Mr Smith. Ashelworth
13 March 1703/4
To
The Worshipfull John Chamberlayne Esq[uire]
In Petty France
In Westminster
London
These Present
Honoured Sir
The honourable Society at th[ei]r general meeting, concluded th[a]t a mission to the five Nations, about which I had bin waiting upon them, was not proper for me, as I was a married man. And therefore they proposed some other Place to me, & particularly Roanoak in North Carolina. I was to consider of it, & returne my answer by the next monthly Meeting. Now I having considered of this matter, am not willing to take my Wife to th[a]t unhealthfull Country. If my service may be accepted for South Carolina, for which (as I take it) I was at first enrolled, I would willingly goe thither, & my Wife likewise. Several creditable persons of th[a]t Country, particularly Mr Massly the Deputy Secretary, & Mr Franklin of London a Proprietor thereof, who came but very lately from those Parts, assure me th[a]t a Minister is much wanting there; especially such a one as will apply himself to the instruction of youth: Which I would gladly do if there should be occasion. My designes I hope, are real to do good to souls, if by any means I may. Indeed th[a]t which put me upon the designe at first, were some unhappy debts for w[hi]ch I am engaged. And this I acknowledge to the honourable Society, th[a]t I may not make a shew of a more pure & perfect zeal, th[a]n indeed I have. However so far as I know my owne h[ear]t, my predominant motive is to do good. For I am perswaded th[a]t by the grace of God, I shal be much more useful in th[o]s[e] Parts, than I
am here like to be under my unhappy & prejudicial circumstances. As for my debts, in case of my removal, I have already taken care for the discharge of th[e]m. Soe with my respects to the honourable Society, & my humble thanks to th[e]m for th[ei]r late bounty to me, desiring th[a]t y[ou] would be pleased to accept of my poor Service, I rest
worthy Sir
Y[ou]r much oblidged & humble Servant
Charles Smith
Ashellworth H. Sh.
March 13. 1703/4
\I would desire the favour of you, to send me the answer, as soon as you can./