1835 ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER. Letter of Placement for a Young Princeton - Presbyterian Divine.

Wonderful 1835 ALS by prominent Princeton Professor and Presbyterian theologian, Archibald Alexander [1772-1851]. 

Alexander, one of the true theological leaders at Princeton, had been deeply impacted during the early years of the Second Great Awakening, and pursued divinity as a result. His thinking always bore the mark of those early experiences. Whether it was his Thoughts on Religious Experience, his edition of the Sermons of the Log College lifted from the divines of the first Great Awakening, or his more theological works, an emphasis on substantial sense of God's direct presence made real to His people by the Spirit was never absent. 

Unsurprisingly, his son, J. W. Alexander, would go on to become an influential leader in the Prayer Revival of 1857 in Philadelphia, an off-shoot of the Fulton Street Prayer Revival. 

Addressed: "The Reverend Shepard Kollack. Missionary Rooms. No. 29 Philadelphia" with a circular Princeton post stamp. 

The Letter:

Princeton, July 23, 1835.

Rev and Dear Sir,

In answer to your letters from Bridgton & from Deerfield, I would observe that I have proposed to Mr. James T. English, a licentiate of the New Brunswick Presbytery, to occupy that field, as he is a Jersey-man, and lives twenty miles in that direction: but he feels inclined to visit Millville immediately, and to examine the field for himself before he makes any engagement. He has accordingly sent on an appointment for next sabbath, & will probably spend the ensuing sabbath at Mullira Hill or Freisburg, as may be judged best by the ministers in that quarter. He is acquainted with the Presbyterian minister at Salem, and will take that place in his way to Millville. If you should be still in that region, he will call upon you; and if not, I request that this letter may be considered sufficient introduction to the elders and people of the places which he may visit; and also to any of the clerical brethren on whom he may call. I would recommend Mr. English as a young man of fair moral and religious character, who is now completing his three years course, in our Seminary and who I trust is actuated by a sincere zeal to promote the Redeemer's kingdom in his native state. 

If Mr. English's report should be favourable it is probable that another preacher from the Seminary can be obtained. 

I remain affectionately
& respectfully
Your Dr. 
A.Alexander

Rev. Shepard Kollack
Agent for the B.M.G.A. 
In New Jersey"

Good, clean state with small breach in paper at folds.