Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Samson Occom, 1772 June 16

Author Wheelock, Eleazar

Date16 June, 1772

Call Number772366

abstractWheelock urges Occom to go on the mission to Muskingum, adding that he has no doubt John Thornton will clear Occom of debt.

handwritingHandwriting is small yet relatively clear, with some deletions and additions.

paperLarge single sheet is in fair condition, with moderate creasing, and water damage that results in some loss of text.

inkBlack-brown ink is somewhat faded.

noteworthyAn editor, likely 19th-century, has added notes to one recto; these notes have not been transcribed.

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

Persistent Identifier
My dear Mr. Occom.
The prospects of the present mission which the
Bearers have now undertaken to Muskingham appear
more and more encouraging. and I am almost persuaded
you will be fired with Such Zeal to help it forward as
will induce you to break through many and great Difficul-
-ties to embark with them in it.
If you will conclude upon it and Set yourself to prepare
for it, they will do any thing they can do consistently
to help you forward. and I will give orders to Capt.
Backus
to let you have Such clothing, and horse etc. etc.
as Shall be necessary for you or your family to the
amount of ₤50. pounds, which he will do at the cheapest
Rate it can be afforded at, and if you are now in the
arrears as to Debt, please to let me know what it is and
I will recommend your case to Esq. Thornton who I
doubt not will, agreeable to what he has so kindly expressed
towards you, either clear you of Debt out of his private
interest or See it done Some other way. — —
 Who [illegible] knows my dear man what glorious things are
in the womb of Providence, and ready to be brought forth
by your instrumentality. I have a precious number of
youths preparing for the Service, designed to follow one
another as fast as Doors shall be opened for them. and
who knows but that in a few years we may have a string
of godly missionaries and schoolmasters from Muskingham
to Montreal.
It Seems to me my dear Sir If I were at Liberty
from my Chains as you are and had your Color and
Tongue that the offer of Crowns and Kingdoms
would

would not withold me from taking my part with
them in the glorious cause.
It is my Judgment that your Brother David Fowler, has
no Door of usefulness open that exhibits in any measure the
prospect as this does, nor of comfort and good to his
Family. I understand it is but a Small pittance he has
from the Boston Board, and must be but a tenant on
the Lands which he improves — Whereas here is a most
fertile Soil and enough of it for him only for having it.
I will do by him as I proposed in my former Letter to you,
ie will give him at the Rate of ₤50. per annum, while
he continues in the Service of School master and his
pay begin from the Time he sets out, 'til he leaves the
School. and if he will engage in the Service he shall
take [gap: stain] half of Capt. Backus when he sets out.
every Member of this College and School have with
the greatest cheerfulness agreed to Spend Special seasons
of prayer for the missionaries and success of their missions
to begin half an hour after Six o Clock on Saturday Evening
and at the Same hour on sabbath Evening of which
these Young Gentlemen can give you a more full and
particular account — to whom I must also refer you
for an account of all my Affairs.
please accept kindest Salutations to yourself and
your real Friend and Serv[gap: faded][guess: ant]
Eleazar Wheelock
Rev. Samson Occom. June 16: 1772

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