Nathaniel Whitaker, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1764 August 11

Author Whitaker, Nathaniel

Date11 August, 1764

ms number764461

abstractA somewhat testy (partial) letter from Nathaniel Whitaker to Eleazar Wheelock details the controversy brewing between Occom and David Jewett.

handwritingLargely clear and tidy with several abbreviations.

paperGood condition with light wear around edges.

noteworthyLetter is not complete; there is a fragment of note added on back, in different ink/hand.

EventsBuilding of Occom’s house, Jewett Controversy

Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.

Persistent Identifier
Rev. and Dear brother
I just now am informed by Mr. Lyman that you Sent me a letter yesterday by a direct conveyance which is never like to arrive that I know of — Mr. Jewett and Occom were here on Thursday, and waited till night almost — but no Wheelock I happened to have a fine line of Lamb well dressed for your Dinner, which I Shall charge to you — though Mr. Jewett etc. eat it — Mr. Occom, in hopes to find you, came up again yesterday morning — you are So stingy of your Schemes that I know nothing — why you called Mr.Jewett, etc. is it in or­ der to Send either of us on a mission to the Turks? for it seems you can mend all that others do amiss, or leave undone.
It may be you would have Mr. Occom an house built — I should be glad to have it done — am disposed to do everything in my Power to promote it — believe I can do but little among my people to get help by labour or otherwise, indeed I can hardly desire them, they are So poor — It may be Something might be done gratis by Some in town But the great difficulty lies in the disaffection which arises from, his neglect of Mr. Jewett, and his lec­ tures — my dear brother, I really fear that Mr. Occom does not do well in this — I wish you could See brother Jewett — he told me Thursday evening, that Occom had not only broke up the School So that there were but 3 children that attended — but his lectures also So that but 3 or 4 attended them — and that he behaves haughtily towards him (inter nos) but he can inform you better himself I have advised Mr. Occom to treat Mr. Jewett with freedom, and go to his house as he had invited him; and if he could not be free pub­licly, yet that privately he might confer — but he looks on Mr. Jewett as having injured the indians — and improved some of their land and is, I fear, too credulous of Indian stories —You may be Sure of my friendship to Occom, but I must be just, and I really believe that Mr. Jewett acts with the greatest tenderness possible — Mr. Jewett must write the commissioners of the State of the School, but I persuaded
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