Crane Hook on the Delaware - NC CHAP

7 2 FROM CRANE HOOK TO CHRISTINA
been told us that both nations have lost their ministers: that the
Finnish congregation lost their minister some years since, and that
their church is now deserted; but that Divine service is still held in
the Swedish church, though chiefly by the son of the deceased minister,
in such a way that hymns are sung, and the Gospels for the day are
read, but without the hearing of any sermon, and without the recep-
tion of the Lord's supper. Also, that you are in great need of Bibles,
hymnbooks, and other books of devotion; and that you would will-
ingly pay for them if they were sent to you upon the first opportunity.
In truth, this goes to my heart, and to that of many others; and as I
had some good friends in the Royal court, I related this before a
distinguished lord, and he, again, presented it to His Majesty. Our
most gracious king thereupon gave it his especial attention. I was
immediately commanded to present in a written communication every-
thing that I had learned concerning you. In consequence of which
His Majesty did most graciously resolve not only to send you ministers,
but also all sorts of religious books in both langauages. . . .
On this account I take the liberty of inquiring your names, which
are all unknown to us. An elderly woman, who lives here in the city,
relates that she has a brother there by the name of Peter Gunnarsson
Rambo, and desires me now to write a letter to him, wherever he may
be found, if he be still in this life, as well as to some other good,
honest men and old countrymen, and thus to let us know whether you
will still be called honest, upright, and true Swedes, so that we may
become acquainted with you. Also, if it is truly so, as the man relates,
and if you do really wish such favor from His Majesty, and how you
would arrange that these ministers may be sent and conveyed to you. . .
In reference to which it is my earnest desire that you would, by the
first and speediest opportunity, inform me circumstanciallp, promptly,
with truth and certainty, how you, His Majesty's old, faithful, and
honest subjects, are employed and situated. . .
For the rest, as regards your life and conduct, what means of sup-
port you have, whether agriculture or commerce, His Majesty will be
greatly pleased to understand, as also that you are all prospering. Only
inform us of every particular of your condition, in the least as well as
in the greatest. The person above named also told me that you live
well and in love to one another; that you, in all things, follow Swedish
customs in eating, drinking, and farming, as well as in other forms of
labor . . . But, above all things, let us know how many ministers and
books you desire; also, how large yoi~r congregations are, and how
many churches you have. . .*
The people could not doubt that William Penn's government
would approve acceptance of the offer of King Carl XI of Sweden
to send ministers and books, for Penn himself after his return to
? Rudman Manuscripts (research by Courtland B. and Ruth L. Springer)
Thclln s letter, quotcd in part above, says: "Eight or ten years since, Goveri~t~l
W'~lli:iin Pcnn (ommunic;ited to the S\vedish Envoy Extraordinary in London," ctc
I FROM CRANE HOOK TO CHRISTINA 7.)
England in 1684 had communicated their need of ministers and
books to the Swedish Legation at London and as his own gift
had sent them "a little chest with catechisms and books together
with a Bible in folio for their ~hurch."~ These were in English.
Charles Springer and other representatives of the congregations
joyfully took Thelin's letter and a translation of it into English
by Springer to Deputy-Governor Markham at Philadelphia. Markham
not only gave approval, but promised to write to William
Penn and to the Swedish minister at London."
The answer in Swedish, written by Springer on behalf of all
the Lutherans, was also submitted to Governor Markham, along
with an English translation of it by the author for the English
governor's benefit. The Swedish version was to be dispatched to
Thelin in duplicate, each copy on a different ship. Springer's
English translation has not been found, but a later copy of it,
made by the Reverend Andreas Rudman, who as a result of this
fruitful correspondence became pastor of the Wicaco congregation
in 1697, is preserved in the archives of Gloria Dei Church.
Although we have Springer's Swedish letter (as printed in
Acrelius' Beskrifning, which in turn has been translated into
English), it is interesting to see what Charles Springer could do
with English on his own account. The Rudman transcription is
reproduced here in full.4
Honoured, Lowing5 & much respected Friend John Thelijz,
His Maj:ts Loyal1 Subject and Postmaster in Gottenborg.
Our kind love remembered unto you, wishing you all Prosperity.
Your unexpected& and welcome letter dated Gottenborg d. 16
Nov. 1692, came to our hand the 23 Maji 1693; which was [to)
us exceedingly welcome & made us heartily rejoyce at the receiving
of it, and understanding, how it hath pleased Almighty God
to raise up a jong7 Man Alldrew Prilz~z by name, who hath formerly
been here with us in the West Indien, & did see how we doe live
3 Acrelius. 183.
4 By permission of Dr. John Craig Ronk, vicar of Gloria Dei Church; copied
.~ntl collated by Courtland B. and Ruth L. Springer.
5 Loving. The English sound "v" was commonly denoted by the letter w in
Su,c~lish at this time.
6 l'he Sweclish letter, ac givc.n in Atrclius, reads "mycket vnl nch karkomne."
wl~i~li coultl hc translated "wry uzelcomr and appreciated" or "cherished" or
''o~l>orttinc.." hut not "l~ncxpccted."
7 Y01111~