Posted
Posted
Revd. John Owen
10 Earl Street
Blackfriars
London
Buenos Ayres 11th May 1819
Revd. Sir
I wrote you on the 13th February, and hope my letter has come safely into your hands. Lest however any accident have befallen it I repeat my request for 200 Spanish New Testaments, 10 French and an equal number of Portuguese, German, and Italian; also four or five French Bibles with as many in Portuguese, Italian, and German. Such is the amount of what I requested in the above mentioned letter, and which I hope to circulate to advantage. Since writing you my expectations regarding their circulation have not been damped but encouraged, and if you have not sent off the above when this arrives you will favour me by adding 100 or 200 more Spanish Testaments. I would not wish however that the adding of these should be the means of delaying the other. Please address them to me to the care of "Messrs. John L Darby & Co. Buenos Ayres". Be so good as add on a few English Bibles.
I took occasion to mention to you the Spanish translation of the Bible by Scio. I have now read all the New Testament, and upon the whole like it well. The language is preferable to that of the Society's edition, being agreeable to present use or very nearly so, whilst several words and phrases in the Society's translation are obsolete. Where the Vulgate differs from the original the Greek is given in the notes with a Spanish translation. I submit to the Society (knowing their desire to improve their translation,) whether it would be better to take Scio and make some alterations on it, or to improve the translation they have already printed from, by means of Scio's. Regarding the Old Testament I cannot say much, as I have yet read but little of it. It is likely to possess the advantages of the New, and perhaps fewer of its disadvantages. There is, I believe, no other Spanish translation of this part of the Bible which merits any attention. The question then is, shall this translation now be printed and many thousands of the present generation benefited by it? – Or, shall none be printed till a better translation appear at risk of many years' delay?
On speaking with one of your Committee when in London about printing the Old Testament in Spanish, he said there was some difficulty of doing this without giving offence to the Catholics, by leaving out the Apocrypha. Touching this I have conversed with a priest here, and his opinion is, that it would be acceptable even without the Apocrypha. He also thinks it would not hurt the circulation of that much though Scio's text were corrected where the Vulgate differs from the original. I understand Mr. Bagster is going to print Scio's translation in his Polyglot. Perhaps it would be less expensive both to him and to the Bible Society were they to unite together in making the corrections above referred to.
So scarce is the above-mentioned translation here that I have not yet been able to procure a copy of the whole for my own use. None are to be found in the Bookseller's shops. Two copies of the New Testament I have met with, each in two volumes folio, containing also the text of the Vulgate. For one of them the bookseller asked 17 dollars, and for the other 20. – There are a few copies of parts of the New Testament to be met with in the shops: the Gospels by one translator, that the Epistles by another, the Acts of the Apostles by a third, &c. There is also a translation of the Psalms with the Latin in the same page. These parts sell for about two dollars each.
I formerly hinted to you and that it might not be disadvantageous to present your Reports, and some of your translations to the Public Library here. This perhaps may not be the mind of the Committee. Should it not, please let me know what the cost of your translations would amount to.
I shall be glad to hear from you regarding these matters if your valuable time will permit.
With much respect
I am Rev. Sir
Your Most Obt. Sert.
James Thomson.
Posted
The Revd. John Owen
10 Earl Street
Blackfriars
London
Buenos Ayres, 29th May 1820
Dear Sir,
I am quite ashamed at the length of time I have allowed to run by without directly acknowledging the receipt of the Bibles and Testaments you have committed to my care. I would plead by way of excuse, that I delayed a little that I might have somewhat more to tell you than simply that the Bibles had arrived. This short delay has grown into the present long one, partly by the political commotions we have had here of late, and partly by my being absent from this place for some weeks.
The two boxes containing the Bibles and Testaments arrived safely in the Ebenezer in January last. I immediately made all haste to get them landed by procuring the necessary licence from the ecclesiastical authority. I found no difficulty in procuring this, and accordingly brought them safe to my lodging, which I then considered as furnished with the riches in no ordinary degree.
Just three days after these were landed, the Ebenezer took fire, and I am sorry to add, was entirely destroyed with the remaining cargo which had not been discharged. Surely we have cause upon every occasion to open our mouth in thanksgiving to the Lord, but such a particular preservation of this precious treasure so near destruction calls on our part for particular gratitude and thanksgiving.
The versions for the Public Library of the city I did not present, from the causes above mentioned, till lately. On the 8th current I wrote to the Librarian, presenting the translations and reports to the Library, in the name of the British and Foreign Bible Society. I have the pleasure of saying they were very gratefully received, and I trust they will promote the objects which were in view in the presenting of them. I send you a translation of the letter I received from the Librarian.
"Buenos Ayres 15th May 1820
Sir,
I have received with very great satisfaction the twenty-six volumes of translations of the Bible in various languages, which the British and Foreign Bible Society of London, at your solicitation has presented to our Public Library. There is no praise which can come up to the merit of the Society, for having taken in hand to spread throughout all the world the Code of our Faith. In doing this it brings into light the source of all piety and morality, as the means of meliorating the condition of the Human Race; and every person of good sentiments must be filled with gratitude, when he reflects on the feelings which animate so benevolent a Society. I beg leave to thank you for the part you have taken in thus enriching our library, and shall be glad to serve you as far as lies in my power.
I am Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant,
(signed) Mariano Perdriel."
A vessel sales from this place for England in two or three weeks. With her I shall write you and shall then be more particular, as I am rather hurried at present. In the meantime I beg you to send me by the first opportunity 100 Portuguese Bibles, and 200 Portuguese New Testaments, as channels are opening to me here for conveying these into the Brazils.
Should you see Mr. Allen in the Committee soon after receiving this, have the goodness to tell him that the slates and pencils for the Lancastrian schools here have just come safely to hand.
I remain,
Dear Sir,
Very Respectfully Yours,
James Thomson.
P.S. Please address your letters to me to the care of Messrs. John Parish Robertson & Co. Buenos Ayres.
Posted
Buenos Aires, 5th June, 1820.[1]
I cannot be very particular as to all that has occurred to me since my arrival here, the outlines will be sufficient. I arrived on the 6th October, 1818, after a voyage from Liverpool of twelve weeks and three days, and except about a fortnight, was sick all the time. Soon after my arrival, I made proposals to the Government, regarding the introduction of the Lancasterian System of education. I received promises of meeting with every encouragement in this matter, but these promises, through neglect, were long in producing the desired effect. I was feeling the truth of Solomon's remark, "Hope deferred maketh the heart sad." Under these circumstances I was proposing to go into the interior, where I had more positive encouragement held out to me. Just at this time, by application at a better quarter than we had at first applied to, the arrangement was formed by which I was engaged by the magistrates to put their schools, in this city and neighbourhood, upon this plan. Since that time we have been doing more or less in this business, but things in general go on very slowly here, and besides, many political changes have retarded our operations.
Notwithstanding, however, I trust the foundation of a good work has been laid, by pursuing of which, I hope to see many thousands reaping the benefits of education, and imbibing the soundest principles of religion and morality from lessons selected from the Holy Scriptures. You will be surprised and pleased when I tell you, these lessons are entirely of my own selection, and printed in this place. In no case, regarding them, has there been any interference or hindrance on the part of the clergy or others. We have now a school going on, with upwards of 100 boys in it, and soon we expect to have others set a going. These things, my dear friend, fill me (as they will do you) with gratitude and thanksgiving. They are small things, in themselves considered, but taking into consideration all the circumstances of this country, they are great, and more especially when considered as a foundation for future operations.
In another respect also something has been done, I mean regarding the circulation of the Scriptures. I have got upwards of 400 Spanish New Testaments from the British and Foreign Bible Society, and these I have been able to land here without the smallest hindrance. Several of them have been already distributed, and have met with a ready reception. I have been able also to send some of them into various parts of the country here, and into Chile. Where the word of God circulates, we have every ground to look for good effects, though it may, like seed sown in the earth, appear for a while to be lost. By and by, however, the seed springs up, first the blade, then the ear, and lastly the full corn in the ear. So shall it be with the seed of the word of God, which shall not return void, but shall accomplish the will of God, in turning men from darkness to light.
We are in the midst of political commotions here at present, and have been so for some time past. The Lord, however, is the security of his people, he is the Governor among the nations, and all these changes will, I trust, lead to the promoting of his kingdom. Let us join in the prayer, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven."
For the present, farewell.
[1] James Thomson. Letters on the Moral and Religious State of South America (London: James Nisbet, 1827), pp.1-3.
Posted
Buenos Aires, 26th July, 1820.[1]
I have got the information contained in your letters, and the printed sheet translated into Spanish, and have presented it to the Magistrates, who have ordered it to be printed in the Buenos Aires Gazette.
I am happy to say the same favourable disposition towards our objects, continues to prevail in this place; and that from Monte Video I have lately received encouraging accounts, which, I hope, will lead to a commencement in that place. I went there about three months ago, to see what could be done. It so happened that General Lecor, the Portuguese Governor, to whom I had letters of introduction, was absent at Maldonado, with the two principal Magistrates. I explained my objects to the chief clergyman, a liberal man, and a particular friend of the Governor's. He promised to do all he could towards promoting our system of education on the Governor's return; and I some weeks ago received from him a copy of a letter, which the Magistrates addressed to him upon the subject, and of which I subjoin a translation.
Monte Video, 20th May, 1820
"Sir,— We have read with peculiar pleasure and attention the memorial which you had the goodness to send us, relative to the system of instruction established in Europe by Lancaster. We have the honour of communicating, that it has met with our particular esteem; and that in consequence, we have resolved to adopt the said system in this city, as soon as Mr. Thomson can come here from Buenos Aires, to commence it. Please communicate this to him, and express our sincere thanks to him for his zeal towards the youth of this province. May God preserve you many years.".
(Signed) Juan Duran Juan Correa, Juan F Giro, Lorenzo Peron, Manuel Vedal.
[1] James Thomson. Letters on the Moral and Religious State of South America (London: James Nisbet, 1827), pp.3-5; Sixteenth Report of the British and Foreign School Society (1823), p.125.
Posted
Revd. John Owen
Buenos Ayres 16th August 1820
Dear Sir
I am sorry the interval between my last letter and this has been so much longer than I intended. For some weeks an embargo laid on vessels in this Port prevented my writing, and some time has been lost in waiting for information which I expected from a person to whom I had intrusted some of the Spanish New Testaments. This information regarding their distribution and reception I believe to be interesting and would be encouraging to you, but I am still unable to give it. It shall however be detailed in a future letter if I can procure it.
Some months ago I went down to Monte Video for a short time, to promote in that place, as I have been doing here, the establishing of schools on the Lancasterian plan. I am happy to say my proposals there on that subject met with every attention. I need not inform you that the forwarding of this object is indirectly promoting that cause in which you are so earnestly and happily engaged. The Bible cannot, of course, be used by those who cannot read. He therefore who uses means anywhere that the youth may be taught to read, may be considered a pioneer to your Most Noble Society. The lamp which illuminates the world with the light of life seems placed on a tripod – the School Society, the Bible Society, and the Missionary Society. A threefold cord, says Solomon, is not quickly broken, and what has I threefold support cannot be easily overturned. How gratifying is it to all those who love Sion to see such numbers of the great and the good in our native Isle, inlist themselves under one or other or all of these banners. Blessings be on all them that love and seek the prosperity of Sion!
I took with me to Monte Video about 50 Span. N.T. and the few Portuguese ones you sent me. Some of these I distributed and the rest I left with a confidential person to be sold or distributed according to circumstances. I have lately learned that those in Portuguese are all gone. I wish I had had more of them. In my last letter I requested you to send me 100 Por. Bibles & 200 N. Test. I hope you will find it convenient to favour me with these. If some of them were varied in the binding and lettered on the back, it would greatly promote their sale. I came up from Monte Video in a Por. sloop of war, and on parting with the Capt. I presented him with one of the Por. Bibles which he very thankfully recd. Besides the 400 Spanish N.T. you sent me I have received from Sir Thomas Hardy, our Commodore here, one box containing nearly 200. In consequence of this I shall not need any further supply of these for the present. Sir Thomas has another box containing a like quantity which he intends to send around to Chile in one of the frigates.
Several months ago I sent by a friend going by sea to Chili, 40 New Test. one half of these I sent to a gentleman in Valparaiso, and the other half to a gentleman in Santiago the capital. I have not yet heard anything of their distribution. To a gentleman just sailed for the Western side of this continent, and who is going to touch had several places in Chili and Peru, I have given 100 Sp. Test. requesting him to sell or distribute them as circumstances offer, so as most effectually to promote the object which the Bible Society has in view.
In this place a few are sold or distributed from time to time; and some of these have made their way more than 100 leagues into the interior of the country. No obstacle arises here as yet to their distribution, and I have no thoughts that any will arise. The greater the degree of freedom is enjoyed here than our friends in England suppose.
I come now to say something about the printing of the whole Bible in Spanish. I have had several inquiries for it. I had a request from a father for four copies for his family. From all I can learn I think it would meet with a good or rather a better reception than the N. Test. alone. The translation you should print from is that of Scio, of which I have spoken to you more than once. You could easily get a copy of it to print from by sending to Cadiz. The last edition is to be preferred. I think it would be proper to make some alterations in the orthography to make it conformable to the last edition of the Dictionary of the Spanish Academy. I have conversed with a person who is in the habit of selling books sometimes here and sometimes in Chili and other places. This person, upon whose testimony I can, I think, rely, says, it is a great objection to your N. Test. its being printed in London, and he strongly recommends that you should put Madrid in the title page instead of London. If this were the case he says you could sell a good many either the whole Bible or of the N.T. in the different places to which he goes. You cannot of course say, printed in Madrid when it is not so. But if there is any possibility of your putting it printed in Madrid it deserves a very attentive consideration, as I cannot doubt of the great advantage that wd. arise thereby to the successful distribution of the holy Scriptures throughout this country, and of course in Spain also. It wd. perhaps be easier to get it printed in Cadiz. In Madrid however wd. be better.
Should you think it too expensive to print the whole Bible at once you might do it in parts or half volumes. Let there be four of these for the Old Test. from Genesis to Joshua inclusive, might make the first half volume, from that to Esther might form the second, from this to the end of the Song the third, and the rest would make the fourth. I have thus divided into parts, and rather than want the whole for some years, it would be preferable to have one part one year, and another another.
You may perhaps think I am injudiciously urgent about the printing the Spanish Bible, and that I am asking an undue attention from the Society to this matter. This might be considered and excusable partiality, but I am inclined to think I have better grounds than this for presenting to you my petition on the subject. If you take into consideration the population of America that speak the Spanish language, and to whom that is at present free access to the Scriptures, you will find I believe as strong reasons for undertaking the printing of the Scriptures in this language, as you have had for printing several of the translations which you have already printed. I have spoken only of the parts of America to which the Scriptures can now be freely introduced, that is all through parts in which the revolution has taken place. But we may calculate on circulating many copies in the other parts of Spanish America, and also in Spain, which now seems opening to receive this blessing. If thus the number of those who speak the Spanish language in Europe and America be considered, it will be found that few languages have a stronger claim to your attention. I purposely hope your Committee will give this subject that serious and early attention which, if I mistake not, its importance demands. I have already formed connections in various places throughout the Provinces of Rio de la Plata, and also in Chili. I have it also in contemplation to visit Peru and Mexico when my engagements permit, and should be much gratified to be the Almoner of your bounty in those parts.
I understand by letters from Edinburgh that the Edinburgh Bible Society has entered into correspondence with your Committee on the subject of the Spanish Bible. I hope you will so arrange it between you that a beginning may be made soon. I believe also the American Bible Society would lend very considerable aid to this undertaking. A ship sails from this to New York in a few days, and I shall seize the opportunity of laying this matter before the Managers of that Society. The claims and the wants of America cannot fail of meeting from them with all due attention & relief. It may be they will correspond with you on the subject.
There is a letter in one of your Reports regarding the Indian languages of South America. I have sought a good deal for it just now, but cannot lay my hand on it. The writer (I think he writes from Berlin) offers, as far as I recollect, to translate the Scriptures into some of these languages. You will oblige me much by letting me know particulars about this, and if anything has been done. You may easily imagine that this subject has a peculiar interest to me from my situation and object in this country.
I trust you are going on in your usual way, your funds increasing from year to year, your labours more extensive, and the fruits of your labour more abundant. May the blessing of the Almighty, in whose hands are the silver& the gold & the hearts of men, lie upon you in your noble work!
I remain,
Dear Sir,
Very sincerely Yours,
James Thomson.
Posted
Buenos Ayres, 1st Sept. 1820. [1]
Reviewing the Lord's dealings with me during the last 12 months, I find much for which to bless his ever gracious name. On this very day last year, the magistrates of this place appointed me to the situation I hold in their Schools. In many points of view this was an important matter. In the first place, it gave me a standing in the country. It also supplied my wants, and kept me from being burdensome to others. At the same time it has given me the means of intercourse with some of the principal people of this place, which, in a more private situation I could not have enjoyed. I have profited much by this intercourse, in ascertaining the public opinion regarding toleration, of which I soon think to take the advantage. In the second place, there arises from this connection the introduction of the Lancasterian system of education into this country. This I trust will be a lasting benefit; and independently of my other objects here in the kingdom of Christ, I should not have hesitated to come for this object alone. In the third place, the introduction of the Scriptures into these Schools, instead of the Ave Maria, &c. will directly tend to the promoting the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many of her good effects may arise from the transaction alluded to. It will be the means of introducing much knowledge into the country, and it will promote the study of the English language, from whose stores science, and morality, and pure and undefiled religion will flow into this country.
During the past year I have received a liberal supply of the Holy Scriptures from the British and Foreign Bible Society. Some of these are now in circulation, and I am happy to say there are several instances of their having been gratefully received, and what is of more importance, of their having been attentively read. May the Lord give testimony to the word of his grace! The supply of New Testaments of which I have just spoken, arrived here safely in the brig Ebenezer, in January last. I was glad at their arrival, and made all haste to get them landed. Just three days after their landing, the Ebenezer was accidentally set on fire, and every thing that remained in her was destroyed. The chief loss from this accident fell on the captain, as the ship was all his own. This man I think is a fearer of God. He bought the ship new, and had her called the Ebenezer from feelings similar to those of the prophet Samuel, when he set up the stone of that name. He bore his loss with great fortitude and composure.
Thus during the past year, the Scriptures have been introduced and put in circulation, Schools have been begun, and the children are employed in reading the word of God. But I have another thing to mention to you, which fills me with much comfort and thanksgiving. It is the hope I have of soon seeing in Buenos Ayres, a church of the living God. I mentioned to you in the letter I wrote after my arrival from Monte Video, that in that place I found a disciple of Jesus Christ. He is now come to reside in this place. This is one of our intended church. During the time I lived with the Spanish family, there came here from England a young man, who had been some time in St. Helena as a surgeon. He came to reside in the same house in which I was, and we had thus an opportunity of speaking with each other frequently. During our intercourse, I stated to him the only hope of sinful man, commending the truth to his conscience in the sight of God. As we were often together, particularly on the Lord's day, these things were repeated and urged upon his attention. He heard them attentively, for his mind seemed prepared to hear about the concerns of eternity, from his narrowly escaping shipwreck in his voyage to this place. I trust that in this instance the seed of the word is not sown in vain. I trust the Lord has opened his heart and I esteem him as a brother in our Lord Jesus Christ. This is another, of our Church. About half a year after my coming to this place, a person came from London to work for a coach-maker here as a blacksmith. This man has attended our little meetings regularly. He was connected with the Wesleyan Methodists. He has always appeared to me to be in good earnest about religion, although I could not be satisfied till of late, of his clearly seeing and understanding the necessity of the atonement of Christ, and of his resting all his hopes on this sure and only foundation. This then is the third member of our Church. We shall thus make in all four, and I trust we shall draw down the blessing of him who hath promised, where two or three are gathered together in his name, he will be in the midst of them. Last Lord's day we were all together for the first time in my room, preparatory to our intended union, when I took occasion to state fully the gospel of Christ, as a confession of my faith and hope in the sight of God. I also stated the necessity there was for our understanding each other fully upon this fundamental point, as the ground of that mutual and fervent love which the disciples of Jesus Christ are to have to one another, especially
when, united together as a church of the Living God to stir up, to watch over and to build up each other on their most holy faith. It is our intention to take a room, where we can meet together on the Lord's day.
I have just one thing more to mention at present, respecting the Lord's kingdom in this place, which is, that I intend to appropriate a part of the Lord's day to the keeping of a Sabbath-school, for the English Children here. For the use of these have the goodness to send me twenty or thirty of the hymn books used in the Sabbath Evening Schools in Edinburgh. Please also to send me an assortment of the prize books given to children of these Schools. The Sabbath School Society will perhaps aid us in this. Let there be as great a variety as possible, that I may select some to be translated into Spanish.
From what I have stated, my dear brother, regarding our Church, the preaching the Gospel to our countrymen, and regarding our Schools, it is not necessary, I believe, to add, ‘pray for us.’ But I add it to urge you the more. I trust my beloved brethren will take a lively interest in our infant cause in this place, and will not cease most earnestly to pray to the Lord on our behalf. Recollect where we are. We are not in Britain. Recollect how much wisdom, prudence and zeal we stand in need of, to enable us to glorify God in this land of darkness. May the Lord stir you up to pray for us—may the Lord hear your supplications—and may every blessing be on you all through our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] "Circulation of the Scriptures at Buenos Ayres", New Evangelical Magazine, Vol. VII (1820): 122-123. Editor's note: The writer of the following letter is well known to many of the readers of our Magazine, who will therefore peruse it with peculiar interest. We have occasionally laid before them other letters received from him. See Vol VI, p.388.
Posted
Rev. Joseph Hughes
Buenos Ayres, 26 February 1821[1]
Reverend Sir.
I have the pleasure of informing you that the two cases containing 100 Portuguese Bibles and 200 Portuguese New Testaments arrived here safely about a fortnight ago. I trust the Lord will open doors for the profitable distribution of these in the Brazils, and that I will have the satisfaction of communicating to you before long, intelligence to this effect. The date is arrived when we may hope almost everything in favour of the cause of the Bible Society. South America is a vast vast field, and the Brazils is the darkest and most inaccessible part of it. That part of our continent where the Spanish language is spoken is, blessed be God, opening every day for the entrance of the Bible.
It gives me most sincere pleasure to learn by your 16th report, that you have printed an edition of Scio's translation of the New Testament. This will be much more acceptable here than the other translation; and I would recommend to you to print only from this translation in future. With equal joy I have learned by your report, that an edition of the whole Bible of Scio's translation is in the press. This is what I have long most earnestly wished for, and repeatedly written to your committee about; and as hope deferred maketh the heart sad, I was grieved in not hearing anything about it. Your report however has turned my sorrow into joy. I beseech you on behalf of South America to send me 200 copies of the Bible the moment they leave the press. In the meantime by the first opportunity send me three or 500 of Scio's New Testament. I am sorry you did not send me some along with the Portuguese Bibles. If the Spanish Bible will be is because the Portuguese one, I think it would be well to bind it in two volumes. At all events, be so good as to bind a few so, and letter them on the back. This will greatly contribute to their sale. I should also be glad if you would cause half of the New Testament's to be lettered for the same reason. May I request you to send me six or ten copies regularly of your monthly extracts? Could you supply me with the same number from 1 January 1821, it would be an additional favour. These will reach me along with my monthly parcels of periodical publications by your sending them to Major George Cowie & Co. 31 Poultry. Please send me a few copies of your 15th report, which I have not yet seen.
I have still some copies of the other translation to hand, but I know that a much readier reception will be given to Scio's version, and the others I shall endeavor to circulate along with them. I am the more anxious to have the number I have mentioned (that of the 500) of this translation in my possession with all convenient speed, as I intend, if the Lord will, to go to Chile soon after the expected time of their arrival, from thence to Peru and probably to Mexico. Shall I have the pleasure of taking with me also some of the Spanish Bibles? The Lord grant that I may.
Please send me a few copies of Scio's Bible (in two volumes) and some of his NTs handsomely bound for presents and also to sell to those who would cheerfully pay a superior price for them. Half a dozen Portuguese Bibles done in the same way would also be acceptable. But I am afraid I am asking too many things. God however is witness that one object only I have in view in all I am asking; and that object is the grand object of the B & F Bible Society. Take the map of the world into your hand, look at South America, and all my requests, as formerly, are granted. The Lord prosper you exceedingly everywhere in all your work!
I remain, Dear Sir, Yours Sincerely in the Lord,
James Thomson.
P.S. Please send 200 of the NTs to Buenos Ayres & 300 to Valparaiso. Mark the cases JBT & and send the invoice to me here, & the ones to Valparaiso, care of Mr. Andrew Blest. JT.
[1] BSA-D1-2-A
Posted
Buenos Aires, 24th May, 1821.[1]
I am now about to leave this city, and to proceed to Chile. I leave the two principal schools going on as I mentioned in my last, and the masters of the others instructed in the monitorial system. What principally enables me to leave the schools here in the confidence that they will go on well, is, that they are under the particular care of one who feels much interest in the new system of instruction, and of general education. This individual is very active, and well fitted to carry into execution what he conceives useful. The person I am speaking of is a priest. We have been associated together in the care of the schools for some time, and have had much intercourse with each other, and we have always been on the most friendly terms.
It was my intention to leave this, at the latest, in October next. Things, however, being favourably arranged, as above mentioned, I have thought it my duty to set out for Chile without loss of time. From my former letters you would learn that the Chilian government has requested me to go there to establish schools on the Lancasterian plan. I had promised to go as soon as the state of the schools here would permit. The Chilian government, through their minister here, continues to show the same interest as before in regard to this matter, and has now made an agreement with me.
The season is now far advanced, and the Andes are covered with snow. Besides this inconvenience of the mountains, the roads, in some places, are nearly intercepted, so as to render travelling rather insecure. From these considerations, I have resolved, with the advice of my friends, to go by sea, and have taken my passage in the brig Dragon, Captain Green, for Valparaiso, in Chile. Sailing round Cape Horn is by no means so formidable a matter now as it was formerly considered to be. Vessels frequently go round now, and at all seasons. This is now the middle of our winter, and we expect the cold to be severe. I am accordingly preparing myself for it, as well as I can, by providing warm clothing. During the winter the winds are considered more favourable, and vessels make quicker passages. We expect to sail in a day or two, and, I trust, He who guided me over the ocean in coming to this place, will still be with me to preserve me, and to bring me safely to my desired haven.
I leave all my friends here on the best terms, and I leave the place, in many respects with regret. I shall never forget all the kindness I have met with in this city from the Magistrates, and from all classes with whom I have had intercourse. May God reward them. When I gave in my resignation, I said that it was my intention to return here next summer, to visit the schools, and to see how they were coming on. In the kindest manner I was requested not to forget my promise of returning. They were sorry, they said, that it was not in their power to reward me in a pecuniary way, from the lowness of their funds. They begged me to accept of their sincerest thanks for establishing this system of education in the country, from which they said they anticipated the happiest results, in making education general throughout all classes of the people; and they added that, as a mark of respect, they had requested the government to confer on me the honour of citizenship, and which was accordingly done.
[1] James Thomson. Letters on the Moral and Religious State of South America (London: James Nisbet, 1827), pp.5-7.
Posted
Santiago de Chile, 6th August, 1821.[1]
My letter to you of the 16th July,[2] brought down my journal to the day before my leaving Valparaiso. On the 17th I left that place in the afternoon, and at two o'clock on the 19th I said, "Peace be to this city!" I was going to give you some account of the road, and what I met with upon it, but find I have got other things to write which will fill my letter. I shall leave this description till a further opportunity.
You know, already, that I was engaged to come here by this government, and that my passage round the Cape was paid by the same. I therefore looked for a fair and open reception. I have not been disappointed, or, perhaps, I should rather say I have, for I have met with a reception beyond my expectation, I might say to my wish. I have been introduced to the Director and to the Ministers of Government, all of whom express much desire for the speedy establishment of schools throughout Chile. We have got the largest apartment in the University for a school-room. The joiners are busy at work, fitting it up, and we only wait their finishing to begin our operations.
I shall occupy the rest of my letter in giving you a translation of two articles, which bear upon this subject.
On my arrival here, I received a copy of the following order, issued by the Government two days before I reached this city: —
"By supreme authority of this date, I communicate to Don Manuel Salas the following note.
"Mr. Thomson, who has been engaged to establish in this city the new system of mutual instruction, has already arrived in Valparaiso. His Excellency, the Director, has a decided wish that public education may be general, and is very anxious to give all possible aid to this establishment for elementary instruction, as preparatory to the higher branches. He has for this end appointed you with full powers to forward this object, in conjunction with Mr. Thomson, and the President of the Board of Public Education. You will, therefore, do all in your power to establish it as soon and as perfectly as possible.—A copy of this order to be sent to the President of Public Education, and to Mr. Thomson."
"Office of the Minister of State in Santiago de Chile,
17th July, 1821.
"JOAQUIN DE ECHEVARRIA,"
Upon enquiring who this Don Manuel Salas was, I found he was a man very highly respected by everyone, and a modest but decided philanthropist. I have since been frequently with him, and find him, indeed, as described to me. I next give you an article from the Public Gazette of the 4th current; I think it is from the pen of Salas, but this is only conjecture. It is, however, either from him or from one of the Ministers of Government.
"PUBLIC EDUCATION.
"Ignorance is one of the greatest evils that man can suffer, and it is the principal cause of all his errors and miseries. It is also the grand support of tyranny, and ought, therefore, to be banished by every means from that country which desires a liberty regulated by laws, customs, and opinion. None can be happy unless he study religion, morality, and his own rights, unless he improve by the knowledge of those who have preceded him, and enter into social connexion, as it were, with those who in former times, and in other places, cultivated the sciences and the arts, and who have deposited in their writings, the fruit of their studies for the improvement of others. The only way by which we can form such an acquaintance with great men is by reading. The happy day is now arrived when the infinitely valuable art of reading is to be extended to every individual in Chile. We have now the pleasure of announcing this to all classes of the community. This will be considered as the most interesting news, by those who know its importance, and who consider it as the basis of solid prosperity.
Deeply impressed with this truth, our benevolent government has brought to this place Mr. James Thomson, who has established in Buenos Aires elementary schools upon that admirable system of Lancaster, which has spread through the world. He is going to establish schools on the same plan in this city, from which, as a centre, this system will be propagated through all the towns of the state. The readiness with which this mode of education has been generally adopted, its economy, and the quickness and order with which children learn by it reading, writing, arithmetic, and the principles of grammar, strongly recommend it. It has been particularly useful in those places where rural or mechanical occupations allow but a short time for instruction. There is, therefore, now no obstacle in the way for everyone in Chile to obtain education. Notice will be given, from time to time, of the progress of the central school, which is to serve as a model for others. In it masters will be instructed, and those masters who show the most attention in acquiring a knowledge of this system will be appointed in preference to the other schools."
[1] James Thomson. Letters on the Moral and Religious State of South America (London: James Nisbet, 1827). Pp.7-11.
[2] The addressee is unknown at this point. There is no letter of this date in the BFSS or BFBS archives. (BM)
Posted
Mr. Owen, BFBS. [1]
Santiago de Chile, 8th October, 1821
I wrote you a few lines on the 26th February, and then mentioned that it was my intention to visit Chile. Through the gracious providence of the God of the Bible Society, I have now effected my intention. I left Buenos Aires on the 30th May, and sailing round Cape Horn, arrived safely at Valparaiso, after a voyage of forty-four days. After a short stay in that place, to recruit my health, which always suffers at sea, I came to this city, the capital of Chile. Here, the moment of my arrival, I met with a very encouraging reception. You know, of course, that my most prominent object in South America is the promoting of education on the Lancasterian plan. On this footing it was that I experienced so hearty a reception in this place. Great and respected as your Society is, and ought to be, in the eyes of England and of Europe, it would yet be an imprudence to proclaim one's self your agent here, with the sole or chief object of circulating the Bible. This is not speaking very favourably of the inhabitants of South America, you will say. I confess it, but at the same time, I have told you the truth.
Whilst, however, I hold myself forward in the eyes of South America, as a promoter of education and an instructor of youth, I consider myself in all respects as the servant of the British and Foreign Bible Society. I beg you to consider me in this light, and to call upon me with the utmost freedom in whatever way I can, directly or indirectly, promote your blessed work, in making the inhabitants of this vast continent acquainted with the words of eternal life. I have said, my prominent object here is the establishment of schools. I freely and openly profess this, and in consequence am everywhere hailed as a friend. The little influence I have thus acquired, and the confidence reposed in me, enable me more effectually to promote the circulation of the Scriptures, than if I acted ostensibly and exclusively as your agent.
One proof of this I shall give you. I brought with me among my books from Buenos Aires, about sixty Spanish New Testaments. In getting my luggage through the Custom House, I was told, that the books must be inspected by the Bishop. I wished this might be dispensed with, but it was insisted on. I then told the officers, that I was engaged to come here by the Government to establish the Lancasterian schools. That alters the case, said they, and immediately the papers for despatching my books, &c. were signed, and not, a single book was so much as looked at either by the Bishop, or by any of the Custom House officers. I was told, before coming here, that there was much less liberality in Chile, as to the circulation of the Scriptures, than in Buenos Aires. I was, therefore, anxious to avoid the inspection of the Bishop above noticed. I understand he has it in his power to prohibit what books he chooses, and that his prohibition holds, unless the Government give, in the individual case, an order to the contrary. I am in expectation of receiving from you very soon 300 of Scio's translation of the New Testament. These I shall let pass all the forms required, to make proof whether or not the Scriptures are allowed to be introduced into Chile. This, you will perceive, is an object worth ascertaining, and the knowledge of it will be of considerable use in directing us in future. Should the Bishop demur as to their circulation, and wish to keep them, I can, I think obtain an order of the Government to prevent it; so that we may consider there is no great danger of losing them, in making the trial referred to.
Notwithstanding what I have said above, no interruption to the circulation of the Spanish New Testament has yet been experienced. Soon after my arrival, I gave to an Englishman, who has a shop here, some copies to sell. This man is a Roman Catholic, and I am happy to say, he recommends the Scriptures to the natives of this country, who are of his own religion. He has already sold about twenty. He in very anxious for the arrival of the Spanish Bibles, which I told him I expected, as he thinks he could sell many of them.
In my letters to you, from time to time, when in Buenos Aires, I related to you the state of the circulation of the Scriptures in that place. I am happy to say, that at my leaving it, the prospects regarding this important matter were more favourable than at any former period. I do not mean to say by this, that there was any particular stir about the word of God, or great demand for it; but I mean to convey to you this encouraging truth, that the Scriptures are occasionally bought, and more so than formerly, and that they are increasingly read from year to year. I consider the word of God to have fairly got an entrance into Buenos Aires; and that its prohibition, or any material hindrance to its circulation, is not only unlikely, but, one might say, impossible. I give you this as my opinion, after a residence in that place of more than two years and a half, and an intercourse with various classes of society during that time.
I shall now mention some things not formerly noticed, regarding the circulation of the Scriptures in Buenos Aires, and in the surrounding country. —A military officer, commanding on a station a short distance from the city, has been greatly delighted with the New Testament, and in consequence, very anxious to make others acquainted with it. He recommended the reading of it to several poor people who were unable to purchase it, and requested to have copies to give them, which he obtained. In this way he has distributed a number of copies. Besides those given to the poor, some have been sold by him to those able to pay for them. He used to take me very cordially by the hand when we met, and to speak with pleasure on the beneficence of the Bible Society, and of the great advantages that would arise to his countrymen by a general reading of the Holy Scriptures. I told him I hoped soon to have the whole Bible in Spanish, and in consequence he is all expectation for it. On my leaving Buenos Aires, I gave twenty-four New Testaments to this gentleman, in the confidence of their being distributed in the most judicious manner.
There is a military station and a small town on the east coast of Patagonia, called Río Negro, in about 42° south latitude. To this place some copies of the New Testament have been sent. One individual, a native of that place, was so pleased with the copy he got, that he requested the person who brought it, to bring several copies on his return for his family and friends. I am personally acquainted with the officer at present commanding at that place, and am pretty certain he will not throw any obstacle in the way of the circulation of the Scriptures. This gentleman attended our school in Buenos Aires, and took with him lessons, &c. to establish schools on his arrival in that place, for which he sailed in May last. The lessons I have referred to I got printed in Buenos Aires for our schools. They are selections from the Scriptures. These lessons, now used in most of the schools, will greatly contribute, I hope, to create a desire to possess the sacred volume, a book which has hitherto been little known in this country.
A Patagonian chief, called Cualli Piachepolon, in the very centre of Patagonia, is in possession of one of your Testaments. This man has been in the habit of visiting Buenos Aires for some years, in order to exchange the few commodities which his country at present produces, for those of Europe. He has hence acquired some knowledge of the Spanish language. Upon hearing some passages of the New Testament read to him, he requested to have the book, that he might, on his return, explain it to his people.
Some copies have been sent to Tucuman, to Salta, &c.; so that your bounty is known, more or less, throughout the provinces of the Rio de la Plata; and I have no doubt but, some hundred years hence, the then populous banks of that king of rivers, and the circumjacent country, will gratefully remember the present Committee and Members of the British and Foreign Bible Society.
I close my account of Buenos Aires, for the present, by noticing, that some individuals, upon obtaining the New Testament, and hearing of your great and extended efforts in distributing the Holy Scriptures, wondered how they had been taught that the English were not Christians. When speaking on religion, it is common to use the word Christian and Protestant in contradistinction to each other, meaning, by the former, themselves or Roman Catholics in general, and by the latter, the English or Protestants in general.
A short time before I left the Rio de la Plata, I sent ten of the Portuguese Bibles, and twenty New Testaments, to Bahia, in charge of a person who, I think, would take care to see them safely lodged in that place. I sent them to the care of the English Chaplain there.
During the few days I stopped at Valparaiso, I met with a gentleman to whom I had formerly intrusted twelve of the Spanish New Testaments. Upon my enquiring about them, he told me they had been stolen out of his room. Though this was to be regretted, yet one good effect would arise from it, in as much as the person who stole them would no doubt take effectual care to put them in circulation.
In my letter of 26th February, I requested the Society to send me 200 of Scio's translation to Buenos Aires, and 300 to Valparaiso. I hope these will respectively arrive in due time. I then noticed to you the advantage that would arise from lettering them on the back, and varying them in the binding. I particularly request your attention to this, as I am sure it will contribute greatly to their sale. Let the binding be in many cases elegant. They would thus be more expensive to the Society at first, but they would be considerably less in the end. It is my intention to sell them in future, except when a favourable opportunity occurs of giving the word of God to a person in real poverty. This I know to be the uniform recommendation of the Society. I would beg leave to suggest to you, that no Bibles or New Testaments be sent out in future to Buenos Aires by the captains of ships. The captains, however well intentioned they may be, cannot stay to distribute them. The Testaments, in consequence, have not unfrequently come into hands who wish to get rid of them in any way. By this means they become, as it were, of too little consideration, and their sale is thus also prevented, which no doubt is the most effectual way of distributing them. In Buenos Aires several persons objected to buying them, because they had formerly been got for nothing. I shall, as I have said above, most readily act as your agent in distributing the Scriptures in Buenos Aires, and in Chile. The most judicious and effectual way of doing this is through the booksellers in these places. Before leaving Buenos Aires I arranged for the continued circulation of the New Testament, and here I shall make arrangements to the same effect before I go. It is my intention to visit Peru before long; and I shall there also, and indeed wherever I may be, zealously endeavour to promote the good work in which you are engaged.
In a few years South America will have large claims on your Society, but she will pay you from her mines for all your kindness. Should the Lord spare me ten or twenty years, I have no doubt I shall see wonderful and blessed changes on this continent. It is my intention, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to spend my life (long or short as it may be) in South America; probably not in any fixed place, but residing from time to time wherever I may most effectually promote the work of the Lord, in establishing schools, in circulating the Scriptures, and in the use of such other means as circumstances may direct.
[1] Letter to BFBS, but not now found in Bible Society Collection in Cambridge University Library. James Thomson. Letters on the Moral and Religious State of South America (London: James Nisbet, 1827), pp. 14-21.
Posted
Santiago de Chile, 8th October, 1821.[1]
I seize the opportunity of sending you a few lines by his Majesty's ship Owen Glendower, which sails for England from Valparaiso immediately. I enclose you a copy of a letter of this date to Mr. Owen, which will inform you of my concerns here, touching the Bible Society, to this date. In addition to this, I shall now communicate to you some notices regarding our schools here, bringing down my accounts upon that subject from the 1st September (the date of my last letter to Mr. S.) to the present day.
I am happy to say, the favourable reception I met with here, and of which I wrote you on the 6th August, was not a momentary feeling. It has been kept up till now, and I might also say, it has rather increased than diminished. Soon after my arrival in this city, a large room in the University was pointed out to me as the place in which we were to begin our school operations. This hall is capable of containing 200 children, according to our plan, and this is a very good number for a model school. This hall was to have been the University Chapel. The building I here call the University, is not occupied at present in the way its name would indicate, though intended for a place of learning. There is, however, another building appropriated to the objects of a college, and of which I may write you afterwards. My present object is to speak of our schools. Through the delay of the joiners in fitting up this place, it was not completed till the 17th September. On that day our school was opened. From day to day our number increased, till, at the end of a fortnight, our number (200) was completed. Since that time, we have been daily importuned to admit others, which we are unable to do. We are, however, about to commence fitting up another large hall in the University buildings. At the present rate of applications, we shall certainly have more in readiness for that second school, by the time it is prepared, than it will contain. The fitting up of others is also talked of. From the short time our school has been going on, it promises to do well. The children are docile and agreeable. I am now so much familiarized with the appearance and manner of the children in these countries, that I feel myself quite at home among them. There is more resemblance to the English or European face among the children and others here, in Chile, than in Buenos Aires. I have been this moment interrupted by one of my scholars, who has called upon me, and brought me a ham, a present from his mother.
All classes seem to take an interest in our schools. We are daily visited. The First Minister of the Government pays us a visit regularly every afternoon. We have already four masters studying the system, and these will be ready in a month or two to open schools on our plan, either in this city or in the provincial towns. In Conception, Coquimbo, and another town of inferior population, they are preparing for establishing schools upon our system. The principal things we stand in need of for the rapid extension of our schools, are slates and printed lessons. I am expecting 2000 slates by the first vessel from England, and am at present getting some lessons printed in the government printing office. To defray the expense of these, we have opened a subscription, which I hope will do well. I have already got upwards of 270 dollars among my English friends here, and expect more.
Thus, you see, the Lord is with us, and blessed be his name. May he, in his own way and wisdom, make his great name glorious in the eyes of Chile, and of all South America.
[1] Letter to BFSS in James Thomson, Letters on the Moral and Religious State of South America (London: James Nisbet, 1827), pp.11-13.
Posted
Santiago de Chile, 1st Dec. 1821.[1]
Before this reaches you, the taking of Lima by San Martin, will be known in England. I need not expatiate upon this subject to you. You must see at once how much our field is thereby extended. I may truly say, the fall of Lima is as great a blow to the kingdom of Satan here, as it is to the cause of Spain in South America.
From what I have learned of San Martin, I am sure he will prove a great forwarder of our cause there, and indeed wherever he may be. The rejoicings here on account of the fall of Lima have been very great, and they still continue. The fall of that strong hold of the Spaniards, is at once the liberty of Peru, and the stability of Chile; and I may add too, the independence of South America.
We are about to form a School Society in this city, which I hope will be attended with happy results. The Director condescends to be the Patron of the Society, and his first minister is to be President. We are looking around us for the most patriotic and liberal men of the city to form a Committee. Our Society may not be able to do what a similar Society would do in England; but it may, however, do something, and may considerably forward our objects here on behalf of the inhabitants of Chile. Besides the establishing and superintending of schools throughout the state, there is another object to which the Society will greatly contribute, I mean, the printing of some elementary works for the schools, and for the children to read in their own houses. This is a part of our work, which I consider of great importance, and to which I intend to turn a considerable part of my time and attention, so soon as other matters will allow.
I believe I wrote you, before leaving Buenos Aires, that I had sent a Master to Monte Video, or that I was about to send one. He had not left Buenos Aires when I came away, as he was occupied in printing a grammar, which he had written for the use of our schools. I have lately received a letter from him, of which I shall give you an extract.—"On the 4th of this month (July) I arrived in this city with the slates and lessons you gave me for the schools here. On the following day, I presented myself to Laranaga, (the chief ecclesiastic in Monte Video,) and he introduced me to General Lecor, the Governor, to whom I gave your letter. I met with a very hearty reception from the general, as also from Laranaga, and the magistrates. On the 9th, we had assigned to us for a school-room, a large hall in the Fort. This hall will hold 200 children. The general sent the joiners and masons of the Government to prepare this school, and I am in hopes we shall be able to open it in three weeks. I am making endeavours to form a School Society here, which may take under its management the schools of this city and province. I am in great expectation of succeeding in this object, as the members of the Government are very well disposed to it."
In the end of this month, I am thinking of crossing the Andes, to verify my long intended visit to Mendoza. The printing of our lessons is nearly finished, and I shall thus be enabled to take some with me for the supply of that place. You will see by the extracts of letters I gave from Mendoza, in my last letter to Mr. H. (Nov.1st), that things there are very promising. I hope my expectations regarding their improvements will be more than realized. The snow still continues on the mountains, as I am informed by a gentleman just come over them. I hope it will be nearly all gone by the time I set out. It has continued, I understand, for an unusual length of time this season.
I shall leave the schools in my absence, under the care of an Englishman lately come here from London. This gentleman was engaged by the agent there of this Government, for the purpose of establishing Lancasterian schools here. Upon his arrival, it was the intention of the Government to send him to Conception. I thought, however, it would be better that he should stay here to instruct the schoolmasters in grammar, geography, &c., whilst they were studying the system in our school. To this proposal the Government cheerfully agreed. We have in consequence a separate class in the school, in which Mr. Eaton instructs the masters, and two or three more who choose to attend. This arrangement will prove, I hope, highly advantageous to the education of the country at large, as those, who in future take charge of schools, will be better qualified for this important office.
[1] Letter to BFSS. James Thomson. Letters on the Moral and Religious State of South America. (London: James Nisbet, 1827), pp. 22-25.
Posted
Santiago de Chile, 30th January 1822[1]
Dear Sir
As I know you, and your good friends of the B & F School Society take a deep interest in all things here relative to education, I send you an extract from the Chile Gazette of the 19th current, by which you will see that our endeavor to form a school society here have not been in vain.
"The surest method of promoting the happiness of any country is to make all the people in it well informed and industrious. An end has at length been put to the obstacles which prevented the natives of Chile from enjoying those blessings, which are enjoyed by other nations less favored by nature, but who have preceded us in the cultivation of literature and the arts. It is here necessary now to strain every nerve to regain that time which idleness and darkness have thrown away. We begin then by offering an opportunity of acquiring knowledge to all classes of the community without respect of rank, or fortune, or sex, or age.
The Lancasterian system of mutual instruction, now introduced in most parts of the civilized world, and to which many places already all an improvement in the habits, has been established among us, and in such a manner as prognosticates its beneficial effects. The propagation of this system holds out the surest means of extirpating those principles formed among us during the time of darkness. The government has resolved zealously to protect this establishment, and as the best way of fulfilling its intention, has resolved to unite with it in this object, those persons who have the same sentiments on the subject, and who at the same time possess that activity, zeal and energy which this important matter demands. In all places this system of instruction prospers and extends itself, under the fostering care of societies. This circumstance at once determines me to follow the example thus set before us, and immediately to establish a Society for this object. Of this Society I shall be the Protector and a member. My first minister of State will be President. The Solicitor general of the city, the protector of the city schools, and the Rector of the National Institute shall be ex-officio members of the committee of management. The other members of the committee will in future be chosen by the Society, but for the present I can nominate to this charge;
Brig. Gen. Don Joaquin Prieto.
The Vicar general of the Army Dr. Don Casimiro Alban
The Chaplain to the General Staff, Don Camilo Henriquez
Prebendary Dr. Don José Maria Argandoña
The Rev. Father, Ex-Provincial of the order of St. Francis,
Friar Francisco Xaviera Guzmán
The Prefect Don Francisco Ruiz Tagle
Dr. Don Mariano Egaña
Don Juan Parish Robertson
Don Felipe del Solar
Don Diego Thomson
Don Manuel Salas
Don Joaquin Campino
Don Franciso Huydobro
The Committee will hold its meetings in the room belonging to the Central School on such days as shall be agreed on at the first meeting, with no other formality than what is dictated by good order. The Committee shall form rules for the society and present them to the government for approbation; and shall name a Secretary, Accountant, and Treasurer either from their own number or otherwise. The object of this institution is, to extend in every direction throughout Chile, the benefits of education: to promote the instruction of all classes, but especially of the poor: to seize all the advantages which this new system of education holds out: and to open up resources by which it may be adapted to the circumstances and necessities of the country. In short this Institution will be considered a good of the greatest magnitude, and whose efficacy will we trust in some measure correspond to that great extension of which it is susceptible.
Signed (O'Higgins)
Torres: pro Secretary"
I trust this society which has thus been formed will be extremely useful in forwarding the great concerns of general education in this rising nation. There are many circumstances here very encouraging in regard to the future prospects and prosperity of Chile. It is probable our society will communicate with you before long, by way of claiming alliance to you in the grand work of Universal Instruction.
I remain,
Dear Sir,
Yours sincerely
James Thomson.
[1] Letter in BFSS Archives, Brunel University, London; Eighteenth Report of the British and Foreign School Society (1823), pp.123-125; James Thomson. Letters on the Moral and Religious State of South America. London: James Nisbet, 1827, pp. 26-28.
Posted
James Miller, BFSS
Santiago de Chile, 26th February 1822[1]
Dear Sir,
A few days ago I received a notification from you informing me, that at a general meeting of the British and Foreign School Society held on 17 May 1821, I was elected an honorary member of that benevolent institution. I beg you to seize the earliest opportunity to express to the society my deep sense of the honour they have thus conferred upon me.
At this great distance from my native land, it affords me much satisfaction to find my feeble efforts in the cause of education so highly appreciated by those who have for years employed their benevolent thoughts, and their benevolent exertions, in the noble work of universal instruction.
I trust I shall never cease to use my best endeavour to promote so holy a cause – the cause of God and of humanity. I have resolved in the name and strength of the Almighty, in whom I trust through Christ Jesus, I have resolved to spend that life which he gave, so long as he shall please to continue it, in this great and good work in South America. I am firmly persuaded of the evils of ignorance, and I am fairly persuaded of the blessing of knowledge.
The general education of the poor classes of our brethren of mankind is a noble object. I would be ashamed to spend one word in proving its experience and utility. That heart must be wrongly strung, which has one doubt upon the subject. What precept plainer than that of doing to others what we wish done to ourselves? What duty plainer without any precept at all? Have we received some instruction, and do we feel the benefits arising from it? And shall we deny to others the happiness we enjoy, having it in our power to confer it? Shame upon the man who can do so!
The education then off all the poor classes we ought by all means to pursue, and we should do so indirectly as well as directly. By directly I mean by promoting the education of the higher classes of society to the greatest extent possible. And indeed the education of the poor is only one branch of a more general subject. The great object is, the communication of knowledge to all mankind. Now I think this may be done to a much greater extent than has ever yet been done. I think also, it may be done with more wisdom and with happier effects on individuals and on society, than we have yet seen. The more the higher classes are instructed, and rightly instructed, the more will lower classes seek after knowledge. The more education is carried forward to the utmost, the more desirable will education appear. And what is desirable will be sought after, and in this case may in a great measure be obtained. Every day am I more confirmed in the beauty and force of that maxim, "knowledge is power."
With these views, I purpose to promote as far as I am able, the education of the higher classes in this country. A noble thirst for knowledge has begun in South America, and it will continue I trust until every South American drink freely at the fountain of knowledge.
More than six months have now elapsed since I came to Chile. Every encouragement has here been given, and I have no doubt of our schools going forward in this place in a gratifying manner. About a month ago, the Calcutta arrived at Valparaiso, bringing the 5000 slates commissioned by Mr. Irisarri. We are thus well supplied with the necessary article.
Since I came to this side of the Andes, Lima has been torn from the hands of Ignorance and has fallen into the hands of the promoters of liberty and knowledge. In writing to Mr. Allen from Buenos Ayres in October 1819, in regard to the extension of education in this continent, I said: "we have a vast field before us, should the different parts of Spanish America open as we approach them, and I trust He who can open them, will do it."
What was then more my wish that my expectation, now has indeed taken place, and both my expectation and my wishes have been more than fulfilled. The Lord Almighty in whose hands are the hearts of all, has dealt most graciously with me. He has made "darkness light before me, and crooked things straight."
You already know, that I was invited to come to Chile, and here, as I have said, my expectations have been exceeded. Since my arrival here Lima has become approachable; nor is that all; I am already invited to go there. About 10 days ago I received a particular invitation from General San Martin to go to Peru as soon as I conveniently could, and that nothing should be wanting on his part towards the promotion of my objects.
From what I had learned of San Martin's sentiments in regard to general improvement, I had resolved on visiting Lima so soon as my engagements here would permit, confidently relying on his support and encouragement. You may however easily suppose I was not a little pleased to see this first step taken by him, as it greatly increases my hopes and prospects in the promoting of our objects in that far famed country. Education I am sure will be to it, a mine more productive of true riches than Potosi, and all the other gold and silver mountains it possesses. I leave the schools here under the immediate charge of Mr. Eaton, whom you know. I leave them also in the hands of a most praiseworthy gentleman of the country who takes a deep interest in this object and who makes the instruction of youth the amusement of his declining days. I might almost literally say, he is always to be found in one or other of our schools. I would my voice was strong enough to proclaim to the world, the name of my highly esteemed friend, Don Manuel Salas. You will see by my last letter that our school society has been formed under the favourable auspices. The Director of the Republic of Chile is our patron, and his first minister of State is our President. All these things being so arranged, I purpose leaving this place for Lima about a month hence. May he who has so graciously dealt with me hitherto be with me; and may he enable me to glorify his adorable and ever blessed name.
I remain,
Dear Sir
Your very Obedient Servant
James Thomson
P.S. The 2000 slates you shipped for me in June last have just arrived at Valparaiso. These I shall take with me to Lima. JT
[1] Letter in BFSS Archives, Brunel University, London.
Posted
James Miller, BFSS
Santiago de Chile, 12th. March 1822[1]
Dear Sir,
I beg leave to introduce to you General Paroissien. Were I to recommend him to you as I ought and wish to do, it would detain me long. I shall only say, that he is a most earnest promoter of Education in South America. He is a gentleman who brought me the invitation I spoke of from Genl. San Martin, of whom he is the intimate friend.
I remain
Dear Sir
with great respect
your most obedient servant
J. Thomson.
[1] Letter in BFSS Archives, Brunel University, London. Note: This is a letter of introduction which Thomson gave to Paroissien when he travelled to London to negotiate recognition of Peru's independence. (BM)
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Santiago de Chile, 9th May, 1822.[1]
You have heard, I dare say, that I left Buenos Aires some time ago, and came to Chile. I have now been here ten months, and am much pleased with this country. In as far as respects the climate, I believe no country can be more desirable to live in than this. It rains a good deal in the winter season, that is, from June to September inclusive. Frost and snow are seldom or never seen in the plains; notwithstanding, a fire is very desirable in the winter. The highest ridge of the Andes is full in sight from this city. This is covered with snow all the year round. When it rains here below, it uniformly snows on the mountains. In the summer season, we have no rain at all, and very few cloudy days. The common course of the seasons is four months of occasional rains, and eight months of fair weather. In the summer it is pretty hot during the day; but it is always very comfortable at night. In Buenos Aires, on the contrary, the nights, during the summer, are generally very warm. In another respect also, Buenos Aires differs very remarkably from this country. There, not a mountain, nor a hill, nor a rock is to be seen; here, all those abound.
The natives of Buenos Aires, who have never been from home, have no idea of what a mountain is like;[2] and of snow they are equally ignorant, having never seen the one or the other. They would also be ignorant of what a stone is, were it not that some have been brought from the other side of the river, for paving the streets. After what I have said of the scarcity of stones, you may judge of the correctness of a very modern work on South America, in which it is said, "All the houses in Buenos Aires are built of a fine white stone, found in quarries in the neighbourhood." There is not, in Buenos Aires, a single house built of stone, nor is there any quarry on that side of the river within 100 miles of Buenos Aires. The houses there are all built of brick. The mentioning of this last, brings me back again to Chile. All the houses here, or nearly all, are built of unburnt brick, such bricks as the Israelites made in Egypt; they are made of earth mixed with straw. It is said, this material for building suits the country best, on account of earthquakes, which are not unfrequent. Last night, just about this hour, (eight o'clock) we had a smart shock. I was sitting writing, when my attention was called by a rumbling noise, and a clattering of the window shutters. In a few seconds, the whole house shook, and the creaking of the beams and joists was very distinct. The noise continued for a few seconds after the shock, when all ceased. This is now the fourth earthquake we have had in less than a week. They prevail most, I am told, in this month.
We have now got our schools set on foot in this place, and I am thinking of going to Lima in the course of a month or less, in order to prosecute my objects there. According to the best information, the new state of things in that country goes on wonderfully. Many reforms are taking place of a very salutary nature. Gaming, which is carried on to a very hurtful extent in all South America, has just been prohibited in Lima, by the Government. Acts have passed for the gradual abolition of slavery. Since the taking of Lima, all the children of slaves are born free. The importation of slaves is entirely prohibited, and no infringement of the Act takes place. The same state of things subsists here and in Buenos Aires, regarding this shameful business. There is in South America generally, I believe, a great desire for the increase of knowledge. I can bear witness, that this is the case, in those parts I have been in; and I doubt not of finding it so in Lima also. I am told, that learning has prevailed there more than in places to the south of it, on this continent. There are several men there, I am informed, who stand tolerably high in literature. About three months ago, a literary society was formed in Lima. I have sent a translation of the Act incorporating the Society to Professor Jameson, of Edinburgh, and it may perhaps appear in the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal.
The fall of Lima decided, I think, the contest between Spain and her colonies, fairly establishing the independence of the latter. If anything, however, was wanting to complete this state of things, it has now been accomplished by the late occurrences in Mexico. The immediate and solid advantages occurring from this independence, to the cause of our fellow-men in this continent, are very great. Knowledge is now tolerated in the country, and also patronized. A war of extermination has been declared against ignorance, and is actually waged. Soon after San Martin entered Lima, a provisional law was issued, until a new code should be formed for the country. In this provisional law, religious toleration is publicly acknowledged, for the first time, in South America. A most wonderful change has taken place in Buenos Aires since I left it. War, anarchy, and confusion, have given place to a steady, firm, and enlightened government. The principal cause of this happy change is the present minister of state, Rivadavia. He arrived in Buenos Aires a short time before I left it. For some years past he has resided in London and in Paris; and the time he has spent in these places has been well employed. He has there studied and is now practising the soundest principles of political economy.
If Buenos Aires goes on for a few years as it has done for some months past, it will afford excellent lessons in this interesting science to the nations of Europe, perhaps to the country of Adam Smith. A fine emulation will be carried on, and is already begun, between Buenos Aires and Lima. If an improvement is proposed in one of these places, it is deemed sufficient to silence popular and low prejudice, to publish that such a thing has already been done in the other. As to the Chilians, they are, generally speaking, less enlightened and more indifferent in respect to these subjects. Our Director is a good man, truly desirous of the progress of Chile in every thing useful. He has, however, but little activity or zeal. It is pleasing to see, under these circumstances, the good effects produced on us here, by the newspapers of Lima on the one hand, and of Buenos Aires on the other. From these many articles are copied into our public journals; and some things are already begun among us, in imitation of our friends in the north and on the east. I lately crossed and recrossed the Andes on a visit to Mendoza and San Juan. The cause of knowledge and of truth goes on there also. In each of these places there is a printing-press, and from these are likely to issue soon, many things which will contribute to the general good.
[1] James Thomson. Letters on the Moral and Religious State of South America. (London: James Nisbet, 1827), pp. 28-33.
[2] The river La Plata, opposite Buenos Aires, is thirty miles wide, and at times, under a very favourable state of the atmosphere, a dim outline of the low mountains on the northern side is visible. To this extent the Buenos Aireans know what a mountain is.
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Santiago de Chile, 10 June 1822[1]
Dear Sir
I am now on the point of leaving Chile, and proceeding to Peru. Before I go I write you a few lines, to communicate to you the present state of our affairs in this quarter. I do not remember at present the date of my last letter to you, and cannot now ascertain it, as my luggage containing my papers &c. is now on the way to Valparaiso.
Since I wrote you I have crossed the Andes and paid my long intended visit to Mendoza and San Juan, in order to promote our work in those places. In each of these cities a Society was formed for the promoting of schools on our system, and from the general interest taken in this business I form a very favourable opinion of their future progress. One of the first acts of the committee in Mendoza was to petition the government to put the printing press into their hands. This petition had the desired effect, and before I left the place I saw it delivered to them. This is a matter of great importance in reference to the schools, and also to objects of general utility. The committee consists of the most enlightened and philanthropic men of that place, and by means of this press I believe they will greatly contribute to the enlightening of their fellow countrymen. There are two parties in that place. Our committee was formed out of both these parties, and some of each expressed the hope that by their frequent intercourse in promoting this object, alike desired by both, their differences would diminish, and their friendship for each other be promoted. That this will be the case I have no doubt and indeed I saw it take place to a certain extent during my short stay there. This is one of the good effects which flow from our operations in the instruction of youth.
I carried with me a sufficient number of lessons for the schools in these two places. These have been printed here in the government printing office. They consist of extracts from the holy Scriptures. The children will thus have the benefit, not hitherto enjoyed in this country, of being trained up in the knowledge of God in the days of their youth.
In Mendoza we found a girls' school containing some half dozen children. This I endeavoured in connection with my friends to set agoing on our plan, and to increase the number of the scholars. We succeeded very well in our endeavour, obtained a number of new scholars, and set it fairly agoing on our system. I was much pleased to see the interest taken in the matter by several of the most respectable ladies of the place. I believe a number of these will soon be formed into a committee in connection with the Society. Their department will of course be the encouragement of the female education, a thing which has been very much neglected hitherto in this country. To encourage our little school, and to induce others to send their children, the governor's lady sent her own daughter, and several others of the respectable inhabitants acted in a similar manner. It would be a piece of injustice should I omit the name of my friend Dr. Gillies, in speaking of this school. To his praiseworthy exertions it owes its beginning and its progress. This gentleman is one of our very best friends in the promoting of schools. Since my return to this place, I have had letters from Mendoza informing me that this school goes on very well. Have the goodness to communicate this little notice of the girls' school to your ladies committee. I have no doubt but it will be gratifying to them to hear that some ladies in this country are imitating their praiseworthy example in promoting education among the use of their own sex.
I informed you some time ago of the formation of our school society in the city. My expectations of good effects to our schools from the exertions of this society are not lessened since I wrote to but increased. The committee meets regularly every week, when the matters regarding the schools are treated of. From the conversations that take place upon this subject, it is gratifying to observe a deep interest taken in the education of the rising generation. I hope they will continue their exertions in the prosecution of this good object. The first minister of government, as I mentioned to you, is our president. He is generally present at our weekly meetings, and takes a lively interest in our concerns.
We have now see schools in the city, which are going on well. The school is just opening for adults, which I expect will be well attended. A girls' school is also begun, but I cannot yet say so much of this school as I have said of the one in Mendoza. It may however do equally well although less interest has been taken in its commencement. The school is about to be opened immediately in Valparaiso under the management of a master instructed here. Another master has lately left this for Coquimbo. The 5000 slates sent by order of Mr. Irisarri arrived some time ago, so that we are thus well supplied at present with the necessary articles. I bid you for the present adieu, and shall probably write you soon after my arrival in Lima.
I remain
Yours respectfully,
J. Thomson.
[1] Letter in BFSS Archives, Brunel University, London.
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Mr J Thomson to Mr J A Haldane[1]
Lima, 11th July, 1822
My Dear Brother,
Through the unceasing goodness of God towards me, I have now arrived safely in this city. On the 18th of last month I sailed from Valparaiso, and after a pleasant passage of ten days we cast anchor in Callao bay. Callao is an excellent harbour, the best I have yet seen. It will hold almost any number of ships riding in great safety. It is well defended from all winds except the north, but it scarcely ever blows from that quarter. In consequence of an order from the Government that no passengers should be allowed to land until they receive a licence or passport from Lima, I had to defer my coming here till the day after our arrival; I got permission, however, from the captain of the port to go on shore. After viewing Callao, I went to take a view of the place where the former Callao stood, which was destroyed by the earthquake, of which of course you have read. Its site is about half a mile from where the present town stands. The destruction seems to have been complete. Not a house is now standing; but walls of houses of considerable thickness are to be seen scattered all over the place. Some of these are lying flat, and others are half turned over. How weak is man, and all his works, when God arises to shake the earth!
On the day on which I arrived in this city, I called on San Martin, and delivered him the letters of introduction which I had brought from Chile. He opened one of the letters, and observing its purport, said "Mr. Thomson! I am extremely glad to see you;" and he rose up, and gave me a very hearty embrace. He would not, he said, be lavish in compliments, but would assure me of his great satisfaction at my arrival; and said, that nothing should be wanting on his part to further the object which had brought me to Peru. Next day as I was sitting in my room, a carriage stopped at the door, and my little boy came running in crying, San Martin! San Martin! In a moment he entered the room, accompanied by one of his ministers. I would have had him step into another apartment of the house more suited to his reception; but he said the room was very well, and sat down on the first chair he reached. We conversed about our schools, and other similar objects for some time; and in going away he desired me to call on him next morning, and said he would introduce me to the Marquis of Truxillo, who is at present what is called the Supreme Deputy or Regent. I called on him accordingly next morning, and he took me with him and introduced me to the Marquis, and to each of the ministers.
From all the members of the government I have received great encouragement. On the 6th current an order was issued relative to our schools, and published in the Lima Gazette of the same date. I am going to write Mr. Millar[2] to-morrow, and shall give him a translation of this order or decree, a copy of which will of course be sent you. By this order one of the convents is appropriated to the schools, and is now in our possession. I believe the convents here will decrease in number as the schools multiply. There is no contest or balancing of powers between the civil and ecclesiastical powers in this place. The former has the latter entirely at their nod. The case in regard to this convent is a proof of what I have said. The order for the friars to remove was given on Saturday, on Monday they began to remove, and on Tuesday the keys were delivered up.
From all I have seen during the short time I have been here, I cannot doubt of the great benefits which this country will derive from the new state of things. San Martin and his first minister, (and also the others) seem truly anxious to characterize the times by improvements—by solid improvements. They wish to encourage foreigners, and to improve the state of the country in every point of view. I have already mentioned to you my representation made to the Chilian government just before leaving that place, regarding the bringing out of tradesmen and farmers. I showed a copy of this representation to San Martin; he read it very carefully over, and concluded by saying, "Excellent!" He then told me what was his opinion on the subject, and proposed a plan for carrying it into effect, much more likely to succeed than the one I had stated. I am to draw up this plan in order, and to present it to him, that it may be sanctioned and carried into effect. I therefore consider this matter, so far as regards Peru, as fairly begun. The particulars of the plan I may send you afterwards. In the mean time, that you may see that in these matters I am not losing sight of my chief object, I shall mention to you one sentence of the representation referred to. It is this, "The men who will be most useful to South America, are men truly religious and of sound morality." The minister of Chile, upon reading this sentence, said, "That is very true;" arid San Martin expressed himself in a similar manner upon my stating the same thing to him.
What an immeasurable field is South America; and how white it is to the harvest! I have told you this repeatedly, but I have a pleasure in telling it, to you again. I do think that, since the world began, there never was so fine a field for the exercise of benevolence in all its parts. The man of science, the moralist, the Christian, have all fine scope here for their talents. God, who has opened such a door, will surely provide labourers.
My present intention is to continue here about six months, and then to move on northwards. I may, however, be kept longer here than I intend, but I am anxious to get to England as soon as possible. My stay here will depend much on the facility or difficulty of obtaining good masters for the school. This I find, from experience, a matter of so great importance, that I intend to pay every attention to it; and I have it now in my power more than ever to do so, having represented to the government the necessity of encouragement, by offering employment and a good salary to those who thoroughly study the system, and are able to put it in practice; and this encouragement I am authorized to give.
Regarding our brethren coming out, I scarcely know what to say. If I should say, come out to Lima on receipt of this, and I will wait your arrival, I might be detained here longer than I could wish, and after all have to leave here before their arrival, despairing of their coming. I have said, in some of my former letters, that they may come to Mexico, I would meet them there on my way home. I scarcely however expect any of them there. From this uncertainty regarding their sailing for Vera Cruz at the time referred to, I do not think it indispensably necessary to pass through Mexico in order to meet them, as was proposed. I mention this more particularly on account of something which I have in view here, which if it succeeds I will not go by way of Mexico, but through Santiago de Bogota. On the whole, I think our brethren had better go on with those preparatory studies in which they are engaged until I see them, if it should please God to preserve me till that time. You will of course counsel them as to the things they should attend to, and advise them to improve to the utmost, the time and opportunities they enjoy. I beg that they may bestow a considerable share of attention on the English language. There are good teachers in Edinburgh, whom they may attend for this purpose. No progress in Latin and Greek can in my opinion compensate for the neglect of English.
[1] James Thomson. Letters on the Moral and Religious State of South America. (London: James Nisbet, 1827), pp.33-37; New Evangelical Magazine Vol IX 1823, pp.188-9.
[2] BFSS--letter written 12 July 1822.
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