The situation in which Providence hath placed me, and the blessings with which my labours in this City have been attended, would render me extremely culpable, were I to listen to any invitation, or to consent to any change except such an one, as bore the evidant traces of his own divine appointment.

     The destinies of my life, I have long since submitted to the God I serve! it is therefore my duty, and I can assert with truth that it is my inclination, to be disposed of agreeably to his will. Could I be convinced that the sphere of my usefulness would be enlarged, and the cause of the redeemer promoted by my removal to Virginia, I should think it criminal to hesitate a moment, or to indulge the least fear or apprehension.

     Your address to me upon the subject has excited my deepest attention, and has led me to seek most ardently the direction of heaven upon the occasion, and although I cannot consent, from my present impressions, to visit Richmond as you proposed, still I should not feel myself justifiable, were I to decline altogether the propositions you have made me.

     With respect to pecuniary matters, my present Establishment is so comfortable, that I stand in need of no change. Under this impression it would be imprudent in me, to hazard the alienation of my peoples regard, by looking for a Settlement, which perhaps may not be within the controul of my friends at the Southward! for a Man Sir, who has seen fifty years, to rush into such an experiment, would betray in my opinion a want of those solid principles, necessary to preserve the confidence of my old friends, and to secure the good opinion of those, with whose acquaintance I may hereafter be honored: in addition to which evil, it would discover also a wish to lead, instead of being led by Providence.

     Should the congregation of the Episcopal Church in the City of Richmond, from those representations of Character which they may have received of me, think proper to call me as their Rector, with a suitable support: and should the convention of the State of Virginia unite in my Election to the Episcopate: I should think it my duty to make them as early a visit as possible, in order to converse with the leading members of the church upon the subject, and to come to an immediate conclusion, with respect to the expediency of my removal.

     The Church in Virginia I have been informed is, from a variety of circumstances in a depressed situation! Should it fall to my lot to be appointed to watch over her Interests, my utmost energies shall be exerted in repairing her waste and desolate places. it is the society Sir, in whose bosom I was received at my baptism, and in whose religious peculiarities, I have been educated from my infancy! To see her lay by her weeds, and put on those beautiful garments in which Zion in her prosperity shall be arrayed, would convey to my mind sensations of the purest Joy. To promote this object, fidelity in her Clergy is an indispensible requisite; to produce this Effect they must be labourers in the vineyard of the Redeemer.

     Bishop Hobart of this Diocese, and the Clergy of this City, have been consulted upon the subject in question, and it is with pleasure I inform you, that should the measure you have in view be carried into effect, I have the pledge of their influence and their prayers. They profess a sincere regard for the interest of the church in Virginia, and will be rejoiced to see her placed in a prosperous & flourishing condition. Bishop Hobart has this moment left me, and intends to write to Richmond & to Mr Lee, with whom he was acquainted at College, upon the important Subject.

     You are aware I presume, that the General Convention will meet in Philadelphia in May next, should you therefore adopt the measures I have suggested, the solemnities of my consecration & settlement could be effected at that time.

     Please to present my most respectful complements to Mr Lee, with whom you are associated in this concern, & to whom I equally address myself in this communication, and believe me with sentiments of the greatest regard Dr Sir, Your faithful and obedient Servant