Edmonia Highgate to Ira H. Cobb, Jan. 22, 1864
- Title
- Edmonia Highgate to Ira H. Cobb, Jan. 22, 1864
- Date
- 01-22-1864
- Creator
-
Edmonia Highgate
- Description
- Edmonia Highgate writes from Binghamton, N.Y. to Ira H. Cobb of her church (her pastor, Rev. M. E. Strieby, being absent), requesting that he send the A.M.A. the "recommendation of my fitness" and "certificate of Christian character" required for her application for a teaching commission. On this letter is a message from Rev. M. E. Strieby of the A.M.A. to Rev. S. S. Jocelyn, also of the A.M.A., offering personal testimonial of Highgate's talents and efficiency.
- Related Financial Supporters
- American Missionary Association
- Transcript
-
Binghamton Jan 22nd 1864
Mr Ira H Cobb,
My Dear friend
I have made an application to the “American Miss. Asso.” to go south as missionary or teacher- My letter was favorably answered- But according to the rules of the Association – I must send them “a certificate of Christian Character, signed by my pastor, with his ecclesiastical connection.” I must also send them “a recommendation of my fitness for this particular work, signed by at least two ministers or other competent persons.” Now, Bro. Cobb you know just how to get both of these documents for me, and I want you to have the goodness to send them to me with out delay; for I can not answer the secretary’s letter till I get them- I will resign my position here and go south just as soon as the Asso- will send me. I know Bro. Streiby is not home but I hope you can get my certificate not withstanding- I do not know why there need be any hesitancy in sending me one that would be creditable. You may have heard some rumor of my wavering in some points, in a true orthodox belief – but I wrote out a full statement of my views to Bro Streiby and his dear wife will tell you that it was satisfactory to him. She will also be able I think to give you any information on that point. God forbid that I should glorify in any but the merits of a crucified Redeemer- I know that I am asking a great deal of you but not more I think than you will deem it a pleasure to grant me-
Yours in the Cause of Christ-
Edmonia G. Highgate-
Box 504.
New York Jan 27, 1864
International Hotel.
Dear Bro. Jocelyn
This note has come to hand, and instead of the roundabout way of sending certificates &c &c to Miss Highgate, I take the more direct way of saying to you that she is a member of my church, and is an unusually talented and efficient girl. She has had a good deal of experience in teaching, and in my judgment would make a most admirable teacher among the Freed-men, and all the more so, that she has some of the African blood in her own veins. I hope you will give her an appointment. Yours truly, M. E. Strieby
P.S. If any further certificates are needed as to Miss Highgates qualifications as a teacher I presume she could readily obtain them in Syracuse or Binghampton. Rev. Samuel J. May of Syracuse is well acquainted with her.
S.