Robert Carter to Wythe, 19 January 1779
Robert Carter, a plantation owner who had recently converted to the Baptist faith,[1] writes to George Wythe regarding the progress of a chancery case he is involved in. Carter explains that Col. Charles Carter has filed suit against him, and he appeals to George Wythe for help in defending him during said chancery suit. Carter states that he is at the Bar at the time of writing this letter, and that he shall try to give Wythe assistance in this suit should he still be away while the case is being argued.
Carter ends his letter affirming his Christian beliefs in Jesus Christ as the son of God and the Doctrine of Resurrection. He then recommends Wythe consider adopting similar beliefs before closing the letter with regards to Wythe and his family.
Letter text
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- Nomony Hall Janry 19th 1779
Dear Sir
- Last September I wrote a letter to
Mr. Peter Lynes desiring him to apply to you for all the papers in Col. Charles Carters Chancery suit against me-- if he should not have applied, pray put said papers into the hands of an able lawyer who practices at the High Court of Chancery, to defend my property, and advise me accordingly.
W.P.L acknowledged the receipt of my letter mentioned above- who says that he then attended the H.L.L only to assist in some causes ready for tryal, & it is quite uncertain how long I shall continue my attendance at the Bar. I would not wish you to rely entirely
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on me to defend that suit, which is not yet set for hearing, therefore beg leave to return the fee, nevertheless if the cause should be argued while I am at the Bar, I shall be ready to give you any assistance in my power. A deistical opinion occurs forcibly, which I formerly emparted to you- let this then apologize for my renouncing that idea here and now give testimony in proof of the Religion of Revelation. I declare that the old & new Testaments are of divine authority and not of human institution; that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that none have or can obtain everlasting life, but thro him, that the Doctrine of the Resurrection of Soul & Body is true & that future Rewards and Punishments are to continue ad infinitum to Eternity.
I do on behalf of your immortal soul call on you to supplicate the throne of Grace to communicate to your soul experimental Religion for without it none can partake of Christs Kingdom. J.C. says to Nicodemus Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again-- John iii-7.
I shall add only that myself and all your acquaintances have, present respect to all compliments to Mr. & Mrs. Wythe & the relatives of your family. I am dear sir your most obedt and very
To Humble Servant George Wythe, Esqr. Robert Carter
See also
References
- ↑ John R. Barden, "Robert Carter (1728-1804)," Encyclopedia Virginia, Virginia Humanities, December 22, 2021, accessed July 3, 2024, https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/carter-robert-1728-1804/
