Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Samson Occom, 1766 April 9
Date9 April, 1766
Call Number766259
abstractWheelock writes to Occom about his family’s unmet needs — perhaps because of the influence of the “Antimason Party” — which he supplied on his own account. He cautions Occom not to be involved in the Mason land case, and gives him advice about his son Aaron’s bad behavior.
handwritingHandwriting is slanted and appears to be somewhat rushed, but is mostly legible. Letter case is frequently difficult to decipher.
paperLarge sheet folded into four pages is in good condition, with light-to-moderate creasing, staining and wear. The watermark is prominent.
inkBrown-black.
noteworthyThe phrase “Father Fowler” is underlined in pencil, as if by an editor or researcher.
EventsMason Land Case, Occom’s inoculation, Fundraising Tour of Great Britain
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
Small Pox— and that I may give you pleasure in inform
ing you that your Family are all well—
ago that her circumstances were needy — Capt Shaw for some
reason, to me unknown showed a backwardness to supply
her — I guess it is through the Influence of the anti-Mason
Party — I immediately the Same Day wrote an order to
Mr. Breed to Supply her on my account with everything —
a few Days after, your Father Fowler was with me two
nights by whom I Sent, as much grain for her present relief
as your old mare could Carry. and doubt not but She is, and will be,
well Supplied.
have commonly been — and if So he will exalt and lift
you up — a pill or two in Boston I thought was a very
Good preparative, I was glad to hear of that as well as
the approbation kindness, and go[illegible][guess: o]d liking of your Friends
there
to inform them of Mrs. Occom's necessities that they may Sup
ply them — my Daughter is glad of the Office and will take pain
about it— your Father told me that Aaron is not a good
Boy runs abroad and not So obedient to his Mother as he
Should be I advised to put him out to a good master, and
supply her Some other way
you will bring an old house about my Ears. You know
they
they have nobody in that case to blame or contend with
but myself— They all know that the Commissioners refused to
recommend you, or Send you; only on that Account — their
not Sending you has been no discouragement at all to me—
I have looked upon it as a design in Providence to Secure the
Glory more Effectually to God alone who performeth all
things for us —
not being more particular in this — you may depend upon
it that nothing Shall be wanting for your Family within my
Power. Accept Love in Abundance from