Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/52

36 To resume Mr. Carter's narrative:—

“When I reached New York, a city at that time [May 16, 1831] of two hundred thousand inhabitants, I did not know a person in it. There was a clergyman whose boys I had taught in Peebles, who had come to New York the preceding year. I had letters for him addressed to the care of a merchant at 407 Broadway. I went to that place, and found the owner at home. He told me that the minister for whom I inquired had gone to Washington County, N. Y., but that he would forward the letters to him. He asked me if I had just landed. I said I had. He then asked me what I meant to do here. I told him I was a teacher. He shook his head: ‘Had you been a mason, or a carpenter, or a blacksmith, I could have got you employment at twelve shillings a day; but there is no such encouragement for a schoolmaster.’ I showed him some of my letters of introduction, and asked where I could find the parties addressed. He took up the letter for Dr. Griscom, and said, ‘My son David is a pupil there, I will introduce you to the Doctor.’ The High School was in Crosby Street near Grand Street. We went there and saw the Doctor. He was engaged with his class, but he took the letter, and after reading it he took me very affectionately by the hand and said, ‘I welcome thee to our country; we greatly need such as thee. Come to-night at six o’clock, and take a cup of tea with me, and I will introduce thee to some of my friends.’ As we came down stairs, my friend said to me, ‘Perhaps you are going to do here after all: the Doctor has great influence.’ I made answer, ‘I’ve got to do.’

“I had never met a member of the Society of Friends before, but I was impressed with the idea that I must be