David Crosby, letter to Eleazar Wheelock, 1769 August 19

Author Crosby, David

Date19 August, 1769

Call Number769469

abstractCrosby writes to introduce his brother William, who wishes to enter the school.

handwritingHandwriting is formal and clear, yet letter case is frequently difficult to decipher, especially with regard to the letter S.

paperLarge sheet folded in half to make four pages is in good condition, with light-to-moderate creasing, staining and wear.

inkBlack-brown.

noteworthyIn instances where there is some question as to whether a word is spelled with an “e” or an undotted “i,” an “e” has been used. The right edge of two recto shows on the scan of one recto. It is possible that when Crosby refers to his father, he is in fact referring to his father-in-law (Crosby's wife's maiden name was Thomas).

signatureLetter is signed David Crosbey, as opposed to the verified spelling, Crosby.

layoutThe first page of letter is on one recto, but second page of letter is on two recto, not one verso.

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

Persistent Identifier
Reverend and honoured Doctor
After due respects to you, and yours in their several characters,
I beg leave to inform you that I had wrote you a Line about
three weeks ago, in which I gave you to understand that my
little Brother William had come a long journey to see me, and also
hinted his views and motives herein. viz the Hopes he had entertained
(after reading your narrative of the Foundation, rise, and design of the Indian
charity School
at Lebanon) of your taking him under your Patronage
I gave you further to understand that I proposed to bring or send him
soon to solicit your friendship for him. unless I should
first receive a Line from you advising otherwise.
A favorable opportunity of sending him (with my wifes Brother
Joel and sister Sibbel who are on a visit here) does now present. and not
having heard from you since I wrote, I have ventured to send him to you
and join with him in requesting your friendship and Favour for him.
If you should please to question the Child you will doubt
less soon be satisfied in his ardent desires after knowledge and
of exercising his little talents for god's glory and the good of
mankind. I am satisfied the Child is better able to give you a satis
fying account of his circumstances and desires than I am, and think
best there to leave the Event. Only I would add thus much, I
believe the simplicity, openness and freeness of the Childs disposition
will render him Incapable of imposing upon you in anywise or
of putting any false gloss on his own character or circumstances.
If it should be your pleasure to keep the Child a Day or two.
in order to satisfy yourself whether or no he can fill a Place in
your School with any tolerable prospect of furthering the good design
of it. I am content he should stay 'til you know what is best,
otherwise you may send him to my Father Tommas who will
send him home to me so soon as convenient. Or if you should
like to talk with me on the premises you may write a Line
or let Billy write and I will endeavour to wait on you
Blank page.
and if it should be thought necessary for me to go to Hardwick (where
my Mother lives, and where the Child's acquaintance are) to do
any business that may subserve the propose I will go

 I am obliged to break off here and only beg leave
only to subscribe myself. Rev. Sir yours in all respects

 David Crosby
East Hartford
August 19. AD. 1769
Mr. David Crosby's
August 19th 1769

To the Rev.
Eleazar Wheelock
DD at
Lebanon Crank
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