Robert Clelland, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1764 January 21
Date21 January, 1764
Call Number764121
abstractClelland writes an indignant letter complaining that the Mohegan sachem has denigrated Clelland's teaching. Clelland believes certain parties are angling to replace him with Occom.
handwritingHandwriting is formal and clear.
paperLarge single sheet is in good condition, with light staining, creasing and wear.
inkBlack-brown
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
Persistent Identifier
O our Drunken sachem has gone to Mr. Jewett with a
number of Complaints against me, too numerous to mention, but as
they are base and unjust., I am resolved to have the whole tribe —
called, and all taken under the consideration of Mr. Jewett and Some
other ministers, Esq. Adams etc. for I will not lie under his Calum‐
‐ny being conscious to myself, I am not only capable
but faithful, and the fault of the desired success, shall lie at the
right door; among other things he says you said you wondered
my Children did not profit like yours. Sir can it be expected
that Children can make such proficiency, when they are mostly
from school, running about under no Government, as Children
that are kept under the masters care night and day, Sure
I am you never would say so, as you have mentioned in your
Narrative the Contrary: God who is the Searcher of hearts, etc.
him I appeal, that with sincerity and faithfulness (though with much
weakness and imperfection) I have discharged my Duty; I am
capable to be of very great Service to this people if I meet
with proper encouragement, But we have a sachem does
much hurt, goes about begging cider and Rum, getting drunk
and lying all night in barns, enticing and setting bad example
before other / young / indians, Going on contrary to all
council, advice, and reproof, Bold in sin, and trampling on the
Laws of God and man, as if he were above Law, minding
nothing that is good, all he is after, is the profits of Mohegan
to consume upon his lusts; Some intimations are made that
they want me out, in order Mr. Occom (who is coming here to
live), may keep School; It was but last spring Mr. Occom told
me that though he came to live in Mohegan, he would not take
the School, but do all in his power to Support and encourage
it, if so I shall rejoice at his coming, I must observe that
the sachem formerly commended my faithfulness beyond Mr.
Lethem at Niantic and any children that comes from there —
on a visit, I can’t find reads near so well as mine; Had I
Children that would regularly attend, I would show what
I could do, I Humbly beg your answer and advice, May
God preserve you, bless your valuable consort, and make your
Children ornaments and useful my spouse joins me in our
regards to Madam Self and Children
number of Complaints against me, too numerous to mention, but as
they are base and unjust., I am resolved to have the whole tribe —
called, and all taken under the consideration of Mr. Jewett and Some
other ministers, Esq. Adams etc. for I will not lie under his Calum‐
‐ny being conscious to myself, I am not only capable
but faithful, and the fault of the desired success, shall lie at the
right door; among other things he says you said you wondered
my Children did not profit like yours. Sir can it be expected
that Children can make such proficiency, when they are mostly
from school, running about under no Government, as Children
that are kept under the masters care night and day, Sure
I am you never would say so, as you have mentioned in your
Narrative the Contrary: God who is the Searcher of hearts, etc.
him I appeal, that with sincerity and faithfulness (though with much
weakness and imperfection) I have discharged my Duty; I am
capable to be of very great Service to this people if I meet
with proper encouragement, But we have a sachem does
much hurt, goes about begging cider and Rum, getting drunk
and lying all night in barns, enticing and setting bad example
before other / young / indians, Going on contrary to all
council, advice, and reproof, Bold in sin, and trampling on the
Laws of God and man, as if he were above Law, minding
nothing that is good, all he is after, is the profits of Mohegan
to consume upon his lusts; Some intimations are made that
they want me out, in order Mr. Occom (who is coming here to
live), may keep School; It was but last spring Mr. Occom told
me that though he came to live in Mohegan, he would not take
the School, but do all in his power to Support and encourage
it, if so I shall rejoice at his coming, I must observe that
the sachem formerly commended my faithfulness beyond Mr.
Lethem at Niantic and any children that comes from there —
on a visit, I can’t find reads near so well as mine; Had I
Children that would regularly attend, I would show what
I could do, I Humbly beg your answer and advice, May
God preserve you, bless your valuable consort, and make your
Children ornaments and useful my spouse joins me in our
regards to Madam Self and Children
I am Rev.
Sir
your most obedient humble Servant
Robert Clelland
your most obedient humble Servant
Robert Clelland
Ashpo is not come home, I lie in Debt for
near 50/ for work and pork to him before he
went his mission
Robert Clelland
near 50/ for work and pork to him before he
went his mission
Robert Clelland
NB I must acquaint you, that I have invited the youth to come and
I would be as a catechist for them, I have a small talent in that
respect, and take pleasure in it, but meet with no encouragement
in any good design, they are a stiff‐necked rebellious people
I received yours by David Fowler after I wrote this and shall
acquaint Mr. prince who shall wait your
convenience and leisure, as I said by march
I intend to have Esq. Adams Mr. Byles
Mr. Whitaker to meet with Mr. Jewett and to answer
Ben’s imputations, and I wish you could
attend, I shall inform you the time of meeting
I would be as a catechist for them, I have a small talent in that
respect, and take pleasure in it, but meet with no encouragement
in any good design, they are a stiff‐necked rebellious people
I received yours by David Fowler after I wrote this and shall
acquaint Mr. prince who shall wait your
convenience and leisure, as I said by march
I intend to have Esq. Adams Mr. Byles
Mr. Whitaker to meet with Mr. Jewett and to answer
Ben’s imputations, and I wish you could
attend, I shall inform you the time of meeting
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