Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to John Thornton, 1771 September 9
Date9 September, 1771
ms number771509
abstractWheelock thanks Thornton for his assistance, describes the buildings and details expenses for the Charity School. He adds his hopes that Occom has reformed and can be of service again.
handwritingFormal handwriting is not Wheelock's; it is clear and legible. The trailer appears to be in Wheelock's hand.
paperTwo small sheets are in good condition, with light staining, creasing and wear.
inkBlack.
noteworthyThis document is likely Wheelock's own copy.
signatureThe signature is not Wheelock’s.
Persistent Identifier
I thank you for your most endearing Letter of April 26th which I have now before me, & it is like cold water to a thirsty Soul. I wrote you a hasty
line and
undigestd Line, by the hand of my Clerk on my receiving it, while the Bearer was
waiting impatiently for it and now the case is nearly the same, the Bearer being
just setting out on his Journey, & gives me no time but to throw out a few hints. I bleſs God who has honored you with Ability, & has so largely opened your Heart to serve the cause of the Redeemer
with his Goods which he has committed to your stewardship — I find my
confidence in you in that regard has sensibly alleviated my Burden.
The Buildings which I am finishing are no more than are absolutely neceſsary for the School,
& it cant subsist here without them, if I am suc=ceſsful in my Attempt to get the Number of Indian Youth which I hope for as soon as
the house is finished they with the Independant Scholars, I expect will fill the whole & as many Rooms of the private houses which are going forwards
near to it as can be made ready for them
The College or large Building has not been as yet entered upon, but
will likely be neceſsary if God continues his Smiles a few Years, when I hope
& believe a door will be opened to effect it. the Inde==pendant Scholars provide for themselves, & are no
expence to the fund, nor any Impediment any way to the first Object i.e. the
Charity Scholars English & Indian
& it cant be without expence but the contrary.
provision
^[left]Esq.r Thornton.^
provisions must be made for the
Charity Scholars English
& Indians, & it cant be without expence. I am & have been dseeking all aſsistances I can in this matter, but to do it without expence to the fund is not poſsible, nor what I ever expected, and you may depend upon it I shall spend no
more than is absolutely neceſsary for the School. The Saw mill is
finished which will much leſsen the
Expence of what is yet to do, & will likely afford a pretty income to ye School besides.
M.r Occom is now 200 Miles from me. I wrote laſt Winter & again last Spring, & have now desired M.r Avery to make the most prudent Inquiry he could of M.r Occoms moral Character, that I may be advised whither it be
such as that it can consist with the honor of Christ & the reputation of the sacred Character to employ him as a mMiſsionary, & if so I have wrote M.r Occom that I now do &
^as I^ always have, stand ready to do all I can to promote his
comfort &
Usefulneſs therein.
He complained in a letter to me of my writing to you only of his fall,
but nothing in his favor. I hope to be able soon to give you a comfortable Acco.t of him. The wound he has given the dear Cause is yet
bleeding very great & is yet bleeding.
I believe there is no[illegible][guess: w] talk or Jealousy ^in this Country^ that I
have changed my Religion tho' I believe many would rejoice if I should. —
We are paſsing
thro' a rough & thorny way,
our
our days work will be done by & by, & I trust we shall rest together where the wicked will cease from
troubling &c. I am with warmest Affection
Your much obliged and very humble Servant
Eleazar Wheelock
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