David McClure and Levi Frisbie, letter, to Samson Occom, 1772 May 28
Date28 May, 1772
ms number772328
abstractMcClure and Frisbie write to suggest that Occom join them on the mission soon to be undertaken near the Ohio.
handwritingHandwriting is small, yet formal and clear.
paperSingle sheet is in fair-to-poor condition, with moderate-to-heavy creasing, staining and wear.
inkBrown-black ink fades in and out.
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
Persistent Identifier
Dartmouth College
May 28, 1772 —
Rev.
and dear sir //
To Rev.
Samson OccomMay
28. 1772
You have doubtless been informed of the desire of the Indians who live near the Ohio, to have english missio‐naries
Come among them to instruct them in the great truth of the
Gospel
and of the applications they have repeatedly made in the Synod of New York to send them missio‐naries for that purpose; we your friends, educated with reference to the
important design of spreading abroad among them the
knowledge of the only true God and his Son our blessed Redeemer, though in our=selves every way unworthy and unqualified for so important a business were the last week solemly ordained with a design to set out
for that Country in a short time. The undertaking is
great — but we hope we trust in God for support and Strength and that he will mercifully preserve our Lives amid the many dangers we
expect will surround us; We think we are
moved hereto from a desire to be instrumental to reclaim
those poor deluded [illegible][guess: im‐][illegible][guess: matals] from their ignorance and Barbarism to a knowledge of the Gospel. We heartily join in every opening of divine providence for this de‐sirable End.
And as, Sir, we understand that not far from the place where
we are going there are a Tribe of Indians who talk
the Mohegan Language, And where probably a missionary
especially one whose native Language is their own would
meet a kind reception
We would therefore take this opportunity to manifest how very agreeable to us it would be, should you
think but to make a trial with us
. And we are
persuaded that according to human probability the prospect of your being eminently
survivable among them is very great. Your Influence would be much greater
than any english missionary's would be. the prejudice they naturally imbibe and which have among many tribes proved an effectual bar against their cordial
reception of English mis‐sionaries would have no room to exercise itself Should You go . We shall probably continue some time
among them if we can with safety continue
And we hope, Sir, you will think favourably of such a project and that the Lord
will clear your way and your [illegible]
inclined
to comply with the present agreeable opening. We earnestly
ask your fervent Prayers for us
that God would graciously manifest his favor and guide and direct us through all our way and makes us instrumental of great Good among the Heathen.
[illegible]
[illegible: [guess: are]] with much Affection and Esteem Your Cordial Wellwisher[illegible: [guess: s]]
in this Lord —
David McClure
Levi Frisbie
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