Bishop Robert Smith, Important Archive of the Papers (34dcs)

Description:

Bishop Robert Smith, Important Archive of the Papers Family documents of Bishop Smith (1732-1801), the first Episcopal Bishop of South Carolina, 1795-1801, and his family, 1756-1900. The manuscripts and letters in this collection document Rev. Smith's entire adult life, and also include material related to his children and grandchildren. Included are the following documents:

ECCLESIASTICAL DOCUMENTS:
The Bishop of Ely, Matthias, on 7 March 1756, inducted Robert Smith B. A. Fellow of Caius College in Cambridge into the holy order of Deacon. Signed by Matt. Ely with his seal.

The Bishop of Ely, Matthias, on 21 December 1756, inducted Robert Smith B. A. Fellow of Caius College in Cambridge into the holy order of Priest. Signed by Matt. Ely with his seal.

The Bishop of London, Richard, on 3 October 1769, granted Robert Smith, Clerk, A. B. the right to perform the ministerial office of priest in the province of South Carolina. Signed by Ric: London with his seal.

The Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Pennsylvania, William White, D. D., the presiding Bishop, the Bishop of New York, Samuel Provoost, D. D., the Bishop of Virginia, James Madison, D. D.; and the Bishop of Connecticut, Thomas John Claggett, D. D., by these presents on 13 September 1795 in Christ Church, Philadelphia, "did then and there rightly and Canonically Consecrate Our Beloved in Christ, Robert Smith, D. D. Provost of Charlestown College, and Rector of St. Phillips Church Charlestown…into the office of Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the said State." The four bishops signed the document and affixed their seals.

OTHER DOCUMENTS:
Partially printed Certificate of membership in the St. George Society of Charlestown, South Carolina, for The Revd. Robt. Smith 25 March 1761. Signed by the president Wm. Burrows and the clerk Chas. Atkins.

Deed of Marriage Settlement. Robert Smith (1786-1847) to J. J. Pringle Smith and Wm. Mason Smith, Trustees. An agreement concerning the property owned by Robert Smith and his wife Elizabeth Pringle (1791-1873), the daughter of John Julius Pringle (1753-1843), and his wife Susannah Reid Pringle (1768-1831). Signed by Robert Smith, J. J. Pringle Smith, and Wm. Mason Smith. Dated 27 March 1844.
Deed of gift. Robert Smith gave to his wife Elizabeth P. Smith his house and lot in Meeting Street purchased from the estate of the late Mrs. Susan P. Smith with all the furniture in consideration of its having been purchased by me with monies bequeathed to her by her sister said Mrs. Susan P. Smith and father J. J. Pringle." Undated, but probably March 1844.

Report of the Committee appointed to Consider the Memorial and Petition of the Vestry and Church Wardens of the parish of St. Phillip Charlestown. Legislative report, 8 March and 8 April1767.

Partially printed Summary Process in the case of the Right Reverend Robert Smith v. Exor. of Robt Ladson. Signed by Jacob Drayton. 14 August 1797.

LETTERS:
John Julius Pringle (1753-1843), Philadelphia, 24 March 1770 to his father Robert Pringle, Charles Town, South Carolina. Written while Pringle was in school, the letter described how young Pringle spent his time. "I constantly go in the evening to French school, and I am very desirous of speaking it," he wrote. "The Smiths & the rest of the Carolina Boys are under the care of Mr. Wm. West a Merchant of this City; except little Archar Johnson who is under Mr. Surnans, also a merchant.

Thos. Farrow, Jun. Clerk of the Commons House of Assembly, 17 February 1775 to Reverend Mr. Robert Smith conveying the "Thanks of this House…for the excellent Sermon delivered by him this day, and that Mr. Speaker do request of Mr. Smith to have the same printed and made public."

Rawlins Lowndes, Chas. Town, 18 February 1775 to The Revd. Mr. Smith enclosing the Resolution of the Commons House of Assembly in regard to the sermon preached. "The address Sir, with which you complied with this request of the people; and the Suitable manner in which you Acquitted your self, carry the strongest evidence that, no illiberal narrow principals influenced your conduct, but on the contrary that you are Actuated by a truly benevolent heart, and a real love for mankind; the good and welfare of whom, is the ultimate end of all Instructions religious as well as Civil. Signed Raws. Lowndes. The sermon referred to the two previous letters is one of the most important that Smith ever delivered, given the state of South Carolina's efforts to win some degree of autonomy from Great Britain. Sometime referred to as Smith's "Humiliation Sermon, "the message resonated with listeners who approved of Smith's subtle references to self-government.

Anna Tilghman Smith (1753-1792), Charleston, 13 May 1790 to Edward Tilghman, Philadelphia. Anna wrote to her brother about family, especially her children. "Our Dear Boys are I hope out of danger with the small pox," she wrote. Her husband was at his plantation "for a few days."

Francis Dana Channing (1775-1810), Cambridge, [Massachusetts], 11 July 1799 to Robert [Smith] (1786-1847). A letter filled with advice to a young student. "As you advance in study I hope learning appears more pleasant & wears more attractive charms. Remember knowledge is as necessary to true happiness as to true glory. Without it, we can never hope for eminence in life." Channing graduated from Harvard with an A. B. degree in 1797. After that he became a lawyer.

Robert Smith (1732-1801), Charleston, 26 June 1801 to Robert Smith (1786-1847), [Cambridge, Massachusetts]. Robert annotated the letter as "First letter to me at Cambridge." In writing about his son's departure from home to go off to Harvard College, Robert Smith confessed "My heart was too full when you left us, for me to say half of what I had to say-it was a moment of great distress."

Robert Smith (1732-1801), Charleston, 6 October 1801 to Robert Smith (1786-1847). Annotated by the son "Last letter to me at Cambridge before his death." The father wanted to "know what plan of life you have devoted your thoughts to; not that what you have now thought on, is to be absolute, if hereafter you should allow your mind, after cool deliberation in your own breast, & consulting & advising with your friends, but would you wish, that whatever you determine on, planting should accompany it, & that my Lands & Negroes should continue a part of my Estate-if not, write your wishes freely, as they will determine my selling all off."

Robert Smith (1732-1801), [Charleston], to Robert Smith (1786-1847). Undated extract "by direction of my Father & left as a rule." Undated but probably written circa 1801 when young Robert left for Harvard. Advice for a successful life.

Elizabeth Pringle Smith (1791-1873), Charleston, 26 January 1811 to William Mason Smith (1788-1838), care of, John Tunno, London. William's sister-in-law, the wife of Robert Smith, wrote with family news while William was away from home. "My better half although as thin as ever enjoys a tolerable share of health. I am trying to persuade him a little London air, Cheese, & Porter would be of great service to him…."

Elizabeth Beekman (1744-1815), [Charleston], [ca. 1811], to William M. Smith, care of John Tunno, London. Mrs. Beekman was a friend of the family and was especially fond of William. "Your brother [Robert] has just entered here, with his child in his arms, to visit me, believe me my d[ea]r Wm. He is a lovely Boy, and has your features much more than any one of the family…."

Ann Smith, Wells, England, 21 December 1816, to William Smith, Charleston, South Carolina. Ann Smith, William's cousin, conveyed news of William's aunt, Sarah Motte Smith (1777-1852), who had married John Rutledge II (1766-1819) but was estranged from him and living in England. "Doubtless you think it most strange my never having answered your last letter…, but in truth, I knew not how, or what to write, for Mrs. Rutledges manner to me (evidently to every body), altered immediately upon the receipt of it. I of course read her only part, and whether she suspected there was any thing passing between us respecting her, I know not…."

John Webber, Wells, England, 15 September 1817, to William Mason Smith, Charleston, South Carolina. Although primarily a letter related to business, Webber also mentioned William's aunt, Sarah Rutledge. "We have heard thro' the channel of the Penmans' that Mrs. Rutledge is again come to England, having arrived at Liverpool sometime ago; but we at present have heard nothing from her, whenever we do Mrs. Webber will certainly endeavour as far as she is able, to render her every assistance, consistent with her situation in life."

OTHER DOCUMENTS IN THE COLLECTION:
A newspaper clipping about the Harvard College commencement in August 1805 listed Robert Smith as one of the graduates.

Two drawings are renderings of monuments intended for a cemetery or church. One other manuscript related to tombstone inscriptions and another was a poem in memory of Anna Tilghman Smith, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Smith who died 30 May 1840.

The late nineteenth material includes a small number of financial records of family members. (34dcs)

Provenance: Bishop Robert Smith and his family by descent
Dr. & Mrs. C.G. Hopper, Jr. Collection

Other Notes: Robert Smith (1732-1801) was born in Worstead, Norfolk, England, educated at Gonville and Cainus College in Cambridge, received his B.A. degree in 1753, and was ordained as a deacon in the Church of England on 7 March 1756; later the same year, on 21 December, as a priest. Smith emigrated to South Carolina in 1757 and was installed assistant minister of St. Philip's Church in Charleston, an association that continued until his death. Smith married Elizabeth Pagett (1742-1771) in July 1758, and she died in 1771 without leaving any children. Three years later, Smith married Sarah Shubrick (1759-1779), and she had one daughter, Sarah Motte Smith (1777-1852). After the...