Rev A Brandram No 87
Montreal 28th October1839
My Dear Friend,
I arrived in the city a few days ago, and go down to Quebec this evening. On my return I shall have finished my tour for the season, and will then write you of what has occurred since my last.
My present letter will be confined to Mr. Lappelletrie, and his work. On the back of my last letter I noticed to you his arrival here, and of the same I suppose you have been duly apprised in form by our friend Mr. Wilkes. We are all pleased with Mr. Lappelletrie, and think him well qualified for what he has to be engaged in among us. He has now been at work for some little time, and his success is very encouraging. It is also I may say, very distressing, for he has sold off all our stock of De Sacy's New Testament, (the only one the people will in general receive,) and the season is now so far advanced as to preclude are getting any more by the St. Lawrence before the ensuing Spring. This distress was felt before I returned to this city, and a hasty urgent request was sent to our friends in New York for a supply of 500. They have come, but we find them so small, (apparently 32mo) that the people do not relish them. They object to them to on another score, Mr. Lappelletrie says on account of their being American. I suppose this latter objection arises from a fear that their receiving books from America might be looked upon suspiciously by the government under the present circumstances of this country.
Amidst these distresses, and to relieve them if possible, that so we may not be without a supply for the winter months, I have thought of requesting you to send us a supply direct to New York, and without any delay. We shall get them from thence the best way we can. I have a friend at court in Washington who I think will be the means of preventing the unpleasant circumstances which happened to those sent there before. I had written to him about these, but whilst he was making the proper inquiries Mr. Champion had ordered them off to London. At all events we must have the Books, therefore pray send them, and immediately after receiving this letter. Send us 600 of De Sacy's 12mo New Testament, and in cases of 100 each, consigned to Messrs. Goodhue and Co. New York. Send only De Sacy's, for it is only these we want. It will be better I think to send three cases with one vessel, and three cases with another, and please let these vessels be the very first and the very second sailing for New York after this comes to hand.
In haste, I remain, Truly Yours,
James Thomson.