Tobias Shattock, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1767 November 30
Date30 November, 1767
Call 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.
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.
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.
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.
Tobias Shattock