Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to, Samson Occom, 1764 August 25

Author Wheelock, Eleazar

Date25 August, 1764

Call Number764475.3

abstractCopy of a letter in which Wheelock encloses the commission from Scotland for Occom's mission to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), and advises him to find a donor to supply him with money.

handwritingHandwriting is not Wheelock’s; it is clear and legible.

paperSingle sheet is in good condition, with light-to-moderate creasing, staining and wear.

inkDark brown ink bleeds through paper somewhat.

noteworthyThis document is a copy of 764475.4.

signatureThe signature is not Wheelock's.

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

Persistent Identifier

Mr. Occom,
Sir.
Your Time is so short, and your business so
crowding, that I can't desire such an Addition to your Bur­
den, as your coming hither again would be: I therefore take this
Way to hint to you what I would say more fully if you were here
And in the first place, I suspect you will miss of
seeing Mr. Kirtland on his Return from Mr. Whitefield, and also
of seeing Mr. Whitefield, who I hear preached some weeks ago at
Philadelphia, and consequently, you will miss of receiving any supplies
which he may have got for your Journey; and if so, I advise you
to represent the case to some able Friends at New York, and if you
can get Supply no other Way, hire the Money of some good Friend
till you return.
I herewith send you a Copy of our commission
from Scotland, in order that you may show it, if you shall have
occasion, to Gen. Gage, Gen. Johnson, or others.
I would have you obtain 15 or 20 Youth, if you
can procure those which are likely, of remote Tribes of Indians.
And if you hear that which is encouraging of good Peter at
Onaquaga, and those two Boys there who were offered to
the Commissioners at Boston, let them be of the Number.
There was also an English Lad with the Mohawks
to learn their Tongue, before this War, who I hear is very likely:
if you can obtain such an one, do it. I shall leave the Proportion
of Girls to you, and Gen. Johnson, whose Advice I would have you
take in everything when it may be had.
And be sure, you let all the Children, whom
you bring, know that they don't come here to be without Government,
nor to live a lazy sordid Life, but to be fitted for business and
usefulness in the World. And I am not Afraid that you should boast
of my Mohawk Boys Proficiency in very strong Terms.
And don't fail to write to me of your progress,
success, and any Occurrence that may be entertaining, by every
Opportunity
Opportunity, as you know Friends at Home will be glad to hear.
Send me an Account of what Labour you have or shall hire
upon my Credit at Mohegan; and what you desire me to do for your Family while
you are gone.
And may the God of all Grace be with you and David in
all the Way whither you go, and inspire you with Wisdom,
Prudence, Zeal, Courage, and holy Fortitude, and honour you
to be the instrument to spread the Savour of his Name, and
the Knowledge of the great Salvation, far among the Pagans.
Remember me respectfully to Friends in your Way, espe
cially at New York — which with Love etc. is the needful
from
Yours affectionately
Eleazar Wheelock

Rev. Mr. Occom
August 27th P.S. Mr. Kirtland returned last Evening, has got no Money,
Mr. Whitefield is at New York. talks of going to Albany this Week
if he can he will serve you, if he can't acquaint Mr. Whitaker
do the best you can —
To Mr. Occom, August 25th 1764

Loading...