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SOME REMINISCENCES OF

BISHOP WILLIAMS

FOURTH BISHOP OF GONNECTICUT

Born August 30, 1817 — Dibd February 7, 1899

By Charles E. Jackson

together with some letters from the bishop from great
BRITAIN, written IN 1 884, AT THE TIME OF
THE SEABURY CENTENNIAL

1915

SOME REMINISCENCES OF

BISHOP WILLIAMS

FOURTH BISHOP OF CONNECTICUT

Born August 30, 1817— Died February 7, 1899

By Charles E. Jackson

together with some letters from the BISHCP from great
BRITAIN, WRITTEN IN 1 884, AT THE TIME OF
the SEABURY CENTENNIAL

19 15

fSi5

Copyright 1915, by Charles E. Jackson.

Press of Stewart Printing Co., Middletown, Conn.

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS

It has always seemed unaccountable to me that so little has
been written in record and remembrance of Bishop Williams.
Having so many devoted friends and admirers, both among the
clergy and laity, whose recollections must be taken from many
standpoints, one wonders why so few have been recorded. He
was so notable a personality, so great intellectually, officially
so prominent, not only in his own diocese, but throughout the
United States and abroad; so popular with all classes, and so
universally recognized as one of our greatest men by the learned
in all professions, how does it happen that some of those whom
he educated and instructed with such rare wisdom, whom he
guided and helped, have not with gratitude and eloquence paid
Etting tribute to so great a character?
Sixteen years ago he died, but, aside from the tributes paid
him at his death, and the worthy memorial sermons by Bishop
Doane and Dr. Hart, no fitting words have reeeited the story
of his life, his work and achievements, his great influence on the
development of the church, or told of his strength of character,
his loving personality, his simplicity and dignity, or of the
wisdom, tact and towering intellect that placed him so far above
the average in the estimate of all.
Add to all this the reminiscences of his friends, his personal
interest in families and individuals, his brilliant wit and won
derful memory, his skill as a "raconteur," his delightful con
versational powers, his faithful friendship for young and old —
here is a wealth of material that would furnish pages of inter
esting reading for the many lovers and admirers of so great a
man. He was, as Bishop Doane so aptly characterizes him, ' ' a
spiritual Prince."
Many have asked me why I did not write my own recollec
tions of Bishop Williams, because I was so intimately connected
with him for very many years, but I have felt that my pen was
utterly unworthy of so great a subject, and, if I venture now
to do so, it is with the feeling that I cannot attempt to portray
his character or his intellectual abilities, but recall only some
of the light and ordinary details of a long and useful life. How
ever, as I was from my youth honored with his confidence and
affection, what I may have to tell will be largely personal, for
which I must be pardoned, as it is all I have to offer. Yet some
of it may be interesting as showing how supremely he was

4 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
loved and how closely he attached himself to his people. After
his mother's death he was a lonely man with few near rela
tives, and therefore his affections were largely centered on those
bound to him by no ties of blood, but, nevertheless, they were
deep and sincere. HLS IMPRESSIVE PREACHING.
Turning backwards many long years one recalls his frequent
preaching in old Christ Church on Broad Street, Middletown,
where his sermons were a delight to his hearers; always logical,
clear as crystal, and in language that a child could comprehend.
Later, in the new and present edifice — now Holy Trinity — he
preached, but more infrequently, because of his increasing duties.
not only as Bishop of Connecticut but as Presiding Bishop.
I well remember on one occasion when he seemed to be es
pecially impressive and earnest as, in his bishop's robes, he stood
towering majestically above his hearers, the idea of an archangel
flashed through my mind. He was preaching one of his elo
quent sermons, the text taken from his favorite St. Paul, and
in conclusion, he exclaimed in tones of deep humility: "And yet
I am ready to say with St. Paul, having done all these things I
am a most miserable sinner."
Again, I recall his officiating at a funeral on Indian Hill Ceme
tery. It was a beautiful day, the sun setting in exquisite coloring'
in the west, and everything so quiet and peaceful that it seemed
as if we were outside the busy world entirely. Bishop Williams
had read the "committal" and then in tones almost exultant and
full of belief and faith, raising himself to the full height of his
magnificient manhood he pronounced the words, "I heard a
voice from heaven saying unto me — write, 'From henceforth
blessed are the dead who die in the Lord' — even so, saith the
Spirit, for they rest from their labors."*
I shall never forget that occasion, nor the impression it made
on me, for there was such a note of triumph in the tones of
his voice, as if he were expressing his own entire belief in his
own words, in the presence of God, and utterly unconscious
of his surroundings. Never have I listened to a more wonder-

-^Note — The popular Captain West, an officer of one of the great steamship lines,
told a Philadelphia friend of mine that during a voyage from England to this country,
when he was bringing over the wonderful Swedish singer — Jenny Lind — for. X believe.
her first concert tour, she expressed her earnest desire to behold a sunrise at sea.
Accordingly, one cloudless morning he had her called at early dawn and she stood
by his side on deck, silent and motionless, watching every change of shade and that
until the first golden rays shot up from the horizon. As the sun itself leaped up
from the waves, she burst into rapturous song, her deeply religious feeling finding
expression in the noble music of Handel's "Messiah." No wonder that Captain West,
when describing the scene, should have exclaimed : "No one will ever hear "I Know-
That My Redeemer Liveth' sung as I heard it that morning."

REMINISCENCES OF PISHOP WILLIAMS 5
ful service, nor heard those inspiring words uttered by mortal
lips in such a striking and beautiful manner. Had there been
present unbelievers, with hearts of stone, they must have been
stirred by the comfort of the text so exquisitely rendered.
On another occasion, an Easter Sunday, a collection was
planned to pay the parish floating debt. Bishop Williams was
to preach, and before his sermon he simply stated the purpose
of the collection, and it would please him very much personally
if the congregation would contribute sufiicient to free the parish
from the last of its indebtedness. After the service the rector,
or warden, received a note from a gentleman present, not a
communicant, stating that if the collection was not sufficient he
v.-ould personally send his check for any deficit, which he did,
amounting to about $1,500, remarking afterwards that the bishop
wanted the debt paid and so he was glad to do it for his sake.
Some years ago when the Berkeley Divinity School needed
funds, I told Bishop A^'illiams I believed, from what had been
told me, that Mr. S. would contribute if he asked him to do
so. The bishop gave me a note of introduction and I was
received cordially and stated the object of my call. He replied,
"I am not a churchman, nor have I any connection with the -
Episcopal Church, though my wife was a communicant, but
I know Bishop Williams and admire him, and anything- he
wants he ought to have. I will give him $1,000 now, arid if
necessary you can eome to me for more."
Another instance, the circumstances of which I am iiot at
liberty to detail, wlien a very large sum of money was needed
for a specific purpose, I asked the bisliop to writp to a gen
erous friend, stating the case, but it took six month's persua
sion on my part to get him to do it, although he constantly
said that he would. Finally the letter was sent and the response
ivas instantaneous and the check for $30,000 received within a
week. Let it not be thought that Bishop Williams did these things
frequently. On the contraary he seldom asked for money by
personal appeal, and disliked to do so immensely. But when
he did the result showed that it was looked upon as a privi
lege to do what such a man desired, because underneath it all
lay silent and unexpressed deep love and personal affection
that prompted instant response.
:MR, SHEFFIELD'S GENEROUS AID.
Now that ilr. Joseph E. Sheffield of New Haven has long passed
to his rest. I can speak of the absolutely confidential and affec
tionate relations between him and Bishop Williams. Mr. Shef-

6 ' REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
field regarded it as his peculiar privilege and happiness to aid
largely in sustaining the work of Bishop Williams in establish
ing the Berkeley Divinity School and provide for its future
endowment, as well as its then present needs. For many years
Mr. Sheffield contributed over $5,000 a year out of his private
purse in lieu of New Haven & Northampton dividends, which
had been suspended on stock which he had given the school,
and his generosity relieved the good bishop of many anxious:
moments. In reference to this I quote from a confidential letter from
Mr. Sheffield to myself, written in 1881, in which he says: —
"The present investment is safe, and while I am able to sign a
check the dividends will be regular ; and I feel warranted in say
ing they will in time be much larger. This, again, private and
confidential, and only for the good bishop and yourself. I can
not but realize his anxiety for the future income for Berkeley
(indeed the present income) ; I cannot expect to relieve that
anxiety, but, if I can lessen it, I feel that it is my bounden duty
to do so."
Once Bishop Williams was dining with ]\Ir. Sheffield at his
New Haven residence and Mr. Sheffield, who sat opposite,
remarked: "Bishop, how well you look. "\^^lo is your
physician?" And the reply came, "He sits opposite me, sir."
The bishop told me the color rose in Mr. Sheffield's face like
a girl, so overcome was he at the deep feeling contained in the
good bishop's words and the compliment so beautifully expressed,
EARLY DAYS IN MIDDLETOWN.
Turning back to life in Middletown in the 60 's and later, one
may remember frequently seeing Bishop Williams on the street
and. seldom alone. Sometimes amid a groap of students or walk
ing with two or three ; sometimes with the clergy, of whom many
were here — Dr. Goodwin, rector of the parish; Drs. Harwood,
Coit, Fuller, de Koven, Davies, Gardiner, Townsend, Binney and
others; sometimes stopping for a chat at the old rectory (stand
ing on the present site of Holy Trinity Church) and often meet
ing his lifelong friends of the lay families — Alsop, Johnson,
Casey, Jackson, Russell, Glover, Hackstaff, Hubbard, Pelton and
many others. Always a smile, a pleasant word, and a hand
shake, and whether he met Jew or Gentile, Catholic or Protes
tant, all knew Bishop Williams and called him friend.
In the earlier days of the school, when the learned and genial
Dr. Thomas W. Coit lived in Troy, he would come in the spring-
and autumn to lecture to the students, and it was remarked by
some witty person that we could always expect Dr. Coit, Con-

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS ' 7
necticut River shad and Barnum's circus at the same time every
spring. The bishop's house was always a center, and its hos
pitality generous and abundant. During the days at home you
would find him in his library working, writing or reading, and
in the evening during his mother's life, and afterwards, sitting
in a rocking chair in the southwest corner of the parlor smoking
his cigar and reading or chatting.
When the first company of volunteers, in 1861, left for the
seat of war I well remember it drawn up in front of the bishop 's
house to receive a flag made by the women of Middletown and
presented in eloquent words by the bishop. He was loyal to
the core to that flag and all through those weary years of strife
his voice was heard for the Union.
LITTLE GIVEN TO "SOCIETY."
He never went much into society, though often a welcome and
much desired guest at the dinner parties so frequent then in the
town. But his devotion to his mother was so dutiful and so
beautiful that he found his chief relaxation in her society. After
her death Miss Tibbs, an elderly lady who had always lived in
his family, kept house for him ; later, when her health failed, his
cousin, Mrs. Field, looked after his household until his death. I
recall years ago a trustees' meeting at his house, interrupted by
the luncheon hour, when we adjourned, to the dining room.
The bishop, eating but little himself, entertained us by tell
ing some dialect stories of the wittiest character, and ¦ in
inimitable manner, so that our grave and reverend board
was so convulsed with laughter, that we could scarcely eat.
No professional actor could have excelled him in accent, plro-
nunciation and gesture, and as one story followed another we
enjoyed a treat rarely experienced.
Wherever he happened to be, whether in church, society or
meeting of any sort, he was instantly accorded the first place,
and was the center of attraction. There was absolutely no
question as to his precedence, and it seemed to be taken for
granted that it belonged to him; and I may add, not so much on
account of his office as because of his acknowledged strength
and superiority intellectually. Yet he never assumed this
superiority by right of position, or his unusual gifts. In fact,
his attitude of mind was humble and not assertive, and
he was easy of approach by all. No artificial cloak of dignity
was needed to remind one that he was a bishop, and a great
man. He did not hedge himself about with any barriers of
pride, or intolerance ; yet I never saw a man who dared to take
advantage of his friendship or simplicity of manner. I have

8 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
met in traveling far and wide, in business and socially, many
young and old who knew Bishop Williams, and the fact of our
mutual acquaintance seemed at once to create a common bond
that put me on a friendly basis that was unique. This experi
ence covers, of course, the bishops of our church, and the
clergy, as well as a justice of the supreme court of the United
States, statesmen, professional and business men, down to the
humblest of the land.

"JOHN WILL NEVER FORGIVE HIMSELF."
In 1894, before going abroad, I asked the bishop if he would
give me some letters of introduction. Calling for them, he
said he had concluded to give me one letter which, if presented
to any English cleric, would insure me attention and ci^'ility, and
especially in Scotland he was sure would give me the "entree"
to anything, or any place I wished to visit. He instructed me
when I visited Lambeth Palace to send the letter with my
card to the archbishop's secretary, and, as he expressed it, "You
will be shown everything any American layman ever sees, and
probably some things they never see."
When I called I asked for the porter (as the bell was answered
by a middle-aged woman) and was told he was not in the palace,
1 then gave her the letter and my card for delivery to the
secretary, and when the woman returned she said the secre
tary had directed her to guide me through the palace. She then
explained that she was the wife of the porter, who was absent
on his two weeks' holiday, and added: "Are you from Bishop
AVilliams of the United States?" And when I assented she said:
"Ah, John will never forgive himself for being absent when
any one from Bishop AYilliams comes here, or any friend of his."
This she kept repeating as we journeyed through the palace,
showing me every room and thing of interest she could think of,
and finally we reached the Lollard's Tower, where she said
Bishop Williams would come often to smoke his cigar, and
where I think "John" sometimes accompanied him for a chat.
I parted from my faithful guide, leaving her still repeating
her tearful regrets that John should be away when any friend
of Bishop Williams called. Evidently when he went to Eng
land and Scotland in 1884 he had made devoted friends of the
old porter and his wife. Such is an illustration of the character '
of Bishop Williams, who won the respect and love of the lowly,
equally with the friendship of the great. The circular letter
of introduction I have in my possession and shall always keep as
a valued memento.

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 9
Returning home, I immediately called on Bishop Williams,
finding him seated in the corner of his library reading aiicl
wearing the familiar purple dressing gown. He rose and came
forward, putting a hand on each shoulder and kissing me on
-each cheek, saying, "Well, I'm glad to see you home again.
I've felt like an old cat that had lost its kitten." Such a
welcome, from such a man, I have always considered as one
-of the events of my life to be most proud of.
HIS VISIT TO GREAT BRITAIN IN 1884.
Perhaps no event of his life gave him more real enjoyment
than his visit to Great Britain in 1884 to participate in the
Seabury Centenary, and the account of this together with the
services in Connecticut, were published in 1887. In acknowl
edging the presentation of the staff by the Bishop of Aberdeen,
,Bishop Williams said: —
"There are times and things concerning which words utterly
fail, and must fail, to give utterance to the feelings of the
heart, and this let me say, is one of those times — a day that I
can never forget, a day for Avhicli, though most unworthy of
what has been given me, I must always feel the devoutest
thankfulness to Almighty God."
I would like to quote the whole page, for what he said is
contained within that space. It breathes thankfulness, humil
ity and happiness of spirit, and the prayer that the bond between
the Scottish and American churches will be maintained in the
years to come. It is all so characteristic of the man — simple,
thankful and eloquent.
Some of his letters from abroad (copies of which I have through
the kindness of the Misses Beach of West Hartford) are, of course,
very interesting, with many little sparkles of humor, and often
sentiment, when he encloses a leaf, a flower, or a bit of heather,
with a little stoiy accompanying it, of association with some
body or some thing.
Surely, the church made a wise choice in selecting Bishop
Williams to represent it at the Seabury Centenary. Physically
and intellectually he made a deep impression, and so noble a
presence, so eloquent a preacher, and so well informed, a scholar
was indeed a delegate of which America might well be proud.
But with all the honors and hospitality so abundantly show
ered upon him, it is evident through all his letters that he
turned with almost homesick longing to his own people and his
own home — counting the days before sailing and arriving in
Middletown, much as a schoolboy might count th.e weeks and
-days before his home-coming.

JO REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
THE POWER OF IMAGINATION.
So many of the stories and witticisms of Bishop Williams
have been published that there is danger of repetition, but a few
will not come amiss as showing the lighter side of his character..
In his visitations he suffered many inconveniences and discom
forts, though he never complained, and probably a strong,
inherited constitution many times saved him from serious con
sequences. He would speak of the "spare room beds" with
liorror, and in getting in between sheets that were so damp and
cold, on beds which perhaps had not been slept in since his.
last visitation, and, as he expressed it — "it was like getting in
between cakes of ice."
When my father heard of this he gave the bishop two flannel
gowns, which ever afterwards accompanied him when traveling,
and which he said "saved his life." But it was not only
cold that he experienced, but sometimes too much heat. Once-
in winter he was shown to his room, where a base-burning stove
As'as glowing red hot, and a feather bed was the only mattress.
Before retiring he tried to open a window, but they were not
only nailed down, or fastened, or protected by double windows
so no air could be admitted, Ijut the crevices had cotton glued
over them. He tried to sleep, but could not, and finally told
his secretary to get up, take the hair brush and break a pane
in the window. He did so, and presently there was a crash of
breaking glass and the bishop said: "Ah, now I can breathe "^ — -
and calmly went to sleep. In the morning the only broken
pane of glass visible was in the bookcase. Such is the power
of imagination even on the greatest intellects !
COOKED HIS OWN VICTUALS.
Arriving late one afternoon in a village where he was to
preach in the evening he found his hostess in a flutter for fear
that in cooking the supper for the bishop and then getting ready
for church she would miss part of the service. So the bishop-
told her simply to put things on the table and while she was
dressing he would cook his eggs himself — which he did. After
wards, in walking to the church with the rector, he listened to
his hostess dilating to a crony of hers on the bishop's accom
plishments — what a wonderful man he was, and ending up hy
saying, "And would you believe it, the critter cooked his own
victuals." How few men would have shown such thoughtful-
ness and consideration and won the gratitude of this poor woman
by helping her out of her dilemna in the way he did.

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS

U

This portrait of Bishop Williams is one of about twenty taken in 1893, throutch
the generous and thoughtful interposition of Miss Edith Kingsbury of Waterbury, who
enlisted the aid of Mr. H. St. Gaudens to pose the Bishop. Miss Kingsbury gave a
complete set of these photographs to the Berkeley Divinity School and they are now
in the Williams Library. Posterity will be grateful to her for preserving so good a
likness of the great Bishop.

12 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
Another time he met a most inquisitive Yankee who pelted
him with questions as to his business, occupation, etc., and
finally after the bishop had evaded his inquiries for some time
the man remarked, "You must be a kind of traveling agent,"
and the bishop brought the interview to a close "by allowing
that he was."

WHEN HE WAS TIPPED.
Bishop Williams spent many summers at Lake George and
knew every foot of the surrounding country, with all its points
:of historic interest. He would fish on the lake much of the
time and during the day wear old clothes and a soft hat that
must have somewhat transformed him. He was met on one
occasion by a rather pretentious tourist with his family, who
were inspecting one of the old forts, and was addressed as "My
man, can you tell us?" etc. To which the bishop responded
by guiding them about the place and made himself so useful
and interesting in describing the historic points that his tourist
ifriend thanked him and presented him with aj half dollar, which
the bishop pocketed with much enjoyment', of the situation.
-Imagine the surprise and confusion of the prelate's benefactor,
when seated at dinner at the hotel that evening, to see the
dining room door opened, his "guide" appear in full clerical
attire, accompanied by friends, and conducted with great res
pect by the head waiter to his table. If the earth had yawned
at that moment our tourist friend would have welcomed that
method of escape to conceal his deep embarrassment.
During the Civil AVar a friend of Bishop AYilliamri, ',aid to
him : ' ' You know a tax on bachelors is contemplated, and I
have figured that, at your age, you will have to pay about $2.50
a year." "Well," says the good old bishop with a twinkle
in his eye, and as quick as a flash, "it's worth it."

HIS CORRESPONDENCE.
As I entered his library one day he was just in the act of
tearing up a letter to drop in his waste basket, and seeing me,
he said: "I want to read you a letter from AVilmer" and added,
on seeing a look of doubt on my face of whom he was speaking,
"Why, you know who I mean — the Bi-shop of Alabama." Then,
proceeding, he explained before reading the letter that at a
general convention some years previously the then Bishop of
Fond du Lac (long since dead) had proposed a resolution that
no candidate for holy orders should be allowed to use tobacco

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS U
during the three years they were studying. After it was
debated and defeated Bishop Williams asked that all mention of
the matter be expunged from the record, for the reason that,
if known, it might be said that the church was not in favor of
temperance. This was done. Then the bishop read me the
letter, as follows, viz : —
By the way, what's become of Fond du Lac and his motion?
It's evident he is not "fond du Bac." What did he propose
as a "quid pro quo" or rather a "pro quo Quid?"
And so the letter ran on, witty and bright, and ended in the
waste basket, where, in fact, all Bishop Williams's correspon
dence went, greatly to the loss of succeeding generations, no
doubt. I may add that he explicitly directed his executors
(Rev. John Townsend and myself) to destroy every letter, ser
mon, etc., that we might find among his effects, but for this
injunction there was slight necessity, as he Jiad effectively
attended to it himself.
We have all heard of his witty "bon mots" about the Puritans,
who "when they landed fell on their knees and then on the
Aborigines," and that it was always a question "whether, when
the Puritans landed on Plymouth Rock, it might not have been
better if Plymouth Rock had landed on them." I am told of
others who claimed the authorship, but it belongs to our Bishop
Williams. Bishop Williams was thin and spare, and for so large a man
he seemed to eat very little. An English bishop, calling on
him, asked why he did not adopt the English dress of his rank
and order^knee breeches and silk stockings. "Because,""
answered Bishop Williams, "if I did I would be arrested. " "And
why," asked his friend with some astonishment. "For want
of means of visible support," was the quick reply. And pos
sibly the Englishman today, if living does not appreciate the wit
ticism. Showing the feeling towards the Episcopal Church after the-
Revolution, Bishop Williams used to say it was then looked upon
as one large piece of baggage left behind by the British when
they evacuated this country. The bishop told me that there
was a little Jew tailor in Mobile whom Bishop Wilmer employed,
and one day he said his son Jakey would not believe the stories
in the Old Testament, and particularly that the whale ever
could have swallowed Jonah. "What shall I tell him, bishop?"'
the fatlier anxiously inquired. "Oh," said Bishop Wilmer
promptly, "tell him Jonah was one of the minor prophets."
In all my many years of the closest relations with Bishop
Williams, only once did I see him show the least indication of
temper, and that was after he had nominated a man for rector

14

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS

of a large parish, whom the vestry did not elect, but asked me
to request the bishop to name some one else. I did so, and he
turned to me with some severity and said : ' ' Did I not nominate
Rev. j\lr.  and the vestry refused to elect him?" To
which I assented. "Very well," he said, "if the vestry does
not approve of my nomination made at their request, I have
no other name to suggest, and you may tell them that I said
•so." It was evident that he considered the action taken a
reflection upon his own good judgement, after the careful con
sideration he must have given in making the nomination.

From a rare pen and ink sketch made by a Divinity Student.
The frankness of his disposition is illustrated by the follow
ing incident: Many years ago when the confirmation or elec
tion of a certain bishop by the requisite number of dioceses was
in doubt, a very prominent layman, interested in the outcome,
knowing, though a stranger, of my intimacy witk Bishop Wil
liams, wrote me a long letter explaining the circumstances and
asked me to ascertain, without mentioning his name, what the
prospects were. I confess I was puzzled to know what to do,
beoause Bishop Williams must know that I had no connection
with the matter, and -I did not like to use my free access to him
to obtain confidential information of this character or to dis
close the name of my correspondent. So I just went to him
and told him the facts, without, of course mentioning from
whom my inquiry came, and said he must judge whether to
give me the situation or not. He appreciated my dilemma,
Bnd with the utmost kindness told me that in his judgement
the election would be confirmed, but that what he said must go
no further than myself and my correspondent, and his name

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 15
must not be mentioned. Thus with simplicity and directness
he solved the question that bothered me and satisfied those
deeply interested.
Illustrating his affection for old methods, and his dislike of
changes in his administration in his later years, at one time the
addition of laymen to the standing committee was agitated in
the convention. Afterwards in discussing it with the bishop
I asked' him to tell me frankly what he desired done, if any
thing. "Well," said he, "I'll tell you. Just leave things as
they are until I am gone and then you can do as you think
I)est."

' ' TIM 'S ' ' INTERRUPTION.
Many years ago we had a faithful old janitor named "Tim"
at the Divinity School, who always implicitly did what he was
told to do, without regard to circumstances or conditions. It
happened that Miss Tibbs, who kept house for Bishop Williams
wanted a glass of wine for her kitchen, and the bishop had the
keys of the sideboard and he was out. Miss Tibbs had for
gotten that he was holding service in the chapel, so she directed
Tim to find the bishop and get the keys. Tim walked straight
into the chapel where the epistle for the day had just been
read and addressed the bishop with "Please bishop, Miss Tibbs
wants the keys." Without a moment's hesitation the bisliop
replied, "You go and tell Miss Tibbs she cannot have the keys
just now," and proceeded — "the Holy Gospel is written," etc.
Thus with dignity and perfect self-possession did he dispose of
an astounding interruption.

"BENJAMIN'S MESS."
As a presiding officer he was most efficient and clear. In
s«me meeting, or convention, a man proposed some resolution
so involved in its wording that its meaning was very doubtful.
Bishop Williams, catching the idea, put it into words which
gave its intent clearly and concisely. "Is that what you mean?"
he asked, and received rather a stammering though grateful
assent, to which the indignant bishop responded under |his
breath, "Why didn't you say so then?"
And it was also said that a like occurrence took place once
in the House of Bishops, when some involved resolution was
offered which the chair and house could not comprehend. Sev
eral bishops strove to elucidate it, and finally Bishop Benjamin
Paddock arose and gave an explanation, asking Bishop Wil-

16 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
liams what he thought of it, aud the chair instantly replied:
"That Benjamin's mess was ten times greater than the others."
No one knows better than the graduates of Berkeley how big
a heart he had or how affectionately he looked upon them as
part of his family. I remember one instance of a young man
studying at Berkeley whose home was in the far North, and
it was winter. He told the bishop that his mother was very ill,
and he replied that he ought to go home and see her. The
young man said he could not afford it and Bishop Williams
immediately handed him sufficient for his journey. Next day
the bishop found him still at the school and asked why he had
not started. After some conversation he ascertaii'.ed that the
student had no warm overcoat. Then the bishop handed him
a cheek to purchase one and sent him to his mother rejoicing.
No doubt this is only an example of numberless instances where
his fatherly love and thoughtfulness brightened the life of many
a young man worried and perplexed by financial questions.
AVHAT HE DID FOR BERKELEY.
As, to what he did for Berkeley I quote from a paper read
before the Church Club of Connecticut May 23, 1901, at a meet
ing commemorating the 200th anniversary for the propagation
of the Gospel in foreign parts (pages 22-23) : —
"No history of Berkeley would be complete without personal
reference to our great ancl lamented Bishop John Williams, and
his connection with the school as founder, creator, sustainer,
and of his loving care as teacher. No eloquence can do him
justice, or portray the noble character of the man, and rare is
the life and career which has commanded more truly the loving
affection and true devotion of his friends, than was his happy
and deserved good fortune; and yet, with all his great gifts, his
humility of character was most striking. He gave to Berkeley
all he had, freely. Pie never received one cent of compensation,
but, on the contrary, said just before his death that he had con
tributed from his private purse, for over forty years, at least
$1,000 a year to its support and to aid the young men studjdng
there, and at his death he left his property to help endow it.
To say nothing of his incomparable teaching, guidance and infiu
ence, his money gifts must have amounted to $75,000 at the
very least. It is impossible to estimate in words, ov Imagina
tion, the influence this great man has had through the length an^
breadth of the land, partly by reason of his work in the Berke
ley Divinity School. Such a mind, such a personality, such a
loving interest in the young men under his care, could not fail
to reach far and wide, as they scattered through this great eoun-

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 17
try; and everywhere one meets those who turn with the ten-
derest interest to their days at Berkeley, when Bishop Williams
led, taught and inspired them to work for the church.
And in conclusion let me speak a word as to the future of
Berkeley. I am sure that this school, established so solidly
and so long, having achieved such great results, with such a
successful past, is not now to become a nonentity and a failure,
nor cease to add its share of workers to the church at large. It
would be a reflection on the soundness of Bishop AVilliams'
forty-five years of work to suppose that the usefulness of the
institution ended with his life. Many feared such a fate would
befall St. Paul's School of Concord, when Dr. Henry A. Coit
died — one of the greatest teachers ever known — but today St.
Paul's stands as a living successful example that men's work
lives after them. So I believe it will be with the Berkeley
Divinity School. The shock was a severe one, but it has been
met and overcome, and it is the duty of the diocese to see that
the great work of so grand and farsighted a man, should con
tinue as one of the monuments of his life, his wisdom and his
sagacity. He expected it to last, and made every effort to
put it on a firm foundation, so that it should remain forever
located as it is, which was his most ardent wish."
It gives me the most intense satisfaction and happiness to say
that the expectations and hopes expressed above as to the
future of the Berkeley Divinity School are being realized and
that the foresight and wisdom of Bishop Williams have been
justified. It has a strong faculty; it is fairly prosperous and
doing a great and good work; its friends and alumni are stand
ing by it, and it is contributing to the church a very large per
centage of its most prominent and forceful leaders in the house
of bishops and among the clergy.
Bishop Williams desired and planned that the Berkeley Divin
ity School should always remain in Middletown where he had
located it. Years ago it was brought to his attention by the
heirs of Edward S. Hall, who had given the original building
(now called Jarvis building) to the trustees, that the intent of
the donor was that the property should revert to him or his
family if ever the school were removed, and that this condition
had been omitted in the deed. Bishop Williams took steps to
have this omission corrected by the trustees and after we had
signed the necessary papers he turned to me with the remark:
' ' That settles the future of the Divinity School. It will remain
here." Other evidence of his earnest desire in this regard
exists of record, and no doubt had great influence with the
trustees a few years ago when the question of removal to New
Haven was agitated.

18 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
In 1897, when Bishop Brewster was elected assistant bishop,
the Rev. Henry M. Sherman, Rev. F. W. Harriman, Hon, F. J.
Kingsbury and the writer were appointed a committee to con
vey to Bishop Williams official notice from the convention of
its choice. All met at the bishop's residence and were ushered
into his bedroom and delivered our message and then Dr. Harri
man asked him to give us his blessing, and, kneeling at his bed
side we received it. His voice was strong and un-shaken and it
was most solemn and touching in its tone, as if he was taking
farewell of the diocese, his work and ministrations.

HIS CAPACITY FOR AYORK.
We often listen to stories of the travels by buckboard and
horseback of our western bishops and missionaries, and, while
it is true they covered longer distances, it is also true that Bishop
AVilliams in his visitations covered hundreds of miles in daylight
and darkness, in storm and sunshine, by stage or carriage.
Many old-time liverymen throughout Connecticut could tell
interesting tales of these long trips and how pleased and honored
they were to have so distinguished a task as safely conveying
the bishop to his destination in time for his appointment. This
was before the days of many railroads, of Sunday trains, of
trolleys and automobiles, and many parishes were far apart,
and yet combined in one Sunday's visitation, morning, after
noon and evening in succession. It seems incredible now that
such a duty was performed without great weariness and iajury
to health, but there was never a complaint from him, in spite
of his growing years.
Though many years have passed since Bishop AVilliams 's
active days, the recollections of the man linger fondly and affec
tionately in the hearts and memories of those who knew him.
Especially in the country parishes do the people like to talk of
him and of the days of his visitations (which were always red
letter d.ays in their calendar) when he took them by the hand
and called them each by name, and how the eye kindles and
the voice trembles as they tell of their reminiscences, and how
dearly they loved him and looked upon him, as indeed he was,
a father of the church and of his people.
He had, undoubtedly, an unusually strong constitution, and
his capacity for work both mental and physical was marvelous.
He possessed a wonderful memory and the power of concentra
tion of mind, and while he never hesitated for a word to express
his meaning, he wasted none in utterance or writing. I have
often watched him work at his desk and it was marvelous how

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 19
steadily he applied himself and how his pen ran on over the
paper Avith hardly a stop. In short, he was a master of the
English language and appreciated the gift in others.
His correspondence was large, in this country and abroad,
and it will never be known how many turned to him for advice
and counsel. He mentioned this once to me and said many
came to him who ought to have gone to their own bishop for
guidance -and to whom he felt obliged to refer them. It shows
his enduring influence on those he taught that they should turn
to him in time of trouble and need.
Speaking of his young men in the Divinity School, he said
he impressed on them this simple rule, viz : — ' ' First, have some
thing to say; second, say it, and third, stop." Needless to say
it is a rule that might embrace many other classes than the one
devoted to sermon writing, and yet in modern education and
composition it is a maxim rarely observed.
On one occasion I remarked that I would like to establish
a chair of English literature and composition in the Divinity
School had I the means, and he answered that the students were
supposed to be proflcient in those subjects before entering. To
which I replied that it was true, but as a matter of fact few
were, to which he assented fully. Would that some one in
affectionate remembrance of the great founder of Berkeley, and
interested in the work of the school and the efficient equipment
of young men for the ministry, might be moved to endow such
a professorship.
I think, perhaps, the first early communion service in Middle-
to-wn was held in the room of the Jarvis building set aside as a
chapel by Bishop Williams when he lived there. It was a long.
narrow room, located directly over the front entrance, and there
the services were held up to the time Mrs. Mutter built and
gave St. Luke's Chapel to Berkeley. Well do I remember,
some time in the 50 's, before I was confirmed, I drove my
two oldest sisters into town from Walnut Grove, where we were
then living, to attend the early Easter service in this chapel,
which. I think, was held at 6 :30 — the bishop himself officiating.
Christmas Day the bishop must have been very lonelv after
his mother's death, but he made a great deal of it, and the two
following notes show how the Christmas season fully possessed
him: — December 26, 1888.
My Dear Mrs. G. — :
Let me thank you earnestly, for your beautiful holly branch. It joins
Christmas cheer to the parlor, and Christmas thoughts to the soul.
The berry red, the blood outshed ;
The lea-v^es so green, the rainbow seen,
Like emeralds round the throne;

20 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
The joys unseen, except in hope,
Which in the far off future ope,
Then only fully known.
With all good Christmas wishes for you all.
Most truly yours,
J. Williams.
My Dear Mrs. G. — :
Many thanks for the beautiful holly which makes my only Christmas
green this year. But it is quite enough, for nothing else belongs to
Christmas as it does.
I send you on the opposite page, a "Song of the Holly," which I did
not write myself, though I wish I had.
With best wishes of the season for the household, I am.
Very truly yours, J. Williams.
December 29, 1890.
THE SONG OF THE HOLLY.
The holly oh, the holly !
Green leaf and berry red,
Is the plant that thrives in winter
When all the rest are dead ;
When snows are on the ground,
And the skies are grey and drear,
The holly comes at Christmas-tide,
And brings the Christmas cheer.
Sing the Mistletoe, the Ivy,
And the Holly-bush, so gay,
That come to us in winter.
No summer friends are they!
Give me the sturdy friendship
That will ever loyal hold,
And give me the hardy Holly
That dares the winters cold ;
Oh, the roses bloom in June,
When the skies are bright and clear.
But the Holly comes at Christmas-tide,
The best time o' the year.
Sing the Holly and the Ivy,
And the Merry Mistletoe,
Which comes to us in winter.
When the fields are white with snow.
THE SIMPLICITY OF HIS CHARACTER.
The simplicity of his character needs no better illustration
than is contained in his "Directions for My Executors," which
I quote in part, dated in 1886 : —
No. I — I wish my burial to be as inexpensive and simple as may be ;
a plain pine coffin ; no flowers ; my body not to be arrayed in Episcopal
or other robes, but in a shroud of linen ; as few carriages as possible ;
no outer shell to coffin.

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 21
No. 2. — The Burial Service simply to be read by one person, to be
designated by the president of the standing committee of the diocese ; with
out any address or sermon : this I distinctly forbid : and with no additions
to the Prayer Book service except a hymn after the Lesson, and the hymn
to be "Rock of Ages" as it stood in the prayer book in years gone by.
No. 3. — I direct my grave stones to be in form, size and material, the
same as those at the grave of my mother. On the headstone nothing to
be placed but my name, John 'Williams, and the date of my death ; on
the footstone my initials — J. W.
All his property he left to the Berkeley Divinity School, giv
ing, however, the right to several of the bishops and clergy,
and certain relatives and lay friends, including his executors, to
select from his effects such memorials as they might choose —
"an act of gracious thoughtfulness," as Bishop Doane puts it,
which made us feel honored and happy that we were so affec
tionately remembered by so great and good a man.
I cannot close this article better than by quoting from Bishop
Doane 's eloquent and loving tribute to Bishop Williams, con
tained in his Connecticut convention sermon in 1899 : —
And now I turn from the personal associations which live in his
delightful letters, and in the deep places of my memory, to speak to you
about his gifts. I cannot but think that there is some strong and subtle con
nection between the outer and inner man : that sometimes, at least, the
mould in which Almighty God casts a piece of Himself, has in it an indi
cation of what man is meant to be, and to do.
This, is quite beside what everybody knows, that there is a faint parable
here of what the spiritual man is to be when the soul shall clothe itself
with its own body to suit its own capacities, for their untrammelled expres
sion in the day of regeneration. There is a strong suggestion of this in
the way in which in almost all men, the spiritual nature fashions and illu
mines, the outer man, until it speaks its strong emotions in the transfigured
face. And no one could see the gift of natural manhood of Bishop Williams
without the sense of dignity, and power and will, and intellect, that were
stamped upon it. He was a spiritual prince, from the great dome of his
head in- every lineament of his face, his keen eye, his firm lips, his strong
chin, his over-arching brow, his finely moulded nose ,his commanding
presence, his firm tread.
He was a man men turned to look at, and stayed to look up to, not
for his height in inches, but for the exaltation of his bearing.
The exquisite tribute of Bishop Doane to our great Bishop
Williams leaves but little for the pen of a layman, but it is hard
to resist the utterances of the heart on such a theme, even
though it may savor of repetition.
Of all men I ever knew, he possessed most fully that divine
gift of charity. Nothing except deliberate wrong, personal,
corporate or political, moved him to sarcastic or strong denuncia
tion. Considerate and patient of all, he was an embodiment
of truth and equity. In parish disputes brought to him for
adjudication he listened to clergy and laity, and counseled both

22 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
fairly. He was so great that no prejudice blinded him, and he
stood, as it were, upon a mountain height, towering head and
shoulders above his surroundings, and settling the troubles of
his people with courage, and justice to all. Sometimes I fear
we did not appreciate him in this respect as we ought to have
done.

HIS BURIAL.
As the long line of clergy followed him to his burial I could
not but notice how large a majority had listened to his teach
ings and been subject to his fatherly training and interest.
And through them let us hope that the impress of his great
mind and character may pass to future generations.
No greater memorial could he leave than the work that he
has accomplished in training men for the ministry. Those who
have been under him will appreciate this, and not only was he
their teacher but their friend and counsellor, without whom
many would have turned aside to other vocations. No one vpill
ever know his benefactions, for like the dew from heaven, they
came silently and passed into oblivion when the night of trouble
ended. At his bier stood Roman Catholics and all Protestant creeds
— mourning alike the irreparable loss. The bells of other
churches tolled his requiem in union with ours, and both in life
and death all men loved and honored him.
One marked eyidence of a great mind was his, and that was
his attention to detail. To the very last he retained this, and
seemed loth to surrender to others the duties he had so long
performed. His memory was marvelous, and the tenderness
of his heart and consideration for others abounded in his sick
chamber as strongly as when in health. Only a few weeks
before his death he dictated and signed a note of encourage
ment and sympathy to a little boy who for many weeks had
been critically ill. He took a strong interest in public affairs,
and not long before his death, and Avith impressive utterance,
he said to me: "From the time we enter on foreign conquest,
and depart from the traditions of our fathers, from that date
j'ou may mark the downfall of the republic."
He was indeed a great man, endowed with splendid gifts of
heart and intellect, a wise counsellor, a just judge, who as a
churchman was preeminent, but who as a statesman, Jurist, or
in any other profession or walk of life would have been a
leader and master. Simple, humble-minded, straightforward,
strong — what an example for us all. —

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 23
Some of Bishop Williams' Letters written from England and Scot
land in the Summer of 1884, from July to October, to Miss Eliza
Tibbs, and Mrs. R. W. Field, Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Coit, Rev. Dr.
Francis T. Russell and Rev. John Townse-nd. Copies given me by
Miss Edith Beach, Vine Hill, West Hartford, Connecticut.
Post-card from Chester, August 1, 1884.
We came here last Tuesday (29th) and have rested here since. The
Dean has been very kind and showed us every attention.
We go to London to-day, and I will write at length from there. All
well and enjoying the really pleasant weather.
To-day is like a Summer day at home.
Love to all. J. W.
To Miss Tibbs, London, August 3, 1884.
I wrote a postal from Chester which I hope you got. And now for
the story. We found Liverpool wet, dirty, cold, and as usual uncom
fortable. So on Tuesday, July 29th, we went to Chester. Here we
found the Dean (Howson) at home, and had a cordial welcome. We
v/ent to service in the Cathedral, and walked round the walls of this
queer old town. On Wednesday we breakfasted at the Deanery, and an
English breakfast gathering is the pleasantest of all gatherings, and then
the Dean took us over the Cathedral. It is small, and not very imposing,
but greatly improved from what it was in 1840. Its restoration is the
Dean's great hobby. We also drove out to Eaton Hall, the Duke of
Westminster's seat, and saw the magnificent gardens covering sixty-four
acres, with enormous .conservatories, etc. But there is little that is inter
esting in these modern splendors.
In the afternoon we went to a garden-party in the Dean's gardens
where the ground was soggy and damp. A garden-party in England
involves a strong exercise of faith, for if it does not rain the ground is
still damp, and one generally gets both. I saw here a daughter of Arch-
Bishop Longley and two delightful old Churchwomen, the Misses Wilbra-
ham — great friends of Keble and Miss Yonge.
Their father, Sir Richard Wilbraham, was in Canada years ago, and
they were great friends with Bishop Mountain and his family.
On Thursday these good old ladies took us to see the "Blue Post Inn."
The story written by one of them which I send, will tell you why it is so
interesting. Please keep it carefully. The room we saw is just as it was
in the days of "Bloody Mary.'' It was like reading a story of Miss Yonge
to talk to these sisters.
On Friday we came to London making the 178 miles in about five
hours and seeing a good deal of the garden like scenery as we went along.
We travelled second class and found it perfectly comfortable. There is
a story here that some one asked a peer of the nation why he travelled

24 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
third class and got for his answer "because there is no fourth class." It
was not so late but what we went to see "Westminster HaU" with its
wonderful roof.
On Saturday we went into "the City" to see Mr. Morgan— whom we
did not find— and attend to some other matters of business.
In the afternoon going to the Abbey we did not find, the Dean who was
out of town. But we did find, that the canon in residence was Dr. West-
cott. Mr. Townsend will tell you what this means. He went round with
us showed us what very few people now see — the hideous old wax work,
and other things. It was touching to see the flowers on Stanley's tomb
and Longfellow's bust.
There is a beautiful altar-tomb, with a recumbent figure, for Stanley.
I found a cat sitting on a bench under Andre's tomb, very much at home
and making herself comfortable. In the evening Nichols and I went to
see Madam Tussaud's wax works !
You can easily follow us in Hare's Walks in London. We are unlucky
as far as people are concerned in the time we are here; but luck in all
else. We have a nice sitting room and bedrooms and are very com
fortable. Please let this letter be circulated to all friends.
With love to all,
Affectionately,
J. W.
I am getting plenty of photographs. The enclosed Ivy is from Chester
Cathedral ; the dandelion from King Charles' Tower.
To Miss Tibbs, London, August 5, 1884.
After I closed my letter on Sunday, we went to. St. Paul's and heard
Liddon. Three or four thousand people were under the dome but we had seats
in the choir, and heard him perfectly. It was a very eloquent and able
sermon ; delivered with no gestures.
Monday being Bank Holiday we did little or nothing except that we
went out to dine with Mr. Morgan at his country place, a charming spot,
where I saw Mr. Duncan formerly of Canandaigua.
Yesterday we went over the Tower and St. Paul's Church ; the things
I wanted to see were the Traitor's Gate ; the Bloody Tower where the
princes were murdered, and where Laud was confined. I put my hand
out of the window from which he blessed Lord Strafford (the picture is in
my study) ! Beauchamp Tower where so many prisoners were confined,
and where so many names are carved ; the old Chapel of St. John — a beauti
ful specimen of Norman, now lighted with electric lights ( !) and used for
a Presbyterian service ; St Peter's Chapel where Anne Boleyn and Kath
erine Howard lie side by side. We saw also the crown jewels and the armory.
In the evening we were taken by one of the M. P's. to the House of
Commons and heard Mr. Gladstone and many others speak. To-day

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 25
Nichols and I are to dine with Willie Purdy; to-morrow we go to Seven-
Oaks, Kent, to spend the night at the White's ; Friday to Addington Park
to lunch with the Archbishop, and so it goes. I hope we shall have done
London early next week and get off for the country. We are all well,
but fairly tired out at night. Letters from Scotland show us that we
shall need all our strength there.
Give much love to all friends. I must make my letters circulars for
I cannot write more than one for each steamer. I hope you will get away
for part of August. Aff. yrs.
J. W.
Not a drop of rain since we came to London !
To Miss Tibbs, London, August 9, 1884-
We are having terribly hot weather in London, but we all stand it
very well. Sight seeing has gone on in spite of it, and we are nearly
through here.
On Thursday, we went down to Combe Bank, Kent, where Mr. White
lives, and spent the night. It is a charming place, and a breath of fresh
country air was very pleasant. Friday, I went down to Addington Park,
lunched and spent a good part of the day with the Archbishop. He is a
very simple, straight-forward and sensible man. We sat, or rather lay,
on the ground under the great cedars of Lebanon in the park, and had a
long,long talk over Church matters here and at home. I liked him because
v.'e fully agreed in our notions.
To-day we go out to Lambeth and also to see St. Paul's school under
the guidance of Mr. Lapton.
I hope we may get off by Wednesday for Canterbury and so work
round to Oxford and Cambridge. Everybody is more than kind. I hope
we may get off by Wednesday.
Will you thank Dr. Coit and Townsend for their letters. I do not
write to Mr. T. by this steamer because I suppose he is away.
But I enclose an order for registered letters which I hope you will
give him. I will write to Dr. Coit soon. My love to all. I leave it to
you to report progress. Aff'ty. yours, J. W.
To Mrs. Field, Salisbury (Should be no doubt Chichester) August 17, 1884.
Your letter reached me at Canterbury yesterday and was a great relief.
From the peculiar wording of Mr. Townsend's letter I was perfectly cer
tain Miss Tibbs was ill, and had felt very anxious. I hope she will be
very careful, and avoid fatigue. That is the great trouble.
I have written three letters to her which with my letter to Mr. T.
will carry you down to the end, or nearly so, of our stay in London. We

26 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
left London on Thursday after a regular heated term, and went to Can
terbury. Here we saw the Cathedral, the finest on many accounts in Eng
land. St. Martin's Church, the oldest Church in England, dating from
A. D. 250, and drove out to Bishopsbourne, where Richard Hooker died.
Tell Dr. Coit with my love that I stood in the pulpit from which Hooker
preached, and laid my hand on the altar at which he consecrated the
eucharist. I found here Archdeacon Harrison, whom I knew in 1840; we
lunched with him, and had a delightful visit. The Dean who had asked
me to come for a Sunday and preach, was away. Spending Friday at
Canterbury we came on Saturday across country here. This A. M. we
have been at the Cathedral, and after evening service are to go to the
Deanery for the evening. Dear old Burgon is the Dean here, and we
are to meet the Bishop. The Inn here is a real old English one; one
of the few left.
It carries me back to the old times when I was here. England is
much changed, and not, I fear, for the better. The people do not look
as they used to, and are careworn and discontented.
To-morrow we go to Winchester, and from there to Salisbury, where
I hope to find the Bishop. We are fairly overwhelmed with kindness.
Give my love to Miss T. and all friends.
To-day fills one month since I left M. In a little more than two I
hope to be at home again. Give me America to live in.
Yr. Aff. cousin,
J. W.
Do -write often.
To Miss Tibbs, Wells, August 21, 1884.
I was sorry and glad both at reading Rebecca's letter ; sorry to hear
you had been ill and glad to know you were better. I hope by this
time you are quite well and beg you to be very careful.
My letter to Rebecca brought us up to last Sunday noon. After
that we went to the Cathedral at Chichester for evening service, and then
spent all the rest of the day and evening at the Dean's (Burgon's) and
with the Bishop who was at home and gave us a very hearty welcome.
He showed us the palace and its gardens and several people came to
see us. On Monday (i8th) we breakfasted with Canon Audry, a thoroughly
nice fellow, and afterwards he went over the Cathedral with us, and took
us to see St. Mary's hospital, a sort of home for poor old women. It
is a most curious place, like a church Avith a nave and chancel thus.

J — ! — ! — ! — The square places marked off in the nave are rooms, each
-j i i I with a fireplace and bedroom for eight old people, and

the chancel is a chapel where they have prayers.

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 27
Leaving Chichester at li A. M. we went to Winchester where we
were at evening service, and then went round the Cathedral. It is 500
feet long, and a magnificient building. We then went out to St. Cross
hospital where seventeen poor men and their wives live in snug Uttle
houses round a quadrangle.
The old men wear a long black gown with a silver cross on the breast.
It dates from the days of King Stephen.
Tuesday 19th. We went to Salisbury, and I went to see the Bishop
who is very old and infirm, but very bright. He is Dr. Moberly, and I
was very glad to see him.
The Cathedral is to my mind one of the most charming in England.
Wednesday — the 20th — In the forenoon Nichols and I drove out to Stone-
henge over Salisbury plain, and then to Beraerton to see George Her
bert's Church and rectory. The rector was very kind and showed us the
house and garden. In the latter is an apple tree planted by George
Herbert himself. I enclose five leaves from it. Keep three and give
Rebecca one, and Townsend one. The rector's wife is cousin to the
Scotch Princes. In the afternoon at his request I took over the clergy
to see the good old Bishop ; and we were shown the palace and grounds.
I have seen nothing more beautiful anywhere.
Thursday — 21st. To-day we came to Glastonbury where we saw the
ruins of the famous old Abbey, and then came on to Wells. The Bishop
is away and I could only leave a card for him. His home is still sur
rounded by a moat full of water, and entered by a draw-bridge under a
portcullis. To-morrow we go to Bristol, Gloucester and Worcester; and hope
on Saturday to go by Stratford on Avon and Warwick to Oxford where
we shall stay a few days.
Marvellous weather! Twenty-three days perfectly clear, and with
only two showers.
Love to all friends. Take good care of yourself. Affec. yrs.,
J. W.
All are and have been perfectly well.
To Dr. T. W. Coit, Oxford, August 24, 1884.
From this old seat of orthodoxy, which I fear is to be — if it is not,
a home of unbelief, I send you a word of acknowledgement of your
letter. We have now been in England twenty-seven days and in twenty-
six of those we have not had a drop of rain, and it has been about as
warm as we get it in America. One day in London the thermometer
marked ninety-two in the shade.
They have had no such season in many years. The nights, however,
are very cool and refreshing.
We have made good use of our time ; have seen eleven Cathedrals,
counting in Westminster Abbey; and many places of interest, especially

28 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
Bishopsburne where Hooker died, and Bemerton where George Herbert
lived and died. Curiously enough I found the same Rector at Bemerton
who was there in 1840. He showed us an apple tree in the garden which
Herbert planted, and which renews itself by fresh shoots of its own putting
out as the old ones die down. It is a lovely spot, the ideal of a country
parsonage. I have seen the Archbishop at Addington at lunch, and spent several
hours with him. He is a very frank, simple and kindly man, and while
he sees all the difficulties ahead, is full of heart and courage. He said,
when people croak about the future of the Church, I tell them to look
at the glass in the windows of Lambeth Chapel. Originally it was copied
from the pictures in the Biblia Pauperam. The Protector Somerset
smashed it. Laud replaced it, copying the old glass. The Puritans
smashed that. It has been renewed again, and if somebody smashes that,
somebody else will renew it. That is all there is about the Church. Win
chester I missed, but he writes me that he will be in Scotland and urges
me to go home with him, which I cannot do. I have also seen Litchfield,
Chichester and Salisbury. The latter is, I am sorry to say, very infirm and
broken up.
It would cover too much paper to tell you of all the people we have
seen. I am sorry to miss Foulkes here, but he is off on his vacation.
We intend to be here for a few days, and then we go to Cambridge
and so by the eastern coast to Edinburgh, where I am due for the first
Sunday in September. I did not take any license, or whatever it is,
for England, and therefore have had an entire rest- But it will be more
than overbalanced, I fancy, in Scotland.
Hoping that this will find you well, as also all the rest, and with
kind regards to C, the professors, students, and all friends, I am,
Aff'y. y'rs.,
J. W.
Went to St. Mart's this morning. No University sermon now in vaca
tion I No service as of old in vacation in the Chapels ! Secularization is
the order of the day.
To Miss Tibbs, Edinboro', September 6, 1884.
We reached here Thursday P. M. (this is Saturday) and are com
fortably settled in good lodgings near the Bishop's. He insisted on our
all of us coming to him but I flatly refused, and so we are much better
¦off. The house is very clean, the rooms very pleasant, and the table
very good. We have a parlor where we have our meals by ourselves,
bedrooms and bath room, and we pay for this about two dollars a day
apiece. This is certainly cheap living. Our good weather holds, and we
have had only two rainy days since I wrote from Wells. Our last point
in England was Durham, and I enclose a little photograph of the Cathedral
¦and will bring a larger one.

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 29
Edinburgh has changed a good deal since I last saw it, but it is still
the same unrivalled city. If only it was not so smoky there would be
nothing like it, and the people in the streets look bright and intelligent.
They look more like those one sees at home.
Yesterday we lunched with the Bishop, and I am to preach for him
to-morrow morning. How long we shall stay here I do not know, but
I think about two weeks. By that time the rush of tourists will be over
and the roads open.
I trust this will find you well. We are all as well as well can be. Love
to all friends. Affy. yrs.,
J. Williams.
To Rev. Dr. Francis T. Russell, Edinboro, September 6, 1884.
I promised the "Daisies" to bring back, or send back, some memorial of
Margaret of Scotland.
I am hoping to go to Dunfumline, but am not quite sure of it. And,
at any rate, they have or had such an extraordinary way of moving about
the mortal remains of saints, that one never feels quite sui<; of anything
in regard to them.
Edinboro Castle is, however, most intimately connected with the
memory of Queen Margaret. She often lived in it and in a tower of it
long since destroyed. She died on the loth of June 1093, immediately
on receiving the news of the dreadful murder — for it was a base murder —
of her husband and one of her sons. Nothing, however, connected with
her domestic life in the castle now remains.
But on the very summit of the rock on which the castle stands, and
within the citadel, she built a little oratory ,or chapel, 25 feet long by
10 wide. This still remains entire, just as she left it, except that stained
glass has been lately placed in its four little windows. It was used, I
am sorry to say, for a powder magazine and a store for many years ; but
is now cleaned out, and though not used for its proper purposes, is, still,
ro longer so shamefully desecrated.
It is a Norman building, which, small as it is, has still a semi-circular
chancel and a nave.
These are separated by a Norman archway, which as well as the
entrance door has zig-zag mouldings around it.
This arch is given in the enclosed photograph, the only one I could
get, for there is none of the outside of the Chapel.
The East window of the little chancel, which you see, has three com
partments : (l) St. Margaret founding the Chapel, (2) her ministrations to
the poor; (3) her death.
The other side window which you see, has a full length of the queen.
In the nave, on the same side, are two windows in one of which is her
husband — Malcom Cameron, and in the other, her son, David, founder of

30 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
Holyrood and other Abbeys, of whom King James said — "He was a sair
saint for the craun"-
The Chapel was repaired, and the glass put in in 1853.
We have been wonderfully favored all along. I expect to be called
a humbug to the end of my days for not having one moment of seasickness ;
and the weather has been charming.
We are here for several days, and then hope to get a tour in the
Highlands before we go to Aberdeen.
And then, I shall say "Westward Ho!" The best day of the journey
will be that in which I see my diocese again.
Give much love to Mary and the household, and especially to them at
Mr. Kingsbur3''s. Tell Edith her gift never leaves me, and doesn't end in
smoke either. Ever aff' j-'rs.,
J. Williams.
To Miss Tibbs, Edinburgh, September 14, 1884.
We are still here and shall be till the morning of the i8th when we
hope to be off for the Highlands.
It has been very pleasant here, and the good people have been most
hospitable and kind. Indeed nothing could exceed their kindness.
Yesterday we went with Bishop Doane and his wife, and Mr. and
Mrs. Eliot to Melrose, Abbotsford, and Dryburgh.
We left Edinboro enveloped in a dense fog, but at Melrose it was
clear and bright Uke one of our own best bright Autumnal days.
There has been great improvement in keeping up the grounds at each
01 the Abbeys since I saw them, and they are in a less ruinous state.
But the beauty of ruin and surroundings is unchanged. I enclose a
Uttle blue flower from Sir Walter Scott's grave, or as near it as anything
grows ; and a little heather which lay beside my plate at a dinner party
the other evening. I saw there a canteen belonging to "Prince Charlie."
I am preaching twice to-day, and preached once last Sunday. But
have had on the whole a good rest. The weather here is abominable;
but it is clear I am told, outside "Auld Reekie." I will write again next
Saturday from the Highlands. If Rebecca is with you, thank her for
her letter, and Townsend for his. Much love to all.
Aff'. yrs,.,
J. W.
To Miss Tibbs, Oban — In the Highlands,
September 21, 1884 
We are high up here in the land of mist, which mist to-day is what
the Scotch call "an even downpour." But we have had three deUcious days
since we left Edinboro' on Thursday 18th, I will write you about two
of them, and Dr. Coit about the third.

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 31
From Edinboro we went by rail to the foot of Loch Lomond and
then took steamer for Inversnaid. It was a glorious day and the moun
tains were superb. From Inversnaid we went by coach to Loch Lomond,
and thence by steamer again to Trosachs.
When I went before it was by a boat rowed by Highlanders. The
steamer went quicker but the boat was better. However, Ben-Venue
and Ben-Aun, -were at their best and we walked up a mile thro' the Tro
sachs to the Hotel. Our party had swelled to eight. Bishop Doane
and his wife and two young graduates of Trinity being with us.
You will firid what we saw on Loch Katrine described as no where
¦else in the beginning of the Ladj' of the Lake.
On Friday — 29th, we came by coach to Callendar, and thence by a
new railway route thro' some of the finest scenery of the Highlands to
Oban. There is no describing it ! We stopped off over a train at Loch-
Ane and went down that lake and back ; seeing on the banks among
other things "Inversane'' which once belonged to the Duncan Campbell
of Dean Stanley's Ghost story. After leaving Loch Ane we went thro'
the pass of Bronder, the wildest Highland Glen I ever saw, and reached
here all weU lat six P. M. ,
Yesterday we went to lona of which I will write to Dr. Coit, and I
saw Staffa, and sailed all around the Isle of Mull seeing on all hands
the scenery df the Lord of the Isles. It was a day of cloud and sun
shine, just what one wanted for the best effects on mountains and on
v/ater. To-morrow we hope to start on our way up the Caledonia Canal mak
ing a three days journey of it to Inverness, and reaching there on Wednes
day night. I will write from there to some one.
Will you thank Dr. C. and Mrs. T. for their letters tho' I can thank
the Dr. myself. My love to Rebecca, if she is, as I hope in Middletown,
and to all friends. Aff'. y'rs., J. Williams.
To Dr. T. W. Coit, Oban in the Highlands, September 21, 1884.
I got your letter yesterday, and thank you for it. Miss Tibbs wil!
tell you how we ¦ got here from Edinburgh which we left on Thursday —
the i8th. But I am going to write you in detail of our visit yesterday to
lona. Leaving here at eight A. M. and coasting along the southern shore of
Mull, we sighted the venerable cathedral about eleven, and were soon on
shore, not without a thrill at the thought that we have really set foot on
v;hat Dr. Johnson so soundingly discoursed about.
Two things rather bring one down on landing — First you see two pal
try looking buildings and are told that one is' the "Kirk", and the other the
"Free Church,, : rather a liberal allowance of Presbyterianism to 240 souls.

32 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
big and little, the entire population of the Island. Secondly, you are be
set with a host of little ragged children— whose appearance indicates the
poverty of the people, selling or trying to sell, shells and the "green stones"
of lona. The popular superstition is that who ever carries one of those
will never be drowned or burned.
The first place visited is the old nunnery — built long, long after Saint
Columba's days, of which Uttle or nothing remains, and then one enters
on the "street of the dead," so called because along it were carried the
corpses of the forty Scottish Kings— as well as others, brought here for
burial in the Holy Isle.
Passing along, we soon reached an old Runic Cross, some ten feet
high, called McLean's Cross. It was here that according to the legend St.
Columba sat when he was dying, and the old white horse laid his head
01! his master's shoulder and wept. There were once 360 of these beauti
ful crosses in the Island.
The Presbytery of Argyle ordered forty of them to be flung into the
sea ! And all that now remain are this one, and St. Martin's Cross in the
Cathedral yard. Not far from McLean's Cross, the McLeans — the "Lords
of the Isles," were buried. Some of their tombstones remain.
Passing on we. reach St. Orean's Chapel, built by Margaret Queen of
Scotland, who died in 903. This is the oldest ruin on the island. It is
very small — 40 x 20. Near it is the "Reilag Oran," the Burial ground of
St. Oran, and here lie Kings, princes, nobles and ecclesiastics.
Then we reach the Cathedral far later than Columba or Oran. Tho
the original burial place of Columba is known and was at the west door
of the Cathedral, like most of the mortal remains of the saints his own
were carried about from place to place, and if they are anywhere together
it is in Ireland.
The Cathedral is a ruin, thanks to John Knox and his crew. His
"godly followers and others of "that ilk", tore it down and dug the silver
and brass out of monuments. The "godly" always had a shrewd eye
to ^he main chance-
Half the houses on the island are built of the stones of the Cathedral
and the nunnery.
We stood by the high altar, or rather where it once stood, and said
the Nicene Creed. The Duke of Argyle, who owns the island — was not
there to object. It was a comfort to remember that Columba said the
same ; no less and no more.
Then we climbed the "Tor Abb" the knoll from which Columba uttered
his famous prophecy : "Unto this place, albeit so small and poor, great
homage shall yet be paid, not only by the kings and people of the Scots,
but by the rulers of barbarous and distant nations, with their people also.
In great veneration, too, shall it be held by the holy men of other Churches".
Our time was up, and we turned unwillingly away, feeling that we had
seen what to us almost stands next to Jerusalem itself. It had been a
dream of my life to see lona. I thank God that I have seen it.

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 33
Old Johnson was right, a man ought to be a better man after treading
the soil of lona.
We are wending our way now to Inverness, where D. V. I am to
preach on the 28th. I am enough of a Jacobite to try to see on the way the
old Highland Congregation at Ballachulisch which has stuck to the Church
from 1688, and the place where "Prince CharUe" set up his standard in 1745.
All are well. Bishop and Mrs. Doane are with us and all send greet
ings to you.
Mine' to C, Ever aff'y y'rs., J. W.
To Miss Tibbs, Dundee, October 2, 1884.
My letters to Dr. Coit and John Townsend, which they have read to
you, bring me to Inverness, which I reached on Wednesday evening, Sept.
24th. The next day Mr. Nichols and I went to Eden Court where the Primus
lives, a beautiful house near the Cathedral. I found him bright and cheer
ful, but with the loss of all use of right leg and arm. I went on Thurs
day to CuUoden Moor and saw the last battlefield of Prince Charlie. Then
we stopped at CuUoden House and saw the bed in which the Prince slept
the night before the battle, his walking stick and various other things.
Bishop and Mrs. Doane were with me, and Mr. and Mrs. Forbes who now
own the large and beautiful house were very kind and asked us to luncheon,
for which we could not stay.
We saw a good many of the people who were cordial at Inverness
I preached in the Cathedral and, tell Dr. Coit, administered by the Scot
tish Communion office, on Sunday, and preached at a Church in Inverness
in the evening.
On Monday 29th, after a delightful visit we left and went to Elgin
to see the ruins of the Cathedral which are very fine, and then went on to
Aberdeen. There I saw the Bishop and some of the Clergy, and then we went by
rail to Ballater, and from thence drove to Braemar, passing Abergeldie the
Prince of Wales' shooting box, and Balmoral with the royal standard fly
ing from one of its towers. We had a good view of each.
The scenery was fine, but it was dreadfully cold.
To-day we left Braemer and drove thro the wildest and most magni
ficient scenery — except Glencoe — that I have seen, to Blair — Gowrie and
thence came by rail here.
To-morrw we go to Arbroath — St. Ruth's Priory of the Antiquary and to
St. Andrews — the next to Glammis Castle and back to Aberdeen.
There we shall stay till we set our faces towards home, which I shall
be too glad to do. Aff' y'rs..y
J. W.

34 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS
The heather is from CuUoden Moor, and the leaf from CuUoden House.
All are perfectly well. I will send a daily paper from Aberdeen.
To Rev. John Townsend, Eden Court, Inverness, September 26, 1884.
As you will see by the date I have reached my northermost point.
Bishop and Mrs. Doane met us in Edinburgh, and with them and two young
Trinity graduates we set off for a Highland tour.
I wrote to Miss Tibbs an account of that till we reached Oban, and to
Dr. Coit of our visit to lona. So I will leave that to him to tell you, and
go on to something else which delighted me very much, a visit to BaUachu-
Ush (pronounced Ballaheo- lish).
This, as you know, perhaps, was the only place in all the Western High
lands where the people remained as a body. Churchmen ! Here they did,
and I determined before I left to go and see place and people.
Our way (on Mon. Sept- 22) lay through Loch Etive and Glencoe. It
was a day of heavy showers and bursts of sunUght, stormy sunshine, and
the very day for Glencoe with its savage natural features and its more
savage history. We reached Ballachulish well damped and well tired at
night, but none the worse for it.
The next morning, taking Nichols with me, I salUed forth and after a
walk of a mile, reached the church just as service was beginning. After
service I sent my card to the Rector, or Incumbent, as they say here, who
gave us a very cordial welcome and was a good deal surprised when I told
him of my wish to see the old parish. Well he took us into the vestry
room and showed us the old paten and chalice from which the "men of
Appen" received the Holy Communion just before they went to join Prince
Charlie at CuUoden. Then he took me to see some of the very old peo
ple who had known those who had suffered from the penal laws against
Churchmen. They are all poor people, and as the younger men were
away at their work I did not see them. The old people were overjoyed
at the thought that a bishop had come 3,000 miles to see them. They knew
about Seabury, and had prayers in the Church for me the Sunday after
we sailed. It was most touching to hear them speak so earnestly of their
love for the Church. And really this was a thing never to be forgotten.
Walking back to the hotel, the Incumbent pointed out to me a hol
low on the mountain side where in the times of the presecution they
used to gather for service. The clergyman had to come disguised as a
sportsman out shooting, and a sentinel was stationed on a high crag to
give warning in case the Hanoverian soldiers came upon them. As we
were looking at this spot a shower passed across the mountain and "the
bow of God" spanned the place where the faithful once met to pray.
From Ballachulish we came by the Caledonian Canal to this place,
where Nichols and I are with the Primus- Doane and his wife have gone
South again and we shall go on Monday to Aberdeen, not to stay but to
leave luggage, etc.

REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS 35
All are well. WiU you let Miss Tibbs know of this letter as I
have no time to write more. Love to all.
* Affy. yrs-,
J. W.
To Miss Tibbs, Aberdeen, Sat., Oct. ii,
One line to say that we leave Aberdeen to-day, after such a visit and
time as no words can describe. ,
I hope we shall be at N. Y. by Sat, Oct. 2Sth, but I shall be detained
there at least a day by business at the Custom House and with Mr.
J.^organ. Love to all. Aff' y'rs.,
J. W.
"Aberdeen, Oct 8. — The sermon by the Bishop of Conn., on the occa-"
"sion of the opening of the Seabury centenary in this city yesterday was"
"delivered in St. Andrew's Church. In the course of the sermon he"
"referred to the marvellous growth and awakened life of the Church"
''during the past century."

36 REMINISCENCES OF BISHOP WILLIAMS

YE RHIME OF YE ANCIENT CHURCHMAN.
We should not have been so foolish
As to go to Ballachulish
On a day when ne'er a native
Would have ventured on Loch Etive.
But we all were somewhat mulish.
And would go to Ballachulish
Though the clouds looked most appaling
And the mountain dew was faUing
And the glass of the Professor
Should have cautioned its possessor.
Our beloved Itinerarius,
Of the dangers multifarius.
But Lord John he said "What think you
Shall we try the Pass of Glencoe?
When so near, 't would be most foolish
Not to visit Ballachulish.
There we'll find Ye Ancient Churchman."
We'll not leave 3'ou in the lurch, man.
We all said, and so we started
Every one a bit half hearted ;
And it grew more dark and damp
As we neared the Pass of Glencoe,
Still we kept up brave and, frisky
Wet ourselves inside with whiskey.
Took the water all external
From the soaking and supernal
Supernatural descending
Of Scotish mists and showers blending
All their wondrous wetting powers
Through the long and chilly hours
That we spent upon the coaches
Through the pass between "the loches,"
Till, soaked through and sUghtly coolish
We arrived at Ballachulish
But as Virgil's hero habit
Memimisse haec juvavit.
Meminisse haec juvavit.
September 22nd, 1884.
Through Loch Etive, Glen Etive and Glencoe to BaUachulish. What
a day! rain and suashine and such history. The greatest blot on the
not unblotted history of Dutch William."
From Bishop Williams' Journal.

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