Joseph Johnson, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1768 September 27

Author Johnson, Joseph

Date27 September, 1768

Call Number768527

abstractJohnson writes that he is on his way to Fort Stanwix, and complains that he is never trusted with any money.

handwritingHandwriting is small and loose, yet largely clear and legible. The trailer is in a different, unknown hand.

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

inkBrownish gray ink is heavily faded.

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

Persistent Identifier

Rev. and Ever Honored Dr.
I desire Once more to write to you
and desire once more to Acquaint your Honour,
that We have through the kindness of that Ever good
God who is good, Even to the Evil and Unthankful
Got on Our journey thus far. that we Expect
tomorrow to get there where the Indians are meeting
we are Acquainted that they are not yet meeting
but are gathering. I have much to say, but no time
to write much. I have kind Sir thus far Enjoyed
my health as Usual,. I desire Humbly to Acqu
­aint you that I am Under great disadvantage
that I cant get the things that I stand in great
need of, by Some means or another. Because you did
not give any Orders of So doing or express Orders
for Every article; So that it is likely I shall suffer.
I have not as yet, been trusted with one Copper not
So much as in sight, much more when I shall be
out of sight; it hurts me very much, as I have not
yet been lavish of any, of Christ money, or been found
dishonest. I desire most Humbly to leave it to you
if I have so done I think it not strange. or ask Mr.
Kirtland
if I Ever proved dishonest to any of the
Money He has from time to time trusted me with.
or to your Honoured son whether he was acquainted,
by any one when he was up here. if so, I desire to Be
content under a punishment which I justly deserve.
I am fully Determined henceforth to leave myself
to that Ever good God who has hitherto guided my
doubtful paths, I feel quite Content as to that affair
when I set off. I never came off with so much Reluct­
­ance before. but it was merely for want of considerat
ion. and reflection of the many favours I have
hitherto, been the Subject of. O how is the Maze of
fate I have blindly Run and Backward trod those
paths I sought to Shun. I have no more time to
write. But to humbly Recommend myself to your
Prayers daily that I may be made humble and be
kept from all that will be dishonour to His
great Name. forgive my Brevity, and all that
Seems to be out of a wrong Spirit in this letter.
no more; but desire to subscribe myself
your Ever
humble, and Obedient, (though Hitherto Contrary)
 Pupil. though Ignorant.
Joseph Johnson.
PS. please Sir to give my duty to your Honored
Son. no more. Ut ante.
To Rev. Dr. Eleazar Wheelock.
Blank page.
Joseph Johnson's
 September 27. 1768

To-
The Rev. Eleazar Wheelock D. D.
 In
 Lebanon, Connecticut.
Per favors
of Mr.
[illegible]
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