Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Dennys DeBerdt, 1761 May 4
ms-number761304.1
abstractWheelock writes that he is seeking an incorporation, and that Occom
has preached in Wheelock’s pulpit prior to leaving for his mission to the Oneidas.
handwritingHandwriting is relatively clear, with some deletions and
additions.
paperLarge sheet is in good condition, with light-to-moderate
creasing, staining and wear.
inkBlack-brown.
signatureInitials.
noteworthyGiven the number of additions and deletions, the lack of an
address, and the abbreviated signature, this document is likely a copy or
draft.
EventsOccom’s First Mission to the Oneidas
Modernized Version
Deletions removed; additions added in;
modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
Boston
4th May. 1761
My Honoured
and Dear Sir
Yours of May 17. And August 29. 1760. both came to Hand Since I came to this Town. I have such a crowd of business that I cant now attend to write you
particularly but will do it as soon as I can get leisure. in general My School
flourishes
and our prospects
still greater and greater. I am going to discourse his Excellency the Governor
and
Lieutenant Governor of this Province on the
Affair, of an Incorporation. We have thought it of Importance that we should be capable of the Tenure and
disposal of Lands
etc. but perhaps we Shall find no need of any Hand but in him whose is the
fullness of the Earth, and who gives and dis poses of it as he will. we have joyful Symptoms in Several Places in Connecticut that another glorious day of Gods Power and Special Grace is at the Door. —
The hopes and Expectations of many among us are much raised that we shall Soon See greater Trophies of the Redeemers victories in North America than there have been of his
Majesty's
late glorious conquests
[guess: to] the Northward
The door is now set wide open for the design. Nothing is now wanting but missionaries Interpreters and Money. their Youth must come to us or ours go to them to be fitted for that Purpose. and it cant be without
expense. My black Son Mr. Occom
preached in My Pulpit [illegible][guess: 5]. Sabbaths ago to a full
assembly. and to good acceptance. a rare Sight and Such an one as was never seen in Connecticut before he is
going on a mission
to the Oneidas. Supported by
a Number of
gentlemen in New York
Government – I purpose to send one of my
scholars with him in order to accompany some well chosen youth from remote tribes to this school.
dear Sir do write as often as you can Your Letters have done
much good. Your Name is known and is dear to many here. when I see
Mr. Peters I will Inform
him as to the 5. guineas
etc. Our purchases on
Delaware and Susquehanna have chosen
Colonel Dyar their agent who is to embark for Europe as soon as
received
and
recovered of the Small pox by inoculation
and has made himself
ready — I am in utmost
haste.
Yours Most Affectionately In Our Common Lord
EW.
Letter to
Mr. DeBerdt
May 1761