When a Vacancy happens the Power of Presentation is in the Vestry for twelve Months after, & then it elapses to the Governor, who seldom inducts, (unless in new-form'd Parishes,) as there are a number continually waiting for Provision. The Impossibility of effecting the Removal of an Incumbent, & the ill Conduct of some Ministers, has made the Vestry, who are the Voice of the Congregation, somewhat more cautious than they formerly were in presenting ; therefore the general Practice which at present prevails, is taking Strangers upon Trial, till their moral Conduct, Abilities, & Character from whence they came, are discovered.

Amongst the present Hunters for Liviugs, I find upon Record the Name of the Revd Mr Hanna, who, notwithstanding he has seen the King & his Robes, & been strongly recommended from © England to this Province & that of Maryland, he still remains unprovided for by the latest Accounts of him. His Character is not known here, nor have I been so uncharitable as to acquaint the Clergy with it. It is his Want of Powers to please, that has hitherto been the obstacle of his success.

From this View of the Matter, Sir, which I have troubled you with, the Improbability of my obtaining Preferment thro' his Lordship plainly appears. And more especially so, as He seems to have little Acquaintance with the Vestry, & less Concern for my Interest.

The very Day I left New York, I met M: Stuart, on his Way to Pensylvania, who told me Mr Mosley intended relinquishing the. Mission at Johnstown, finding it impossible to continue longer in the State of Health he then was in, & that he was apprehensive of his Disorder's inereasing. Indeed he told me when I was there that' he wish'd I had his Place.