David Fowler, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1765 May 29

Author Fowler, David

Date29 May, 1765

ms number765329.2

abstractFowler reports on the progress of the mission at Oneida. He writes that Joseph Woolley was appointed schoolmaster at Onaquaga, and expresses concern for Mr. Kirtland.

handwritingAs Fowler notes, he has no writing table; his handwriting is therefore somewhat messy, but it is largely clear and legible.

paperLarge sheet folded in half to make four pages is in good-to-fair condition, with light-to-moderate staining, creasing and wear.

inkBrown-black.

noteworthyIt is uncertain to whom Fowler refers when he mentions "Master" in his closing salutation, though it is possibly Rodulphus Wheelock.

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

Persistent Identifier
Rev. & honoured Sir,
After much Fatigue and discouragement by the Way I reached here last Sabbath Day in the Morning. I got up to Johnson Hall 11th instant, delivered all what you sent by me both money and letters to Mr. Kirkland. — His Honour Sir William Johnson was in such great business that we could not speak to him under five Days.
— I have been down to Onaquaga to get those Boys Jo­seph appointed to go down to School, but I could get none of them. Some said they had too much Work to do and others said that I came away too soon and some said they will let their Chil­dren go school there little while and then they'll send them: I suppose they would send their Children if I waited two or three Weeks; but I was unwilling to tarry so long for the Gentlemen's Motion.
—I have settled Joseph Woolley with his Help a School ­ master at Onaquaga, he is greatly beloved there, it will be best for him to return as soon as possible. He has done nothing there worth mentioning besides learning their language.— We heard how he was settled last Fall; I understood when I was down that there was no such thing mentioned.— Mr. Kirkland is gone up to Seneca Country again; he set out from this Place 24th instant and with a heavy Heart: things go on contrary to his Mind.— I am greatly concerned about him. — He took my horse up with him, he told me that he would bear all the Blame; for he should kill himself if he carried all what he wanted up on his Back. — I believe he will send the little Creature very soon by those men whom Sir William sent to fetch down the English prisoners from that Place. I understood so much about our ministers when I was down to Onaquaga, I think it will not do for them to go together they must be separate: one of them must come up here, and the other to Onaquaga, If they should go together from Place to Place their coming will be to none affect: because they expect the ministers will settle & tarry with them.— They are suspicious People, they'll soon get something another against them if they don't tarry in one Place [illegible][guess: that] will strike off all they Affections from them: If they lose the Affections of these People it is over with them.— I can't express myself by writing as I could by talking.— I live like a Dog here. my Folks are poor and nasty, I eat with Dogs, for, they eat and drink out of the same as I do.— — I shall need ten Dollars more. It would best for Calvin to
come here. here is one pretty Town just by me and good many Children. I must go down to German­ Flatts to get provisions. after that I shall set down to my School. Here are great number of Children, but I can't tell you how many Scholars I shall have. I believe my singing School will exceed the other in Number, I can't get but one boy here. — You will know why I could get no more by the speech I send you. Joseph Woolley is almost naked I am obliged to let him have one of my Shirts. —
I shall be glad you would send me another Sir, I hope you won't let this Letter be seen, I have no Table to write upon, besides I have not writ so long my Hand is out of order.— Please to give my kind respects to Madam, Master and ministers. Please to accept much Love and Duty from
your affectionate though unworthy Pupil David Fowler
Blank page.
David Fowlers of May 20 1765. with the doings of the Chiefs—
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