We are in the midst of political commotions here at present, and have been so for some time past. The Lord, however, is the security of his people, he is the Governor among the nations, and all these changes will, I trust, lead to the promoting of his kingdom. Let us join in the prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.” For the present, farewell.
Buenos Aires, 26th July, 1820.
I have got the information contained in your letters, and the printed sheet translated into Spanish, and have presented it to the Magistrates, who have ordered it to be printed in the Buenos Aires Gazette.
I am happy to say the same favourable disposition towards our objects, continues to prevail in this place; and that from Monte Video I have lately received encouraging accounts, which, I hope, will lead to a commencement in that place. I went there about three months ago, to see what could be done. It so happened that General Lecor, the Portuguese Governor, to whom I had letters of introduction, was absent at Maldonado, with the two principal Magistrates. I explained my objects to the chief clergyman, a liberal man, and a particular friend of the Governor’s. He promised to do all he could towards promoting our system of education on the Governor’s return; and I some weeks ago received from him a copy of a letter, which the Magistrates addressed to him upon the subject, and of which I subjoin a translation.
“Monte Video, 20th May, 1820.
“Sir,—We have read with peculiar pleasure and attention the memorial which you had the goodness to send us, relative to the system of instruction established in Europe by Lancaster. We have the honour of communicating, that it has met with our particular esteem; and that in consequence, we have resolved to adopt the said system in this city, as soon as Mr. Thomson can come here from Buenos Aires, to commence it. Please communicate this to him, and express our sincere thanks to him for his zeal towards the youth of this province. May God preserve you many years.”
Buenos Aires, 24th May, 1821.
I am now about to leave this city, and to proceed to Chile. I leave the two principal schools going on as I mentioned in my last, and the masters of the others instructed in the monitorian system. What principally enables me to leave the schools here in the confidence that they will go on well, is, that they are under the particular care of one who feels much interest in the new system of instruction, and of general education. This individual is very active, and well fitted to carry into execution what he conceives useful. The person I am speaking of is a priest. We have been associated together in the care of the schools for some time, and have had much intercourse with each other, and we have always been on the most friendly terms.
It was my intention to leave this, at the latest, in October next. Things, however, being favourably arranged, as above mentioned, I have thought it my duty to set out for Chile without loss of time. From my former letters you would learn that the Chilian government has requested me to go there to establish schools on the Lancasterian plan. I had promised to go as soon as the state of the schools here would permit. The Chilian government, through their minister here, continues to shew the same interest as before in regard to this matter, and has now made an agreement with me.