Rev James Smith, Glasgow to William Wightman, [Alabama?].

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Document ID 9404168
Date 25-09-1824
Document Type Letters (Other)
Archive Public Record Office, Northern Ireland
Citation Rev James Smith, Glasgow to William Wightman, [Alabama?].; PRONI T 1475/1; CMSIED 9404168
23184
                                   Glasgow 25th Sept. 1824

My dear Sir,

    In your letter to Mr. Brown of 28th May, you make some enquiries
respecting the papers of your brother, Mr. T. [Thomas?] Henderson Wightman,
which he has requested me to answer.  My admired, beloved, and lamented
friend, a few days prior to his death entrusted his M.S.S. [manuscripts?]
to my care, begging that I would destroy whatever I thought did not tend
directly or indirectly to glorify God, and adding that perhaps some poetical
pieces worthy of being published at his native place, the profits of which
would go to refund his friends for the expense in consequence of his long
illness.  These as nearly as I can remember, were his very words.  On looking
over my friend's papers, all of which I examined with the exception of his
private letters, I found they consisted chiefly of poetical effusions, some of
them of very high merit and none of them deserving to be destroyed.  They
were therefore all transmitted to his friends in Ireland together with his
books, wearing apparel, etc many months hence.  This day I write to Mr.
Henderson informing him of your wish to obtain some of your lamented
brother's productions and requesting him to forward them to you without
delay.  What steps have been taken in regard to them by him, none of us
here know, but should it be thought advisable to print any of them, I am
sure that all in this country who had the happiness to be acquainted with
him much more than were admitted into the number of his friends, would
consider themselves privilaged [privileged?] in being allowed to become
subscribers.  I ought to have corresponded with Mr. Henderson on this subject
long ago, but having very soon after his decease been presented to the
Parish of [Al-a?], about 34 miles from this City, then found the duties
connected with that charge press so heavy upon me, that I have scarcely a
moment's time to myself.  This is the first time that I have visited Glasgow
since I became a Parochial Minister.  Often in my retirement do I think of
your Brother of his fine genius, extensive learning, and ardent piety.
Sometimes when engaged in my sacred duties, I recollect how often these
duties were the subject of our conversation in our daily walks. I marvel as
well I may at the mysterious dispensation of providence which removed one so
admirably fitted to discharge them to the (upper) service of the upper
sanctuary.  But He doth all things well.  Your Brother knew in what he had
believed.  He died in the approved hope that, to use his own words "It was
denied him to serve God here, and he should praise him forever hereafter".
Let us follow his footsteps and we shall with him inherit the crown of
glory that fadeth not away.  Were I at home I should write at greater
length, but I have been able only to catch a few minutes, being engaged in
this great city during the few days of my stay in constant business.
Perhaps I may hear of some opportunity of writing to you again when I shall
tell you all I remember of your brother's illness, believe me to be
                          My dear Sir,
                             Yours very truly
                                  H. Smith.