Copy of letter from [Dr] Benj[amin] G Hodge, Marigot, Saint Martin, to Monsieur le C[omp]te Agenor de Gasparin, Membre de la Chambre des deputes, Rue de Courcelles, Paris [France]

De Gasparin's recent communication met with 'unbounded joy' by himself and fellow Protestants of the island. Gives overview of Protestantism on the island stating that Protestants make up the majority of the free population and recent problems have not significantly reduced their number. States that...

Full description


Order number: MMS/Special Series/FBN 43
Date(s) of creation: c1846
Level: Item
Format: Archive           

collection SOAS Archive
id MMS.17.03.03.06.04.15
recordtype archive
scb_item_location Archive & Special Collections
item_location Archive & Special Collections
scb_loan_type Reference only
scb_order_with MMS/Special Series/FBN 43
callnumber MMS/17/03/03/06/04/15
callnumber_txt MMS/17/03/03/06/04/15
callnumber-sort MMS/17/03/03/06/04/15
prefix_number 15
title Copy of letter from [Dr] Benj[amin] G Hodge, Marigot, Saint Martin, to Monsieur le C[omp]te Agenor de Gasparin, Membre de la Chambre des deputes, Rue de Courcelles, Paris [France]
scb_date_creation c1846
scb_level Item
level_sort 8/Collection/Sub-Collection/Sub-Sub-Collection/Sub-Sub-Sub-Collection/Series/Sub-Series/Sub-Sub-Series/File/Item
scb_extent 4 pages
format Archive
description De Gasparin's recent communication met with 'unbounded joy' by himself and fellow Protestants of the island. Gives overview of Protestantism on the island stating that Protestants make up the majority of the free population and recent problems have not significantly reduced their number. States that some Protestants observe Catholicism for a number of reasons (including as it is the national French faith). Slave population in the French quarter numbers 3,000 to 4,000 and are in a 'state of destitution as regards instruction of every kind'. Some attend Catholic churches here whilst others worship in the Protestant churches in the Dutch part of the island. His own few enslaved persons have complained that they do not understand the Catholic services. Protestants churches in Dutch part thriving with congregations 'bound and free, white, black and coloured' with many originating from French division. States good reputation of Wesleyan [Methodist] mission in Dutch division of island over last 27 years, which is now in part supported by Dutch King. The minister, William Satchell, is not permitted to enter the French division of the island whether in a private or official capacity (not even to tend to the dying). Includes copies of letters (not extant) relating to the Becker and Sewell deaths. Protestant sacrament not allowed to be administered in French division. Restrictions on marriages (particular between enslaved people) as well. Difficulty in obtaining Holy Scriptures. Protestant enslaved people better behaved. Encloses copy of petition (not extant) of Protestant inhabitants to the French King regarding their grievances (interested if had any result). Hopes De Gasparin and the Protestant Society of Paris will be able to help. Original letter dated 28 July 1846.
scb_access_status Open
scb_conditions_gov_access Only to be viewed on microfiche
scb_copyright Copyright held by Methodist Missionary Society
scb_use_restrictions For permission to publish, please contact Archives & Special Collections, SOAS Library in the first instance
language English
language_search English
scb_file_number 5
note Whilst the specific enclosures mentioned here are not extant similar documents exist in this file.
hierarchy_top_id_raw MMS
hierarchy_sequence MMS.0017.0003.0003.0006.0004.0015