Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1764 September 8

Author Occom, Samson

Date8 September, 1764

ms number764508.3

abstractOccom is determined to set out on his long journey despite a scarcity of funding, and leaves his house and other business to be done upon Wheelock’s credit. He informs Wheelock that he has hired Mr. Peabody of Norwich Landing to get the materials that his house requires, and to hire hands and pay them. He notes that his family needs clothing and provisions.

handwritingHandwriting is bold, clear and legible.

paperLarge sheet folded in half to make four pages is in good condition, with light-to-moderate creasing, staining and wear. Heavier wear along creases, and tear near remnants of seal result in no loss of text.

inkDark brown.

noteworthyWheelock writes a lengthy note on two verso.

EventsBuilding of Occom’s house, Fundraising Tour of Great Britain

Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.

Persistent Identifier
Rev. Sir
I am Sorry you couldn't get at least Some Money for David, it looks like presumption for us to go on long Journey through Christians with­out Money, if it was altogether among Indian Heathen we might do well enough— But I have determined to go, though no white missionary would go in Such circumstances — I leave my house and other business to be done upon your Credit, and it will be Dear business in the End,—if I had hired one good carpenter and four other good Hands, any house woud have been forwarder than it is now, so the best Judges tell me — I have empowered Mr. Peabody of Norwich Landing to act for me to carry on my business, by virtue of the Paper you Put into my Hand, he is to get all the materials that my house will require, and to Hire Hands
and to pay them at any merchants who will accept and trust to your obligation,— Besides all I have Said my family now wants clothing — and provision they must now have, or my business Can't go on — I have lately heard there is Salt meat enough at the Landing to be Sold — In a word I leave my Poor Wife and Children at your feet. and if they hunger starve and die let them Die there — Sir I Shall and endeav­our to follow Your Directions in all things—This in utmost haste and with
Sincere obedience, is from  your Good for  Nothing Indian  Servant Samson Occom
Blank page.
This Letter came to Hand September 8. 1764. and is the first Intelligence I have had that his Building was not conducted prudently and successfully and without much cost. it is now Friday Evening and next monday morning I am to Set out on a Journey to milford. and my engagements are Such as cant be dispensed with Mr. Occom September 1764
To The Rev. Eleazar Wheelock at Lebanon
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