Joseph Woolley, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1765 February 9
Author
Woolley, Joseph
Date9 February, 1765
ms number765159.2
abstractWoolley writes that the two boys who were to come to the school are
delayed because of winter snow and the risk of smallpox. He also remarks on the
progress
of his mission, his admiration for the Tuscaroras, and the wish of the Oneidas
at Chenango
to have Samuel Ashpo return to them.
handwritingHandwriting is largely clear and legible.
paperWide sheet, folded vertically to make four pages, is in good
condition, with light yellowing and wear. A large portion of the seal
remains.
inkBrown-black.
noteworthyThis letter is a follow-up to 765159.1, written on the same
day by Woolley. It is not wholly certain that the two letters were written
by the
same hand, although it is likely.
Modernized Version
Deletions removed; additions added in;
modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
After
Peter told me
the two Tuscarora Boys were
going with him and had written the first Letter I was told
that he had now bidden them to stay until he returns,
and if he likes the Place will come and fetch them. What
he intends to do with the two I cannot tell for they
live as he goes on his Way to
New
England. But I believe
this is the reason why he left them, because I had said it
was hard for them to go seeing they never had the Small
Pox and I
was not willing they Should carry it to your
house. Moreover they were naked and the season is very
bad — they have not blankets enough at home to keep them
warm — and what is this — they have
to go Matter of hundred
Miles through the Woods — the Snow three Foot deep.
I said this after the Sachem had concluded they should go — and the eagerness of their going. I pitied the poor Children — and knew I should be in
the Blame if they caught the Pox and carried it to your house.
The
Tuscaroras are People of Civilty, I like them exceeding
well, some of them had a Mind I should live with them
but I could not, seeing I was sent to learn the
Mohawks Lan
guage and they have many kindness towards me
Sir I cannot satisfy you in writing, I had rather talk with
you Face to Face. Many Things I want
to say I cannot
commit to Paper
Peter is
in great hurry
I went to
Chenango which is about 15 Miles, about the
28
of November to see my Relations, and tarried a Week; they
inquired
of me what became of
Samuel
Ashpo, that used to come
among them, "we want to see him very much and hear the
Word of God preached unto us; they wanted to know when he
would come again. I told them I did not know,
peradventure
he may come next Spring.
I have not a quarter
discharged, his Being in haste,
I have not the exercise of my Faculty; but if you can
understand my Meaning it is well etc. I am
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