David McClure and Levi Frisbie, letter, to Samson Occom, 1772 May 28

Author McClure, David

AuthorFrisbie, Levi

Date28 May, 1772

Call Number772328

abstractMcClure and Frisbie write to suggest that Occom join them on the mission soon to be undertaken near the Ohio.

handwritingHandwriting is small, yet formal and clear.

paperSingle sheet is in fair-to-poor condition, with moderate-to-heavy creasing, staining and wear.

inkBrown-black ink fades in and out.

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

Persistent Identifier
Rev. and dear sir //
To Rev. Samson Occom
May 28. 1772
You have doubtless been informed of the
desire of the Indians who live near the Ohio, to have english missio‐
naries Come among them to instruct them in the great truth of the
Gospel and of the applications they have
repeatedly made in the Synod of New York to send them missio‐
naries for that purpose; we your friends, educated with reference to
the important design of spreading abroad among them the knowledge
of the only true God and his Son our blessed Redeemer, though in our=
selves every way unworthy and unqualified for so important a business
were the last week solemly ordained with a design to set out
for that Country in a short time. The undertaking is great —
but we hope we trust in God for support and Strength and that he
will mercifully preserve our Lives amid the many dangers we
expect will surround us; We think we are moved hereto from
a desire to be instrumental to reclaim those poor deluded [illegible][guess: im‐]
[illegible][guess: matals] from their ignorance and Barbarism to a knowledge of the Gospel.
We heartily join in every opening of divine providence for this de‐
sirable End.
And as, Sir, we understand that not far from the
place where we are going there are a Tribe of Indians who talk
the Mohegan Language, And where probably a missionary
especially one whose native Language is their own would meet a kind reception
We would therefore take this opportunity to
manifest how very agreeable to us it would be, should
you think but to make a trial with us . And we are
persuaded that according to human probability the prospect
of your being eminently survivable among them is very
great. Your Influence would be much greater than
any english missionary's would be. the prejudice they
naturally imbibe and which have among many tribes proved an
effectual bar against their cordial reception of English mis‐
sionaries would have no room to exercise itself Should You
go . We shall probably continue some time among
them if we can with safety continue
And we hope, Sir, you will think favourably
of such a project and that the Lord will clear your way and your [illegible] inclined to comply
with the present agreeable opening. We earnestly ask
your fervent Prayers for us that God would graciously
manifest his favor and guide and direct us through all our way and makes us
instrumental of great Good among the Heathen.
[illegible] [illegible: [guess: are]]
with much Affection and Esteem Your Cordial Wellwisher[illegible: [guess: s]]
 in this Lord —
David McClure Levi Frisbie
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