Tobias Shattock, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1767 November 30
Author
Shattock, Tobias
Date30 November, 1767
ms number767630.2
abstractShattock writes that the Trustees appointed by the Rhode Island
General Assembly have decided to sell enough of the Narragansetts’ land to pay
their
Sachem Ninegret’s debts. Fearing their ruin, the Narragansetts are sending Shattock
to
London to raise funds.
handwritingFormal handwriting is clear and legible. The handwriting is
the same as on 765566.1, 767115.1, 767552, 767559, 767562.2, 767660.2, and
possibly 767231 and 767251. It is likely that of Edward Deake, schoolmaster
at
Charlestown. It is occcasionally difficult to decipher whether superscript
punctuations are periods or underlines.
paperLarge single sheet is in good condition, with light staining,
creasing and wear.
inkBold black.
Modernized Version
Deletions removed; additions added in;
modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
I received Yours of the
9th Instant in Six days after date,
and shall endeavour to send the Boys according to your
desire. — When I shall return to my Study I can't tell at
present. The
general Assembly, at their last sessions
appointed five Trustees, and past an Act, that there shall
be as much of our Land sold, as will remit the
Sachems
debts, and cost of Conveyance, which in my apprehension
will ruin the
Tribe. — That our
Tribe
insists upon my go‐
ing to
England for redress, and have furnished me with wri‐
tings for the purpose; but whether we can raise money suf‐
ficient I
can't tell: the want of that may prove a final
stop to us. If we can't raise it among ourselves
between
this and Spring, I'll try if my Friends abroad will com‐
miserate our case; if not we must give the point up.
I've informed my Brethren, that you have so far commi‐
serated our Case as to say, that if we could do no better
You would Send our case to the
Earl of Dartmouth
your‐
self, which greatly won the affection of our People: yet they
choose (if possible) to complete their design without burdening
their Friends too much. —
If we can do no more, we
Shall try to Secure what we are in possession of, and dispose
of the Same, and
embrace
Sir William's offer. Since we have
had encouragement from Gentlemen in other Govern‐
ments, the Indians that Stands for the
Sachem rages dread‐
fully, especially
Mr. Garret ('tis Strange that a man
should hate his friends!) however his influence is
but small among us. — As I thought 'twas best for
Molly to return, have advised her too, and
suppose She will. — Her be‐
havior has been commendable
Since She has been down.
I told
Charles's Father you thought 'twas best for
Charles to live with a
good Farmer
a year or two, which seemed to affront them, that they wont send him again; not‐
withstanding I told them he would continue a member of the
School, and afterwards learn
a good Trade if it Suited him.