David Avery, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1768 October 1
Date1 October, 1768
Call Number768551.1
abstractAvery reports on various comings and goings, including the arrival of Jacob Johnson, and notes that numerous Indians are traveling to the congress at Fort Stanwix.
handwritingHandwriting is formal, clear and legible.
paperLarge sheet folded in half to make four pages is in good condition, with light creasing, staining and wear.
inkBlack-brown ink is somewhat faded.
noteworthyAvery mentions the arrival of Susannah, the same student for whom Wheelock writes a recommendation in manuscript 768429.1.
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
to this place 29th last month with the fulness
of the blessings of the Gospel — was cordially
received by the Indians — released their Minds
from some disquietude — occasioned by the
long absence of a minister — he came as
one in season — Sir William and a very large Num
ber of Gentlemen have been at Fort Stan
wix about three weeks — the Indians are
come and coming — it is expected they will
all arrive in a week or ten Days — will,
doubtless be the largest congress that ever
was among the Six Nations — design, by di
vine Leave, to accompany the Rev. Mr. John
son over as soon as the Indians go — and
return to New England as soon as the congress
shall be ended — and let the Doctor know the Parti
culars — and fully the result of the whole — which,
doubtless, will be — determining —
Have procured four very likely Children for the
School — Thomas and his Brother arrived safe with
very Exalted Ideas of the School — behave very well.
Not long since Thomas' wife, after about three
week's sickness, left this world — hopefully for
a better — had satisfying Evidence that her
peace was made with God — and that she has
gone to join the assembly of the those that
are made white in the Blood of the Lamb —
Since, Thomas manifests a great desire to
go to New England — the rather soon — because
is afraid his Daughter will be distracted at hear
ing the heavy Tidings — shall act according to the
Doctor's Directions with respect to his going —
Mundius had about a month's Journey hither —
remains low — though some better — it is not likely he
will be able to return with me — Susannah is
now at the Fort — dressed in her Indian dress through
out — how affairs may turn — shall hasten to
inform the Doctor personally as soon as may be —
better state of health than my fears have sug
gested since Mr. Kinne left us — That undeserved
concern, Love and kindness the Doctor is so constantly
exercising towards me — is almost, too much for one to
receive — would embrace this Opportuni
ty to acknowledge the favour of two Letters
from the Doctor — one by Thomas — the other
by the Rev. Mr. Johnson for which please
to accept many thanks — —
Hoping for the continuance of an interest
in the Doctor's Prayers — am, with all Duty
and Humility,
Your much
obliged and
very humble
Servant
David Avery
The Reverend Doctor Wheelock