7

[Important chambers]

Memphis Aug 27. 1858

My dear Dr. Pise,

I received yours yesterday informing
me of the intention of the vestry to apply for an
act of incorporation and to decline action
under the present charter from the Legislature
incorporating the Church. I am sorry to hear it.
To my certain knowledge the Legislature has
far more than 30 years past refused to incor-
porate any one congregation. The vestry is not
a body known to the laws. The history of the
efforts of the 1st Presbyterian Ch. at Nashville,
backed by the ablest & most popular men
in the state, time & again made, ought I
think to satisfy you & your vestry that it is vain
to expect what you propose. If you will
apply to the Register of deeds &c, you will find
a deed (I sent it to Mr. Hildebrand I think) of
Trust for St. John's Ch. Ashwood, drawn by
Judge Wright, conveying that property to the
convention and which may serve as a form
for making such conveyances. I wish you
would speak to Mr. F. B. Fogg on this subject
I have already made most deeds for all the
property that was conveyed to me and I think