James M. Quash wrote to the Chase sisters on September 18, 1867. He let them know he was happy to have received their letter. He notes that he and Elias F. Jefferson became teachers in the Congregational Sunday School and had joined a Congregational church.
About James M. Quash
James Quash and Elias Jefferson joined a Congregational church, probably the Plymouth Congregational Church, founded in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1867 by Black members of the Circular Congregational Church. The American Missionary Association (AMA) gave support to this new church. More information is available on the Plymouth Congregational Church is available on the Preservation Society of Charleston website.
Transcription
Charleston Sept 18th / 67
Most Adored Ladies & Teachers,
With a heart of Joy & Gratitude I take up my Pen to address you with these few Lines, hoping when Received, that they may find you enjoying good health as they have Left us, quite well at Present, in Compliance with the Letter you done us the honour of Writing. I must really say that it was a moment of Glad Tiding when I heard that there was a Letter Received from you, in as much as it was Joy and Gladness when I open these Pages and found that you all were sick since you arrived. it was minute of deep regret, though I contented myself By saying that the Lords will must be done, though I hope through his infinite mercies he may enable you to regain your health and strength again. I must really say that I regret very much that I could not call to see you before you left the city, on the evening which we were to call, I was Detained By some of my friends whom I call to pay a small visit, but Notwithstanding you were in my thoughts ever since, your absence from me. I am happy to state that I and my friend Mr. Jefferson have become Teachers in the Congregational Church Sabbath School and also members of the same. Rev. Mr. Merritt Pastor and am also happy to say that we have organized a Temperance Society, to which we have some Twenty two Names enrolled at Present and are getting more at every Meeting. all of my Classmate Join me in Love to you, and wish you best heartfelt wishes I learned from my friend Mr. Jeffersons that he omitted that I wishes the studies of Ministry also if it can be Procured I hope that you may be able to renew your health again so that you can use your best effort in behalf of us. I would have written before, but I have just arrived home from the country and was very happy to hear from you. Remember me to Miss Lucy tell her she must really excuse me for not Writing to her separately but I hope she will Receive this as to her also. I miss you all very much but I hope to see you all again if not on earth may we never to Part again in heaven Nothing more of importance to communicate at Present you must really excuse my bad Writing as I am much fatigue having just arrived home yesterday morning I must Close with wishing you Peace Prosperity and Happiness write as soon as possible I will be happy to hear from you as often as Possible. All letters can be Directed to E.F. Jefferson for any one of us and it will be safe
I am Very Respectfully Your humble Schollar
James M. Quash
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