Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to the Narrangansett tribe, 1767 March 3
Date3 March, 1767
Call Number767203.2
abstractWheelock writes to the Naragansett council requesting that they give their approval to Tobias and John Shattock remaining at school.
handwritingHandwriting is somewhat informal, with some additions and deletions.
inkBlack ink is bold and bleeds through the paper.
paperMedium-sized single sheet is in good condition, with light creasing, staining and wear.
noteworthyGiven the informal hand, and the lack of both an address and seal, this document appears to be a copy or draft.
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
To the Council of
The Narragansett
Tribe of Indians. in the Colony of Rhode Island
My Brethren.
is one of your Council) has been in my School
More than two months.
and has made great Proficiency in Reading and
writing. I find he is a great Friend indeed both
to your Spiritual and Temporal interest. and
he has good Abilities, is Steady, prudent and
Judicious. and appears to be endowed with great
honesty and Integrity. And if God Spares his
Life it Looks likely he may be an instru
ment of much good in the world, especially
to his own Nation. his Brother John also
pleases me very much. and I have a great desire
that they Should both tarry in my School, until they
are accomplished with a good Degree of Learn
ing. So as to be able to feed you with Knowledg[gap: worn_edge][guess: e]
and understanding. and I should be glad if you
would show your minds and give your Advices in
this matter, in council. for that would make them
more easy, as I find that Toby is not willing
to do anything to disoblige his Nation, for
whom he seems disposed to do everything in
his Power. His living with me will cost him
nothing
Letter to the Council of the
Narragansett Indians
March 3rd 1767.
he shall be at Liberty to Serve his Redeemer
with it, among his own People if he pleases.
which is an offer beyond what I am wont to
make to my Scholars. and as he learns very
fast it is likely I may be able to fit him to
preach the Gospel to the Indians in a few
years. please to Send me an answer to this
as soon as you can.
I have now Several of your Children. I
hope they will all do well. but for Time to
come I dont purpose to take any from Your
Tribe but such as You (the Council) shall
recommend as likely, and of good repute among
you. It is a pity to be at great pains and throw
away Christs money upon such as will be good
for nothing when I have done all I can
for them. —
I give my Love to you all. It gives me joy
to hear that there are a number among you
who Love our Lord Jesus Christ. I have great
hope that God designs to build you up.
Your Real Friend and Brother
Eleazar Wheelock