| Citation |
NYMP.783.002
25 Jul 1783:14,21 (3/125)
From Lloyd's Evening Post, June 1, 1777. Extracts from
letters sent be missionaries in America to the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts.
Soon after Washington's arrival at New-York, he attended
the church; but on the Sunday morning before Divine service
began, one of the rebel generals called at the rector's
house (supposing him to be in town) and not finding him,
left word, that "he came to inform the rector that General
Washington would be at church and would be glad if the
violent prayers for the King and royal family were omitted."
This message was brought to Mr. Inglis, and he paid no
regard to it. . . [36 more lines concerning the conflict in
New York between American military personnel and clergy of
the Church of England]
On a Sunday when he was officiating, and had proceeded
some length in the service, a company of about 150 armed
rebels marched into the church with drums beating and fifes
playing, their guns loaded and bayonets fixed, as if going
to battle. The congregation was thrown into the utmost
terror, and several women fainted, expecting a massacre was
intended . . . [103 more lines describing the resolution
without incident, the arrival of British troops, and the
destructive fire set by the rebels] They had three
churches, of which Trinity Church was the oldest and
largest. It was a venerable edifice, and had an excellent
organ, which cost 850 L. sterling, and was otherwise
ornamented. This church, with the rectors house, and the
charity school, large and expensive buildings, were burned .
. . [104 more lines describing destruction, the saving of
St. Paul's Church and King's College, the hope for recovery
by the English Church in America, and Dr. Auchmuty's return
in 1779.]
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