Elijah Backus, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1769 July 25

Author Backus, Elijah

Date25 July, 1769

Call Number769425

abstractBackus writes that, although he is willing to take on an Indian apprentice, it is not the right season for smith work.

handwritingInformal handwriting is loose yet mostly legible. However, letter case is frequently difficult to discern, and on some superscripts, the writer simply adds a looping figure, as if to indicate letters rather than actually writing them out.

paperSmall single sheet is in good condition, with light-to-moderate staining, creasing and wear.

inkBrown.

noteworthyThere is a random calculation on one verso.

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

Persistent Identifier

Reverend Sir
I received yours yesterday by the Indian Lad
Should be willing to do anything in my Power to assist
In that laudable Design you are engaged in of not only
Christianizing the Heathen natives but Instructing them
in the [illegible] [guess: make work] arts — but it is not the right Season
of the year for the boy to be instructed here—from this time
'til the latter End of September is a Season we do but little work
at the Smiths trade as the weather is hot and the water low So
that I do not think it will be profitable for the boy to
Stay now If you Should think Proper to Send him afterward
will use my endeavours to instruct him what I Can—

From Rev. Sir your
 Most Humble Servant

 Elijah Backus
Capt. Elijah Backus's
July 25. 1769

To
The Rev. Eleazar Wheelock
at
Lebanon

Mr. Backus

35
9.15
£26"5
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