Solomon Williams, letter, to Andrew Oliver, 1750 April 16
Date16 April, 1750
Call Number750266
abstractWilliams writes to Oliver that he has advised Occom, who has been successfully teaching the Indians at Montauk for the last six months, to remain with them and await orders from the Commissioners. He includes an extract of a letter from Azariah Horton asking for an extension of Occom's services.
handwritingFormal handwriting is very neat and clear; it is not Williams's. The trailer, however, is in Williams's hand.
paperLarge sheet folded in half to make four pages is in good-to-fair condition, with light-to-moderate creasing, staining and wear. Repair work has been done to particularly heavy creases. The watermark is visible on two recto.
inkBlack-brown ink has corroded the paper near the top of one recto.
noteworthyAs is noted on one recto and two verso, this document is a copy.
EventsOccom’s Mission to the Montauketts
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
Honoured Sir
that Samson Occom the Indian under your care was with
me on Saturday last from Long Island, where he has been
keeping school among the Indians at Montauk for
6 months past. He tells me he has had about 40 Children
who have steadily attended his school and made good profici=
‐ency, and the Indians have given him his board and
about £10 York money, and some English People have con=
tributed 40[illegible][guess: s] more. The Indians are very desirous of his
continuance in the School 6 months longer and offer
him £13 York money; I am informed from Mr. Horton the
Gentleman who has the care of those Indians that Samson
has been serviceable to them on religious accounts and very
much helped them against some wild enthusiastical Notions
they had been led into by some foolish Indian Exhorters, and
given them more just thoughts of the nature of Religion.
I am told by Samson that Mr. Pemberton and Burr are
desirous to have him in the Jersies. His eyes have been at
times something better but are not so well as that He ca[gap: tear][guess: n]
pursue his Studies. I have advised him to go back to
the Indians at Montauk, but not to engage for any
certain time 'til the pleasure of the Commissioners be known —
with due respects I am
Solomon Williams
September 6. 1750. to the Rev. Mr. Solomon Williams which he sent
forward for the Government of the Commissioners
"Occom to your care and advice, and his half years agree=
"ment with my People being almost expired I now use
"the freedom to advise you by a Line with respect to his
"continuance among them –– I most humbly and
"importunately beg your countenance and leave in the
"Affair.
Samson Occom be permitted to keep the School at Mon=
tauk for 6 months longer.
And on 5 May 1751. Consented to his going to the Jersies and from thence to Susquehanna, Mr. Williams having
first mentioned the thing, if not approving, yet
expressing no dislike to the Proposal, since which
I do not remember ever to have received a Line from Mr.
Williams about it, and verily believe I never did as I
am always careful to file all Letters which concern
the Commissioners
your most obedient servant
Andrew Oliver
Boston 24 August 1751.
Honourable Mr. Secretary Willard.