“The regard manifested for myself in this communication, and the personal kindness of your people toward me, cheers my heart, and I feel that I am surrounded by true friends in Araraquara.
“My visit to this country inaugurates a new era, which I trust may conduce to the mutual welfare and enjoyment of our people in after years, and promote likewise the best interests of Brazil.
“Should a suitable location be found for myself and my friends it will be sincerely gratifying to make our home amongst you. I am, very respectfully,
“Your obedient servant,
“J. McF. Gaston.
“To Messrs. Manoel Francisco de Oliveiro,
Francisco Correa de Arruda,
José Aranha da Amaral.”
It will be perceived that this ceremony was on Sunday, and though public business is generally suspended on the Sabbath as a holiday, there is nothing which these people may not do on Sunday so far as any religious scruples are concerned. That we must do in Rome as Rome does, is a bad maxim in morals or in politics; and yet there are certain relations to others in life, and to the circumstances by which we are surrounded, that are next to an impossibility to control. These considerations come to mind constantly here, and it is proper that they should enter into the calculations of our people who may think of removing to this country, as it will be found very difficult to act in such a way as to overcome the influences at work on all sides to subvert our views of duty as to the Sabbath. When a number of like faith and practice are associated together in one community, they may establish their own customs and observances; and the importance of locating together will not subserve this end only, but many other useful objects for our future welfare.
Monday, October 30, 1865.