_To a generous Benefactor unknown._
_Charles-Town, March, 15, 1747._
WHOEVER you are that delight to imitate the divine beneficence in doing
good to your fellow-creatures when they know not of it, I think it my
duty, in behalf of the poor orphans committed to my care, to send you
a letter of thanks for your kind, generous and opportune benefaction.
――That GOD who has opened your heart to give so bountifully, will
as bountifully reward you.――I trust you have contributed towards the
promoting an institution, which has, and I believe will redound much
to the Redeemer’s glory.――Blessed be GOD, I hope I can say, that
_Bethesda_ was never in better order than it is now, in all probability
taking root downwards, and bearing fruit upwards.――Since my arrival
there this winter, I have opened a _Latin_ school, and have several
children of promising abilities that have begun to learn.――One little
orphan, who this time twelvemonth could not read his letters, has made
a considerable proficiency in his _Accidence_.――The blessed spirit has
been striving with several of the children’s infant hearts, and I hope
ere long to see some ministers sent forth from that despised place
called _Georgia_. It is true, the constitution of that colony is very
bad, and it is impossible for the inhabitants to subsist themselves
without the use of slaves. But GOD has put it into the hearts of my
_South-Carolina_ friends, to contribute liberally towards purchasing
a plantation and slaves in this province; which I purpose to devote to
the support of _Bethesda_.――Blessed be GOD, the purchase is made.――I
last week bought, at a very cheap rate, a plantation of six hundred and
forty acres of excellent land, with a good house, barn, and out-houses,
and sixty acres of ground ready cleared, fenced and fit for rice,
corn, and every thing that will be necessary for provisions. One negroe
has been given me.――Some more I purpose to purchase this week.――An
overseer is put upon the plantation, and I trust a sufficient quantity
of provision will be raised this year.――The family at _Bethesda_
consists of twenty-six.――When my arrears are discharged; I purpose to
increase the number.――I hope that time will soon come; and that he who
has begun, will go on to stir up the friends of _Zion_ to help me, not
only to discharge the arrears, but also to bring the plantation lately
purchased to such perfection, that if I should die shortly, _Bethesda_
may yet be provided for.――As you have been such a benefactor, I thought
proper to give you this particular account, that you may see it is not
given in vain.――I could enlarge, but have only room to subscribe myself,
generous friend,
Your most obliged servant,
_G. W._