Joseph Woolley, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1765 February 9
Date9 February, 1765
Call Number765159.2
abstractWoolley writes that the two boys who were to come to the school are delayed because of winter snow and the risk of smallpox. He also remarks on the progress of his mission, his admiration for the Tuscaroras, and the wish of the Oneidas at Chenango to have Samuel Ashpo return to them.
handwritingHandwriting is largely clear and legible.
paperWide sheet, folded vertically to make four pages, is in good condition, with light yellowing and wear. A large portion of the seal remains.
inkBrown-black.
noteworthyThis letter is a follow-up to 765159.1, written on the same day by Woolley. It is not wholly certain that the two letters were written by the same hand, although it is likely.
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
going with him and had written the first Letter I was told
that he had now bidden them to stay until he returns,
and if he likes the Place will come and fetch them. What
he intends to do with the two I cannot tell for they
live as he goes on his Way to New England. But I believe
this is the reason why he left them, because I had said it
was hard for them to go seeing they never had the Small
Pox and I was not willing they Should carry it to your
house. Moreover they were naked and the season is very
bad — they have not blankets enough at home to keep them
warm — and what is this — they have to go Matter of hundred
Miles through the Woods — the Snow three Foot deep.
and the eagerness of their going. I pitied the poor Children —
and knew I should be in the Blame if they caught the Pox and
carried it to your house.
well, some of them had a Mind I should live with them
but I could not, seeing I was sent to learn the Mohawks Lan
guage and they have many kindness towards me
you Face to Face. Many Things I want to say I cannot
commit to Paper Peter is in great hurry
of November to see my Relations, and tarried a Week; they
inquired of me what became of Samuel Ashpo, that used to come
among them, "we want to see him very much and hear the
Word of God preached unto us; they wanted to know when he
would come again. I told them I did not know, peradventure
he may come next Spring.
I have not a quarter discharged, his Being in haste,
I have not the exercise of my Faculty; but if you can
understand my Meaning it is well etc. I am
Your very humble servant
Josephy Woolly.