Series 01 - Correspondence sent to Edward Coleridge

Comments on a letter received from the Bishop of London concerning the supply of clergymen to Port Phillip and the Colonial Church Society and expresses indecision regarding whether or not aid should be accepted from the Colonial Church Society when they advocate an extreme theological system.

Reports on financial matters such as the feasibility of investing subscriptions into real property, funding for the erection of churches and the financial provision for the settlement of clergy. The Presbyterians and Papists are described as "adversaries" and a need is expressed to firmly establish the Church of England in Australia so as to ensure the continuation of "true" Christianity.

Again expresses concern that Capt. Trevelyan is associating with people who do not hold any religious beliefs. Reports on the partitioning of the Diocese and the affairs of St. James College. Examines the economic and social conditions of England, Coleridge's dissatisfaction with some Bishops, and the St. Asaph affair. Reports on the progress of the building of the Cathedral and the new St. Philips Church.

Informs Coleridge that he and his clergymen intend to send a joint address to the Archbishop expressing their thankfulness for the establishment of St. Augustine's College. Refers to Coleridge's account on the state of church affairs in England. Examines the case of Papal Supremacy from a historical perspective.

Reports on the matter of vacant position of Chief Justice and describes the contenders for the position.

Expresses sympathy at hearing of the death of the warden of St. Augustine's College. Reports on monetary matters concerning the church and expresses his political views on the colony. Expresses his opinion on a letter received from the Bishop of New Zealand concerning the Canterbury Settlement. Writes of the death of his wife and his own near fatal illness. Examines his financial affairs and expresses concern over the financial position of his children.

Thanks Coleridge for securing subscribers in England to support the Church of England in Australia. Outlines the income of Bishops in the colony and the uncertainty of its source other than from government stipend. Purpose of letter is to inform Coleridge of a proposal to use the funds obtained from subscriptions to alleviate the conditions of the clergy. The proposal in using an amount of the subscriptions to purchase property to raise sheep and cattle, the income from which will be used to pay the wages of the clergy and to purchase other estates to be similarly occupied. Expresses wish to use funds to make provision for parochial school masters and for the maintenance of widows and orphans of the clergy.

Informing Coleridge of matters regarding church affairs in the colony including the offer of employment to Mr. Formby. Reports on matters relating to the Bishop of Tasmania.

Expresses concern over squatters' opposition to Sir George Gipps and mentions Wentworth, Lowe, Windeyer, Macleay and Nicholson as being the main adversaries. Examines the squatters' feelings towards religion and expresses concern that Capt. Trevelyan, who was a pupil of Coleridge and is a free settler, may be influenced by these men. Gives an appraisal of Dr. Hook's principles regarding education. Outlines financial matters of the Church.

Reports on progress of writing letters to donors in England thanking them for their support of the Church in Australia.