Brian Condon: Letters and Documents in 19th Century Australian Catholic History
[Source: Adelaide Archdiocesan Archives copy. Marked 'No. 9']
4 Castle Street
Holborn
London
Aug 12th. 1826
Reverend Gentlemen,
It is unnecessary for me to say how much I was edified by the truly Apostolic zeal with which you offered yourselves to the Apostolic work of the Mission in New South Wales and how much I was gratified by the account which the Right Reverend Dr. Kelly gave me of your characters, as worthy Ministers of Christ. I communicated to Earl Bathurst, to his complete satisfaction, the substance of the recommendation which Dr. Kelly had given you. Earl Bathurst has on different occasions expressed to me his wish that such clergymen should be selected for those colonies as, whilst they devote themselves with zeal to the objects of their spiritual duties, will by their prudent and peaceable conduct abstain from interfering in or disturbing the civil order of things, and by the respectability of their characters will support the dignity of their spiritual ministry and merit the confidence and respect of the constituted authorities.
Such was the opinion I had formed of your prudence and devotedness to your spiritual duties that in sending you the papers conveying your spiritual powers, I thought it quite unnecessary to hint any directions for your conduct. A short time ago Lord Bathurst signified to me, through Mr Secretary Hay, that he wished me to give you a word of general advice at the beginning, and to say that it was his desire you should confine yourselves to your spiritual duties and abstain from taking part in any political questions and from giving encouragement to opposition to the Civil Government of the Colony.
His Lordship seems to be aware that the tranquillity and happiness of the numerous Catholic part of the Colony will depend much on the good influence of the Catholic clergymen. He perhaps had in view some imprudent acts that had taken place last year in New South Wales. I answered that, considering your excellent characters, I deemed such an admonition unnecessary; however, as Mr Hay pressed it, for the general satisfaction of Lord Bathurst's mind I said I would write a few lines to you on the subject. I hope this will be my apology for such an address. I will only request you to be assured of my high esteem for your merits and zeal and to accept my sincere ardent wishes that that same Holy Spirit who directed and supported the Apostles of Christ in their sublime and arduous Ministry may be with you, may direct, support and console you in the duties you have to perform, and may give fruit to your labours here, and an abundant recompense to them in the Kingdom of Heaven. Recommending myself to your prayers,
I am, with sincere attachment,
Rev Gentlemen
Your devoted servant in J.C.
+William Poynter Vic. Ap. London