Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to John Thornton, 1771 September 9
Date9 September, 1771
Call Number771509
abstractWheelock thanks Thornton for his assistance, describes the buildings and details expenses for the Charity School. He adds his hopes that Occom has reformed and can be of service again.
handwritingFormal handwriting is not Wheelock's; it is clear and legible. The trailer appears to be in Wheelock's hand.
paperTwo small sheets are in good condition, with light staining, creasing and wear.
inkBlack.
noteworthyThis document is likely Wheelock's own copy.
signatureThe signature is not Wheelock’s.
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
Letter of April 26th which I have now before me, and it is like
cold water to a thirsty Soul. I wrote you a hasty and
undigested Line, by the hand of my Clerk on my receiving
it, while the Bearer was waiting impatiently for it
and now the case is nearly the same, the Bearer
being just setting out on his Journey, and gives me
no time but to throw out a few hints.
I bless God who has honored you with Ability, and
has so largely opened your Heart to serve the cause
of the Redeemer with his Goods which he has committed
to your stewardship — I find my confidence in you
in that regard has sensibly alleviated my Burden.
no more than are absolutely necessary for the School,
and it cant subsist here without them, if I am suc
cessful in my Attempt to get the Number of Indian
Youth which I hope for as soon as the house is finished
they with the independent Scholars, I expect will
fill the whole and as many Rooms of the private
houses which are going forward near to it as can
be made ready for them
as yet entered upon, but will likely be necessary
if God continues his Smiles a few Years, when I hope
and believe a door will be opened to effect it. the inde
pendent Scholars provide for themselves, and are no
expense to the fund, nor any Impediment any way to
the first Object i.e. the Charity Scholars
but the contrary.
provision
Esq. Thornton.
provision must be made for the Charity Scholars English
and Indians, and it cant be without expense. I am and have
been seeking all assistances I can in this matter, but to do
it without expense to the fund is not possible, nor what
I ever expected, and you may depend upon it I shall spend
no more than is absolutely necessary for the School.
The Saw mill is finished which will much lessen the
expense of what is yet to do, and will likely afford a pretty
income to the School besides.
Winter and again last Spring, and have now desired Mr. Avery
to make the most prudent Inquiry he could of Mr. Occoms
moral Character, that I may be advised whither it be such
as that it can consist with the honor of Christ and the
reputation of the sacred Character to employ him as
a missionary, and if so I have wrote Mr. Occom that I now
do as I always have, stand ready to do all I can to promote
his comfort and usefulness therein.
to you only of his fall, but nothing in his favor. I hope
to be able soon to give you a comfortable account of him.
The wound he has given the dear Cause is
very great and is yet bleeding.
changed my Religion though I believe many would
rejoice if I should. —
our
our days work will be done by and by, and I trust we shall
rest together where the wicked will cease from
troubling etc. I am with warmest Affection
very humble Servant
Eleazar Wheelock