MARSHPEE, JULY 19, 1834.

    Mr. WM. APES,

Sir,—­Perceiving by a notice in the “Barnstable Journal,” of last week, that you have appointed a Camp-meeting, to commence on the 30th inst. and to be holden on the Parsonage, and in the vicinity of the Meeting-house,

    This is to forbid the proceeding altogether!

You have no pretence for such a measure; and if you persist in your purpose to hold such Meeting, either near the Meeting-house, or on any part of the Parsonage allotment, you must consider yourself responsible for the consequences.

    I am &c.

        PHINEAS FISH.

    Rev. WILLIAM APES.

Soon after this, the Selectmen, one of whom was a member of my church, applied to Mr. Fish respecting holding the Camp-meeting on the parsonage.  The place selected could not have disturbed Mr. Fish, any more than people passing in carriages in the main road.  We had no Meeting-house, our School-houses would not hold the people, and we had no other means but to erect our tents and worship God in the open air.  A pious family of whites from Nantucket, came on the ground, and began erecting their tent.  Mr. Fish came there in person and ordered them off.  The man told him that he had his family there, and had no other shelter for the night but his tent, which he should not remove, but would do so the next day, if he found that he was trespassing on any man’s rights.  But he added, if Mr. Fish turned him off, he would publish his conduct to the world.  Mr. Fish’s interference to break up our religious meeting, created much talk, and finally he wrote the following letter to the Selectmen; after which we went on and had our meeting, in a quiet, orderly and peaceful manner, and we believe it was a season of grace, in which the Lord blessed us.

    To the Selectmen of Marshpee.

On mature thought, and in compliance with your particular request, I consent to your holding the Camp-meeting, which is this day commenced, on the spot near the river, where the first tent was erected.  I consent, (I say,) on the following conditions, viz:  That you undertake that no damage come upon the parsonage property, either wood land, or Meeting-house; that no attempt be made to occupy the Meeting-house; that there be no attempt on the Sabbath, or any other day, to interrupt the customary worship at the Meeting-house, and, that peace, order, and quietude be maintained during the time of the Camp-meeting.  It is also distinctly understood, that this license is of special favor, and not conceded as your right, and no way to be taken as a ground for similar requests in future, or for encouraging any future acts of annoyance, vexation, or infringement of the quiet possession of the privileges, secured to me by the Laws.  And that should any damage be done in any way as aforesaid, you will consider yourselves responsible to the proper authorities.

    With my best wishes for your welfare, your friend,