The Commanding Officer Of The U.S. Armory In Springfield, Massachusetts, Asks A Bishops Help In Hiring A Pastor

(SPRINGFIELD ARMORY). ALS. 1pg. November 26, 1818. U.S. Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts. An autograph letter signed Roswell Lee by the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. Lee wrote to Alexander Viets Griswold, Episcopal Bishop of the Eastern Diocese (New England), asking Griswolds help in finding a pastor for a new church. Revd. Sir You have doubtless heard of the endeavor to form & establish an Episcopal Church in this town and I know of no place which offers so fair an opening for the permanent Establishment of a Respectable branch of our holy Church, but I very much fear we shall fail for the want of a parson to minister to us in holy things. I have thought it my duty Sir to apply to you as the temporal head of the church in this Diocese, to aid us in procuring a suitable Man to perform the duties of clergyman at this place, your own Judgment will dictate what manner of man he ought to be, when you are informed that a portion of his hearers will be composed of characters as Respectable as any in the State. It is not necessary to say that he must be a man of piety, prudence, education, Abilities, and of unblemished Reputation. If you can aid us in obtaining such a man I believe we can safely promise you a reputable addition to your Diocese and afford him a Salary equal to of 1.000 dollar per annum. Please have the goodness to let me hear from you soon as convenient. With profound Respect Sit I am your Obt humble Servt Roswell Lee. The letter is in good condition, with a hold in the address leaf and minor wear otherwise.