Abraham Simon, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1774 October 17

Author Simon, Abraham

Date17 October, 1774

Call Number774567.2

abstractSimon writes to say that he must keep school to earn money. He promises to repay a past debt to Wheelock as soon as possible and asks for a recommendation, and for help in obtaining money from the sale of his house, which has been purchased by Jacob Fowler. He requests that Wheelock not inform anyone of his whereabouts.

handwritingHandwriting is clear and legible.

paperLarge sheet folded in half to make four pages is in good-to-fair condition, with moderate-to-heavy creasing, staining and wear that leads to a minor loss of text. Repair work holds two halves of the document together.

inkBlack-brown.

noteworthyA note, likely 19th-century, added after the trailer reads: "Indian, probably brother of Dan.l." A modern label reading "Part of the Frederick Chase Collection given by his heirs" has been affixed to the top right corner of one recto.

layoutThe first page of the letter is on one recto, but the second page is on two recto, not one verso.

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

Persistent Identifier

Rev. and Honour Sir.
I would Inform you a Little about my affairs
and where I am at present I purpose to
begin a School here tomorrow and take
it for Six Months for I have been very
Badly dissipated about Money ever since
I have been Down so that I think it best to keep
School 'til Spring
About that account that is between the
College and me as Quick as I can possibly
settle it I will and I hope the Dr will not go to
be[illegible]ding of me for I always mean to Settle wi[gap: tear][guess: th]
every one as Quick as lay in my Power and I
have some hopes of being after a while if I have
my Health and prosper I am very Sorry
that I did not take Better Care in time
But I think now it will do me good for Time
to come so that I shall understand who to
Deal with and Who to not
Blank page.
I should be glad if the Dr. would send me a
Recommendation for I do know that I have
Done anything that I have no right
to one though I must confess that my conduct
has not been very good in a great many respects
but I can bu[gap: hole][guess: t] hope that Dr. will Look over
many of my Faults and help me all that He can
Jacob Fowler has bought my house and has
given me a Note is to send me an order Down
upon Capt. Backus and I beg that Dr. will
give Him an order because I am absolutely
in need of one —
For I cannot get Money to purchase Clothing
'til Spring not 'til such Times I
can get some for keeping School —
I would have the Dr. keep counsel and not
tell anybody where I am or like to be so I

am your unworthy servant
Abraham Simon
From Mr. Abraham Simons
October 17. 1774
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