Curé

1846 · réf. 29011 — Boston: Dutton and Wentworth Printers 1846. Original printed salmon wrappers stitched 48pp. Occasional light spotting Very Good. "The letters concern Rev. Adams' refusal to grant letters of recommendation from his church to the Payson church of which Rev. Fairchild was pastor because of accusations of immoral conduct against Fairchild" Cohen. The Payson church was thus deprived of "the fellowship of sister churches." Fairchild had allegedly seduced a young woman Rhoda Davidson of Edgecomb Maine while she was a domestic in his family. She had a child and nominated Fairchild as the father. Ecclesiastical trials ensued. Fairchild claimed that rival ministers one of whom was Reverend Adams had defamed him by calling him an habitual libertine and adulterer. Adams as Fairchild puts it "publicly said that there was more guilt resting on my head than on the head of any man who walks the streets of Boston or words to that effect." The Payson Church Committee examines the relevant documents and concludes "We clearly saw that no guilt had been proved against him and therefore felt bound to regard him as innocent wondering how any human creature could have a heart to add another grain to his load of suffering or inflict one fresh wound on his wife and children. We deem him one of the most injured and persecuted clergymen which the history of this country can furnish." Cohen 13687. AI 46-54 5. Dutton and Wentworth, Printers unknown