Item 1: John Weylie, Manchester, to William Meade, 1807 June 9

Refers to the "late rumpus" at Princeton (for which Meade was expelled but later readmitted); Weylie declares that he would have acted in the Princeton affair as did Meade; warns Meade not to fall in love as has Weylie; mentions mutual acquaintances, health, and other personal affairs.

Item 2: John Weylie, Manchester, to William Meade, Princeton, New Jersey, 1807 July 30

Commends Meade for excellent letter writing ability; confides that Meade's "account of the behaviour of Dr. Smith on the memorable to the 4th of July is truly shocking." (Smith apparently forbade the Princetonians from drinking on that day); advises Meade, in answer to Meade's question, on a "proper course of reading" discusses academic matters; approves Meade's plan for "kissing the girls;" reports health matters; discusses other personal matters.

Item 3: M. L. Custis, Alexandria, Virginia to William Meade, Princeton, New Jersey, 1807 December

Explains that the duties of a daughter, mother, and mistress so occupied her time that she could not correspond as she wished; asks Meade to give her regards to her brother; asks Meade to procure book for her; discusses personal matters.

Item 4: John Weylie, Carter Hall, Clarke County, Virginia, home of Burwell family, to William Meade, Princeton, New Jersey, 1807 December 28

Weylie reminisces on the days of his tutelage of Meade at Carter's Hall; discusses the health of mutual acquaintances, and other personal matters concerning them; reports that he has twenty-two pupils, ranging from six to twenty, all of whom Weylie claims are "very clever fellows;" discusses romantic affairs throughout the letter.

Item 5: John Weylie, Annfield, Virginia, to William Meade, Princeton, New Jersey, 1808 April 10

Comments on the art of writing with ease; argues that it is an art mastered only by much labor, and that success in writing is measured by one's ability to conceal the labor involved; reports that Weylie thought Meade was going to study law and that Meade's decision to study Divinity will not bring him worldly wealth, but will afford him great honour as an "Ambassadour from Heaven;" states reasons why Weylie considers himself unfit for the ministry. Weylie congratulates Meade on his decision and expresses approval that Meade will be successful in his calling.

Item 6: John Weylie, Audley, Virginia, to William Meade, Princeton, New Jersey, 1808 September 7

Weylie laments his misfortune in having recently been spurned in romantic overtures made to a mutual acquaintance; he is depressed and is avoiding the company of others as the visiting season has started.

Item 7: M. L. Custis, Arlington, Virginia, to William Meade, Frederick, Virginia, 1810 January 30 J

Congratulates Meade on his impending marriage to Mary Nelson; expresses hope of a summer visit from Meade; expresses desire that the gospel should change hearts, and mourns over her "most depraved family of slaves;" discusses mutual acquaintances and asks Meade to greet certain friends and relatives.

Item 8: William Meade, and Mary Nelson Meade to "sister" Susan Meade, Arlington, Virginia, 1811 February 1

Mary Meade acknowledges the congratulations of her sister-in-law on the birth of her recently-born son Philip; gives a description of the baby; in the closing part of the letter, William expresses his love for the baby and sends his greetings.

Item 9: Richard Channing Moore, New York, to Edmund J. Lee, 1814 February 17

Informs Lee that Moore will accept the Episcopal office (Bishop of Virginia); having thoroughly considered the offer of the Virginians, Moore declares that he will be zealous in the service of his office.

Item 1: William Meade, Winchester, Virginia, to Mr. Edmond Lee, Alexandria, District of Columbia, July 15

Expresses sorrow that he didn't see Lee when Lee passed through his neighborhood; discusses private correspondence and other personal matters.

Item 2: Bishop Richard Channing Moore, Richmond, Virginia, to Rev. William Meade, 1816 March 26

The bishop writes concerning the settlement of a Mr. Orrell at Martinsburgh; Moore relates that his vestry has warned him about resigning his present charge before a fund was provided for the Episcopate's support; the church has received an assistant, pending "secure and permanent support" for a clergyman; Moore thanks Meade for his support; Moore expresses joy upon learning of Meade's success in Winchester and wishes him continued blessings.

Item 3: Bishop Richard Channing Moore, Richmond, Virginia, to Rev. William Meade, 1817 February 12

Regrets the transfer out of the diocese of Mr. Hawley of Culpeper and Orange; expresses some hesitancy about Meade's itineranting, but commends him to the "throne of grace for counsel;" relates his pleasure in Meade's promise to preach the prayer book and tract sermon; Moore reports that the state of religion in his own parish is not as lively as he would like; expresses desire to be in close contact with Meade because he wishes to frequently consult him.

Item 4: Francis B. Whiting, Fauntly, Virginia(?), to Rev. William Meade, "Mountain View," Millwood, Virginia, 1822 April 8

James Hay, William Hay, and Francis B. Whiting all attest that Dr. Dudley Burwell was intoxicated at Carter's Hall circa Dec. 1821 on a Saturday night; he reportedly took communion on Sunday and played cards for money.

Item 5: Rev. G. W. Ridgeley, Philadelphia, to Rev. William Meade, Millwood, Virginia, 1826 December 18

Written on a printed circular which relates Meade's refusal of the office of Asst. Bishop of Pennsylvania, probably because of the opposition of the Bishop; the circular asks that while the present Bishop lives that no Asst. Bishop be named; Meade is recommended as the candidate for the joy when it opens; it is signed by Geo[rge] Boyd, G. T. Bedell, and Samuel Robbins; Ridgeley asks Meade to clarify his position for him.

Item 6: W. R. Whittingham, New York, to Reverend William Meade, Millwood, Virginia, 1827 August 31

Assures Meade that his objection to the Baltimore edition of Mrs. Sherwood's stories is founded on a misconception; gives passages from Sherwood and Bishop Kemp showing that both are in accord with episcopal teaching; Whittingham also defends the use of Bp. Hobart's catechism; he noted that the Sherwood stories and the Hobart catechism were both recommended, and not contained in "any part of the Church's system of instruction."

Item 7: Phillip Meade, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to William Meade, "Mountain View," Millwood, Virginia,1828 January 24

Explains to his father the "rebellion" among the students against faculty; assures his father that he has had no part in the rebellion; discusses personal matters. . Item 8: W. R. Whittingham, New York, to Rev. William Meade, Millwood, Virginia, 1828 Apriil 2

Whittingham, of the Sunday School Union, assures Meade that he will "hear no more of Sherwood's stories or Bishop Hobart's of N.Y., an avowed High Churchman catechism; asks Meade's opinion on other works.

Item 9: William Meade to Rev. Adam Empie, President of the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, 1829 April 20

Possibly Draft. Responds to letter which Empie wrote questioning whether he can support Meade for Asst. Bishop and questioning his Churchmanship; argues that he does not think Empie's views "untenable" because some "learned and pious men have held different views;" charges Empie is wrong in seeking to set up his own standards (for admission to the ministry}; argues that the Church has never insisted that Ministers from other churches entering into the episcopal ministry renounce their former ordination; assures Empie of Meade's respect for Empie's having acted "under a sense of duty."

Item 1: William Meade, Millwood, to anonymous Bishop, 1832 May 30

Replies to Bishop's questions about a revival in Fredericksburg; assures him that they are conducted in a godly manner; notes that the annual convention of Virginia was also marked by revival spirit.

Item 2: William Meade, Millwood, to Rev. George W. Nelson, Richmond, 1843 March 4

Asks him to send annual sum in support of ministry [?]; complains of ministers leaving their parishes for other ones and the difficulty of filling their places; discusses health and other personal matters.

Item 3: The Will of James Ship given to William Meade, 1834 April 23

Orders just debts paid; daughters Charlotte F. and Ann T. Ship to have an annuity of $300 each until twenty-five; Susan A. Ship to have annuity of $100 for life; Penelope Stribling, $50 a year for life; Hector Bell received horse; gives to Charlotte F. enslaved people, Judy and two children, Harry and Lucy, Sarah and Jerry; gives to Ann t., Jim and wife, and two children, annuities to be raised from land rent; estate shall be divided evenly among children at age 25; Bishop Meade and his brother David to direct the education of any grandchildren if Ship's daughters die; Hector Bell and Uncle John Ship appointed executors; David Meade made guardian of the children.

Item 4: Memo of William Meade, 1834 April 23

Meade recounts his receiving of James Ship's will and certified Ship's coherent state.

Item 5: William Meade, Coalsmouth, West Virginia, to "sister," Mary Meade, Millwood, Virginia, 1834 June 3

Expresses concern for his children; gives his travel itinerary for the month--traveling and preaching widely throughout Virginia; gives instructions regarding family and home.

Item 6: William Meade, "Mountain View," to Mrs. Judith Nelson, Hanover City, 1834 July 28

Assures Mrs. Nelson that he will give her son Robert [who has apparently lived with Meade] a good recommendation for Bristol College; excuses Nelson of debt owed.

Item 7: William Meade, Norfolk, to Mrs. Thomasia Meade, Alexandria, 1835 January 18

Having arrived in Norfolk and preached there, Meade reflects on Frederick; asks God for grace to fulfill charge and tells wife he awaits her coming; discusses matters of family, weather, and health.

Item 9: William Meade, Norfolk, to Rev. Nicholas Cobbs, Lynchburg, 1835 November 9

Invitation to Cobbs to be assistant to Meade during the six months of the year that Meade resides in Norfolk; tells him that the large congregation would welcome him and the "the materials for Ministerial operation are very good."

Item 10: William Meade, Norfolk, to William P. C. Johnson, 1836 March 5

Gives Johnson who had been suspended from his parish, advice to depart for Clarksburg or Parkersburg, where he may secure a ministerial position; Meade also gives a testimonial for Johnson which Johnson can use as a letter of introduction in the western Virginia parishes.

Item 11: William Meade, Norfolk, to Rev. Cyrus Jacobs, Philadelphia, 1836 April 26

Lists a series of objections which Meade feels prevents him from heading the subscription for Bristol College; argues that Alexandria Seminary needs support first, that Virginia money should be put to use in Virginia first; expresses resentment over a thinly-veiled threat if the Virginians fail to cooperate.

Item 12: William Meade, Assistant Bishop of Virginia, to the Vestry of Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, 1836 June 28

Meade, having read in a Richmond paper of the vestrymen's dissatisfaction with an act passed at the recent Church Convention in Fredericksburg, warns them not to "excite opposition throughout the Parishes; [apparently the Convention voted no to allow non-communicants to be seated in the ecclesiastical assemblies]; notes that the attempt of the vestry to [state-wide] "allay the laity and clergy against each other; "warns them not to bring disfavor upon the College [of Wm. and Mary] by having "no Episcopal services in the place [Williamsburg] notes that non-communicants are afforded more rights than in other churches; argues that it was necessary to restrict [the assemblies] because "any" of the non-communicants practiced "gambling, horseracing, and drinking" during the convention; refers to them as "notorious gamblers, infamous adulterers, and prophane [sic] swearers; "informs them that the Church will not change its mind and "would sooner see a number of her parishes severed from her," than revoke an act of conscience; urges them to alter their course and sue for peace.

Item 1: William Meade to William N. Ward of Berkley Parish, Spotsylvania County, Virginia, 1840 (acc. 2012.014)

Item 2: William Meade, Richmond, to Rt. Rev. Whittingham, Baltimore, 1840 October 14

Congratulates Whittingham on his consecration as Bishop of Maryland; expresses hope that as Bishop, Whittingham will share Meade's concern for the religious instruction of enslaved people; declares that the "Oxford writers" have "fallen into many mischievous errors."

Item 3: William Meade, Report of Agreement with Mr. Lippett, 1841 May 22

Meade informed Lippett that the Trustees could not "ensure" him for "1000th," which he required in the occupying of the station vacated by a Mr. Meade (Editor of the Southern Churchman); Lippett refused Meade's personal guarantee of "1000th"; offers to loan Lippett "200th"; complains that most ministers simply accept their position with some uncertainty as to salary and that a like dependence on Providence should be sufficient for Lippett to take the Editor's post (of the Southern Churchman).

Item 4: William Meade, Millwood, to the minister and church warden of Tillotson Parish, Buckingham County, Virginia, 1842 January 12

Asks the wardens to hold an inquiry into the case of one of their expelled members [J. M. Fackler] who had applied to Meade, asking for an inquiry, Meade cites the applicable church rules and asks the board of inquiry to report their findings to him so that he may make a judgment.

Item 5: William Meade, Millwood, to J. M. Fackler, 1842 January 12

Informs Fackler that he has instructed the church to investigate Fackler's case and report the findings to Meade; encourages Fackler to abstain from communion during the course of the investigation.

Item 6: William Meade, Millwood, to Rev. J. H. Morrison, Buckingham, Virginia, 1842 January 15

Tells Morrison of his correspondence with Fackler and urges Morrison to conclude the matter of Fackler's exclusion from communion.

Item 7: William Meade, Norfolk, to Mary Meade, 1842 July 4

Reports travel itinerary; states that health is as usual; Meade preaches but seldom, confining himself mostly to the duties of the Bishopric.

Item 8: William Meade to Rev. Paul Trapin, 1842 December 27

Asserts that as Bishop he is "frequently led" to leave the decision of whether a minister should receive an appointment to the consent of the minister and the congregation; expresses approval of Mr. Smith's (?) ministry.

Item 9: William Meade, Millwood, to the Editor of the Banner, 1843 January 26

Asks that the Banner editor publish a statement by Meade made in response to the Banner's account of a former Methodist-turned-Episcopal Priest returning to the Methodist Church; notes that the former Methodist was apparently sincere when ordained and examined by Meade and that this desertion was a singular case; argued that nothing more that adherence to the prayer book and the articles of the church, if a minister is sound in the gospel, should be required for entrance into the episcopal ministry; believed that if clergy and laity must renounce any previous non-episcopal church connections as false that this will turn away prospective clergy and laity.

Item 10: William Meade, Alexandria, to the Rev. E. R. Lippett, Alexandria, 1843 May 10

Informs Lippett that his account has been examined and that the subject over which Meade and Lee have disagreement "should be freely considered in the presence of suitable persons;" aks him to bring two witnesses to Lee's house for discussion.

Item 11: William Meade, "Mountain View," to Cassius Lee, Alexandria, 1844 January 31

Comforts his friend on the loss of Lee's wife; quotes scripture and poetry to console him.

Item 12: William Meade, Mecklenburg, to Mary Meade, Millwood, 1844 June 17

Notes the activities of the household of which Meade is a guest; believes that his health is improving because of "unusually cool summer;" sends greetings to all at home.

Item 1: Dr. Henry W. Ducachet, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Rt. Rev. William Meade, Millwood, Virginia, 1845 February 22

Expresses gratitude to Meade for the "moral courage you have manifested in bringing a most unworthy man to justice"; adds approval that those of the accused's ilk are at their "downfall."

Item 2: William Meade, Suffolk, Virginia, to the Minister and Vestry of the Episcopal Church in Suffolk, Virginia, 1845 April 25

Congratulates them on the commencement of building a new church; warns them, however, not to give the altar the central position to the detriment of the lectionary and pulpit; encourages them to maintain peace in the Virginia diocese by designing the church according to the custom of that area and not returning, as apparently some were doing, to the "Romish forms."

Item 3: J. H. Wingfield, Portsmouth, Virginia, to Rt. Rev. William Meade, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 1845 May 19

Informs Meade of the case of one in Wingfield's church who voluntarily withdrew himself from communion and was then elected a delegate to the state convention; Wingfield thinks that to attend convention he ought to commune.

Item 4: William Meade, Alexandria, to anonymous correspondent, 1845 June 27

Regrets that correspondent should think that Meade questioned [or doubted] the correspondent's conscientiousness and conveyed these doubts to a Dr. Waller (?).

Item 5: William Meade, Millwood, to R. B. Butt (?) and other members of the Vestry, Portsmouth, Virginia, 1845 August 5

Regrets the continuing conflict between rector and vestrymen; advises that granting an associate rectorship would be contrary to custom; argues from this one unless size demarked it; encourages them to heal the breaches.

Item 6: William Meade, Millwood, to General Cocke [probably John Hartwell Cocke], 1845 January 18

Relates that he had earlier decided to abstain from all distilled liquors; sometimes drinks a domestic wine mixed with water; supports the Temperance Societies but opposes their demands for total abstinence, arguing that there is liberty to drink wine in moderation; believes total abstinence is best for some, but that it shouldn't be insisted upon; youth should abstain; notes that intemperance in eating and drinking are often connected; some eat excessively to have an excuse for drinking; had wine been as strong in the "time of the Prophets and Apostles," Scripture may have forbidden its use.

Item 7: Rev. J. H. Wingfield, Portsmouth, Virginia to William Meade, posted 1846 June 8)

Quotes extensively from a document of one of the vestrymen friendly to both parties (Wingfield and the opposing vestry) in which the writer exhorts both sides to lay aside differences, to act charitably, to be in proper subjection to their minister, and not to be so quick to judge; Wingfield then quotes from Murdough who rejected the counsel of charitability and cites remaining differences; Wingfield asserts that no congregation can "gag" him or keep him from preaching "the whole counsel of God."

Item 8: Rev. J. H. Wingfield, Portsmouth, Virginia, to Rt. Rev. William Meade, Millwood, Virginia, 1846 December 21

Wingfield, having been called a high churchman and Romanist by some in his congregation, denies the charges and assures Meade that it is those laymen who are of "sectarian descent" and revival converts that are acting uncharitably; takes Meade to task for earlier referring favorably to the dissenters and continues to excoriate his attackers in strong terms; asks Meade to state in writing if he knows of anything heretical in W.'s preaching or immoral in his conduct; to undercut W.; feels that his entire "official life is at stake;" pleads for Meade's Judgment.

Item 1: Rev. J. H. Wingfield, Portsmouth, Virginia, to Rt. Rev. William Meade, Millwood, Virginia, 1847 January 5 or 6

Begs apology for attributing a phrase to Meade which he never used in referring to the disgruntled vestryman of W's church; asks that the charges these members have sent to Meade be sent to W. expresses surprise that five vestrymen registered dissatisfaction.

Item 2: William Meade, Millwood, to Rev. J. H. Wingfield, Portsmouth, Virginia, 1847 January 11

Assures Wingfield of his continued personal regard for him; relates to Wingfield his correspondence with the dissatisfied vestry and reports a few of their objections, such as W's serving of communion on Saint's days; explains that if he were to ignore the complaints as W. wished him to that he would rightly be accused of disregarding the wishes of vestry and congregation; warns him that if the one of his recent letters are an indication, that W. seems open to the charge of imprudence and harshness;" chastens him for his ultraistic views and exhorts him not to count as un-Christian any merely because they are not Episcopalian; in a post script, notes that Bp. John has declined to handle the matter and that Meade will ask the vestry for a complete list of the charges.

Item 3: William Meade, Millwood to Rev. J. H. Wingfield, Portsmouth, 1847 January 11

Item 4: William Meade, Millwood, to Dr. Bates and others of the Vestry of the Episcopal Church, Porstmough, 1847 January 14

Informs them of Bp. John's referral of the disputed matters back to him; asks the vestry to give him a complete list of the charges against Wingfield.

Item 5: Rev. J. H. Wingfield, Portsmouth, to Right Rev. William Meade, 1847 January 28(?)

Acknowledges that Meade has indeed extended countless kindnesses towards him in the past; accuses Meade of encouraging the opposing vestry; quotes long extract for sermon, answering charge that he believed non-Episcopalians not to be Christian; rather argues that the Episcopal Church is the only true church, while still not rejecting the salvation of those truly pious ones outside the church; heaps further abuse on the heads of his opponents; claims that his stand for the Episcopal Church is the true one and makes an appeal to God and conscience; begs to be forgiven of anything offensive, but affirms to know of not other means of defense than those which he has employed.

Item 6: William Meade to J. H. Wingifled, Portsmouth, 1847 March 13

Argues that the sometimes harsh tone of the Meade-Wingfield correspondence was set by the tone of Wingfield's first letter; reasserts the right of the laity to question a minister; concludes that since Wingfield appears established in his high church views "that there is so little prospect of any good resulting from [Meade's] efforts;" in the meeting which Meade conducted between Wingfield and the vestry, Wingfield apparently afterwards claimed that sermon quotes attributed to him had been misrepresented.

Item 7: William Meade, Millwood, to Dr. Watts, Mr. Murdough, and others, Portsmouth, 1847 March 14

Declares that he has done all he can to foster understanding between vestry and minister; claims that he can offer no further advice or hope of healing the breach; encourages them not to be overly-critical of Rev. Wingfield.

Item 8: Rev. J. H. Wingfield, Portsmouth, to Right Rev. William Meade, Fairfax County, Va., 1847 April 26

Explains that one who had earlier offended Wingfield had explained behaviour, but that this person and eleven others withdrew from his church when the congregation voted 3 to 1 to expel the disgruntled vestrymen. These members now take communion in another parish; wants to know whether these members can legitimately be under the ministration of another while residing in his parish.

Item 9: William Meade, to Rev. J. H. Wingfield, 1847 May 10

Explains that if the laity in a town of several parishes can chose which one to attend, that a country parish should afford the same convenience; argues that worship is not merely a matter of convenience, and that it is unsafe and unwise to try to prevent members from attending the parish of their choice; tells Wingfield to be grateful that those who disturbed him are gone.

Item 10: William Meade to Rev. W. Jones, 1847 August 22

Advises him to seize the opportunity which Providence has provided, resign his Virginia parish, and accept an appointment in Memphis

Item 11: William Meade, circa 1847

"Sketch of advise which Bishop Meade had it in his mind to give to Rev. W. G. H. Jones and to which he refers in a letter to him. It does not appear that it was given." Advises to avoid "controversy, raising doubts, arguing"; urges caution in speech, and regularity in parochial visits.

Item 12: William Meade to Rev. J. H. Wingfield, 1847 August 29

Expresses dissatisfaction with the tone of some of Wingfield's language used in an earlier letter.

Item 13: William Meade, 1847 December

Declares that vestryman Briswell (?) told him of Rev. Mr. Jones' resignation and wondered whether he had really secured a position in Memphis. Meade said that he had seen the Memphis letter offering Jones the minister's position; Meade notes at bottom that he wrote this because Mr. Jones thought Meade's reply affirming that he had seen Jones's letter induced the vestry to accept Jones's resignation.

Item 14: William Meade, 1847 December 23

Jones had earlier considered threatening resignation, hoping that the vestry would raise his salary; Meade told him that instead the vestry would accept his resignation; when he finally offered resignation after having secured a position in Memphis, a polite but insincere pleas on the part of some for him to stay almost induced Jones to stay; Meade encouraged him, once again, to leave.

Item 15: William Meade to Rev. W. G. H. Jones, 1847 December 27

Wishes Jones well as he departs Millwood and regrets the misunderstanding between them

Item 16: William Meade to Dr. R. C. Randolph, 1847 December 27

Explains his reasons for opposing Rev. Hutchinson's appointment and that it was not because of any personal ill-will.

Item 17: William Meade to Rev. W. Hutchinson, 1848 January 1

The document was apparently enclosed with the letter; when Hutchinson's name was mentioned as a successor to the recently resigned Millwood parish rector, Meade expresses disapproval because Hutchinson's wife has a number of relatives in the congregation; notes that about fifteen parishes have ministers with close personal ties and that it is not a good arrangement; assures Hutchinson that he has no personal ill regard for him but that he is especially concerned since Millwood is Meade's home parish.

Including AD re: Case of Thomas Hutchinson, written by Meade testifying to the documents veracity.

Item 1: William Meade, Alexandria, to Rev. James Craik, Louisville, Kentucky, 1850 May 9

Expresses pleasure over Craik's recent work on baptismal regeneration and notes that Craik's position is that of the Reformers; takes exception with Craik's restricted use of the word "regeneration;" reports that Meade has sent a copy of his review of Wilberforces's work on the incarnation which Meade attacks as "unscriptural and unprotestant."

Item 2: William Meade, Millwood, to the Editor of the Episcopal Recorder, 1850 July 17

Probably Draft. Responds to a letter from an earlier edition of the Recorder in which an anonymous correspondent noted Meade's approbation of an essay by James Craik; quotes extensively from letter which he sent to Craik congratulating him on a sermon which Craik published on "Baptismal Regeneration"; supported Craik's view that the operations of the Holy Spirit were not contingent on baptism as supported by the reformers; takes exception to his "restricted an exclusive use of the term "regeneration"; argues that the Holy Spirit bestows gifts sovereignly; concludes that more good would be done concentrating on the Scriptures rather than searching for what the Fathers or Reformers wrote; on the whole, he argues that more success is to be found in preaching the plain Gospel of Christ to perishing sinners.

Including printed leaflet of text. Taken from the Episcopal Recorder.

Item 3: Bishop Philander Chase, Cincinatti, Ohio, to Rt. Rev. William Meade, Virginia, 1850 October 17

Requests him to preside at the consecration of Rev. Paine as the Bishop of Cape Palmas and its vicinity in Africa.

Item 4: Bishop William Whittingham, Baltimore, Maryland, to the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of England, 1850 December 27

Expresses concern for the "recent encroachments and assaults upon that [the Anglican] Church;" refers to the Pope's establishing of the Catholic hierarchy as schismatical; refers to "embarrassments" as having affected the "free action" of Anglican ministers in the discharge of the "highest spiritual trust"; urges them to "deliberate in solemn council for the preservation of the faith."

Item 5: William Meade, to the Editors of the Protestant Churchman, circa 1850s

Emphatically denies that he has ever introduced "political discussions into the pulpit;" reports that he doesn't even vote, so as not to offend anyone; believes politics to be inimical to piety; expresses fear whether the union of the Church between North and South can be maintained.

Item 6: Samuel [?], Bishop of the Diocese of Oxford, England, circa 1850-1851

Protests the division of England into dioceses by the Pope and the appointing of Catholic bishops to serve over those dioceses.

Item 7: William Meade, Millwood, to Bishop Whittingham, 1851 January 3

Suggests that Whittingham's proposal for an address to the English Bishops is ill-advised; even though the address would attack the "present assault" of the Roman see on the Church, the call for a convocation therein may aid rather than hinder the tractarians; declares that the American church should be grateful that it is not tied like the English church to be state; the English church could easily argue that the American [Episcopal] church's voluntary system is as open to appeal from Rome as the acts of the preceding [30] years had made the English church vulnerable.

Item 8: Rt. Rev. William R. Whittingham, Baltimore, to William Meade, 1851 January 13

Requests that Meade endorse a document drafted by Bishop Brownell which would express the support of the American Episcopal Bishops for their Anglican brethren. Brownell's document is more temperate than was Whittingham's, yet still refers to the Pope's action as schismatical.

Item 9: William Meade, Millwood, to William R. Whittingham, Baltimore, Maryland, 1851 January 18

Explains that he cannot sign Brownell's circular; reports that he has not read the pope's "offensive document" and that the argument that the establishment of the hierarchy in England is schismatical would open the English to the same charge in Canada where the "Romanists predominate;" has drawn up his own letter which avoids some of the pitfalls of the others; requests that if approved it be transmitted to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Item 10: William Meade to the Archbishops and Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church of England, circa 1851 January 18

Draft of letter under date 1851 February 14

Item 11: Rt. Rev. Philander Chase, to the Archbishop of Canterbury, 1851 February 14

Explains that distance involved between American bishops is so great that it would almost be impossible to have all sign a letter; enclosed Meade's letter and hopes that this will evidence the concern of the American Bishops.

Item 12: Philander Chase (signed L as presiding Bishop in America, drafted by William Meade),to the Archbishops and Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church of England, 1851 February 14

Expresses concern that the Catholic Church has made an appeal to the English to return to the faith and expresses dismay over those in both Great Britain and the U.S. who have returned to the Roman Catholic communion; encourages them to be true to the principles of the primitive church and the Reformers; prays for grace for the English church.

Item 13: William Rollinson Whittingham, Baltimore, Maryland to the Bishops of the PEC in the U.S., 1851 April 7

Protests to a letter signed "Philander Chase" addressed to the English and Irish clerical hierarchy; affirms that Chase's position as President in the House of Bishops does not entitle him to presume to speak for all the American bishops and most emphatically declares that he doesn't speak for him.

Item 14: Bishop Philander Chase, Jubilee College, to William Meade, 1851 April 29

Expresses sympathy for health problems; apologies for making any statement to cause Meade distress, particularly a reference to "extreme Calvinism;" writes that he knows not what effect Whittingham's protest will have; asks for advice.

Item 15: William Meade, Millwood, to the Executive Committee of the Sunday School Union of the P.E. Church, 1851 September (?) 17

Draft Accuses the Union of quoting him from a 1827 letter when he approved of their activity;' charges them, however, with increasing Tractarian support and expresses disapproval.

Item 16: Rt. Rev. Manton Eastham, Boston, to William Meade, 1851 September 29

Will take no steps in the charges from New Jersey against Bishop Doane.

Item 17: William Meade, Millwood, to Unknown, 1851 December 16

Assures correspondent that he never intended to enter the Presbyterian ministry and that his friend Mr. Hill did not try to proselytize him but encouraged him to enter the Episcopal ministry.

Item 1: William Meade, 1852 June

Declares that he was brought up in the Episcopal Church and that he had never had any design of entering the Presbyterian ministry.

Item 2: Rt. Rev. C. P. Mcilvaine, Paris, France, to William Meade, 1853 May 28

Relates his journeys through England and the occasion to speak from different pulpits which it afforded him; made the case for evangelicalism wherever he went; noted that the High Church there was high and dry; warns Meade "Don't let this letter go out of your hands."

Item 3: William Meade to Rev. Thomas. Atkinson, 1853 June 17

Notes that correspondence between Meade and Atkinson has been of an official nature and not of a personal one because they differ in their views of church polity; fears that he is a tractarian; believes that he is not the worst choice for the Bishopric of North Carolina; informs him that he knows that many of the laity were opposed to the selection of anyone other than a Low Churchman; wished him well in the episcopate.

Item 4: William Meade, Millwood, to the Editor of the Calendar, 1853 July 20

Incomplete. Addresses the paper regarding two correspondents who had attacked a book as misleading which Meade had published containing extracts of J.M.'s [?] work on Baptismal Regeneration; argues that his design in publishing the book was to give an extract that was "as practical and useful as possible"; to have published the offending omitted passages would not have been "profitable" and would have been unrepresentative.

Item 5: William Meade, Millwood, to a minister, 1853 July 25

Expresses dismay over some of the errors which Wilberforce had fallen into in his History of the American Church, perhaps because of his remarks on enslavers, to which the Southern Bishops objected; noted that English clergy might come to the General Convention in New York if invited, but that the invitation would be better if from a private individual or society; hopes no English clergy will come; affirms affection for England and the early influence of Wilberforce.

Item 6: William Meade, Winchester, Virginia, to Rev. J. A. Weed, Richmond, Virginia, 1854 May 22

Urges Weed, who has been attending Roman Catholic services to choose between the Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches; argues that since he was trained in an Episcopal seminary and has been preaching for ten years that he ought to choose between the two churches.

Item 7: William Meade, King George Co., Virginia, to Unknown, 1854 June 20

Informs correspondent that Bishop Whittingham warned Meade that he was injuring the Church by maintaining his association with the E. K. S. [Evangelical Knowledge Society] and that the E. K. S. had accused the Church of being corrupt; Meade argued that they had only noted that there was error in the church.

Item 8: William Meade, "Mountain View," to Ann, 1854 December 8

Expresses a long-held desire that a commentary on certain portions of the Bible be prepared for enslaved people; sends personal regards.

Item 1: Henry I. Whitehouse Bishop of Illinois, Bloomington, Illinois, to William Meade, 1857 April 30

Reports that one of the Virginia clergymen had moved into Whitehouse's district and that he had not reported to Bp. Whitehouse; asks Meade's advice.

Item 2: William Meade to the Reverends John Grammar, John Black, William W. Pendleton, and Blair Dabury and Edward Taylor, circa 1857 June-July

Appoints these men as a court of inquiry in the case of the Rev. Mr. Castleman of Staunton, charged with trying "to persuade to sinful conduct" a female parishioner; notes that since the female has no witnesses, that her character must be carefully examined; urges them to fairly examine the charges and report their findings so that it can be determined whether a canonical trial be held.

Item 3: William Meade, Millwood, to Rev. T. T. Castleman, 1857 July 24

Sends Castleman a letter dimmissory which he may present to the Bishop of Illinois

Item 4: W. R. Whittingham, Baltimore, to William Meade, 1857 July 25

Asks Meade for the testimonial required by canon for the transfer of a clergymen from one ecclesiastical district to another.

Item 5: William Meade, Millwood, to Bishop Henry I. Whitehouse, Illinois, 1857 July 26

Transfer T. T. Castleman from the Virginia to the Illinois diocese; notes that he was acquitted of "improper familiarity with a female," but was suspended for six months for falsehoods relating to the same.

Item 6: William Rollinson Whittingham, Baltimore to William Meade, no place, 1857 August 4

Informs him of the receipt of the satisfactory testimonial which Meade sent regarding the transfer of a Virginia cleric to Maryland.

Item 7: William Meade, 1859 Endorsement reads "Statement of Bishop Meade of something that occurred during the administration of communion at Gen. Convention in Richmond by which Bishop McCoskey was offended."

Item 8: William Meade, Alexandria, 1859 April 26

Expresses opinion on the election of vestrymen for St. Paul's Church in Alexandria; argues that since majority were present only for the election of 8 out of 12 vestrymen, that only those 8 should serve; the endorsement [in another hand] reads, "Opinion of Bishop as the lawfulness and expediency of ladies voting at the election of vestrymen."

Item 9: William Meade, Alexandria, to a minister, 1860 May 11 Informs him that he cannot give him a dimmissory note; has asked three presbyters to examine his case and report the findings to Meade.

Item 10: William Rollinson Whittingham, Baltimore, to William Meade, Virginia, 1860 September 8

Notes that he is in receipt of Meade's notice of Rev. G. W. Mayer's six-month suspension; argues that if, as W understand, Mayer was privately and publicly reprimanded, denied a dismissory note, and advised to renounce the ministry all before he was tried, then Mayer was treated unjustly; Whittingham will receive him charitably on any dismissory note.

Item 11: William Meade, Columbia, South Carolina, to anonymous correspondent, 1861 October 29

Complains of bodily pains; reports the efforts of some in the newly-formed Southern Church to convince the convention to change the name to "Reformed Catholic;" North Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi bishops strongly advocated it, but it failed to pass, some wanted to denounce all other denominations, but to Meade's relief, that proposition failed; related the efforts of some to return to more "primitive church;" Virginia will be more alone in Southern Church [because of her more liberal views].

Item 12: William Meade, 1861 November

Fragment. According to endorsement "Thoughts of Bishop Meade prepared for the Confederate Convention at Columbia [South Carolina the first Convention after the split of the Southern Church]; laments the factionalism among the Bishops; proposes reform in the Southern Church of the method of electing bishops; notes that the Bishops should not historically replace their own members; expresses desire of Virginia to "cast in their lot" with their Southern Brethren if it can be done without "the sacrifice of principle and right;" notes that the Virginia church is outnumbered by those who disagree with her; asks for charity.

Item 13: William Meade, circa 1861

Discusses representation in various bodies throughout history: Israel, Greece, the Counsel of the Apostles in Acts, the German Confederation, Houses of Lords and Commons in England, American precedents. Asks what would be reaction in Confederate Congress [?] if such is the case with our church representation," he replies.

Item 1: William Meade, Norfolk, to Thomas Nelson, Richmond, Virginia, March 29

Requests that he [Nelson] find a certain portrait painter who "took a picture of my wife some years ago" and who retained possession; asks him to send the picture down by the first boat.

Item 2: William Meade, Alexandria, to Mary Meade (sister), Shepherdstown, Virginia, April 24

Expresses concern that "Lucy" should be at Battletown before the Clerk of the County; notes that Lucy must do this before leaving the state and that "Mr. Rochester" "seems desirous to have her." Relates personal news.

Item 3: William Meade to Bishop John Johns, Richmond, Virginia, December 29

Notifies him that Mr. Macdoner [?] is on his way to his post; complains that his sermons are "too full of figures," and too long.

Item 4: William Meade

Explains the practice of the primitive church in relations to clerical discipline; notes that the government of all the clergy and the exercise of discipline resided in the Bishop; noted that an appeal could be made to a synod of presbyters; reports that he has always asked the ecclesiatical court to express their opinion as to the punishment, since the Bishop might err.

Item 5: William Meade

Endorsement reads: Notes of Bishop Meade on the sermon of Rev. R. H. Williams before the Alumni. Refers to a conversation in which, interalia, the evils of Calvinism were objected to; reports that this minister [Williams] goes beyond the Church's teaching.

Item 6: William Meade, The Fork--Cumberland, Virginia to Philip Meade (son), Millwood, Virginia

Mentions health, weather, and travel itinerary; advises him to get planks, "for enclosing a small bathing room under the stairs;" sends greetings and asks for health information.

Item 7: William Meade to Miss Susan Meade, Arlington, Virginia

Expresses desire to visit; relates health and other personal matters.

Item 8: William Meade to anonymous correspondent

Explains that a publication written in his youth and signed "Aurelius" now serves as a source of much sorrow and regret and he laments its present publication.