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.