Daniel Simon, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1771 September

Author Simon, Daniel

Date1771-09

ms number771540

abstractSimon writes a plain-spoken letter stating that if he is not allowed to pursue his studies rather than work, he will find another school.

handwritingHandwriting is small and uneven, yet mostly clear and legible.

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

inkBlack.

noteworthyNotations at the top of one recto appear to be modern, and so they have not been included in the transcription.

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

Persistent Identifier
I I now make bould to write to the moſt Reverend Doctor, when I Came friſt to this School, I underſtood that this School was for to bring up Such Indians, as was not able to bring up themſelves, but the ^doctor^ is to learn then them to work, but I have been to work Ever Since I have been able; and therefore if the doctor will let me follow my Studys, I Shall be thinkful, as I underſtood the doctor. when I talked with him, that we muſt work as much as to pay our way; and if we Should, what good will the Charity money do the Indians; wich was given to them, if we poor Indians Shall work as much as to pay for our learning, we Can go Some other pace, as good as here for learning, if we are ablie to work and pay for our learning, and I Say now, wo unto that poor Indian; or white man that Should Ever Com to this School, with out he is rich; I write as I think,
Blank page.
and the doctor muſt not get mad with me, as I am a going to tell the doctor, what I think. I intend to deal with the doctor, as honneſt is Ever the doctor had a Indian, and if the doctor dont let me follow my Studys more that I have don; I muſt leave the School, I Cannot Speand my time here, I am old, and I muſt improve all the time I Can if I undertake to get learning, and if I Cannot get learning here as I underſtood I might; I have no buſineſs [illegible] ^[left]here,^ and I muſt leave the School and if the doctor will let me go home to Charles tow^n^, this fall I ^will will^ Strive to get Sum body to pay the doctor, his money for my learn‐ing, and if I Cannot I will Com back, and pay the doctor for the jorney; and I will go to Studing arithmetic this winter, and in the Spring I will go a mong the Indians if the doctor and I Can agree, and if So be I Can get any body to pay for my learn‐ing I Shall follow my Studes, and if I Cannot I muſt leave the School, and if I have a Rong underſtaning of this Schoot, I am willing to acknowledge but I belive I have not and So I writ no more but
your moſt Dutiful pupil Daniel Simon
I should be glad if the doctor will give an anſwer to this
[left]From Dan.l Simons Septr 1771.
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