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Rare Original Missionary Letter – Madras, April 12, 1837
Offered here is an exceptional autograph letter signed by F.C.W. Ward, written from Madras (Chennai) on April 12, 1837. This deeply personal and spiritual letter offers a vivid glimpse into the missionary and expatriate community of British India in the early 19th century.
Ward writes of Christian fellowship and eternal hope, and makes repeated reference to his brother-in-law Dr. Wray (a missionary traveling with his wife to Ceylon/Sri Lanka). The letter also mentions Mr. John Gray (their host in Madras), Capt. & Mrs. Thompson (likely East India Company officer & wife), Mr. Moore, and Mr. Clerk – all part of the British social and missionary circle in Madras at the time.
The tone is unmistakably missionary, with lines such as “Dear Friend, for eternity—God grant that we may meet in Heaven.”
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Full Transcription (excerpted for clarity):
Madras – Wednesday Morning, April 12th, 1837
“…Your many kindnesses to us both during our voyage will be long remembered with gratitude. May He, from whom cometh every good gift, shower comforts richly… Dear Friend, for eternity—God grant that we may meet in Heaven.
Dr. & Mrs. Wray have reached Mr. John Gray’s. Mrs. Wray & myself are located in this city. This is our home… Dr. & Mrs. Wray are on their way to Ceylon. They may go soon but are detained by the sickness of Mrs. Wray. She is better.
Will you present the affectionate regards of myself & wife to Capt. & Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Moore, Mr. Clerk (also quite recovered in some degree).
Yours truly,
F. C. W. Ward”
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Historical Importance
Missionary History: The Wrays were part of the London Missionary Society’s South Asian work, linking this letter directly to the famous Serampore missionary network (Carey, Marshman, Ward).
Colonial Madras: References to Gray, Thompson, Moore, and Clerk illustrate the expatriate merchant and military circles that supported mission activity.
Genealogical Value: Ward calls Dr. Wray his brother-in-law, anchoring the family connection and offering an avenue for further research into the missionary dynasties.
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Condition
1pp, neatly penned in dark ink on laid paper. Old mailing folds, otherwise very good. Signature “F. C. W. Ward” bold and clear.
