Joseph Woolley, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1765 February 9
Date9 February, 1765
Call Number765159.2
abstractWoolley writes that the two boys who were to come to the school are delayed because of winter snow and the risk of smallpox. He also remarks on the progress of his mission, his admiration for the Tuscaroras, and the wish of the Oneidas at Chenango to have Samuel Ashpo return to them.
handwritingHandwriting is largely clear and legible.
paperWide sheet, folded vertically to make four pages, is in good condition, with light yellowing and wear. A large portion of the seal remains.
inkBrown-black.
noteworthyThis letter is a follow-up to 765159.1, written on the same day by Woolley. It is not wholly certain that the two letters were written by the same hand, although it is likely.
going with him & had written the firſt Letter I was told
that he had now bidden them to stay untill he returns,
and if he likes the Place will come and fetch them. What
he intends to do with the two I cannot tell for they
live as he goes on his Way to N. Enlend. But I believe
this is
was hard for them to go ſeeing they never
Pox and I was not willing they Should carry it to your
Houſe. More over they were nakid and the Seaſon is very
bad — they have not Blankits enough at home to keep them
warm — and what is this — they have to go Matter of hundred
Miles thro' the Woods — the Snow three Foot deep.
and the Eagerneſs of their going. I pitied the poor Children —
and knew I should be in the Blame if they catched the Pox and
carried it to your Houſe.
well, ſome of them had a Mind I ſhould live with them
but I could not, ſeeing I was ſent to learn the Mohawks Lan
guage and they have many Kinneſs towards me
you Face to Face. Many Things I want to ſay I cannot
commit to Paper Peter is in great hurry
of November to ſee my Relations, and tarried a We
enquired of me what
among them, "we want to ſee him very much and hear the
Word of God preached unto us; they wonted to know when he
would come again. I told them I did not know, peradventure
he may come next Spring.
I have not the Excerciſe of my Faculty; but if you can
underſtand my Meaning it is well &c. I am
Your very hu
Josephy Woolly.