Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to David Fowler, 1767 December 17

Author Wheelock, Eleazar

Date17 December, 1767

Call Number767667.4

abstractWheelock addresses David Fowler’s request for £5, and admonishes Fowler for selling tools given by donors.

handwritingFormal hand is clear and legible; it is not Wheelock’s hand. The trailer, however, is in Wheelock's hand.

paperSmall sheet is in good condition, with light staining, creasing and wear.

inkBlack.

noteworthyGiven that there is no address, and that the letter is not in Wheelock’s hand, excepting the trailer, this is likely Wheelock’s own copy of the letter.

signatureSignature does not appear to be in Wheelock’s hand.

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

Persistent Identifier

Sir.
Yours of 16th instant is this minute come to
hand, in which you desire me to pay you £5 for tools and other
things which Mr. Kirkland had of you: which is the first I ever
heard of anything being due to you. on that account — Mr.
Kirkland
sent me an inventory of the things you left, but
said nothing about my paying you for them — before you
left me I asked you what you desired or expected I
would do for you; and you said, nothing more than to
pay you the two guineas, which I paid you.
I supposed it was reasonable you should have some further
consideration for your service; and purposed to do it,
when I could be advised what was reasonable: In which
case I designed to consult Mr. Kirkland.
As to those tools etc. I dont think you had a right to sell
them, as they were given only with a view to accommodate
you on your mission; and it was supposed that your com­
panions in the wilderness would reap the benefit of them,
as well as you. Nor do I think they (the donors) would be
pleased if they should hear that they were disposed of, or
converted to any other purpose; and especially to support
you in the service of another board.
You know I never denied you anything for your support
or comfort, within my power; and always told you to ask me
freely for anything that was needful for you; and was always glad
when I could oblige you: but you know the money which
I
I have is christs, and I am only a steward and factor for him:
what he owes I am ready to pay when I understand
it is due.
I have received a collection of books for my
missionaries and schoolmaster — a choice collection indeed!
Three books upon music, which by my influence
are sent you in particular by Mr. Knibb I herewith send you.
I hope you will be an instrument of much
good at Montauk — give my love to your aged
Parents, from
Your Friend etc.
Eleazar Wheelock
P.S. It was so late when the boy got here, and the
weather so very cold that I advised him to stay till morning
Give my Love to Mrs. Occom
Letter to David Fowler.
December 17.th 1767.
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