From John Jay to Thomas Church Brownell, 4 September 1820
To Thomas Church Brownell
Bedford 4 Septr 1820
Sir
I have recd. the Pamphlet respecting the Episcopal Theological Seminary, which you was so obliging as to send me—1
This Institution, and the place chosen for its Establishment, meet with my approbation.
In appearance as much as that[?] In my opinion various Considerations concur in recommending it to the Support of Episcopalians throughout all the States. Much will depend on the zealous Exertions of influential Individuals, and the Prudence with which the Business in its several Departments, may be conducted—
As to the organization &c. Time will discover whether alterations are adviseable, and Experience will indicate such as may be necessary or expedient— With great Respect I am Rt. Rev. Sir your obt Servt
The Rt. Revd. T. C. Brownell Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut—
Dft, NNC (EJ: 08771). Thomas Church Brownell (1779–1865), ordained by John Henry Hobart; and ordained Bishop of Connecticut in New Haven in 1819. Founder of Washington College (now Trinity College) in Hartford in 1823.
1. Thomas Church Brownell, Plan of the Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States: together with an address to the friends of religion and the church: and an appendix, containing sundry resolutions of the General Convention, and of the Board of Trustees, in relation to the seminary (Hartford, 1820). This work outlines the plan to replace the General Theological Seminary in New York with a national seminary in Connecticut. Included in the appendix is a correspondence with Bishop Hobart stating that although there was a “difference of opinion,” subscribers to the New York institution could cease paying, paying instead the New Haven seminary. The trustees included such notables as Bushrod Washington, Francis Scott Key, and Samuel Farmar Jarvis.
On Hobart’s contentious career, see Cave Jones to JJ, 18 Sept. 1811; JJ to Cave Jones 26 Sept. 1811; JJ to PAJ, 4 Feb. 1812; WJ to JJ, 11 Feb. 1812, all above; and JJ to John Henry Hobart, 13 May 1815, AL, NHi (EJ: 00675); PAJ to JJ, 25 Sept. 1823, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06272); and PAJ to JJ, 20 Oct. 1825, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06294).