Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Samson Occom, 1769 January 25
Date25 January, 1769
Call Number769125
abstractWheelock writes to request that Occom travel to Chenango to lay the groundwork for a new settlement of Christian Indians from Charlestown. He hopes that Occom will exercise meekness and humility towards Dr. Jewett.
handwritingHandwriting is relatively clear, with few deletions and additions.
paperSingle sheet is in fair condition, with light-to-moderate creasing, staining and wear. It is possible that the right edge (recto) has been trimmed.
inkBrown-black
noteworthyAn editor, likely 19th-century, has written notes on the verso. These notes have not been transcribed.
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
a plan of Operation for the Next Year. Will you go, and
take Jacob Fowler with you, to Chenango — and open a
Door for the Settlement of a Town of our Christianized
Indians at Charlestown etc. to Settle in that vicinity.
I have been privately informed, they at Charlestown begin
to be convinced, that they must Seek a better Soil etc.
If David Fowler will undertake a School, in any
quarter in the wilderness that Shall be most agreeable
to him, provided it be where he can have a competent
number of Children, I will Settle as good a salary upon
him as either of the Indian schoolmasters have in
this Government.
I have thoughts of Sending to all the Six Nations
Next Spring, and make another offer of ministers and school
masters etc. etc. etc.
I hope you will be enabled to exercise meekness and
Humility towards Brother Jewett, whatever Temptations you
may have, or Seem to have, to the Contrary. and that
you will, what you can, help him to do all the
Good he desires among the Indians.
Give my Love to your wife and Family, and accept
the Same yourself from
Eleazar Wheelock