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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from William Tryon to Richard Terrick
Tryon, William, 1729-1788
June 11, 1768
Volume 07, Pages 786-787

[From Tryon's Letter Book.]
Letter from Governor Tryon to the Bishop of London.

Brunswick 11th June 1768.

I was solicited a few days ago by Mr Giffard a young man who is engaged with a company of comedians now in this province to recommend him to your Lordship for ordination orders, he having been invited by some principal gentlemen of the province, to be inducted into a parish and to set up a school for the education

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of youth, He assured me it was no sudden caprice that induced him to make this application but the result of very mature deliberation, that he was most wearied of the vague life of his present profession and fully persuaded he could employ his talent to more benefit to society by going into holy orders and superintending the education of the youth in this province. I candidly told Mr Giffard that his address to me was a matter of some surprise, that as to my own part I could have no reason to obstruct his present intentions, which might if steady and determined, be directed to the benefit of this country, but that I could not possibly flatter him with success with your Lordship, as I was not assured how far your Lordship would choose to take a member of the theatre into the church, I however promised him I would give testimony to your Lordship that during his residence in this province, his behaviour had been decent, regular, and commendable, as such my Lord I beg leave to present him to you leaving the propriety of the ordination to your Lordships wisdom. He takes this letter by way of Providence being under obligation of contract to attend the company there. If your Lordship grants Mr Giffard his petition you will take off the best player on the American stage

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