505. 
                                                                Presbyterian Church 
                                                                Athens, April 23rd 1823. 
Agreeably to a regular citation a pro ne natu. Presbytery 
met on this day for the purpose of appointing a commissioner 
or Commissioners to the next General Assembly, and to receive 
under our care any candidate for the ministry who may present 
himself.  
The meeting was opened with a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Hoyt 
with a sermon from 1. Kings, 22: 14 by request of the Moderator. 
Members present A. Church D. D. Nathan Hoyt and John S. Wilson 
and Elder M. W. Dobbins from the Church in Athens. Constituted 
with prayer. Elder M. W. Dobbins was appointed Temporary 
Clerk. 
In compliance with the object expressed in the circular calling 
the present meeting it was resolved that the Presbytery proceed forth 
with to appoint a Commissioner to the General Assembly: 
Whereupon Col. Joseph Henry Lumpkin was unanimously 
chosen, and it was ordered that a commission be prepared 
Accordingly. 
Mr. James H. Saye, a member of the Presbyterian Church 
 
 
506. 
in Athens, and a student in Franklin College presented 
himself before presbytery, and requested to be taken under 
our care as a candidate for the gospel ministry. He 
having been examined as to his acquaintance with experimental 
acquaintance with religion and the motives 
which induced him to desire the office of the ministry: 
And the presbytery having sustained said examination 
as part of trial preparatory to licensure: he was received 
under our care. Presbytery assigned Mr.  
Saye the 10 first chapters of the Confession of Faith 
to prepare for examination at our semi-annual 
meeting. Adjourned. Concluded with prayer. 
                                John S. Wilson, Modr. 
                        M. W. Dobbins, Temporary Clerk. 
John S. Wilson Stated Clerk. 
                                Presbyterian Lecture Room. 
                                Augusta June 28. 1833. 
The Presbytery of Hopewell convened at 10 Oclock A.M. 
Present John Brown D. D. Henry Reid, William Moderwell, 
William Quillin, S. K. Talmage. Elder Willaim J. Hobby 
 
 
                                                                507. 
of the Presbyterian Church, Augusta. 
In the absence of the Moderator, Dr. Brown was called to the 
chair; and Mr. Talmage appointed temporary clerk. 
The following circular was read: 
                                Lawrenceville 5th June 1833. 
Dear Bro. I have been constitutionally required to convene 
the Presbytery of Hopewell in the Lecture Room of the Prresbyterian 
Church, Augusta, on Friday the 28th instant at 10 Oclock, A.M. 
to investigate the case of the Rev. Mr. Moderwell who is represented 
to be separated from his wife to the great injury of the cause 
of Christ. You will therefore fail not, if possible, to attend, [?]. 
                                        John S. Wilson, Moderator, 
                                        of Hopewell Presbytery. 
The following statement was present in writing by H. Reid 
The Rev. William Moderwell a Member of this Presbytery is 
living in a state of separation from his wife, and has been 
for more than three months to the great injury of the cause of 
Christ. Therefore, I hope the Presbytery will enter upon the investigation 
of the subject, so that the church may be freed 
from the scandal which has fallen upon it. 28 June 1833. H. Reid. 
 
 
508. 
After a serious and prayerful consideration of this case, 
it was resolved that the Presbytery take it up at their semi-annual 
sessions at Athens, August next, for adjudication 
and Thereas Mr. Moderwell waives the privilege of 
naming his witnesses now, and also waives the privilege 
of objecting then to any witness that may be brought forward 
by the Prosecutor in consequence of not being served 
with a copy of their names twn days before the meeting of the 
Judicature; it is therefore understood & agreed upon, that 
both the Prosecutor, & the accused may bring forward any 
witnesses they may think proper, but the accused claims 
the priviledge of objecting to witnesses on their testimony 
on any other constitutional ground. 
                The Presbytery then adjourned. 
                                        John Brown, Modr. 
                                Sam K. Talmage, Clerk, pro. Tem. 
Attest John S. Wilson, 
                        Stated Clerk. 
 
 
 
 
                                                                        509. 
        Examined and approved by Synod 
                Augusta Decr. 6th 1834 
                        Nathan Hoyt                        Moderator 
 
 
 
 
Athens, August 9th 1833.                                        88th Session. 
                The Presbytery of Hopewell held its semi-annual 
meeting pursuant to adjournment, & was opened with a sermon 
by the Moderator from 2nd Corinth. 5. 10, 11. For we must all 
appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that every man 
may receive the things done in his body, according to 
that he hath done, whether it be good or bad - Knowing 
therefore the terror of the Lord we [?] men. Constituted 
with prayer.                        Members present, 
        Ministers.                                Elders 
James Gamble                                James Wilson 
Henry Reid                                James Jackson 
Nathan Hoyt                                David Henderson 
R. Chamberlain                        David King 
 
 
510. 
John S. Wilson                        Nathan Hodge 
Sam K. Talmage                        James Lemmon 
William Moderwell                        Richard Saye 
Henry Safford                                John McWhorter 
Alonzo Church, D. D.                        J. Holliway 
James C. Patterson                        Dr. Pond 
Edwin Holt                                E. A. Nisbet 
Arthur M. Mooney                        Zach Williams 
William Guillan                         John Cunningham 
John Harrison                                John King 
Sam J. Cassels                                Sam Baldwin 
Hamden C. Carter                        John Reed 
                                        Charles C. Mills 
                                        Alexander Human 
                                        Richard J. Marks 
                                        William Turk 
                                        William Montgomery 
                                        Thomas Tuggle 
                                        Elijah Reeder 
                                        A. Wingfeld 
 
 
                                                                511. 
Members absent - John Brown, D. D. Edward Pharr, Joseph Y. Alexander, 
William B. Richards, Thomas F. Scott, C. P. Beman, William K. Patton. 
Presbytery had a recess till half past 2 Oclock, P.M. 
Half past 2 Oclock P.M. Presbytery met, & proceeded to the selection 
of a Moderator & Clerk pro tem. The Rev. Edwin Holt was elected  
moderator & Sam J. Cassels Temporary Clerk. 
The minutes of the last meeting were read & confirmed. 
Members absent from the last meeting of presbytery severally rendered 
satisfactory reasons for such absence. 
The case of Mr. E. J. Hopping a licentiate of this presbytery was taken up. 
The Stated Clerk reported that he had made the communication to Mr. Hopping 
requested by a resolution of last presbytery, called upon Mr. Hopping to 
now cause of why, why his license should not be recalled. It appeared 
that Mr. Hopping had for a number of years ceased to preach the gospel 
& with his own defense the presbytery resolved that the licensure of 
Mr. Hopping be recalled, & he be considered no longer a licentiate 
under our care. 
The subject in relation to the [?] of Dr. Goulding, on the subjects 
& Mode of Baptism, heretofore prepared & published by request of 
the Presbytery was to hear [?] & the communication of it referred 
 
 
512. 
to a committee consisting of Messrs. Chamberlain, Patterson & Wilson. 
        The parts of trial assigned to Mr. Samuel Fugles at the last 
meeting of presbytery, were at his own request postponed till 
our annual sessions. 
The subject of Foriegn Messrs being under consideration, was 
referred to the committee of [?] consisting of Messrs. Chamberlain, 
Talmage & Cassels to report as soon as practicable.  
Members appointed to attend three & four days meetings reported 
that the meetings had been held. 
It was resolved pursuant to a request from the Churches of 
Mount Olive & Bethel that the ordination of the Licentiate 
John W. Reid, as an Evangelist take place in Bethel 
Church on the Saturday preceding the first sabbath in 
December next: & that Rom. 6. 23. Be assigned him as the 
subject of a sermon to be delivered previous to ordination. 
Mr. Cassels to preach the ordination sermon & Mr. Hoyt 
to give the charge. 
A request was received by the hands of Mr. Hoyt from 
our licentiate T. W. Dwight  defering ordination, which was 
laid on the table. 
 
 
                                                                        513. 
Messrs. Hoyt, Jos Jackson & John Cunningham were appointed 
a committee to arrange matters in reference to preaching during the 
present meeting of presbytery. 
The Presbytery resolved to hold the annual meeting in Milledgeville 
on Thursday before the first sabbath in April 1834 at 11 Oclock A.M. 
        The Rev. Mr. Talmage the commissioner to the last 
General Assembly being called on, made a report relative to the 
proceedings of that body which report was accepted. 
Presbytery adjourned to meet at the call of the Chair. 
                                        Concluded with prayer. 
Athens, Saturday, Aug. 10. 1833 - 11 Oclock, A.M. 
Presbytery met & was constituted with prayer. The roll 
was called & the minutes of the last meeting read- Robert 
McAlpin & John Baker ministers appeared & gave reasons 
for not attending earlier & took their seats. R. J. Marks from 
Columbus, William Turk from New Lebanon, William Montgomery 
from Thyatira & T. Tuggle from Monticello, ruling Elders 
appeared & took seats as members. It was resolved that 
the Rev. H. Reed be appointed as the alternate of Mr. Hoyt 
in the ordination of John W. Reed. 
 
 
514. 
The examination of James H. Saye on the first ten Chapters 
of the Confession of Faith, was sustained as a part of 
trial previous to licensure, & the ballane of the Confession 
of Faith was assigned him as further parts of trials for 
licensure.  
Mr. Reed J. Marks a member of the Church of Columbus 
& Mr. James W. Freeman a member of the church of Athens 
were introduced to Presbytery as desiring to be taken 
under their care with a view of preparing for the work of the 
gospel ministry. They were examined on experimental religion 
& the motives inducing them to seek the office of the ministry 
which examinations were sustained. The first ten Chapters 
of the Confession of Faith were assigned each of the candidates 
to prepare for examination: & to Mr. Freeman An humann volentas 
[?] sit? the theme of exegesis. 
A letter was received from the Church of Fairview requesting that in 
case the Presbytery should be [?], they may have the privledge 
of becoming attached to Hopewell, which was laid on the table 
for the present. 
Resolved that the trial of Brother Moderwel be the order 
 
 
                                                                        515. 
of this day for half past two Oclock this afternoon. 
Thos. F. Scott & S. J. Cassels, ministers, principals, & H. C. Carter, & 
J. C. Patterson, alternates, & Jos. H. Lumpkin & Jos. McDowel, principals, 
& Levi Willard & Wm. Dearing, Alternates, were sustained commissioners 
to the next General Assembly. 
Presbytery had recess to meet at half past 2 Oclock, P.M. 
 
 
        Athens, August 10th 1833 - half past 2 Oclock, P.M. 
                The Presbytery met. The roll was called, & the order 
of the day (Mr. Moderwells case) taken up. 
Before entering upon the investigation of the case, the diverse direction 
& guidance was sought by prayer. The charges proposed against  
Mr. Moderwell, at this session of the pro-u-nata Presbytery in Augusta 
in June last by the Prosecutor Mr. H. Reed was then read; which 
charge is in the words following, viz: The Rev. William Moderwel 
a member of this presbytery is living in a state of seperation from 
his wife, & has been for more than three months to the great injury of 
the case of Christ. The question was then put by the Moderator 
to Mr. Moderwell, Are you guilty of the charge or not? To which Mr. 
Moderwell replied; That the charge was too vague to be answered - 
 
 
516 
that it contained nothing specific- that if it only meant that a 
state of separation executed between him & Mr. Moderwell, it was 
true. But if it meant that he (Mr. M) had separated from  
his wife it was false. A motion was then made that the 
Prosecutor make this charge more specific, which was [?]. 
It was then stated by Mr. Moderwell that he had some papers 
in his hands & a correspondence which would to exculpate 
himself from blame, that no further proceedings would be 
necessary. On motion it was resolved that this exculpatory 
evidence be heard. Mr. M. then was such papers & correspondence 
in the hearing of presbytery, & submitted such explanatory 
remarks as be thought necessary. 
Mr. Reid the Prosecutor was then directed to all testimony 
to substantiate the charges against Mr. Moderwel. Whereupon 
Charles J. Jenkins Esqr. was called in & solemnly adjured to 
testify touching the matter now in question. Presbytery proceeded 
to receive & read the testimony of Mr. Jenkins which is as 
Following, viz;        By Mr. H. Reid the Prosecutor 
1st Question. Can you relate a conversation which took place 
in the City Hall, Augusta, in January last between 
 
 
                                                                        517. 
yourself & Mr. Moderwel? 
Answer - On the third or fourth week in January last, [?] 
the sitting of the Superior Court, I had such conversation with 
Mr. Moderwel, when he stated he desired to see me & requested 
me to ask Col. McKinne to return from the [?] - to see 
Mrs. Moderwel & get her consent on the subject. Mr. M impinged 
the conduct of Col. & Mrs. McKinne - said McKinne must 
be removed, or sessions [?] would take place, viz, separation  
from his (Mr. M) wife - I said Col. McKeene was willing to 
to resign- He upheld that it must take place or he must 
separate from his wife - I asked him if he wanted to seperate? 
Noting that the question argumented with myself - He upheld - Only 
as our alternative - I mentioned that I would inform Col. McKinne 
& Mrs. Moderwel of his wishes - also that he states that he had requested 
Col. McKinne to resign, which he had not since. 
2nd Question. Had you any other conversation with Mr. Moderwel 
on the subject? 
Answer. On informing Col. McKinne, he said if Mrs. Moderwel 
would consent he would be willing. On informing Mr. Moderwel, he 
still said a new Trustee must be appointed. (Here the following 
 
 
518. 
correspondence was said - Augusta, 30th January, 1833 - Sir - In compliance 
with your request I this evening had an interview 
with Col. McKinne, & Mrs. Moderwel. Col. McK. very promptly 
replied to my interrogatory, whether he would resign his 
trusteeship, that understanding it to be your work, he would 
cheerfully do so, provided Mrs. Moderwel  should acquiesce. 
I then stated to Mrs. Moderwel that you had requested 
me to inquire of her whether she would acquiesce in the 
resignation of Col. McK. & the appointment in his stead of 
Andrew J. Miller Esqr. as trustee. I also stated to her that 
on the same interview you had expressed your determination, 
that if the affair could not then be adjudicated, by 
consent, you would seek the defered substitution of Mr. 
Miller for Col. McK. by a regular application to the 
court; & that then he must be removed from the 
court, or you must separate from your wife. That 
I then inquired of you whether you desired a separation, 
to which you replied in substance I only motioned 
the separation, for, as an alternative, but considering 
this interrogatory as proposed by you, I answer, of 
 
 
                                                                519. 
such a separation be desirable to Mrs. M. & her friends, I 
have no objection to confer with them on that subject. I with 
you here to understand, Mr. Moderwel, that I did not represent 
myself as authorized by you to meet with Mrs. M. on 
that subject, but that I mentioned it some minutes after 
the object of the writ had been announced, in order to show 
her how determined you were, & consequently, how necessary 
it was for her to take her resolution promptly, & furthermore 
because I thought it proper she should know that you had 
looked to seek our event as a contingency not unlikely to 
occur. I now give you the answer of Mrs M. She will 
acquiescence in the resignation of Col. McK. & the appointment 
of Mr. Miller whom you have designated, provided you 
will consent to her nominating another to be associated 
with Mr. M. in the court. This the thinks cannot be 
objected to, as it comports with the original [?] (there 
having been in the first place two Trustees, one of whom 
is now no more) and was much as it would afford her 
our opportunity of including some gentleman with whom 
she is personally acquainted. Should this plan meet 
 
 
520. 
your approbation Col. McK. & Mrs. M. will interpose no obstacle 
to its immediate execution. Mrs. M. however having in 
need the alternative of which you [?], [?] me say that 
if, either, in the court of Col. McK. continuing in the court 
or not, you should will a separation, the will interpose 
no objection. It will only be necessary for you to propose 
terms for her consideration - All of which is respectfully 
submitted by your [?] [?], Charles J. Jenkins 
        Crs. J. Jenkins Esqr. for, I shall be at the office 
of Mr. Miller this evening between 7 & 8 Oclock prepared 
to submit to you a proposition on the concluding sentiment 
contained in your note of yesterday - Tho I deem 
The appointment of two Trustees altogether unnecessary 
yet, yet I will not object to such an appointment, 
provided the understood selected shall be entirely disinterested 
& not unfriendly to me - Your obedient servt. 
Wm. Moderwel, Landwells, Jan. 31st 1833 
Augusta, 31st Jan. 1833 - For, your fervour of this morning 
was received two hours since or thereabouts. If we can 
have a present interview on the subject of the concluding 
                                                                        521. 
sentiment contained in my note of yesterday at 
Mr. Millers office, I have not [?] objection to meeting 
you there & hearing your proposition. But you will 
at once perceive the impropriety of discussing such a matter 
before any one unconnected with Mrs. M. & yourself until it 
shall have been agreed upon. So far however from seeking 
concealment from any other motive than that of delicacy 
to Mrs. Moderwel. I should have not the slightest objection 
to reducing all I may say to writing, of which you may 
have the custody. If you are assured we shall be interrupted 
at Mr. Millers office, or of you will accept an 
invitation to my office, I will cheerfully meet you at 
either place. Otherwise it would perhaps be better that 
you should submit your views in writing. Please let 
me know by the bearer what is your pleasure in the 
matter - Yours respectfully, Charles J. Jenkins - To the Rev. 
Wm. Moderwel 
Sir, In reply to your note of this date which I have just 
received, I beg leave to say that I shall be at Mr. Millers 
office at the hour of 7 this evening when we can have a 
 
 
522. 
private interview or not as shall be determined on. Yours H 
Wm. Moderwel, Laud Hills, Jan. 31. 1833.) 
During a walk from Mr. Millers office in Augusta, Mr. M. 
said he would have no objections to a second trustee being apprented 
of suitable to him. If not, if Mrs. McKinne would pay 
Fifteen Thousand Dollars & cancel a judgement he would go 
where he would not trouble them nor they him. Mr. Moderwel 
asked if Mrs. M. had nominated any other trustee to be 
associated with Mr. Miller. Mr. J. P. King was named as having 
been nominated - to which he (Mr. M) objected, as he Mr. M expected 
to make Mr. King a party to a suit if brought against the 
trustee. He mentioned some with whom he would be 
pleased, as Campbell or Longsheet - inserted that Col. 
McKinne should be removed. On parting Mr. M. remarked 
that the matter of separation could not be consummated 
until the first of April. Mr. M. during these conversations 
spoke of Mrs. M. with affection. 
On Sunday night about the 2nd of February at the Laudhills 
at Col. McKinnes I mentioned to Mrs. Moderwel the conversation. 
Mrs. M. said that Mrs. McKinne did not owe him 
 
 
                                                                        523. 
Fifteen Thousand Dollars, & therefore she could not pay him 
that amount. Mrs. Moderwel then mentioned Mr. Robert A. Reid 
of Augusta as Trustee. 
On Saturday morning going to Augusta, Mr. Moderwel on 
his way to Columbus overtook us, & said from what Mrs. 
Moderwel stated at parting, he expected that she would 
return she did not know- Mr. M. said I would recollect 
this matter was not to be consummated till the 1st of 
April, as Mr. Moderwel did not want to be alone till that 
time - that the world was conscious, & he feared suspicion 
& the investigation of this church - which if the Presbytery should 
notice the matter to which I replied, no. I expressed astonishment 
that Mr. M. should desire to live with his wife after 
agreeing to separate two months hence. I said as to the 
proposition he need say no more, as Mrs. Moderwell refused on 
conditions of paying the sum specified. I told him I knew 
nothing about Mrs. M.s return, but I would give him an 
answer on Monday or Tuesday after his return from 
 
 
524. 
Columbus to the propositions last submitted- We then parted- 
        On Monday or Tuesday I addressed him a note 
[?] of Mrs. Ms opinions, Augusta 4th February, 1833. 
Sir - If my engagements render it inconvenient for me to 
visit the Hall this afternoon, I thus communicate to you 
Mrs. Moderwels answer to your first proposition providing 
for the nomination of a trustee on her part, to act with 
Mr. Miller, in the place of Col. John McKinne, who as you 
request is willing to resign. The answers that you having 
objected to the nomination of Mr. King, she now nominates 
Mr. Robin A. Reid- Should this be acceptable to you please 
inform me of it as soon as convenient. To your second 
proposition that in the event of the parties being unable to 
agree upon trustees as the successors of Col. McKinne a separation 
between her & yourself as husband & wife shall take 
place - provided Mrs. McKinne will pay you Fifteen Thousand 
Dollars (which you say she owes you) & satisfaction be entered 
on a judgement which Col. McKinne as Trustee holds over you 
& provided also that this separation be not consummated until 
the first of April, & that in the meantime Mrs. Moderwel 
 
 
 
 
                                                                525. 
shall remain with you - the answers that your terms cannot 
be acceded to for these reasons - 1st Because the sum you demand 
cannot be received either in law or equity from the source whence 
you propose to draw it - 2nd Because that sum taken from her 
property would leave her destitute or nearly so - 3rd Because after 
agreeing upon a separation to take place in future she could 
not for a moment think of remaining with you until it 
should be consummated. Respectfully your [?] servt. 
Charles J. Jenkins - [*(To the)*] Rev. Wm. Moderwel -  
        Next morning walking in Augusta Mr. Moderwel asked 
if Mrs. Moderwel had nominated another trustee. I mentioned 
Mr. Reid. To this he objected on the ground of personal enmity. 
I reported Mrs. M. would not approve any other- He asked if 
Mrs. M. would return- I told him I had no instructions on 
that subject. He asked if I considered what had passed 
between us confidential - to which I replied - no. A few days 
after I received a letter from Mrs. Moderwell saying she did not 
intend to return - the substance of which I addressed to Mr. 
M. Augusta 19th Feb. 1833. Sir - In our last interview, you 
inquired when Mrs. Moderwel intended to return & received 
 
 
526. 
for answer that I had no instruction to communicate with 
you on that subject. Since that time on being informed of 
what had passed between us, Mrs. M has requested me to 
say to you that she does not intend returning to live with 
you. Respectfully, your [?] servt. Charles J. Jenkins - To the 
Rev. Wm. Moderwel 
At Mr. Millers office a few days after Mr. Moderwel said he 
wished an offer made for his interest of this property - deferred 
our early answer & said that under existing circumstances 
he should not request Mrs. M.s return. I informed Mr.  
Miller at Columbus Court what would be given to Mrs. 
Moderwel. Mr. Miller informed me Mr. Moderwel would 
not accept - Here the matter between us dropped. 
3rd Question. Do you know that in the summer of 1832 
Mr. Moderwel  refused Mrs. M. money & whether she did not 
get it elsewhere? 
Ans. I do not know that he did refuse - She got money 
from the trust stock this Mr. King - I supposed Mr. Moderwel 
had not money enough to supply his wifes 
travelling expenses- 
 
 
                                                                        527. 
                Cross Examined 
Question 1st State the circumstance out of which the interview 
in the City Hall grew? 
Ans. Col. Cumming informed me Mr. Moderwel worked to 
communicate with me on the above subject - To which I 
objected for many reasons. 
2nd Question - Did the proposition not come from you about 
seeing me? Answer - No - 
3rd Question - Did you not hear me say in the City Hall 
that I would rather be dead or in my grave, or seperated 
from my family than treated as I was? 
Answer - Not in the connection stated - you [?] alluded 
to seperation, 
Quest. 4th - At Mr. Millers office did I not say I had 
no wish to be separated from Mrs. Moderwel? 
Answer - You stated this conditionally - 
Question 5th. Did I not stated Mrs. M. might select both 
trustees?  
Answer - You did, provided they were [?] & such 
as you should approve -  
 
 
528. 
Question 6th - Did I not object to Mr. King before your 
announced his name? Answer - No - 
Question 7th - Did you not state your memory to be bad? 
Answer - I said I did not think I had a very good 
memory, tho I generally recollected things interesting me - 
Question 8th - Was not your intercourse & mine friendly 
previous to marriage? Answer - Yes - 
Question 9th - Do you know any thing derogatory to my 
moral character since my restoration to the ministry? 
Answer - No, I do not. 
Question 10th - Did you ever hear me accused by the family 
of [?]? Answer - No. 
Question 11th - Did you ever hear that I withheld 
money from Mrs. Moderwel?                Answer - No - 
Question 12ht - Had you not reason to think me in 
extreme poverty last summer when Mrs. Moderwel 
went to travel? Answer - I had no reason to think so - 
Question 13th - Do you think the separation between 
Mrs. Moderwel & myself would have taken place, but for 
the correspondence between you & myself? 
                                                                529. 
Answer - I think it probably would not - But I should 
have taken no part in the matter, but for your introducing 
it twice previously. 
Question 14th - Was not your letter to me in relation 
to Mrs. Moderwel not returning written subsequently to 
my motions for the removal of Col. McKinne as 
Trustee?                        Answer - Yes - 
Question 15th - Have I not commenced a suit against 
Col. McKinne?                Answer - Yes - 
                Examined by the Presbytery - 
Quest. 1st - Have you any reason to believe that Mr. & 
Mrs. Moderwel have lived happily since his restoration 
to the ministry? Ans - I have no personal knowledge on the 
subject - 
Quest. 2nd - Have you ever heard Mrs. Moderwel say 
that Mr. Moderwel has treated her unkindly since his 
restoration to the ministry -                Ans. I have - 
Quest. 3rd - Did Mrs. M. assign you in her letter 
reason for not returning? 
Ans. I do not recollect any distinct reasons -  
 
 
430. 
Question 4th - What was the amount of money offered Mr. Miller 
in settlement with Mr. Moderwel? 
Answer - He was offered a sum of money on the hands of 
Mr. John P. King to the amount of $2600, together with 
the satisfaction of a judgement of $1800. 
Question 5th - Do you know how much Mr. M. has received 
annually from the state? 
Answer - I do not know how much he has received - 
Question 6th - Do you know whether a letter written by 
Mr. M to MRs. M. was returned unread? 
Answer: I know she did return such letter, the reasons 
of which were that she had been frequently disappointed 
in her husbands amendment, & determined not to hear 
any propositions on that subject -  
Question 7th - What was the unkind treatment given 
by Mr. M to Mrs. M. since his restoration? 
Answer - That his general deportment to his wife since 
his restoration was harsh & unbecoming - sometimes contradicting 
her abruptly & once at least threatening her that she should 
pour tea for him for the last time - 
 
 
                                                                        431. 
Question 8th - Have they lived more happily since the restoration 
than before? 
Answer - [?] has been an amendment since his intemperance. 
Question? Has not Mrs. M. been after compelled to flee for 
refuge from Mr. M.s unkind treatment since his restoration? 
Answer-         No - 
The Presbytery having completed the examination of Mr. 
Jenkins adjourned till Monday morning at sunrise - 
     Concluded with prayer -  
Athens - Monday Morning, sunrise - August 12th 1833 - 
        Presbytery met according to adjournment & was 
opened with prayer - Members present as on Saturday -  
The minutes of the last setting were read & corrected - Presbytery 
then had a recess till 8 Oclock A.M. 
August 12th 1833 - 8 Oclock A.M. 
The presbytery met - Mr. A. Wingfield an Elder from the 
church in Washington appeared & took his seat -  
It was moved that Presbytery proceed to the unfinished 
business of Saturday; viz. The recurring evidence in the case 
of Mr. Moderwel - The motion was waived to give place 
 
 
532.  
to the following resolution - Resolved, that no testimony whatever 
affecting the character of Mr. Moderwel previous to his restoration 
to this ministry will be admitted & the Moderator is 
charged specially to see that this order is executed - This 
motion was lost by a large majority of votes - It was 
then moved by the prosecutor that Col. John McKinne 
be admitted as a witness in the case - Mr. Moderwel 
then objected to the competency of the witness on the 
following grounds - 1st On account of the nearness of relationship 
existing between Col. McKinne & the parties interested 
in the case - 2nd On account of personal [?] towards 
himself - 3rd On account of his notoriously bad 
character- 4th On account of the deep interest he personally 
feels in the space of the trial -  
Mr. Moderwel was then called on to substantiate his objections 
to Col. McKinne as a witness by proof - Whereupon 
he reported as to the 1st Objection - Col. McKinne is the 
reported uncle of Mrs. Moderwel - 2nd Obj: He [?] a 
paper to prove its validity - a note to Mr. B. McKinne and 
answer thereto dated 18th August 1830 tending to show in 
 
 
                                                                        533. 
his estimation a conspiracy against Mr. Moderwels domestic happiness 
by false reports against him - 3rd Object. Defendant stated 
that nothing was more common in Augusta than to hear people 
speaking of the notoriously bad character of Col. McKinne 
as to veracity - 4th Object. He leaves Presbytery to judge 
of this from what has already been stated. 
The objections of the defendant to the qualifications of Col. 
McKinne as a witness, resting chiefly upon bare assertion, or 
upon papers no way confirming them, Presbytery deemed them 
insufficient & determined to admit Col. McKinne as a 
witness. Upon this determination of the Presbytery to admit 
Col. McKinne, Mr. Moderwel read certain papers implicating 
the proceedings of Presbytery & of the prosecutor especially -  
laid them on the table & abruptly retired renouncing all 
connection with this body. Upon the departure of Mr. 
Moderwel the following resolution was offered & adopted 
Resolved, That whereas Mr. Moderwel has left this body 
& renounced all connection with Presbytery, a committee 
of two be appointed to conducted the management of his 
case. The committee consisted of the Rev. Jas. Gamble 
 
 
534. 
& of Col. Charles C. Mills. 
The following members obtained leave of absence during 
the remaining sessions of Presbytery; Col. Z. Williams and 
Archibald Wingfield. 
On motion resolved that the statements of Mr. Moderwel 
implicating the conduct of the Presbytery which he desired 
to be entered on the minutes of Presbytery, he referred to a 
committee to report - Messrs. Jas. Patterson, Rem. Chamberlain 
& John Cunningham were appointed on that  
committee- 
Col. McKinne being introduced & adjured, was asked 
the following question by the prosecutor - Will the witness 
tell us all he knows personally as to the case before 
us from the marriage of Mr. & Mrs. Moderwel? 
The witness answered to the following effect viz: 
Mr. & Mrs. Moderwel were married in Jan. 1821. In the 
course of that in the succeeding summer it was discovered 
by my family in which they resided that Mr. M. had 
an unfortunate temper. At that time he was the Pastor 
of the church in Augusta, of which a part of my family 
 
 
                                                                535. 
were members, in consequence of which many circumstances 
connected with the display of this temper occurred, but were 
by the family hushed up. In July 1824 at dinner at my 
table & while Mr. Moderwel was a member of my family 
conversations whose relative to some unfortunate circumstances 
that occurred in conjunction with Mr. Dawns marriage 
with Mr. Augustus Moores sister, in which expressions were 
made relative to Mr. Ds treatment of her. Observations were 
then made by the ladies reflecting upon Mr. Dawns conduct. 
The ladies remarked that Mrs. D. had said that Mr. D. 
had treated her badly & had even threatened her brothers life - 
On which Mr. Moderwel remarked that he would not believe 
Mrs. D. if she was to [?] till she was as black as his boot - 
On which Mrs. M. remarked, Mr. M. you ought not to say this 
relative to Mrs. D. She is a member of your church, a pious, good 
woman, & her brother Mr. Moore your friend. Mr. M. raised 
his eyes & said, Hold your tongue, Madam, who spoke to you - 
His manner created astonishment in all present, it was so 
unexpected. Mrs. M. dropt her knife & fork, & left the table, 
& Mrs. McKinne soon followed her, without finishing her 
 
 
536. 
dinner. Mr. M. then in a passion rose from the table, & 
on going up stairs, called Martha, bring me the keys up 
stairs. After remaining there a short time, he came to the head 
of the stairs & again called Martha bring me the keys - She 
having not heard the first time, being hard of hearing. Perceiving 
him to be in a passion & not willing to trust her in a the room with 
him; took the keys from her & carried them to him, found him 
striding across the room, closed the door behind me, presented 
him the keys, & remonstrated with him as to his conduct - 
His reply to me was that he knew his rights & was determined 
to maintain them. He then proceeded to collect his clothes, then 
stepped into the piazza & ordered the boy to get his carriage. 
The carriage was brought to the door. Mr. M. passed down towards 
it without saying a word to any body - On seeing which Mrs. M. 
called on Mr. M. Where are you going? I am going down the 
country said he, without turning back to look at her. He 
went to Mrs. Whiteheads in Burke Co. as his letter to Mrs. McKinne 
says - In two or three days he returned to Augusta, when he 
wrote an apologetic letter to Mrs. McKinne dated July 29. 1824 
which is as follows - My Dear Friend - It is not an indication of 
 
 
                                                                        537. 
pusillanimity when in sorrow to confess it - I have been tearfully 
in the wrong - I have broken your peace & interrupted your 
domestic tranquility & I ask your forgiveness - My object in 
leaving home & going to Mrs. Whiteheads was, that I might 
alone & uninfluenced carefully view my conduct - This I have 
done prayerfully & I have been lead to adopt the determination 
that (thro the grace & strength of God) by a kind, conciliatory,  
& respectful demeanour I will make reparation for the injury 
I have done - This you can show to Martha - I shall be 
up in the evening -                        Your sincerely, 
Augusta, Thursday, [?]                                Wm. M. 
To this a reply was given by Col. McKinne at Mrs. 
McKinnes request on the same day which is as follows viz: 
So long as Mr. Moderwel will conduct himself towards the 
females of my family as I do, I shall be glad to see him - 
But I must say a contrary course will produce feelings 
I truly wish to avoid - J. McKinne, July 29. 1824 - 
        This note of Col. McKinne Mr. M. regarded as an 
insult, & wrote a harsh reply to it founded on threats 
inferred by him to be contained in it - Which letter is 
 
 
538. 
as follows - Sir, Your threat contained in your note of 
this afternoon has produced the effect you doubtless 
intended, viz, my exclusion from your family - I shall 
say nothing vindictive & revengeful; but I must be 
allowed to say that if you imagined me composed of 
such pliable & unintelligible materials as would yield 
to every rude & uncourteous [?] - Especially after a 
respectful & conciliatory note had been addressed to the 
party aggrieved, you have been most egregiously 
mistaken 
July 29. 1824-                                Wm. Moderwel 
        He also addressed the following note to Mrs. Moderwel 
My dear Martha, I confidently expected to see you 
this evening, but shall be denied this satisfaction in 
consequence of the receipt of a note from your Uncle 
this afternoon; in reply to one I addressed your Aunt 
in the morning - I shall say nothing of the character 
of this short communication, except that its sentiments 
utterly forbit my ever seeing you at Col. McKinnes - 
                        I am your affectionate 
July 29. 1824                                husband - Wm. Moderwel 
 
 
                                                                        539. 
Mrs. Moderwel then wrote to Mr. to Mr. Moderwel deferring 
him to return home - My Dear Husband - I cannot express 
the astonishment I felt (or my return from Prayer Meeting 
last Evening) at the strange course you had determined on & 
the still stranger reason you assigned for it - Whatever 
Uncle may have written, I am authorised to say, that he 
intended nothing more, than that due [?] & respect 
should be maintained towards all the females of his 
family - In this I know you have of late been 
very deficient - It will be however unnecessary for 
me to enumerate the instances, as your own memory 
will doubtless readily furnish them - I deny that I 
said or did any thing on Monday that ought to have 
called forth a single harsh expression from you, much 
less, such as you gave me at dinner - I do not however wish 
or intend to reproach you - I would ask you this: Does 
your reason justify you in supposing that Uncle intended 
to widen the breach between us, in his note yesterday, when 
all his effects have been hereto intended evidently to 
reconcile us & induce us to live in peace & harmony - 
 
 
540. 
I am sure that upon cool reflection you cannot give the 
note the interpretation you mentioned - I must also 
make another observation - Your expressions of late have 
been frequently in my presence (to say the least of it) unjustifiable 
to Uncle - An apology was therefore due to him, 
& as the head of the house, I think it would have been 
most proper, that should have written him yesterday. 
I hope you will prove by your subsequent conduct, 
that your penitent feelings have not already 
vanished, but that they are durable & sincere - I am 
sure that you know too much of my Uncles [?] 
& generosity of disposition to think for a moment 
that he does not wish you to return - I shall send 
George down with the Carriage expecting you will 
be up this evening, & that the Lord may incline 
your heart into the way of peace & righteousness, is 
the fervent prayers of your ever affectionate and 
faithful - M. Moderwel 
Sand Hills July 30th 1824 - 
At this time my house was Mr. & Mrs. Moderwels 
 
 
                                                                541. 
home - The following letter from Mrs. McKinne to Mr. 
Moderwell was then read. Summerville July 30. 1824, The 
receipt of Mr. Moderwels writ of yesterday so completely unnerved 
me as to prevent my replying to it by the return of George 
& indeed as he mentioned his intention of coming up in the 
evening I thought a verbal reply at that time would 
answer every purpose. You having rightly judged when you 
say I have broken your peace. You have actually done 
so. But you have asked my forgiveness & promised 
to make reparation for the injury you have done me, 
I therefore most cordially forgive you & hope by the grace 
of God you will be enabled for the future to walk 
more circumspectly, remembering that unto Them you must 
render account for all your conduct. The note Mr. McKinne 
addressed to you yesterday was not a reply to the one you 
wrote me. He considered himself aggrieved as well as 
the other members of the family, to whom you had made 
no apology, & under this impression he addressed you. 
I revised the note & cannot constitute any part of it 
into a threat. I beseech you to be calm, & to reflect 
 
 
542. 
seriously before you act, remembering the responsibility of 
your station & that the eyes of the world are upon you. 
That you may be guided by divine wisdom in the service prayer 
                                of your friend, 
                                                M. McK. 
Mr. M. returned in the evening, but in an ill humour, & 
From that time until the day before Christmas, altho staying 
in my house he never spoke one word to me - On that day 
he removed to his own house in Augusta, but returned the 
next day to mine, in order to dine with a friend, when he 
spoke to me - We then were reconciled & conversed again - 
after which time not a week passed in which Mrs. M. 
did not come over in distress - Being asked what was 
the matter! Oh Aunt or oh Uncle, the same trouble over 
again - until it resulted in the expulsion of Miss 
Jones from the house, whether she had gone to reside 
at the request of her Aunt, in the hope that she would 
be company & a comfort to her sister & a check to 
to Mr. Moderwels bad temper & ill treatment - 
Dr. & Mrs. Powel the grandparents of Mrs. M. & Miss 
Jones being on a visit to Augusta to see their 
 
 
                                                                543. 
daughter Mrs. McKinne, & as they would go to spend some 
days with their granddaughter Mrs. Moderwel, with 
whom they hear that her sister Miss Jones was residing, 
& if she was not there that cause would be 
given for astonishment & enquiry, Mr. M. came over 
to my house in [?] & intreated Miss Jones to 
return - Miss Jones returned at his request and 
remained until her grandparents were gone home, 
soon after which by his outrageous conduct again 
drove her from his house - & a servant brought 
a message from him to her, saying, that if he 
caught her there again he would [?] her, 
since which she never has returned - 
        The summer after (1825) Mr. Moderwel rented 
a house of Capt. Ketchum on the Hill - Soon after 
removing there Mrs. M. ran over one evening in apparently 
great distress; on being asked what was the matter, 
she replied Oh Mr. M. is in a great passion & has 
got a gun to shoot Dilly & I was afraid my own 
life will be in danger by staying there - After some 
 
 
544. 
conversation, evening came on, when Mrs. Moderwel discovered 
that she had the keys of the  [?] or closet, and wished to 
send them home, and not being willing to trust them to a 
servant, I offered to take them myself and did so. On 
reaching his house I found him in a great passion, delivered 
him the keys, and conversed with him on the impropriety 
of his conduct and warned him that the public would 
find him out. Then he declared that if the girl was not 
sent off to New=Orleans and said, by his maker, he would 
seperate from his wife. This was the first time in my recollection 
that the expression was used - tho often afterwards 
repeated. - In 1826, on returning from the country in 
the evening, I saw Mr. Moderwel standing by the steps 
looking into my house - On approaching him, he turned 
round and demanded of me his wife and servant, who 
were, he said, secreted in the house. I replied to him, 
I do not know if your wife is in my house, but if 
she is as I have often told you, Sir, it is her house 
as often [*and as long*] as she chooses to make it so, and if a servant 
is made her protection, she is safe. After a little 
 
 
                                                                        545. 
debate between Mr. Moderwel and myself, Mrs. McKinnie 
and Miss Jones who had been out came home. Mrs. Moderwel 
looked out from the piazza above and solicited her Aunt 
to go up stairs. Mr. Moderwel and myself continued conversing 
on the subject, Miss Jones being present, then my 
nephew John came where we were, and entreated Mr. Moderwel 
to go home, soon after which he drew a knife from 
his pocket and attempted to stab me.  Miss Jones screamed 
out, Mr. Moderwel has a knife. I threw up his arm as 
he attempted to use it; my nephew jumped in between us, pushed 
him away and begged him to go home; soon after which he retired. 
        Mrs. Moderwel remained a day or two at my house, 
when Mr. Moderwel feeling sensible of his condition 
began to write to his wife desiring her return, promising 
good behaviour in future and saying that if his misconduct 
was repeated, she might then give him up forever. 
Note as follows. My dear Martha What shall I say to 
induce your return - My punishment is greater than I can 
bear in my solitary condition. - Have pity upon me and say 
whether you will come over this Evening; and I solemnly 
 
 
546. 
declare that if I ever again am guilty of misconduct, 
you may leave me, and that forever. 
                        July 8th        Signed William Moderwel 
My dear Martha, If you are too much indisposed to 
come over this morning - Do let me know when you will 
return. If you knew how much I am suffering, I know you 
would commiserate my condition - O my wife, for Gods 
sake return, I make but this one more experiment and if 
it fails then give me up. Your unhappy William Moderwel 
Dated 8. July 1829. - The next incident took place at the time 
of Mr. Moderwels setting off to attend Synod in Charleston - 
Upon which occasion his wife and her sister wished to pay 
a visit during his absence, to their brother in Scriven, to  
enable them to do which Col. Jones had sent his carriage 
for them - During the afternoon, while preparing to set off 
on their journey, Mr. Moderwel got in a violent passion, 
and refused to accompany them - The Ladies proceeded 
with no other protection but a servant, on that evening 
to Mrs. Powels 8 miles from town, where after sometime 
he overtook them, but his ill humour continuing, he 
 
 
                                                                        547. 
declared his intention of going on to the mills that might instead 
of which he missed his way and staid all night at Genl.  
Nalkins plantation, as I was informed, thrown out of his [?] 
and his arm broken or elbow dislocated The ladies from his passion 
and menaces afraid to keep the direct road took sight of him 
once and went by Waynesboro, and Mrs. Bonnels for fear of 
meeting him on the road - They could not in consequence reach 
the Mills that night, and on their arrival next day found that 
Mr. Moderwel had not come - nor did he arrive for a day or two 
afterwards. Here was introduced the following letter from Mrs. 
McKinne to Mrs. Moderwel to rebut some assertions of Mr. Moderwel 
relative to her. Viz. Sommerville December 13nd 1827. 
        My dear Martha, & Sarah, Your letters of Friday, Sunday, 
and Tuesdays dates, were all handed to me last evening; and 
some two, or three, years ago; might have caused me a sleepless 
night. But the frequent reoccurance, of similar conduct to 
that, which you have detailed, has in a measured [?] 
my sensibilities: and although distressed, and mortified, 
always at such recitals; I no longer feel the anxiety I 
formerly did. This state of things, cannot much longer exist 
 
 
548. 
it is not however, worth while at present, to enter fully into a subject, 
we have as often discussed. As regards Mr. Moderwels arm, I should 
apprehend no danger, from your statement; but hope that you, 
my dear Martha will always act, so as to have, an approving, 
conscience. Be attentive, and kind to him, and as long as 
you live together, discharge your duty faithfully - And you 
my dear Sarah, I would advise to be, at least respectful, 
in your conduct towards him. This cause, I have endeavoured 
to pursue myself, and although I have sometimes been 
insulted, feel a pleasure in knowing, that no act of mine, 
has been calculated, to elicit such conduct. Set your primary 
object be to keep a conscience said of offence, toward God, and 
toward man.                M. McKinne A four days however, before 
the journey to Scriven, Mrs. Moderwel ran over very much alarmed 
as Mr. Moderwel was in a passion, had a knife in 
his hand and threatened to cut [*off*] Mrs. Moderwels ears. 
After which she staid a day or two at my house, until 
Mr. Mderwel came to his senses when he wrote the 
following note to solicit Mrs. Moderwels return. viz. 
        July 7th 1829. My dear Martha, I had hoped the 
 
 
                                                549 
Almighty would have inclined your heart towards me 
in my miserable condition - and that  you would at least 
have allowed me the happiness of seeing you once more. 
Can you not my dear wife come over and see me - If 
terms of the bitterest anguish could make any atonement 
for my misconduct, they have been said, and that 
profusely - I wish to see you, and pray God to induce you 
to comply with the request of the one who loves you, and who is 
in the deepest abasement and distress - Do write 
me a line, informing me of your determination - 
                                Signed - William Moderwel 
7th July 1829. My dear Martha, I am done drinking 
and if ever I resume the habit then abandon me - 
But not until you make one more effort. I am 
now so sick as to require your attentions, and I do 
believe unworthy as I am, that I shall not plead for 
them in vain - Do my dear wife, come over, and at 
least allow me the opportunity of conversing with you. 
                                Yours sincerely William Moderwel 
Shortly after this Mr. Moderwel went to Florida, a day 
550. 
or two previously to which according to mutual understanding, 
his wife took occasion to visit her brother  
in Screven County, and her Grandmother in Sonisville, 
with whom she spent the time of his absence. Mr. Moderwel 
called at Mrs. Powels on his return and asked if Mrs. 
Moderwel was there - Mrs. Moderwel came to the door, 
when he, without alighting from his carriage demanded 
the reason why she was absent from home? Mrs. 
Moderwel replied that her Grandmothers horses were 
sick, and she could not go over until the next week. 
at which time Mrs. Powel came to the door, and 
asked Mr. Moderwel if it was possible he was not going 
to alight? He said no: but as he rode off, Mrs. Powel heard 
him say, I care not if you never return home again, 
or if I never see you again. This was on Saturday, he 
went to Mrs. Soweys four miles off where he passed the 
night and went to Augusta on the Sabbath. 
On Monday after, he wrote a note to Col. McKinne 
proposing a formal separation from his wife, commencing 
a correspondence to her and myself on this subject, 
 
 
                                                                        551. 
which resulted in Mrs. Moderwels return. Notes as follows. 
viz. William Mderwels requests to Col. McKinne to loan him 
a marriage Settlement which will be returned - Should 
Col. McKinne decline, as he has before done, the loan of 
papers over which he has no control, He will oblige 
by giving the Book and paper on which, said Settlement 
is recorded -  The above was read on Sunday 
afternoon 14 past 5 oclock May 23rd 1830. The following 
is a reply to it. I [*McKinne*] not being in possession of any 
marriage Settlements, knows not in what book or at 
what paper, any one is recorded. - Col. McKinne, 
Sir. I write you under feelings entirely overpowering - 
Mrs. Moderwels conduct is such as obliges me to make 
the very [?] request for a trial, and as I sincerely 
hope for a peaceful [*and affectionate*] seperation. - This is the third 
time that by desertion she has kept me out of the ministry. - 
I do not believe she would act this unless 
influenced by others. - I have no unkind feelings 
towards you and Mrs. McKinne, tho you have both 
deceived me. - Pardon this expression, I may have 
 
 
552. 
deceived you - I remember with painful regret 
the days of old when I considered one of you as 
my Father, and the other my mother - I am now 
far from the land of my nativity, without wife, 
or friend, and may I not add hme - I request 
you to make some early arrangement by which 
I may be sundered from her I sincerely live, and 
seek my fortune in some distant [?] 
                Monday Evening        William Moderwel 
        Reply - viz.                Sandhills February 15th 1831. 
                        Sir, I did not reach home until later 
last evening, or your note of yesterday would have 
at once replied to - I can only say with regard 
to its contents, that I presume neither Mrs. Moderwel 
or her friends, will object to the separation you propose; 
and that I shall take an early opportunity 
of making your wish on the subject known to 
her - In the mean time, any proposition from you 
with regard to the arrangement shall have my 
early attention, so soon as I return from Burke 
 
 
                                                        553. 
where I expect to go early tomorrow Signed J. McKinne 
        Col. McKinne, Sir, I hereby recall the offensive 
note addressed to you in my last - It has ever been to 
me the occasion of resigned regret that I should 
have been so infatuated as to have written that note -  
The one of Monday (which I desire also to recall) 
was written under feelings lacerated at the [?] 
of against entering into this dreadful solitude without 
the presence of a single white person to cheer 
and comfort me - I should be exceedingly unhappy 
if Mrs. Moderwel was even informed of the 
contents of that note, and I entreat that she 
may not be - I saw for a few moments at Sommerville 
when she stated her intention to return this 
week - I trust we shall meet as if no correspondence 
had passed between us - I am certain I shall 
be utterly and irrevocably lost if she deserts me. 
My feelings are now tender under the presence of 
indescribable distress - I am anxious to become 
reconciled to the family, and if you will allow 
 
 
554. 
me interview this morning, I hope this may be 
done - and that I may yet live to be a comfort to 
my dear little family, a happiness to its friends, 
and a useful member of Society. 
                        Yours kindly William Moderwel 
The above note was received on         Monday Morning 
Wednesday February 16th 1831.        Reply. February 16th 1831 
Mr. Moderwels note of this morning, will be 
more fully answered hereafter than my present 
time will admit of - as I have just returned 
from the country, and am compelled to go to 
town immediately -         J. McKinne - 
        If Col. McKinne could form any 
estimate of my sufferings, I believe he would 
commiserate my unhappy condition, and 
not decline a prompt reply to my note of yesterday - 
I am miserably afflicted - I have 
solicited the favour of a friendly interview 
and this request will I trust at once be granted. 
Thursday afternoon February 17th 1831. - William Moderwel 
 
 
                                                                        555. 
Reply. viz.         February 17th 1831. 
                                        Mr. Moderwel, Sir, as 
I contemplate going to morrow or next day to 
Burke, as I mentioned in my note of Tuesday 
last, and being unusually pressed for time ere [?] 
I cannot have an interview with you before my return. 
By then, I shall have more leisure, to reflect on 
the past, present and probable future, and should 
you then desire an interview, I shall be sufficiently 
at leisure to see you. - J. McKinne - 
                Will Col. McKinne have the kindness to relieve 
my anxious and afflicted mind, on one point, that is 
that nothing shall be done on the subject of my note of 
Monday Evening, and that Mrs. Moderwel shall not be informed 
of its contents - I love her most sincerely, and will 
endeavour on your return, to act towards you and the 
family the part of a broken hearted and penitent man - 
Can Col. McKinne say on what day I may expect 
my dear Martha home -         William Moderwel 
        P.S. Col. McKinne, as you are pressed for time I 
 
 
556. 
will not trouble you farther, than to reply to this, and say, 
when you will be back yourself. 
The above note and postscript was received at 14 before 5. 
oclock P.M., Thursday February 17th 1831 - and not answered. 
        Col. McKinne, Sir, I now renew the request 
made previous to your departure for Burke - I should 
have solicited an inteview with Mrs. McKinne 
and yourself this day, but have been confined most 
of it to my bed by indisposition - May I ask this 
favour at some hour to-morrow that will be convenient 
to you. -        William Moderwel February 23rd 1831. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                        My very dear Martha, A sense of 
duty and my strong affection for you, prompt me 
to make one more effort to induce your return - 
I believe you are not indifferent to me, but sincerely, 
sympathized with me in this my distressing exigency- 
 
 
                                                                557. 
I am now wretched and solitary - far from the land 
of my nativity, and without the presence of her who 
alone on earth can afford relief to this distressed and 
troubled soul of mine - I am sincerely sorry for my 
past misconduct, and I wish to make amends for 
it - I desire to be useful, and this I can be, if you 
return to me - If you do not, I am a lost and 
ruined man, and that you must know - and will 
you not my dear wife make one more effort to see 
your wretched husband? Will you not make sacrifices 
to raise him to usefulness and respectability? I 
know you will - Set this be the final effort, and 
if, after this, whether at home, or abroad I am guilty of 
the slightest aberration from propriety, then leave me, 
and this letter shall be your warrant for so doing - 
If you will return to me my dear Martha, I will 
study your peace, and endeavour to promote it 
by all the means in my power - I do not 
think the occurrences at Louisville were sufficient 
to cause all this distress - I deeply regret them 
 
 
558.  
and pray God to over-rule them for his glory and our 
good - I know not what to write for such is the 
state of my mind, and such the agony of my 
feelings, that I am at times almost bereft of 
reason - Odo return once more - I entreat you - 
Wife of my bosom I entreat you to return to 
me, and that speedily - I entreat you by all 
my agony and self=reproach - I entreat you 
by the prospect of my future usefulness and 
respectability - I entreat you by the ashes of 
our dear little babe (the pledge of our earliest and 
fondest love) that [?] so sweetly in yonder 
peaceful and silent tomb - I entreat you to return 
to me, and save your wretched and unhappy 
husband from plunging himself into the dark 
and awful gulch of absolute desperation - 
If you desert me every avenue to my earthly happiness and prospects is [?] closed. 
If you desert me after the tender and beseeching 
appeal I now make you, I shall deplore 
it, and pray that you may not have occasion 
to do so forever, and ever - I wish you to give me 
 
 
                                                                559. 
a final answer by George, for this dreadful state 
of suspense is more than I can endure many days 
longer - I am as ever your affectionate, but 
now deeply distressed and unhappy husband - 
Thursday night March 3rd 1831. William Moderwel 
 
 
        The following note in Mr. Moderwels hand but without 
his signature dated May 23rd 1830  was introduced into evidence, 
and should have been inserted on page 551 - viz - 
        John McKinne knows himself to be a liar by note 
of this afternoon - and that he is a villain I know and will 
with pleasure resent any indignity, even the slightest that 
he may offer - I shall keep his note as an evidence of 
his lying - Any man who will say that he is not 
in possession of a paper, which he himself has seen, 
and read in the presence of others, is a beast 
        I shall meet you at Court. 
 
 
560. 
        Besides the showing of the notes, the interview 
desired with Mrs. McKinne and myself was granted 
him, and on his protestations of sorrow and 
future good conduct Mrs. Moderwel returned to him. 
        After this, Mr. Moderwel continued visiting at my 
house until a short time before Mr. Perkins marriage 
with Miss Jones, when he broke off altogether for reasons 
unknown to us, tho believed by all to have arisen from 
his not being invited to perform the marriage 
ceremony, which marriage took place at Louisville 
at the house of Mrs. Powel - 
        After his restoration to the Ministry, he continued his abuse from 
the house, and declined all interviews with the family - 
Soon after which his unfeeling conduct towards Mrs. Moderwel 
was received; abusing her friends about money matters, 
accusing them of cheating, and acting in such a way 
as to render her miserable, causing her almost daily to 
flee over to her Aunt for advice and consolation in her 
situation - denying the validity of the marriage contract, 
and claiming the whole of the trust estate as his own; 
 
 
                                                                        561. 
refusing his consent to her getting money to travel when advised 
so to do for her health; and threatening frequently to carry 
her Uncle and Aunt into court to answer for their misdeeds, 
as he called it - He demanded also the resignation of Col. 
McKinne as trustee. - The following letters were then introduced. 
Viz: Col. McKinne, Sir, As my wishes to avoid every thing 
irritating and unpleasant, I submit to you whether 
the absence of that cordiality which is so indispensable 
to the transaction of business, oughtt not to induce 
you to resign, as Mrs. Moderwels trustees; and afford 
the opportunity for the appointment of two persons 
entirely disinterested, and who shall be in all respects 
perfectly unexceptionable - In proposing this measure 
of peace, I wish it to be distinctly understood, that I 
do not by it in the slightest degree confirm the marriage 
settlement, but reserve to myself the right at any time 
of invalidating it, by a full statement of the 
circumstances under which it was made - 
                                Very respectfully &c. 
        June 12th 1832.                        William Moderwel. - 
 
 
 
 
562. 
Reply: Viz:                June 13th 1832. Mr. Moderwel, Sir, 
In reply to your note of the 12th instant, I take leave 
to say that, as I sought not to become Mrs. Moderwels 
trustee, I shall with pleasure resign as such, whenever 
she desires it, or your show that, I have been unfaithful 
in the discharge of my duties in that capacity - 
                Respectfully of        J. McKinne. - 
        Col. McKinne, Sir, I submit the following 
reply to your note of the 13th received yesterday, in 
which you say, that you sought not to become Mrs. 
Moderwels Trustee- It cannot be forgotten by you that 
after having repeatedly refused to make the marriage settlement, 
I was at length induced to do so, in 
consequence of the oft repeated protestation, that the 
Trustees were to have nothing to do with this 
business; that the propriety was to be as much mine 
after making it, as it was before - and entirely 
subject in all respects to my management, and 
control - Had not these declarations been made 
to me day after day, you know that the marriage 
 
 
                                                                563. 
settlement would never have been made, and consequently, 
that there would not now exist even the semblance 
of a pretext for your acting. - You say further, that 
you will resign whenever Mrs. Moderwel desires it - 
The meaning of this I comprehend disticnty - Her 
desires are in entire accordance with your own; for 
your word is her law, and you might as well interrogate 
yourself on this point as consult her. - In remarking 
on the third and last ideas contained in your note, 
I cannot conceal my unaffected astonishment 
at the indirect abortion of your fidelity in the discharge 
of these duties; for I had supposed that being 
aware of the ample and undeniable proof in my 
profession in relation to your doings, you would 
have frankly admitted something more than unfaithfulness. - 
In this commenting on what you yourself 
have introduced into this correspondence, I disclaim 
all intention of unnecessarily [?] your feelings - 
It remains to be seen whether you will continue to act 
in opposition to my known and expressed wishes. - 
 
 
564. 
If you do not resign and afford the opportunity 
for the appointment of two persons entirely disinterested; 
and if this property is not divided, and made 
available for the wants of my family who for more 
than four years have been without the comforts, and 
very frequently during that  period (as cannot be 
unknown to you,) without the most indispensable 
necessaries of life; I tell you explicitly, that consequences 
will be induced of no common character, 
and which you, and others may have occasion 
deeply to deplore -         I am very respectfully &c. 
        June 20th 1832.                William Moderwel. 
Reply: Viz:                June 20th 1832. Mr. Moderwel, 
        Sir, For your note of this date, I feel contempt, 
utter contempt, because it contains falsehoods 
against whom ? I say, against your wife (rather 
than which honorable men should die) and 
against - J. McKinne. - P.S. to the above without 
signature. viz: I shall neither receive from or 
send to you; future reports by servants. 
 
 
                                                        565. 
        Query, proposed to Col. McKinne by one of the Presbytery; - 
Who first suggested the idea of a marriage 
settlement? Answer: It originated in a conversation 
between Mr. Moderwel, Mrs. McKinne and Judge 
Ried, as the latter told me - the Judge having brought 
over some papers relating t my marriage settlement; 
the question was asked by one if it would not answer in 
his case (Mr. Moderwels) when it was answered 
certainly; and Judge Ried was directed by Mr. 
Moderwel, to propose it after which as Judge Ried 
informed me, Mr. Moderwel called on him, paid 
him for it and appeared perfectly satisfied. - A 
schedule of the amount of income from the Trust-Estate 
containing the amounts collected by Mr. Moderwel 
was then handed in and also a letter from Col. Jones 
stating the amount of principal paid in to Mr. Moderwel 
out of the Trust-Estate. - Soon after this the 
troubles recommenced; and after various courses of 
conduct Mr. Moderwel be proposed [*a separation on certain conditions - viz:*], that Mrs. 
Moderwel should live with him until April, when 
566. 
they would part amicably. - He afterwards wrote to Col. 
McKinne or sent word by Mr. A.D. Miller and Judge Songstreet, 
that if he would give him (Mr. Moderwel) 15000 Dollars 
and         satisfaction on the execution assigned over 
to the Trust-Estate, by the Bank, he would give up 
Mrs. Moderwel and he balance of her fortune 
and go where he would never trouble them again. 
        This was refused, where seperated propositions 
were made by him to separate, provided he was 
paid for it. - Query here put by the Presbytery; - 
Do you think any mutual affection remains 
between Mr. and Mrs. Moderwel? Answer: I 
cannot believe any woman of delicacy can have 
any affection for one, acting as he has done, 
nor can I think any man who had a disposition 
to part from a wife, and take from her the last 
dollar she had, could have any. - Mr. Moderwel 
Repeatedly used the words, that, by his maker if 
such and such were not done he would 
separate from Mrs. Moderwel.  
 
 
                                                                567. 
I would also mention that besides the 5000 Dollars 
received of the Trust-Estate from Col. Jones by Mr. 
Moderwel and for which he has never accounted 
and refuses to account; Mr. Moderwel has been 
in the habit of receiving the income of the Trust-Estate 
in his own hands amounting to 1600 Dollars 
including the rent of the house in which he has 
resided, and the hire of negroes in his service, 
out excluding the rent of lots in Augusta, and 
of the Oconee tract. - One exception [*here*] is necessary 
to be made- back dividends on bank stock and 
of money in Mr. John P Kings hands, being 
withheld in consequence of his (Mr. Moderwels) 
refusing to give receipts for it unless the whole 
was paid into his hands, thereby depriving 
Mrs. Moderwel of the use of any and every 
part of it. - Questy by one of the Presbytery. - 
        Has Mr. Moderwel, as for as you know been 
intemperate in the smallest degree since his restoration 
to the ministry? Answer: Not in the 
 
 
568. 
least to my knowledge. - 
                Read to witness and approved - 
I certify that the above abstract of testimony 
of Col. John McKinne was read by me to the 
witness, and approved by him. - James Jackson 
                                    Clerk Pro tem. 
Mr. William Mann was introduced by the 
Prosecutor as a witness; who being adjured, testified 
as follows: By the Prosecutor, Question 1st Are 
you a member of Col. McKinnes family? Answer, 
Yes. Question 2nd How long have you been so? 
Answer: Since the winter of 1818. Question 3rd 
Before Mr. Moderwels connexion with that 
family was there not peace in it? Answer: 
Never knew any disquietude previous. Question 
4th: Was not Mrs. Moderwel calculated 
to make a reasonable man a good wife? 
Answer: As much so as any person I ever  
knew. Question 5th Has the conduct of Col. 
McKinnes family been conciliatory towards Mr. 
 
 
                                                        569. 
Moderwel? Answer: In a high degree. Question 6. 
What has been Mr. Moderwels conduct towards 
that family? Answer: Not like that of a son: - 
destitute of amiability. Question, 7th. State what 
you know of Mr. Moderwels conduct towards 
his                 Answer. During the first 5 or 6 years, 
witness was young and did not know. Knows of 
one instance of band conduct. One of his servants 
offended Mr. Moderwel on their way to the Sandhills - 
witness, Mr. and Mrs. Moderwel in the  
carriage - Mr. Moderwel spoke so harshly to 
Mrs. Moderwel that witness was indignant - 
conduct generally of late unkind. - 
Question 8th Did you ever receive any charges from 
Mrs. McKinne, not to speak of Mr. and Mrs. Moderwels 
disagreement? Answer: Repeatedly I have. - 
Question 9th Did Mrs. McKinne give reasons for 
secrecy? Did not wish domestic difficulties to be 
emblazoned before the community. Mrs. McKinne 
was a member of the Church of which Mr. Moderwel 
 
 
570. 
was Pastor. - Question 10th Do you know what 
Mr. Moderwels conduct towards his wife has been 
since his restoration? Answer. Have not spoken to him 
since, not even seen him for about three years till 
last Synod, when tho I saw him, I did not converse 
with him. - Question 11th Have you had any 
conversation with Mrs. Moderwel since that period on 
the subject? Answer: Have had no conversation 
with her since the restoration of Mr. Moderwel on 
this subject. -        Cross Examined. - 
        Question 1st Does witness know anything of 
the intercourse between Mr. and Mrs. Moderwel for 
the last three years? Answer: Have not seen 
them together during that time (ie) three years. 
Question 2nd Do you know any attempt on the 
part of Col. and Mrs. McKinne to alienate the 
affections of Mr. and Mrs. Moderwel? Answer: 
I know of no attempt on the part of Mr. and 
Mrs. McKinne to alienate Mrs. Moderwel from 
her husband. -                 Question 3rd Did her 
 
 
                                                        571. 
appearance indicate deep distress when she fled? 
        Answer: Did give indications of deep distress 
when she fled - was frequently bathed in tears and 
rushed into her room speedily, without speaking 
to the family. - Question 4th Any case of the 
above kind of flight since the restoration? Answer: 
Nothing of this kind known to Mr. Mann since Mr. 
Moderwels restoration. -        Question 5th Did 
you ever have any difficulty with Mr. Moderwel? 
        Answer: Once had a personal encounter with 
him - have no feelings of friendship towards Mr. 
Moderwel, but feel like a brother towards Mrs. 
Moderwel. - Question 6th Alas you present 
when Mr. Moderwel drew a knife on Col. 
McKinne?        Answer: Know nothing concerning 
the drawing of the knife. - 
                        Read to witness and approved. 
        The committee then to whom was referred 
the papers of Mr. Moderwel implicating the 
proceedings of Presbytery and which he desired 
 
 
572. 
to be entered on the minutes, made their report 
which was adopted and is as follows; - 
The committee to whom was referred the document 
which was read before this body by Mr. Moderwel 
and desired by him to be entered as protest, 
upon our minutes, beg leave to report, 
That the second section of the eighth chapter 
of the book of Discipline, requires more than one 
member to enter a protest against the decisions 
of this judicatory - and that the 8th section 
of the same chapter plainly excludes every one 
from the privilege of joining in a protest who 
had not a right to vote in the decision against 
which a protest is entered - and that consequently 
Mr. Moderwel being alone, and upon his trial 
before this body cannot constitutionally 
enter a protest upon our minutes - 
The committee would further remark that the 
document submitted to them is not in the 
regular for of a protest - that it contains 
 
 
                                                        573. 
statements which are palpably incorrect, and moreover, 
it contains [*offensive*] reflections against this body - Your 
committee would therefore take no further notice of 
it than to file it among their papers. 
                        Signed:         James C. Patterson 
                                                Chairman. - 
The following resolution was offered and adapted, 
Resoled, That the paper laid on the table by Mr. 
Moderwel containing charges against the Prosecutor 
in his case the Rev. H. Reid, be laid on the 
table indefinitely and disregarded as coming 
from one who is himself under censure. - 
The Brethren Patterson and Baker were appointed 
a committee to prepare a narrative on the 
state of religion to be submitted at the meeting 
of Presbytery at Bethel in Colombia County. - 
The Brethren McAlpin and Wilson, were 
appointed a committee to prepare a pastoral 
letter to the churches under our care. - 
        On motion of Charles C. Mills a ruling 
574. 
elder, Resolved, that the Presbytery hereafter at 
its annual meetings shall call on the Representatives 
of each church within its bounds 
to state fully and at large the nature and 
extent of the support given to their respective 
ministers - the nature of the obligations existing 
Between the Churches and their Pastors, and 
how far such obligations have been complied 
with. -         Presbytery had a recess until 8. oclock P.M. 
        Athens 8. oclock P.M. August 12. 1833. 
Presbytery met. A motion was made to bring 
the case of Mr. Moderwel to a close, which 
was carried. The following preamble and resolution 
were there submitted to wit: Whereas it 
has been clearly proved to this Presbytery that 
the Rev. William Moderwel is living in a 
state of separation from his wife, to the great 
injury and reproach of the cause of Christ, 
therefore, Resolved, That the Rev. William Moderwel 
be deposed from the Gospel Ministry. - 
 
 
                                                                575. 
        Before the vote was taken on the adoption of this 
Resolution, the Rev. Doctor McWilkes who was present, 
was requested to lead in special prayer for divine 
direction. - The roll was then called, and the votes 
taken, when it was found that the above Resolution 
deposing the Rev. William Moderwel from the  
Gospel Ministry, was adopted by a majority of 
26 to 1. -        Messrs. Patterson, Quillin, Reid, 
Baker, Marks, Pond, King, Redd, Harrison, and 
Montgomery had leave of absence from the 
remainder of the present sessions. - 
        Presbytery adjourned til tomorrow morning 
at sunrise. - Concluded with prayer. - 
                Athens, Tuesday Morning, sunrise August 13th 1833. 
Presbytery met and was opened by prayer - 
Members present as yesterday. The minutes of 
the last session were read - On motion, resolved 
that the trials of Mr. Jackson a candidate 
for licensure under our care, be taken 
up. Mr. Jackson was therefore examined 
 
 
576. 
on the last 8 chapters of the Confession 
of Faith. -         On motion Resolved, that 
Col. McKinne have the papers read in his 
testimony against Mr. Moderwel and that 
according to his suggestion, he be requested 
to prepare copies of them, and transmit 
the same to Major James Jackson at Athens 
to be sent to the stated Clerk -, he promising 
however to hold the originals subject to the 
call of the Presbytery when it may need them. - 
        Presbytery had a recess till 8. oclock A.M. 
                Athens August 13. 1833 - 8. oclock A.M. 
Presbytery met. Mr. Samuel Baldwin obtained 
leave of absence. Presbytery resumed the 
examination of Mr. Jackson. His examination 
on Theology was continued. He was 
also examined on Church Government, 
Ecclesiastical History, Languages and the arts 
and Sciences. His examination on the arts 
and Sciences was sustained as part of trial. - 
 
 
                                                        577. 
He was instructed by Presbytery to pursue farther 
the other subjects for examination at the next 
annual sessions of Presbytery. - The candidate 
then also read a lecture on the 133 Psalm, and 
an exegesis on the subject heretofore assigned him, 
which were sustained as parts of trial prior to 
licensure. -                The committee on the subject 
of Foreign Missions reported the following resolutions. - 
1st Resolved, that the several members 
of Presbytery be called upon to state what they have 
done or are doing in their several Congregations 
on the subject of Foreign-Missions. - 
2nd Resolved, that it be requested of the members 
of Presbytery, who have or may have any funds, 
in their hands to transmit them as early as 
possible to the Committee of Deposits, the Rev. 
S. K. Talmage, R. Chamberlain, and S. J. 
Cassels, to be transmitted to the Pittsburgh 
Board for the support of the Rev. John B. Pinney 
missionary to Africa. -  
 
 
578. 
        The meeting appointed at the last sessions 
of Presbytery at Hopewell Jasper County, was 
changed from the Thursday before the second, to 
the thursday before the fifth Sabbath in September - 
In addition to the brethren already appointed, 
brother Mooney was appointed to attend this meeting. 
        On motion resolved, that at our next annual 
meeting at Milledgeville, a Sermon be preached 
on the subject of Foreign Missions - Brother Hoyt 
is appointed to preach that Sermon, and Brother 
Talmage his alternate. -        The committee 
to whom was referred the duty of preparing 
a pastoral letter to the Churches under our care 
reported and the report was accepted and 
adopted, and the pastoral letter was ordered 
to be published in the Charleson-Observer, 
and when thus published to be read in all 
the Churches. -      The above mentioned letter is 
as follows viz: Beloved Brethren, Convened 
to deliberate on the interests of the Redeemers 
 
 
                                                                579. 
Kingdom, and devise measures for its advancement 
we have deemed it our duty before closing the present 
sessions of Presbytery to address you a few words 
of the Council and advice. - In looking over our 
beloved Zion we have formed little to cheer and encourage 
our hearts. -   Scenes of spiritual decay present 
themselves on every side, to the meeting eye of tender 
and undissembled piety. -         As overseers therefore 
of the flock of Christ, as Pastors whom God 
has commanded to feed his sheep, and carefully 
cherish his feeble lambs permit us to call you 
attention to the following remarks. -  
1st Is the standard of personal piety, brethren, 
amongst you sufficiently elevated? God has placed 
us in most interesting circumstances. We live 
at an eventful period - The World is ripening 
for the great harvest of the Millenial-day. 
God expects [and] it of us and the condition of 
the human family demands of you, more vigorous 
efforts in the great work to be performed. - 
 
 
580. 
But without more holiness of heart - more 
heavenly mindedness - more spirituality of life 
and conversation, how can you accomplish 
what is demanded of you as the children of God. 
        It may be profitable to contrast our state 
with that of the primitive servants of God - 
How holily they lived - how cordially they 
co-operated in the work of Christ - what unity 
of aim and exertion - what singleness of eye 
to the glory of God - how willing to sacrifice 
all, even life itself for the sake of the Redeemers 
course. - There remains yet very much land to 
be possessed Much of your own religion is yet 
unattained - How small your faith - how feeble 
your hope - how dwarfish and contracted 
your charity, compared with that enlargement 
of graces which characterized the early believers, 
and which must exist before the universal 
spread of the Gospel. - 
2nd Next to your personal religion is not the 
 
 
                                                        581. 
standard too low in your families? 
        Brethren permit us to use great plainness with 
you on this point, What is the state of family 
religion? - Is the altar erected in your habilitation 
on which the morning and evening incense is 
continually offered? Are the [*Holy*] Scriptures daily read 
in the domestic circle? Do you endeavour to 
impress on those committed to your charge the 
infinite worth of the soul? the vast importance 
of religion - the shortness of mens probationary 
state - the solemnities of death and judgement, 
and the length of eternity? The work of catechising 
we fear is much neglected. Her good old way in 
which the fathers walked is in a measure abandoned. 
        The Sabbath-School, when it exists, is truly a 
great auxiliary to parents in the work of family 
instruction; yet it by no means releases them 
from all responsibility. The rising generation 
is the hope of the Church and the world - 
Destined to act perhaps in the scenes 
 
 
582. 
of the Millennial day, how carefully should 
they be prepared, by storing their minds with 
divine truth? Do you require all your family 
both children and domestics to attend when 
you read Gods Word, and supplicate a throne 
of grace? Or are they abroad in the field or folded 
in the arms of sleep? These things ought not so 
to be brethren? You have account to give at 
the Bar of God. You have to meet these children 
and servants at the final day? And how can 
you who have never prayed in your families, nor 
acknowledged thus in your ways - meet the all 
scrutinizing eye of Jehovah on your trial at 
the judgement-Bar?        3rd Connected with this 
subject we would enquire what attention is 
given to the publics means of grace? 
Can you say as David said, One thing have 
I desired of the Lord, that will I seek often 
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, 
all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of 
 
 
                                                        583. 
the Lord, and to enquire in his temple - Has your 
heart rejoiced when they said, let us go to the houses 
of God? Do you strive for that preparation of heart, 
which only can render the ordinances of the Sanctuary 
profitable? Is it with prayer and thanksgiving 
you enter the house of God? Do no worldly thoughts 
or conversation unfit you for the holy employ of 
public worship? Is the Sabbath morn spent in 
holy meditation, and self examination? Is the 
Sabbath evening spent in that manner which 
is calculated to advance your spiritual interests? 
        But do you carry your children with you 
to the Sanctuary, or are they permitted to roam 
at large in insolence and vice? How unlike 
the father of the Faithful, of whom Jehovah 
testifies, I know him that he will order his 
household after him etc. And like Abraham,  
brethren have you dedicated your offering 
to the Lord, and neglect to rear them in his nurture 
and monition. Many there and we fear who in 
 
 
584. 
regard even to this first parental duty, the 
consecration of their children to Gods service, 
are awfully negligent? They either come tardily 
to the discharge of duty, and appear at the 
baptismal=font months after the Lord has blessed 
them with their tender charge, or perhaps they 
never come at all. We know that this is true in 
many instances, that even some elders of the 
Church have most criminally neglected this 
duty.  Tho they have in their ordination=vows 
adopted our standards, as continuing the 
truth of Gods word, But in practice they have 
denied it, and set at nought the positive requirements 
of our Confession of Faith. - 
4th Again, There is an awful profanation of 
the Sabbath throughout the Land. Let us 
ask is the Church free from this evil? 
Have you all ceased to desecrate Gods holy day 
by travelling or pursuing your worldly evocations? 
No man can excuse himself for the violation 
 
 
                                                                585. 
of this command. Remember the Sabbath day 
to keep it holy - And that man who drives his 
team on the Sabbath either going or returning 
from market - he who sets out on a journey on 
this day - or spends holy time in talking about 
secular concerns - his crops - his Gold mines - 
his lands, or the news of the day, is guilty of a 
dreadful profanation. Let such hear the Word 
of the Lord. If then turn away thy foot from 
the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy 
day: and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy 
of the Lord honourable; and shalt honour 
him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding 
thine own pleasures, nor speaking thine own words: 
then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord. Isaiah 
58. 13, 14 - The redeeming spirit is in the 
Church. If the commands of God are to 
be regarded, the work must begin at the house 
of God - The Sanctuary must be cleansed - 
Gods own people must live more holy and 
 
 
586. 
harmless and undefiled. 
5th Once more brethren; Contemplate the 
dying command of the Saviour. Do this in 
remembrance of me. Can any one who 
loves Jesus disregard this injunction of the 
friend of sinners? Can those who have tasted 
the bitterness of sin, Who have tasted of the 
wormwood and the gall, and have as a last, 
an only refuge from the wrath of God, cast 
their souls at the foot of the Cross, ever forget 
the hour of their espousals - the moment 
when they believed, and found a sin=pardoning 
God, which afforded sweet peace of mind 
and rapturous joy? How then can many professors 
stand aloof, in our Churches, from 
the Sacramental=Board, on which are 
presented the emblems of the broken body 
and shed blood of the Redeemer - Brethren 
such a course of conduct, is all wrong - 
entirely wrong - Every person is to be prepared 
 
 
                                                                 
587. 
to come to the Lords table, in absence to that 
last, that dying command of Gods dear Son. 
        6th and lastly: we would remind you of 
your duty to those who watch for your souls as 
those who must give account - Esteem them 
highly in love for their works - Remember 
their wants - Contribute to their necessities - and 
permit us here to call your attention to a 
resolution moved by one brother Col. Charles 
C. Mills, a ruling elder of the Church in 
Milledgeville, during the present sessions - 
Resolved: that the Presbytery hereafter at 
its annual meetings shall call on the 
nature and extent of the support given 
to their respective ministers - the nature 
of the obligations existing between the Churches 
and their pastors, and how far such obligations 
have been complied with. Regard this 
 
 
588. 
as a high and important duty which 
God has enjoined. Ye are my friends 
said the Saviour; if ye do whatsoever I 
command you - Read the Scriptures that 
you may know your duty, and having 
learned it, go and do it.        In conclusion, 
dear brethren, we say to you in the words  
of the Apostle, his farewell address to his 
beloved Corinthian brethren. Be perfect, 
be of good comfort, be of one mind, live 
in peace and the God of love and peach 
shall be with you. We must all soon 
give account him that judgeth 
righteously - If then we are indeed the 
disciples of him (who lives and reigns 
above, perfect joy and unfading glory 
shall be our reward: but if we are deceived, 
and are found to be only the pretended 
friends of the Redeemer; darkness and despair 
shall be our position. -         Let us look 
                                                        589. 
well then to our prospects for eternity. There 
will be awful disappointment at the judgement 
seat of Christ. -         Many will say in  
that day Lord, Lord open unto us, to whom 
he shall answer and say, depart from me I 
never knew you, ye workers of iniquity. May 
the love of Christ fill your hearts, and his 
grace sustain you through all trials till 
we meet in heaven, where our conversations 
shall be sweet and uninterrupted, and 
our joy everlasting, is the prayer of your 
brethren in the Lord. The committee to whom 
was referred the subject of Doctor Gouldings tract on 
Baptism reported: The report was accepted and adopted, and 
is as follows. Your committee appointed on the subject of 
Doctor Gouldings tract, beg leave to report, that they have 
received twenty dollars and ten cents, leaving a balance 
unsold of twenty nine dollars and ninety cents worth: 
and your Committee would recommend that some plan 
be now adopted to dispose of the unsold tracts and 
 
 
590. 
that the money now on hand be sent immediately 
to Doctor Goulding and the balance of the money 
be forwarded as soon as it can be solicited from 
the sale of the tracts. -         On motin the petition 
of the Church of Fairview was taken up, and after 
some discussion it was on motion laid on the table 
indefinitely. -        Samuel J. Cassels was appointed 
to transmit to Doctor Goulding the amount of money 
in the hands of the Committee; to wit: thirty dollars 
and ten cents arising from the sale of the tracts - and 
that the remaining tracts be so disposed of money the 
members as to raise the balance, due Doctor Goulding 
as soon as possible. - Presbytery had a recess till 
two oclock P.M. -        Two oclock P.M. Presbytery 
met. The minutes of the previous sitting were 
read and corrected. - On motion, Resolved, that 
Presbytery return their thanks to the citizens of Athens 
for their polite attention in affording such ample 
accommodations to them during their deliberations - 
and that the Pastor be requested to make known 
 
 
                                                                591. 
this resolution from the pulpit. - The roll was called, 
when it appeared that the Rev. Rober McAlpin and Elder 
William Hodge were absent without leave. Presbytery 
adjourned to meet at Bethel Church Columbia County 
on Saturday before the first Sabbath in December 
next at eleven oclock in the forenoon, concluded 
with prayer, singing and the Apostolic Benediction. 
                                Edwin Holt. Moderator. - 
                        Samuel J. Cassels, Temporary Clerk. 
 
 
        89th Session.                Bethel Church, Columbia 
County 30th November 1833. Eleven oclock, A.M. 
The Presbytery of Hopewell met according to adjournment. 
Opened with a Sermon by H. Reid from I. Tim. 
IV. 8th Godliness is profitable unto all things 
having promise of the life that now is and of that 
which is to come. - H. Reid the senior member 
present was called to the Chair. Opened by prayer. 
        Members present; H. Reid, R. Chamberlain, and 
S. J. Cassels, with the licentiate J. W. Reid; and 
 
 
592.  
the Elders Robert Flemming from Lincoln, Z. Williama 
from Mount Olive, and James Tool from Bethel. 
        In the absence of the Moderator H. Reid was chosen 
Moderator pro. tem. and S. J. Cassels temporary Clerk. 
The Rev. J. Kennedy from the Presbytery of South = 
Carolina being Present was invited to sit as a corresponding 
member. The minutes of the last meetings  
were called for; but were not present. The subject 
of J. Reids ordination was taken up: and James 
George applying to be taken under the care of 
Presbytery, it was resolved to examine the two Young 
Brethren at once as to the evidences of their piety 
and motives which have led them to seek the 
Gospel Ministry. Whereupon the Presbyter proceeded 
to such examinations which were decided satisfactory. 
It was then resolved to hear the Sermon 
of J. W. Reids preparatory to ordination; and 
accordingly Presbytery heard the Sermon. Presbytery 
then had a recess to meet at the call of the chair. 
        5 oclock P.M. Presbytery met. James George 
 
 
                                                                593. 
having been examined to his piety as well as to the 
motives which have led him to seek the Gospel Ministry; 
and having also given sufficient evidence of his being 
a Graduate of a Literary Institution and of his being 
regularly connected with the Presbyteryian Church 
in Athens, was received under the care of this Presbytery 
as a candidate for the Gospel Ministry. The following 
were assigned to the young Brethren as parts of trial 
preparatory to Licensure: as an exegesis In quo differt 
justificatis ab venia? as a critical exercise II. Cor. XII. 
VII, VIII, and IX verses, together with the first sixteen chapters 
of the confession of Faith, to be examined upon 
at the next meeting of the Presbytery. Presbytery 
then examined J. W. Reid on Philosophy, the Science, 
the Languages, Ecclesiastical History, Theology, the 
Sacraments and Church Government; which 
examinations were all sustained. Whereupon, it 
was resolved to ordain J. W. Reid as an evangelist 
to preach the everlasting Gospel. And as tomorrow 
will be the only convenient time and there 
 
 
594. 
is expected to be a full audience present; It was 
resolved that the ordination take place on tomorrow 
at eleven oclock A.M. Presbytery then adjourned 
to meet tomorrow at eleven oclock. - 
December 1st Eleven oclock A.M. Presbytery met. 
Opened by prayer. The ordination Sermon of 
J. W. Reid was preached by S. J. Cassels from 
John VII. 46 Never man spake like this man 
H. Reid delivered the charge. J. W. Reid was 
Then Solemnly set apart and ordained as a 
Gospel Minister by the imposition of the 
hands of the Presbytery and took his seat as a 
member. Presbytery adjourned until the annual 
Meeting April 1834.                H. Reid Moderator, pro. tem. 
                        Samuel J. Cassels, Clerk pro. Tem. 
90th Sessions: 
        Milledgeville April 3rd 1834. 
                                The Presbytery of Hopewell 
held its annual meeting pursuant to adjournment 
and was opened with a Sermon by the 
 
 
                                                                 595. 
Rev. Saml. K. Talmage, the Moderator appointed [*by the Synod*] to 
discharge that duty, from Genesis IV. 9th And the Lord 
said unto Cain, where is Abel thy brother? And he 
said, I know not, Am I my brother's keeper? 
Constituted with prayer; Members present, John 
Brown D. D. Nathan Hoyt, Saml. K. Talmage 
Robert McAlpin, Saml. J. Cassels and J. W. Reid 
Ministers, with the Elders James Montogomery 
from Thyatira, Edmund Baldwin from Monticello, 
Joseph Bryan from Mount Zion, Zacariah Williams 
From Mount Olive, E. A. Nisbet from 
Madison, Benjamin Paul from Washington, 
and R. K. Hines from Milledgeville. - 
        The minutes of the last Sessions being absent 
Presbytery had a recess until two oclock P.M. 
        Two oclock P.M. Presbytery me, and in 
the absence of the Moderator, Doctor Brown 
the senior member present, was called to the 
Chair. Rev. N. Hoyt was elected Moderator 
and Rev. Samuel J. Cassels Temporary Clerk. 
 
 
596. 
        The minutes of the last meeting were read 
and confirmed. Rev. P. S. Wilson, Thomas F. 
Scott and Edwin Holt from the Presbytery 
of Goodhope being present were invited to 
sit as corresponding members. The absentees 
from the last meeting were called upon for 
their excuses, Doctor Brown alone of the 
member being present rendered an excuse 
which was sustained. 
        The Rev. Sml. S. Davis from the Presbytery of Harmony, 
by a regular dismission from the body to become connected 
with this, was received as a member. Mr. Charles 
W. Howard, by a regular dismission from the Second 
Presbytery of Philadelphia was also received as a 
Licentiate under our care. A committee was 
appointed to make the necessary arrangements 
for preaching during the present sessions of 
Presbytery, which committee consisted of Mr. 
Charles W. Howard together with the Elders Charles 
C. Mills and R. K. Hines. 
 
 
                                                                597. 
S. J. Cassels, minister, and W. Dearing, Elder, were 
appointed to attend the next meeting of the General 
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Joseph H. Lumpkin, 
Elder, was appointed the alternate of Mr. Dearing 
        Daniel Ingles and Joseph [*James H.*] Saye candidates under the 
case of Presbytery being absent, their trials were continued. 
The exegesis of J. C. Cazby being presented to Presbytery 
was referred to a committee consisting of S. K. Talmage 
minister, and E. A. Nisbet Elder for examination. 
        R. C. Ketchum applying to be taken under our care 
as a candidate for the Gospel Ministry, was examined 
on experimental religion, and the motives which 
have led him to desire the ministry, which examinations 
were sustained; and the Presbytery having 
sufficient evidence of his being a regular member 
in the Presbyterian Church, assigned him the following 
as parts of trial previous to Licensure - for an 
exegesis Ne Sacrificis - for a popular lecture Psalm 
CX. 1 - 3 inclusive: - Rev. H. C. Carter appeared, 
rendered reasons for tardiness and took his seat. - 
 
 
598. 
        William Turk, Elder, from New = Lebanon appeared 
and took his seat.        On motion, resolved that, 
hereafter the Elders appointed by the Churches as 
delegates to this body, when tardy, be called upon 
for their excuses as in the case of minutes. 
        The Presbytery Church in Milledgeville presenting 
through a committee a regular call 
for the ministerial services of Mr. Charles W. Howard, 
a Licentiate under our care, to become their Pastor, 
the call was accordingly place in the hands of 
Mr. Howard, who signified his willingness to accept 
it. Whereupon it was Resolved, that provided the examination 
of Mr. Howard be sustained, Saturday 
3 oclock P.M. be fixed upon as the time for his 
ordination and installation, and that Rev. S. 
J. Cassels preach the Sermon and the moderator 
preside, give the charge and address the congregation. 
        Presbytery then proceeded to examine Mr. Howard on 
experimental religion, and the motives which 
have led him to seek the Gospel Ministry. - 
 
 
                                                                599. 
He was also examined on Philosophy, the Languages, 
Church History, and Government, the Ordinances, and 
Theology. all of which examinations were sustained. 
        Mr. Howard then read before Presbytery as part of 
trial previous to ordination a Sermon from John 
III. 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his 
only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him 
might not perish but have everlasting life. which  
was also sustained.         Rev. R. Chamberlain 
from the Presbytery of Goodhope, being present was 
invited to sit as a corresponding member. 
Presbytery then adjourned to meet tomorrow morning 
at half past eight oclock.        Friday morning 
half past eight oclock, Presbytery met. Opened 
with prayer. Present as yesterday - Moses Alexander, 
Elder, from the Church of South Liberty, and 
John Bloomfield, Elder from the Church of 
Hopewell appeared and took their seats. 
Rev. James C. Patterson of the Presbytery of Goodhope 
being present was invited to sit as a 
 
 
600. 
corresponding member. A letter was received 
from the Rev. H. Reid assigning reasons, 
for absence from the present meeting of Presbytery 
which were sustained. -         The following charges 
against Rev. H. Reid  were preferred by Zachariah 
Williams, who also undertook to be the prosecutor 
in the case. I hereby present the following charges 
against Henry Reid a member of this Presbytery. 
1st For Forgery, in making use of the name of 
John W. Reid without his permission in the 
call of the pro re-nata meeting of Presbytery 
Which met at Augusta on Friday the 28th of 
June 1833. - 2nd For wilful and atrocious falsehood 
in asserting on Friday the 28th of June 1833. 
in Presbytery, that John W. Reid had authorised 
him to use his name in the call of said Presbytery, 
when he knew he had not. and n the 
Friday evening or Saturday morning thereafter, 
admitted to the said John W. Reid that he 
had not invested him with that authority. 
 
 
                                                601. 
The witness by whom the above charges will be established 
are Doctor John Brown, William Quillin, William 
Moderwel, John S. Wilson, and John W. Reid. 
        Milledgeville 4th April 1834. Synod = Zachariah Williams 
                On motion resolved, that the preaching of the 
Foreign Missionary = Sermon appointed at the last 
meeting be dispensed with. Resolved, that the session 
Books be handed in and the reports on the state of 
religion be made on tomorrow morning at 9 
oclock, also that the reports of Church Sessions be 
made at the same time.         A letter was read, 
addressed to the Moderator, from Rev. H. A. McHowell 
D. D. on the subject of Domestic Missions, which was 
referred to the Board of Missions to report as soon 
as practicable. - 
                For a further account of the proceedings of the Hopewell = 
Presbytery, See Volume Second. 
                                Finis 
                                - of - 
                              _ Volume I. _ 
 
 
 
 
        Formation of the Georgia Education Society 1823. / p. 208 - 22 /.  
                                 Missionary, Lexington 1828. / p. 246 
 
 
 
 
Form of as metting members into  
the church. pp. 267. 268. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1829. Presbytery Resolves itself into a total 
        abstinence To piety. p. 366.