Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1761 September 25
Date25 September, 1761
Call Number761525
abstractOccom states that he has written three letters to Wheelock and has not heard back. He describes his misfortunes (the escape of his mare, his inability to read or write due to eye strain), but remains hopeful that he will be of use to the Oneidas.
handwritingFormal handwriting is clear and legible.
paperMedium-sized sheet folded in half is in fair-to-poor condition, with moderate-to-heavy staining creasing and wear. A large tear results in some loss of text.
inkBrown ink is faded in spots.
noteworthyIn his trailer, Wheelock erroneously refers to Occom's location as Fort Hendrick, not Fort Herkimer. On one verso, under the trailer, a note has been added in a different, likely 19th-century, hand.
EventsOccom’s First Mission to the Oneidas
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
this Summer Past, but I have not received
one Syllable, either from you or from any
body Else,—I have met with great many
difficulties, but I have not repented of my
Journey yet, I am in hopes it will be of
Some Service to the Indians,—I Cant relate
things in this Letter,. David must make
a narration of matters,— I am stopped here
by misfortune, my Mare got away from
me, last monday Night, and she is not
found yet,—my Eyes are very Poor again
I have been unable to read or write this whole Month
when I shall get home or how I Cant not tell
Duty, and Sincere respect to all, from
Samson Occom
Fort Herkimer}
September the 25 1761}
Rev. Eleazar Wheelock
[gap: tear][guess: To]
The Rev. [guess: Eleazar Wheelock]
Lebanon [gap: tear]