Nov. 6. 1712.
Sir
The last of Nov. 1713 I rec'd one from the Honble Society by Coll Nicholson who stopping at Boston forwarded it. The very true dismal accounts I have given of affairs here both with relation to myself and the Governor required methinks with submission a more timely and suitable answer if your—Missionaries are not sold to be slaves or banished to a much worse place than ever the Giarii of old were much more what they now are—This is the first I ever was favoured with notwithstanding above 50 I have written, I shall be ready to comply with what is expected of me with reference to the said Gent and accordingly upon a bare intimation that he expected to hear from me I have acquainted that what is expected of me I cannot comply with by reason that the Vestries have rejected misused and refused to do anything for Missionaries upon a supposition that our salary in England is sufficient & that it was never expected by the Society that the Inhabitants should be at any charge The plain truth is our Holy religion (as with sorrow I have often hinted) is totally neglected disregarded & those who promote the same trampled upon I am very miserable indeed, thro the baseness of the people and the mismanagement of my Salary in England which is an accident that happens to most men that travel; this is not the first time I have
been abused by one I have intrusted & thought tho' mistaken I was safe so unhappy are many & if Missionaries what signify great salaries, I am poorer now by far than when I came hither & were I but able would speedily quit the country, I have wrecked my brains ever since I arrived to keep soul and body together & have been almost continually in as much danger as in the greatest extremity that can be Sea in fine death would be welcome—The Society may perhaps say this is my constant style but am pursuaded when my reports are confirmed by Col Nicholson they may have some further influence with the Society I am desirous if possible to stay here till he comes among us & then doubt not but he will justify my leaving this wretched country and returning to England.Mr Rainsford has proved another Alexander his comin in has been a great detriment to me and no service to the country, I wish he may stay in it as long as I've done but very much doubt it never any one could do it & had I been able should have long ago taken me to another place