Brian Condon: Letters and Documents in 19th Century Australian Catholic History
[Source: Adelaide Archdiocesan Archives copy. Marked 'No. 1']
Fleet Street
Liverpool
12 July 1819
Reverend Sir,
As I have not the honor of being personally known to you, I have to apologise for addressing you, but the importance of the subject will be my excuse. If you have looked to the bottom of the page, you will be aware that you are addressed by one who has a deep interest in the spiritual welfare of many of your countrymen expatriated to New South Wales.
I have been told that your Charity leads you to wish to be enabled to render them assistance. I have heard, too, that you are well qualified by your zeal and virtues to be a useful laborer in such a mission. If my first information has not been incorrect I shall feel most happy in being allowed to employ your talents in so meritorious a cause.
Do me the favor to write to me, and believe me, Revd Sir
Your very obedient Servant
+Edward Slater
[Note: The most extensive collection of transcriptions of Fr Therry's correspondence remains Eris O'Brien's The Foundation of Catholicism in Australia; life and letters of Archpriest John Joseph Therry, Sydney, Angus & Robertson, 1922]