Phineas Dodge, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1767 November 3

Author Dodge,Phineas

Date3 November, 1767

Call Number767603

abstractDodge writes regarding his trip to Oneida country, the danger from small pox, and a meeting with Sir William Johnson.

handwritingHandwriting is formal and clear.

paperWide sheet folded in half to make four pages is in good condition, with light-to-moderate creasing, yellowing and wear.

inkBrown-black.

signatureDodge spells his name “Phinehas" rather than "Phineas."

layoutThe second page of the letter is on two recto, not one verso.

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

Persistent Identifier
Rev. and Honoured Dr.

Through the goodness of God we arrived
safe at this place last Saturday was a week Joyfully received
and most kindly welcomed by the Rev. and very dear Mr.
Kirtland
we passed the smallpox with little danger by
going round Albany city it was at every house from
thence to Schenectady but through a kind providence the
wind favoured our passing at every place where the
infection was, 'til we came to Schenectady where appeared the
greatest danger as the smoke of the chimneys drove down
to the ground I apprehended it not prudent to pass through
the town enquired at the first house for some by way
to pass the town was told we might likely cross 3 miles
up the River, not without some difficulty, Johnson was for
venturing through but while I was considering what to do I could
not but observe a fresh breeze that carried all the smoke direct­
-ly from this new way similar to what we had before experienced
which plainly intimated that providence pointed that way.
Which we pursued without much trouble. From this insta
nce I could not but reflect upon the goodness and wisdom of
an allwise and sovereign God in preserving and delivering his
creatures though ever so evil and unthankful. May I be
enabled to eye Gods holy hand in all his works both of providence and grace
Blank page.
blessed be God I have my health better then for many
years past. we have had a very disagreeable visit from
some of those poor wretches as Mr. Kirtland will inform
you in his. which instance I hope has been made a blessing
to me. I am very well contented at present, am not in the
least discouraged, only want an honest heart to improve
my distinguished privileges. the late rupture occasioned by some
of Satan's emissaries seems to have a very good effect upon
others which affords an encouraging prospect that though the
devil or strong man armed is loth to give up the castle
yet I hope a stronger then he will ever long enter in
and spoil his goods and become master and governour.
I lodged at Mr. Robinses on my journey he sends all
respect to the Dr. Mr. Wheelock, kept Sabbath at
Nobletown went to hear Mr. Smith who sends all due
respects to you. desires all that belong to your family
or school to make his house their home when ever they
pass this way, as did Mr. Robins also. I waited on Sir
William
agreeable to your orders was there 4 or 5 hours before
I could see him, he said but little, speaking of your Doctor
ship said, he thoughts it was a very rare instance for a
dissenter to have that Honour conferred on them.
went that night to Esq. Butler lodged there he would
not let me go away. could not go to Cherry Valley the
riding was so bad — That the Lord may crown your labours
with Honour and success is the humble prayer of him, who begs
leave to subscribe him self,

Rev. Dr.,
your most obedient [illegible][guess: humble ] servant
Phineas Dodge
From Phineas Dodge
3 November 1767.

To
The Rev. Eleazar Wheelock DD.
 New-England
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