David Jewett, letter, to Andrew Oliver, 1765 June 27

AuthorJewett, David

Date27 June, 1765

Call Number765376.2

abstractJewett writes that his dispute with Occom has been resolved. He excerpts a letter from Occom.

handwritingInformal handwriting is small and occasionally difficult to decipher, yet mostly clear and legible.

paperSingle sheet is in fair condition, with moderate staining, creasing and wear that leads to minor dimming of text.

noteworthyGiven that both the Connecticut Board of Correspondents of the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge and the Company for Propagation of the Gospel in New England and the parts adjacent in America (NEC) are involved in the Jewett Controversy, it is uncertain to which organization Jewett refers when he mentions the "Hon.ble Com̅iſs.rs" and "the Commiſsioners" (one recto, lines 23 and 25-26, respectively), and so these references have been left untagged. However, they are likely the NEC. As is marked, this document is a copy.

EventsJewett Controversy

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

Persistent Identifier
To the Honourable Andrew Oliver Esq.,
Sir,
I'm blamed, extremely blamed, for writing to you
against Mr. Occom; And I blame myself for Saying anything that was
needless for me to say about him. I thought, and do still think, that
it was my proper business to inform you what part he Acted in the
Differences, and difficulties which have arisen at Mohegan, respecting
both the School; and Lectures; nor am I conscious of knowingly mis‐
representing anything to you in his Conduct; though I've reason to
suspect myself in what is Matter of Judgement upon it; as I cant
clear myself of having been prejudiced against him: And therefore
hope that Nothing will be laid up against him merely from my Opinion
of him. Besides, Sir, I must in faithfulness relate what has
occurred since I wrote to you. At a meeting of the Correspondents, in
Lebanon last March, many things which had been publicly reported
of Mr. Occom were discoursed of by the gentlemen of that Board; and some things
which they apprehended he was to blame in were pointed out to him.
He submitted to their judgement, and promised a strict regard to their counsel.
More particularly, those things which had been grievous to me in his Con‐
duct at Mohegan, were debated before them. He Acknowledged his Mis‐
conduct in the Manner of rejecting their schoolmaster; declared his in‐
nocence as to any Intention of promoting the Separation at Mohegan;
or elsewhere; That it was his desire, and should be his endeavour to pro‐
mote my usefulness among the Indians; That he never understood the
pleasure of the Honourable Commissioners to be otherwise than that he should Settle
his family upon his own Lands at Mohegan; Nor was it with any
view of making Overtures contrary the appointment of the Com‐
missioners, that he came there. And as to his Saying "that he would
turn churchman and be above the ministers around, or the like, as
was reported, he declared it was spoke only in Jest, and in a way of
Banter arising from the present dissensions: had two who were pre‐
sent when he spoke it, testified that they understood him in no other Light
Upon the whole Mr. Occom, and I renewed our friendship, and in the
presence of the Board, burnt the Papers of Controversy. As I had laid
before you what dashed my Hopes concerning him, I proposed to offer
you what had now revived them; and promised to write you as soon
as I could. I Accordingly wrote the next Week, and went to
Norwich in hopes of Conveyance, but was disappointed. I had no
other Intention but to embrace the first Opportunity to send it; but
before any presented, (being loath to send by the Post) I took notice
that Mr. Occom still forsook my Lectures, which I promised myself he
would Attend, for as I said, I had his promise "That to his best
discretion, he would endeavour to promote my Services [illegible] among
the Indians: and I had instanced [illegible] that to him as a Proof I should
look for; and what I was ready to think, would have the happiest In‐
fluence. This has occasioned the long delay; nor has he once
attended my Lectures since, 'til today, when I received the following Letter.
Mohegan June 26 1765.
Rev. Sir,
You are very sensible of the difficult situation of
our Indians , Old Prejudices are not dead, but rather revive of
late, and new bias have sprung up, And it is very difficult to deal with them.

with them. There needs a great deal of Christian policy (If I may
so express myself) And this is one reason why I have not as yet
attended Your Lecture; And indeed I should before now, if you
did not delay writing to the Honourable Commissioners of Boston. And it is
my purpose to attend your Lecture, as business, and Peregrinations will
permit. And will by degrees, endeavour to conciliate the Indians;
only let me not be drove, and urged to it too hard, And I shall not
be wanting in your Service — only let me be assured of a Friend,
if not, I must defend myself as I can. This is from
Your sincere and very humble servant

To the Rev. David Jewett.
PS. You may communicate what you please
of this to the Honourable Commissioners of Boston
I shall add but this, That I hope his future Conduct
will witness for him to your Honourable Board, to this Government, and to
the World. Pray forgive my tediousness, and still give me leave
as occasion shall call for, to spread my Complaints before you.
I'm not only heartily wearied, but almost distracted, with Con‐
tentions; But when I am myself,

I'm
 With dutiful respect to the Honourable Board
 Your ready servant

David Jewett

Mr. Jewett's Letter to the
Honourable Andrew Oliver Esq.
June 26th 1765
about occom
A Copy.

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