Box 1

Elmslie, with whom Forsyth had stayed while preaching in Scotland, expresses regret that he arrived too late to say goodbye at the dock, but expresses a desire to go to America in the coming year. Asks Forsyth to help him find a job.

Reply to Forsyth's letter of the 25th. Refers to Forsyth's poor health, assures him that his flock concurs that he should not preach in his condition, even to the point of releasing him should he choose to resign. Asks for him to prevail on preachers such as Malcolm McLaren to help fill in for him.

Reminds him of his promise to assist at communion. Lists Sabbath Evening speakers and topics, asks Forsyth to take the topic "The bearings of the Bible upon the destiny of our country."

Asks for a special appointment so that Forsyth may examine "an excellent lad in my congregation," John Winner [Jr., 1866], for admission to Rutgers College. The lad's father is a wealthy farmer who might contribute to the school.

Features a paraphrase of a Bible? passage, entitled "Zion's bondage God turned back."