Jacob Fowler, letter, to Samson Occom, 1775 March 14
Date14 March, 1775
Call Number774214
abstractFowler writes that he can offer Occom no financial assistance, that he has been licensed to preach, and that 16 new members were recently counted in church.
handwritingHandwriting is formal and clear. Letter case with regard to the letter S is frequently difficult to decipher.
paperPaper is in fair-to-poor condition, with heavy creasing and wear that results in some loss of text.
inkDark brown-black.
noteworthyAlthough it is uncertain, when Fowler refers, in his closing salutation, to "aged Dadda and Mamma," he is likely referring to James Fowler and Betty Fowler. Although it is uncertain, it is likely that "Miss Walcut" refers to Lucy Wallcut, daughter of Elizabeth Wallcut. This manuscript is improperly named — according to the date of the letter, the manuscript number should be 775214, not 774214. There is a note added to one verso in a different, likely 19th-century, hand that reads "(from fowler, college, 1775)." This note has not been included in the transcription.
signatureThe signature is abbreviated.
Rev.d Sir,
help you but how I can I know not, I am diſappointed
still every way, I am sensible that your Expences are
great, and stand in Need of Every small advance. —
I am preparing to come out like an old sheeps horn
and hope to shake the walls of Jerico. and do some
good,
and is Licenced to preach I believe 1.st of March. —
I [gap: hole][guess: a]m full of [gap: hole][guess: B]us[gap: hole][guess: i]neſs and [gap: hole][guess: d]ont s[gap: hole][guess: e]em to get [gap: hole][guess: a]ny thing
neither. I am affraid sometimes I never will make
a poor crooked sheep Horn, but Knowledge is said to
grow as doth the Graſs, which starts up, yet not seen
immedeately. — — — — — — —
16 were taken in Church ye 12 Ins:t which was an
effecting sight. and animating to my drooping
soul.— — — —
our Love to all your House People —
Jx Fowler —
do Send her little Letter.