Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to John Thornton, 1772 May 6

Author Wheelock, Eleazar

Date6 May, 1772

Call Number772306

abstractWheelock writes that he has asked Occom to go on a mission to Muskingum with David Fowler. He also writes that only three of the College trustees are churchmen, and that he will honor his patrons by not bowing to opponents.

handwritingHandwriting is small and informal. There are several deletions and additions.

paperSingle large sheet is in good condition, with only light creasing, staining and wear.

inkBlack.

noteworthyThis document is likely a draft.

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

Persistent Identifier

muchHonoured Sir
Last Evening your very kind Letter of march 27th with the enclos[illegible][guess: ed]
Characters of A.B.C. came to hand by the Special post that brought Mr. Spencers
of which the enclosed is an Extract and which may in connection with what I have
lately wrote let you See the progress of the proposed mission to Muskingum
I have wrote Mr. Occom desiring him to accept the mission of which I wrote
you lately, and take David Fowler with him as Companion and schoolmaster
I design these young Gentlemen (who will Set out in a few Days) Shall
go by mohegan and prevail with Mr. Occom if they can to accompany
them I have promised him the Same Reward as Shall be allowed to them
my Hope is only in God he is my only prop the Storm that is raised
against me dont cant dismay me while I believe the cause is Gods
and See him prospering it among the Floods. and Seeking evident[illegible] set upon
them.
 (There are but 3 of the Trustees of this College that so much as bear the
Name of churchmen and but one who is thought to be so in heart and
he is a very honest man and far from party spirit and Bigotry.)
 If my Honoured Patrons can find any alteration that can be made
in the Charter with safety to the school I will
do my utmost to Effect the Same — I cant consent that So large an
interest as is now held by it (which I verily believe to be given by God in
answer to prayer), should be given up.
 I long to have that done which will be honorary and quite satisfactory
to my Honoured Patrons, one Frown from them, as I verily believe them
to be the Favorites of Heaven) and to have a single Eye to the Redeemers cause would depress and Sink me more than all
the (Barking and) Slandering of thousands who are inspired from another
Quarter — These Storms rather encourage and Strengthen me — I believe
Satan well knows that his Kingdom is in danger from this School, and
if possible will prevent the pious souls who are fitting to Storm his castle,
their appearing in Arms against his Strong Holds —
(these young missionaries beg leave to transcribe your three Characters viz
AB&C which I allow them to do. but when I shall have leisure to
answer your desire respecting it I cant tell I have scarce a leisure Hour
in a month. I am not able to answer half the Letters I receive from
correspondents) — I know you will not cease to pray for Honoured Sir

your obliged and very Humble servant
Eleazar Wheelock

John Thornton Esq.

To John Thornton Esq.
May 6. 1772.

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