George Whitefield, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1764 September 5

Author Whitefield, George

Date5 September, 1764

ms number764505

abstractWhitefield writes that he cannot support Occom and his companion in their intended mission, and that he doubts the wisdom of moving Occom from Mohegan.

handwritingHandwriting is large and clear.

paperSingle sheet folded in half to make four pages is in good-to-fair condition, with light wear and staining, and light-to-heavy creasing. There is some repair work on heavy creases; however, the central crease is beginning to separate.

inkBrown.

noteworthyIt is uncertain to whom Whitefield refers when he mentions Occom's "companion." It is possibly Samuel Ashpo, but more likely David Fowler. The trailer is in an unknown hand. On one verso, there is affixed a small printed label reading "Gift of Mrs. Thomas C. Esty." On two recto, an address appears to be written in pencil overwritten in brown-black ink.

signatureLetter is signed with initials.

layoutThe first page of the letter is written on one recto, but the second page of the letter is written on two verso, not one verso. The first page is written in portrait orientation, but the second page is written in landscape orientation.

Persistent Identifier
My very D.r Friend
I am sorry to in­form you that I can by no means forward M.r Oc­cam & His Companion in their intended Miſsion. In the judgement of all that I have mention'd it to, it will be fruitleſs because the Hunting sea­son is so soon, and their return must be so spee­dy — Money I believe might be got even Here, but, should such an imprudent scheme be publickly mention'd it w.d hurt You, & utterly prevent my serv­ing you for the future — Indeed I cannot help thinking but it was quite wrong to move M.r Oc­cum from Mohegan especially without inform­
ing me of it first — How He is to be supported You know best — But for my own part I cannot in conscience ask for any thing where I do not see a proper call — The plan of taking Him & another to England is still upon my mind — But I must first see some ra­tional proposal made on this side of the water — Otherwise I must content myself with wishing You well even in those things of whose propriety I have no conviction in my own mind — M.r Pemberton absolutely confined His Donation to defray the expenses of the School — Excuse enlarging because I am so weak — Let my last con­vince You that as far as lies in my power, & as far as my own consci­ence is convinced You shall always be serv'd by, my very d.r Friend,
Yours &c&c in our Glori ous Emanuel GW
ps Perhaps I may move to Philadelphia next week — I expect to see Mr Smith soon —
Blank page.
(GW i.e. G. W.)
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