Rev A Brandram No 32
Jacmel, 20th June 1834
My Dear Friend
According to the intimation in my last letter, I have returned to this port, to await the arrival of the Packet from England to get a passage to Jamaica. The packet is at present the only communication vessel allowed on our part between the two Islands, but by and bye no doubt we shall have it otherwise, though that is another subject and foreign to us as Bible Society folks, in which capacity we know nothing but the Bible. I came here some days ago as I wished to be sure to be in time for the packet, for should I have missed it by being an hour too late, I should have had to wait a whole month. The packet however is now due in regular course, and we are looking out at our window many times a day to see her heave in sight, our house being conveniently situated for that purpose close to the ocean's side.
Among other persons whose acquaintance I have made here, is the Priest of this town and parish. He is a native of Italy; but though from that quarter, the Pope's residence, he is far removed from the Pope's views of the Bible and of Bible Societies. He, in short, reads the Bible, and forms his own views of its contents; and like all who have such a view of things, he wishes others also to read the same volume and in like manner to form their judgment of what it contains.
I pressed upon the attention of this individual the duty of turning to account his knowledge of these subjects, and his influence as a Priest, by using all proper means to lead the people to procure the Scriptures for themselves, and diligently to read them. He seemed to be aware that this was his duty, and said he would, in attendance to it, facilitate your objects in this place. I sold him 4 New Testaments, the last remains of my stock, and we agreed that for commencing his and your operations a trial should be made with a case of one hundred Testaments. Be so good therefore as send such a case to this port at your earliest convenience, and consigned to Messrs. Frith and Hodge. I should also notice that he does not wish Catholic Testaments, but Protestant ones. Those I sold him are Ostervalds, and you can send him the above supply of that version. Please send him 2 or 3 copies of the latest Report of the Paris Bible Society, as he cannot use yours, not understanding English.
Have the goodness to write a few lines to Messrs. Frith & Hodge along with the case of Testaments you consign to them, desiring them to put it into the hands of the Priest. From both Mr Hodge and Mr Frith I have received most friendly attentions, and I should be glad you would be kind enough to notice this in the letter written to them with the books. I scarcely know when or by whom I have been more obliged and served, and with unaffected courtesy and kindness. Mr Hodge is British Vice Consul in this place, and from his public situation and standing, he has been able to serve you, in your agent, efficiently. He is just about to embark for England, but will probably be back by the time your case and letter arrive. He may perhaps see you in London, though it is rather doubtful, his business lying chiefly elsewhere in England, and his stay very short.
I send you two Port au Prince newspapers containing articles on Bible Society concerns. The inaccuracies are not mine.
Believe me, Sincerely Yours,
James Thomson.