Letter Bishop to Mr. Collison 16 July 1880
Page 1
[1] The B[isho]p to Mr. Collison
[2] July 16th 1880
[3] (Copy)
[4] My dear Mr. Collison
[5] I have told you the two points
[6] of vital importance I have urged
[7] upon Mr. Tomlinson. Now I will
[8] proceed to make clear what must be
[9] done if you should feel bound to
[10] refuse to carry out the plans I
[11] have laid before him.
[12] On your arrival at the Forks (having
[13] taken Robert Alden with you from
[14] Kitwingak) kindly make it fully
[15] known that a Church Mission is to
[16] be established there at once. Look
[17] out for suitable premises. Let Robert
[18] Allen and the Christian Tchimsheans
[19] forming your crew visit every house
[20] and gather all the people together
[21] they can and so let action be
[22] taken while you push on to Mr. Tomlinson
Page 2
[1] Having met him give my letter to
[2] him and hear his mind respecting
[3] it. If he will not accede to my
[4] plans then quickly return to the
[5] Forks calling on Mr. Hawkins on
[6] the way. Hire from him as cheaply
[7] as possible his dwelling house at
[8] the Forks and his store if it is suitable
[9] for a temporary school house. Have
[10] a written agreement. Open a day
[11] school without delay and keep it
[12] so as to claim a government grant.
[13] This is of primary importance with
[14] which the disposing of medicine
[15] or other useful works must not interfere.
[16] Gather all as many as you can
[17] into the school. On the centre all your
[18] energy. Robert Allen might remain
[19] some time with you but not so
[20] as to leave open Kitwingak
[21] It may be prudent to place him
Page 3
[1] pro.term. at Kishpiyoux of this
[2] you will be able to judge best on the
[3] spot. It would be a misfortune
[4] to see either of these villages occupied
[5] by others with our work so near
[6] you know this well.
[7] If Mr. Tomlinson should come to see
[8] the necessity of settling at the Forks
[9] and carrying out these plans. On
[10] his giving you a letter to this effect
[11] and under no other circumstances
[12] you will return and leave in him in
[13] sole charge. If he should decline
[14] to do so then you will remain in
[15] charge of the inland mission until
[16] I come up and undertake it myself.
[17] Please do not attempt any kind
[18] of compromise, anything unprovided
[19] for in this letter is left to you
[20] and I am sure your missionary
[21] experience with the Divine
Page 4
[1] blessing enable you to act
[2] promptly and vigorously.
[3] I am yours
[4] Most sincerely
[5] (sgn) W Caledonia
