------------------
(Salzburg, Halle, Nordamerika: ein zweisprachiges Find- und Lesebuch zum Georgia-Archiv der Franckeschen Stiftungen, Volume 4 of Hallesche Quellenpublikationen und Repertorien (1999), p.229)
AFSt/M 5 A 3 : 5
Brief von Gotthilf August Francke an Johann Martin Boltzius, in dem er seine Unterstützung für die Umsiedlung der Salzburger in Georgia ausdrückt, sich über den fehlenden Briefkontakt nach Pennsylvania wundert und auf das Problem der Herrnhuter in Amerika eingeht.
Ort: Halle
Datum: 26.09.1735
Form: Entwurf
Art: Brief
Sprache: deutsch
...
37 Francke meint, daß sich die Salzburger gegenwärtig nicht vor den Spaniern zu fürchten brauchen, da zwischen England und Spanien Frieden herrscht. Er wundert sich, daß es kaum Briefkontakt zwischen Boltzius sowie Weisiger und Siron in Pennsylvania gibt.
38 Francke hat bezüglich der Auswahl eines
Predigers für Pennsylvania noch nichts
weiter unternommen.
English translation:
37 Francke thinks that the Salzburgers cur-
rently do not need to fear the Spaniards, because there is peace between England and Spain. He is surprised that there is barely any correspondence between Boltzius and Weisiger or with Siron in Pennsylvania.
38 Francke has not yet taken any further
action concerning the choice of a minister
for Pennsylvania.
...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related entries in Boltzius' diary regarding Gemig/Grurg and Siron:
Jones, George Fenwick, Detailed Reports on the Salzburger Emigrants, Vol. 2 (1968):
p.183
The 22nd, Oct. [1735] ...
p.184
... As I [Boltzius] was about to
enter the boat in Abercorn I met an Englishman who brought
me greetings from a merchant and Indian Trader and said that
he had sent me a few bushels of peas as a present which I might
pick up in Savannah at the next opportunity. This new proof
of divine care awakened in us great joy and praise of God during
the boat trip. ...
p.186
[Note: after a long discussion on other matters, Boltzius repeated himself.]
... Just as I was getting in the boat, I was greeted
by an Englishman who brought me greetings from a merchant
and Indian Trader and said that the latter had sent me . . .
bushels of peas which I could have someone pick up in Savannah
at the first opportunity.
All these examples of Divine Providence that we experienced
awakened us on the boat to joy and praise of God. I also
received letters from Mr. Causton, some of which he had received
from Charleston and some from Philadelphia. [The letters from
Pennsylvania were from a merchant named Gemig [called Grurg in entry of Jun. 9, 1736], who was in
Ebenezer a while ago with Mr. Weisiger.** In them I was again
asked to make the trip to Philadelphia for the benefit of the
Lutheran people there, and also to answer the letters that the
congregation there had written me. However, I know nothing
of such letters, except that Mr. Weisiger referred to them some
time ago in his letter.] ...
**Note: Weisiger had accompanied the second transport of Salzburgers
to Ebenezer. Their ship left Gravesend on Nov. 18, 1734 and arrived at
Charleston on Dec. 16, 1734. They arrived at Savannah on December 30th,
and at Ebenezer on Jan. 13, 1735.
------------------
Jones, George Fenwick, Detailed Reports on the Salzburger Emigrants, Vol. 3 (1968):
p.152
Wednesday, the 9th of June [1736]. I received a letter from the mer-
chant Grurg [called Gemig in entry of Oct. 22, 1735], who has his business in Pennsylvania. He was sur-
prised that the letters written to me by the Evangelical congregation
in Philadelphia had not heard, as he had heard, arrived. He also com-
plained that the seeds that were sent to us from there long ago have
been detained until now in Charleston, from where he is now
sending them. [He has a very bad opinion of Mr. Siron and his
sympathy with all sorts of sects, and he also reports that Mr. Span-
genberg is lodging in his house and stands in high credit with the
Schwankfelders.]
[Note: The index of volume 3 indicates Spangenberg visited Grurg, but the
actual text is ambiguous: "... Mr. Spangenberg is lodging in his house ..."
To whom does his refer, Grurg or Siron? Answer: Siron]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Mühlenberg, Patriarch der lutherischen Kirche Nordamerikas (1881), p.219)
Ziegenhagen nach Ebenezer 7. Juli 1736: „Die Furcht, die
Herr Boltzius wegen Herrn Weisigers hat, nämlich daß sein
Schönthun grobe Heuchelei [hypocrisy] sei, ist nur zu viel gegründet. Par=
ticularia davon anzuführen würde mehr Zeit erfordern als ich
jetzt ersparen kann. Wie es mit Herrn Siron ablaufen wird,
nachdem er anfängt zu glauben, daß ihm durch Gottfried Ar-
nold's Kirchen- und Ketzerhistorie die Augen aufgegangen und
er die rechte Beschaffenheit der rechten christlichen Kirche und des
wahren Christenthums daraus erkennen lernen, wird die Zeit
lehren. Ich bin wenigstens wegen der großen Weisheit, die er
zu Beurtheilung des Wortes Gottes, der heiligen Sakramente,
des Predigtamtes; sonderlich unbekehrter Prediger, erlangt zu
haben vermeint, seinethalben billig in Sorgen."
---------------------------
(Salzburg, Halle, Nordamerika: ein zweisprachiges Find- und Lesebuch zum Georgia-Archiv der Franckeschen Stiftungen, Volume 4 of Hallesche Quellenpublikationen und Repertorien (1999), p.251-252)
AFSt/M 5 A 3 : 20
Brief von Friedrich Michael Ziegenhagen an Johann Martin Boltzius und Israel Christian Gronau, in dem er über die Entscheidung hinsichtlich der Umsiedlung der Gemeinde Ebenezer, über die Mißbilligung Vats und v. Recks durch die Trustees, über einige Spenden für die Salzburger sowie den Wunsch der Trustees, Boltzius solle das Amt eines weltlichen Gemeindevorstehers übernehmen, informiert.
Datum: 07.07.1736
Form: Abschrift
Ort: Kensington <London>
Sprache: deutsch
...
141 Auch Ziegenhagen glaubt, daß Weisi-
ger ein Heuchler ist. Siron meint, nach der
Lektüre von Gottfried Arnolds Kirchen-
und Ketzerhistorie35 das wahre Christen-
tum erkannt zu haben; es bleibt abzuwar-
ten, wie er sich entwickelt. Ziegenhagen warnt aber vor Sirons Eigensinn. Ziegenhagen hat kurzfristig erfahren, daß die Trustees nicht nur Vats, sondern auch v. Recks Verhalten mißbilligen. Von Reck wird daher seine 500 Acker Land nicht bei den Salzburgern, sondern in einer anderen
Gegend erhalten. Dies hat das Ziel, daß
weder Vat noch v. Reck weiter Befehlsge-
walt über die Salzburger haben.
Die Trustees bitten Boltzius, das Amt
des Vorstehers der Salzburger zu über-
nehmen, bis eine geeignete Person aus
deren Reihen gefunden wurde.
______
35 Arnold, Gottfried: Gottfrid Arnolds Unpartey-
ische Kirchen- und Ketzer-Historie [Z.B.]
Frankfurt a. M. 1729.
English translation:
141 Ziegenhagen also believes that Weisi-
ger is a hypocrite. After reading Gottfried
Arnold's History of Church and Heresy,35
Siron believes to have found true Christi-
anity. It remains to be seen how he will
develop, but Ziegenhagen warns about Siron's willfulness. Ziegenhagen has recently learned that the Trustees not only disapprove of Vat's, but also of von Reck's conduct. Therefore, von Reck will not get his 500 acres of land near the Salzburgers, but in another region.
The goal is that neither Vat nor von Reck
will have any further jurisdiction over the
Salzburgers.
The Trustees ask Boltzius to take over
the office as head of the Salzburger com-
munity until they find a suitable person from
within their own ranks.
_______
35 Arnold, Gottfried: Gottfrid Arnolds Unparteyische
Kirchen- und Ketzer-Historie (Gottfrid Arnold's
Imperial History of Church and Heresy). [E. g.]
Frankfurt a. M. 1729
...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://digital.francke-halle.de/fsha/content/titleinfo/363703
BIBLIOGRAPHIC METADATA
Title
Brief von Johann Martin Boltzius an Gotthilf August Francke über die weiterhin schwierige wirtschaftliche Lage der Gemeinde Ebenezer, die Herrnhuter Gemeinde in Savannah sowie die moralische Situation in Pennsylvania.
Author Boltzius, Johann Martin
Recipient Francke, Gotthilf August
Named persons ... Siron, Simon; Spangenberg, August Gottlieb ...
Place / Date Ebenezer, Ga., 06.10.1736
Language German
Shelf mark AFSt/M 5 A 3 : 27
Subjects (Geographical) Alatamaha River ; Augsburg ; Deutschland ; Ebenezer, Ga. ; Frederica, Ga. ; Georgia ; Halle (Saale) ; London ; New York, NY ; Pennsylvania ; Savannah, Ga.
URN urn:nbn:de:gbv:ha33-1-137369 Persistent Identifier (URN)
LINKS
Pages [1] 199 to [4] 202
https://digital.francke-halle.de/fsha/content/wpage/364205
page 4 of 4 of this letter
... Herr Spangenberg hat sich lange in
Pensylvanien aufgehalten, ist von dort nach Neu York gereiset, und wird
endlich, wo es noch nicht geschehen, nach den dänischen Inseln reisen,
und denn wieder nach Savannah kommen. Seit dem er in Pensylvanien
ist, habe ich von Herrn Siron keine Zeile erhalten, von einem Kauffmann
aber erfahren, daß Herr Spangenb. in seinem (des Sirons) Haus logirt
habe. Ich hatte den Herrn Siron ausdrückl. gebeten, mir etwas von
seinem dortigen Verhalten zu melden. Auch schreibt Weisiger nicht.
So viel hört man, daß alles jämmerl. daselbst aussehen soll: Die
Leute haben gute Lebens Mittel, viele Freyheit, und also leben die
so von ihrer Lutherschen Religion noch nicht abfallen, in aller Frech-
heit und Boßheit. Ein Lehrer würde einen Wald voll Unkraut
daselbst finden, und vieleicht wenig ausrichten. ...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Reports of the United German Evangelical Lutheran Congregations in North America, specially in Pennsylvania (1882), p.93-95)
XV.
Philadelphia, Dec. 6th, 1736.
To the Rev. Prof. Dr. G. A. Francke.
Most Worthy, Most Learned, Most Honored Professor.
Your Reverence's most acceptable letter of July 6th, 1735 [see IX above], came
safely to hand Oct. 24th, 1736; and although we have often been re-
minded of our obligation to answer it, yet we have not been able to re-
turn such answer even until the present time. All along our purpose
has been to send a call at the same time with our answer ; but we con-
fess, with sorrow, that until this day we have not been in a position to
do so ; for Satan has been striving, sometimes in this way, sometimes
in that, to distract and break up our congregation. In these operations
Mr. Siron has done whatever he could ; for he has not only instigated
Mr. Schultz to arrest our work in sending our collectors to secure help
for our congregations, but he has also endeavored otherwise to create
divisions ; and by false representations sent to the Court Chaplain Zie-
genhagen, he has sought to oppose the undertaking. However, although
as the result of all this, our congregation is becoming weaker, still, we
persevere in our ardent desire to secure a faithful pastor, either by the
help of your Reverence or by that of Dr. Ziegenhagen. Yet we must
confess that the condition of our congregation is much worse than we
are able to describe in a letter.
For the purpose of getting some one to hear truthful testimony con-
cerning our condition we have invited Mr. Bolzius to visit us, and re-
quested Dr. Ziegenhagen to permit him so to do; yet, we have had no
answer. In order, however, to come to something definite, we have
written, under the present date, to Dr. Ziegenhagen and made this
proposition, that as we can send neither money nor a call. Dr. Ziegen-
hagen, with the co-operation of your Reverence, should send us a com-
petent pastor, defraying his traveling expenses and paying his salary
for one year, out of the funds that may be collected for us in Europe,
in order that he may investigate our circumstances, and then furnish a
truthful report. In this letter we make the same request of your Rev-
erence, hoping that you will do for us whatever lies in your power.
We know no other means of relief and defence against the falsehoods
that have been circulated. As to the money that may be contributed
on behalf of these congregations, our opinion is, that it should be in-
vested in land or put out at interest, that the revenue may be appro-
priated to the support of pastors and teachers ; that the congregations
should do whatever they can in addition, and that the matter of per-
quisites should be distinctly agreed upon. We solicit an expression of
your Reverence's views upon these points.
Mr. Siron has persecuted Mr. Weisiger with much violence and
brought heavy charges against him ; of which, however, we have until
this day, seen no proof; on the contrary we hope that all will turn out
well. Mr. Weisiger has bound himself to repay the 72 Thaler, 9 Gr.,
8 Pf., which your Excellency has advanced to the book-binder, Foss-
graf. (See App. No. IX and XIV.) The volumes which your Rev-
erence has presented and those that were purchased, have been re-
ceived recently. For the active beneficence manifested we return our
hearty thanks to your Reverence, and wish you the rich blessing of
the Lord.
Some immigrants who have arrived lately, have informed us about
what happened to Mr. Schultz at Nürnberg. " If your Reverence should
have an opportunity to secure the 600 Gulden which were given to
him for our congregation, and afterwards taken from him, we know that
your Reverence will be as ready to serve us in this matter as you have
been in so many others already. Until this day Mr. Schultz has sent
us nothing ; and probably he is not willing to do so.
If any additional contributions for us should be placed in your Rev-
erence's hands, you will yourself know how to dispose of them so as to
be most useful for our congregations. As your Reverence has in-
formed us that Pastor Maier has taken much interest in our welfare,
we have felt bound to address a letter to him, which we enclose in this
one, begging you to forward it to him.
We commend ourselves to your continued sympathy, both in en-
couraging the collection of money and in securing a good and faithful
pastor ; and upon the ending of the old year and the beginning of the
new, wishing you the blessing of God in soul and body, in your person
and in your family, we remain your most obedient servants.
The wardens of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregations at Phila-
delphia, New Hanover and Providence, in Pennsylvania.
John Geo. Herger, Thomas Meyer, Adam H. Dod, John N. Croes-
mann, Jacob Schrack, (Geo. Hollebach had died).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Mühlenberg, Patriarch der lutherischen Kirche Nordamerikas (1881), p.219)
G. A. Francke nach Ebenezer 8. Februar 1737: ...
Vermuthlich möchte sich auch wohl Herr Siron nach seinem hitzigen
Naturell von dem Herrn Spangenberg haben einnehmen
lassen, und wer weiß, wohin etwa des Herrn Grafen von Zin=
zendorf Absichten gehen. ...
------------------------
(Salzburg, Halle, Nordamerika: ein zweisprachiges Find- und Lesebuch zum Georgia-Archiv der Franckeschen Stiftungen, Volume 4 of Hallesche Quellenpublikationen und Repertorien (1999), p.272-273)
5 A 3 : 38
Brief von Gotthilf August Francke an Jo-
hann Martin Boltzius, in dem er Thilo als
Nachfolger für Zwiffler ankündigt und auf
die weiterhin schwierige Situation in
Ebenzer eingeht.
English tanslation:
Letter from Gotthilf August Francke to Jo-
hann Martin Boltzius in which he an-
nounces Thilo as successor for Zwiffler and
addresses the continuing difficult situation
in Ebenezer.
Ort: Halle Sp: deutsch
Dat: 08.02. 1737 eingeb: ja
Art: Brief Bemerk
Form: Entwurf
...
245 Francke vermutet, daß Siron unter dem
Einfluß Spangenbergs steht und daß sich
Zinzendorf mit seiner Frau, die ihm nach
England nachgereist ist, nach Pennsylva-
nia begeben wird.
...
English translation:
245 Francke assumes that Siron is under
Spangenberg's influence and that Zinzen-
dorf and his wife, who followed him to Eng-
land, will go to Pennsylvania.
...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Reports of the United German Evangelical Lutheran Congregations in North America, specially in Pennsylvania (1882), p.98-100)
[June 18th, 1737]
XIX.
To the Wardens at Philadelphia, New Hanover and Providence.
My Dear and Honored Sirs:
Your very good letter of Dec. 6th, 1736, was transmitted to me by
the Rev. Court Chaplain Ziegenhagen, and I have learned from it that
you yourselves and other members of your congregations in Pennsyl-
yania continue to cherish a desire for a competent and faithful pastor.
For my part, I should most willingly help you in this matter if any-
one could be found who would be willing to serve you under the cir-
cumstances you have described. But, my dear sirs, consider your-
selves, that although there may be men in this country who are not
swayed by temporal calculations, yet they might not be strongly in-
clined to go to a place where, as yet, there is no regular organization at
all, and where they must ever anticipate that if they should not prove
to be acceptable, they will have to retrace their long journey again in
a short time. It would not help you if we were to send a young man
who has had no experience. In this country there are many divers
opportunities of useful service offered to all competent and experienced
men ; and, therefore, even though a man may not take mere temporal
considerations into account, he may not be easily persuaded to accept
the offer of a position in which it is uncertain whether he can effect
any good, whilst many positions are offered to him in this country
where he may employ his powers and his gifts so as to lead to useful
results. Under these circumstances, and because amongst you there is
no provision made for the pastor's support, and other regular arrange-
ments cannot be effected, I cannot encourage you, my dear sirs, to ex-
pect that I will be able to secure any pastor for you.
I have written to Pastor Boltzius several times, requesting him, if
possible, to undertake a journey to Pennsylvania and gather informa-
tion on the spot concerning the Evangelical congregations. But he
has answered me, that under the existing circumstances of his own
congregation at Ebenezer, he could not well absent himself from his
post. We must therefore wait patiently to see if the thing can yet be
done; for, indeed, I have indulged the hope that by this means the
way might be opened to provide better things.
I am sorry Mr. Siron has been the cause of any disturbance amongst
you. I deeply lament his departure from the right way which he had
followed whilst he was here [at Halle] with us, and I sincerely hope that here-
after he will help your work rather than hinder it.
The contributions yet in our hands, after deducting certain expenses,
amount to the sum of * * *.
I had hoped that by this time you would have established a regular
organization, so that this money might be applied in such manner as to
satisfy those who have contributed it. I have, therefore, retained pos-
session of whatever has been placed in my hands, because the donors
themselves might take it in bad part if I should transmit their contri-
bution without knowing how it was to be used. If you should not be
able to come to a regular organization, I shall forward the sum above
specified to Dr. Ziegenhagen, requesting him to dispose of it as he may
think proper.
You request me, my dear sirs, to use part of the money in my hands
for the purchase of certain books, to be sent to Captain Stedtman, in
Rotterdam, adding at the same time that these books ought to be in
Rotterdam very soon. But, specially, as I have no copies of the Mar-
burg Hymn Book at hand ; and, further, because you have not given
me the address of any person in Rotterdam who may deliver the books
to Captain Stedtman, who is probably not always there, I have hesi-
tated about collecting the books and sending them forward upon an
uncertainty.
As to the money which was taken from Preacher Schultz at Nürn-
berg, Senior Urlsperger informs me that it amounted to 520 Guldens.
Some time ago he sent me word that he would transmit this money to
England, which I doubt not he has already done. However, I will
myself write to Senior Urlsperger upon the subject.
As to the rest, in my very heart I hope that God will regard the
trying circumstances of your congregations, that the sighing of those
whose earnest souls yearn after better things may reach His ears,
and that He may send them help according to their need. For the
present, I can give you no higher hope than I allow myself to indulge.
Otherwise, as I may be able to do so, I shall willingly contribute all
that lies in mv power to the building up of your Evangelical congre-
gations. In submission to the guidings of God's grace, and wdth best
wishes for the Divine favor, I remain, my dear sirs, ever your willing
servant,
G. A. Francke.
Halle, June 18th, 1737.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Reports of the United German Evangelical Lutheran Congregations in North America, specially in Pennsylvania (1882), p.101-104)
XXI.
Letter of the three congregations in Pennsylvania, addressed to the
Rev. Court Chaplain, Ziegenhagen, in London, Oct. 15th, 1739 :
Most Reverend, Most Honored Chaplain.
Your letter of Sept. 26th, 1738, was duly delivered by Preacher
Klug, and has been read with sincere respect. It seems, from your
letter, as if you had not had any letter or answer from us for a long
time, although your letter of Feb. 4th, 1736, was answered by us on
Dec. 6th, 1736. Your letter had first been broken open by Mr. Siron,
and then handed to us ; but since then we have not had any answer
or letter from him. So, for our part, we did not know what to do in
the matter. But now we see from your last letter that was handed to
us by Preacher Klug, that it looks as if you had never received our let-
ter of Dec. 6th, 1736. We will then, in this place, write for your Rev-
erence and for Prof Francke, what our fixed opinion is about the call-
ing of a preacher ; because, your Reverence says in your letter, that
we should, by all means, write to you openly and honestly, and en-
deavor, by all means, to come to a brotherly union amongst ourselves.
...
In the meantime we commend you to the care and gracious guidance
of God ; and continuing to rely upon your fatherly sympathy, we re-
main your Reverence's obedient children in the Lord, the Wardens
and Elders of the three congregations at Philadelphia, etc.
Henry Nilber, Thomas Meyer, Matthew Ringer.
George Beck, John N. Croessman, Jacob Schrack.
P. S. — We yet add, that the change in the names of the subscribers,
which your Reverence will notice, is, because the congregations have
elected new officers in place of the former ones.
Also, when you direct a letter to us, it should be delivered or ad-
dressed to Michael Hellengass, in Second Street, Philadelphia, who
will deliver it to us.
==============================================================
Note: See also
https://digital.francke-halle.de/search/quick?query=Siron
Six results.