Author
Wheelock, Eleazar
Date14 January, 1765
ms number765114.1
abstractWheelock writes to the The New York/New Jersey Board of the Society in
Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge about the missionaries and school
masters he
has educated at his Indian Charity school, and asks them to allow John Brainerd
to solicit
funds in Europe to support it. Also included is a note to William Peartree Smith
asking
him to respond with the Board's decision as soon as possible.
handwritingHandwriting is, exclusive of the trailer on one recto, not
Wheelock’s; it is largely clear and legible.
paperLarge single sheet is in fair-to-poor condition, with
moderate-to-heavy creasing, staining and wear that results in a slight loss
of
text.
inkInk is a faded black-brown.
noteworthyThe document is a contemporary copy, likely Wheelock's for
his records. An editor, likely 19th-century, has inserted brackets in black
ink
around the third paragraph on one recto, and written in brackets in the left
margin “o-mitted in L. y Brd.” He has bracketed the fifth paragraph on one
recto,
and written “omitted” in the left margin; bracketed the first paragraph on
one
verso and written “(omitted)" in the upper right corner; and bracketed the
third
paragraph in the letter at the bottom of page 2 and written “(omitted)” above
it.
These additions have not been transcribed.
signatureThe signature is not Wheelock's.
EventsFundraising Tour of Great Britain
Modernized Version
Deletions removed; additions added in;
modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
The Memorial of
Eleazar Wheelock of
Lebanon
in the
Colony of
Connnecticut, Humbly showeth —
That by the blessing of God upon Endeavours used, the
Indian Charity School which he
has, for several years last
past
[gap: faded][guess: had in] his
immediate Care, is now increased to the Number 26. And the
prospect both of the increase of their Number, and the usefulness of
the undertaking, as well as the expense of it, is yet growing. That
several of this Number are young Gentlemen whom he apprehends to
be well accomplished for a mission among the Indians. And ten others
of them are Indian Youth, whom he esteems well qualified for school
masters, excepting that some of them yet want age, which Difficulty he
supposes
may be well accommodated by their being under the inspec
tion, Direction, and Conduct of the missionaries, and such of the school
masters as are of ripe age and judgement, now ready to be
[gap: worn_edge][guess: authorized]
and
sent with them.
And Nothing is wanting, but Means of Support for them, in order to
their being sent forth, in their several Capacities, as soon as the
season will allow of it. And your own Thoughts will readily
suggest the great Importance of improving the present Openings in Providence for that purpose, before our Way be embarrassed by a Throng of unrighteous Dealers, and such who with no higher View than to serve their unbridled Avarice, will likely be crowding into the Indian
Country
These are therefore to pray your
honourable Board
to take it
into consideration, and grant the Concurrence of your Endeavours
with ours in these parts, for the furtherance and speedy
accomplish
ment of the design in View. And particularly, that you would grant
Liberty to the Rev.
John Brainerd, your missionary, to go to
Europe, in
Company
with an Indian, from these parts, to solicit the Charities
of such as are of Ability for the support of
this School, and such
missionaries and schoolmasters as Divine providence shall
enable us to send. And that you would commission, authorize,
and suitably recommend him, said
Brainerd, for that purpose;
and also recommend the design itself to the Charity of God's people
abroad, etc.
I had determined to obtain a Meeting of
the
Board of Correspondents in Connecticut, and
desire them to address you upon this
Head, in the first place; and have no Doubt of their ready Compliance
with the proposal, if it could have been made to them; but after
waiting some Time for an Opportunity to have them together for
that purpose, I find it can't be at present by reason of their
living so remote, and the unusual Body of Snow which has so
filled the Roads, that such a Meeting has hitherto been imprac
ticable, and I fear
will be so, 'til it will be too late seasonably
to accomplish what will be necessary in the Affair before the most
proper
Memorial to
the Board of Correspondents in New York and
Jersey.
January. 14. 1765
with
letter to
Peartree
Smith
Esq.
proper season to embark for
Europe.
And moreover I have considered that these young Gentlemen
and Indian youth designed for missionaries
and
schoolmasters, are yet
all of them, Members of
this
School, and not under the Direction or
Controul of any Commisioners. whereupon I was of opinion, that
it might be a saving of Time, and as well answer every good purpose
to take this Method which I have fixed upon, and
first
address
you, and give you the Lead in the Affair, which I hope you will
esteem
sufficient Apology for the Manner of my proceeding
therein, and grant such an answer to my prayer, as you shall
think will be most for the Glory of God, and advancement of the
interests of our common Lord, and make as speedy Return of
the same as may be by the post, in order to be laid before
the Board of correspondents here as soon as they can be convened
after the Receipt of your Doings
All which is with much respect, Honoured Gentlemen, humbly submitted to your consideration and Determination by