| Description | (The first letter is dated 26 March 1717, written from Wards Creek, Prinxce George County, Virginia, and addressed to the author's 'Beloved Friend'; Harrison signs himself 'thy faithful & constant friend & sincere lover according to former contract'. He recounts his journey over the sea, and first impressions of Virginia. He thought the people poor. He had been offered a post as schoolmaster, for a fee to be paid in tobacco, but was doubtful whether he would be accepted as a Dissenter, and was considering importing goods from his brother in England for resale. He also discusses their love for one another, and religious matters. He describes the small Baptist community in Virginia, of which he and his friends [Robert] Norden and [?] Woods were the ministers. The second letter is dated 21 May 1718, and addressed to Ann as his 'dear friend and sister'. He is forced to remain in Virginia as no Baptist preachers have been sent to replace him. He complains that 'the churches are dull ... backward to communicate & contribute necessary supply for the support & encouragement of such as may be sent'. He had invited Ann to join him in Virginia, but now wishes her to await his return to England, so that if they settle in Virginia they may have one another's company on the voyage. He described Virginia as a 'woody desolate place', but thought 'the living here might be much better were the inhabitants careful & provident'.) |