Joseph Johnson, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1769 March
ms-number769240.2
abstractJohnson asks to be discharged.
handwritingHandwriting is small and somewhat meandering, yet it is mostly clear and legible.
paperSmall single sheet appears to be torn from a larger sheet. It is in good condition, with light staining, creasing and wear.
inkBlack.
noteworthyJohnson appears to have written a random note on one verso. This document is possibly a draft or Johnson's copy.
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
I have made this attempt once more to Approach thy Dwellings, and now desire with all humbleness of mind that [illegible][guess: thy] not displeasure may not be risen
against me, although I have So much deserved it. most Honoured Sir, I came up to petition to you my Ever Honoured Benefactor, that as my mind is wholly Bent from here, that thou would
So much condescend as to discharge me from Under you If you please, which being my great Concern that I might
first
get you leave to tarry at my own home and
get myself in steady way of living. which without your leave I must be always roving about, most honoured Sir, please to grant this my humble petition, and I do now humbly desire to Return you most hearty thanks for your many labours of Love shown to me Since my Infancy and under your most kind protection. I Acknowledge
that they have been many and great favours Indeed. and I also Acknowledge that my Ingratitude and unthankfulness have Exceeded them. and now Be pleased to forgive what I have done and bury me in deep forgetfulness and Remember me no more,
seeing, I have done so much wickedness that I dare not approach thy presence, O, be not angry with me for that, But forgive what you have seen
arise in you
Ever Humble petitioner, and wicked Servant.
Joseph
Johnson
Joseph Johnson
March. 1769 —
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