Rev. A. Brandram No.3
Vera Cruz, 2nd May 1827.
My Dear Sir,
I am now called to the pleasing duty of informing you that our Heavenly Father has once more conducted me safely over the great ocean, and has set me down again on the shores of America. On the 29th ultimo we cast anchor in this port. Our voyage from England to this place has been in all nine weeks and one day, and though longer than usual and far from pleasant during the first three weeks, yet to complain would be a manifest stepping aside from Christian duty. On the contrary I have great cause to be thankful for the many mercies enjoyed on so long a voyage. Of my progress to Jamaica you are already acquainted by my letter to you from Kingston of the 18th ultimo. On the 19th we sailed from Port Royal, and had a pleasing passage to this port. From the well-known character of this city as a most unhealthy spot, you will not expect that I should stay longer in it than what is absolutely necessary. Everybody who touches here dispatches business quickly, and leaves the place as soon as possible. I act upon this plan also, but must not leave my post through fear if a little longer stay would be likely to forward our Sacred Cause.
I thought it right to stay here till today expecting the return of Mr. Rocafuerte from Mexico on his way to England. This gentleman is fully acquainted with the objects I have in view in this country from the many conversations we had regarding them when in London. He warmly enters into such matters and is truly desirous of forwarding them. Today he arrived here as expected and I have had a great deal of conversation with him regarding my intended plan of operations. To be acquainted with the leading people in Mexico will be of great consequence to me whilst residing there, and that acquaintance will be yet more useful to me when I travel into the interior parts of the country with letters from them of introduction to their friends in the provincial towns. Mr. Rocafuerte has furnished me with an ample supply of introductory notes to persons in the Government and to others who have influence in society in the Mexican capital. He has also furnished me with much information in a private way in regard to public feeling and the character of individuals in this quarter. These notices will I trust prove very serviceable to me in the prosecution of my objects.
The command we have received from our Lord and Master is, to be wise as serpents and to be harmless as doves. To enable us to do so, we must acquire all the information we can as to the best means of forwarding the work we are called to, and when we receive such information we are to use it to the best advantage. I trust I do in some measure acknowledge the Lord in all my ways, and I believe he will fulfill his promise in directing my steps. The benefits I have derived from Mr. Rocafuerte's counsel and assistance I look upon as the answer of God to our prayers, and I know you will join with me in thanksgiving to our Father and our Guide for thus vouchsafing to hear us and direct us. Let us join also in continued supplications for that unceasing direction and support we still stand in need of. The Lord is the hearer of prayer; let us not doubt it.
I leave Veracruz tomorrow for Mexico and am told that our journey will require twelve days.
Today is the first Wednesday of May, and the anniversary of the B & F Bible Society. You may be sure I do not forget this coincidence, far as I am removed from you. I was present with you today in spirit, and almost heard your report read and the speeches delivered on the occasion, and was sure I saw the elated countenance of every individual in the assembly. I could hear but few compliments to men in such a heavenly reunion, but I heard aloud and on every side, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, O Lord, but unto thy name be all the praise and glory."
My dear Friend, and all my dear Friends and companions in the Bible cause, I beg you to aid me with your prayers, that I may be faithful and successful in the work to which I am called. Through your prayers already offered up for me I have been conducted safely over the ocean, and through the same I enjoy in this pestilential city, a flow of health and many blessings. These things encourage me to go forward. I trust the same hand will lead me which has led me hitherto, and that in every place in passing along we shall be enabled to raise and Ebenezer stone, and to sacrifice upon it, not to ourselves but to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom in all things the glory, both now and for ever: Amen.
I am, My Dear Sir, Most Truly Yours,
James Thomson.