Robert Clelland, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1764 January 21
Date21 January, 1764
ms number764121
abstractClelland writes an indignant letter complaining that the Mohegan sachem has denigrated Clelland's teaching. Clelland believes certain parties are angling to replace him with Occom.
handwritingHandwriting is formal and clear.
paperLarge single sheet is in good condition, with light staining, creasing and wear.
inkBlack-brown
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
Persistent Identifier
Mohegan in
New London
January 21st 1764
Rev.
and
Dear Sir
O our Drunken sachem has gone to Mr. Jewett with a number of Complaints against me, too numerous to
mention, but as they are base and unjust., I am resolved to have the whole tribe —
called, and all taken under the consideration of Mr. Jewett
and Some other ministers, Esq.
Adams
etc. for I will not lie under his Calum‐‐ny being conscious to myself, I am not only capable but faithful, and the fault of the desired success, shall lie at the right door; among other things he says you said you wondered my Children did not profit
like yours. Sir can it be expected that Children can make such proficiency, when they are mostly from school, running about under no Government, as Children that are kept under the masters care night and day, Sure I am you never would say so, as
you have mentioned in your Narrative the Contrary: God who is the Searcher of hearts, etc. him I appeal, that with sincerity and
faithfulness (though with much
weakness
and imperfection) I have discharged my Duty; I am capable to be of very great
Service to this people if I meet with proper encouragement, But we have a sachem does much hurt, goes about begging
cider
and Rum, getting drunk and lying all night in barns, enticing
and
setting bad example before other / young / indians, Going on contrary to all
council, advice, and reproof, Bold in sin, and trampling on the Laws of God and man, as if he were above Law, minding
nothing that is good, all he is after, is the profits of Mohegan to consume upon his lusts; Some intimations are made that
they want me out, in order Mr.
Occom (who is coming here to live), may keep School; It was but last
spring Mr.
Occom told me that though he came to live in Mohegan, he would
not take the School, but do all in his power to Support and
encourage it, if so I shall rejoice at his coming, I must observe that
the sachem formerly commended my faithfulness beyond Mr. Lethem at Niantic
and any children that comes from there — on a visit, I can’t find reads near so well as mine; Had I Children that would regularly attend, I would show what
I could do, I Humbly beg your answer and advice, May God preserve you, bless
your valuable consort, and make your Children ornaments and
useful
my spouse joins me in our regards to Madam Self and Children
I am Rev.
Sir
your most obedient humble
Servant
Robert Clelland
Ashpo is not come home, I lie in Debt for near 50/ for work and pork to him before he went his mission
Robert Clelland
NB I must acquaint you, that I have invited the youth to come and I would be as a catechist for them, I have a small talent in that respect, and take pleasure in it, but meet with no encouragement in any good design,
they are a stiff‐necked rebellious people I received yours by David
Fowler
after I wrote this and shall
acquaint
Mr. prince who shall wait your
convenience
and
leisure, as I said by march I intend to have Esq.
Adams
Mr. Byles
Mr.
Whitaker to meet with
Mr. Jewett
and to answer
Ben’s imputations, and I wish you could attend, I shall inform you the time of meeting
Robert Clelland
January
21st
1764.
To The Rev.
Mr.
Eleazar Wheelock minister of the Gospel
Lebanon
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