, LIBRARY OF THE Theological Seminar y. PRINCETON, N.J. Case, -M-r-r!;oi: ,. ( Sneff, ^ Book, 1^^. ...•,„„.„.{ ^octets OF nrQUZRT ON lOISSIOlffS AKI) THE STATE OF RELIGION. 1197 t MEMOIRS OF THE Rev. ELEAZArSvHEELOCK, D. D. Founder and President OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE AND MOOR'S CHARITY SCHOOL ; WITH A SUMMARY HISTORY • OF THE COLLEGE AND SCHOOL. TO WHICH ARE ADDED, COPIOUS EXTRACTS FROM DR. WHEELOCK'S CORRESPONDENCE. By DAVID M'CLURE, D. D., S. H. S. Pastor of a Church in East Windsor, Con. AND ELIJAH PARISH, D. D. Pastor of the Church m Byfieid, Mass. NEWBURYPORT : PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LITTLE & CO. AND SOLD AT THEIR BOOKSTORE, MARKET-SQUARE. C. NoRRis & Co. Printers, 1811. PREFACE. TO be useful, Biography should be- stow her commendations only on those, who are wise and good. The pages, which in strains of panegyric, celebrate the crimes of Conquerors, who are spreadhig car- nage and misery through the nations, kindle the sparks of a similar ambition, and inflame the most malignant passions in the breast ol the Reader. To preserve from oblivion events and labors, which are deemed beneficial to so- ciety is the design of this volume. From early life cherishing the most cordial affec- tion and profound veneration for Doctor Wheelock, we could not refuse our fee- ble aid to make him known to others. More conscious of the inconveniences and embarrassments, under which the subse- quent pages were written, we are not less IV PREFACE. affected than others with their defects and imjjerfections. RecoiUng from criticism, we console ourselves with the sincerity and disinterestedness of our design. An aver- sion to apologies forbids us to say more. Should one person ^by the perusal of these pages be excited to cherish the spirit and imitate the example of Dk. Wheelock ; should one person be made wiser, better^ or happier, we should enjoy a rich re- ward. The late period of publishing this Bi- ograj>hy may not be less instructive to the Reader, or less honorable to the Subject. Some persons charm and dazzle their friends while they live ; at death they are depL/red ; biograpliic sketches are publish- ed ; their lives are read and forgotten* The excellencies of Dju Wheelock were of another description. He will be tender- ly le ciembered wliile any are alive, who ever knew him ; his services will be grate- fully recollected while civilization, science^ PREFACE. V and religion, are dear to man. The pres- ent state of the public mind seems to invite this kind of publication. Within a few 3^ears " a mighty armj " in Europe and A- merica, have risen in the spirit of Dr.- Wheelock, to spread the gospel among the heathen. The ministers of religion by their influence, their writings, their labors, have done much in the sacred cause. Merchants and other opulent friends to the cause of the Redeemer, have like Princes broudit their silver and gold to the treasury of the Lord. Missionary Societies are incorporated ; Colleges, and Theological Seminaries are founded ; every considerable section of the globe is noAV visited by the Heralds of the Gospel ; the darkest abodes of superstition and idolatry are enlightened b}^ the beams of gospel grace. In such a day the Life of Dr. Wheelock appears, to encourage congenial spirits, to give an additional im- pulse to the pubhc mind. VI PREFACE. A great part of the materials for this work were furnished by Dr. John Whee- LOCK, the successor of his Father in the Presideiicy of the College. No doubts concerning their authenticity can be enter- tained. The frontispiece was procured at his expence. The collection of letters in the Appendix may not be the least instruc- tive, or entertaining part of the volume. Those of Dr. Wheelock exhibit his ami- able temper and christian spirit without any disguise or coloring. The candid Rea- der will recollect, that they were generally written in a crowd of business, in great haste, and without any idea of their pub- lication. That these Memoirs may prove favorable to the interests of science and religion, is the devout wish and prayer of the Compilers. DAVID M'CLURE. ELIJAH PARISH. CONTENTS. SECTION I. Hi3 ancestors — education — settleirient at Lebanon — itinerations— his compassion towards the Indians. ------- page 9 SECTION II. Sampson Occuro — Mr. Wheelock's motives in undertaking his Indian School — plan of a School. -----------16 SECTION III. The progress of the Indian School — benefactions — Mr. Moor — war with France — Sir William Joh'.ison — Joseph Brant — Mr. C. J. Smith — description of savage life — regulation and mstruction of the School. ---- 23 SECTION IV. Board of Correspondents elected — donations from Great Britain- School masters — Mr. Kirkland's mission to the Senecas — Mr. Cecum. ---.-------------34. SECTION V. Messrs. Whitaker and Occum's mission to Great Britain — their suc- cess-— Lord Dartmouth's patronage — board of Trustees in Eng- land — proposals for removing the College-^ Charter for a College granted — Dr. Wheelock's pastoral relation dissolved. - - - 44 SECTION VI. Removal to Hanover — hardships — lands cleared. ----- 58 SECTION VII. Governor Wentworth^s friendsliip to the College— missionaries go forth among distant tribes — are driven back — war between Greafc Britain and tlie Colonies — College and School possess appropriate funds. ----,----.„ 59 SECTION VIII. The College and School suffer by the revolutionary war — donations of Dr. Phillips and Mr. Johnson — munificence of Mr. Thornton, London— Indians join the British. -------- gf SECTION IX. The advantageous local situation of Dartmouth College — Dr. Whee- lock's sickness, and his death. -*-------- 77 t VIII CONTENTS. SECTION X. His Character — Faith — Praver — Doctrines — ^Talents as a preach- er, cS:c. ' 112 SECTION XI. Doctor Wheelock's persou — his successor — his mission to Europe — lands granted by Vemiunt — new CulleiJe edifice — professor Rip- ley' — lauds granted by New Uauipslm-e, 6iC, , * - - - ICI SilCTION XII. Funds of the Colleste and School — funds in Scotland — Indians in Moor's School — revivals of relis:ion — numbers — situation friendly to morals, and progress in literature — professor Smith — professor Hubbard, i^c. - - - 138 SECTION XIII. Extracts of letters, from several very respectable personal acquaint- ances of the late Dr. Wheelock, to one of the Authors. 164; NOTES and Illustrations. 169 APPENDIX — Containing Doctor Wheelock's Literary Correspon- dence m Europe and America. --------- t%0 MEMOIRS 0& DOCTOR WHEELOCK SECTION I. lilS ANCESTORS— EDUCATION— SETTLEMENT AT LEBANON— ITINERATIONS— HIS COMPASSION TOWARjDS THE INDIANS. 1 HE biographies of great and good men are justly ranked among the most useful writing's of historians or divines. In the life of a good man we see the practicability of human virtues, their ricli consolations, their engaging beauties, their divine rewards. In the examples of a good man, we are demonstratively taught the folly and wickedness of those, who object against self government, strict morality and christian pi- ety. Vv'e see scripture purity in real life. In the examples of a good 'man, we learn the rea- sonableness and propriety of commands, exhor- tations andthreatenmgs, to deter men from wick- edness. In the experience of a good man, we learn, that the integrity of the upright will pre- serve them, that the just man may live by his faith, that to him who hath, more shall be given, and he shall have abundance. Every good man is a witness for God, that revelation is true.— to MEMOIRS OF Every virtue and every act of duty in a good man, are a reproach to the wicked, powerfully tend to alarm their consciences, and persuade them to become christians. It is a principle of our nature to become assi- mulated to the objects, which we contemplate. Familiar converse with objects, great and sub- lime, elevate the mind ; familiarity with objects mean and low renders the mind base and vul- gar. Hence memoirs of persons, who were great, and good, and wisej are read with advantage, their lives are in a sort renewed, their temper and actions impressed on the mind, and are powerful incitements to moral excellence. This species of writing is not the least useful part of the sa- cred scriptures. The book of God is enriched by numerous sketches of biography. What youth ever read the life of Joseph without feeling his mind fortified against temptation, and animated in christian duty ? What real patriot ever read the life of Moses without being comforted and encouraged in the laborious services of public office ? What gospel minister ever read the me- moirs of St. Paul, his perils and multiplied la- bors, without being stimulated to go and do likewise ? The view of wicked men, pursuing their de- vious courses, is like the prospect of a dismal wilderness or a stormy ocean ; all is confusion and wild destruction, danger, uproar and chaos. But a holy life is the 'Miigh way" of felicity, the path of glory. The land of promise opens, the liver of life waters the pleasant fields, the gar- dens are forever decked with flowers and fruits^ the inhabitants are blest. The reverend Doctor Wheelock was born in Windham, Connecticut, April, 1711, and di- ed at Dartmouth College, in Hanover, New- DR. WHEELOCK. l\ hanipshire, April 24tli, 1779, aged 68 years. Few have accomplished more for the benefit of mankind, than this great and good man. By the favor of heaven, on his individual ex- ertions, he established a charitable institution, for the purpose of christianizing the Indians in North America, and bringing them to the know- ledge of civihzed life. By this means, those wandering children of depraved nature, have been illuminated with science and religion. Be- fore his death he had the satisfaction to see Dartmouth College established by his persevering enterprize, on a permanent foundation, and a prospect of its increasing and extensive utility. The plans and labors, he devised and prosecu- ted, the discouragements he surmounted, his un- wearied perseverance, generous philanthropy, and pious zeal, will be exhibited in the course of these memoirs. The ancestors of Doctor Wheelock were res- pectable. His great-grandfather, Mr. Ralph Wheelock, was born in Shropshire in England, in the year iGOO. He was educated at Clare Hall, in Cambridge University, and became an eminent preacher of the gospel With thousands of pi- ous people, he suiFered persecution for noncon- formity to the established religion. He there- fore, at the age of thirty seven years, determin- ed on a removal to New England. The ship in which he embarked was once driven back by tempests, the voyage was long and distressing. While at sea his lady was delivered of a daugh- ter. On his arrival, he settled in the town of Dedham, Massachusetts, thence he afterv/ards re- moved to Medfield, which was originally a part ofDedham. He became one of the principal proprietors of Medfield, where several of his nu- merous descendents now reside on land of their IS MEMOIRS OF ancestor. He declined taking the charge of any particular church, hut preached occasionally in Medfieldand theadjacentnewformed settlements. The residue of his life he passed in various useful labors, and principally in the instruction of youth. He was a wise counsellor in civil and ecclesiasti- cal matters ; such abilities and piety as he pos- sessed, were much needed and employed in the infancy of the country. He lived to a good old age, universally beloved and respected, and de- ceased Nov. 1683, in the eighty fourth year of his age. The Doctor's grandfather, Mr. Eleazar Whee- lock of Medfield, afterwards removed to Men don. In him were united the character of the christ- ian and the soldier. He commanded a corps of cavalry, and was very successful in repelUng the irruptions of the Indians upon the new settle- ments; and became extensively known and fear- ed by those sons of violence and murder. He treated them with great kindness and humanity in peace,and frequently joining them in the chase, lie reconnoitred the country, and discovered their retreats. Daring the war with the Indians his house in Mendon was converted into a garrison, to which the settlers in the vicinity resorted for safety. It was several times besieged and in immi- nent danger, but providentially preserved, (a)^ The Doctor's father, Mr. Ralph Wheelock, re- 3noved in early life to Windham, Connecticut and 3narricdMiss Ruth Huntington, daughter of Mr. Christopher Huntington, of Norwich. He was an officer of the church in Windham, a respecta- ble farmer, universally esteemed for his hospita- lity, his piety and the virtues that adorn the christian profession. The Doctor being an only son, and discover- ing at an early age a lively genius, a taste for * See appendix. DR. WHEELOCK. 13 learning, with a very amiable and friendly dis- position, was placed by his father under the best instructors, that could then be obtained. His grandfather, for whom he was named, left him a handsome legacy, for defraying the expenses of his public education. About the age of six- teen, while qualifying himself for admission to college, it pleased God to impress his mind wuth serious concern for his salvation. After earnest, prayerful enquiry, he was enlightened and com- forted w^ith that hope in the Saviour, which af- terwards proved the animating spring of his ex- ertions to qualify himself for usefulness, and his abundant labors to promote the best interest of mankind. He entered on his coJlegiate course, ^vith a resolution to devote himself to the work of the gospel ministry. He was educated at Yale college, under the direction of the Honora- ble Rector Williams, who was a gentleman of eminent wisdom, learning and piety. His pro- ficiency in study and his exemplary deportment, engaged the notice and esteem of the Rector and Instructors, and the love of the students. He, and his brother in law% the late Rev. Doctor Pomroy of Hebron, in Connecticut, were the first who received the interest of the legacy, gene- rously given by the Rev. Dean Berkley, to be awarded annually to the best classic scholars of the senior class. He was graduated in 1733. Soon after leaving college he commenced a preacher, and after giving a negative to a call from a tow^n on Long Island, to settle in the ministry, he soon received a unanimous invita- tion from the second society in Lebanon, Con- necticut, w^ith w^hich he complied. Soon after his settlement it pleased. God to fa- vor New England generally, and many places in the middle and southern colonies, with vrouder-^ 14 MEMOIRS OF ful effusions of the holy spirit. This great work seemed first to commence in Northampton un- der the pastoral care of the Rev. Jonathan Ed- Avards. Mr. Wheelock's congregation partook largely of that divine visitation, to the great joy of their pastor. From experience of grace in liis own heart, and his knowledge of its effects on others, he hecame an excellent casuist and skilful guide of souls. The duties of the pulpit were, to him, delightful. That remarkable re- vival of religion through the land, about the year 1740, and succeeding years, animated him to the performance of great and astonishing la- bors in the gospel. He preached almost daily, either at home, or in his travels, to numerous, attentive, solemn audiences. In those assem- blies, while some opposed the surprising work, others were crying out with terror, under alarm- ing views of divine wrath ; while some earnestly supplicated mercy; others expressed by the seren- ity of their countenances the ardor ot their love, their inward peace, and joy in the God of their salvation, lie was wise and skilful in his ad- dresses to each class of hearers, and gave to ev- ery one a word in due season. Distant towns called for his assistance, and in compliance with their requests he often left his people and itiner- ated through the country, preaching wherever invited. The word dispensed by him was mighty to awaken and convince the ignorant and secure, to conduct enquiring souls to Christ, to detect the erroneous, and to establish believers in their holy faith. Many pious and zealous ministers united with him in carrying on that great work, and God abundantly blessed their labors. He was warmly attached to the celebrated Rev. Mr. Whitcfield ; and was fired with a kindred zeal for ffod and tlie salvation of men. DR. WHEELOCK. 1.5 Mr. Wheelock's house, while he was there, was the daily resort of persons under solemn re- ligious impressions^ to whom he dispensed the word of life. In his pubhc and private instruc- tions they hung on his lips with ardent atten- tion. Mr. Wheelock v/as a favored instrument in the hands of God of gathering many souls to Christ, who, are now his joy and crown, (b) Towards the close of this uncommon Avork, some enthusiastic and unlearned teachers and ex- liorters arose, who, lead many astray and set up societies, denominated Separatists. Mr. Whee- lock, with other able leaders in the work of God,opposed this wild torrent of delusion, which threatened the peace and edification of the churches. They were successful in reclaiming many, who had deserted their duty. The good effects of his wisdom appeared conspicuous among his own people, who universally discountenan- ced the pretensions and errors of the Separatist Sy and continued united in great peace and love, (c) While he, with fidelity and success, fulfilled the duties of a pastor, he became anxious to em- ploy himself in a more extensive field, for which his enlarged, benevolent mind was qualified. The religious attention of his people declining, and his labors being not so constantly demand- ed, by his people, he was desirous that the time, which might be spared from them, should be devoted to the more extensive advancement of the Redeemer's cause. The unhappy and neg- lected tribes of Indians, in New Eno4and, and others more numerous on our northern and wes- tern borders, engaged his attention. lie thought and felt, that as a christian community, vv^e had shamefully, and criminally neglected proper en- deavors to reclaim them from barbarous igno- rance and vice, and lead them to a knowledge of God and his Messiah, 1^ MEMOIRS OF SECTION II. SA^IPSON OCCUM— MR. WHEELOCK'S MOTIVES IN UNDER^ TAKING HIS INDIAN SCHOOL-^PLAN OF A SCHOOL. ABOUT this time Sampson Occum, a seri- ous Indian youth, visited Mr. Wheelock, and soHcited instruction, which was gladly and free- -ly bestowed. He afterwards became a celebrat- ed preacher in America and Great Britain. He was of the Mohegan nation, and born a pagan.. Living in the vicinity of the English, he, in 1741, at the age of eighteen, became acquainted with the christian religion, forsook the vices of his countrymen, and became devout and zealous.. He was deeply affected by the deplorable igno- rance and vices of the Indians, and was indus- trious in quahfying himself to teach and reform them. Mr. Wheelock had, previous to this time^ opened a school for the instruction of a small number, whom he received into his family, with a few Enghsh youth, preparing for admission in- to college. He very willingly received young Occum into his school, where he continued a- bout three years. He was likewise one year with the Rev. Mr. Pomroy, pursuing the study of the English, Latin and Greek languages, during which time he also attained some acquaintance with the Hebrew. It was at first designed that he should complete his education at college, but want of health, first affecting his eyes, compelled him to desist for a season, and finally to relin- quish the plan. The Hon. London Board of Commissioners in Boston, assisted in supporting the expense of his education. He pursued his studies, as his health permitted, and was, occa- sionally, very useful as a school master, and J>^. WHEELOCK. iT teacher among the Montauk Indians, on Long Island, and elsewhere. He brought them oft' from a fanatic wildness, into which they had fallen, by means of zealous exhorters from New England. It is believed he was instrumental in the salvation of many. Having attended a considerable time to the study of theology, and made sufficient proficien- cy, he was examined by the Rev. Association of Windham county, in Connecticut, and by them licenced to preach. Afterwards, in 1759, be was ordained to the work of the gospel min- istry by the Rev. Suffolk Presbytery, on Long Island, to be employed on a mission to the Mo- haw^k and Oneida Indians. Mr. Wheelock considered Occum a specimen of what might be accomplished in forming the minds of the heathen, and was encouraged to proceed in the work proposed. Various motives induced him to encounter his arduous and be- nevolent undertaking. The following were in his view very important : as the brethren of the human race, christians are under obligations to spread the gospel among the heathen ; because it is a treasure committed to them by Jesus Christ, to be communicated to all, where they may have access. It is the command of the great Redeemer to his first ministers, to go into all the world and teach all nations, which h still in force ; and because God had manifested lus displeasure against us, for our neglect of the heathen, by suflering them, almost from the first settlement of New England, to be dreadful scourges ; that not only the obligations of reli- gion, but pity for their* miserable condition, as to the comforts of this life, should be a power- ful motive to draw our attention to their wel- fare and clear ourselves of public guilt. A gen- 18 MEMOIRS OP erous spirit of patriotism also had its influence ; he conceived that they might, by adopting our manners, become good subjects of our govern- ment ; that the least expensive and most effica- cious method to make them peaceable neighbors, was to form a friendly connection with them, by educating their children in the principles of the christian religion, and teaching them the arts of civil life; that to christianize the heath- en was a condition attached to the royal charters of the colonies, and promised by our fathers. *' But that which was of greatest weight," to use his own words, " and should powerfully excite *'and persuade us hereto, is the many com- *^ mands, strong motives, precious promises, and ** tremendous threatenings, which fill so great a *' part of the sacred pages, and are so perfectly ^' calculated to awaken all our powers, to spread " the knowledge of the only true God and Sa- " viour, and make it as extensive and common *'as possible." Other considerations had their influence with him, particularly as has been hinted, his want of such extensive fields for industry and success iu his ministry, as he wished. Although his min- istrations had been divinely blest to many souls, yet the bounds of a small parish were too con- fined ; and ordinary labors, too limited, for his active and ardent mind. In the forests of Amer- ica, over which numerous tribes of Indians were scattered, on the north, the west and the south, he discovered a glorious range for labor ; and with ardor, and apostolic zeal, he entered on the important work, (d) Before this much had been done, by pious and charitable individuals and societies^ to christian- ize the heathen, by sending among them English missionaries. But the difficulty in learning their DR. WHEELOCK. 3 9 several barbarous languages, or of communicat- ing, by means of interpreters, intellectual and spiritual knowledge, to the barren minds of sav- ages, the suspicions they entertained, that white people in all their proposals, had a design to en- slave them or obtain their lands ; these, with the vices of the white people on their borders, who had divested themselves of the restraints of gov- ernment and religion, and had greatly corrupted the minds and morals of the Indians, exhibited discouraging prospects of accomplishing any thing very effectual among them by any common means. To devise the best method of evangelizing the heathen, he had long engaged his thoughts. He conceived and adopted a plan, which was new and till then never attempted. It was to per- suade Indian parents to send their children to him, and in this manner remove them entirely from all connection with their countrymen; and in the period of their lives, when impressions are most lasting, to instruct them in the principles of learning, the christian religion, and the arts of civilized life. By keeping them a number of years, under those advantages, and until they should be qualified to teach their brethren, he hoped to form them to such habits, as would ef- fectually secure them from degenerating into the idle, wandering, and vicious manners of their own nation. He wished, so far as practicable, to make them equal to English youth in every useful and virtuous accomplishment, and rouse in them an emulation to persevere. His plan comprehend- ed the education of female children, either by placing them in pious families, or under the care of a skilful governess, to be instructed in domes- tic business and other accomplishments adapted to their sex. The united example of both fonn- i20 MEMOIRS OF ed on the model of a religious Englisli educa- tion, on their return to their own country, he rationally thought would have a powerful and happy influence in bringing their savage brethren to the same habits of life, (e) It was his purpose also to educate a number of promising English youth, who would devote themselves to the service of the Redeemer, in the capacity of missionaries. He humbly besought counsel of God, and was encouraged to believe that his design was conformable to the divine will. He communicated his views to several of his christian friends and brethren in the minis- try ; they applauded his benevolence, but seem- ed generally inclined to dissuade him from the attempt, as they saw no means of accomplishing his purpose. Some, however, gave him assur- ances of their aid. Mr. Wheelock's family, at this time, was young and increasing, and the pittance of salary on. which he settled was inadequate to its support. He was obliged to draw assistance from the pa- trimony left him by his honored father. As Doctor Wheelock was but partially sup- ported by his people ; he, therefore, inferred that they were entitled only to a corresponding part of his time and labors. From the same cause other ministers of the gospel have found them- selves in the same unpleasant, discouraging di- lemma. The want of honesty and fidelity on the part of their people, has induced them to ex- change their study for the field, to hear the mirth of their reapers, instead of the songs of Zion, where christians meet to praise and pray ; to toil with oxen, instead of listening with delight to the sublime strains of Isaiah, or the wonderful visions of St. John, revealed in the caverns of Patmos. Others, engage in those philosophic oy DR. WIIEELOCK. 21 literary pursuits, which materially interfere with their labors for their people, which abate their ministerial zeal, and weaken the force of labors, which are performed. Their situation is afflict- ing, and it bccometh them to be vastly cautious^ lest they be found unfaithful stewards of Jesus Christ. When things come to such a crisis, somewhat is dangerously wrong in the pastor or people. When a minister, like I\Ir. Wheelock, who understands the principles of moral obliga- tions, and of commutative justice, who has an habitual and awful sense of his duty, as an am- bassador of heaven ; when such a person delib- erately presumes to deprive his people of halr^ or any other proportion of his services, it is high time for them to be alarmed ; it is time for them to make solemn scrutiny ; it is time for them to examine their treatment of their minister. Has he approved himself to their consciences, as an honest man ; has he appeared to love his minis- terial work ; has he manifested an unfeigned af- fection for them, a religious solicitude for theit salvation ; a cheerful readiness to promote their spiritual improvement ? Will they not then be jealous of them.selves ? Have ye, oh neglected people, faithfully ob- served your engagements to your pastor? or have ye muzzled the mouth of the ox, while he was treading out the corn ? You are not merely abus- ing your minister, dissolving the bonds of his obligations to you, and justifying him in desert- ing your service, and neglecting your immortal interests ; but you are bringing a spiritual fam- ine upon your church, upon your dear children, and your own souls. You are extinguishing the light, ready to shine upon you, and frec/iing the heart glowing with zeal for your salvation; you are striking with a fatal palsy the hand, which 22! MEMOIRS OF would be exerted for your endless felicity ; you are sealing the lips which would proclaim pardon and eternal life. Like Ananias and Saphira to save for yourselves a miserable pittance, which you had professedly devoted to the gospel, you are increasing the danger of your everlasting de- struction ; you are depriving yourselves in part of the very means of salvation. Having sup- pressed a portion of your religious instructions, will God probably bless those which are contin- ued ? They are, it may be supposed, less skilfully directed ; coming from a heart enfeebled with great discouragements, they are delivered with less pathos, they strike the hearers with less en- ergy. But were the preacher's courage invinci- ble, and his zeal for your spiritual welfare un- diminished; were all his powers, all his time and talents still devoted to your service ; yet if you he unfaithful to him, will God bless those la- bors? Will he bless sermons and sacraments, en- joyed by unfaithfulness and fraud? Will he be honored, or will he save you by those public solemnities, obtained by insincerity, and which, therefore, cost you little or nothing ? Dr. Wheelock resolved to devote a part of his time and property to the design of evangelizing the Indians, placing confidence in God, in whose hands are the hearts of all men, that he would afford sufficient aid, and raise up generous ben- efactors to assist him in this work. He used to say, that there always are pious and liberal per- sons blessed by God with ability, who are wait- ing for opportunities to distribute their v/ealth, in the manner best adapted to promote the glory of God in tlie salvation of men ; and that he doubted not, the cliavitable institution, he was about to organize, vvoiild excite tlic liberality oi miinv. C /') DR. WHEELOCK. ^3 SECTION III. THE PROGRESS OF THE INDIAN SCHOOL—BENEFACTORS—MR. MOOR— WAR WITH FRANCE— SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON— JO- SEPH BRANT— MP.. C. J. SMITH— DESCRIPTION OF SAVAGE LIFE— REGULATION AND INSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL. ON the eighteenth day of December, 1754, arrived John Pumpshire in the fourteenth, and Jacob Woolley in the eleventh year of his age, two Indian boys of the Delaware nation. They were sent, at the request of Mr. Wheelock, by the Rev. John Brainerd, missionary to the Indians in New- Jersey. Considering their ignorance of our language, they made as great proficiency in learning as the English boys in the same school. In two years, they became v/ell acquainted witli the English language, writing and common arith- metic, and acquired considerable knowledge of the Latin and Greek. Their health, particularly Pumpshire's, began rapidly to decline. This was attributed to the sudden change of diet and mode of living, with the sedentary employment to which they had been such total strangers. Pump- shire returned to his country and did not long- survive.* Woolley appeared to be a sprightly and promising youth, and was entered at New- Je/sey college to complete his education. At Mr. Wheelock's request, Mr. Brainerd sent him tw^o other lads of the same nation; Joseph Wool- ley and Hezekiah Calvin. While these attempts were making, the school attracted the notice of many. Subscriptions * On this event, Mr. Wheelock remarks h\ his narrative, " The dc- *' ciine and dyath of this youth, waj an instructive scene to me, and " convinced me moi-e fully of the necessity of special care respecting " their diet, and that more exercise was necessary for them, especially •' at their iirst com in 5, tO' a fidl tabic-', 24 MEMOIRS OF were opened and circulated among the pious ahcl charitable, and the sum of five hundred pounds, lawful money, was soon raised towards a fund for its support. The Honorable Scotch Com- missioners in Boston and the vicinity, were the first public society, which gave their influence and aid to these benevolent labors of Dr. Whee- lock. After examining his plan of procedure, they, in May 17^3, passed a vote desiring him to send David Fowler, an Indian scholar, with Mr. Occum to the Oneidies, and if practicable, to bring three boys to be put to school at Leba- non. They votecl twenty pounds for the present, and desired Mr. Wheelock to inform their trea- surer, when this was expended. Fowler and Occum were successful ; after a journey of a thousand miles, the former returned with three Indian lads. These were very soon as cheerful and " happy as if they had been at home." Con- stant care was taken, that their feelings might not be wounded. His maxim with thenatives was that those, who take the direction of others' chil- dren, should treat them as their own. So they treat the captives whom they adopt. This pa- rental style of government was not only agreea- ble to Dr. Wheelock, but absolutely necessary to the existence of his school. While other teach- ers appeared before their pupils as scrupulous le- gislators or stern judges, he was always the gen- tle and affectionate father of his tawny family. Had he adopted a different manner, jealousy, alienation, and desertion would have followed. His scholars would have sought their native for- ests, and those kindnesses received from their parents, which they consider necessary to fideli- ty and uprightness. In November following, the *^' Great and Gen- eral Court of Massachusetts became the patrons DR. WHEELOCK. 25 of Dr. Wheelock. So established was liis integ- rity ; so wise were his arrangements ; so evident- ly noble and excellent his undertaking, that the mosi: res^iectable legislators on the continent honored themselves by assisting him in his la- bors. The province of Massachusetts voted *' that Dr. Wheelock should be allowed to take under his care six children of the Six Nations,'* and they would bear the expense of their '' edu^ cation, clothing and boarding for one year." These were obtained and admitted into the school. About this time ]\Ir. V/heelock invited the fol- lowing gentlemen to associate with him and un- dertake in trust to manage the concerns of his Indian school; viz. Elisha Williams, Esq. late Rector of Yale College, and the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Mosely, of Windham, and Benjamin Pomroy, of Hebron. They readily accepted the invitation, and subscribed a covenant to that ef- fect. In the infancy of the school, Mr. Joshua Moor, a respectable farmer in Mansfield, made the first considerable donation to it. It consist- ed of a convenient tenement for a school house, and about two acres of land contiguous to Mr. Wheelock's mansion ; and in honor of the do- nor, the institution was named Moors Indian Charity School. As tiie property of the school increased con- siderably, from the generosity of its friends, and as it was probable, that it would enjoy extensive patronage, it was thought best, by gentlemen of the law, that an act of incorporation should be obtained. Measures were accordingly pur- sued to obtain a charter from England, and al- so from the Governor of Connecticut; but the commencement of war between England and 4 ^6 MEMOIRS OF France, in which the colonies were deeply in- volved, rendered the design unpopular, and the attempt unsuccessful. The greater part of the Indians united with the French of Canada, and spread desolation on the frontiers. The army of Gen. Braddock was defeated, and for a season the enemy triumphed. The school, however, in this season of distress increased, "and such," Mr. Wheelock observes, '^ was the orderly and " good behavior of the Indian boys, through the '' blessing of God on instruction and discipline, *' that enemies could find but little or nothing *' that was true, wlierewith they might reproach ** the design." Several of Mr. Wheelock's friends^ who were enraged at the horrid barbarities, com- mitted by the Indians upon tlie defenceless in- habitants on the frontiers, advised him to aban- don his object. His persevering zeal to promote their salvation was not in any measure damped, hut rather animated by these apparent discou- ragements. He was persuaded that the most ef- fectual method to bring them to a friendly and perpetual alliance, was to conciliate them by kindness, and bind them to us by kind offices. His wisdom and foresight have been manifested by subsequent facts. Those tribes, among whom his missionaries and school masters had mostly labored, were friendly to the colonies, and gener- ally observed neutrality in the wars with the French, and since, in the late revolutionary wars witli Great Britain. Great was the faith and charity of the pious founder of the school, during the distressing war, of the French and Indians, and heaven smiled on his imshaken perseverance. In that dark ])eriod,the infant institution found many able friends, whose zeal for the glory of God, in the conversion of the heathen, triumphed over that DR. WHEELOCK. 2/ resentment and revenge, which the natural heart was ready to indulge. At that time, some open- ly opposed the school, others labored by secret arts to destroy its credit. When the war closed, in 17^3, the threatening cloud dispersed. The hearts of the liberal were opened, and donations flowed in from various quarters. The number of Indian youth in the school, from the Mohawks, the Delawares, Mo- hegan and Narragansetts, soon increased to twelve. Seven Indian girls from those nations, were also received and placed in good famihes, in the vicinity, where they were taught domes- tic business, instructed in reading and writing. Sir Wilham Johnson, superintendant of In- dian affairs in North America, w^as very friend- ly to the designs of Mr. Wheelock, and at his request^ sent to the school at various times, se- veral boys of the Mohawks, to be instructed. One of these was, the since, celebrated Joseph Brant, who, after receiving his education, was particularly noticed by Sir William, and employ- ed by him in public business. He has been, very useful in advancing the civilization of his countrymen, and for a long time past has been a military officer, of extensive influence among the Indians in Upper Canada. The expense of clothing so many naked youth from the wilder- ness, their board, their instructors, and persons to take the immediate oversight of them, was vmavoidably great, notwithstanding the most careful economy. Mr. Wheelock was indefati- gable in labor. He repeatedly journeyed through the neighboring colonies, soliciting benefactions of the liberal ; his success often exceeded his most sanguine expectations, and excited his grateful acknowledgments to heaven. He gen= erously gave all the expenses of his journey, his 28 MEMOIRS OF own time and labor. In the term of eight years from liis commencing the education of Indians, as a chief object, his expenditures amounted to two thousand five hunch'ed and sixteen dollars, and his receipts, in donations, to two thousand two hundred and sixty two dollars. In June, 1763, Mr. Charles Jeffrey Smith, of Long Island, was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry at Lebanon, with a view to his performing a mission to remote tribes of Indians. Mr. Smith was a worthy, pious young gentle- man, zealous in religion, compassionate to the Iieathen, and of an accomplished education. He possessed a handsome estate and devoted a large proportion of it to charitable uses. He had itinerated some time, as a preacher, among the poor and destitute settlements in the south- ern colonies. He was successful, particularly in Virginia, in bringing the wretched children of Africa to the knowledge of Christ He w^as ■universally respected for amiable manners^ great benevolence, and popular talents as a preacher. The hostile disposition of some of the Indians for a time delayed his mission. At his ordina- tion Mr. Wheelock preached a sermon from Isaiah ji. 2d and 3d. A?id it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of t lie mount ains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall Jlozo unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob ; and he xcill teach us of his ways, and we will zvalk in his paths : for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. His sermon was afterwards ])rinted in Edinburgh, and also in London. Its leading sentiment is deduced from the ohhgations of christians^ tQ DR. WHEELOCK. ^9 make the Redeemer known among the heathen. The doctrine of it is, That the manifestation of Jesus Christ, among the heathen, will powerfully and effectually, draw them unto him. This doc- trine is illustrated by shewing, how Christ is to be made known, in order to win the nations to him ; that this is the divinely appointed means of gathering the heathen to Christ ; and that all who are thus brought to Christ, come most free- ly. In the application of the discourse, he ex- hibits many weighty and forcible considerations, to awaken the attention, and animate the exer- tions of Christians to this great duty. Among others he endeavours to excite compassion, for their miserable condition in this life, and gives the following just and truly characteristic des- cription of the wretchedness of savage life ; a description which probably equals, if it does not excel, any which has been given in so short a compass : " I may also add, that their wretched * outward condition should move our compas- ' sions towards them. Half naked, and almost * starved a great part of their time ; without ' any habitations, which are a suitable defence, ^ from the cold or storm ; accommodated only ' with a matt of flags or bulrushes to lodge ^ upon ; a kettle, a wooden dish, and a wooden ^ spoon or two. And if I omit any thing in ^ their inventory, it is neither in weight or bulk ' so much, that it may not, when the covering ^ of their habitation is also added, be easily * transported by one or two of their females, to ^ a distant place, by a spring of water, or near ' some hideous swamp, where they may be plen- ^ tifully supplied with materials for their low ' manufactures, and to which their hunters may •' make their retreat from their distant rambles, ^' Strangers to the sweats of friendship^ and all so MEMOIRS OF ^' the emoluments of science, immersed amidst *^ scenes of cruelty and blood, they have nothing " noble or worthy the rational creature to enter- *^' tain and feast themselves and one another with, '^ in asocial way. Can we think of this wretch- " ed state of our. fellow men, and feel no com- " passion moving towards them? Or can we *' think much of a little expense, to turn such *' ha])itations of cruelty into dweUing places of ^' righteousne.ss, and little sanctuaries where the '' true God may be worshipped in spirit and '' truth, instead of sacrifices to devils?" These people are sunk into a much more sa- vage state of society than their supposed ances- tors in Asia. Since the proximity of the two continents at Behring's strait has been known, it has been generally believed, that the original inhabitants of America emigrated from Asia. Other circumstances are more conclusive evi-' dence of the fact. The eastern side of America was less populous than the western. This has. been attested for ages by many writers on the subject. A natural result from the first settle- ments being formed in the west. The traditions of our savages, as far as the na» ture of the case admits, establish the same fact. They proclaim their wanderings from the west. When you ask the Indians of Carolina whence their forefathers came, they point to the west- ward, and say, " Where the sun sleeps, thence our forefathers came." The tribes on this side the Mississippi, assert that they came from the west, northwest or south. The Natches say, that once they dwelt in the south west, " nnder the Sim." The Chikkasahs, the Six Nations, the Mahicanni, and the tribes of New England, say they came from the westward. These last sav. that in the south v/est is the court of the DR. WHEELOCK. S! Great God, Cawtantowwit In the south west are the spirits of their forefathers. To the south west go their own spirits, when they die. From the south west came their corn and beans, from the fields of the great God, Cawtantow- wit.^ Similar traditions of the Toltecas and Mex- icans, support the opinion of their Asiatic origin. The Illinois and the Miamis say, they " came from the borders of the sea, very distant to the west." In this continent are found the languages of Asia. The language of Mexico may be traced to the languages of the Persians, the Curdic, the Arabs, the Tartars, the Yogoulitchi, \vhence al- so are derived considerable portions of the nume- rous languages, derived from the Delaware stock, the Six Nations, the Cherokees, the Creeks, the Chikkasahs, the Choktahs, and many other tribes in North and South America.f Strong re- semblances are also found between several Ame- rican languages and those of China and Japan. The languages of Caucasus and Tartary, are dis- covered in America, and though less aftinity is sometimes found between lano-uaoes of America, radically the same, than between those in Asia^ radically the same, this only proves, that the American tribes have been longer separated than those of Asia, or what, perhaps has had more influence, that their greater change of place, novelty of situation, and dilicrence in style of living, have introduced a more rapid change of language. It is a fact, v/orthy of at- tention, that but one radical language has been discovered, by extensive researches^ either in A- merica or the old world, * Roger Williams. t See " New Views of the origin of llie tribes and nations of Aine?i-r r^. by B. S. Barton, Tvl. D," an excellent v-ork. 32 MEMOIRS OF To support the Asiatic origin of ouf Savages, the ancient forts and mounds of the western country, bring in their united testimony. These are less frequent on the Atlantic, than to the west of our high range of mountains. This indi- cates their erection to have been by a people from the westward. What vastly corroborates this opinion is, that forts and mounds of similar construction and apparent design, are scattered over the northern part of Asia. These mighty labors of other times, in Asia and America, Avhose origin and use have baffled the enquiries of philosophers, were probably performed by the same people.* In 1764, the school consisted of about thirty scholars, of whom about one half were Indians ; the residue were either independent English youth, or those who were preparing for Indian missions, and dependant either in part, or whol- ly, on the funds of the school, for the expense of their education. Religious, faithful and learn- ed masters were employed, from time to time^ for the school. The Indian boys were accommodated in a part of the house given by Mr. Moor, and fur- nished with proper lodging, diet^ and other ne- cessaries, by persons employed for the purpose. The school house w^as nigh Mr. Wheelock's dwelling, in the hall of which, the students and their instructors, attended morning and evening- prayers. , The following is a general description of the manner of conducting the school. *' The stu- *' dents were obliged to be decently dressed, and *' ready to attend prayers, before sunrise, in the " fall and winter, and at six o'clock in the sum- " mer. A portion of scripture was read by se- " veral of the seniors of them ; and those who * Rev. Mr. Harris' Tour to the Ohio. DR. WHEELOCK, SS ^^ were able answered a question in the Asse??!- " bli/'s Catechism ; some explanatory questions " were asked them upon it, and answers ex- " pounded to them. After prayers, a short time " was allowed for their diversion, and the school '^ began with prayer at nine o clock, and ended *^ at twelv^e ; began at two and ended at five " o'clock with prayer. Evening prayers were at- *^ tended before day light was gone. Afterwards '' they applied to their studies. They attended " public worship, and had pews devoted to their " use in the house of God. On the Lord's day " morning, and between and after the meetings, " the master, or some one to whom they would *' submit, attended them, to inspect their beha- " viour, hear them read, catechise and discourse " to them. And once or twice a week they '^ heard a discourse, delivered by Mr. Wheelock, " calculated for their capacities, upon the most ^^ important and interesting subjects."* Such a number of youth, taken from the midst of savage life, attending with decency and de- votion upon the duties of rehgion, was a new and pleasing spectacle. The progress of his " In- dian children," as he used to call them, in learn- ing and good manners, was, for Mr. Wheelock, a favorite topic of conversation, at home and abroad. He loved them and bore them daily on his heart to the throne of grace. Their tem- pers were generally docile and pleasant, their behaviour agreeable, and their diligence and pro- gress in learning exceeded expectation. At first, some of them discovered their savage cruelty of disposition, in their torturing animals for amuse- ment ; but by means of reproof and instruction, they soon became sensible of the impropriety and evil of such practices. * First IvTarrative of the Rise and Progress of the School. 5 ?4! MEMOIRS Of SECTION IV. BOARD OF CORRESPONDENTS ERECTED— DONATIONS FROM GREAT BRITAIN— SCHOOL MASTERS— MR. KIRKLAND'S MIS- SION TO THE SENECAS— MR. OCCUM. IN consequence of application, Mr. Whee- lock, in 1764, received from the Hon. Society in Scotland, for propagating Chinstian knowledge, the following commission for a Board of Cor- respondents with that society, designed to assist in promoting the objects of Moor's Indian Cha- rity School. '^ The committee of directors of the society in " Scotland, for propagating christian knowledge, " in virtue of the powers granted to them, by " the general meeting of said society, and agree- " ably to a particular appointment of the gene- *' ral meeting, held upon the twenty fourth day ^^ of November last. Taking under their consi- *' deration, the signal success, with which it has *' pleased God Almighty to bless the British " arms, in North America, during the late war; *' and that Providence thereby, presents a favor- " able opportunity, and calls upon them to im> '^ prove it for enlarging and promoting the king- " dom of Christ, in those dark places of the *' earth, that are full of the habitations of cruel- '^ ty. And it having been represented to them, ** by Mr. Eleazar Wheelock, teacher of an In- " dian charity school, at Lebanon, in the colony ** of Connecticut, in New England, that several " well disposed persons there, would gladly con- " tribute to further the above design, conforma- *' bly to a petition transmitted to said society : '' Do therefore nominate and appoint the fol- '^ lowing persons, viz. Jonathan Huntington, *^ Esq, of Windham, Elisha Sheldon, Esq. of DR. WHEELOCK. S5 ^^ Litchfield, Mr. Samuel Huntington, attorney *' at law, in Norwich, the Rev. Messrs. Solo- '^ mon Williams, of Lebanon, Joseph Fisk, of " Stonington, Nathaniel Eells, of Stonington, ** William Gaylord, of Norwalk, Samuel Mosely, *' of Windham, Eleazar Wlieelock, of Lebanon, '' Benjamin Pomroy, of Hebron, Richard Salter, '' of Mansfield, Nathaniel Whi taker, of Nor- '' wich, and David Jewett, of New London, as " their correspondents in the Colony of Con- '^ necticut aforesaid ; authorizing them to re- " ceive donations from well disposed persons, ** and to employ the same for promoting chris- '* tian knowledge, in such manner as shall be ^' directed by the donors, and failing such di- *' rection, to devise schemes for propagating our '' holy religion among the Indians, and to carry *^ them into execution. They, the said corres- " pondents, always, from time to time, acquaint- " ing this society with their proceedings. And " the said Committee of Directors hereby de- '^ clare, that they will, so far as circumstances " permit, give all due encouragement towards *^ forwarding and promoting the endeavours of " their correspondents, *' And they hereby empower their said corrcs- ^^ pondents to appoint the time and place of '' their meetings, to choose their Proeses, Treas- ^' urer. Secretary, Accomptant, Comptroller, *' Clerk, and other officers, and to do every thing ^^ else, necessary for carrying this laudable pur- ^^ pose into execution. And they likewise re- ^* commend it to their said correspondents, to *^ transmit the names of such other persons, as " they judge proper, to be added to their board, ^' that the said Society may send them commis- " sions, to the effect above mentioned. " Given under the common seal of the said so- 36 MEMOIRS or *^ ciety, and signed by the Prceses of the Com^ " mittee of Directors, and Clerk of the Society, *' at Edinburgh, the thirteenth day of March, " in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven " hundred and sixty four." "James Smollet, Pisceses.'' *' Alexander Stevenson, Clerk,'' Two years previous to the foregoing comniis^ sion, several ministers of the gospel, living in the vicinity of Mr. Wheelock published to the world, a reconnnendatory letter of his design, expressing their wilUngness to promote " the noble and charitable undertaking." (g) Although Mr. Wheelock began the charitable "business at his own risk, numerous, generous be- nefactors, and some public bodies, soon appear^ cd to assist him in carrying it on. The Hon. Xegislature of Connecticut, recommended a con- tribution in all the congregations throughout the colony. As early as I76I, the Hon. Scotch Commissioners, in Boston, patronized the de^ sign, and directed that three Indian boys, might "be supported at the school for a season, at their expense. The General Assembly of the Pror vince of Massachusetts also, the same year, granted the avails of a generous legacy, given by Sir Peter Warren, towards the support of six children of the Six Nations, at said school. The General Assembly of New Hampshire, made a handsome donation to promote the design.. The Hon. London Commissioners, in Boston, made several grants for the same purpose. Con- tributions were sent in, from various christiau congregations, and smaller societies in the neigh- boring colonies. Were it possible, respect to the individual benei^jtors of the school, would demand an DR. WHEELOCK. 37 honorable mention of all their names. Its friends and patrons were found among all orders and conditions of people. While some favored it with their mite, others gave of their abund- ance. The friends of the Redeemer, and the souls of men, who promoted the generous chari- ty, and encouraged its benevolent founder, have, in heaven, received the glorious reward of their works, done for Christ upon earth.* But few of them are now living. The fame of the Indian school having reach- ed Great Britain ; he, in whose hands are the hearts of all men, disposed many of the pious and worthy, to contribute to the furtherance of the design. The Right Hon. the Marquis of Lothian, in 17^2, sent Mr. Wheelock a donation of one hundred pounds sterling. A like sum was also given by a lady in England, unknown. The generosity of Messrs. Samuel Savage, Charles liard}^, and the Rev. Doctor Andrew Gifford, of London, and of the Rev. Doctor John Erskine, and Messrs. William Dickson, and Walter Scott, of Edinburgh, ought not to remain unnoticed. It cannot be invidious to mention these honora- ble and worthy benefactors, because they were among the earliest patrons of the institution. The friends of the school, both in England and America, whose contributions for its support, at a subsequent period, were truly liberal, are too numerous to be here recited. So far as they were known, they are recorded in the printed narratives of the school. * Among the benefactors of the school, in its infancy, were Mr. Johri: Smith, merchant, Mr. Jonathan Williams and Samuel Austin, Esq. of Boston, Lady Pepperill, of Kittery, Mr. Moses Little, of Newburyport, Hon. John Phillips, of Exeter, Hon. Robert Hooper, of Marblehead, Benjamin Pemberton, Esq. of Roxbury, Mr. S. Moor, of Mansfield, Mrs. Anne Bingham, of IViadham, Doctor Daniel Lathrop, of Norwich, Doctoir- iledman of Philadelphia, and many of the clergy. 38 MEMOIRS OF On the fourth of July, 17^4, the board of cor- respondents, commissioned by the society in Scotland, met at Lebanon, accepted their ap- pointment, and were organized. They again met, March 12 th, 17^5. At this meeting, two young gentlemen, Messrs. Titus Smith and The- ophilus Chamberlain, both of whom had finished their education at Yale College, presented them^ seh^es for examination, as candidates for thea'os- pel ministry, to undertake a mission to the Mo- hawks and Oneidas. They were approved, and soon after ordained. Eight Indian youths, edu- cated in the school, were, at the same meeting, examined, and found fully adequate to accompa- ny those missionaries, in the capacity of school- masters. They had learned to speak the Eng- lish language with considerable facility; they were acquainted with the rudiments of grammar, and wrote handsomely. Their appearance and deportment were very pleasing, and their honor- ed patron and friends were ready to predict their great and extensive usefulness, among their sa- vage countrymen. Thus early, the good fruits of Mr. Wheelock's charitable institution appear- ed abundant. They were all equipped for their departure to the wilderness, when the funds of the school were found unexpectedly exhausted, and means were v/anting to defray the necessary expenses of their journey. Mr. Wheelock in this, as in various other dilemmas of a similar compaction, proceeded with unshaken confidence, as if an adequate fund were at his command. As he had usually been supplied at the most critical moment, in some unforeseen manner; so in this instance, the requisite aid was furnished ; the missionaries and their companions were not detained ; but on the day prefixed, they departed with ample sup- DR. WHEELOCK. S9 plies. The Indians of several villages received them with respect; schools were collected and the masters appointed to them.* The mission- aries were entrusted with the patronage of these schools ; they treated the instructors with pa- rental kindness; frequently visited them ; coun- selled and encouraged them in their important undertaking. The whole number of Mohawks and Oneida children, received into the several schools, a- mounted to one hundred and twenty seven. They generally appeared fond of instruction, and made pleasing progress. The Indian masters were attentive to their schools for many months. Some of them however, notwithstanding the best efforts of their missionary friends and patrons, unhappily returned, in a very considerable de- gree, to those roving and savage habits, from which it was hoped they were completely res- cued. Others maintained their integrity, be- came respected, and remained useful to their brethren. As a specimen of disposition, talents, and acquirements, extracts from two or three of their letters, addressed to Mr. Wheelock, their friend and patron, are here inserted. Extract of a letter from David Fowler, of the Montauk tribe. ^^ Kanavarohare, in Oneida, June 15, 1765. 42 MEMOIRS OF ety. The Six Nations, exclusive of the Tusca- roras, speak the same radical language, in cliiFer- ent dialects. Mr. Kirkland had already acquir- ed considerahle knowledge of the Mohawks^ which has a great affinity to the language of the Senecas. The adventure was bold and hazard- ous. No protestant missionary had ever pene- trated these forests, or visited this tribe of fero- cious pagans. This gentleman was in various respects, peculiarly qualified for the arduous task. He possessed uncommon constitutional strength and vivacity, a mind fearless in danger, a great fund of benevolence, and a heart devoted to the cause of the Redeemer, and zealous for the con- version of the heathen. He travelled among those barbarians, unattended, boldly persevered in the good work ; endured trials and encounter- ed dangers, which would have appalled a com- in on mind with terror and dismay. Although famine spread its horrors round him, and his life w^as often in danger, from some, who watched an opportunity to kill him, yet he con- tinued with them more than eighteen months ; taught them from the word of life, and acquired a competent knowledge of their language. The contempt with which those haughty and blood- thirsty warriors first beheld him, was in many instances, converted into admiration of his cour- age and kindness, and some individuals became so enauiored with him, that they expressed their desire to be instructed in his religion. But so unconquerable was the rage of others against ]iim, and the English generally, that he saw no prospect of usefulness or safety. He therefore took a mission to the Oneidas, where, for many years, he continued his laborious services, liis faithful and successful ministry. Though his DR. WHEELOCK. , 43 mission is closed he still continues preaching to them. Mr. Occum's labors, as a preacher, were, for several years, chiefly bestowed upon the Mohe- gan, Montauk, and Narraganset tribes, with some occasional missions to the Six Nations, He was earnestly invited by the Rev. Mr. Davis, of Virginia, afterwards president of New Jersey college, to go among the numerous nations of the Cherokees, where a large and inviting field of labor was presented, but some disturbances among the southern Indians prevented his com- pliance. The Rev. ]\Ir. Buell, of Long Island, in a let- ter to the Rev Mr. Bostwick of New York, speaking of Mr. Occum, says, *' As a speaker '' of the gospel, he seems always to have in view " the end of the ministry, the glory of God, and " the salvation of men. His manner of expres- " sion, when he preaches to the Indians, is vastly " more natural and free, clear and eloquent, " quick and powerful, than when he preaches to. "others. He is the glory of the Indian nation. " I rejoice in the grace of God conferred on him, ^' and admire the gospel pearl which is set, not ^^ in the heart of a nobleman, but in the heart of "' one born a pagan." Mr. Wheelock, speaking of his popularity a- mong the white people, feeling great interest in his usefidness, and fearing the effect of the no- tice and intimacy with, which he was flattered,, with earnestness exclaimed, " May God merci- " fully preserve him from falling into the cou=- ^' demnation of the devil" 44 ^MEMOIRS OF SECTION V. MESSRf?. WHITAKER AND OCCUM'S MISSION TO GREAT BRIT- AIN—THEIR SUCCESS— LORD DARTMOUTH'S PATRONAGE— BOARD OF TRUSTf^ES IN ENGLAND— PROPOSALS FOR RE- MOVING THF, SCPIOOL— CFIARTER FOR A COLLEGE GRANT- ED— DR. WHEELOCK'S PASTORAL RELATION DISSOLVED. IN America, the reputation of the school be- came great and extensive. In Great Britain, many pious and respectable persons commenced a correspondence with Mr. Wheelock, and sent him donations of money, books, and clothing, for his Indian boys. The number of students, anissionaries, and school masters, who depended npon him for support, increased beyond the ex- tent of the ordinary supplies. Further exertions on his part were required to obtain the means of pursuing his favorite object. He, therefore, with the advice and concurrence of the board of cor- respondents, concluded to send Mr. Occum to Great Britain. The Kev. Nathaniel Whitaker, of Norwich, was appointed to accompany him,, to solicit benefactions for the Indian School. They accordingly went, carrying with them tes-. timonials, by which they and the school were highly recommended by many of the most res- pectable persons in America. Mr. Occum was the first Indian preacher, who had ever been welcomed to the shore of Eng- land. With .great applause he preached in Lon- don, and the principal cities of England and Scotland, to nmvierous audiences of different de- nominations. Wherever he preached, generous, contributions were made for the school. Divine Providence disposed the hearts of all orders of men, to contribute to the ^benevolent design. By the influence, and at the sohcitatiou DR. ^VilEELOCK. 45 of that piou>, and very respectable nobleman, theEARLof Daktmouth, the King condescend- ed to patronize it, by a royal donation of two hundred potincU Si eiHing. Several noblemen and gentlemen followed the example of his Majesty. About seven thousand pounds steriing, were col- lected in England, and between two and three tlioiisand in Scotland. The success of the mission must, in a great measure, be attributed to IMr. Occuni. He presented himself to the British nation, a living sample of v;ell directed endeavours to christian- ize the Indians. He was in other respects well calculated to conciliate the esteem of respectable and religious persons, and the love of mankind in general. His features and complexion bore every characteristic mark of an iVmerican In- dian ; but his deportment in the pulpit com- manded attention and respect. His composi- tions were easy, figurative, and impressive. With a modest assurance, he appeared impressed with the importance of his subject. He usually wrote his serm.ons, but could extemporize with readi- ness. He was devout and solemn in prayer ; in private life, agreeable and exemplary; easy and unassuming in conversation, his thoughts were expressed in pertinent and laconic language. A great number of very respectable civilians and divines, both of the established and presby- terian churches in England, satisfied with the goodness of the design, and fully convinced of its importance, publi>,hed an ample testimonial in its favor. The Right Hon. Lord Dartmouth, and several gentlemen of the hi o>hcst character, m and near London, were constituted a Board of Trustees of the monies contributed for tha 46 MEMOIRS OF school, to be drawn by Mr. Wheelock, as he should have need,* The following is an extract from a declaration published by the Trustees in England, dated London, January £8th, 1767- '' We, whose names are underwritten, being appointed Trustees, and to receive the monies that have been or shall be collected, &c. for the use of the llev. Mr. Wheelock's Indian Charity School, &c. do warmly recommend this pious and useful institution to the benevolent and charitable of all denominations in this King- dom, &c. ^DARTMOUTH, presidrnt, i CHARLES HOTHAM, I JGHxNT THORNTON, treasurer;, f SAMUEL ROFFY, SIc^ED, < CHARLES HARDY^ I DANIEL WEST, f SAMUEL SAVAGE, I JOSIAH ROBERTS, ^KOBERT KEEN, secretary." The monies collected in North Britain, were placed under the care of the Hon. Society in Scotland, for propagating christian knowledge. The University of Edinburgh, as a testimoni- al of their high respect for the character of Mr. Wheel ock, conferred on him the degree of Doc- tor in Divinity. By the smiles of Providence, on his applica- tion for charity, in Great Britain, Doctor VVhee- lock saw his means of advancing in his arduous work increasing, he accordingly, without delay, enlarged his plans of usefulness. The school, although wisely regulated, was not furnished with endowments and privileges, suf- * The appointment and declaration of this Board; may be found in a School Narrative; of 1769. DR. WHEELOCK. 47 iicient to afford the students such a course of studies as was thought necessary for preachers of the gospel. Several of them had already been placed in distant colleges to finish their educa- tion. As it was necessary the school, as such, should be continued for instruction in lower "branches, it was therefore thought best, that a college, in connection with it, should be found- ed, that the extended design of the institution might be more perfectly accomplished. The place where the school was situated, was not eli- gible for this purpose. It was nearly central to the colony of Connecticut, in which was early planted a college,'^ then in a flourishing condi- tion. By removing to some remote part of the 3iew forming settlements, large tracts of land might be more easily acquired, the improve- ment and rising value of which, would yield a permanent fund for its future support. A more expeditious and less expensive intercourse with the missionaries and school masters, in the coun- try of the Indians, and the prospect of its great and extensive utility, in the education of gentle- men from various parts in its vicinity, were con- templated as reasons for its removal. Dr. ^ylleelock, the Board of Correspondents concurring, after deliberation, resolved to remove the school, and, in connection with it to found a college. With this view, he organized it as such, in 1768, and employed a tutor,t for those who were of college standing. The place for its ne^r establishment, was for some time a subject of * Yale College, founded Anno 1700. t The late Hon. Bezaleel "Woodward, was then appointed tutor in the college department, and employed as an assistant in the care of the external concerns of the school. He accompanied it afterwards tO' Hnnover, and continued his useful and important exertions for the wel- fare of the institution, in various oitices under it, until his death, in- 1504-, 4S MEMOIR^ Oi? deliberation. Generous offers were inade to in-^ duce the removal of it to different and distant towns. General Lyrnan, who was then in Eng- land, soliciting a government and lands on the, Mississippi, for himself and the officers of the American army, in the late French Avar, which ]ie finally obtained, was very desirous it should , be removed within the limits of his grant ; but the death of the worthy General put an end to the progress of his plan. His Excellency Francis Barnard, Governor of i\Iassachusetts, and two other gentlemen, offered a considerable tract of land for its establishment in the county of Berkshire.* A generous sub- scription was made for it, by the inhabitants of Stockbridge, and other towns in the vicinit}.'}' A still larger subscription, was offered by the city of Albany, to induce its removal to that place;'! ^^^ ^^^^ most inviting prospects were in the western part of New Hampshire, on the riv- er Connecticut. His Excellency Governor John Wentv/orth, generously offered a valuable loca- tion for the proposed college and school, consist- ing of five hundred acres, in the town of Hano- ver, and a charter of a township of twenty four thousand acres, and also his agency to procure a royal charter f(ir a college. Lands and monies were subscribed by individual gentlemen in New Hampshire and the adjacent parts of Vermont. Doctor Wheelock transmitted to the Earl of Dartmouth, and the other trustees of the school in England, a representation of the different places proposed, and the various proposals re- * Two thousand eight hundred acres, t Eight hundred pounds sterling. t Two thousand three hundred pounds. DR. WHEELOCK. 49 ceived, and desired their advice on the suhject. They recommended the western parts of New- Hampshire, leaving with him the election of the particular site. His next object was to obtain the necessary charter of a college ; such as would be reputa- ble for the youth, who might receive an educa- tion, with a view to their public service in the churches of Christ. He applied, by an agent, to Governor Wentworth, informing him of his purpose, to remove the college and school into his province, requesting his patronage, and a charter of incorporation for a college, as proposed. This information was pleasing to the Governor, and a full compliance with the request accompa- nying it, was grateful to the generous mind of Governor Wentworth, and he cordially gave it all possible encouragement. His uncle, and im- mediate predecessor in the government, his Ex- cellency Benjamin Wentworth, had given a va- luable tract of five hundred acres, in the souther- ly part of Hanover, if the proposed college should be established in New Hampshire. The propri- etors of Lebanon also gave about fourteen hun- dred acres, contiguous to that tract. Towards the close of 17^9? a charter was issu- ed by Gov. John Wentworth for a college, which "^vas endowed with ample privileges, and all the honors and immunities of any university within the British realm. Doctor Wheelock was creat- ed its president. A charter of Landaff was also given to the college, a township containing tw^enty four thousand acres, situated a few miles easterly of Connecticut river, and forty norther- ly of Hanover. The principal gentlemen of the province, and also of the western section of Vermont, then cal- 7 so MEMOIRS OF led the New Hampshire grants, now offered liber- al subscriptions, both of lands and money, to en- courage the institution. And to render more certain its permanency, in so central a situation^ in relation to both of those States, some tracts were given to the school, and others to the col- lege. As a testimonial of respect for that illustrious and noble Lord, William, Earl of Dartmouth, one of the first patrons and benefactors of the school, in England, it was named Dartmouth College. In Forbes' life of Dr. Beattie is the following colloquy, between the King of England and Dr, Beattie. His Majesty asked what I thought of my acquaintance, Lord Dartmouth. I said, there was something in his air and manner, which I thought not only agreeable, but enchanting, and that he seemed to me to be one of the best of men. A sentiment in which both their Majes- ties, the Queen being present, heartily joined. They say that Lord Dartmouth is an enthusiast, said the King, but surely he says nothing on the subject of rehgion, but what every christian may and ought to say. How honorable was this dec- laration to Lord Dartmouth ; how honorable for the royal personage, who has, for more than half a century swayed the sceptre of Britain. What a contrast between his pious language, and the blasphemies of those who have waded to empire through the blood of their country. The follow- ing instructive anecdote, is related of Lord Dart- mouth. The King and some Noblemen had agreed to take an early morning ride. Tliey waited a few minutes for the arrival of Lord Dartmouth. One of the company gently re- minded him of his delay ; his Lordship replied^ DR. WHEELOCK. 51 ^'^ I have learned to wait on the King of Kings, ^^ before I wait on my earthly sovereign." In the spring of 1770, Doctor Wheelock, ac- companied by t^e Rev. Mr. Pomroy, and Samu- el Gilbert, Esq. set out to explore the western parts of New Hampshire, which were then a mere wilderness, to fix upon the most ehgible place for the school and college. They travelled more than two hundred miles up the riv^r Con- necticut and made various excursions, of fifty and sixty miles from it, to towns which were proposed. After a fatiguing tour of eight weeks, he finally gave the preference to Hanover, where the institution now continues. The Board of Trustees of the college^ confirmed his choice, but a removal was still to be effected. Doctor Wheelock was at this time, in the six- tyfirst year of his age ; a period of life when a man usually wishes for retirement from busy scenes, to enjoy repose. But the same zeal for the glory of God, in the conversion of the hea- then, and the diffusion of religion and useful science, which at first excited him to begin the school, now animated him to encounter untried labors and hardships. He believed God called him to proceed, and had confidence he would carry him through his work. Soon after his return from his exploring tour, an ecclesiastical council was convened, at the re- quest of Doctor Wheelock, and his church, at Lebanon, to dissolve his pastoral relation to them, which had subsisted in great harmony, more than thirty years. So clear was the call for his re- moval, that all objections were silenced. The parting scene was afflictive, both to the worthy pastor and his flock. They loved and reverenced him, their spiritual father and friend, who had 52 MEMOIRS OF SO long continued their faithful instructor in the school of Cl:irist, and taught them by doctrines and example, the path to heaven. Several families in the place, afterwards re- moved and settled around him, to enjoy the hap- piness they derived from his friendship and in- struction. DR. WHEELOCK. S3 SECTION VI. REMOVAL TO HANOVER— HARDSHIPS— LANDS CLEARED. POSSESSING a competence of property, by patrimony and by marriage, and in the full en- joyment of social and domestic comforts, Doc- tor Wheelock exhibited uncommon fortitude, at such an advanced age, to travel one hundred and sev^enty miles, and take up his abode in a dreary wilderness. This he did from no other motive than to be useful to mankind. This in- stance of disinterested zeal is rarely equalled. A short time previous to the departure of the school from Lebanon, two Oneida Indians ar- rived at Lebanon, sent by the head men of their nation, to bring home their boys, ostensibly for the purpose of visiting their friends ; but, as it afterwards appeared, really from an apprehension that they were on the verge of war with the English. The dreams of their chiefs ; noises in the air of peculiar tone, either real or imaginary, and other appearances of nature, were construed by them into signs and omens of bloodshed. Such is the superstition of pagans. This event was at first unwelcome and per- plexing to Doctor Wheelock, especially as there was then a general attention to the subject of rehgion, among his pupils. He however, view- ed it a providential occurrence, favoring the re- moval of the institution, liberating him for a season, from that care of them, which, in his unsettled state, would have been difficult, faith- fully to exercise. In the month of August, 1/70, entrusting the care of their removal to Mr. Woodward, who then officiated as a tutor, he set out for Hanover, to 54 J41i'M0IRS OF provide the necessary accommodation for his fa- mily and school. They soon after followed him. A part of his family travelled in a coach, pre- sented him by a very respectable friend in Lon- don ; his pupils performed the tour on foot ' The roads, as they advanced northward, were found in a very rough and unfinished state, and in many places it was with difficulty they passed. On their arrival, he welcomed them to the spot where he was to begin his labors, and where he expected to terminate his days. It was an ex- tensive plain, shaded by lofty pines, with no ac- commodations, except two or three small huts^ composed of logs, and no house on that side of the river, within two miles, through one conti- nued, dreary wood. The Doctor, like a venerable patriarch, sur- rounded by his affectionate family and pupils, looked around him, and the serenity of his coun- tenance dispelled the gloom. His mind rose to the level of the difficulties before him, and with the activity and enterprize of youth, he laid out plans of buildings, selected their sites, and with his presence and advice animated the laborers, hastening their operations, that his dependants might be sheltered against the approaching seve- rity of the season. The number of souls then with him was about seventy. A few acres of pines had been felled before their arrival. Log houses were soon constructed, and a small framed house was begun, designed for the reception of Doctor Wheelock and his family. The frame of a college, eighty feet in length, and two stories in height, was soon after raised, and partially covered ; a liall, and two or three rooms in it were considerably advanced, when the autum- nal storms, setting in earlier than usual, put a stop to the work of the builders. DR. WHE£LOCK. 55 The sufferings of this little colony, and its' worthy founder, were not inconsiderable during several months from their arrival, and even to the following spring. Their removal proved too late in the season, and preparations for their re- ception, from various circumstances, were far from that state of forwardness, which was in- tended. Failing to obtain water by digging wells near where their first house was erected, he was compelled to change its situation, after the arri- val of his family. Many were necessitated to sleep several nights on the ground, with boughs of trees for beds, and sheltered from the nightly dews and rains, by a few boards raised over them" on poles. The country all around was new, and the few dispersed inhabitants poor. Such is commonly the condition of the first settlers of a new soil. In clearing the ground, and making it productive of necessary food for man and beast^ and constructing buildings to shelter them from the elements, they are obliged for a few years to submit to much toil and hardship ; after which, they see with pleasure an annual increase of wealth and enjoyments. The prospect of ac- quiring these stimulates exertion ; and, although their condition appears by no means enviable, no people are more cheerful or happier than the first settlers of a wilderness. Accommodations had been retarded, as was suggested, by disappointment in not finding wa- ter, where the first experiments were made. Af- ter digging more than sixty feet in that part of the plain where they first began to clear the ground, and finding no stream or fountain near, they removed sixty rods southerly, where they found water at a convenient depth. Had their wells failed of v/ater here, they were not very 36 MEMOIRS OF distant from a beautiful perennial stream, which runs along the declivity of the plain. On that stream Doctor Wheelock had direct- ed a saw and grist mill to be built, but by some failure in the construction, they did not answer any valuable purpose. In this new scene of life, he felt much anxiety for the comfort of his numerous dependants. He was obliged to send a great distance into Massachusetts and Con- necticut, for necessary provisions, and by un- toward accidents, and at that season, from the badness of the roads, supplies were sometimes scanty, and they submitted to coarse fare. Upon a circular area of about six acres, the pines were soon felled, and in all directions co- vered the ground to the height of about five feet.* Paths of communication were cut through them. The lofty tops of the surrounding forests were often seen bending before the northern tempest, while the air below was still and pierc- ing. The snow lay four feet in depth, between four and five months. The sun was invisible by reason of the trees, until risen many degrees a- bove the horizon. In this secluded retreat, and in these humble dwellings, this enterprizing co- lony passed a long and dreary winter. The stu- dents pursued their studies with diligence ; con- tentment and peace were not interrupted, even by murmurs. The venerable president directed the attention of his pupils to the signal smiles of heaven up- on the institution, which were witnessed by its rapidly increasing prosperity from a small be- ginning, through seemingly insurmountable dis- couragements. He observed to them that, the cause, he doubted not, was the cause of God; * The author measured one of those pines, which was from the bntt to the top, two hundred and seventy feet. DR. WHEELOCK. 57 that he would own and succeed it ; and that his great concern in the whole business was, to fol- low the pointings of his providence. He de- rived support from the example of the prophet Elisha (ii. Kings, vi. 1 — 7-) who founded a col- lege, or school of propJiets in the uildemess of Jordan^ by the divine direction, for the preser- vation and diffusion of true religion, and in cir- cumstances bearing considerable analogy to his. In the midst of the unpleasant scenes of this first winter, it pleased God to grant a token of his fa- vorable presence, by an uncommon solemn at- tention of the students, and others of his family, to the great concerns of their salvation. JMany of them became the hopeful subjects of renewing grace, to the great joy of the President and the friends of religion. In the month of January, 1771, he, to use his own expression, gathered a church in his college and school, consisting of about thirty members, who cheerfully entered into solemn covenant, by a dedication of them- selves to God and a religious life. The gloomy face of winter assumed for a sea- son a milder aspect. The weather was more temperate and pleasant, so that the workmen had opportunity to render the buildings more convenient and secure. Sometimes, standing in the open air, at the head of his numerous family, Doctor Wheelock presented to God, their morn- ing and evening prayers ; the surrounding forest, for the first time, reverberated the solemn sounds of supplication and praise. Numerous hands w^re employed, during the succeeding summer, in cutting and piling the timber, with a view to burn it, but the fire could not consume it until the second year, when it was more thoroughly dried. After the trees were removed the ground remained cover- 58 MEMOIRS OF ed with stumps, the digging of which, and con- veying them away, presented a still greater task than that ah'eady accomplished. Dr, Wheelock, desirous to derive, as soon as possible, the neces- sary provision from the soil, to free himself from ' irksome uncertainty as to supplies, very early employed a large number of laborers on the col- lege and school lands in the vicinity. Those unacquainted with the business of clearing new lands, in a country so heavily tim- bered, and preparing them for seed, can form but an imperfect idea of the requisite labor and expence. Large sums were thus necessarily ex- pended. It unfortunately happened that the lands cleared for pasturage and grass, were in a year or two covered with a wild, exuberant growth of wood, particularly the maple and cher- ry tree, and in a few years the labor of clearing the second time, became greater than the first. The remarkable occurrences attending the re- moval of the school and college, and their estab- lishment at Hanover, cannot be fully and clearly described, nor can they be conceived except by those who have witnessed similar scenes. The temper and spirit of the time may in some de- gree be imagined from a poem, written by one of the students on the spot, a member of the senior class,* which I have taken the liberty to insert in the appendix, (h) * Rev. Levi Frisbie, late of Ipswich, now deceased. ^ DR. WHEELOCK. 59 SECTION VII. • GOVERNOR WENTWORTH's FRIENDSHIP TO THE COLLEGE— TvlISSIONARIES CO FORTH AMONG DISTANT TRIBl.S— ARE DRIVEN BACK— WAR BETWEEN GRKAT BRITAIN AND THE CO- LONIES— COLLEG J : AND SCHOOL POSSESS APPROPRIATE FUNDS. DESIROUS of conferring on the institution every advantage of respectability in the province, Governor Went worth proposed to give it civil jurisdiction, by an incorporation, over three 3niles square. His chief design was to secure, in the vicinity of the College, the settlement of good inhabitants, and to shut out those whose influence and example might give chsturbance to the govern n^ent of the College, or become in- jurious to the morals of the students. The agi- tated condition of political affairs, which pre- ceded the American revolution, prevented the ex- ecution of this salutary establishment. He con- ferred on Doctor Wheelock a special commission of Justice of the quorum. He granted to tlie College a charter of the ferry over Connecticut river, at Hanover. At the time the College and School were es- tablished in Newhampshire, no public literary institution existed in that province. The Gov- ernor appreciated the advantages of so respectable a seminary, to diffuse the blessings of science and morals among the people of his government, wiio were in the>^e respects, with the exception of some very respectable literary characters, rather behind some of the neighboring colonies. Most of the settlements were more recent, and the county enjoyed few advantages for intellectual improvement. Governor Wentworth was universally respect- ed by the people of his government, and did much 60 MEMOIRS OF to promote their prosperity. Doctor Wheelock viewed the friendship and patronage of his Ex- cellency as a favorable providence in the ad- vancement of his benevolent design. In his nar- rative of the College he notices him as one* *^ whom God had raised up to serve the interest of religion, and to be umvearied in doing good'' He was not only a good man, but an excellent Governor. Had he continued in oflQce, it is not easy to calculate what would have been the phy- sical and moral improvements of the state. He attended the two first commencements at Dart- mouth College, and did every thing in his pow- er to encourage and assist the pious designs of President Wheelock. He was studious to pro- mote every interest of the province, unwearied in his labors to open roads, to improve the culti- vation of the lands, to establish seminaries, and to promote other useful objects. At the first commencement the royal Governors had become unpopular in the country, from a suspicion of their designs against the liberties of the people. A retinue of gentlemen from Portsmouth and the vicinity, attended Mr. Wentworth through the almost trackless forests on this occasion. Among these was Mr. Samuel Moody, from Byfield, long the celebrated Preceptor of Dummer Academy in that parish, which was the first established in New England, and now holds a respectable place among other seminaries of the same rank. Though Mr. Moody was often tormentingly op- pressed with hypocliondriac melancholy, he was generally remarkable for his clieerlulness, aifabi- lity, and good humor. Never very ceremonious in'his habits, and not a little elated with the sa- tisfaction of having been the preceptor of many, who had then become the shining characters of the time, a great part of whom are now the hope DR. WHEELOCK. 6l and honor of the country, Mr. iMoody always felt himself perfectly at home in the most re- spectable and splendid circles. On this occasion his wit and fund of anecdotes, served much to enliven the company, during their continuance at Hanover, and on their journey. When they were ready to depart, the Governor being in con- versation with Doctor Wheelock, Mr. Moody stepped to him, in his usual earnest manner, hold- ing his whip erect, to inform him that the com- pany were w^aiting. Some person pleasantly asked Mr. Moody whether he observed that he held his whip over the Governor's back ; '' 1 beg his Excellency's pardon," said he, "I believe he deserves the whip less than any Governor on the continent." Though Mr. Moody was often very free with his friends, yet he would not design- edly have given pain to the least insect. His benevolence was uniform, extensive, and glow- ing. '' His friend icas man^ his parti/ human kind'' The academy under his care, for a long time the most flourishing in the country, was a school of religion, and purity of manners. He was a strict attendant on all the ordinances of christianit}^ himself, and taught his pupils to re- verence the word and worship of God. He loved them as his children, and they confided in him as a father. His name will long be dear in this part of the country ; but to none more, than to the people of By field. Chilchen unborn will doubt- less be wiser, and better, and happier, for the useful instructions their fathers received from Precep- tor Moody. In the month of ^larch succeeding Doctor Wheeiock's removal, the General Assembly of Newhampshire, impressed with the importance of such a sen;inarv to the State, and riohtlv considering the undertaking in which he was so 62 MEMOIRS OF ardently engagerl,and the personal isacrifices he was generously making for the accomplishment of his object, made him a grant of one hundred pounds. The town of Portsmouth, the capital of the pro- vince, being informed of this donation, immedi- ately declared, in a very impressive manner, their cordial approbation of the measure, gratefully a- vowcd their " cheerful readiness" to contribute their full proportion of that or a larger sum, had the honorable Assembly thought proper to grant it, and ordered a copy of their vote to be pre- sented to Doctor Wheelock. The first commencement was holden in Au- gust, 1 77 1 , when four young gentlemen*' received the first honors of the University. The occasion was honored not only with the presence of the Governor and a number of the most respectable gentlemen from Portsmouth, but with many per- sons of distinction from other places. From 1771, to )774, there were in the School and College about twelve English youths, de- pendant on the funds ; and six Indian lads in the school. Bonds were required of the English scholars, who were upon charity, to refund the expence of their education, in case they should decline going as Missionaries among the Indians, unless providentially prevented. Within the a- bove period, Mtten English youths, who had finished their collegiate education, and were either licenced preachers or ordained ministers of the gospel, were ready to go forth as missionaries, and six Indians were also qualified for school- masters. By means of the disputes between Great Britain and the colonies, which by this time assumed a threatening appearance, the jjrospect of success was greatly diminished. The Indian tribes had not only obtained information * The late Rev. Levi Frishie; Samuel Gray, Es^q. ; the late Professor I^jplrij ■ and the Hon. John Wheelock, L. L. D. now President. DR. WHEELOCK. 63 of our political affairs, but their warriors became restless, and in some parts apparently prejudiced ao^ainst us. ^Missionaries were however sent a- mong them to preach the gospel. Some went into the Mohawk and Oneida country, others to the Indians upon the ^luskingum, and several to the tribes within the bounds of Canada. They found the Indians, the Oneidas excepted, universally opposed to them. The threatening storm, which soon after burst upon the colonies in a long and bloody war, was preceded by de- predations committed by the Indians, with sa- vage cruelty, on the defenceless frontiers, and the missionaries were driven back to the English settlements. For more than ten years the missionaries, edu- cated by Doctor Wheelock for the purpose, could have no access to the Indian country, Oneida excepted, but at the hazard of their lives. As the chief object of their pursuit seemed thus interdicted by providence, they generally settled in the ministry in various parts of the country, and considered themselves exonerated from their bonds. A small number, however, refunded the expence of their education. Of all the tribes on the frontiers of the colo- nies, the Oneidas alone preserved neutrality. This favorable circumiStance may, under divine providence, be attributed to the christian labors bestowed on them, to enlighten them with a knowledge of the gospel, beyond any others, es- pecially by the Rev. ^Ir. Kirkland. To his in- fluence over them, may be chiefly ascribed the prevention of barbarous murders and other hor- rid outrages of which they would probably have been guilty, had they united with the other tribes, who volunteered their services to our enemv. 64 MEMOIRS OF The hostile disposition of the Indians was a source of disappointment and grief to Doctor Wheelock. He saw his kindest purposes towards them frustrated, and the benevolent projects he had formed with fairest hopes of success, at once completely blasted. What gave poignancy to his sorrow was, to view several of those who liad received instruction at his hand, ranging them- selves under the banner of desolation and mur- der. After a series of attempts, continued many years, to qualify Indian youths to become preach- ers of the gospel, the Doctor found the princi- pal services they rendered to their savage bre- thren were in the capacity of school masters and interpreters. There were, however, some excep- tions. Of one hundred and fifty Indians, who were members of the school, several were repu- table and useful preachers of the gospel among their countrymen. They were proficients in learning and hopeful subjects of grace. Ail of them died in early life except Mr. Occum. — Although, for various reasons. Doctor Wheelock was induced to turn his attention to the educa- tion of his own countrymen, for the purpose of their becoming missionary preachers, he did not relax his exertions to obtain as many Indian boys as he could, that he might give them such instruction, as might render them good and use- ful. As Doctor Wheelock advanced tov/ards old age, he appeared desirous to hasten his work. He wished to establish a permanent fund from the lands of the institution, for the support of the school and missionaries. Three thousand acres of land lay contiguous to the College. With great labor and expence lie had enclosed nearly dH. wheelock. 65 two thousand acres, five hundred of whicli was pasturage and the residue grass and tillage.''^ In a narrative published in 1773, he says, ^^the *' number of my laborers for six months past, has " generally been from thirty to forty, besides " those employed at the mills, kitchen, and do- " mestic servants. The number of my students, *^ dependant and independent, the last year was " about eighty, and the number of ray family to- " gether consequently large; and, through the *' pure mercy of God, I have been blessed with *' a peaceable family, dihgent and orderly stu- *^ dents, and faithful laborers," On the removal of the school from Connecti- cut, the Board of Correspondents, which was commissioned by the society in Scotland for pro- pagating christian knowledge, was dissolved, and soon after its establishment in Hanover, Doctor Wheelock proposed to the Trustees of Dart- mouth College, that tliey should act with him, in the responsibility, care, and management of Moors School. They however declined the pro- posal, conceiving that the charter gave them the right of jurisdiction only over the College. They have ever since been considered and managed distinctly, although connected or incorporated by the charter. Each possesses appropriate funds for its different objects, and is independent of the other. The donations of lands in America were some to the College, some to the School, * and some to both. * In the summer of 1775, notv.ithstanding a severe drought, he har- vested from this tract 800 bushels of grain, and in the fall of the same year sowed 114 acres of English grain, about 100 acres of which was on lands never before occupied. MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS IN 1776. Some idea of the expenoe of managing his new lands, may be form- ed from the single article of hay-seed for liie above farm, which cost 180 dollars. 66 MEMOIRS OF Doctor Wheelock considered the School a& under a sort of parental government, and he ac- cordingly so directed and managed its concerns, until his death. He was alone responsible to the Trust in Great Britain and to the pubhc, for the management of all the interest and concerns of the School in America. In all important mat- ters he had the advice and direction of the Trust in England, when it could be obtained; and al- so, when requested, the best counsel of the Trus- tees of the College, at their annual and occasion- al meetings. DR. \VHEELOCK. 6? SECTION VIII. THE COLLEGE AND SCHOOL SUFFER BY THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR— T>0NAT10NS OF DOCTOR PHHXIPS AND MR. JOHNSON- MUNIFICENCE OF MR. THORNTON, LONDON— INDLINS JOIN THE BRITISH. THE spring of 1775 opened with a frowning- aspect on the School, the College, and the coun- try. The noise of battle and the reports of war, absolved the attention of the public mind. The contest had commenced, Avhich forever separated the colonies from " the mother country." All intercourse with Great Britain was suspended. Though the fund in England for the School was exhausted, Doctor V/heelock had calculated on the continuance of aid from the pious and cha- ritable in England, and from the fund in Scot- land. Unprepared for this reverse of circum- stances, it was a calamitous hour to Doctor Wheelock. About sixteen Indian youth and the same number of English were under his care, preparing for missions. All resources for their support were suddenly cut off; the country was electrefied with a military ardor ; the young men were hurrying to the armies ; agriculture was in a considerable degree neglected ; laborers could not be hired for any _ reasonable stipend, and though great sums had been expended in the cul- tivation of the school lands, their produce would not compensate for the necessary labor. The object of Doctor Wheelock, from the time of his removal into New Hampshire was, by means of the fund in England, to establish a pernianent fund in America for the support of iiis Indian School. Eor this purpose he went largely into the business of clearing lands. From the annual rent of these farms, he expected to -support a number of missionaries and school- 68 MEMOIRS OF masters in the wilderness, and Indian boys in the School. The war in a great measure de- ranged these enlarged and benevolent plans. The din of war drowned the feeble voice of science ; men turned away from this school of the pro- phets, to hear tidings from the camp ; the phy- sical strength of the country was exhausted in the support of armies, this vine in the wilderness was forgotten. Among other distresses. Doctor Wheelock was responsible for the payment of several debts, which had been necessarily con- tracted on the credit of the School's fund. Iii this embarrassment, however, some liberal and pious friends in this country, generously afford- ed assistance. The Hon. John Phillips, L. L. D. afterwards the noble founder of Phillips' Exeter Academy, gave three thousand three hundred and thirty three dollars, reserving to himself the mode of expending it for the benefit of the School. He was also a liberal friend to the infant Col- lege, making at different times various valuable donations. He is still held in grateful remem- brance, and his name will go down to posterity as a principal benefactor of Dartmouth College. The Rev. Diodate Johnson, of Millington, in Connecticut, also left to the College a legacy of five hundred dollars, and his valuable library. This year, also, 1775, the Continental Congress made a grant of five hundred dollars to this in- fant seminary of New Hampshire. Though the wicked mean not so, neither is it in their heart, yet they often render useful ser- vices to the friends of Christ. Though they know him not, yet like Cyrus they are the ser- vants of God. While Dr. Wheelock, no longer enjoying the means of supporting his Indian boys, was in trembling fear of apparent indeli- cacy, and of giving offence, by sending thern DR. WHEELOCK. 6^ home, the Popish priests in Canada, relieved him from this perplexing embarrassment. Such was their jealousy and opposition, that they persua- ded the parents to send for their children at the school, alledging that while they were among protestants, they were in danger of eternal per- dition, and threatening that they would cease to pray for them, if they suffered them to continue there any longer. At that gloomy time this e- vent was a great relief to the Doctor, for most of his Indian scholars were from Canada. This is one from many instances, of the vast influence the Papal priests have over the minds of the American savages. They seem to have tho- roughly studied their character, and found the secret of managing their most violent passions. " The French Jesuits would do more w^ith the In- dians in the war, which closed in 1763, than the Governors of all Canada beside.'"^ Is not this a lesson for protestant missionaries ? Shall we not be as zealous as they, in teaching doctrines more pure, and duties more reasonable? The war de- prived Doctor Wheelock of one great source of conifort, his epistolary correspondence with ma- iiy pious and generous friends in Great Britain; it deprived him of their charitable pecuniary as- sistance, which had often aided and animated him in his great: designs. Among these, that friend of humanity, and most examplary chris- tian, John Thornton, Esq. of Clapham, near Lon- don, had greatly distinguished himself God blessed him with w^ealth and with an enlarged heart, as a good steward to use it for the honor of the Almighty Donor, and the benefit of mankind. With the name of the philanthro- pic How^ard, that of Thornton will be united, as the friend of humanity and the ornament of the * Letter from a missionarv. 70 MEMOIRS OF age in which he lived. The success of Doctor Wheelock, in his benevolent plans, was greatly owing to the assistance of this worthy man. Though separated by the ocean, their souls were one, animated with the same hope, and fired to action by tlie same love of God and man. So unbounded was the confidence of Mr. Thornton in Doctor Wheelock's wisdom and fidelity, that he directed him to draw on him for any sums he might need in carrying on his benevolent designs for the poor heathen. His confidence was ne- ver abused. He also settled an annual pension of an hundred dollars on Mr Occum, w^hich was much his dependance through life. The excel- lent spirit of this good and great man, breathes in his letters, a number of which are inserted in the annexed correspondence of Doctor Wheelock. In this selfish world such a character is contem- plated with unspeakable satisfaction. A cele- brated poet, whose powers of genius and brillian- cy of fancy, were consecrated to the cause of God and religion, pays the following merited tribute of respect to this worthy man, " Some men make gain a fountain, whence proceeds A stream of lib'ral and heroic deeds; The swell of pity not to be confin'd. Within tlie scanty limits of the mind; Disdains the bank, and tiirows the golden sands, A rich deposit on the bordering lands ; These have an ear for Ins paternal call, Who makes bonie rich tor the supply of all ; God's gifts with pleasure in his praise employ, And Thornton is lamiliar with the joy.'' COWPER. It is said of Solomon, that The Lord gave him largeness of hearty even as the sand on the sea shore : such a peculiar disposition for whatever was good or benevolent, was also bestowed on Mr. Thorn- tou. He difiered as much from rich men of or- dinary bounty, as they do from others, that are DR. WHEELOCK. 7V parsimonious. Nor was this bounty the result of occasional impulse, like a summer shower, vi- olent and short ; on the contrary, it proceeded like a river, pouring its waters through various countries, copious and inexhaustible. Nor could those obstructions of imposture and ingratitifde, which have often been advanced, as the cause of damming up other streams, prevent or retard the course of this. The generosity of Mr. Thornton, indeed, frequently met with such hinderances, and led him to increasing discrimination, but the stream of his bounty never ceased to hold its course. Deep, silent, and overwhelming, it still rolled on, nor even ended with his life. But the fountain from whence his benevolence flowed, and by which its permanency and direc- tion were maintained, must not be concealed. Mr. Thornton was a christian. Let no one how- ever, so mistake me here as to suppose that I mean nothing more by the term christian, than the state of one who, convinced of the truth of revelation, gives assent to its doctrines ; re- gularly attends its ordinances, and maintains an external, moral, and religious deportment. Sue an one may have a 7iame to Ike xvhile he is dead; he may have a form of godliness without the pozv- er of it ; may even be found denying and ridi- culing that power, till at length, he can only be convinced of his error by an intallible tribunal, where a widow that gives only her mite, or a publican, that smites on his breast shall be pre- ferred before him. Mr. Thornton was a Christian indeed, that is, he was alive to God by a spiritual regeneration. With this God he was daily and earnestly trans- acting that infinite affair, the salvation of his own soul ; and next to that the salvation of the souls of others. Temperate in all things, though 72 MEMOIRS OF mean in nothing, he made provision for doiti^ good with his oppuience, and seemed to be most in his element when appropriating a considerable part of his large income to the necessities of others. But Mr. Thornton possessed that dis- crimination in his attempts to serve his fellow creatures, which distinguishes an enlightened mind. He habitually contemplated man, as one, who has not only a body, subject to want, af- fliction, and death, but also a spirit, which is im- mortal, and must be happy or miserable forever. He therefore felt that the noblest exertions of charity are those, which are directed to the re- lief of the noblest part of our species. Accord- ingly, he left no mode of exertion untried to re- lieve man under his natural ignorance and de- pravity. To this end he purchased advowsons and presentations, with a view to place in pa- rishes the most enlightened, active, and useful ministers. He employed the extensive com- merce in which he was engaged, as a powerful instrument for conveying immense quantities df bibles, prayer-books, and the most useful publi- cations, to every place visited by our trade. He printed, and at his sole expence, large editions of the latter for this purpose ; and it may safely be affirmed, that there is scarcely a part of the known wo rid, where such books could be intro- duced, which did not feel the salutary influence of this single individual. Nor was Mr. Thorn- ton limited in his views of promoting the inter- ests of real religion, with what sect soever it was connected. He stood ready to assist a beneficial design in every party, but would be the creature of none. General good was his object and when- ever, or however, it made its way, his maxim seemed constantly to be "oakat quantum valerc potest. PR. WHEPXOCk. ^3 But the nature and extent of his liberality will be greatly misconceived, if any one should sup- pose it confined to moral and religious respects, though the grandest and most comprehensive exertions of it. Mr. Thornton was a philanthro- pist on the largest scale ; the friend of man un- der all his wants. His manner of relieving his fellow men was princely; instances might be mentioned of it were it proper to particularize, Avhich would surprise those, who did not know Mr. Thornton. They were so much out of ordi- nary course and expectation, that I know some, who felt it their duty to enquire of him, whether the sum, they had received was sent by his inten- tion or by mistake ? To this may be added, that the manner of presenting his gifts was as deli- cate and concealed, as the measure was large. Beside this constant course of private dona- tions, there was scarcely a public charity, or oc- casion of relief to the ignorant or necessitou-s, which did not meet with his distinguished sup- port. His only question was, " May the mise- ries of man in any measure be removed, or alle- viated ?" Nor was he merely distinguished by stretching out a liberal hand ; his benevolent heart was so intent on doing good, that he was ever inventing and promoting plans for its dif- fusion at home or abroad. He that acts wisely to promote any end, will as wisely regard the means ; in this Mr. Thornton was perfectly consistent. In order to execute his beneficent designs, he observed frugality and exactness in his personal expences. By such prospective methods, he was able to extend the influence of his fortune far be3^ond those who, ia sdil more elevated stations^ are ;blave$ to ex- 10 74 MEMOIRS OF petisive habits. Such men meanly pace in tram- mels of the tyrant custom, till it leaves them scarcely enough to preserve their conscience, or even their credit, much less to employ their tal- ents in Mr. Thornton's noble pursuits; he how- ever could afford to be generous; and while he was generous, he did not forget his duty in be- ing just. He made ample provision for his chil- dren, and though, while they are living, it would be indelicate to say more, I am sure of speaking the truth, when I say, that they are so far from thinking themselves impoverished by the bounty of their father, that they contemplate with the highest satisfaction the fruit of those benefits to society, Avhich he planted : which it may be trusted will extend with time itself, and which after his example, they still labor to extend. But with all the piety and liberality of this honored character, no man had deeper views of his own unworthiness before his God; to the Eedcemer's work alone he looked for acceptance of his person and services ; he felt that all he did, or could do, was infinitely short of that which had been done for him, and of the obligations that were thereby laid upon him. It was this abased ness of heart toward God, combined with the most singular largeness of heart toward his fellow creatures, wliich distinguished John Thornton among men. Mr. Thornton was a lover of all good men. An intimate friendship subsisted between him and the Rev. I^Jr. Newton, of Olney. They combined tlieir distinct talents, in promoting the same benevolent cause. Mr. Thornton left a sum of money with Mr. New^ton, to be appro- priated to the defraying his necessary expences, and relieving the poor. " Be hospitable," said DR. WHEELOCK. 75 Mr. Thornton, ^^ and keep an open house for such as are worthy of entertainment ; help the poor and needy ; I will statedly allow you two hundred pounds a year, and readily send whatever you have occasion to draw for more." IMr. Newton supposed that he had received of Mr. Thornton upwards of three thousand pounds sterling in this way, during the time he resided at Olney. The frontier situation of the College exposed it to the terrors of war, and especially to the In- dians, an enemy most to be dreaded. These in great numbers had joined the British armies in Canada. In 1776, a fleet and army under Gen. Carlton, passed up lakeChamplain, within about 60 miles of the College, and destroyed our mari- time force commanded by Arnold. In 1777, a luore formidable force, under Gen. Burgoyne, passed the same rout for conquest and plunder; a general panic seized the public mind, and the country was under alarming apprehensions of be- ing overpowered. The barbarous deeds of the savages were remembered, and their name was terrible. These distressing apprehensions were 2]ot lessened by the circumstance that some of them had been members of Doctor Wheelock's school, and received every attention of parent- al kindness. It had been found in a few instances that an English education had not eradicated the ferocity of the savage, but qualified him to be more extensively mischievous. The College suf- fered greatly during the unhappy war ; its use- fulness was abridged ; its light obscured ; its re- sources almost annihilated; yet the pious founder was not dismayed or discouraged. With unshak- en confidence he trusted in God, that he would succeed the work, which he had so wonder- 76 MEMOIRS OF fully prospered, that he would make it a great and extensive blessing to the heathen ; to the nu- merous settlements forming around him, and to future generations. Events have proved that his hopes were well founded. li DR. WHEELOCK, 77 SECTION IX. THE ADVANTAGEOUS LOCAL SITUATION OF DARTMOLtTH COL- LEGE— DR. WHEELOCK's SICKNESS, AND HIS DEATH. THE local situation of the College displayed the foresight of the venerable founder. While other Colleges were near the sea coast, this is in- land, surrounded by a fertile country, increasing in resources and population ; between the old settlements of New England and the province of Canada ; near the bank of the noble river Connecticut, which for a great distance waters the most fertile, populous, and pleasant country in the continent. The building, which had been hastily put together, for the accommodation of the students, eighty feet long, thirty two wide, and two stories high, was in a few years so de- cayed as to be scarcely tenantable. The ex- pence of the repairs, and the increasing number of students, rendered a larger building necessa- ry. Doctor Wheelock was desirous that before his death a more commodious edifice might be erected. For this purpose assistance was solicit- ed. The Legislature of New Hampshire gave sixteen hundred sixty-six dollars, and the grant of a lottery; thirteen or fourteen thousand dollars were generously subscribed by the friends of the university; but the confusion of the times stopped the progress of the building. Like the father of Solomon, Dr. Wheelock made preparations and began the work, but left the labor, and further expence of building to his son and successor. Doctor Wheelock did not live to see the beams of peace dawn upon his beloved country. The hardships of the wilderness, his deep solicitude to promote the conversion of the Indians ; his grievous disappointments in several of those pu- pils ; the crowd of business which incessantly poured in upon him, and demanded his constant 75 MEMOIRS OP attention ; the distressing embarrassments of the war, and the gloomy prospects of the country and church, all combined to weaken his strength and shorten his life. His constitution had al- ways been slender. For four years previous to his death, his health had visibly dechned ; in this time he very much remitted his attention to his correspondents in Europe and America ; but in no degree relaxed his labors for the School and College. For several years he was afflicted with the asthma ; yet his labors, as a minister of the gospel, were almost incessant. Regularly and zealously he continued his useful and im- pressive ministrations. When unable to walk he was repeatedly carried in his easy chair to the chapel. When he was no longer able to be car- ried to the chapel, his flock, by his permission, very gladly assembled in his house ; where, seat- ed in his chair, too feeble to support himself, yet with a soul too heavenly to be silent, he perform- ed the various exercises of public worship. Ac- cording to his frequent prayer, that he might not outlive his useful ness,di vine instruction ceased not to flow from his lips, till they were sealed in death. Jan. 6, 1779, he was seized with violent epi- leptic fits, which brought him very low. From these he, however, so far recovered, as to ride se- veral times on horseback ; but in the beginning of April he appeared rapidly to decline, and so continued to the 214th of that month, which was his last and happiest day. In the morning he walked the room with assistance, and with much composure conversed on various important sub- jects, particularly relating to the eternal world. He repeatedly declared his firm belief that his son, whom he ha;l appointed his successor, would exert himself to promote the great object, which he had himself so long pursued, and that God would be with him and bless him, DR. WHKFXOCK. 79 Shortly before his death, being sensible that his end Was nigh, he manifested great anxiety for the speedy execution of a legal instrument of importance to be completed by him, and dis- patched a messenger for the necessary magistrate. About the same time he requested that all his fa- mily might attend him ; accordingly those who were in the vicinity convened agreeably to his wishes. From a visible alteration in his counte- nance, all present were in mournful expectation that their father and head was about to be taken from them. His lady askec^him what were his views of death. He replied, " I do not fear death with any amazement." Soon after he re- peated the fourth verse of 23d Psalm ; " Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ; for thou art with me ; thy rod and th}' staff they comfort me." He then added, " I have a desire to depart and to be with Christ." After leaving an affectionate remembrance for particular friends who were ab- sent, he requested a clergyman, who was present, to join with him in prayer, to the fountain of goodness. He then addressed those present iu the following words, " Oh my family be faith- ful unto death ;" and immediately expired with- out a struggle or a groan. The peace and joy of his mind, in the moment of death, impressed a pleasing smile on his countenance, which con- tinued after the immortal spirit had fled. Blest image of the saint sleeping in Jesus. He had completed sixty eiglit years of his age. Nine from the founding of the College, and twenty five from the time of his extending the aid of his Charity School to the benighted Indians. His death was on Saturday, and the Monday fol- ' lowing his funeral was attended by a large and respectable concourse of people, V\4io united their 60 MEMOIUS o? tears of sympathy with the bereaved family and university. A sermon, adapted to the mournful occasion, was preached by the Rev. Mr. Bur- roughs, of Hanover, from Job xiv. 14. '' If a man die shall he live again ? All the days of my ap- pointed time will I wait till my change come.'* Thus departed this transitory life that good and great man, whose praise is in all the churches ; whom God was pleased to honor, in opening those springs of science and religion in the wil- derness, which make glad the city of God; whose works of charity follow him into the ce- lestial world, where he shines among those who have turned many to righteousness, and as the stars forever and ever. The following expressive Epitaph, written by Doctor John Wheelock, is inscribed upon his sepulchral monument. Hie quiescit corpus ELEAZARI WHEELCCK, S.T.D. Academise Morensis, et Collegii Dai tmuthensis, Fundatoris et primi prsesidis. i Evangelio barbaros indoiiuit ; ^ Et excultis nova scientiae patefecit. Viator, I, et imitare. Si poteris, Tanta meritorum piemia laturus. MDccx natus ; mdcclxxix obiit. Here rests the body of ^ ELEAZAR WHEELOCK, S. T. D. Founder and first President of Dartmouth College and Moor's Charity School. By the gospel he subdued the ferocity of the savage ; And to the civilized he opened new paths of science. Traveller, Co, if you can, and deserve Tl'.e sublime reward of such merit. He was born in the year 1710; and died in 1779. Pietate filii Johonnis Wheelock. Hoc monuuientum posituni inscriptumque fecit. ^nao MDcccx. DR. WHiELOCK, 81 In the Rev. Doctor Poniroy of Hebron, Con- necticut, Dr. Wheelock found an able helper and wise counsellor. He was animated with the same ardor, and bestowed much of his time and labor to build up the School, to promote die cause of Jesus Christ among the heathen. No men could be happier in each other. Like Da- vid and Jonathan they loved ; their hearts were knit together. They Avere both subjects of ear- ly piet:y, and members of the same class at Col- lege ; both wtre determined to devote them- selves to the gospel ministry ; they entered on the work together ; they settled in contiguous parishes ; were brothers by marriage, and conge- nial souls ; it is not strange, therefore, that their hearts glowed with friendship, and that they "were always united to promote the w'ork of God and the good of mankind. Alany were their pleasant days of mutual visits, for consultation on the advancement of the Redeem.er's kingdom among the heathen, and often were their liearts united at the throne of grace. Till old age and death their friendship was not dissolved, nor inter- rupted. Though he was aged and iniirm and al- most blind, yet on hearing the news of Doctor M'heelock's death, the beloved Pomroy travelled a long journey of a hundred and seventy miles, then a course of rough roads and miry forests, to make a sympathizing visit to the mourning family and university. In the College chapel he preached a sermon, adapted to the melancholy occasion, from Psalm xlv, 15'. From the manuscript the following is an extract, which shows how much he loved him. '^ All thoughts, schemes, plans, devices, liow wisely soever concerted tor this life, at dealh are at an end. Solomon exhorts, " Whatsoever 11 82 MEMOIRS OF thine hand findeth, to do (for time meaning) do it with thy might/' The motive or argument to enforce the exhortation is, " for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou goest ;" intimating, that good men, while life lasts, are employed in works, and devices of knowledge and wisdom; plans wisely laid, and vigorously prosecuted, for the advancement of the divine glory, and the good of mankind ; and oh ! how did out- dear deceased friend, while he lived, abound in all these. Did we ever know such wisdom, policy, and holy skill, joined with such faith, courage;, and resolution, to effect the most important and benevolent purposes of this kind, as were con- spicuous in him? But oh! how sad is the thought, they are all ceased, all at an end ; ceased, ceased forever. No more, O Dartmouth ! shall he rack his aching brain, overbear his feeble, and almost wornout constitution for thy emolument^ — no more fatiguing labors, sleepless nights, mighty wrestlings in prayer for immortal souls, not only of his acquaintance and near akin, but strangers and savages through the land. He has rested, O blessed rest ! from all these works ; and what a glorious reward does follow them. But is it cruel in me, my friends, to dwell on this mournful theme, and renew the grief of these deep mourners, and cause their wounds to bleed afresh, four months after the dear object of their sorrows is buried out of sight ? We say, out of sight, out of mind. The Psalmist says, forgot- ten as a dead man — forgotten by the world. And Job says, the womb shall forget him, while the worm feeds sweetly upon him. The tender mother may, and unnaturally enough, forget the son of her womb, when dead, and become meat for worms. - All this may be true of vulgar dead; DR. WHEELOCK. S3 but oh ! can Whcelock be forgotten? is it possi- ble ? shall not our sorrows bleed afresh at every remembrance of his name ? And oh ! how are we surrounded with monitors and memorandums of his name and virtues. No, while the plains of Hanover, late the rough, and almost unpassa- ble retreat of savage beasts of prey, thick set with lofty pines, which overtop the clouds, ow- ing chiefly, under God, to his arduous labor, aild divine skill, lie smooth beneath our feet, and, drest with beauteous green, salute our eyes with a most beautiful prospect, while Dartmouth, or any of her sons remain alive ; while Hanover or any one stone upon another remains of her build- ings, not thrown down ; while any vestage of Hanover, Dartmouth, or her extensive influence remains, so long shall the name and fame of our dear departed friend be remembered. I might then protract my mournful strahv without ftar of offending — grief looses its nature, turns to joy, when vented on a proper occasion. Proportion of things is beautiful to the rational mind — weep- ing pleasant, when there is great occasion for it; the effect proportionate to the cause. Look a- way from me, I will weep bitterly — labor not to comfort me, saith the prophet. My resolution is like his — 'tis profitable too as well as pleasant. Such wounds, says Dr. Young, oftner heal too soon, than bleed too long." Doctor Wheelock's fidelity in the management of money, was never called in question by any acquainted with the business of the school. He was always careful to apply all monies for the particular purpose for which they were given. He considered every donation as a sacred depos- it, and frequently called it the LorcTs money ^ or Christ's money. The failure of that full success of his plans to evangelize the heathen, which 84 MEMOIRS OF was from the first his most earnest desire, cannot be attributed to any want of fidelity or foresight in him. During the long and distressing revo- lutionary war, all attempts to carry his benevo- lent designs into execution, were necessarily re- linquished. Though unforeseen events, in a great measure, disappointed the reasonable hopes, that the school would speedily prove an extensive benefit to the Indians ; yet, by the overruling providence of God, it has already been made of considerable advantage to them, a great and rich blessing: to others. From the time in which the school began to possess considerable property, during the life of the founder,^ he requested two or three respectable gentlemen, who were com- monly appointed by the civil government to au- dit and examine every six months his accounts of receipts and expenditures in behalf of the School. They invariably found his accounts regularly stated, and accredited by proper vouch- ers. Doctor Wheelock performed the duties of President of the College and School, Professor of Divinity, and Pastor of the church in the Col- lege. For all these abundant labors and cares he received no salary. His only compensation from his removal to Hanover till his decease, was a supply of provisions for his family. His erect- ino- this School, and thus conducting it amidst vari(3us and great discouragements, are evidences of the benevolence, perseverance, and great abili- ties of its founder. He displayed a spirit like that of the pious and renowned Professor Au- gustus Franck of Saxony, who founded the celebrated Orphan House at Hall, which after- wards became a flourishing and useful Universi- ty. That an individual clergyman, without wealth or connexions with the rich or great, DR. WHEELOCK. 85 settled in a small and obscure parish, in a country, where at that time few or none were rich, tliat he should by his own exertions raise an institution, which has commanded the notice and charities of all orders of men in Europe and America, from the menial servant to the power- ful monarch on the throne, and finally found a flourishing University, laying a basis for endow- ments by which it has become extensively use- ful, ancl promises to be an eminent blessing to future generations, is an impressive example in the history of the world of what one man of persevering zeal may accomplish. Rather by this we see how God will assist and prosper those labors, which spring from a desire to pro- mote his glory and the good of mankind. Al- though while pursuing with ardor the conversion of the Indians, he saw his School from a small beginning rise to distinguished importance, and saw a reputable University established under his fostering hand, he was not vainly elated with the success of his plans ; but like the holy proph- ets, Joseph and Daniel in their remarkable pros- perity, he ascribed all the glory to the goodness of God. He considered the College as an assist- ant to attain the first great object, which as it were absorbed his whole soul, the conversion of the heathen. Notwithstanding many discour- agements, the good which he was instrumental of accomplishing for this purpose, was immense- ly great. Though a nation has not been born to God in a day, yet it is believed that many indi- vidual pagans have been everlastingly benefited by the labors of missionaries from his School. Among the six nations, who were the principal objects of his attention, some good fruits are dis- covered, even at the present day, in their atten- tion to civil and religious institutions, (k) S6 MEMOIRS OF The progress of refinement from a savage to a civilized condition has always been slow and gradual. It is the work of ages. To enlighten the wild hunter of the forest with a knowledge of the arts and sciences, to inspire him with a taste for the refinements of civilized society, and the practice and enjoyments of true religion, has always been attended with great discouragements. The most painful and disinterested labors of christian missionaries have in many instances failed of success. To name no more, we have recently seen a sad proof of this in the faithful and persev^ering, yet almost unavailing labors of several missionaries at Otaheite and other islands in the Pacific Ocean. Christians ought not merely from want of complete success to aban- don this work of charity to the souls of pagans. i^Uhough in some cases unforeseen events have disconcerted the wisest measures ; yet In at- tempts which have been conducted prudently, more have been the instances of success than failure. Christian societies and missionaries, who have sown the seeds of religious knowledge among pagan nations, have generally been too impatient to reap the harvest ; yet has it pleased God to keep alive the hallowed fire, and to ani- mate good men with zeal in every age to carry on this good work. They should recollect that the soil is uncultivated, hard, and barren ; that much labor is needful. It is exceedingly diffi- cult to infuse into vacant or prejudiced minds, suitable conceptions of the plainest doctrines, which are revealed in the bible. Slowly do they admit the scripture ideas of depravity ; of the a- tonement made for sin by Jesus Christ ; of re- pentance, faith, and holiness of heart and life. The native tribes of New England, were instruct- ed in the doctrines of revelation by our pious an- DR. WHEELOCK. S7 cestors, pretty readily admitted the history of the old testament, respecting the creation, the fall of man, and the deluge ; hut when told of a Saviour, and his sufferings for sinners, they cried o\xt pocatnie ? i. e. is it possible ? To converse with savages on moral and religious subjects, is speaking to them in an unknown tongue. Their minds have not been employed on things of a spiritual nature. They never enter into their conversation. They are never the theme of their orators. Their language has no words to con- vey ideas, with any precision, on these important subjects. Enlightened princes have ever found it a vast labor to civilize and reform barbarians. The wonderful exertions of the celebrated Czar Peter, the Great, Emperor of Russia, in this work, neai* the commencement of the last century, present a forcible example of the slow progress made in leading nations from a savage to a social life. Persevering courage and wisdom, are necessary in a reformer of wild hunters. To these was united in Peter the Great, the arm of despotic authority ; yet he found it difficult to elevate his subjects to the rank of a civilized nation. He spent his whole life in the work, and but par- tially accomplished his object. Nor have his successors, to this day, been able to complete the design. Though a considerable portion of this gigantic empire has made noble advances to- ward a state of refinement, yet many numerous tribes still remain at a very great remove from civilization. Another century may elapse before they attain those improvements, which are ge- nerally enjoyed in Europe. So arduous is the labor of restraining the passions of savages; of changing their habits, and producing in tlieir untutored minds, those ideas which are familiar^ B8 MEMOIRS OF ' . and those opinions which are self evident to pol- ished and christianized people. About the commencement of the last century^ a remarkable zeal prevailed in several parts of Christendom, to convey the light of the gospel' to people and nations " sitting in darkness." At that time a society of pious christians was form- ed in Denmark, encouraged and patronized by their excellent King, to send the gospel to the numerous tribes of Indians, on the coast of Ma- labar, in the East Indies. Missionaries from Germany were sent into that distant region. These were in part, supported by the society in England for propagating the gospel in foreign parts. In that extensive field of labor, churches wTre founded, and many schools established for the instruction of youth in human science and the principles of the christian religion. To pro- mote this noble object, Professor Franck, w^ha was unwearied in doing good, lent his aid. In a letter to Mr. Henry Newman, Secretary to the society in England, Anno 1713, after respectful- ly noticing the assistance of that society, in pro- moting the godlike vvork, of bringing the pagans to the east, to the knowledge of the Messiah, he thus proceeds: " Posterity shall learn by it, bow one nation can help another in the common cause of propagating the christian religion, finding that the German nation assisted the Danes, as the English do both. In the beginning of my design, to promote tins glorious entcrprize cf the DanYsli nation, 1 very much scrupled whether I should embark in it or no ; for I thought to meddle witli a foreign work, would not only hinder ours here, but even dinVinish it ; consi- dering the vast ex pence required to provide for every ensuing year, for the whole orphan house, so many school masters, and other iuuumerable DR. WHEELOCK. 89 accidents without any certain foundation. But I overcame that scruple with a deep reflection on so many signal steps of the divine providence in works of this nature, since I laid the first stone of the Orphan House, and other buildings in which I was engaged ; yea, I found by experi* ence, of which you may be certain, that the pro- moting of this foreign work, was not only no hinderance to our own, but that even the heaven- ly blessing was more signally shov/ered upon it. Conv^erting the Malabarian heathen is a catholic work, worthy to be promoted by ail charitable and public spirited christians."^ The light of the gospel, which in the days of the Apostles shone gloriously in the East, had been nearly extinguished by a long and dreadful, night of Mahometan darkness. Encouragement to christians at the present day, to receive the glorious hght of truth in chose benighted regions, may be derived from the success of thgse Danish and German missionaries. By them the way is nov/ prepared; the good seed sown by them is not lost ; christian teachers may now have a friendly access to them. Those who are desirous of researches into the religion, sciences, and an- tiquities of the people in those regions, may iii this way be gratified. The venerable society in Scotland, for propagating christian knowledge, liave been engaged about a century in generous labors to spread the rays of divine revelation a- inong the numerous clans, who inhabit the ex-^ tensive and remote highlands, and the islands of the northern ocean. Astonisb-ing progress has been made in this blessed work. Those waste and steril fields, by long cultivation, have pro- duced precious fruit to the joy of Zion and the * See propagation of the gospel io the J?,ait 12 90 MEMOIRS OF glory of the Redeemer ; much remains to be clone. The good already effected encourages the pious and charitable to persevere in their exer- tions, and to seek the enlargement of their funds. In later times the Moravians have, with apos- tolic zeal, carried the knowledge of the gospel among the heathen. In almost every part of the pagan world, success has rewarded their labors. They have penetrated the regions of Tartary ; made establishments on the Wolga ; raised the banner of the cross in the empire of Mahomet, They have planted the rose of Sharon on the burning sands of Africa, and the frozen coast of Greenland.* They have cheered our western forests w^ith songs of christian praise, on the banks of the Muskingum, and in other places they have villages of praying Indians. A gra- dual and pleasing improvement of temper and manners, has taken place among the heathen, to whom they have borne the news of salvation. On the Muskingum and Big River Creek, houses of worship were erected, where the Indians with their missionaries attended morning and evening prayer. They wholly withdrew from the society of the wild Indians; they acquired considerable know^ledge of agriculture ; they were civil to strangers ; they w^ere moral and submissive to the regulations of their teachers. f . Faithful men are employed for " the help of the Lord against the mighty ;" nor should they despond, though success should not answer their * See Ciantz history of the Moravian missions in Greenland. t The Moravians deserve praise for carrying" the gospel to those \\ho are .destitute. They enter not on o^her mens' labors, nor build oa foundations already laid. Directly opposite to this christian conduct is that of one or two modern sects, who, like tlieir predecessors, " compass sea and land to make one proselyte" from other denominations. They make a mighty merit of their zeal to christianize christians, and build their temples with broken pillars, plundered from the churches of Christ, which have been rent and shattered by their unhallowed hands. DR. WIIEELOCK. 9> Iiopes. Enough is effected to show that our la- bors are not in vain. Morning and evening we should sow the seed ; we know not when the harvest may reward tlie labor ; yet we are sure the joyful moment will come. Ages ela[)«ed af- ter the preaching of Christ and the Apostles, be- fore the Roman Empire became christian. The divine Saviour honored his immediate disciples to do more toward enlightening and reforming the world in forty years, than was done by their suc- cessors, ministers and martyrs in two hundred and sixty. Commissioned by their Lord and Master, inspired with supernatural wisdom, en- dowed with the gift of speaking various lan- guages ; armed with the power of performing miracles, the humble fishermen of Galilee and their associates traversed the world; heathen oracles were struck dumb ; pagan priests and philosophers were confounded ; kings and rulers no longer directed the public opinion ; their prisons, racks, and fires lost their terrors; villa- ges, cities, and countries embraced the prophet of Nazareth for their Saviour and their God. The mild precepts of his gospel soon had more influ- ence in society, than all the maxims of philoso- phy ; all the laws of legislators, and all the ven- geance of persecutors. Gross vices disappeared where the herald of the gospel came, and a new era of virtue and felicity commenced. This was not human might nor skill, but the power of God. Without the agency of the divine spirit, such is the natural opposition of the heart to the gospel of Jesus Christ, that all the miracles of the Apostles, their gift of tongues, and the thun- ders of their eloquence, would never have changed the heart of one pagan; would never have moved one to repent of his sins, nor to believe in Jesus Christ, as the Saviour of the world. By the om- Jiipotence of this divine agent, the preaching of 9'^ MEMOIRS OF the cross became the wisdom of Gocl, and the power of God to them who beheved. Yet was it three hundred years after our Saviour, before the christian rehgion was estabhshed in the Ro- man empire. The nations which composed that empire were civihzed, and some of them, partic- ularly the Athenians and Corinthians, the in- habitants of Antioch and Rome, were the most learned and rehned people in the world. If with all the advantages from the miracles and resur- rection of Jesus Christ ; if with the wonderful success and miraculous gifts of his apostles, it was found by their successor a work of so much time, to turn the nations to their gracious Sa- viour, we may not rationally expect that the be- nighted Indians of America can be speedily or at once brought to embrace the gospel. Before they can enjoy the comforts and advantages of the christian religion, they must be in some de- gree civilized. To promote these objects, some of the Legislatures of New England have done much in former, as well as in later times. They have been induced to make these sacrifices from compassion for them in their miserable and pe- rishing situation, and sometimes, perhaps, from political motives. Sev^eral charitable christian societies have been formed for the benefit of In- dians. These have devoted much time and ex- pence to advance their best interests. From the lirst settlement of New England to this day, this good work has been pursued with the purest mo- tives ; a goodly number of christian ministers, respectable for their talents, learning, and piety, have constantly devoted themselves to the ser- vice of the Indians. From compassion to their souls they have lived am.ong them, learned tlieir barbarous language, and cheerfully endured all manner of self denial and hardships to bring them to the knowledge of God and our Saviour. DR. WHEELOCK. 9S Among the first and most eminent of these faithful servants of Christ, was the Rev. and re- nowned John Eliot, who, perhaps, has exceed- ed every other individual in his personal labors for the conversion of the Indians. On account of zeal and success in tlie good work, he has justly been called the Apostle of the .Indians. He collected them together in a number of villa- ges ; he taught them husbandry ; the mechanic arts, and the prudent management of their af- fairs. They had magistrates, judges, and courts of tlieir own appointment. He established schools among them ; he formed catechisms for children and adults ; he translated the whole bi- ble into their language, and several other pious books. He traversed the wilderness himself and preached to them in season and out of season ; he formed a number of churches, who had offi- cers and teachers of their own nation. At one time there Vv'ere in Massachusetts, twenty four Indian preachers, and the same number of churches and congregations. These Indians in general prayed in their families ; regularly at- tended public worship, and in a great degree laid aside their savage habits. The names of the venerable Mahews, father, son, and grandson, will never be forgotten in our churches.* They labored vrith wonderful success among the In- dians of T^Iartha's Vineyard, and the neighbour- ing islands. Remnants of the churches formed by them continue to this day. The Rev. Mr. John Cotton, of Plymouth, preached to the na- tives in their own lauffuaoe, had five conarreo^a- tions of them under his care to whom he preach- ed every week. On Cape Cod v/ere six congre- gations of Indians, who had as many preachers of their own. To these the Rev. Samuel Treat * History of New England, by Moass and Parish. 94 MEMOIRS OF often preached in their own language. The Rev. Mr. Bourne also studied the language of the In- dians, and preached to them with much success. In Connecticut, the Rev. Mr. Fitch and Pierson , preached Jesus and the resurrection to the na- tives in their vicinity. In later times, the pious and indefatigable brothers, David and John Brainard labored among the Indians of New Jer- sey and the Susquehanna. The zeal and forti- tude, the piety and success of the elder brother have long been known to the religious public by his printed life and journal. The pious and learned Mr. John Sargeant, amomg the Stock- "bridge Indians, and his son who now succeeds him in this good work, and many more that might be mentioned, appear as a cloud of wit- nesses that the poor heathen of this country have not been neglected. Most zealous and persever- ing attempts have been made for their improve- ment and salvation. The blessing of heaven has attended those labors to the conversion of mul- titudes. Much, however, remained to be done. Dr. Wheelock saw the immense field ; he zeal- ously entered on the work. No individual, no society of christians in America has done more to diffuse the gospel, and the blessings of civili- zation among the Indians than Dr. Wheelock. His missionary school rose like a new star to en- lighten the wilderness. Many have rejoiced in its light. In his day he had the satisfaction of seeing the remnants of various tribes, which were scattered among the English settlements, instruc- ted in the gospel by his Indian pupils.* But the two leading tribes of the Six Nations, the * There were congregations of christian Indians at Narraganset, Montank, Mohegan, Stonington, and between Groton and Preston, and in the Jerkies. In all these places Mr. Occum preached, and Doctor Wheelock supplied them occasionally with other preachers and school masters. DR. WHEELOCK. 95 Oneidas and Mohawks, received the most per- manent and conspicuous advantages from the labors of Dr. Wheelock. They were the more particular objects of his attention ; to them he sent the greatest number of his school masters and missionaries ; and they now in their man- ners approach nearer to civilized people, than any tribes in North America. Their habits of self o*overnment, their observance of social order, their religious mstitutions, their temperance, and particularly their cultivation of their lands, to which Indians have ever entertained an obstinate aversion, exceed every thing of the kind among the natives of this country. For these advan- tages they are indebted, under providence to their zealous, and persevering friend, the founder of Moor's School. In conformation of this I beg leave to introduce to the reader the following letters and extracts. The first is from a pupil of Dr. Wheelock's. Frnrn Col. Joseph Brant, Sachem of the Mohawk Tribe, and Chief of the Five Confederate Na- tions in Upper Canada, to the Hon. John fVhee- loch, President of Dai^tmoiith College. Grand River, February 9, 1801. Dear Sir, I have received your favor of the 36. of November last. I have delayed answering it until the return of Capt. Brigham. I receive an inexpressible satisfaction in hear- ing from you, that you have taken my sons un- der your protection ; and also to find that you yet retain a strong remembrance of our ancient friendship. For my part, nothing can ever ef- face from my memory the persevering attention your revered father paid to my education, when 9^ MEMOIRS OP I was in the place my sons now are. Though I was an unprolitable pupil in some respects ; yet my worldly affairs have been much benefited by the instruction I there received. I hope my children may reap greater advantages under your care, both with respect to their future as well as their worldly welfare. Their situation at your brother's meets with my highest approbation. Your (goodness, in having provided for them out of the funds, far exceeds my expectations, and merits my wannest thanks. The reason that induced me to send them, to be instructed under your care, is the assurance I had that their morals and education would be there more strictly attended to, than at any other place I know of. I am much pleased at the kindness you shew in pressing them to be familiar at your house. I beg you will be constant in exhorting them to conduct themselves with propriety. The cha- racter you give me of the Vv^orthy gentleman, their preceptor, is extremely pleasing. From the whole, I feel perfectly easy with respect to their situation, and the care taken of their education, and am fully convinced that all now depends on their own exertions. The steady friendship you do me the honor to assure me of, is what, from numberless obligations, I doubly owe your fami- ly on my part; and I beg leave to assure you, tliat until death I remain your sincere friend. Should their be any thing you might wish from these parts, curiosities or the like, I shall be happy to send them to you. Dear Sir, I am, Your very humble servant, " JOSEPH BRANT. Hon. John Wiieelock, Esq. DR. WHEELOCK, 97 This respectable Sachem, (whose father was also Sachem of the Mohawks, after the death of the famous king Henclric) and who has always lived in the English manner, in a letter to the President, relative to the education of his sons, dated Buftaloe Creek, July 23, 1801, thus writes : ^' It gives me great satisfiiction to hear that my sons have so conducted themselves, as to merit your approbation. The hopes you form of them is pleasing beyond expression. When my sons went away, I promised they should remain only one year ; but as they seem to make progress, I hope you will begin by times to convince them, it is their interest to remain another winter, and exert themselves in their studies. I intend 2:0- ing to England this fall, and should I return safe in the spring, I will see them, and they might then come out on a visit home." The two sons of Col. Brant abovementioned, were brought six hundred miles from their fath- er's house to Moor's School, in October, 1 800, by Col. Benjamin Sumner, of Clarimont. The Colonel resided fifteen months among the In- dians in Canada ; and in a letter to Doctor Wheelock, he mentions the great improvements, which the Six Nations, particularly the Mo- hawks, have made in agriculture and the con- veniences of living, as really surprising; and that this change is in a considerable degree to be at- tributed to the influence of Col. Brant, and other leading characters among them, who had been educated by the late Dr. Wheelock. He also mentions the charge which Col. Brant gave him relative to his sons, which was, that they should be educated in letters, piety, and virtue, 13 98 MEMOIRS OF Francis Annance, Sachem of the St. Francois Indians in Canada, had the advantages of an En- glish school education. He has a promising son, who is now a member of Moor's Indian SchooL In a letter to the Hon. President Wheelock, of Sept. 1803, he thus writes : " I have experienced the art of reading and writing to be of more than common benefit to man, in respect to his present occasions, and the bettering of his understanding and judgment, hy giving him a sight into things both of a civil and spiritual nature, which would otherwise un- doubtedly have escaped his knowledge. But this advantage is quite unknown to my nation ; therefore they see not the value of jt. But if I should be supported by this government, to whom I have applied for the same, so that I may be able to instruct our children here steadily, for four or five years, they would then begin to see the beauties of learning." May this enlightened and generous chief be assisted in his good intentions. He did succeed in his application to the British government for support. He has actually taken upon himself the useful office of school master, and is now teaching the children of his people the useful arts of civilized nations. He receives a salary from the king of England of a hundred dollars j&er cmmim. He was several years a member of Moor's School, and left it about the close of the revolutionary war. In this connexion, the fol- lowing extract of a letter to Dr. John Wheelock, from the Ilev. Davenport Phelps, of Upper Canada, may be very acceptable. BR. WHEELOCic. 99 Extract of a letter from the Rev. Da'cenport Phelps, of Upper Canada, to Dr. John Whee- locli. Glanford, U. C. November 1, 1800. ^« I cannot, sir, but here observe, that strong hopes may be entertained, that we may yet see the zvilderness hud and blossom like the rose. There is already a degree of civilization among a number of the nations, which would surprize a stranger. And with some of them there is such an appearance of Christianity, that many of the whites who possess it, might well blush at a com- parative view. Of this great and important al- teration, and of the present pleasing prospect of success, in extending the knowledge of the Re- deemer among them (if suitable measures might be adopted, and exertions used for the purpose) I am fully persuaded the labors of your venera- ble predecessor, under God, hav^e been the cause. Col. Brant greatly encourages civilization and Christianity. Through his exertions and influen- tial example among the Indians, it is to be hop- ed, their progress towards refinement my yet be considerable," Such is the satisfactory evidence, that good fruit 15 gathered in those extensive fields, cultivated by Doctor Wheelock, long after he rests from his labors. Among these christian tribes his name will not be pronounced, but with a glow of gratitude and afiection. It must give pleasure to every benevolent mind, to read the letters of some, who were his Indian pupils. They display the advantages of education on the savage mind. Their ingenuous feelings, the correctness of their sentiments, the propriety of their expressions, the quickness of then' apprehension, and justness 100 MEMOIRS OF of their reasonings, certainly do them honor. To do justice to their characters, we must consi- der how transient were their opportunities for scientific improvements ; we must consider, who have been their associates in the wilderness, most- ly exckided from civilized society; excluded from books, from civil, literary and religious in- stitutions. It has been a question with some, whether the Indians possess a sufficiency of original genius to make any considerable progress in literature. The opinion that they do not, is founded princi^ pally on two circumstances. One is, that not- withstanding great pains have been taken to make scholars of many, yet none have appeared emi- nent in science. The other is, that though they have had opportunity, for almost two centuries, by living near the English, to see the superior advantages of civilized life, yet they in general, remain strongly attached to their original savage manners. From a superficial view of these rea- sons, a conclusion unfavorable to the natural abi- lities of the Indians seems to follow; yet a vari- ety of facts renders the conclusion more than doubtful. It is true that a considerable number of Indian youth have been admitted into Eng- lish schools ; and it is as true, that very few have been conducted through a regular course of col- legiate studies. One at Harvard, one at Dart- mouth, and perhaps as many at Princeton, have received collegiate honors. It is not to be sup- posed that any of these were in a situation to pur- sue their studies after leaving college to much ad- vantage. From there not being some among them, ■who are distinguished luminaries of science, noth- ing unfavorable can be inferred. None have enjoyed the means. Such are their roving habits in early life, that constant study has been found DR. WHEELOCK. 101 injurious to their health and dispositions. They are exceedingly averse to discipHne and restraint ; and have, therefore, generally given over the pur- suit, before they had finished a regular course of education. The discrimination between them and others, consists essentially in habits and disposi- tions, rather than original genius. No greater difference in genius, between them and others exists, than what is generally observable, between children of the same or different families. The journals of Doctor Wheelock's missiona- ries, and others, would furnish volumes to prove the good abilities of Indians. Some of the prin- cipal persons in this country have been called re- peatedly to meet in council with them on nation- al concerns. They have always borne testimony to the deep penetration, n^anly sentiments, and forcible eloquence of their leading men. King Hendric, formerly Sachem of the Mohawks, was, in the opinion of the best judges, a man of un- commonly bright genius and sound judgment. He undoubtedly possessed a degree of wisdom and sublimity of thought'beyond the common lot of men. Good Peter, of Oneida, was known and universally respected as a man of superior powers of mind, and goodness of heart.* Other instances might be mentioned of Indians distin- guished for various talents. In the early settle- ment of New England, under the instruction of the venerable Eliot, the ^lahews, and others, several Indians became judicious and eminent preachers of the gospel. Several causes have operated to impede their progress in learning, and to counteract the efforts to civilize them. A love of ease, an aversion to those mental and bodily labors, Vv'hich are the price of civilization, * A good likeness of this worthy Chief may be seen in Mr. Slu- ard's i\Iuseum, Hartiorci. 102 MEMOIRS OF is a powerful obstacle to their improvemenh Hunger and revenge are with them, the most powerful springs of action. In addition to their indolence, their country seems to invite them to a vagrant, savage life. The widely extended forests, lakes, and rivers of this continent, at some seasons, afford them a plentiful supply of food, procured by the pleasing amusements of fishing and huntino'. Of the same tendencv is their ignorance of individual property, their unbound- ed love of liberty, their ardent passion for war, which opens to them the only door of honor or distinction in their tribe ; their jealousy of the whites, that they secretly design to subdue their spirits and enslave them by every apparent at- tempt for their civilization ; their pride of spirit, which disdains the toils of the English, and feels superior to us in wisdom, fortitude, and felicity. They of course appear to feel no emotions of envy, witnessing our advantages. Nearly all tliese obstacles to their civilization, impede their conversion to Christianity. To these we may add their constitutional and ungovernable thirst for ardent spirits ; the profane and heathenish lives of nominal christians, who traffic with them or live on their borders, and what is more than all the rest, the amazing opposition of the nat- ural heart to the holy doctrines and duties of the christian religion. Formidable as these hinder- ances are, the power of divine grace has in many instances overcome them. Many of them have enlisted under the banner of the cross, and proved themselves the faithful friends of Jesus Christ. Those attempts to civilize them have been most successful, which have been accompanied with charitable aids, particularly bread and cloth- ing, to render them comfortable. About the BR. WHEELOCK. 105 year. 1793, the government of the United States adopted the humane plan of conciliating the friendship of the Indians on our borders, by pur- suing this mode. They furnished different tribes with some of the most necessary implements of husbandry and domestic manufactures. Th-ey employed skilful men to instruct them in their use, and to labor for them at the expence of gov- ernment. Individual states have adopted a sim- ilar plan respecting the tribes, which inhabit their borders ; annual pensions have been allow- ed them by some of the States. The conse- quences have been happy. Peace has reigned in all our new and distant settlements ; the In- dians begin to realize the advantages of social life, and of their alliance with us. How happ}^ would it have been, if according to the spirit of the gospel, the money, which has been expended in war for their destruction, had been employed to render them wiser and better. These good beginnings seem to be preparing the gospel to be introduced among numerous tribes. At the southard, the Rev. Gideon Blackburn of Mary- ville, Tennessee, has had very considerable suc- cess among the Cherokees. In a letter to Pre- sident VVheelock he writes, that the prospect of christianizing the nation is encouraging; that difficulties formerly in the way are in a great measure removed ; that a pretty strong desire- to practise the customs, and learn the language of our people, prevails among the Chiefs of the na- tion. He has established two schools among them ; the children make laudable progress, the adults are friendly and attentive ; the pious and charitable have contributed large sums to carry on the work ; the friends of Zion rejoice in the pleasing prospect. The agents of government among the Indians confirm these things in their t04i Memoirs o^ official reports. They also certify that they ard satisfied with their donations ; that they have al- ready made some progress in agriculture and in- ferior manufactures. The vast country of Louisiana opens a bound- less field of labor for the conversion of the hea- then. All the tribes from the Mississippi to the Pacific are friendly to us. Some of their chiefs have visited our principal towns, and are satisfied with their treatment. Seldom has the christian world seen a more animating prospect of extend- ing the light of the gospel among pagans, than is here presented. As it is the will of God that Kings and Presi- dents should be the nursing fathers of his church ; as the most renowned conquerors and rulers of the earth, Alexander the Great, Cyrus, Con- stantine, Theodosius, and many others, have ren- dered immense services to the church of God ; so is it the prayer and hope of the religious pub- lic, that our general government, may furnish means for the instruction of Indian youth, by es- tablishing schools in all their principal villages, under the care of pious teachers ; and may soci- eties for the propagation of the gospel send faith- ful missionaries to lead them in the way to eter^ nal life. Although missionary and other charitable so- eties, have not, in times past, met with all that success wliich they expected ; yet it is a conso- lation that great benefits have accrued to the new formed settlements of white people, by means of their faithful missionaries. Numerous churches have been gathered and organized, the ordinances administered, tlie gospel preached with success, destitute settlements united and established in religious order. But the good effects of this christian philanthropy are not confined to the DR. WHEELOCK. 105 borders of the United States. The society in Scotland for propagating christian knowledge, have been wonderfully successful in conveying the knowledge of the gospel to the rude and un- enlightened tribes, w4io reside in the distant Highlands and Islands of that country. The edu- cation of the rising generation, in the principles of religion and the useful sciences is the chief object of that respectable society. About six- teen thousand children and youth are now in- structed gratis by the masters whom they em- ploy, and thirteen of their missionaries itinerate to preach the everlasting gospel to those poor destitute people. As it pleases God to bless the means for perpetuating the knowledge of the gospel among the descendents of his own cove- nant people, it is no doubt our duty to persevere in the same work among the heathen. The pre- cious fruit may hereafter appear. " In the morn- ing sow thy seed, and in the evening withold not thy hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper either this or that. Cast thy bread upon the w^aters, for thou shaltfind it after many- days." It v/ould be important to introduce civi- lization and religion among the Indians, were no otlier advantage to result, than making them peaceable neighbors ; but Vvdien we look forward to the eternal world we are lost in calculating the importance of the event; we are assured that the conversion of one soul is of infinite moment; it causes joy in heaven among the angels of God. The conversion of the pagan world is estJib- lished by the irreversible decrees of heaven ; the time and the means are equally determined. AVithout doubt those means are the fiithful la- bors of christian missionaries, accompanied with the prayers of the church. Though the season of their receiving- the gospel is witii God, yet is 14 106 MEMOIRS OF it our duty constantly to employ the means ap- parently necessary to produce the glorious event. The celebrated Apostle Eliot, and other good men, have been stimulated to great zeal in spreading the gospel among the Indians, from a behef or hope, that they are the descendents of Abram. Several plausible reasons encourage such an opinion. ''As the people of Israel were separated from all others, and the tribes kept distinct ; so is it with the American Indians. Each nation has its sym- bol, or each tribe its badge, by which it is deno- minated. The Mohawks, for example, were di- vided into three tribes, denominated the bear, the tortoise and the wolf. Each of these tribes bore the animal for which it was called, as a coat of arms, in its banner. When Cortes and a part of his troops entered Llascala, a city of South A- merica, the inhabitants came out to meet them, '^ each tribe distinct and separate ; of these there wereybwr." *' The priests came with their pots of incense in loose white garments." This natu- rally reminds us, that when Alexander and his soldiers entered Jerusalem, two thousand years before, that the people and priests came out " ta meet him, dressed in white garments." The Indians, like the Israelites, reckon time b}^ sleeps and moons, or lunar months and days. The Indians have their high priest and pro- phets. In every tribe is a high priest, and seve- ral, who are subordinate. In some tribes their dress is not unlike that of the Hebrew priests. They wear a white ephod, and a breastplate, "which is formed from a conchshell. The highest council of the nation does not determine upon war, without the advice and consent of the high priest. They believe he has intercourse with God. DR. WHEELOCK. 107 In the council house of certain tribes is a sa- cred place, resembling the holy of holies among the Jews. Here are deposited their sacred things. It is death for any to enter this holy place, ex- cept the chief warrior and high priest.* Going to war, or suffering any calamity, the Indians, like the Israelites, observe seasons of fasting and prayer. These seasons are sometimes continued seven or eight days. In some of the tribes is kept a sacred ark, like that of Israel, in which are preserved various holy vessels. None but the chieftain of the tribe, who is the priest of war, and his servant, dare touch this sacred chest. Their enemies dare not approach it.f As among the tribes of Israel, when a per- son is murdered, the nearest relation is the man- slayer ; but the guilty may fly to the " white towns," which are certain places of refuge, where blood is never shed. Like the young men of Israel, the Indians give dowries for their wives. They purchase them of their fathers, sometimes they labor for them a stipulated time. J The mourning and lamentations of the In- dians for their dead resemble those of Israel. Their laws respecting females entirely resem- ble those of Israel; they are quite as scrupulous and severe. Several of their traditions are evidently de- rived from the history of the Jewish scriptures. That they are the same people, or that they have had intercourse with them, is an opinion of intel- ligent missionaries. In their discourses, like the Jews, they use many parables. * Eartram. t The ark in Otaheite has precisely the dimensions of that described \n the Bible. % History of America, ^ lOS MEMOIRS OF Like the Israelites, as their circumstances or characters change, they assume new names. Massasoit the fir;8t ally of the English in New England, vv^as afterwards called Wosamaquen. Some suppose they have discovered traces of the three principal Jewish festivals ; the passo- ver, the day of atonement, which commenced on the 10th of the month, and the feast of taber- nacles, which began five days after. The Israel- ites were commanded to " make atonement for their sins once in a year, when they were to af- flict their souls, and make an offering to the Lord by fire'' Afterwards, having gathered in the ^rst *' fruits of the land, they kept a joy fid feast unto the Lord for seven days."^ The day of atonement was a period of mortifi- cation and fasting. Then they put an end to all (Ufferejices, and become reconciled to one another. In the passover no leavened bread was to be in their houses, and the Jews to this day search all corners of their houses^ to see that they have none. They cleanse their houses, and furnish them with n^xv kitchen and table furniture. They burn their leavened hreadj and those moveables, which are made of metal, are put in the fire and polished. f So our Indians, " when their corn is ripe," cel- ebrate a great festival, which continues a num- ber of days. Having cleansed and swept their houses and streets, and furnished themselves with nexv clothes and nexv furniture, they collect their old clothes and furniture, their old corn and pro- vision into a pile and consume them with fire. They then observe a fast of three days, denying* themselves the indulgence of every appetite, and extinguishing all their fires. A general amnesty is proclaimed ; criminals return home ; crimes are * I.evit. 23fl. chap, f Leo of Modena. BU, WIIEELOCK. lOt) absolved, and an universal reconciliation takes place. The next day after the last is closed, the high priest kindles a new fire by rubbing dry wood together, from which every dwelhng is fiuppUed with the pure flame. The scene now changes ; hilarity and pleasure reign. New com and fruits are brought from their fields, and three days are spent in feasting, inusic and danc- ing. After this, four days are devoted to social visits among those, who had sacrificed and pre- pared themselves for this annual solemnity.* From the natural application of several pro- phecies, to both people, some persons have sup- posed they were the same. It was said to Israel, " they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your ene- mies' lands; the land of your enemies shall eat you upf." Do not the Indians of America /?f/ze away be- fore civilized men ? Though they were millions when v/e were but a handful ; though they were sturdy warriors; yet they continue to pine away, and the age may not be remote, when nothing but their bones may remain as proofs of their ex- istence. It was also prophecied of Israel, that they should in Egypt be offered for sale, and ^t\v or none should buy them. J This was literally verified in the early wars of New England with the savages. The prisoners were frequently sent up the Mediterranean to be sold for slaves, yet few were disposed to purchase them. The resemblance of the Indian language to the Hebrew has been thought to identify the people. There is not only a remarkable analc/gy between many Indian and Hebrew words, but the Indi- * Bartram. f Lev. 26. t Deut. 26. 1 10 MEMOIRS OF ans, like the Hebrews, express their pronouns hy prefixes, and suffixes.* How far some of these circumstances are com- mon to all nations, who approximate to the same state of society, or how far they may be charac- teristics of the same people, I presume not to of- fer an opinion. The subject is curious, and de- serves further investigation.''^ ^ Many tribes on the Amazon practise circum- cision. Doctor Wheelock had enemies, w^ho opposed his measures, who contemned his plans, and seemed envious at the splendor of his fame. By them he was severely reproached, if any thing appeared amiss in his arrangements. Conscious of his integrity and sincere desire to promote the good of mankind ; strong in the general appro- bation of the public, he met opposition with some impatience. Those enemies sometimes felt the sev^erity of his rebukes. To the friends of his benevolent plans he was ardently attached as to the friends of truth and goodness. So strong- were his convictions that the cause in which he was engaged was the cause of God, that he could not help considering all opposers as the enemies of God and religion. So confident was he of success that he cheerfully devoted his whole life to the single object of instructing the heathen. Possessing strong passions he was most cordial in his friendship, and unwearied in assisting those of whose piety he had a favorable opinion. Of an open and frank disposition, he was unsuspi- cious, and in some instances was imposed on by the artful. Though sometimes severe in his re- sentment toward those, who were vicious or re- * Dr. Edwards. t Mather, Megapolensis, a Dutch missionary, Adair, Roger Wil- liams, Eliot, &c. &c. % Dr. Parish's Modern Geography, DH. WHKELOCK, in prehensible, he was very affectionate in his recon- ciliation on their acknowledgment and submis- sion. On reviewing the works accomplished by Dr. Wheelock, it is evident he must have been re- markably active and indefatigable in his labors. He had no time for amusements or rest ; his whole life was a continued series of exertions. He neglected not the minutiee of his concerns ; he had a talent of dispatching business with great facility. His correspondence in Europe and America was extensive; and so at command were his thoughts, that often while composing his letters, he at the same time supported con- versation on other subjects. He accomplished much because his whole attention was invaria- bly fixed on his favorite object. He pressed every advantage within his reach to one point, the salvation of the heathen. A sentence ex- pressing the character of an ancient worthy, may be applied to him ; " Ad id unum natus esse "videreter quod aggrederetej^ /' i.e. he seemed to be born for what he had undertaken. According to his devout request, that he might not outlive his usefulness, he died in the full possession of his intellectual powers and in the midst cf his usefulness, apparently too soon for his friends, too soon for the church and the world. Through an active and enterprizing life, religion had beeu his companion and his guide, and in its solemn, closing scene, the consolations of religion weix; his support and joy. 112? MEMOIRS OF SECTION X. HIS CHARACTER—FAITH— PRAYER—DOCTRINES— TALENTS AS A PREACHER, &c. PERHAPS the christian and philosophic rea- der, pleased with distinct views of character, may wish for a more entire portrait of Doctor Wheelock. The historic sketch, already given, presents some features strongly marked ; others may be more clearly drawn. Doctor Wheelock not only believed in a general and particular Pro- vidence ; but he felt and realized the doctrine. Consequently he viewed with interest, not only the great changes in the world, and those evi- dently important to himself; but the most inci- dental circumstance, the most trivial event, he habitually regarded, as a link in the chain of Providence, a unit of an eternal series, a part of an infinite plan. Consequently he was often af- fected and moved by those things, which did not excite the attention of others. Hence it was ve- ry natural for him to put constructions on Pro- vidence very different from many of his connex- ions. This he often did to their surprise. From those things, which filled them with fear and des- pondence, he sometimes was animated and roused to new exertions. This might appear to be enthu- siasm and rashness, but was really the result of an enlarged mind, of extensive views, and mi- nute and familiar observations on the Providence of God. It has been said by a celebrated wri- ter, ^' that every genius is a prophet ;" with niore propriety may it be said, that every careful ob- server of Providence is a prophet. " The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him." From constant observation on Providence, they better understand its lauguage, and more safely argue DR. WHEELOCK, 1 1 3 from the past to the future. By constant study they more readily comprehend its real import. The Doctor considered the word, and not the Providence of God, as the law of duty ; yet when God gave him success, furnished him with the means, and opened a door for his exertions, he considered this a call to proceed, and often vari- ed his plans, as Providence seemed to invite or oppose his labors. Doctor Wheelock was a man of faith. Like Abram he believed God. Hence such phrases as these are frequent in his letters ; '^ God gives me all I ask for ; he is a prayer hearing God* If I were not stupid and sluggish and unbeliev- ing, I doubt not I should have much more, and all I need ; for he hath said, " open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." I find this to be so, and give into it. I think Vv/ith my v/hole heart that I am not straightened in him. I can bear wit- ness to that precious- word of Christ : " Ye shall ask what ye will in my name and it shall be done." I think my affairs are under the smiles of heaven, and they will be so, if we keep up a good account with God." Such was the faith of this good man. He remembered that God had said, " Command ye me." He gave cuedit to this declaration ; he availed himself of its im- mense advantages. Therefore, like Jacob he was ready to say to God, '• I will not let thee go unless thou bless me." He persevered in his addresses, till he obtained the object of his de- sire. He seemed at times to drnw upon Provi- dence for his expences in bringing the Indians to the knowledge of the truth. So strong was his faith in God, that he would give success to his useful plans, that sometimes it seemed to others like fanaticism. 15 114 MEMOIRS OF Such faith naturally produced a spirit of pray- er. Doctor Wlieelock was a man of prayer. In social prayer he enjoyed remarkable fervor and freedom in his addresses. Beside his usual and daily devotions, he often set apart particu- lar days and seasons for prayer. When going a journey, whatever was the hour of his departure, he always called his family and students toge- ther to supplicate the blessing of God on his un- dertaking. When two of his missionaries were setting out to preach the gospel to the Indians beyond the Ohio, he with solemnity and affec- tion proposed to them and his pupils to maintain a concert of prayer, " that beside daily remem- brance of one another, at the throne of grace, they might spend special seasons, Saturday and sabbath evenings, between the hours of six and seven o'clock in prayer to God for his protection, presence and blessing upon them and on all mis- sionaries, gone to proclaim salvation to the hea- then." So great was his influence or so serious- ly disposed were his pupils, that every member of the school and college appeared to unite cor- dially in this solemn agreement. A vein of plea- santry enlivened his conversation, and so candid, charitable and accommodating was his temper, that he was sometimes accused of flattery ; but this is no uncommon tax of politeness. ' Though of a cheerful and pleasant disposi- tion, such w^ere the incessant and weighty con- cerns, which pressed on the mind of Dr. Wliee- lock, that they frequently extorted an involun- tary groan. Aluch of his time was employed in profound meditation and prayer. In sunmier evenings, after the family had retired to rest, his custom was to walk one or two hours on the green before his house for serious meditation. Notwithstamliug this contemplative turn of DR. \\1[IEEL0CK. 115 mind, and frequent £ittacks of hypockonchia, he delighted his friends by the sweetness of his tem- per and the urbanity of his deportment. His conspicuous situation attracted much respecta- ble company, whom he entertained in the most agreeable and hospitable manner. An extensive acquaintance with mankind, had led him to a deep knowledge of human nature. Delicate was his sense of decorum and propriety; he al- ways supported the dignity of his character as a christian and a minister of the gospel. So use- ful were his labors, so disinterested his motives-, so persuasive his address, so winning his manners, that generally when he personally a| plied to individuals, he obtained all that he asked for the support of his expensive establishments. Though Dr. VVheelock exerted all his prudence and profound discernment in arranging his plans, he reHed entirely nn the providence of God to give them success. Few men hav^e been more conscious of their absolute dependance. He was rarely disappointed. He trusted in God and was not confounded. Frequently in his printed nar- ratives of the school, he expresses his pious and grateful sense of the divine agency in his suc- cess. Neither did his sense of dependance weaken his exertions, nor obstruct his perseverance. No- thing but the goodness of his heart could exceed his perseverance to obtain his object. Once sa- tisfied concerning his duty, nothing could dis- courage or obstruct his exertions. He never gave up his design till he found it impractica- ble; the lukewarmness of friends did not cool his ardor ; the desertion of associates could not appal his heart ; and to the turbulence of oppo- sition he calmly bid defiance. 11 ff MEMOIRS OF 111 the articles of his faith, Doctor Whee- lock agreed with the puritans, who were the fa^ thers of New England. He belonged to the school of Calvin. The doctrine of divine sover- eignty ; of human depravity ; the moral impotence of the sinner ; the necessity of regeneration ; the divinity of Jesus Christ; the infinite merit and efficacy of the atonement ; the doctrine of elec- tion ; special grace in the conversion of a sin- ner ; the innnediate duty of repentance and faith ; the necessit}^ of holiness as evidence of justification, were the favorite themes of this good man. Like the light of the sun, the benevolence of Dr. Wheelock shines in his active and useful ser- vices. His whole life demonstrates the goodness of his heart. No higher evidence of a benevolent mind can be given, than the arduous labors he performed ; the many privations, which he en^ dured ; the immense sacrifices he made ; the burdensome and complicated cares, which he vo- luntarily assumed. Love to God and the souls of men, was undoubtedly the animating motive of his active life. The college and school were founded to promote the glory of the Jledeemer in the salvation of men ; especially the unletter- ed and perishing Indians of North America. The supplies from Great Britain unexpectedly failing; the war considerably lessening the income from the school lands, and producing other embarrass- ments, the school became involved in debt. Dr. Wheelock advanced his own property to the a- mount of three thousand three hundred and thir- ty three dollars. This, in his last will, he gav^e to the institution, reserving only the annual pay- ment of one hundred and sixty six dollars to his eldest son, who is an invalid, during his natural life. Other valuable legacies he left to the school. BR. WHEELOCK. 117 To gain a just idea of his benevolent spirit, we must have witnessed his incessant labors, his painful watchings, his oppressive cares, his daily solicitude for the miserable pagans on our bor- ders. The weary journe^^s, which he performed; his valuable patrimon}', devoted to the cause of charity, evince the goodness of his heart. The forests of New Hampshire, under whose shade he travelled from river to river, across plains and mountains, to find a place for the infant school of the prophets ; the verdant boughs, which shel- tered him from the cold, the winds and storms of a dismal winter ; the lofty groves v/hich echo- ed his prayers and praises, these proclaim the glowing benevolence of Dr. Wheelock. The government of Dr. Wheelock was parent- al. No father watches over his rising offspring with more tenderness, than he manifested to the school and college. Neither unfeeling authori- ty, nor mercenary fines, ever alienated the affec- tions, or hardened the hearts of his pupils. His temper and manners were mild and pleasant, and those under his care obeyed from affection and respect. But when the Indian boys or others, were guilty of any notorious fault, to give weight to discipline, he usually visited the school himi- self, and witnessed the punishment inflicted by the preceptor. At such times, though they sel- dom happened, he gave the offender the m.ost se- rious and affectionate admonition. This treat- ment generally produced the desired effect. The children of the Indians are left by their parents to the impulse of untutored nature, and came to the school without an idea of subordination. In some instances they discovered a fer<)cious and cruel disposition, particularly in torturing ani- mals. The Dr. employed patience, and kindness, and resolution, to civilize those httle savages, IIS MEMOIRS OF ■ and render them obedient to the laws of the school. Yet when circumstances demanded it he appeared in majesty, and awed the offender into obedience. On such occasions, the description of dicipline, represented as an ancient resident in the univer- sities of England, might be applied to him : ** His gentle eye, " Grew stern, and darted a seA'ere rebuke ; *' His frown was full of terror, an.i his voice, *' Sliook the delinquent with such fits of awe, *' As left him not, till penitence had won *' Lost favor back again and closed the breach." COWPER. Faithfulness, as a religious instructor, was a distinguished trait in the character of Doctor "Wheelock. Religion entered into all his calcu- lations, gave direction to all his plans, and seem- ed to dictate the most minute arrangement. He was the same good man in the parlor, the col- lege, and the pulpit. In conversation he had a remarkable talent of introducing religious sub- jects with ease and pleasantness. His manner had nothing of ostentation or formality ; no- thing which offended the careless or gay. He possessed a patriarchal hospitality, and the puri- ty of his conversation, open and honest as the day, edified his friends, and gave dignity to his mild and endearing manners. Anxiously concerned for the salvation of his children, his pupils and servants, he occasionly took them individually into his study, to enquire, with parental tenderness, into their spiritual state. With great plainness he gave them such advice and exhortations, as their respective cases ren- dered proper. Often God was pleased to bless these pious labors, and many of his pupils had cause to bless God for these seasons of religious DR. WHEELOCK. 1 19 conference. In the great concerns of their sal- vation, his children and puj3ils frequently appli- ed to him for instruction. During his presiden- cy, as well as since, the university was a school of religion and human science. As a minister of the gospel Dr. Wheelock was endowed with shining gifts. His sermons were animated, affectionate and persuasive. His tal- ents as a preacher gave lustre to his name. His frequent journeys through New EngMnd ; his incessant labors in the great revival, near the middle of the last century, made him extensive- ly known and beloved. Multitudes flocked to hear him ; he was a star of the first order in the constellation of preachers, which in that day shone with such distinguished splendor. For a time he was like an angel flying through the heavens with the everlasting gospel. Yet so humble was his spirit, so exquisite his sensibility, that he seldom entered the pulpit without fear; often his frame trembled. This however gene- rally subsided as he entered upon the pubhc ser- vices. Though a man of profound science, and a fine classic scholar, his preaching was in a stile easy and familiar. He was a tree whose bending branches offered its fruit to the feeblest child. To win the attention, and rouse the consciences of his hearers, he had a remarkable talent. With- out factitious ornament, his language was per- spicuous and forcible. His aim was to inform the understanding, before he attempted to move the passions. Usually he wrote only short notes, and sometimes his preaching was extemporane- ous. Possessing a lively imagination, a vv^arni heart, and a deep concern for im mortal souls, the impetuosity of his eloquence, often presented common and well known truths, with all the ir- 120 MEMOIRS OP resistable charms of novelty. When he proclaim-^ ed the curses of the law ; when he warned sin- ners of the approaching wrath of God, they seem- ed to stand on the base of Sinai; the pulpit was clothed in thunder ; the coruscations of truth were as forked lightning, and with one voice they cried, " what shall we do to be saved ?" When he addressed the humble saint, his voice was that of the angels, who welcome the spirits of the just to mansions not made with hands. The trembling penitent looked to the cross, to behold the Lamb of God ; he was cheered with hope ; he was filled with joy at his approaching glory. As might be expected from his impassioned address and holy pathos, he was a remarkably successful preacher. Many aged christians in every part of New England consider him as their spiritual father. Whole churches have been ga- thered, apparently the fruit of his ministry. At one period he was known to say, that he had cha- rity to address the body of his own people as real christians. Undoubtedly there is a cause why such suc- cess is not more common. The persuasive and irresistable power of eloquence, has been handed down to us from the highest antiquity. From the time of Aaron, the high priest of Israel; from Nestor and Ulysses, mihtary commanders of Greece, numerous public speeches, in diffierent ages and countries, have displayed the com- manding force of oratory. The thunder of De- mosthenes overawed the Athenian multitude, and the pathos of Tully extorted a favorable sentence from the mighty C?esar. Nor has the christian church been destitute of sacred orators, who have sometimes had more influence in society than kings or conquerors ; who have given a new mo- DR. WIIEELOCK. 121 ral complexion to the people they addressed. The opinions, passions, and actions of men have been swayed as a field of wheat before the north- ern blast. But these effects have not been pro- duced by modern apathy, by cold sermons, read in a cold manner. Metaphysical arguments do not move the souls of men. Dry syllogisms will not break the heart, nor awaken the conscience. Florid declamations respecting the charms of vir- tue, or the ugliness of vice, will never allure de- praved mortals into the paths of salvation ; will never appal the heart with the terrors of divine Avrath, nor restrain the impetuosity of bumau passions. Though the effects were deleterious, we may learn the amazing power of eloquence from Peter the Hermit. He had visited the holy land, the city of Jerusalem, and the tomb of his Saviour. He had witnessed the sufferings of christians in that country. With his heart pene- trated and overwhelmed with the subject, he re- turned to Europe. Traversing the nations of Christendom, he exhorted them to deliver their brethren from i\Iahometan oppression. Expres- sive of his deep concern, and readiness to endure any hardships for the relief of the suffering christians, his head was bare, his feet were na- ked, and his meagre body WTapped in a coarse garment. Thousands thronged aroiuid him ; he described the woes of the saints in Jerusalem and Europe was roused. He mentioned the profa- nation of their Saviour's tomb, and they were melted into tears. He conjured them to prove themselves the soldiers of Jesus Christ, and they enlisted under the banner of the cioss ; he sigh- ed, and millions marched to the holy land. The rustic enthusiast inspired the passions, whicli he felt. It is not half a century since AVhite- field blazed through the British empire. Though 16 122 MEMOIRS OF he had no remarkable charms of person or voice, yet he was an orator, and like a new star in the heavens he attracted every eye ; all gazed as if a comet were sailing through the heavens. Though he gave no remarkably luminous or pro- found views of religious subjects, yet such was the enchantment of his eloquence, that every ear listened, as if an angel spoke. He was in earn- est, his heart glowed with christian benevolence, and he persuaded men to be reconciled to God. Dr. Wheelock possessed the genuine spirit of primitive Christianity. He was fired with apos- tolic zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of men. A double portion of that spirit was given to him, which now appears so glorious a- mong the friends of Christ in America, Great Britain, Denmark, and most of the nations in Eu- rope, in extending the knowledge of salvation to every quarter of the globe. He, in the ob- scurity of a country village, began the work alone. Now the wealth and influence of nume- rous individuals and powerful societies are united. Then the christian nations were in a state of slun^ber, as to the perishing heathen; now the protestant countries seem animated with a kind- red zeal to evangelize the pagan world. Hov/ would the good Doctor, like aged Simon, with the infant Redeemer in his arms, have re- joiced to see our day, ^vhen the tongue of the dumb sings for joy, and the wilderness blossoms as the rose. Perhaps God designed him as the morning star, to be the harbinger of this res- plendent light. Yet with these shining talents, tliese splendid services, and the blaze of popularity, which fol- lowed him in every walk of Hfc, Dr. Wheelock was one of the most humble men in the world. DR. WHEELOCK, 123 Though like St. Paul, he was in journeys oft, and in labors abundant, for which he accepted no worl^lly reward ; though in his zeal to extend the fitf]4 of his usefulness, he often went beyond the monies he had received, in his expenditures, for which his own estate was always pledged ; though finally in his last will, he bequeathed to the school and college those sums, which at that time, would have been considered an ample fortune in this country ; yet he makes no boast; he claims no tax of admiration ; he only says, ** I have professed to have no view to making an estate by this affair. What the singleness and uprightness of my heart has been before God, he knows, and also how greatly I stand in need of his pardon." His zeal was not, however, the un- governed fire of the enthusiast, nor was his bold- ness of enterprize tinged with the rashness of a daring adventurer. In the warmest fervor of his zeal, and the most independent and respon- sible actions of his life, his thoughts were col- lected, his arrangements exact, and he declares he never ventured in expences beyond what his own fortune would have supplied. Though in his benevolent projects, he often put to hazard his own estate, he never endangered his credi- tors. He never suffered his charity to interfere with the most strict integrity. The following extract from one of his yearly narratives will show how pious and disinterested was the soul of this good man. " When I think of the great weight of present expence, for supporting six- teen or seventeen Indian boys, which have been my number the last year, and as many English youth on charity, and eight in the wilderness, who depend for their support wholly from this quarter, which has been the case a considerable part of the year; also such a number of la- 124 MEMOIRS OF borers, and the necessity of building a house for myself, with the expence of three, and sometimes four tutors, I have sometimes found fain'^^ess of heart ; but when I consider I have n<^ been seeking myself in one step which I have taken ; nor have 1 taken one step without deliberation and asking counsel, and that, if further resources from that fulness on which alone I have depend- ed from the first, should be withheld ; yet that which has been laid out will be by no means lost to this school, nor be exposed to reproach, as having been imprudently expended. I have always made it my practice not to suffer my ex- pences to exceed what my own private interest "will pay : in case I should be brought to that necessity, justice av ill be done to my creditors. But the consideration, which above all others, has been and is my sovereign support, is that it is the cause of God. God most certainly has and does own it as his work. In him, and in him alone, do I hope to perfect his own plan for his own glory. Whatever his plan may be, of "which we see but the beginning, he will accom- plish it, let the devices, counsels, and machina- tions of men or devils be what they will. Un- der these apprehensions I cannot be anxious res- pecting the issue. God has done great things for this institution, and I may not go back ; but wait upon him, and hope in him to maintain, sup- port, and defend it, and perform what is want- ing for it in his own way and time. Certainly his hand has been conspicuous in its beginning, rise, and progress, through so many dark scenes. When in its infancy, and an object of contempt, it was the hand of God, which opened and dis- posed the hearts of so many on both sides of the water, to such pious and charitable liberalities for its support. It was the finger of God that DR. WIIEELOCK. 125 pointed out such a wise, godly, and honorable patronage for it in Europe. What but a divine influence should move my worthy patrons, witli so much cheerfulness, to accept that important trust in London, and to prosecute tlie design with so much steadiness and disinterested zeal. It was the hand of God, which advanced our great friend and patron, the Right Honorable William, Earl of Dartmouth, to the American, administration, while he was in such connexion with this seminary. It was the hand of God which opened the heart of our gracious Sove- reign to show his princely munificence in his royal bounty, and more especially in ratifying a charter, endowing the seminary with all the powers, immunities and privileges of any univer- sity in his kingdom, by which its interests are most effectually secured, and those who are gradu- ated here have not an empty title, but by law a claim to all those rights and privileges, enjoyed by graduates in any university of Great Britain, Was it not the hand of a gracious God that ad- vanced so important and beneficial a friend as his Excellency Governor Wentworth to the chair of this province, and disposed him as a nursing father to patronize this infant college in the wilderness ? Certainly the gracious hand of God has been very evident to all acquainted with that regularity and good order, wliich have uninterruptedly subsisted here, and that without any form of government than parental. These things have not resulted merely from the wisdom, prudence or wise politics of the age; but God has evidently designed to hide pride from man, and make the excellency of his pow- er and grace conspicucas, by making choice of an instrument every way unequal to the ardu- ous work, . Surely this locks like his plan, to 125 MEMOIRS OF make the excellency of his own perfections ap* pear, and secure all the glory to himself." The pious mind, who contemplates the holy spirit of Dr. Wheelock, and observes his humili- ty, his gratitude for past blessings, and his un- wavering hope of future interpositions of Provi- dence in favor of the seminary, which he had founded, will not be surprised at its subsequent prosperity, the showers of divine influence, which have fallen upon it, and the many tokens of di*- vine favor, it has enjoyed. The temple reared with such a heavenly spirit must be a dwellings place of the Most High. The rock smitten by the hand of faith watered the camp, and sustained the church of God in her travels through the wilderness. So this seminary, whose foundations were laid with so many prayers and sacrifices of christian faith, has diffused the light of science, and sup- ported civil order, morality, and religion in very extensive regions of infant settlements, in our country. Knowledge and piety prevail where ignorance and irreligion must have covered the people with gross darkness. In this imperfect portrait we ought to mark dis- tinctly the winning address and endearing man- ners of Dr. Wheelock. This feature of character is more essential to a successful gospel minister than is generally supposed. The most salutary advice, the most precious doctrines, the most ho- ly examples, are often lost, and more than lost, by the unpleasant manners of the christian pas- tor. He ought to study the modes of access to the human heart, as carefully as he studies his sermon or his bible. Careless, rustic, indeco- rous, or indelicate manners, may destroy the best effects of the most evangelical labors. Endear- ing manners, united with other essential qualifi- DR. WHEELOCK. 127 cations, ensure a minister the hearts of his peo- ple ; the longer he lives with them, the more cordial and confidential is their union ; every year elevates their esteem and increases their af- fection ; as he advances in life, instead of being weary of his services, the more indissoluble is their relation ; many waters cannot quench their love. The friends of Dr. Wheelock were bound to him as with bands of iron. He used to say, that he abhorred that religion, which was not marked with good manners. His influence among his people at Lebanon was remarkable. He taught them not only the essential doctrines of grace, and the necessary duties of a christian lite, but he inculcated the importance of civility, a ca- tholic temper, and amiable deportment. It was not long after his ordination, that a great revival of religion took place through the land. White- field, Tenant, and many others were employed by Providence, as the instruments of giving a migh- ty impulse to the public mind. An irresistible, surprizing influence accompanied their labors. Fashionable follies were suspended ; long estab- lished habits were broken ; customary immorali- ties vanished from society ; vice was appalled in her mad career. Familv religion, public wor- ship, attendance on the sacraments, all the vir- tues of a christian life, were more generally, and Kiore devoutly observed. At the close of this glorious day, when spiritual slumbers began to steal upon the church, the enemy sowed tares. A race of Separatists, of Anabaptists, and other sectaries, darkened tlie heavens with the smoke of their unhallowed fires. The foundations of religious society were shaken. A spiritual tor- nado tore up the barren trees in tlie garden of the Lord ;. the most precious fruit was bruised^ 128 MEMOIRS OF and the enclosures in many places were thrown down; the laborers trembled for their own safety. They were called '^ hirelings, wolves in sheeps* clothing, formal legalists, destitute of the pow- er of godliness, dumb dogs that could not bark.'* In this dismal tempest Dr. Wheelock stood se- cure, like Moses on Sinai's fiery summit. He had not only been a useful preacher abroad, but remarkably successful at home among his own people. He had so taken heed to himself and his doctrine, as not only to save himself, but those who heard him. The aged and the young, parents and children, in general looked up to him as their spiritual father, and faithful guide. While in most of the towns of New England, se- parations took place, and many worthy clergy- men endured trials of cruel mockings, all was harmony among the people of Dr. Wheelock. While in many other places the people neglect- ed and despised their minister, his people were kind, loved and revered him. While in many places the people were heady, censorious, and puffed up with their own attainments ; his were teachable, meek, and candid. While others sep- arated from their own minister, or idolized a few of their own sort, disdaining all others, as uncon- verted ; his retained a spirit of unity, and were ready to hear all the ministers of Christ, without any insidious distinctions. Happy is the min- ister, ordained by providence, to implant in the minds of his peo})le such an amiable temper, .such a heavenly spirit. He shall shine a star of glory in the kingdom of God forever and ever. It scarcely needs to be added, that Dr. Whee- lock was a man of uncommon industry. Ever active, ever exerting himself, he had no time for self indtdgenee, or that torpid indolence, too common in the world. It was his meat and DR. V/HEELOCK. i^ drink to do the will of his heavenly Father, and what he did he accomplished with all his force. Were all youth trained to similar habits of di- ligence, essential advantage to them and a con- spicuous change in society would be the result. Were all the shreds and fragments of time, the hours and minutes, which are daily thrown away in idleness or useless chat, employed in reading, or some serious exercise of the mind, the im- provement would surpass calculation. Probably a saving of years might be made in the life of al- most every man. In this way most people might study history, geography, and other liberal sciences. They might become learned in the things of God. Of all men living, ministers of the gospel have the most miserable apology for idleness, or those sauntering, lifeless movements, which often pass for labor, but are really idleness in disguise, a spirit of slumber, assuming the garb of weary exertion. Have ye not, oh ye lights of Israel, have ye Hot many volumes, which may be reviewed with advantage ? Are there not various portions of the sacred writings, which may yet be more cri- tically examined, with vast profit to yourselves and your people ? Are there not other studies, which have connexion with religion, that enlarge the mind, and improve the heart; that give just views of Providence, and of human nature? Do not certain subjects in theology call for se- rious investigation, before you discuss them anew ? Have you not sermons, which ought to be copied, which need alterations, retrenchments, and additions? Do not the arrangement, the style, the spirit of the performance, admit vast improve- ment ? Does not the importance of the subject de- mand a more lucid method, a more perspicuous ar- rangement, a more impressive m^annerj more ele- 17 130 MEMOIRS OF gance, more energy, more pathos ? A more childish frenzy never seized the mind of a slothful servant, than the opinion, that unstudied sermons, thoughts hastily huddled together, are more popular with an illiterate assembly, than discourses thoroughly di- gested, and expressed in a correct and finished style. The fact is, no assembly is so stupid, as not to feel the difference between a sermon, crude and disconnected, and one elaborately and judiciously prepared, and maturely adapted to their circumstances or characters. Though he may more precisely know in what the difference consists, yet no learned critic feels the differ- ence more forcibly, nor is more disposed to do justice to the preacher, than a common auditory. Observation proves that when a minister is dili- gent, and enters deeply into the nature and spi- rit of his subject; when his heart, his words, his appearance, are in unison with his doctrine, his people always discover it, and listen with cor- responding attention. When he is dull, and Hst- less, and unprepared, they ever catch the con- tagious spirit of slumber and moral death. DR. WHEELOCK. 131 SECTION XL DOCTOR WHEELOCK's PERSON— HIS SUCCESSOR— HIS MISSION TO EUROPJ-.— LANDS GRANTED BY VERxMONT— NEW COLLEGE EDIFICE—PROFESSOR RIPLEY— LANDS GRANTED BY NEW HAMPSHIRE, &c. DOCTOR WHEELOCK's person was of a middle stature and size, well proportioned, erect, and dignified. His features were prominent, his eyes a light blue, and animated. His complexion was fair, and the general expression of his coun- tenance pleasing and handsome. His voice was remarkably full, harmonious, and commanding. As the charter of the college, with which the school is connected, gave to Dr. Wheelock, the founder, the right to nominate and appoint his successor, he, in his will, nominated three gentle- men. The first was his second son. Col. John Wheelock, then in the army of the United States. He accepted the appointment, which was confirmed by the Trustees, and is now the President of Dartmouth College, and Moor's School. The pious confidence of Dr. Wheelock, which he expressed just before his death, that his son, \vho had assisted him in his toils, would be succeeded and blest in carrying on the good work, which he had begun, has been conspicu- ously realized. The united institutions have been remarkably prospered and blest under his able and faithful instructions. As the college had suffered great disappointments and losses during the war, the Trustees supposed this a proper time to make application to the friends of literature in Europe for assistance. Mr. Wheelock, lately appointed President, had on the cessation of hostiUties, determined to visit Europe for the purpose of improvement, and to negotiate with 132 MEMOIRS OF the Hon. Society in Scotland, respecting the monies of Moor's School in their hands. The Trustees, therefore, authorized him to solicit ben- efactions for the universit}^ He embarked in 1782, furnished with testimonials and recom- mendations in favor of the institution *by his Excellency President Washington, and several governors, and principal gentlemen of the United States. He met with considerable success; se- veral gentlemen in Great Britain became libe- ral benefactors. They gave the principal arti- cles of a philosophical apparatus, and a variety of curiosities for the museum. He also visited France and Holland. The Prince of Orange pat- ronized the object, and made a handsome dona- tion. On his return, the President embarked in a ship, commanded by Captain Callahan, bound to Boston, which was unfortunately wrecked in the night, on the wild and stormy coast of Cape Cod. Providentially the lives of the passengers and crew were saved. After the vessel struck, they committed themselves to the surge, and '\vere borne to the beach. Very cordially was he welcomed by the Col- lege and his friends. Most happy to Dartmouth College was his acceptance of the Presidency. *Not to mention those natural and acquired tal- ents, which have rendered him so conspicuous in the walks of literature ; nor those amiable vir- tues, which have endeared him to all the sons of Dartmouth, he was probably the only man in the world, who could or would have made the sacri- fices necessary to the existence of the college at that time. So feeble were the dependencies of this infant seminary ; so obstructed by the war were all its sources of income, that when other necessary demands were answered, not a cent re- BR. WHEELOCK. 133 iiiained for the presidency. For three years Pre- sident Wheelock devoted himself entirely to the laborious duties of his otHce, supporting himself and famil}^, without any salary or reward. Though the college was near our northeru frontier ; though it suffered serious embarrass- ments by the revolutionary war ; yet a respecta- ble number of resident students received their education there in that period ; twelve of whom, on an avarage w^ere supported by the funds of the school. Every other college in the country beside this was disturbed by the war, and compelled for some time to suspend their exercises. Dartmouth continued her course through the storm. While Harvard, and Yale, and other colleges were bar- racks for soldiers, or were trembling at the roar of artillery, Dartmouth, surrounded by her for- ests, quietly pursued her studies. After the es- tablishment of peace the affairs of the college assumed a brighter aspect. It had been greatly useful to Vermont, separated from it only by Connecticut river, in educating her sons. The Legislature of that State, therefore, in the year 17S5, gratefully made a grant to the college and school of a township, containing twenty three thousand acres. (I) By this, and other resources mentioned, the trustees in 17S6, were encour- aged to lay the foundation of a new college edifice, which was finished the next year. It is of wood, handsome and commodious, one hun- dred and fifty feet long, fifty broad, with a ]}ro- jection in front, three stories high, containing thirty six rooms for students. Very near the college is a handsome chapel, fifty feet by thirty' six» They stand on a gently rising eminence. In front of them extends a verdant square, wliich 134 BIEMOIRS OF is surrounded with handsome buildings, a meet- ing house, with a handsome spire, a house for Moor's School, adorned with a cupola, a large building in which are privileged chambers for the students, and a number of elegant dwelling houses. All parts of the world bear the traces of for- mer convulsions and changes in its surface. The plain before the college has furnished facts for philosophic investigation. In sinking a well on the westerly side of the plain, at the house of Mr. Professor Smith, a quantity of pitch pine knots were found, twenty feet below the sur- face ; two feet below the knots wood coals were found. At the time the loftiest pines were growing on the surface, the following were the strata, through which they dug ; " Loose earth, with a mixture of marie, two feet ; sand and gra- vel, five feet ; clay, eight feet ; heavy moist sand, mixed with clay, ^ve feet; blue gravel, four feet. This plain is now about two hundred feet above the water of Connecticut river. A con- siderable part of the descent is precipitous. In another part, trees mouldered to dust have been discovered at a greater depth. Shall we suppose that an earthquake has thrown a hill into a val- ley here once inhabited, or shall we rather trace back the change to the era of the general deluge f In the progress of our acquaintance with the natural history of the surface and bowels of the earth, and the summits of the highest mountains, we find a thousand witnesses, which testify to the universality of the flood, and confirm the history of Moses, which declares, that " All the high hills that were under the whole heaven were covered." DR. WHEELOCK. 135. In the winter of 1786, the college experienced the loss of an eminent Instructor, the Rev. Sil- vanus Ripley. He was suddenly called from his labors, in the vigor of life, and the midst of ex- tensive usefulness. He was in the class, which .first received the honors of Dartmouth College* After taking his degree, he continued with Dr. Wheelock as tutor in the college. In 1775, he was appointed IVIaster of Moor's School, and in 1779, at the decease of Dr. Wheelock, he suc- ceeded him in the pastoral care of the church ia the college, and soon after was elected professor of divinity. Professor Ripley was a learned man, an orthodox divine, an evangelical and popular preacher. His eloquence had nothing artificial or studied. His sermons were seldom written ; his manner was pleasant and winning ; his words flowed as promptly and easily in the pulpit, as in the social circle. His address was agreeable, and his benevolence rendered him ami- able to others. During his ministry in 1781 and 1782, there were remarkable revivals of religion among the students and others in the vicinity of the college. After his decease, the Rev. "Dr. Smith was appointed to the pastoral care of the church. The former government of New Hampshire being dissolved, a further investigation respect- ing the title of lands, granted by the royal go- vernors, took place, from which the Trustees of the college found that their title to Landatf was precarious. It was granted to them by Governor Wentworth, but many years before this, it had been chartered to others by g. former (jovernor. The first grantees not fulfilling the conditions of the charter, it was, agreeably to the usage 135 MEMOIRS 0^^ then, declared by the Governor and Council to be forfeited. Afterwards it was granted to the college; but after the revolution the first gran- tees renewed their claim, alledging that the ad- judication of the forfeiture was irregular. One or two cases of the kind were tried by the pro- per judicature, and the lands awarded to the first proprietors. The Trustees yielding on principles of law to a prior title, have constantly confided in the justice of the State to indemnify them for their loss. More especially do they continue their confidence in the government, as this do- nation was a principal condition of establishing the college in New Hampshire. Large sums were expended by the institution for the settle- ment of that town, in building mills, opening roads, clearing lands, and erecting buildings. The principal obstacles had been surmounted, when they were compelled to abandon all their improvements. A large farm, designed to be re- tained for the college, with suitable buildings, was in an advanced state of cultivation. Begin- nings had been made on several others. With this township the college seemed to lose its prin- cipal resource. It had been estimated with judg- ment, as equal to a capital of fifty thousand dol- lars. The government of New Hampshire, in 1789, generously granted to the college a valuable tract of land, lying on Connecticut river, above the Upper Coos; but new and remote, it falls short of Landaff in value to the institution. They have also lately manifested a laudable disposition to patronize this seminary. Having discovered that its present income is inadequate to the ac- complishment of several important objects, which the Corporation were striving, with much diffi- DR; WHEELOCK. - l3f culty to attain, the General Court, in 1805, granted nine hundred dollars to aid them the fol- lowing year. From the cheerful manaer in v/hich this favor was conferred, there is reason to expect, that future legislators will be impress- ed with the importance of the institution to their government, and its powerful tendency to ame- liorate the condition of man. 1^ 138 MEMOIRS OF SECTION XII. f UNDS OF THR COLLEGE AND SCHOOL— FUND IN SCOTLAND^ INDL\NS IN MOOR'S SCHOOL— REVIVALS OF RELIGION— NUM- BERS— SITUATION FRIENDLY TO MORALS, AND PROGRESS IN LITERATURE— PROFESSOR SMITH, &c. THE funds of the college and school are chief- ly in lands, amounting to about fifty thousand acres. The President and Trustees have dis- posed of the greater part of those granted by the State of New Hampshire. Twelve thousand acres, the most valuable part, they still hold. The college lands, which are funded, are leased, and yield a rent from 25 to 10/, for a hundred a- cres per annum, according to situation and qua- lity. The present income from college land is about 1 333 dollars, a year. This with the tuition makes a revenue of about 3500 dollars. The fund of Moor's school in this country consists alnlost whol* ly of land in the township of Wheelock, which was given by the State of Vermont. The income from this will amount to nearly two hundred pounds per^ annum ; to which will be added the interest of a thousand acres in the town, and other consi- derable tracts of wild land, which are not yet leased. By a settlement made with the society in Scot- land, in 1791, it appears that the money in their hands amounted to 11,333 dollars, which is up- on interest at four per cent. This has continu- ed with little variation. It will be continued, and the interest annually expended for the sup- port of Indian scholars. Four Indian lads, be- tween nine and fourteen years of age, belonging to the St. Francis tribe, are now members of Moor's school. They are supported by the in- terest of the fund in Scotland. It is expected that generally about this number may be sup- ported. The boys have good abilities^ and make DR. WHEELOCK. 139 laudable progress in their studies. The fund de- rived from the township of Wheelock, as may be expected by the grantors, will be chiefly applied to lighten the burden of our own youth in the course of their education. In a year or two it is probable that the funded interest of the school will cancel the remainder of the debts, contract- ed in former years, excepting what is on the cre- dit of the fund in Scotland. The school and college have happily answered the hopes of their founder and benefactors. The state of society among the Six Nations has been essentially im- proved. Other Indians have experienced im- portant advantages ; the door is now open to render them great service in Upper and Lower Canada. The vast importance of these things will be acknowledged by all, who have only a slight knowledge of the ferocity and superstition of sa- vages. Their belief of witchcraft, their fear of evil spirits, and their consequent subjection to the arts of their conjurors often render their days miserable. Not only their women and common people, but their Sachems and bloody warriors tremble at the threat of their powows,and the idea of malignant demons. Who has not heard of Logan ? The following anecdote of him, we think must be interesting. It is extracted from the journal of a missionary, who visited the Indians on the Muskingum, in the summer of 177L\ *'Saw, at several times at Pittsburgh, the cele- brated Mingo or Seneca Chief, Capt. Logan. He is tall, straight, and well proportioned ; his appearance martial, and his countenance fero- cious. Was informed that during the last French war, he was an active leader of a band of sa- vages, who desolated the defenceless frontiers ; killing, scalping, and captivating a number of 140 MEMOIRS OF poor men women and children. After the said war, a murder and robbery of a white man was committed on the Allegany Mountain. From circumstances, suspicion fixed the crime upon Logan, though no particular proof could be had to convict him. I tarried about three weeks at Pittsburgh, and preached several tim.es to the people of the vil- lage, who lived in about thirty log houses ; and also to the British garrison, in the fort, a few Tods distance, at the request of the commanding officer. Major Edminstone. Set out for Muskingum, in company with my in- terpreter, a christian Indian, one of the converts of the late excellent and pious David Brainard. Ma-j jor Edminstone, at my request, politely gave leave to his interpreter at the fort, to accompany me. He was a young man well acquainted with the customs, manners and language of the Indians, having been some years a prisoner among them; These men were provided with guns and ammu- nition, principally for the sake of wild game, on which we depended for subsistance in our jour- ney. The second day after our departure, we unex- pectedly came upon Capt. Logan. I did not ob- serve him, until my interpreter hailed me, and said Capt. Logan wished to speak with me. He was standing a few rods from the path, under a tree, with another Indian by him, each having ii rifle; they were painted and in warlike dress, 1 rode up to him, and addressing him by name, asked him what he wished to say to me ; he look- ed pale, appeared to be agitated, and after a pause, pointing to his breast, said, '' I feel bad here. . fVherever I go the evil Mo7iethoes (devils) ai^c pursuing me. If I go into my cabin, my cabin i^ JuU of devils, Jf J go into the woods ^ the tr^e^ DR. \^'HEELOCK. 141 and the air are full of devils. They hunt me bi/ day and by night. They seem to want to catch me end throw me into a great deep pit, full offireP In this strain of devils haunting him, here and there, and every where, he talked some time, leaning on the muzzle of his gun. His eyes were fixed on the ground, he never once raised them to look me in the face ; he was as pale as an Indian could look, and in the conclusion asked me what he should do ? I gave him such friend- ly advice as the moment suggested. Exhorted him to reflect on his past life ; to repentance and prayer to God for pardon, and that he would drive those evil spirits from him. I was not a little surprized at his appearance, and thought it not unlikely that his conscience was harrowed with remorse for the many murders, which the bloody minded wretch had perpetrated."* It is to be lamented that some method, more successful has not been discovered to christian- ize such savages. In almost every part of the christian world, the labors at different times have been immensely great ; the effect has been com- paratively inconsiderable. The efforts made by the first fathers of New England were noble, but not permanently successful. The labor ofDr. Wheelock was immense ; his scheme in theory was most flattering, but in a great degree it dis- appointed his hopes. The good men, from tlie London Missionary Society, scattered over the islands of the Pacific Ocean, receive no harvest from their long continued work. * Soon after the commencement of the revolutionary war, infor- mation was received, that Logan, at the head of a party af Indian yarriors, fell upon the back settlements, and murdered, scalped, and captivated thirteen of the defenceless inhabitants. Thus, this fero- cious barbarian, satiated his vengeance, for the unjustifiable murder of his women, which a late writer represents him as lamenting in high ori-. enta! strains. 14i2 MEMOIRS OF Perhaps we shall yet discover that the best me- thod to make salvages christians, is for christians first to make them comfortable and happy. In- stead of employing their young men in our semi- naries in reading the Latin andGreek poets, which has a tendency to make pagans of christians, let them be taught the useful arts, and the first rudiments of religion. Let them return to their tribes, and erect more commodious dwellings than their neighbors and brethren ; let them bet- ter cultivate their gardens, and provoke emula- tion around them. Let our missionaries be men of business ; let them be farmers, raechanics,and physicians. The people of Otaheite say to their missionaries, " you tell us of our salvation, and behold we are dying." They point to their sick and ask their preachers whether they can heal them. Were they physicians they would rise superior to the conjurers, who are always hostile to the gospel, and who alone pretend to the healing art. Let the missionaries show them how to build and plant. Thus, by relieving the distresses of the sick, and increasing the comforts of all, they may win their hearts and command their confi- dence. Let them begin their instructions with the evident first principles of natural religion ; '^ tell them what they themselves do know," be- fore they exhibit orthodox creeds or abstruse ca- techisms. In these ways perhaps a new era may mark the history of missionary societies, and new success encourage and reward their benevo- lent sacrifices. When the college was removed to Hanover, there were about twenty families, living in as many log huts ; now there are in the town about two thousand inhabitants, residing in comforta- ble liouses, many of them handsome and elegant.- DR. WIIEELOaC. 143 The college has been repeatedly favored with remarkable religious impressions on the minds of the students. Particularly were the years 1771, 1775, 1782, 1788, distinguished by these special tokens of divine favor. These showers of divine grace have produced streams, which have refreshed the garden of the Lord, and made glad the city of our God. The young men in this school of the prophets, have, at these sea- sons, been powerfully and lastingly affected ; they have gone forth as " angels of the church- es ;" the work of God has prospered in their hands ; many of their people have been turned to righteousness. Why should it be thought a strange thing that God should revive his work at particular times and places ? If, as many suppose, God himself, by his immediate agency, governs the world, producing every thought and emotion of the mind, and that Providence is nothing less than creation contmned, there is no difficulty in be- lieving, and even in accounting for those sea- sons, denominated reviv-als of religion. Strictly speaking, no new operation takes place ; but that same Almighty power, which is constantly ope- rating, in these instances, works in a peculiar and glorious ma.nner. If, as some others suppose, God does not go- vern the world, by his ov/n immediate agency, but leaves second causes to operate in a uniform course, why is it incredible or strange, that such religious operations slundd he temporary and lo- cal? Does not a certain combination of circum- stances produce a zeal for science in a whole neighborhood, or a political agitation through the land ? Why then may not a certain combina- tion of events produce an affecting religious at- tention, through tlie neighborhood or the land? 144 ^ MEMOIRS OF However irreligious the world may be, they hav€ the belief and the convictions of divine truth, which lay a broad basis to sustain the most pow- erful religious impressions. If the erection of a new school, may animate a whole district ; if a particular act of government may inflame the country, why may not a new and affecting preacher, or a new and wonderful providence, a- larm a whole neighborhood ? Without insisting on our particular views of these seasons, we see not that the philosopher need enter his "veto a- gainst them. The benefits of the institution are increasing ; they are inconceivably important. The sons of Dartmouth have, perhaps, had an equal share of distinction, as teachers in academies and col- leges, as advocates at the bar, judges on the bench, preachers in the pulpit, and soldiers in the field. From the founding of the college to the pre- sent time, the conduct of the students, with ve- ry few exceptions, 'has been uninterruptedly re- gular and amiable. The pupils have very uni-^ formly the respect and affection of children for the President and Professors, who have always exercised the tenderness and solicitude of fa- thers toward the students. The government of the college has always been ^tnci\y parent aL For more than half a century, thirteen persons on an average, have been supported by the funds of the school, as missionaries, as school masters, or as students, preparing for missions. The ex- pence of maintaining so many persons ; the re- moval and settlement of the school and college in a dismal wilderness; the erecting of various necessary buildings ; the clearing and cultivat- ing of new lands, for the perpetual support of Moor's School, occasioned immense expences; DH. WHEELOCK, 145 and account for the expenditure of the fund in England, and the debts which have been con- tracted. It would doubtless have been pleasant to ma- ny readers, to have seen some of the private re- lio-ious exercises of so eminent a servant of God o. as Dr. Wheelock ; but whether the crowd of bu- siness, which constantly pressed upon him, or the fear of ostentation, or other reasons prevent- ed, nothing by way of diary or journal of his private meditations has been found. But his labors exhibit his character ; their vastness shows the powers of his mind ; their godlike tendency, the goodness of his heart. " His profession and practice evinced the governing principle of his life, which was to live in the fear of God and to subserve his glory." The want of a journal is in a great degree supplied by his letters to chris- tian friends at the close of this volume. In I8O9, the college experienced an immense loss in the death of Dr. Smith. He had devoted his life chiefly to the study of languages. No other professor in any college of the continent, had so long sustained the office of instructor ; none had been more happy, useful, or diligent. Though indefatigable in his studies, he was always social and pleasant with his friends, entirely free from that reserve and melancholy, not infrequent with men of letters. At an early age he obtained the honors of this seminary, and even while a young- man was appointed professor of the oriental lan- s,uaQ^es. These were the smallest moietv of his merit and his fame. Without that intuitive ge- nius, which catches the relation of things at a glance, bv dilio-ence, bv laborious studv, bv in- vincible, perseverence, which set all difficulties at defiance, he rose in his professorship with un- rivalled lustre. He. like a marble pillar^ supj)ort- 19 146 MEMOIRS OF ed this seminary of learning. Thisjfe^ is worth a thousand volumes of speculation, to prove the happy and noble fruits of well directed diligence in study. But the best portrait of Dr. Smith, is drawn by President Wheelock, in his eulogiuni on his friend, from which we make the following extract. " The Rev. Dr. John Smith, a descendant from worthy parents, was born on the 21st day of December, 1752, in the parish of Byfield, in the State of Massachusetts. Early in life, so soon as his mind was susceptible of rational improve- ment, his father entered him at Dummer school, under the instruction of Mr. Samuel Moody. It is unnecessary to take notice of the develope- ment of his juvenile mind, his attention to lite- rature, and especially his delight in the study of the ancient, oriental languages. That distin- guished master contemplated the height, to which he would rise in this department ; and his remark on him, when leaving the school to en- ter this institution, was equal to a volume of eu- logy. Dr. Smith took his first degree in the year 1773. He still resided at the College with un- remitted ardour in his literary pursuits. His mind was not wholly isolated in one particular branch. Philosophy, geography,. criticism, and other parts of philology, held respectable rank in his acquirements; but these yielded to a prevail- ing bias : the investigations of language unceas- ingly continued his favorite object. The know- ledge of the Hebrew with his propensity led him to the study of theology. He tilled the office of tutor in the College, when an invitation was made to him from Connecticut to settle in the ministry. DR. AVHEELOCK. 14-7 At this period, in the year 1778, the way was open to a professorship in the learned languages. On him the public eye was fixed. He under- took the duties, and entered the career of more splendid services in the republic of letters. His solicitude and labors were devoted to the insti- tution, during its infantile state embarrassed by the revolutionary war. He alleviated the bur- thens of the reverend founder of this establish- ment ; and administered comfort and solace to him in his declining days. From that period in 1779, Dr. Smith continu- ed indefatigable in mental applications; faithful in the discharge of official duties ; and active for the interest of the society, through scenes of trouble and adversity. The board of Trustees elected him a member of their body. The church at the Colleg-e, founded by my predecessor, in- trusted with him, as pastor, their spiritual con- cerns, and were prospered under his prudent and pious care. God blessed his labors; a golden harvest reminds us of the last. I may add, that liis qualifications, as a divine, were appreciated abroad ; and have been acknovv^edged with marked respect by a public and honorable body. To the force of his various exertions, under di- vine providence, justice demands, that we ascribe much in the ri»e and splendor of this establish- ment. The Creator, in his wisdom, has not formed the individuals of the human race with universal genius. Cicero appears to have been the only instance, among the ancients, of the same per- son embracing the various arts and sciences, and excelling in each. One mind seems to have been adapted to only one kind of improvement, so that it might be matured, in its varieties, by the more effectual labors of all. But can this 148 MEMOIRS OF truth justify the usage of the ancient Egyptians^ and as continued in India, confining the differ- cnt professions to particular families ? Human in- stitutions cannot control the laws of nature. Genius, restrained, can nev^er advance. Happy, when education, and circumstances, conduct it in the course, which nature designed. Thus, in regard to him, whose merit now demands our tribute. While surveying the circle of knowledge, and justly estimating the relative importance of its different branches, still his eye was more fixed on classical science ; and his attachment seemed •to concentrate the force of genius in developing the nature of language, and the principles of the learned tongues, on which the modern so much depend for their perfection. The Latin, the Greek, and the Hebrew, were almost familiar to him as his native language. He clearly compre- hended the Samaritan and Chaldaic ; and far ex- tended his researches in the Arabic. Some, perhaps, may think less of the impor- tance of Grammar ; because, like the at- mosphere, its use is common, though necessary. Will such believe, that the enlightened Greeks and Romans assigned a place to its professors, as well as to philosophers and poets, in the temple of Apollo; could they conceive, -that Suetonius devoted himself to write the history of Illustri- ous Grammarians ? Plato gave rank to this art in his sublime works ; and Aristotle more largely discussed its principles. A crowd of Stoic phi- losophers enlisted in the service. Varro, Cicero, Messala, and Julius Ceesar, treated of the same, and did honor to the subject. The eminent attainments of Dr. Smith in the knowledge of the languages are attested by multi- tudes, scattered in the civilized world, who en- DR. WIIEELOCK. 149 joyed his instruction. They will be attested, in future times, by his Latin Grammar, published about seven years ago ; and by his Hebrew gram- mar, which has since appeared. In each of these works, in a masterly manner, he treats of every matter proper for the student to know. Each subject is displayed, in a new method, with per- spicuity, conciseness, simplicity, and classic taste. His Greek grammar, we may suppose, will ex- hibit the same traits, when it shall meet the pub- lic eye. This last labor he had finished, and committed to the printer a few months before his decease.* If we turn to take a moral view of this distin- guished votary of science, new motives will in- crease our esteem. What shall I say of the pu- rity of his manners, his integrity and amiable virtues ? These are too strongly impressed on the minds of all, who knew him, to need descrip- tion. He was possessed of great modesty, and a degree of reserve, appearing at times to indi- cate diffidence, in the view of those less acquaint- ed. But this, itself, was an effusion of his good- ness, which led to yielding accommodation in matters of minor concern : yet, however, when the interest of virtue, or society, required him to act, he formed his own opinion, and proceeded with unshaken firmness. Those, intimately ac- quainted with him can bear witness; and it is confirmed by invariable traits in his principles and practice, during life. The virtues of Dr. Smith were not compressed within the circle of human relations, which van- ish with time. Contemplating the first cause, the connexions and dependencies in the moral state, his mind was filled with a sense of inter- minable duties. He was a disciple of Jesus. The * It has been since published und is much approved. 150 MEMOmS OF former president admired and loved biin, and taught him theology. The latter as a divine, and christian, emhraced and inculcated the same doctrine- peace on earth, and good xvill to all men. This amiable spirit actuated his whole life, and added peculiar splendor to the closing scene. His intense pursuits of science affected his constitution, and produced debility, which, more than two years before, began to be observed by his friends. It gradually increased, but not greatly to interrupt his applications till six weeks before his death. While I revive the afRiction at his departure, its accompanying circumstances will assuage our sorrow. The thoughts of his resignation to divine providence, through all the stages of a disease, that rapidly preyed upon his vitals, his composure, serenity, and christian con- fidence, remain for the consolation of his friends, and instruction of all. Such is the character of Dr. Smith, which I have endeavored impartially and faithfully to de- pict. Some there are, who, by a flash of achieve- ment, have, like Pisistratus and Demetrius, re- ceived the burst of applause from a deluded peor. pie. Many surrounded with trappings of wealth, many, decorated with titles, many de- scending from ennobled ancestors, have been flat- tered, while living, by parasites, celebrated at their death by hirelings, and to. their memory statues and monuments were erected. But such glory vanishes like the falling star, and its posses- sors are consigned to oblivion. How different is- the honor consecrated to merit ; to the memo- ry of* him, whose departure we now lament ! The fan^e of Dr. Smith does not arise from wealth, nor flesccnt from titled ancestors. It has no borrowed lustre. He was indebted wholly to his genius, DK. WHEEIiOCK. 151 his labors, and his virtues. His monument will exist in the hearts of his acquaintance ; and in the future respect of those, who shall derive ad- vantage from his exertions. In the immense loss, which his dear family sustain, they have saved a precious legacy; his example, and lessons of social and religious du- ties. The church with mournful regret, will re- tain the tenderest affection for their venerable pastor. What shall 1 say of this seat of science, now covered with cypres ? Those, who have trod its hallowed walks, will never forget his instruc- tions, nor the benevolent effusions of his heart. Where, in the ranges of cultivated society, is one to be found, qualified with those rare eodow- ments, which can supply the chasm made by his death ?" It has often been justly remarked, that the sit- uation of Dartmouth College is peculiarly favor- able to study and the preservation of morals. Circumstances conducive to these objects, in ad- dition to establishments wisely arranged for the pursuits of literature, are found in the salubrity of the situation ; the uniform temperature of the climate ; the pleasantness of the village around the college, neither too populous, nor too solita- ry. Though a considerable resort of company; and mart of trade, the steady attention of tiie students is not distracted with new objects, nor are they allured from the fair paths of sicence and virtue. The inhabitants, consistinjv of about Mtv fam- ilies living round the beautiful and spacious green before tiie college are generally respectable, and enjoy the pleasures of friendly society among themselves and with the college. The country affords abundance of provision ; commons are established on a plan very agreeable to thi^ stu- IS^ MEMOIRS OF dents ; the expence of board is not more than one dollar twenty five cents a week. The long continued flourishing state of the college ; the peace and order, which seem to be permanent residents there ; the diligence of the students, the pure morals and amiable manners, so general among them, evince the wisdom of its administration, and show that the labor of in- structing, and the still more difficult task of gov- erning such a collection of youth from different States, of different habits and prejudices, are pru- dently and wisely directed. The advantages for literary improvement at Dartmouth college are quite respectable. If the students do not make progress in science it must be owing to want of diligence or genius. The library contains about four thousand volumes of value, besides many of inferor rank. It is kept in a projected chamber of the college edifice. The philosophical apparatus, chiefly from the munificence of liberal friends in England, is kept in another chamber, and is very adequate for the most useful experiments. The museum contains a pleasing collection of natural curiosities. The legislative government of the college is in a Board of Twelve Trustees. The immediate instruction and govenment of the students is with the Pre- sident, who is also professor of civil and ecclesi- astical history ; and a professor of the Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Oriental Languages ; a pro- fessor of Mathematics and natural Philosophy ; a professor of Divinity ; and two Tutors. The medical establishment is under a professor of, Chemistry, and Medicine, who regularly exhibit a course of lectures in each of these branch- es, (m) Lands in the vicinity belonging to the institu- tion, are sequestered for the use of the different DR. WHEELOCK. 153 professorships. Generally about one hundred and fifty resident students belong to college ; and forty or fifty to the school, (n.) The whole expence of education, exclusive of clothing, is a- bout one hundred dollars a year. The Com- mencement exercises are exhibited on the third Wednesday of August, in a large and handsome congregational meeting house, built by the peo- ple of the vicinity. In the same house the stu- dents attend public worship on the Sabbath. About twelve hundred have receiv^ed the hon- ors of Dartmouth College ; two hundred and eighty of whom have been ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. The qualifications for admission into the Freshman class are, a good moral character, a good acquaintance with Virgil, Cicero's select orations, the Greek Testam.ent, knowledge to translate English into Latin, and an acquaintance with the fundamental rules of Arithmetic. Every student is obliged to attend the various recita- tions, disputations, and other exercises of his class. The members of the classes in rotation declaim before the officers in the chapel, every Wednesday, at two o'clock, P. M. The Senior, Junior, and Sophomore classes, successively pronounce such orations and other compositions, written by themselves, as the Pre- sident and Professors shall direct, on the last Wednesday of November ; the second ^Vednes- day of March ; and third Wednesday of iMay. Tragedies, plays, and all irreligious expressions and sentiments are sacredly prohibited. The languages, the arts, and sciences, are stu- died in the following order: the Freshman class study the Latin and Greek classics, arithmetic, English grammar and rhetoric. The Sopho- more class study thcLatin andGreek classics^logic, 20 154 MEMOIRS OF geography, arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry^ algebra, conic sections, surveying, belle letters, and criticism. The junior class study the Latin and Greek classics, geometry, natural and moral phi- losophy, and astronomy. The senior class read metaphysics, theology, natural and political law. The study of the Hebrew and the other Orien- tal languages, as also the French language is re- commended to the students. Every week some part of the classes exhibits composition according to the direction of the authority. All the classes are publicly examined at stated periods ; those, who are found deficient lose their standing in the class. It is a fixed rule that the idle and vi- cious shall not receive the honors of college. The punishments inflicted on ofltenders are, ad- monition, suspension, and expulsion. The pre- sident attends morning and evening prayers with the students in the chapel, and often delivers lectures to them on ecclesiastical history, on the doctrines of the christian religion, or other im- portant subjects. He hears the recitations of the senior class ; his fund of general science renders this an interesting part of collegiate life ; he is unwearied in their instruction ; and constantly watchful for the improvement and felicity of all his pupils. The classes are taught with the greatest accuracy by the worthy professor of the learned languages, who has with ability and ac- ceptance taught tliese, and otber branches of science, in several respectable seminaries, for many years previous to his election to this of- fice, in I8O9. T)ie professor of philosophy has long been employed in the instruction of youth. His amiable manners, his discriminating genius, and familiar acquaintance with the sciences en- sure improvement to all the diligent pupils under his care. The orthodox and evangelical instruc- DR. WHEELOCK. 155 tions, given by the professor of divinity, excite the pleasing hope, that morahty and piety will long be the glory of this seminary. Two tutors are employed to assist the profes- sors in the instruction of the students. These are young gentlemen, distinguished for their sci- ence and talents. About seventy students generally attend the interesting and useful lectures delivered by the professor of medicine and chemistry. The va- cations are, from the commencement four and a half weeks ; and from the first Monday in Janu- ary, eight and a half weeks. To the most philosophic, contemplative ob- server, it must appear evident, that the smiles of divine providence have remarkably attended the establishments for science and religion, founded by Dr. Wheelock. Nor shall we be chargeable with superstition in supposing, that signal suc- cess has followed, as the reward of his faith, his zeal, his prayer, his labors for God ; and as the reward of thousands of the christian church, who were in their prayers and contributions united with him in the advancement of religion, and the hap- piness of mankind ; but however great the bless- ings are, which we enjoy by his pious and inde- fatigable labors, they may be lost by unfaithful- ness in those who come after him, or by a depar- ture from that orthodox faith, for which he earn- estly contended. The original design of Dr. Wheelock, was the promotion of the christian re- ligion and human science, for the glory of God, and happiness of mankind. JMany friends of the united institutions, not only ardently desire, but confidently believe, that the gracious Providence, which founded them, and from small beginnings has raised them up to so much respectability, in answer to prayer, and by the exertions of pious 156 MEMOIRS OF men, will long protect and continue them lumi- naries of useful science, and pure religion. Here we with pleasure introduce an extract from a manuscript sermon, delivered at Hanover, soon after the death of Dr. Wheelock. " The Most High had purposed that this vast extent of territory, late a waste, howling wilder- ness, and a haunt for roving savages, should be filled with civilized inhabitants, and a people professing his name ; that here the gospel should sound far and wide, and churches branch out on every side: and for this glorious end he sent this Lamp of Science, this illustrious institution be^ fore the future inhabitants, as Joseph before his church in days of old, that many souls, many churches might be made and kept alive. *' Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us bless his name together!" "The other colleges in this land have been ex- ceeding great blessings; they have been the lights and glory of North America; God Almighty bless them all, and restore tranquillity and wonted usefulness to those of them, which are now deso- lated and waste ; God Almighty brighten their glory, and increase them all in numbers and graces, in science and all needed benefactions. Peace be within their walls, and prosperity with- in their palaces ; for my brethren and compan- ions' sake will I say, peace be within them until time shall be no more. I consider christian universities, as instruments in God's hand, to be not only the greatest emol- ument to the State, but especially as the light of Zion and the day of Jerusalem. If ever I forget you, oh ye schools of the prophets, let my right hand forget her cunning ; if I do not remember you, oh ye fountains of wisdom and science, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if! DR. WIIEELOCK. 157 prefer not these pillars and ornaments of Jerusa- lem, above my chief joy. Yet certainly the school of the prophets, which the Highest him- self has established here, is, in some regards, distinguished IVom any other on this side the ocean ; the good hand of God is to be regarded in respect to them all, and the kindness of it has been more manifest to some of them than others ; but never have I been acquainted, either from books, or in any other way, with such a wonder- ful series of events, leadmg to the establishment of any university, wherein the hand of God was so apparent and affecting to the attentive mind, as in the case of this institution. The location of it in this part of the land, is that for which I admire the wisdom and sood- iiess of God. The other colleges are all situated along the sea-shore, on the verge of the countr}^ this in the very heart of it ; they, as to their lo- cation, are like the sun in the horizon, this like that bright luminary flaming in the meridian. It is true, at present the inhabitants are more thin and scattered in these regions, than near the shore of the sea; but a little time will undoubt- edly fill this part of the land with a great abun- dance of people ; many great and populous, wealthy and aifluent towns, will soon appear in these late desert regions. What rapid progress has been made already ? a seat of learning being fixed here, hath had, and yet will have, the great- est influence on multitudes to emigate from old settlements and to flock all around you. I pre- sume that in a few years more, no part of north America will exceed this, in numbers, or in w^ealth ; and blessed be God, that here he has placed a light before him, a seminary of learning and piety, wdiose rays may beam all around, to enlighten and guide the State in all civil and political axiUirs, and from whose fountain shall 158 MExMOIRS OF issue, every year, streams which shall make glad the city of our God. Thousands of churches, we may reasonably ex- pect, shall hence be supplied with '' Pastors after his own heart, to feed them with knowledge and understanding." What cannot divine power and love accomplish for the good of the human kind, and oh how glorious is the prospect ! Methinks I take my station on some lofty mountain adjacent, as Moses on the top of Pis- gah, and survey this wide, extended country, in its future, hastening greatness and glory. I see innumerable, stately temples, with spires piercing the skies, on every side. I hear even tongues of iron, proclaiming the sweet day of sacred rest, and calling the numerous votaries of the high God, and Jesus his Son, to " enter his courts with thanksgiving, and his gates with praise." I see in solemn and joyful procession, thousands of priests, clothed with salvation, and many thousands of saints shouting for joy. I hear in every house of God, the awful thunders of Sinai, and the voice of the trumpet waxing louder and louder; anon, I hear the sweet inviting sound of gospel grace and heavenly love, and behold souls shaken with thunders and pierced with light- nings from the burning mount, listening to the charming voice of Jesus, until the wounded and the lame leap as an hart, and the tongues of the vith the advice of Council. j Theodore Atkinson, Sec'ry. /Locus \ Note (h) page 53. A POEM, On the Rise and Progress of Mocr's Indian Charitxf School, (noz3 incorporated ivith Dartmouth College) its removal and settle- ment in Hanover, and the founding a Church in the same, "By one of Doctor Wheelock's Pupils, educated in said school, and now a member of said College, preparing for a mission among the Indians. SOME heavenly power soft whispering to my hedrt, Inspire my soul and light divine impart ; Teach me to sing how Dartmouth first ax-ose, * In spite of mortal and immortal foes. Say first my soul, how the Almighty mind. Who at one view surveys all human kind. Beheld the murdering savage mad with spite, Reel to the regions of eternal night ; And feeling g-od-!ikc pity in his breast, His glorious grace he thus with smiles addressed : ** Go grace triumphant, spread thy gifts abroad, On savage mortals, who despise their God ; NOTES. 195 From heaven's bright world descend to humble earth There give an Indian seminary birth, Where heathen youth from many a distant tribe. The seeds of truth and science shall imbibe. And learn to bow before our awful throne, And hail ME King of heaven and earth alone ; Learn to adore the sacred Three in One, Love and admire my own eternal Son, (Who ransom'd hell-doom'd i-ebels with his blood) And all the boundless mercy of a God. Nor these alone ; let virtuous English yovith, Whose bosoms glow with piety and truth. Devote their lives and join the glorious cause. Of snatching captive souls from satan's paws, Who like a lion bound shall bite his chsiin, And roaring loose the vassals of his reign. Yet neither pride of earth nor powei's of hell, Tho' like a raging sea they foam and swell. Shall e'er destroy this offspring of my love. But by permission from my throne above." Thus God ordain'd in heaven, and what he will'd. Almighty grace on earth below fulfil'd. Up rose the infant school, small at her birth. Just as a grain of mustard from the earth Shoots up a tender stalk, and by degrees. Spreads and extends, and emulates the trees. As Sol's prolilic beams, and kindly showers. Call forth the vernal bloom, and fragrant flowers j So grace divine displa^^'d her heavenly store, And cheer'd the infant School she rear'd before ; Cloth'd with her garments, nourish'^ with her food. And pour'd its bosom full of every good. Yet then, lest man should say (and claim the praise) Behold the Institution which I raise ! To show the world the plan was all her own. And keep assuming mortals from her throne. She hid the cheerful glories of her eyes. Bid envy rage and malice vent their lies -y Then rose Contempt and Pride, with Sneers assail'd. Help hid her head, and weak Assistance fail'd. All light of human hope forbore to shine. And cloutts and darkness vcil'd the whole design. 396 NOTES. Then faith and hope, by heaven's own breath inspu'd, Rais'd their petitions, and God's help rcquir'd ; Grace with a smile, expel'd th' impending harm, Dispers'd the clouds, and drove away the storm ; Pour'd down her blessings, bid new friends arise. And cheer the sinking school with fresh supplies ; Who, like a trembling child, which fears a fall. For help, on Albion's isle, presumes to call : Albion, the boast of fame, Europa's pride. Which more outshines all other lands beside. Than noon-day Phoebus, in his blazing car j Exceeds the twinkling lustre of a star. An isle renown'd for riches, arms and arts. For heroes, noble souls, and lib'ral hearts. Illustrious GEORGE, enthron'd in sovereign rule, Commences donor to an Indian school ; His bright example, fires each generous breast. And charity, in fairest splendor dress'd. Stands forth rever'd, while noble Britons join. To bring their off 'rings, and adorn her shrine. JBut see above the rest, exalted stand. The worthy few, who stretch'd their friendly hand. To lead young Dartmouth, through her infant state. Support, build up, and make her truly great ! O ! could my soul, in strains sublimely bold. Sing, as the Bards immortal sang of old, Their deeds should live eternal in my lays. And heaven and earth re-echo to their praise. Should great Meonides rise from the dead. Or Maro i-ear his venerable head, A theme like this, might kindle all their fire. And with new glories, every page inspire. The praise of charity, in every line. Must spread her blooming beauties all divine. Ye savage tribes, behold with vast surprize. Devour the prospect, with your wondering eyes ! Fair Charity to you her wealth displays. Be yours the profit, and be hers the praise : Be chang'd your hearts, your bloody deeds disprove, And let your rugged passions soften into love. Say next, my tuneful power, how grace ordain'd To move young Dartmouth to a distant land ; pain, > ao-ain. J NOTES. To pull this plant she rais'd with careful toil, And fix it, blooming, in a northern soil. Thus we behold, in pathless forests sprung, A fruitful tree, with golden apples hung, Inclos'd around with shades and gloomy wastes, Expos'd to beating rains, and stormy blast: So Dartmouth seated on her desert plain, Try'd, dissappointed, and oppress'd with Look'd back, and long'd for her old seat agj Deep in her bosom heav'd the swelling sigh, And the big tear, roll'd trickling from her eye ; Earthward, in pensive woe, her look she bent. And veil'd her face with gloomy discontent : Though wrong her conduct, yet be censure still. Afflictions fall by heaven's all-sovereign will j And in this storm how could she choose but weep ? "WTien her Almighty guardian seem'd to sleep ? When frightful prospects rose to sight around, When langiiis'd hope, and threat'ning nature frown'd. For now the king of day, at distance far. In southei-n signs, drove his refulgent car ; On northern climates beam'd a shorter day. And shot obliquely his diminish'd ray. Grim winter frowning from the glistening bear, Unbar'd his magazines of nitrous air. And clad in icy mail, of rigid form, Menac'd, dark dismal days, and dreadful storm. Forlorn, thus youthful Dartmouth trembling stood. Surrounded with inhospitable wood ; Ko silken furs, on her soft limbs to spread, Ko dome to screen her fair defenceless head. On everj' side, she cast her wishful eyes. Then humblj*^ rais'd them to the pitying skies- Thence grace divine beheld her tender care. And bow'd her ear, propitious to her prayer. Soon chang'ci the Scene ; the prospect shone more fair ; Joy lights all faces with a cheerful air j The buildings rise, the work appears alive. Pale fear expires, and languid hopes revive ; Grim winter's surly blasts forbear to blow. And heaven lock'd up her magazines of snow ; 197 396 NOTES. Autumn protracted its indulgent days. And Sol difFus'd a larger tide of rays. And was, or seem'd reluctant to decline. While Dartmouth needed his propitious shine j Yet he, at length, obtains his utmost goal. And leaves, in dariiness sunk, the frozen pole. From whose eternal snows, the stormy blast Howls through the pines, and sweeps the barren waste. But wbatthougli Phoebus glanc'd a feebler ray ? God's spirit beam'd a more celestial day ; On sin-sick sovxls, he shone divinely bright. And bid them spring from darkness into light. The gloom dispell'd, the mind desires new joys. And bliss supernal ev'ry thought employs : Eternal truths the warm affections gain. And vicious pleasures meet a just disdain. With love divine, the raptur'd bosom glows. And conscience, heal'd, indulges svv^et repose j / No more reluctant, now to dwell at home, Acquits the sovil, and longs for joys to come. Earth, with her toys, no more insj>ires delight. But sinks away, and vanishes from sight. With full consent, in holy cov'nant join'd. To God both soul and body are resign'd ; Time, talents, life, and breath, and all, are given. To serve the Lord, and climb the road to heaven. Jesus, the filial God in mercy dress'd. Joins his young bride fast to his bleeding breast 3 Calms all her pains, and eases every smart, And sets her as a seal upon his heart. Inspires, with resolution to fulfil. The sacred dictates of his holy will. Sweet peace and love, each happy soul inspires. And balmy friendship lights her gentle fires. In ev'ry breast ; joy crowns each smiling day, And cheerful niitiults smootlily glide away. Calm solitude, to liberal science kind. Sheds her soft influence on the studious mind ; Afflictions stand aloof j the heavenly powers, l-'rop needful blessings in abundant showers. NOTES. 199 Thus Dartmouth, happy in her sylvan seat, Erinks the pure pleasures of her fair retreat j Her songs of praise, in notes melodious rise. Like clouds of incense to the listening skies ; Her God pi-otects her with paternal care. From ills distructive and each fatal snare j And may he still protect, and she adore, Till heaven, and earth, and time, shall be no more. Note (k) page 85. At a meeting of the Board of Commissioners, from the Soci- ety for propagating Christian Knowledge in Scotland, held in Boston, June 11, 1789, the following report of a committee, formerly appointed by the board, was made to them, and u- nanimously accepted. Attest, Peter Tracker, Assist. Sec'ry. The committee appointed to confer with Dr. Wheelock, and examine the accounts of Moor*s Indian Charity School, have attended that service, and find, by the accounts exhibited bv him, that the following sums have been expended, by the late Dr. Wheelock and the president, from the year 1767, viz. Lawful money. Sterling. For missionaries, <£ 1929 4-0 1 of 11-46 18 School masters inl the wilderness > 834. 9 3 625 16 II and school, 3 156 Indians, male" and female, edu- cated in the V. 4258 8 3i 319^ IQ school, exclusive .of those in the wilderness, 147 English 1 youths in the > 3010 8 2257 10 school, S '}b 200 NOTES, Labor, clearing lands, b'lds. &c. Clothing to Oct. 1770, } Lawful money. 3186 5 41. 892 13 5i Sterling. 2389 14 1 Expenses for borses, for mis- > sionaries, books, and printing nar- ratives. 1 881 19 91 £ 1330 19 o£'l774 \^ 2| 10 Add interest on o£'470 2 11 be- ing the balance of his account ^^14993 10 147 6 2 0^11244 15 8 sent to the soci- ) ety. J Charges, procur- ing evidences. \ 59 19 11 Deduct the sums received from | England, Scot- land and Ameri- 1 J i £ 15,200 11 o£' 13,613 2 06^11400 5 <£ 10209 15 3 2 ca. ; Balance o£'l587 6 9. cfllQO 10 1 In the above is included the balance of c£584 3 9 sterling, due to the late Dr. Wheelock, March 20, 1775, as by his printed narrative : also .^ 470 2 11 sterling, due to the pre- sent Dr. Wheelock, as per his account, sent to the societ}^ and interest on it. The committee have carefully examined the accounts, and compared the charges with the original entries, and are of opinion that £\\Q0 10 1 sterling, including the aforesaid charges of interest, has been expended by the late and the pre- sent'Dr. Wheelocks, more than they have received ; that the cxpendlt'drcs have been for the use of Moor's school, aad not NOTES. 201 to benefit the college." The committee observe, that the ex- pence and charges of clearing land, building, &c. are very high, the causes of which are noticed in the preceding pages, and further say — " These, with some other charges, the Com- mittee impute not to any wilful misapplications of the monies, but rather to the zeal of the late Dr. Wheelock, to promote the great design he had in view, of christianizing the Indians, and his not knowing w'hat funds would be proper to expend for these purposes, and the best method of laying them out. " The Committee do not find any charges made by the late or present Dr. Wheelock, for their time or trouble, and are fully of opinion that the debts incurred, and expenditures made, were on the credit of the funds in England and Scotland.'* Just before the revolutionary war, and when the school's monies in England were expended by Doctor Wheelock, the following testimonial of the faithful application of it, agreeably to tlie original design, was given, for the satisfaction of the public. We, whose names are hereunto annexed, from personal ac- quaintance, or credible information, are fully satisfied that the generous donations, made by the liberal and charitably dis- posed, both in Great Britain and America, for the support of the Indian Charity School, founded and carried on by the Rev. Eieazar Wheelock, D. D; and now connected with Dartmouth College, have been carefully, conscientiously, and prudently applied, solely for the purpose of propagating Christian know- ledge, among the Indian natives of America ; and that the growth, progress, and present flourishing state of that school, much exceed our most sanguine expectations. We esteem it also a very signal smile of heaven, that God did incline the hearts of gentlemen in England, of such res- pectable characters, to become Trustees of the monies there collected, for the use and benefit of that seminar}^ and in that capacity to distinguish themselves as its patrons and benefactors, 'which has contributed not only greatly to its encouragement 26 9,02 KOTES. and furtherance, but also much to that reputation, which it has so generally obtained. And we trust in the Supreme Benefactor, still to dispose the hearts of the pious and benevolent, who are honored with abi- lity, to extend their munificence towards a design so good and laudable. And considering the situation of that institution, and the blessings of heaven which have evidently attended it, we ap- prehend the present prospect of its utility, ought warmly to invite the benefactions of all, who are disposed to promote the interests of religion and learning, in those places where igno- rance and paganism, have in times past, reigned triumphant. Signed by His Excellency JOHN WENTWORTH, Esq. Governor of New Hampshire. The Hon. Theodore Atkinson, Esq. The Hon. Daniel Warner, Esq. The Hon. Mark H. Wentworth, Esq. The Hon, Jonathan Warner, Esq. Counsellors of the The Hon. Daniel Rogers, Esq. y Province of The Hon. Daniel Rindge, Esq. New Hampshire. The Hon. Peter Oilman, Esq. The Hon. George JatlVey, Esq. The Hon. John Sherburne, Esq. The Hon. John Phillips, Esq. The Hon. William Parker, Esq. Hunting Wentworth, Esq. Samuel Penhallow, Esq. John Wendell, Esq. Not. Pub. Fdi. 23, 1775. After the conclusion of the wars, for the satisfaction of alJ^ and particularly, the Honorable Society in Scotland for propa- gating Christian Knowledge, in whose hands are the School's funds, collected in North Britain, and \'sho had manifested a desire to be informed of the state of the school, and the use and improvement rnade of its property to that time, the following Certificates, one from the ministers of the gospel, in the vicin- it}^ of the School and College, the other from gentlemen iri civil oflices in the State of New Hampshire, were given. NOTES. 5203: To the Honorable Society in Scotland, for propagating Christian Knowledge in foreign parts, and all whom it may concern. We, the subscribers hereby certify, that we were personally acquainted with the Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, D. D. President of Dartmouth College and Moor's Charity School, some of us for the whole, and others the greatest part of the time from his removal to New Hampshire, until his decease in the year 1779 : and do, with great pleasure testify his singular zeal and exertions in spreading Christian Knowledge in the uncultivated parts of x\merica, and especially among the na- tives, by employing missionaries and educating their youth, and others for that purpose. And from abundant evidence, we are fully convinced that the monies, intrusted to his care for promoting that important object, were strictly and conscien- tiously applied to that purpose, and have been of real benefit in promoting the kingdom of our common Lord among those where satan has heretofore reigned unmolested. We further testify that since his decease, the same object has been atten- tively pursued by his son and successor, Mr. John Wheelock, who we have reason to believe is influenced by the same spirit, and who, notwithstanding the great embarrassments which have unavoidably arisen by the late public calamities, has been at great expence in educating Indian youths and others who might be the most useful in carrying on that important design. And we trust and believe his labors have not been in vain, so we ardently wish he may in future receive, such aids as may enable him to carry it on with greater vigor and efficacy. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, at Han- over, in the State of New Hampshire, A. D, 1781'. •^ Signed by Samuel Todd, A. M. V. D. M. and Moderator of the Presbytery in the vicinity of said Sehool. John Richards, A. M. Pastor of the Church in Piermont. Isaiah Potter, A. M. Pastor of the Church in Lebanon. 204 NOTES. William Conant, A. M. Pastor of the Church in Lyme. Lyman Potter, A. M. Pastor of the Church in Norwich, (Member of the Presbytery) living in the vicinity of Moor's School. Asa Burton, A. M. Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Thetford. To the Honorable Society in Scotland, for propagating chris- tian knowlege in foreign parts: From the best accounts which can be obtained, we have sufficient reason to believe, that Moor's Lidian Charity School, under the care of President Wheelock, has been attended with the singular smiles of Di<= vine Providence. — That Dr. Wheelock and his son and succes- sor, have been prudent and indefatigable in the management of it, — And that the means for its support have been invariably applied with strict fidelity. And we do accordingly, with the greatest cheerfulness, recommend it as an object truly deserv-. ing encouragement and charity. Given under our hands, in the State of New Hampshire^ this 25th day of December, A. D. 1784. M. Weare, President of the State of New Hampshire. Enoch Hale, Member of the Senate of said State. John Langdon, Member of the Senate of said State. Geo. Atkinson, Speaker of the House of Representatives of said State. Moses Dow, A. M. Member of the Senate from said State, from the County of Grafton. The names of the respectable signers of the foregoing certi- ficates, were authenticated by Nathaniel Adams, Esq. as Nota- ry Public of the State of New Hampshire. If any thing fur- ther were necessary, to certify the honest and faithful applica- tion of the charitable donations to the college and school, agree- ably to their original design, a letter might be added, written by his Excellency, John Taylor Gil man. Governor of ISew Hampshire, so lately as 1 8Q0, to the Rev. Doctor Kemp, Se- NOTES- 205 cretary to the Society in Scotland, in whicli he certifies, from personal knowledge, in substance agreeable to the foregoing testimonies. Note (I.) page 133. L. S. The Governor, Council, and General Assembly of the State of Vermont. To all peo[>le to whom these presents shall come. Greeting. Know ye, that whereas Dartmouth. College and Moor's Charity School, being situated on the east bank of Connecticut river, have been, and still are, of impor- tant service, in diffusing useful literature among mankind, and through this state in particular : We have therefore thought fit for the due encouragement, and for promoting the useful and laudable designs of said College and School ; and for ma- ny weighty considerations, us hereunto moving: We do by these presents, in the name and by the authority of the free- men of the State of Vermont, give and grant the tract of land, hereafter described and bounded, unto him the said John WHee- ]ock, as President of said School, and to the trustees of said College, viz. Beginning, &c. the said Wheelock as Pre- sident, and for his successors in office, to have and to hold the one moiety of said premises, as above described, solely and ex- clusively for the use and benefit of said School forever; and the said trustees and their successors in office, to have and to hold the other moiety, solely and exclusively for the use and bene- fit of said Dartmouth College forever, all the appurtenances and privileges thereunto belonging and appertaining, are here- by also granted to the President and trustees, for the purposes aforesaid. In testimony whereof, we have caused the seal of this State to be affixed, this 14th day of June, 17 85, and in the ninth year of the independence of this State. Thomas Chittenden. By His Excellency's Command, Joseph Fay, Sec'ry. ^ S06 NOTES. Note (m) page 152. The following is a list of the officers and Instructors of the College, and the periods of their officiating. appointment. Presidents. 1769. The Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, D. D. Founder of the University. 1779. The Hon. John Wheelock, LL. B. Trustees. Resignation, 1769. Excellency John Wentworth, T J-. D, Governor. 1784 1769. Hon. Theodore Atkinson. 1780 1769. Hon. George JafFrey. 1788 1769. Hon. Daniel Pierce. 1774 1769. Hon. Peter Gilman. 1776 1769. Hon. William Pitkin. 1773 1769. Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, D. D. President. 1779 1769. Rev. Benjamin Pomeroy, D. D. 1784 1769. Rev. James Lockwood. 1773 1769. Rev. Timothy Pitkin. 1773 1769. Rev. John Smalley, D. D. 1774 1769. Rev. William Patten. 1776 1773. Hon John Phillips, LL. D. 1793 1773. Hon. Bezaleel Woodward. ^ 1804 1773. Rev. Eden Burroughs. 1774. Hon. John Sherburne. 1777 1774. Hon. Elisha Payne. 1803 1776. Rev. Silvanus Ripley, S. T. D. 1787 1776. Hon. Samuel Phillips, LL. D. Lieu. Gov. Mass. 1788 1777. Rev. David M'Clure, D. D. 1800 1779. Hon. John Wheelock, LL. D. President. 17 80. Rev. Joseph Huntington, D. D. 17SS 17 84. Hon. Simeon Olcott, LL. D. 1793 •1784. Rev. Levi Hart, D. D. 1788 1788. Rev. Balkley Olcott. 1793 NOTES. 207 1788. Rev. Job Swift, D. D. ISOl 1788. Rev. John Smith, D. D. ISOD 1788. Excellency John Langdon, Governor. 1789 1788. Hon. Peter Olcott. 1809 1789. Excellency John Sullivan, LL. D, Governor. 1790 1790. Excellency Josiah Bartlett, M. D. Governor. 1794 1793. Rev. Israel Evans. 1808 1793. Hon. Jonathan Freeman. 1807 1793. Hon. Nathaniel Niles. 1794". Excellency John Taylor Gilman, LL. D. Gov. 1805 1800. Rev. Lyman Potter. 1801 1801. Rev. Jabez Bowman. • 1801. Thomas Thompson, Esq. 1802. Hon. Stephen Jacob. ISOt. Hon. Timothy Farrar. 1805. Excellency John Langdon, LL. D. Governor, Professors and Tutors. Hon. John Wheelock, LL. D. Prof, of Civ. 5c Eccles. History. Francis Brown, Prof. Elect, of the Oriental Languages. Ebenezer Adams, A. I\L Prof. Math, and Phil. Rev. Roswell ShirtliiT Philips, Prof. Theol. Nathan Smith, M. D. Prof. Med. and Chym, Cyrus Perkins, M. D. Prof, of Anat. Samuel Ayer, A M. Tutor. ^ ^ ^n '-T^- Whue, A. M. Tutor.>^ ."^-/^-^jr 4^ ^— ^ At the anniversary commencement of 1804^' the Honorable Bezaleel Woodward, Professor of Mathematics and Philosophy, departed this life. He had fulfilled the duties of a Professor and Tutor from the foundation of the College. His profound knowledge of the abstruse and useful science of mathematics, the facility of his instructions in natural and experimental Philosophy and Ethics, his condescending and amiable man- ners, will be long and gratefully rem.embercd by those who have received the benefit of his instructions. 208 NOTES. Note (n) page 153. The following arc the names of the Masters of Moor's School and times of their officiating : 1775 Silvanus Ripley, 1779 Jacob Wood, ' 1783 Caleb Bingham, 1783 Elisha Ticknor, 178Q Timothy Dickinson. 1787 Baruch Chase, 17 S8 Daniel Dana, 1789 Josiah Dunham, 17Q3 Asa M'Farland, 1795 Judah Dana, 1796 Tilton Eastman, 1797 Josiah Dunham, 1800 Caleb Butler, 1801 Thomas A. Merrill, 1803 Frederic Hall, 1805 William Hayes, 180() Edmund Flagg, 1807 Samuel Ayer, 1808 ^'^'-r Boutcl. Account of the family connexions bf Doctor Wlieelocli. HE was first married -in 1735, to Mrs. Sarah Maltby, relict of Capt. William Maltby of Kew Haven, and daughter of the Rev. Mr. Davenport of Stamford, Connecticut.*- She was a lady of superior accomplishments, amiable and pious. With her he lived eleven years, and by her, had six children, three * She was the mother of the Rev. .John JMaltby, who was many years the pious and faitht'iii pastor of the Church of Christ on the Island of Eernuula. On his loss of hcaltl), he came to Hanuver, on a visit, wher« he died, Anno 1771, universally respected, and is laid by the side of his vtnerable lather iu law. 1754 Moses Barret, 1757 Chandler Robbing, 1758 Caleb Barnum, 1758 Ralph Pomeroy, 1759 Benjamin Trumbull, 1760 Edmund Davis, 1761 Charles Jaffrey Smith, 1761 John Huntington, 1762 John Leslie, ]764< John Lathrop, 1765 Aaron Kinne, 1766 Ralph Wheelock, 1767 Bezaleel Woodward, 1768 Samuel Wales, 1769 Amzi Lewis, 1769 David M'Cmre, ^ 1772 James Dean, • 1773 John Smith, 1775 Jacob Fowler, NOTES. 209 of whom died in infancy, and three are now hvlng, viz. Theo- dore, relict of Capt. John Young of Hanover. Ruth, relict of the Rev. William Patten of Hartford; and Major Ralph Whee- lock. The Doctor's second wife, was Miss Mary Brinsmaid, of Milford, in Connecticut ; a lady of great virtue and piety. By her, he had five children. Mary, who married the Hon. Eezaleel Woodward, and survived him several years. She was a most excellent woman, an ornament to the christian charac^ ter while she lived, and enjvyed its consolations in death : — Abigail, relict of the Rev. Silvanus Ripley; the Hon. John Wheelock, President of the College ; Col. Eleazar Whee- lock, and James Wheelock, Esquire."'^ * Doctor Wheelock's sisters were, Elizabeth, married to Joshua Henda of Windham ; Ruth, married to Robert Hibbard of Windhanj j Abii?ail, marrie' to Rev. Benjamin Pomeroy, D. D. of Hebron ; Sarah, married to Joseph Bingham of Windham. Daacon Wheelock's second wife was Mary Standish, she was a descendant ot the i-enowned Captain Miles Standish of Plymouth. By her^ he had Mary, ijiarried to Jabez Bingham of Salisburj'. 27 APPENDIX. THE following selection of letters from the files of the literary cof- respondencc of Doctor Wheelock, with gentlemen in Europe and Ameri- •ca, contain a rich variety of benevolent sentiments and historical oc- currences, and more fully elucidate his worthy character. From the Rev. Jonathan Edwards, late President of Neiv Jersey College. Northampton, June 9, 1741. Rev. and Dear Sir, THE special occasion of my now writing to you is a de- sire I have of two things ; one is, that you and your brother Pomeroy would go to Scantic, my father's parish, and preach there as often as the people will be willing to hear you, and continue so doing as long as the concerns of your own parishes will allow of your being absent. You know the wretched circumstances of that society, and if ever they are healed, I believe it must be by a reviving and prevailing of true religion amongst them. By all that I can understand, they are wholly dead in this extraordinary day of God's gracious visitation. You have lately been so remarka- bly blessed elsewhere, that I cannot but hope you would have success there also. I have written to my father to inform him that I have desired this of you. Another thing that I desire of you is, that you would come up hither and help us, both you and Mr. Pomeroy. There has been a reviving of religion amongst us of late : but your la- bors have been much more remarkably blessed than mine. Other Ministers, I have heard, have shut up their pulpits against you : but here I engage you shall find one open. May God send you hither with the like blessing as he has sent you APPENDIX. 52 1 1 to some other places; and may your coming be a means to humble me for my barrenness and unprofitableness, and a means of my instruction and enlivening. I want an opportunity to concert measures with you, for the advancement of the King- dom and Glory of our Redeemer. Please to communicate what I write to Mr. P , and give my service to him. I de- sire the prayers of you both, that God will give me more of that holy spirit, and happy success, with which you are replen- ished 1 am, dear Sir, Your unworthy Brother, And Fellow Laborer, JONATHAN EDWAEDS. From the Rev. Aaron Burr, President of New Jersey College. Rev. and Dear Sir, I designed to have sent you a particular account of the late revival of religion in New Jersey College, but my present hur- ry of business will not allow me to do it. I can only say in general, that a religious concern, which began the latter end of December, and took its ri^e from the dangerous sickness of one of my pupils, became universal, witho^it exception ; with some in a greater and some in a lesser degree. I have never ob- served convictions more rational, solid and thorough, or attend- ed with better effects. It has produced a most remarkable reformation in the whole society, and with many, I trust, has issued in a saving conversion to God. I think 1 may say, to the glory of God's grace, that, in the judgment of a rational charity, the greater part of the students are strictly pious. This blessed season was remarkably free from all such imprudences and extravagances, which were so much complained of in the late times. Many false and malicious reports have been spread to the disadvantage of the Society, but the authors of them be- gin to hang down their heads with shame, having no evil to ^12 APPENcrs:. speak of us. Great caution was taken in conducting that im<« portant affair, the necessity of which has since appeared. In great haste, and with much respect, I am. Your truly affectionate Friend and Humble ServaW, AARON BURR. Princetoivn, March 28, 1757. To Mr. Dennis De Berdt, at London. Lebanon, in Connecticut, October 4, 1757, Dear Sir, Your most agreeable favor of Feb. 28, 1757, after so long a passage, came safe to hand the 1st. inst. when our eyes had almost failed with waiting for a return, and which I find has been delayed by the vessel's waiting at Ireland for convoy. I heartily thank you for your care and trouble, in the affair of our Indian School. The testimonials we have had from time to time, of the friendship and good wishes of gentlemen of re- ligion and influence towards our undertaking, has sensibly ani- mated and encouraged the same ; and especially the assurance, you now give us of your own and Dr. A 's cheerfulness in serving and promoting it, and readiness to afford further assist- ance as there shall be occasion, and also of Lord H n's ap- probation, seems in some measure a balance for the discour- agements, we necessarily conceive in such an undertaking at the present day. Something of the nature of Lord H n's advice in the case, was proposed before we sent home for a charter ; and it was considered, that though the school dufmg its infancy, and till a sufficient fund be obtained, had doubtless best remain where it now is, yet if the design shall prosper, there is great probability it will be much for the advantage of the school to remove it, or at least to set up others, and improve part of the fund beyond the bounds of this government; and, perhaps some hundred miles from it, where no act of this government will be of any validity. For the remedying of which difficulty. APPENDIX. 2 1 3 the "Royal favor was thought necessary. However, we are thank- ful for direction, and shall endeavor to pursue it as fast as we can. And doubt not, if there shall be prospect of success, we may obtain further favors as we shall need them. The whole waits for such an establishment. We have thought best, as things are now tempered and situ- ate, to do nothing more as to a fund, till we see the success of our suit. And we fear loss by delay, especially a thousand acres of land, proposed to be given (and has waited only to have us made capable of receiving it) by an aged gentleman, who is now in a declining state, and it is feared will not live long. I sent to him some time ago, desiring he would make a deed of it to some friends, that the school may not fail of it through his decease ; but whether his hopes of our success are such, as that such conveyance will be agreeable to him is un- certain. The public aspect is indeed gloomy, and threatening upon us. It would make your heart ache, to hear such ac- counts as I have had from several, who were in the late fight at Lake George, when Fort William Henry was given into the hands of the French, August 9th, of the inhuman butcheries and cruelties committed by the Savages, on most of our people, in violation of the most solemn capitulation ; the bodies of them stripped naked — the throats of many cut — women with child ripped up — the foetus taken from the bowels, and thrown from one to another, with loud shoutings, yellings, &c. But after all we have suffered, and all that is threatened, it is evident that people in general, and even the chihiren of God, are not yet waked up. We have indeed many fasts and seasons of prayer ; but God knows whether the essence be not much ivanting — or ivhether they be to him, even to him, and yet blessed be his name, I must believe there are some wrestling with God. We had last winter a happy revival of God's work in several parts of this land. There was a sweet season in this school, when the master (Mr. R ns) and several of the students were hopefully converted, and considerable appear- ^14} APPENDIX. ance of it in my congregation (I think in a judgment of chari- ty, about ten were converted.) It was also surprisingly great jn New Jersey College, as I was assured by a letter from the President and others and also by a number of the students, one of whom (C B'n, A. B. who I trust was a happy sub- ject of the blessing) now lives with me, and is the instructor of this school. But a dark cloud is now drawn over that dear se- minary, and indeed over the whole land, by the death of that excellent man, Mr. President Burr, about a fortnight ago. I might likewise mention some appearance of religious concern^ about the same time at Yale College, in New Haven, and also in the town, as well as in several other places. My dear young Johnny Pumpshire (a specimen of whose writing I sent to England) is dead, I hope gone to rest; his mate is now fit for College, and is, 1 think, as amiable a child as ever I knew. He is now 13 years ^nd 10 months old. I have two more from Delaware, who are likely boys. Dear Mr. P is now chaplain in the army, at Fort Edward, who will procure two likely boys from the Mohawks if he can. Please to accept most hearty salutations from, and remember in your devoutest hours him, who is with most sincere respect. Yours, in our common Lord, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. Mr. Dennis De Berdt. To the Rev. George Whitejield. Lebanon, November 8, 1757. Rev. and Dear Sir, Yours of February 9th came to hand June 9th. Another of November 5th, 1756 (with one from Mr. D B — . } came October 1 st, and I rejoice your hands are full of work ; and by some copies per favor of Mr. W y, do understand your labors are not in vain in the Lord. Thousands in New England, wish to have the way prepared for you to make us aftother visit. I believe every journey you have taken through New England, has been eminently serviceable ; some more evidently for one purpose and some for another. Your first. APPENmX. ^15 for awakening and rousing the stupid and secure. After that, to discredit and beat down a false religion. Your last to re- move prejudices from the minds of many against you, and the work of God, and so happily prepare your way for another visit. It is at present a time of great stupidity and insensibility HI general, notwithstanding the strong means God has been using to the contrary. We had last winter a blessed season here in my family, school, and neighborhood. And there was also a most surpris- ing, powerful, genuine, effectual work of God, at New Jersey College. That College is, no doubt;, a blessed nest of young christians. A most hopeful and joyful omen of great gospel good to Zion nigh at hand. But ray dear sir, you will condole the death of that dear man, Mr. President Burr. My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof! — J\Ir. Edwards, of Stockbridge, is chosen, and I hear is gone to supply his place. I have been diligently pursuing the advice of Lord H ~ in the affair of our school. President C p has made a bold stand of late against arminians ; they do pay him off he begins to think that new-light ministers (as they are called) are his best friends. ^Tis something likely he will be willino- to hear you in the C. H. when you come. He is quite zealous on the right side. Mr. Occum, the Long Island Indian, is in a poor state of health, almost worn out with labor. The Hon. Commissioners of Boston, wrote to Mr. Pomeroy and myself, to call in proper persons to join u?, and examine and judge of the expediency of ordaining him to the pastoral office, and to do it if we thought proper ; but his sickness has delayed the affair. We rejoice to hear of a revival of religion in the established church. I believe a number here remember you continuallv- in their prayers. I ask the like favor of you, for. Rev. and dear sir. Yours in the dear Jesus, ELEAZAU WHEELOCK. Rci. George Whiiejidd. 2l6 APPENDIX. To Mr. Dennis De Berdt, at London. \etY Dear Sir, Your most agreeable favor of May 6th, came to hand three days ago, which I read with much satisfaction, and now thank you for the renewed testimony of your respect and read- iness further to serve the important design of our school. I have found (especially at times) much peace and quiet in putting the affairs of the school wholly over into the hands of the great governor of all things, and in waiting upon him for the issue The prospect hath looked to me exceeding fair, and the probability of success, beyond any thing that has yet been attempted, and especially of late, since the success of his Ma- jesty's arms at Cape Breton, Frontinac, and on the Ohio, (if the late report of their taking Fort Duquesne be a truth ;) but God's judgments are a great deep, and his way is in the sea. We often think this or that way best ; but God's thoughts are not as ours ; Providence steers quite another, and better course. But if this affair be of God (as I can't yet but think it is, and that He designs to own and prosper it) I don't think it strange, if we meet many and great difficulties in our way. There seems plain necessity of them, to hide pride from man, and keep up our trust and dependance upon him, who worketh all in all. The political, as well as religious reasons in favor of it, are so many and great, as, if duly weighed, it seems to me, must prevail. I think it my duty to leave nothing within my power undone, which may be done in favor of it. Mr. P y> in a late letter from Fort Edward, writes me, that the talk is revived of their making another push this fall, against Carrilons and Crown Point, that they learn by deserters from the French, that they are in great fears of an attack — are fortifying where our people landed in their late attempt, that the French have plenty of provisions at their forts ; but a famine is much feared in Canada. General Amherst is on his way to the lake, with a reinforcement of tiOOO men. We un- derstand that our men have grown sickly, and much dispirited, through long incarnpmcnt and a conduct of jiflairs, so very con- APPENDIX 2 1 7 trary to such high spirits, and such engagedness to push for- ward, the design which they sat out with. The name of the Right Honorable WiUiam Pitt, is very deaf to New England. I took the freedom to read your former letter to my congre- gation, and if I shall think this, or any other I may receive from you, may be for their edification ; I trust you will account that a sufficient excuae. This good opportunity by Mr. Peters, who is going home for sacred orders, is unexpected, and gives me but short time to write. May God make him a blessing. — 1 am, dear sir, witk the most sincere allection and respect. Yours, in the dearest bonds, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK, Mr. Dennis De Berdt. From the Rev, William Tennant. Hev. and very Dear Brother, I thank you for your two brotherly and loving letters ; they were refreshing to me, as containing not only most un- deserved expressions of love to my person ; but undoubted evidences of unwearied pains to promote the kingdom of our Lord, Christ. Go on in the name of the Lord ', my soul says, God speed — Your last I received 2Sth ult. : I laid it before the corres- pondents ; they approve of your change for J b, not in the least suspecting, either your prudence, or probity. You are desired, to take care of him at our expence, until next May J when (if God will) he is expected at the College. It is 28 218 / APPENDIX. judged Inexpedient to send the other boys this winter, as year charter is in suspence. I am glad to hear the Indians under your tuition, are in any degree promising ; it is an encouragement to wait spiritual blessings, in the Lord's time. Let the boys know their friends are well, and that we require them to serve God, and mind their books. It will refresh your heart, dear Sir, to know that our province has, in consideration of all the Indian claims to lands in this part of it, purchased a tract of land containing near 3000 acres, to be a possession for them and theirs forever. It is the same tract that our dear brother B d chose for them ; but could not purchase it, though he incessantly labored for it. It is now made theirs, in a time, and way hardly expected j it is surely the doings of our Lord, to whom be all the glory. The society, our constituents, have also ordered us to draw for c£300 sterling, for the purchase of land for the Indians, which, with that already obtained, will be an ample medium for their support. This surprising providence has almost per- suaded my infidel heart to believe, that the blessed Lord has yet in reserve, something, both good and great for the poor heathen among us. It will surely much more animate you, my dear brother, to wait for the accomplishment of your truly noble design of a charter. The hearts of kings as well as go- vernors being in the same holy and compassionate hand. I am, in the best of bonds. Yours, &c. WILLIAM TENNANT. 'Freehold, December 6, IT 53*^ APPENDIX. 219 From the Rev, Samuel Davis, President o/'Nassau-IIall College. SIR, I thank you for your congratulations upon my inaugura- tion into an office, the prospect of which afforded me more anx- ious suspence, for 8 or 9 long months, than any turn of my whole life, though full of unexpected occurrences. If I find by the event, that my divine Lord does not so resent the guil- ty imperfections of ray past services, as to refuse receiving any future at my hand, but shall still condescend to emptoy me, I shall always esteem it one of the richest and most astonishing favors, to one of the unworthiest of his servants. I hope, my dear Sir, your prayers will contribute their share towards my public usefulness, in my present important station. If I be useful at all, it certainly must be the atchievment of believing prayer. Your apostolic scheme of an Indian School, I was informed of pretty fully by my worthy friend, Mr. De Berdt. I am sor- ry, that like every other good design, it meets with difficulty in the execution. You may assure yourself of all my little inter- est in its favor, on both sides the Atlantic. Its good effects will very much depend upon the character of the managers. This I infer from what I have seen in Virginia ; there an Indian School has been erected above half a century, well endowed, by the gre.tMr, B ; but it never yet has produced one scholar, as far as I have heard, that has been of the least ser- vice towards civilizing or christianizing his countrymen. On this account I rejoice that you have go great a hand in the pre- sent affair. May the Lord bless you and it. You have long been my friend, though, perhaps you have not known it ; and I have often talked you over, as a familiar subject, especially with my once favorite friend, Mr. Daven- port ; now a blessed inhabitant of heaven, 520 APPENDIX. YQur quondam pupil J b, behaves well, and makes good progress in learning ; and you can hardly think how pleased I am, to look upon him among the students of a fairer color* If he should turn out a christian, as well as a scholar, he may be the instrument of some happy revolution among his savage countrymen. You see, I only throw out a few incoherent fragments of thought; and in my present hurry, I can do no more. You, I hope, have more leisure to oblige a friend : therefore, dear sir, write to me often and at large. I deserve no comfort ; but I often need it, to keep me from sinking under the burden of my office. How should I rejoice to see you ! — En erit unquani ! With the heart of a friend and brother, I am. Rev. Sir, Your very affectionate humble servant, SAMUEL DAVIS; NassaU'Hall, Octobers, 1759. To Mr, Dennis De Berdt, at London. Lebanon, November 20, 1759. SIR, Yours of March 24th, after a long passage, came safe to hand. We are still pursuing the aflair of our Charity Indian School, with as much and more courage than ever. The oc- currences of this year have a most favorable aspect, on our undertaking. God has done marvellous things for us and our nation, by his own right hand, and his holy arm. The sur- prising success of our northern forces, have opened the door wide for our great design ; and if God shall still as he has hitherto done, like himself, so bear with the ingratitude . and baseness of his people, as to succeed further attempts, and ac- *- A'PPBNDIX. 221 cording to the present fairest human probability, subject the remainder of our northern enemy, to the British Crown, it seems there will be nothing in the way, but on our part, to hinder the fullest execution of what is proposed. Such is the prospect that we feel impatient of delay, and determine to fill up our School with well chosen Indian boys, as fast as we can, and not expose ourselves to the censure of presumptuous and head- long, in our proceedings ; and we hope that God will open the hearts of the good people in England, to contribute liber- ally to our assistance. Mr Occum, the Indian whom I educated some years ago, is ordained by, and belongs to a godly presbytery, on Long Island. 1 expect he will shortly visit me, and preach in my pulpit, if his journey to the Cherokees don't prevent it. And by report which we have from that quarter, the door for such a mission, as was designed, is shut at present. Perhaps God designs to carry on this affair with less show and popularity, and in a way, in which there will be more forcible arguments, for a continual looking to, and dependance upon him for daily supplies for it, than we have yet thought' of. Hovvever it is enough for us, if the way of our duty be en- lightened step by step, and that Zion and all things which con- cern her, are in the hands, and at the direction and disposal of her King, who is given to be head over all things to her, and who has set her as a seal upon his arm, and a seal upon his heart. Oh ! how sweet was that word in yours, * Let Immanuel be our peace.* Please, my dear sh', to accept most effectionate salutation from, and remember in your daily approaches to God, Yours, most heartily, ELEAZAR WIIEELOCK. Mr- Bainis Ds Berdt, 222 ' APPENDIX. To Mr, Demiis De Berdt, at London. Lebanon, December 17, 1759, My Dear Sir, Yours by Mr. Peters, came to hand a few days ago. I thank you heartily for repeated expressions of brotherly affec- tion. Many things in the dispensation of God's Providence of late, greatly encourage our hope, that the time of his mercy towards the benighted pagans of this land is near at hand ; nor do any difficulties, we meet with in the execution of what we have proposed, at all discourage a further prosecution of it. A number of gentlemen may, and likely will, if properly applied to, freely give their public approbation and testimony, in favor of the grand design, and of the method proposed for executing the same. And they are of opinion that such testimonials will have equal weight at home, as the act which Lord H x proposed. I should be very glad of your thoughts in this matter. A charter from the crown which will not limit us to a particular government, we think for many reasons to be much the most eligible. However, we determine to continue it and pursue it, as a Charity School, and make it as useful as we can. Sir, I heartily thank you for the service you did the public, in publishing President Davis* serious, seasonble, and animat- ing sermon to the soldiery, &c. Dear Sir, I heartily accept your challenge, and purpose, by the grace and help of him, who worketh all in all, to meet you at the place appointed, the Lord mercifully equip us with the whole armour of God, that we may strive successfully — a few days more, and we have done all that we can do for the advancement of the kingdom of oar glorious Redeemer, and the salvation of the souls of men. Oh ! that I had not given such occasion, to look back with regret, upon the misimprove- ment of the few talents, committed to me for that great pijr- APPENDIX. li'iCJ pose. I don't tell you, how much I love you, or how pleased I should be to commune with you face to face. Well, by the by, I hope, distance and darkness, and every impediment will be removed. Our intercourse most free, our communion sweet, the subject most glorious, our eyes employed in beholding, and our tongues eternally in speaking the glories of our Immanuel. Then we shall remember, and with joy unspeakable, recount all the steps of divine Providence towards us. Then will all the mysteries of it be unfolded, our hearts perfectly approve af, and the glory of him, who has the government upon his shoul- ders, shine with meridian brightness in the whole. Do we wait ? Do we hope for this ? V/hat manner of persons then ought we to be ? Alas ! how much do I fall short of living answerable to such a hope. Dear Sir, pray much for him, who is, with all brotherly affection. Yours, in the dearest, sweetest bonds, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. Mr. Dennis De Berdt. From the Rev. George Whitejidd. London, Aug. 30, i760. My very deax- Friend, I shall shew your letter to some members of the Scotch So- ciety, for promoting the gospel, and see if some annual allow- ance cannot be procured towards your charitable design. I humbly hope, it will take place in time — had I a converted In- dian scholar, that could preach and pray in English, something might be done to purpose. Your affair, I trust, will come upon the carpet in due time — Oh that our conquests may be overruled for the furtherance of 2124 APPENDIX. the gospel among the heathen ! I fear our success only makes us worse at home — The most sacred things are now blasphem- ed with the greatest applause upon the stage — Satan rages — well he mav — daily inroads are made upon his kingdom — as I have the honor of being mimicked in the theatre, hundreds flock to see the original — all hail such reproach. Now I trust I be- gin to be a diciple of Jesus* Yours, most affectionately. In our common Lord, GEORGE WHITEFIELD, STb his Excellency Sir Jeffrey Amherst. Lebanon, in Connecticut, Sept. 22, 1760. SIR, I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency, on the many conquests and acquisitions in America, with which God has honored you, and especially the last which finishes the grand design, you have been so long, and with so great fatigue pur- suing, and which now fills the hearts of all his Majesty's loyal subjects, especially in this land, with a joy and pleasure be- yond any event of this nature heretofore, and will make your name and memory dear to the numerous subjects of this bene- fit, to the latest posterity. And as there is now a wider door than ever opened for the christianizing the nui? '^rous pagans in this land, and bringing them to a proper subjection to the crown of Great Britain (a de- sign which I doubt not your Excellency will rejoice to be in- strumental in promoting) so I presume to inform your Excel- lency, that a number of ministers of the gospel, before the commencing of the present war, entered upon a design to erect a Charitv School, in order to educate well chosen vouth, of APPENDIX, 225 the several tribes and nations of Indians, in this land, and fit them for a mission on the important errand, to their respective tribes ; to whom they may be able to communicate the threat things of our holy religion in their own language, and without a thousand embarrassments and difficulties, which are wont to attend an English mission. We have used some endeavours for the Royal favor of a charter. The Rev. Mr. Pomeroy, who has attended your Excellency in the present expedition, in the capacity of chaplain to Col. Fitches regiment, is one of the ministers connected in the af- fair, and is able to give your Excellency a more full account of it, if desired. The humanity, condescension, and benevolence. Sir, which make so amiable a part of your Excellency's character, especi- ally as they are connected with other parts of it, have embold- ened me to presume on the freedom I have here used, and I am persuaded you will allow that this consideration, viz. the enlarging the kingdom of the Redeemer, and promoting the in- terest of his Majesty's crown, and not any interest of my own, being my governing motives herein, ought in some measure, if not wholly to excuse me, who am, with highest esteem. Your Excellency's most humble. And most obedient servant, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. Frojn the Rev. George JVIdteJield. London, December 12, 1760. My verj' dear Mr. Wheelock, I have but just time to inform you, that upon mentioning, and a little enforcing your Indian affair, the Lord of all Lords put it into the heart of the Marquis of Lothian to put into my hands fifty pounds sterling. You will not fail to send his Lord- ship, under cover to me, a letter of thauks; and also a particular ^9 226 APPENDIX. account of the progress your school makes, and the prospect of its being more and more extended. Now the great God has given us Canada, what will become of us, if we do not improve it for his glory, and the conversion of the poor heathens ? But I fear, I fear — Satan is doing what he can here to bring the work of God into contempt, by blasphemy and ridicule from both theatres. But you know how the bush burned, but was not consumed — and why ? Jesus was, and is in it. Hallelujah ! But I must not enlarge. The ship I fear will be gone — write explicitly and strongly — my hearty love awaits the Indian lambs, and all that are so kind as to inquire after, ray very dear friend. Yours, &c. in our glorious Jesus, GEORGE WHITEFIELD. F)'077i the Rev. Samuel BuelL East-Hampton, January 13, 1761. Rev. and Dear Sir, These in the utmost haste, inform that Mr. Occum is go- ing upon a mission among the Oneida Indians, as soon as the season will permit, divine providence concurring. They have sent in the most pressing and moving manner, for a minister to be sent to them. Several letters have come to hand (I mean to Mr. Occum and myself) from gentlemen westward ; part of which I would now transcribe, had I a minute's time. But I must only observe, a glorious door seems opening for their be- ing evangelized, and for promoting your important school. If you can now do any thing, to promote Mr. Occum in doing the work of an evangelist, pray do it, and that as soon as possible. With cordial salutation, I am, Rev. and dear Sir, Your unworthy brother, SAMUEL BUELL. Hev, Mr, WlieelocL APPENDIX. 227 From the Rev. George Vtliitefield. London, February 21, 17G1. My very Dear Friend, Some time ago I informed you of a benefaction of fif- ty pounds from the worthy Marquis of Lothian, for your Indian School. I hope you have received my letter, and that the Lord prospers your handy work. The Redeemer is very good to us here. We have evil and good report ; but all works for good. I hope you pray for me — indeed I do for you and all my dear New England friends. Yours, &c. in our common Lord, GEORGE WHITEFIELD. To the Hon. Sir William Johnson. Lebanon, .Tune — 176L SIR, Your public character, the honor and bounty of the crown conferred upon you, and your situation among, and con- cern for the Indian Natives, all invite me to take the freedom to represent to you the design of a Charity School instituted in their favor, and act the part of a beggar in tt|eir behalf, con- vinced of the great neglect of this land, in using so few and feeble endeavours to polish and christianize them. We have been persuaded, that the education of some of their sons in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as in the knowledge and prac- tice of the protestant religion, and the fitting of some for mis- * sionaries among their respective tribes, might have a happy effect to guard them against the influence of Jesuits ; be an an- tidote to their idolatrous and savage practices ; attach them to the English interest, and induce them to a cordial subjection to the crown of Britain, and it is to be hoped, to a subjection to the king of Zion^ 228 APPENDIX. Upon my desire the Rev. John^Bralnard sent me, thirteen months ago, two likely Indian boys of. the Delaware tribe, to be qualified as missionaries among the natives. And towards a fund for the support of a charity school, Mr. Moor had giv- en a small tenement in this place, and for the same purpose, we have obtained subscriptions for five hundred pounds. We could wish. Sir, that the affair might appear to you as it does to us, worthy the encouragement of all great and good men, and that you will account it not the least of your honor, to be a friend and patron to it. Please to pardon my boldness, and let the nature of the de- sign excuse one, who is, though unknown, with much respect. Your Honor's very humble servant, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. Honorable Sir William Johnson, Baron, Mount Johnson. From the Hon. Sir William Johnson. German Flatts, July 7th, 1761. Rev. Sir, As I am so far on my way to Detroit, I have only time to acknowledge the receipt of yours, and to acquaint you that in compliance therewith, have got two Mohawk lads, to go to you in order to be instructed ; and doubt not but in my way through the other nations, I shall be able to send you three or four more, so as to complete the number you desire. Mr. Occum is now here, and proceeds with me tomorrow tc the Oneida nation, to whom I shall introduce him, and advise them cheerfully and thankfully to embrace this favourable op- APPENDIX- 229 portunlty, which, I doubt not will prove^greatly to their tem- poral as well as eternal felicity. I wish you all the success, which your pious undertaking deserves, and am. Rev. Sir, Your most humble servant, WILLIAM JOHNSON. Kev. Mr. Wheelock. From the Hon. Sir William Johnson. Fort Johnson, November 17, 1761. Re%'. Sir, Yours of the 2d inst. I had a few days ago the pleasure of receiving by the hand of Mr. Kirkland. I am much pleased to fmd the lads I sent have merited your good opinion of them. I expect they will return, and hope will make such progress in the English language, and their learning, as may prove to your satisfaction, and the benefit of the Indians, who are really much to be pitied. My absence, these four months, has prevented my design of encouraging some more lads going to you, and since my re- turn (which is but latel}') I have not had opportunity of seeing old or young, being all on their hunt. When they come back I shall talk with, and advise their parents to embrace this fa- vourable opportunity of having their children instructed, and doubt not of their readines to lay hold of so kind and charita- ble an offer. Mr. Kirkland^s intention of learninGf the Mohawk lan^ua^ijc, I much approve of, as after acquiring it he could, when quali- fied, be of vast service to them as a clergyman, which they much want, and are very desirous of having. The present laudable design of instructing a number of In- dian bovs, will, I doubt not, when more known, lead several 230 APPENDIX. gentlemen, to contribute towards it, and enable you thereby, to increase the number of scholars, with whom I shall not be backward to contribute my mite. I have given in charge to Joseph, to speak in my name, to any good boys he may see, and encourage to accept the gen- erous ofit-r now made them ; vj/hich he promised to do, and re- turn as soon as possible, and that without horses. In case there should not a sufficient number go now, I will, on return of the Indians from hunting, advise them to send as many as is required. As I am very much hurried at present, must beg leave to re- fer you to Mr. Kirkland for any particulars you may choose to be informed of, as I had a good deal of conversation with him, regarding the present state and dispositions of the Indians in general. I wish you all success in your, undertaking, and am with truth and sincerity. Rev. Sir, Your most obedient. Humble servant, WILLIAM JOHNSON. To tlie Right Hon. the Marquis of Lothian, Lebanon, March 29, 1763. My Lord, If your Lordship don't think the perusal of the enclosed narrative will be too great a waste of your precious time, you may perhaps see some evident signatures of a divine hand, in the progress of the undertaking hitherto. And I have the pleasure to inform your Lordship, that since the enclosed was sent to the press, God has in a most signal manner owned our fcn(]eavours, by sending a spirit of conviction, and causing us APPENDIX. 231 to see, as we cannot but hope, the saving effects thereof, in three of the principal Indian youths in the school. It is pro- posed that one of these should go very soon, D , into the country of the Six Nations, in the capacity of interpreter to Mr. C — J — S, the young gentleman mentioned in my nar- rative, who has kept this school several months, gratis, and designs to devote himself and fortune to the service of his Re- deemer in the business of a missionary among the pagans. And as his spirit and zeal are, so I account his other accomplish- ments, for that business, to be very singular, and cannot but hope the Lord of the harvest designs to make him an instru- ment of great glory to his name, in the enlargement of his kingdom on this continent. God has made every attempt in this affair hitherto to prosper, and the door seems continually more and more opening for the progress of it. And who knows w hat a glorious church Christ Jesus may have among the dispersed, (as I have sometimes thought they are) of the house of Israel. Will your Lordship please to accept what is here presented to you, as an acknowledgment and expression of the sincerest duty and gratitude from, may it please your Lordship, Your Lordship's Most obedient, and Most humble servant, ELEAZAR ^YIIEELOCK. To His Excellency General Jeffrey Amlierst, Barut. Lebanon, Connecticut, April 2, 1763. May it please ^'•our Excellency, The narrative herewith inclosed, gives your Excellency some short account of the success of my feeble endeavours, through the blessing of God upon them, in the aflair there related. 232 APPENDIX. Your Excellency will easily see, that if the number of youth in this school continues to increase, as it has done, and as our prospects are that it will do, we shall soon be obliged to build to accommodate them, and accordingly to determine upon the place where to fix it. And I would humbly submit to your Excellency's consideration the following proposal, viz. That a tract of land, about fifteen or twenty miles square, or so much as shall be sufficient for four townships, on the west side of Susquehanna River, or in some other place more con- venient, in the heart of the Indian country, be granted, in fa- vor of this School. That said townships be peopled with a chosen number of inhabitants of known honesty, integrity, and such as love and will be kind to, and honest in their dealings with Indians. That a thousand acres of, and within said grant, be given to this school. And that the School be an Academy for all parts of useful learning ; part of it to be a College for the education of missionaries, interpreters, school masters, &c. ; and part of it a school to teach reading, writing, &c. And that there be manufactures for the instruction both of males and females, in whatever shall be useful and necessary in life, and proper tutors, masters, and mistresses be provied for the same. That those towns be furnished w ith ministers of the best characters, and such as are of ability, when incorporated with a number of the most understanding of the inhabitants, to conduce the the aflairs of the school, and of such missions as they shall have occasion and ability for, from time to time. That there be a sufficient number of laborers upon the lands belonging to the school ; and that the students be obliged to labor with them, and under their direction and conduct, so much as shall be ne- cessary for their health, and to give them an understanding of husbandry. And those who are designed for farmers, after they have got a sufticient degree of school learning, to labor coustantlv, and the school to have all the benefit of their labor. APPENDIX. C33 and they the benefit of being instructed therein, till they are of an age and understanding sufficient to set up for themselves, and introduce husbandry among their respective tribes. And that there be a moderate tax upon all the granted lands, after the first ten or fifteen years, and also some duty upon mills, &c. which shall not be burdensome to the inhabitants, for the sup- port of the school, or missionaries among the Indians, &.c. By this mean much expence, and many inconveniences oc- casioned by our great distance from them, would be prevented, our missionaries be much better supported and provided for, especially in case of sickness, &c. Parents and children be more contented, being nearer to one another, and likely many persua/.'id to send their children for an education, who are now dissuadevi irom it, only on account of the great distance of the School from them. The bearer, Mr. C J S , is able, if your Ex- cellency desires it, to give you a more full and particular ac- count of the present state of this School, having been tor some time the master and instructor of it, and is now designed with the leave of Providence, the ensuing summer, to make an ex- cursion, as a missionary among the Indians, with an interpret ter from this school. And by him your Excellency may fa- vour me with your thoughts on what 1 have proposed. I am with sincerest duty and esteem. May it please your Excellency, Your Excellency's most obedient And most humble servant, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK, 30 234 APPENDIX. To the Hon. General Li/man. Lebanon, April 9, 1763. May it please yoin Honor, The narrative herewith enclosed will give you some account of the success of the feeble endeavors I have used in the af- fair therein related ; and you will see that if the number, in this school, continues to increase, as it has done, and as I think our prospects are, we shall soon have occasion to build, in or- der to accommodate them, and accordingly to determine upon the place where ta fix it, most for the advantage^ of the great design we have in view. Several places have been pro- posed, viz. among the new settlements, in the western part of the Province of New Hampshire. And to encoura5;e it. Gov- ernor Wentworth made me an offer of a tract of land, if I would carry it there. There has also been some talk of the western part of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. But I have seve- ral objections against each of those places. And as your hon- or's character and influence at home and abroad ; and your thorough acquaintance with the state of the continent, and par- ticularly with Indians and Indian affairs, enables you above any man I know in. New England to serve and promote the de- sign, so your moral character, and especially your benevolent disposition towards mankind, encourages and emboldens me with much confidence to solicit your friendship and assistance, by your consent "and advice, upon this occasion. And I shall accordingly, relying upon your candor, expose m^^self and the affairs to j^ou, in the most open manner, and submit to your consideration and censure the ixtUowing proposal*. 1 have wrote General A upon this head, and to the same pur- pose, and if your honor will please to let me know your mind in the affair, and advise me of any thing you shall think use- ful to me, I shall be greatly obliged to you. * See the preceding letter to General A . APPENDIX. 235 I bless God that he has preserved your valuable and hnpor- tant life, in your late dangerous expedition, and given your family and friends an opportunity and occasion to rejoice in your safe return. Please to accept most sincere esteem and respect from, Sir, Your Honor's Most obedient, and Most humble servant, ELEAZ AR ' WHEELOCK. The Hon. General Lyman. Fro7n the Hon. General Lyman. Suffield, Connecticut, April 11, 1763. SIR, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter by Mr. S of the 9th instant, and am very much obliged to you for your generous sentiments of me ; and assure you I shall always be very glad to serve you personally, and much more, the generous design you have undertaken. I have not time to digest the subject, to give you my thoughts in particular, nor do I think you want them, who have so long turned your mind on that affair, and are so well able to judge of the matter ; but I assure you I am well pleased with the thoughts you suggest, and am in hopes they will issue well, when put in execution. I shall write more particular before I go home, and being m haste. Your most obedient And humble servant, P. LYMAN. Rev. Eleazar Wheelock. 23ff APPENDIX. From Hi6 Excellency General Sir JeJJ^rei/ Amherst, Barni. Kew York, May 23, 1763. SIR, This morning, Mr. S delivered me your letter of the 21st Apn\, with the narrative enclosed, which I have perused. The design is a very commendable one, and I should be ex- tremely happy in having it in my power, to be any ways in- strumental in civilizing the Indians, and promoting seminaries of learning in this country ; but as the disposal and settlement of the conquered lands in America must be determined by His Majesty, and that there is reason to believe the same is now under consideration at home ; I can only advise you to make application there ; for I have no authority whatever, to dispose of any lands in this country. You cannot have a better patron than the nobleman to whom you have dedicated your narra- tive, and I shall be very glad to hear that your application is attended with success. . I am. Sir, Your most obedient servant, JEFFREY AMHERST. Jlev. Eleazar Wheelock. To the Right Hon. William, Earl of Sterling. Lebanon, Connecticut, December 12, 1763. SIR, Your Lordship will see, by the enclosed narrative, (which begs your candid acceptance) the design which has been on foot, and to what it has risen, by the blessing of God. And by the enclo^d printed copy of a brief, I obtained of the Hon. General Assembly of this government last May, in which they were unanimous, your Lordship may see the friendly disposi- tion of the ruling and leading part of this Government, towards APPENDIX. 237 the undertaking. But the present rupture with the Indians, has so heated the spirits of great numbers among our people, that the Governor and Company were apprehensive that the collection would be made under great disadvantage, and that there would not be that given, which would be honorable for the Government, if it should be attempted now, and therefore did, at their session in October last, advise, that it should be delayed till a more favorable prospect should invite to proceed therein. And supposing this to be the way, in which Pix^vi- dence designed supplies for this school at present, I neglected to seek them elsewhere, which now gives your Lordship an opportunity to shew your liberality, at a time when it is much wanted. And whatever your sentiments shall be of this particular plan, or your disposition towards the encouragement of it ; I pray your Lordship, to account the nature and importance of the design, in general, to be sufticient excuse, for the boldness and freedom I have now taken, or else of your innate good- ness, pardon him, who is not willing to disoblige you, but is, with the most sincere esteem and respect, my Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient and , - Most humble Servant, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. 2?/^/;^ Hon. William, Earl of Sterling, To William Livingston, Esq. Lebanon, January 24, 1764. sm, I am not a little affected with the contents of yours, of the 14thinst. Such liberality in one congregation, and that com- parativel}^ small, by reason of the weather, at such a distance, and BO little acquainted with the atl'air, and so mucli of late done hv 238 APPENDIX. the pagans to discourage such a design, and raise a temper, m the more unthinking part of mankind, very different from cha- rity, is in my opinion truly great and wonderful ; and the more affecting as it comes at a time when it is much wanted. May God requite their benevolence a thousand fold, in a more en- during substance. I hope I may be enabled so to improve it, and that the success of endeavors may be such, as may give those liberal souls occasion for the most easy and comfortable reflections, that it was well bestowed for the furtherance of the kingdom of our common Lord. As to the remittance, I shall commit the affair to Messrs. Ralph and Eleazar Pomeroy, of Hartford, with instructions and orders. And from one or the other of them, you will likely hear very soon. Please to present my compliments, in the most respectfol manner, to each of those good gentlemen, you mention, by whose distinguished zeal, on the occasion, the cause was fa« vored and encouraged, and accept sincerest respect from. Honored Sir, Your much obliged and very Humble Servant, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. To the Right Hon. the Earl of Dartmouth. Lebanon, Connecticut, New Eng. March 1, 1764. ISJay it please j'ovir Lordship, It must be counted amongst the greatest favors of God, to a wretched world, and that which gives abundant joy to the friends of Zion, that among earthly dignities, there are those who cheerfully espouse the sinking cause of the great Re- deemer, and whose hearts and hands are open to minister sup- plies for the support and enlargement of his kingdom in the world. APPENDIX. 239 As your lordship has been frequently mentioned with pleasure })y the lovers of Christ in this wilderness, and having fresh as- surance of the truth of that fame of yours, by the Rev. Mr. Whitefieid, from his own acquaintance with your person and character, and being encouraged and moved thereto by hin% I am now emboldened, without any other apology for myself, than that which the case itself carries in its very front, to solicit your Lordship's favorable notice of, and friendship to- wards, a feeble attempt to save the swarms of Indian Natives in this land, from final and eternal ruin, which must unavoida- bly be the issue of those poor miserable creatures, miless God shall mercifully interpose with his blessing upon endeavors to j/revent it. The Indian Charity School, under my care (a narrative of which, herewith transmitted, humibly begs your Lordship's ac- ceptance) has met with such approbation, and encouragement from gentlemen of character and ability, at home and abroad, and such has been the success of endeavors hitherto used there- "in, as persuade las more and more, that it is of God, and a de- vice and plan, which, under his blessing, has a greater proba- bility of success, than any that has yet been attempted. By the blessing and continual eare of heaven, it has lived, and does still live and flourish, without any other fund appro- priated to its support, than that great One, in the hands of Him, whose, the earth is, and the fulness thereof. And I trust there is no need to mention any other considera- tions to prove your Lordship's compassions, or invite your libe- rality on this occasion, than those wiiich their piteous and per- ishing case does of itself suggest ; when once your Lordship- shall be well satisfied of a proper and probable way to raanilcot and expresfi the same with success. Which I do, v.iih the ut- most cheerfulness, submit to your Lordship, believing your de- termination therein, to be under the direction of him who does all things well. And if the n;ituie ana imporlunce of the case MO APPENDIX. be not esteemed sufficient excuse for the freedom and boldness I have assumed, I must rely upon your Lordship's innate good- ness to pardon him, who is with the greatest duty and esteem,^ jny Lord, Your Lordship*s most obedient And most humble servant, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. To the Countess of Huntingdon. Lebanon, March 7, 1764. Madam, By the narrative of the Indian Charity School, under my care, herewith transmitted, (which humbly begs your Lady- ship's acceptance) you may see the design, we have for sever- al years been pursuing, in favor of those swarms of savages in this wilderness, who are yet perishing for lack of vision. — And nothing but a sovereign divine influence, in concurrence w ith endeavors used against the most stubborn opposition of their savage blindness, brutish lusts and passions, can now at last save them from final and eternal ruin. The plan we have been pursuing (which has never yet been fully tried) has now obtained such reputation among gentle- men of character far and near, and such has been the success of endeavors already used therein, and such also are our grow- ing prospects, that we are more and more persuaded, God de- signs mercifully to own it, as a mean to make his name known far and wide, in the wilds of America. And as it has ri:-;en from small beginnings, to what it now is, amidst and against many and great discouragements, and has been supported only by the liberality of God's people, without any fund appropriated to that purpose, and still depends for its support, upon some source alone as the goodness of hini;, APPENDIX. 24 1 \vho has the hearts of all in his hands : so, I trust, I need no other arguments to move your Ladyship's compassion towards those miserable creatures, or to obtain the benefit of your smiles upon this great undertaking, than their truly alfecting condition may of itself at once suggest to you ; even though you should be so disinterested in the exercise of your charity towards them, as not so much as once to turn your thoughts upon the blessings of those perishing souls, which will come upon you, or upon that effectual blessing of God, which will be upon such, and which only can make you truly blessed. The perfecting of which, God gram you may fully know when Christ shall exhibit to public view, his account of your works of charity for his name's sake, and say to such, come ye bless- ed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you ; for I was an hungred and ye gave me meat, thirsty and ye gave me drink, &.c. The Rev. Mr. Whitefield (by whose motion and encourage- ment I have assumed this boldness.) has lately travelled through New England, and preached as his broken state ol health would allow, to as good acceptance as ever he did. He is now at Boston, and designs to return back to the southern governments, and from thence to England. My heart is much encouraged and my hands strengthened in this affair, by the zeal which he (who seems always readv to every good work) shews in promoting it. I re!y upon the nature and importance of the cause to plead for me, and obtain your pardon for the boldness and freedom herein used by him, who is with most sincere duty and esteem. Madam, Your Ladyship's Most obedient, and Most humble servant, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. The CounUss of Huntingdon. 31 ^42 APPENDIX. From the Rev. John, Erskine. March 15th 1704. . Dear Sir, I have before me your letter of the 21st of September- Thai which you mention as sent me by Mr. B , with a copy of your narrative, has never come to hand. By Mr. De Berdt's order I paid Mr. D 's donation for the Indian School to Mr. T . I heartily agree with you, that the present cloud over endeavours to christianize the Indians, should not moderately discourage. I think the most dis- couraging circumstance of all, is, that when God has so w^on- derfully enlarged the British Territory, Britain should do so little to enlarge the empire of Zion's king. I hope you have long ago received the present of books from the Edinburgh society, for promoting religious knowledge, vi^ith the few that were added by Mr, D and myself. I en- close you our society's commission for.a board of correspondents in Connecticut. I am glad Mr. Whitejield intends visiting you. He has been vour sincere and zealous friend, or rather the friend of the charitable cause in which you are engaged. But his testimony, after actually witnessmg the state of your school, will have much additional force. Wishing that the God of all grace may continue to prosper your labours, I am. Dear Sir, Your affectionate brother and servant, JOHN ERSKINE. From the Hon. General Li/nian. Licesterfield, London, April 2, 1764. Dear Sir, I delivered your letter to Mr. Dennis De Beidt, who has shewn me great respect ever since I have been here. He has APPENDIX. 243 moved nothing publicly about your School, the ministry being much crowded with business ; but. expect he will before long. And you may depend upon my giving all the assistance in my power to so good an intention. Sir Jeffrey Amherst is clear it will be much to his majesty's interest to fix a strong settlement between the Allegany mountains and the Missippi, and will give me all the assistance in his power, as he tells mc. Of the same opinion is the Earl of A , and Mr. J , and many more. I hope I shall gain it, and shall tack your school to it ; and God grant we may both be happy together. My proper compliments to your family and friends. I am with great respect. Your very humbie servant, P. LYMAN. Ra\ Eleazar Wheclock. To the Rev, Mr. Whitefield. Lebanon, April 18th, 1764." :My dear IMr. Whlteiield, When we parted at Norwich,! found I had not half unbosomed myself to you ; the discouraging apprehensions I found you to entertain respecting the Indians, made deep impressions on my mind. However that is removed. I am not at all disquieted, my dear brother, my hope is in God alone. I believe it to be his own cause, and that he will not forsake it. I begin a little sometimes to believe his provi- dence, and have just begun my A B C, and begin to spell a little in the great volumes of his goodness, which are ever open before me. I know the kindness of your heart, and your zeal to promote, every good design, and I need say no more on this head. I 244 APPENDTX. will onlv liint, as I understand you are designed for Rhode Isl^ and, that neither the town of Providence (where God once greats ly blessed my poor labours) nor any part of that Government^ lias ever yer been desired to put a helping hand in this affair. I find it difficult to put out the boys, who are designed for "blacksmiths, to places suitable for them; and the greatest diffi- culty is, that their fellow apJDrentices, viz. English boys, will des- pise them, and treat them as slaves ; which I apprehend will be of hurtful and ruinous consequences to them. I have been think- ing lately, whether I had not better hire a blacksmith, and set Inm up near me, and let him have a number to instruct, where I may have the government, direction, and conduct of them. It- may be done without any cost to the school; if it should be thought better, it may be at the schools' cost, and the school have all the profit of their labour. I am of opinion, it will be best to introduce David Fowler, Jacob WoUey, and perhaps Hezekiah Calvin, into schools among the Indians, as soon as may be; perhaps among the Oneidas, Onandagas, or at Anchaguagee and Genings, I believe thev will do very well in that business, and especially if Mr. Charles Jeffrci/ Smith or some other prudent missionary should visit them a few times in a summer. I am much pleased with their manly, dis- creet, prudent, christian conduct of late. You doubtless have had or will soon have, a more particular account than I am able to give you, of the surprising progress of the .work of God, at East Hampton, since you were there. Mr. B writes, that it exceeds what he ever saw, read qr heard of since the Apostles days. Scores converted in a i^w days, &c. I have said nothing of A -, supposing you have received niy former. It ap|-ears probable that it is the will of God he APPENDTX- • 245 should go OB his proposed mission this spring. Dear Sir, praj', pray, tor Yours' in the dearest bonds, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. P. S. Give most sincere respects to Mr. W — • — , to whom i wish health, &c. / From the Hon. Sir William Johnson. Johnson Hall, April 2,5th, 1764. SIR, I have received your favour of the 17th inst. by the hands of Mr. D , and do assure you that 1 did not get a letter from 3^ou for several months before, though I am informed you wrote to me several times. J is just returned from an expedi- tion against the enemy, who have abandoned their towns, of which three were burned, with four villages, consisting in all of about two hundred houses, built vvith squared logs, and vast quantities of corn, &c. Parties are now in pursuit of the en- emy. I shall be very glad, whenever these troubles are over, to promote your pious and useful undertaking, by procuring j'ou more scholars ; but at present it is not in my power, as all those fit to travel, will accompany the rest upon service, nor could it be agreeable to the nations to divert them from it. I am with esteem. Sir, Your most humble servant, WILLIAM JOIINSOK Rev. Mr. WheelocL 5246 APPENDIX. From Mr. Garret Nodi. New York, May 27 Ih, 1764. Rev. Sir, I have several times wrote to you, but have never received any answer. This is the first opportunity I have had of sending you the books. I should be glad to hear from you, and to know how I may more frequently write and send to you. I have sent the bell — should be glad of a list of what more books are wanting. I am. Sir, Your most humble servant, GARRET NOELL. ^ To the Rev. George Whitefield. • ♦ Lebanon, June 29th, 1764-. My dear and honored Friend, I sat out immediately for Concord the same week on which you left Boston, and hoped by some means we might have had an interview ; but on the road I heard you were gone. The assembly at Concord readily granted my prayer, for the present year — met with dear Messieurs S and P , according to appointment — received our commission with letters, &c. Doctor G informs us that <£lOO, by one who desires to be nameless, waits my order, whether to be laid out in lands, or in books for the school. I have written the commissioners to meet at my house, next Wednesday, in order to form themselves, and consider the expe- diency of sending Mr. Occum and A on a mission this year. If Mr. Occum goes with you to England, he may have time to prepare for it after his tour. I have received the globes and books from England and cot- land, which furnish a pretty library for this infant iustitution. APPENDIX. 247 Messieurs S and P advise, if we should conclude on sending Mr. O and A on their proposed missions, it will be best for Mr. O to wait upon you, as we hope by your influence he may be furnished with necessaries for the sup- port of his mission; but if supplies from that quarter should fail, they will risque the expence themselves, till supplies may be had elsewhere. O, my dear Sir, what a master we serve ! We have noth- ing to do but to wait the notices of his pleasure, and comply with them, or rather with the doing, and bear him witness, that he performs all things for us. How blessed are all they that trust in him ! and commit all their ways and works to him ! You know very well the peace and joy from this source, which no man can take away. I begin to see how reasonable it is to trust in the Lord forever, and upon what just grounds our Saviour says "take no thought." and a little glimpse I find sufficient to keep my mind quite calm in a most stormy and tempestuous season. My heart is with you. I have almost grieved that I could not have another interview. But so the great Governor orders it, and I believe it to be well. Dear brother, make business of praying for Yours, in the dearest, sweetest bonds, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. July S. This has lain by till now. I have the pleasure to inform you, that this week the Commissioners have been to- gether, and formed and voted to send Mr. Occum, provided the London Commissioners will release him from their service, and have ordered me to write them. I hope they will view the ad- vantage to the cause, from bringing Mv. Occum into the same plan with our other missionaries and school masters (to be sent next spring, if supplies for them may be had, viz. the tw(!> sen- ior Indians of the school) in such a light as that they will readily 248 APPENDIX. yield to his being under our direction, and will also be wili/ng to continue to him the cfSO they have voted. A is not yet in pay, but his mission is referred to a com- mittee, when a door opens. The most of the Commissioners are in high spirits to prosecute, to effect, &c. Yours, &c. &c. Love to Mr. W . ELEAZAR WHEELOCKv Rev. George Whitejield. To the Rev. John Ershine. Lebanon, July 10th, 17 80. Rev. and honored Sir, Yours of the 15th March w^ith the commission, came safe to hand about three weeks ago. I have also received the books safe, and gratefully acknowledge the favour, both to me and the school. Your commissioners met and formed last Wednes- day ; and I feel my hands strengthened, and heart encouraged thereby ; and account it a great token of God's favour towards the general design. For though they cannot release me from the main care and burden of the school, yet they are with me, and friendly enough to lend a helping hand ; and especially, to embrace every favourable opportunity, to send or dispose of missionaries, as divine Providence shall direct, and point out the way for it. And my hopes of a harvest in the pagan wil- derness are greater than ever. Two of my Mohawk boys, I am well satisfied, have been savingly brought home to Christ, since they came to me, and I have much hope/ of another. One of these, who came last^ while he was a savas^e, and I could talk with him only bv an interpreter, appeared to be under great awakenings, and was comforted the winter before last, and has bejiaved in a christiaa APPENDIX. 949 manner ever since ; yet not enough acquainted with our lan- guage, till of late, to communicate much that he felt or knew. About three weeks ago, he appeared to have a great revival of re- ligious afiections — expressed a longing desire to be with Christ — seemed full of love to the people of God, and compassion and pity towards his own nation. He continued in a humble, calm, peaceful frame till last Saturday ; he went with his schoolmates to walk and divert themselves in a river, about two miles and a half off; immediately on coming out of the water, he was seiz- ed with a violent pain in his breast and side, to that degree that he could not stand, and seemed just expiring : they brought him home in this distress, which continued about five hours ; all which time he appeared with a smile on his countenance, occa- sioned by the sense he had of the reality and glory of things spiritual. His soul seemed reaching and stretching to depart and be with Christ; and he himself and all about him were apprehensive that God was about to grant him his desire. He could speak but little ; but what he did say was expressive of greater joy than ever he had in his life — but God mercifully removed his disorder, and a sweet serene calmness yet remains in his mind. This is the more remarkable, as he appeared, when he first came, and for several months after, the most unlikely to be fitted for usefulness, that I have ever taken in hand ; insomuch that I had, for some time, determined to embrace the first opportu- nity to send him back to his own nation. He thirsts after knowledge, and is very diligent in improving his time and all advantage to obtain it — and who knows what God designs for him and by him ? We should be glad to see a charter granted to the Honorable n £50 APPENDIX. Society in Scotland, or any formulas which you may think us& ml for us. I am, Rev. and Honored Sir, Your unworthy brother, and much obliged and very humble servant, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. To the Rev. Dr. Andreiv Gifford, London. Lebanon, Connecticut, July 16, 1764. ^ev. and Hon. Sir, Yours of March 10, I received, and since that the dupli- cate, with the chest of books and the globes all safe, and my heart is full of gratitude for the favour of your animating letters, and for your, and your friend's kind- ness to my school, the Lord reward you and them with the richer blessings of his covenant. Please to present my com. pliments in the most kind and grateful manner to all those, who assisted you in it. I would write those whom you name in par- ticular; but they must accept for excuse, my want of time for it. And I think they would readily do it, if they knew how much crowded 1 am. In particular give my warmest love to those pious souls whom you do not name, and who, you say, had little else but their old books to contribute. They have indeed fully shewn their good will to the Redeemer's cause, and their desire to edify and comfort others, by the same means by which they themselves have been comforted of God, and which they justly esteemed a rich treasure. They have shewn what they would do for Christ, if it were in their power. Tell tliem they have melted my heart. 1 love them in the bottom of my soul. I expect to know them all by and by, and if by no other means, I shall know them by their account, when the faithful APPENDIX. 251 register of it shall exhibit it to public view, and they are filled with surprise that he has estimated what their love to him ac- counted so small, by the same rule as he did the small pittance, which the poor widow cast into the treasury, and by which also he lets us know that a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple shall be estimated — then, I doubt not, I shall hear the account of their books, each one his volume sent across the Atlantic, and then see the eternal rewards which the grace of God will confer upon such. As for the <£lGO of which you write, my heart blesses the pious donor, and if he chooses to confine it to one of the pur- poses which you mention, and not to improve it for the sup- port of those missionaries, I believe it had better rest a little while where it is, till it be determined where the school will be fixed. Perhaps the success of Gen. Lyman's suit will de- termine that ; though there are some objections against carry- ing the School among the Indians. A neighbouring parish have bidden cf500, our currency, equal to £315 sterling, to have it fixed there ; and whenever the place shall be determined, that c£lOO before mentioned, will be very necessary to accommodate the same with lands. If these youth should proceed next spring, according to our hopes, they will need, preparatory to their business, a number of spelling-books, copies, catechisms, testaments, some bibles, paper, penknives, small jack-knives, and other trifles to alkire the children, and if any see fit to send a few blankets and any other clothing for these missionaries, it will save expense here, and be as acceptable as any thing. I suppose it will be best for them to be able to appear both in the habit of Indians and English, as occasion shall be. To be sure it will be safest for them, if they should travel through tribes who are not friendly to the English, to go in an Indian habit 252 appendix: Dear Sir, make just what improvement you think fit of what I write. I can only hint. Poor Joseph Woolly has enlisted himself into the war againt his own nation. I hope he is coming to himself ; his commander, I hear, speaks very well of him. Please to remember, in your near approaches to God, Rev. and dear Sir, Your unworthy brother, and fellow labourer in the Lord's house, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. Rev, Andrew Giffbrd, D. D. To the Hon. General Lyman. Lebanon, July 18, 1764. SIR, Yours of April 2d, after so long silence, was very welcome indeed. I rejoice to hear of any favourable prospects. My hope is in God, and I love to rest the affair wholly with him. If it is not his cause, and his glory may not be advanced by it, I do not desire the success of the suit. General J informs me that all the six nations, except the Senecas, are united and engaged in the war ; and I hear the Senecas are since joined with them against our enemies. I have the pleasure to inform you, that religion has a more agreeable aspect, than it had some time ago in many places in this land. I have heard nothing from your family of late. The Lord be with and succeed you in your affairs. Please to accept most respectful salutations, from Your Honoris most obedient humble servant, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. Hon, P. Lymaxi, , APPENDIX. 253 To Mr. Dennis De Berdt. Lebanon, July 18, 176k iMy Dear and Honored Sir, I doubt not your faith is yet strong, and your heart engaged in the great design of spreading the gospel among our Ameri- can Pagans. The commissioners tiave lately met and formed, and voted to take Mr. Occum into their service, provided he may be discharged from a pre-engagemcnt to the London com- missioners in Boston ; which we suppose may likely be without difficulty. They have also left the mission of friend A to a committee, when a door shall be opened. They also pro- pose sending the two senior Indians in the school, to remote tribes next spring, in the capacity of school masters. We ex- pect Mr C J S " will return on a mission to the six nations, as soon as it shall be thought safe for him. We hope we have symptoms that the war with the Indians is near at an end. W^hen tliat shall be, we apprehend will be the time, if ever, to exert ourselves in earnest in the affair, before our mischievous traders throng the country. I do not know of one missionary or school master appointed, or prepared to be sent, but from us, on this continent. W^e have not a shilling to support it in stock : our trust and hope is only in God, whose cause it is, and in whose hands are the hearts of all, that he will provide supplies. I doubt not of your sincerity and zeal in the cause. Dear Mr. W^hitefield (who is now at New York) is well engaged ; but the truth is, there is but little to be expected in this land, en account of the general scarcity of money. I have now eight or ten, in this School, well accomplished for school masters, except that some of them are vet too young ; besides several English youth, who I expect, will be soon fit for tlie business. 254 APPENDIX. There is a great revival of religion on Long Island, and in several places in New England. You see I write in haste, and will excuse every thing amiss, and accept most affectionate regards from. My dear Sir, Yours in the dearest bonds, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. P. S. I understand by General Lyman, that you are en- gaged in the cause I committed to you under God, and am quite glad to hear of any encouraging prospects. I trust you will not fail to advise me, from time to time, as you find occasion. From the Countess of Huntingdon. Bristol, August 9, 1764. Rev. Sir, I received your letter and expect soon to have the narra- tive of the Indian School transmitted to me, that you therein mentiqn. I have communicated your letter to many of the clergy, then met at my house, and they have agreed to unite with me, in recommending your pious design to our general, well known christian friends. May our gracious Lord bless and prosper all your labours, which may turn to exalt him in the hearts and min56 APPENDIX. To Mr. F Lebanon, Sept. 30, 1701- Dear Sir, The repeated demonstrations you have given me of the truly charitable spirit in the society, for propagating christian know- ledge among the poor, and the invitation you have given me to acquaint them with the necessities of this Indian School, em- bolden me with the warmest thanks for their past liberalities, to inform you that there is a prospect that a door will be open- ed next spring, for a number of missionaries and school masters, into the bowels of the Indian country, if means for their sup- port may be had, which I doubt not of ; and if God should mercifully so order it, they will stand in need of spelling books, catechisms, testaments, bibles, prayers for children, &c. &c. enough to supply several schools of Indians. 1 hope you have received what I have heretofore, at several times written in haste, as I now do. Please to remember me respectfully to the members of your society — my soul blesses them — the Lord reward their labour and zeal to make manifest the savour of his knowledge in ev ery place. I am, dear Sir, with sincerest respect. Yours most heartily, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK, Mr. F . To Mr. Dennis Be Berdt. Lebanon, September 30th, ITU-I-. My Dear and Honored Friend, Neither Mr. S , nor Mr. W , encourage me in the least to hope for any success in my suit ; yet as the APPENDIX. ^5Y hearts of all are in the hands of God, and he accomplishes his designs in ways most conducive to his own glory. I cannot but entertain some hopes, till I hear that from you or Gen. Ly ,in, which shall discourage them. And I should be glad to hear as soon as may be, whether or no there is any prospect worth waiting for. I do not at all doubt of your care and zeal in the aftair. The Lord reward a thousand fold all your labors of love, Si,c. I am, with sincerest duty and esteem. Yours, in our common Lord, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. P. S. Not long since I wrote Dr. Giflbrd a letter of thanks for the excellent collection of books he sent this school. Fro?}i the Rev. John Erskine. Edinburgh, October 20th, 1764-, Dear Sir, Your letter to me of the 10th July and the packet for the society, containing the sequel of your narrative and the ser- mons at Mr. Jeffrey Smithes ordination, &c. came to my hand about six weeks ago. My father's sudden and dangerous ill- ness, from which he is now mercifully recovered, obliged me about that time to go into the countrj^, which prevented my endeavoring to get some of those papers printed, in order to encourage the friends of Zion to lend a helping hand to this good work. When a ship casts up for Boston, I shall endeavor to procure you the pam.phlets you mention. On the receipt of this, you will draw on Mr. W D in Edinburgh, for a donation of oc20 sterling from himself, and a legacy of £5 sterling from Mr. W S , in Edin- burgh, for your Indian School ; in all <£'25 sterling. The hurry I am in obliges me to conclude with subscribing myself, dear Sir, Your afTectionate brother, JOHN ERSKINE. 33 £58 APPENDIX. 1 To the Hon, Sir William Johnson. Lebanon, March '2'3y 1165, SIR, Your Excellency's favor of February ID, by P and jt) ,_, came safe to hand. I thank your Excellency most heartily for all your condescension, and repeated favors shewn me, and particularly your care for, and kindness to my dear 3Ir. Kirkland. I pray you to continue your paternal kindness towards him ; and whatever supplies he shall stand in need of, please to provide him with the same, and charge them to my account. I have enclosed to him an address to the chiefs of the nations, to be convened by your orders this month, and have desired him to submit the same to your Excellency's cen- sures, which I hope you will not at all spare, out of favor to me. I am well pleased with P and D , they both seem honestly desirous to be instructed. We expect to have opportunity to recommend to your Ex- cellency's favorable notice, two likely young gentlemen, in the capacity of missionaries, this spring, and three young In- dians of this school, in the capacity of school masters. I pur- pose also, that all your five first boys shall come home this spring, or by some time in June, to visit their friends, and re- turn to me in the fall. It is proposed that they shall keep schools, under the conduct of the missionaries. W will likely make a fine boy : he behaves very well. A specimen of his writing I enclose. Please to let the parents of these boys know that they are all well, and also inform them of their proposed visit to them. I hope your Excellency will be able to obtain the grandson of the Onondaga Sachem, which you mentioned to me, and send him with Mr. Kirkland, whom I have advised to visit us this spring. I am, with great respect, Sir, Your much obliged, and Most obedient humble servant, ELEAZAR WIIEELOCK A?PENDrx. 259 To the Sachems and Chiefs of the Mohaivk, Oneida, Tuscarora, and other nations and tribes of Indians. My Brethren and Friends, I have liad you upon my heart ever since I was a boy. I have pitied you on account of your worldly poverty ; but much more on account of the perishing case your precious souls are in, without the knowledge of the only true God and Sa- viour of sinners. I have prayed for you daily for more tha-Q thirty years, that a way might be opened to send the gospel a- mong you, and you be made willing to receive it. And I hope God is now answering the prayers that have long been made for you, and that the time of his mercy to your perishing nation is near at hand. Some years ago, I educated 3Ir. Occum (who has been a lit- tle while with some of you) with hopes that God would make him an instrument of great good to my poor brethren, the In- dians. He labored a number of years with the Indians at Montauk, and was a mean of much good to that tribe, and al- so an instrument of good to some in New England, and I hope, did a little good to you in the short time he was with you. After I had educated Mr. Occum, and saw no other way to help the perishing Indians, there being no door open to send missionaries among them, I determined on setting up an Indian school, to teach their children, that when they had got their learning, they might return home, and in their own language teach their brothers, sisters, and friends, the way of salva- tion by Jesus Christ. And accordingly I began this School more than ten years ago. I first took two bc)ys of the Delawares, but one of them died when he was almost' fit for college, the other went to col- lege, and when he was almost through, was overcome by strong drink, and by this he grieved my very heart. I hoped he would have been good, and I hope yet that God will have mer- ry on him and make him good before he dies. 260 APPENDIX. I am now sending you eight of your sons, whom I have learned to read and write well. The ministers who have join- ed with me to help forward the great design of christianizing the Indians, have examined them, and recommend two of them with Joseph Woolly, to be school masters, where they can find the Indidiis willing to have their children taught: the other six, though they can read and write well enough to teach a school, yet we think they are too young to be masters. V/e are afraid your children will not mind them ; and therefore have ordered them to teach your children, under the direction of the mission- aries, till next fall ; and then they are to return to this school to get more learning ; and I hope some of them will be fit in tim'? to preach Christ to you, if God shall please to give them good hearts. Now I assure you, my brethren, in what I have done and am doing, I have no interest of my own in view ; but I have compassion upon your precious souls, for whom Christ died, and w"hich must be lost and miserable forever unless you be made to know him, and the way of life by him, and so to par- take of the great salvation, which he has purchased for us. Two ministers are coming to you from my school, who are sent to you by the commissioners, and they are men of learn- ing, have had a liberal education, and are able to teach you the way of salvation by Christ. And they love you much; they do not come to get money, nor to get away your lands, nor to cheat or wrong you in any thing, but only to do you good. And you may depend upon it, I will never willingly send one to preach the gospel to you, who has any higher view than to save your souls. That is the errand these men come upon, and as such you must receive them, and treat them kindly. David Fowler, who has been educated at my school, and is one of ihe school masters before mentioned, I now send to keep school among you, to teach your children, if you will receive APPENDIX. 261 him. He is a rational, sprightly, active young man ; and I believe you will find him to be very honest and faithful. lie comes only to do 3'ou good. His friends at Montauk have sent to me, earnestly desiring that he might come there and teach their children ; but I have often heard that you desired great- ly to be taught, and I hope he will do more good among you : and therefore I send him to you, and 1 hope you will be kind to him as one of your own people, and help him to live among you. I hope you will help him to get a house, and let him have some of your land to plant and sow^; and he will, besides teaching your children, help and instruct you in managing hus- bandry ; which you must learn, if you expect God will in- crease your number, and build you up, and make you his people. I hear that some of the Indians think it to be a mean thing, and below men to work in the field, that it belongs only to wo- men. This thought is not right nor pleasing to God. The first work he sat man about, and that before ever he had sinned, when he was more honorable than any mere man has ever been since, was to till the ground to get his living by it. And after man had sinned, God told him he should get his liv- ing by the sweat of his face, and he has commanded us in the fourth commandment to work six days in the week. And of- ten in his word testified his displeasure against those, who will not work for a living. This earth is all God's land, and he will have it all cultivated. So long as there are not people enough to inhabit the earth, God lets the wild beasts have it for their dwelling place ; and a few lazy savage people he suffers to live a hungry miserable life by hunting. But when the children of men grow numerous, and want the earth to cultivate for a living, the wild beasts must give place to them, and men must improve the land for God ; it they do not they are bad tenants, and must be turned ofl['as such. If you will not cul- tivate God's land, you cannot expect that God will greatly tl6^2 APPENDIX. multiply you. 1 speak this only for your good ; I propose no advantage to myself nor to any other, but you and your pos- terity by it. When you improve your land, and provide a living for your- selves and families in that way, you will live much easier and better than you now do or can do by hunting. And when your game is gone, you will not have occasion to remove to another place, or to go a great way to catch wild creatures to live upon, as Indians have been forced to do ; but you will live as well without them as with them, by the produce of your own farms. And then you will be under circumstances to have ministers and school masters settled among you ; and will be able to support them according to the laws of Christ, to teach you and your children the great things that cencern your ]:>eace with God, and the eternal salvation of your precious souls ; and so you may soon become a learned and knowing people. And then you will be in no danger of being imposed upon and cheated, as you have been by bad men, who care not what becomes of Indians, if they can only get your lands, and cheat and wrong you in other things. I pity you great- ly on these accounts ; and I wish you would mind what t say to vou. I greatly desire you may become a great, and good, and very bappy people. David Fowler can tell you how God has dealt with Indians hi New England, and how they now begin to see their error^, and amend their doings. I thank you for the kindness, which some of you have shown to my dear Mr Kirkland, whom I sent into your country last fall. His heart is bent to do good to the Indians. He denies himself all the pleasure and honors which he might have here among his friends, only to do you good. I hope you will con- tinue your kindness to him, and treat him as my child. I hope 270 APPENDIX. tribe, and one whose influence is great. He appears to be of pregnant genius, an aflable temper, benevolent, steady, judi- cious, manly, and has always been friendly to the English, A protector and steady friend to dear 3Ir. Kirkland, amidst per- ils and dangers too many and great to relate and describe in a letter. They came to Hartford, while the general assembly were sitting: the governor and company showed him great respect, and made a handsome entertainment for him. The governor delivered him a speech, and received his answer, {Mr. Kirkland being their interpreter) much to the satisfaction and admiration of the whole assembly. After this they made them a present of £20. The black general was much affected with their kindness and respect, and marvelled much to find the country so peopled. He was lame with the gout or rheuma- tism, or he would have gone to Boston. He seemed much affected with my representation of the wretched and miserable condition of his nation, &c. and gave ni to it (I believe heartily) that we were the people whom God loves, and that they had been cast off by him a long time. He said he would go and tell his nation what I had said, and w hat he believed ; but, said he, they will all rise up against me, when I do so. We clothed him in scarlet, and sat him on a sprightly horse (instead of a very mean one, which he brought with him.) He was greatly pleased and affected with my school, and was often so affected with the ignorance and bru- tality of his own people, that he would sometimes talk with Mr. Kirkland, and weep a great part of the night, and some- times seemed almost overwhelmed with sorrow. Now, said he, I fmd all those things, which Mr. Kirkland had told me, and a great deal more, are true. He often spake of the corruption of manners among the Indians, since their acquaintance with our traders and soldiers. And indeed it seems these have made them sevenfold wbrse than the devil could make them. Mr. Kirkland was ordained the 1 9th ult. and a solemn assem- bly indeed we had on that occasion. APPENDIX. 271 David Fotvler, after being detained about three weeks by sickness, returned from Oneida the 27th ult. in company with M , one who kept a school among the jMohawks last year, and W , one of his own scholars ; and would have been accompanied also by one of the chief men of that tribe, had he not been detained to condole the death of his uncle, the chief warrior of that nation. David also gave account of several murders of Indians, com- mitted by the English, which Sir William Johnson feared would baffle all his endeavors for peace, as he writes me by David. This rupture has dfsconcerted my plan for this year, as it shuts up our way to the Oneidas and Senecas. I am sensible, my dear sir, of my obligations to you, and have been sometimes soHcitous what return of gratitude to make suitable thereto, and can find none ; but this is enough that your work and reward too, is with the Lord, ''who is not un- righteous to forget your works and labors of love, which you have showed towards his name." I am. Rev. and Dear Sir, Yours, in our glorious head, &c. ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. To the Rev. N. Whitaker. Lebanon, July 30, 1766. My very Dear Brother, I wrote you a few days ago via Boston, and referred you to mine of the same date to Mr. Whitefield, as I must in this also. I never was so continually full, and crowded with business, for so long time togetlier, as I iiave been of late. I have made it my care that my ministry should not be blamed. I depend wholly upon agriculture for my support; and I have still as much, and intirely as ever. The care of my school, and every thing that concerns the missionaries, and the planning all their missions, and all provisions of every kind for that purpose. 272 APPENDS. But God helps me. I enjoy peace and contentment, which is a continual feast. I am much satisfied with the course Providence has taken in. the disposal of missionaries and school masters this year. It appears to me that the present rupture is permitted in great wisdom, and in kindness to this design, and is exactly of apiece with the tenor of God's past ways toward this undertaking. And I hope, when I can hear that the schools are settled, 1 shall be able to inform you that I have nearly two hundred of the poor wretched children at school, under the instruction of my boys in the wilderness. Notwithstanding the way to the Oneidas and Senecas is shut up by the present rupture; how wonderful is the progress of this design already ! Eight years ago no body thought of any probability of introducing a school master into those parts, if an attempt should be made, excepting at Onohaguage, and there to have but ten or twelve children. I trust you received the power of attorney I sent you fronci Boston, and will be able to act any thing you shall think ad- viseable in this affair. I neglect writing to dear Mr. S because I suppose he will be on his passage to me before this arrives ; if not, communicate this to him as though it had been directed to him. Give my love to Mr. O , and accept as much as ever yourself^ from. My Dear Sir, Your right straight hearted Brother, ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. From Mr, William Livingston. ■ New York, Nov. 27, 1766. Itev. Sir, I have seen your letter to Mr. B , of the 9th inst. ac- companied by that of Mr. K to you of the 20th of Au- APPENDS. 273 gust last. The contents of the latter, respecting Mr. W 's success, cannot bat be extremely agreeable to every one that wishes well to your truly christian and benevolent desi^-n of promoting the gospel among the heathen. The proposal for settling on Penn's land or any where else in the way of townships, I cannot approve of. On the contra- ry, I think the gospel should be sent among the Indians by people of their own color, educated at your school, with such missionaries as are best qualified for the service. And I think the first impression ought to be made upon the six nations, who take the lead in every thing among all the tribes in alliance with Great Britain. Pray God to prosper your design, and that you may see abundant fruits of your pious labors in this life, as they will un- doubtedly be your crown of glory in the next. I am, your most humble servant, WILLIAM LIVINGSTON„ Frmi Mr. T. Knap. London, March 30, 1767. Rev. Sir, As your school is instituted for universal good, so 1 have sent you a present of half a dozen books of universal use, be- ing a collection of favorite tunes, that are used by all the dif- ferent denominations among us. Sir, I beg the favor, that what is to spare, besides what you keep for your own use, may be given to those, who will make the best use of them, and that you would be so kind as to convey those, that are directed to the Uev. Mr. Kirkland, and Mr. David Foivier, safe and as soon as possible ; and you will oblige. Rev. Sir, Yours, &c. T. KNAP. P. S. I have called a new tune in page 72, Lebanon, out of respect to you. 35 ^74 APPENDIX. To Mr. Whilaker. Lebanon, April 16, 1767. Kev. and Deai- Sir, Four days ago Mr. Kirkland arrived ; his state of health is better than it was ; he seems at last fuily convinced that he myst for a while abate of his labors and fatigues, or soon quit the whole service. The account he gives, is, in the main, very agreeable ; the Indians of that town are almost universally at- tached to him ; cannot bear a word of his leaving them ; they have made a great proficiency in the school in reading and sing- ing; of the latter he says, I cannot speak too well ; it is quite beyond what any vvill conceive, unless they could hear them ; he says he hears no such singing in the country; they carry three parts with great exactness, and many of them yet eager to improve further in tlie art. This is all new, and beyond what was ever yet known among Indians; many of them say, they never knew such pleasure before ; that it is worthwhile to be christians, if they had nothing more by it, than the plea- sure of singing praises to God. And to assist them further, Mr. Kirkland has already begun, and designs to go on, to translate psalms and hymns into their language, and fit them to tunes. This is surprising and aftecting to some that came among then\ from foreign tribes. At present there is a great reformation among them as to their morals; there have been but two drunk belonging to that town since December l3th, and one of them was the only one of that town, who opposed Mr. Kirkland's measures. On that day, Mr. K. (after many unsuccessful at- tempts to put a stop to that vice) called the town together and told them, if they would all of them, men and women, old and youu'^'", agree and solemnly engage to leave ofi'their drunkenness, and enable him to put such determination in execution, by ap- pointing six or eight of their chief men to be with, and assist him therein^with full power to seize all intoxicating liquor and destroy it, or dispose of it as he should think proper, he would tarry with them, otherwise he would leave them. Therefore, atppendix. 275 after four days consideration, they unanimously appointed eight, whom Mr. Kirkiand nominated, who have been very of- ficious and faithful in the affair. And the success of this step has heen such, that, notwithstanding about eighty kegs or casks of rum have, since that time, been carried through that town, and offered for sale, and in a number of instances offered freely, as a present, and their acceptance strongly urged, yet they have never in one instance been prevailed upon to ac- cept it ; steadily replying, when urged to it, it is contrary to the minister's word, and our agreement with him. A number have publicly made confession of their past drunkenness and other vices. And to two in particular above the rest, Mr. K. hopes God has granted repentance unto life. This has had a very dilierent effect upon the Indians of old, Oneida, where Mr. K. was sent last spring, but left them for want of health, as 1 inforrried- 3'ou. Two of the principal men of that town, have returned to live under Mr. K's instruction the rest of the town are generally in opposition to the reforma- tion begun, and to Mr. K. as the instrument of it; the enmity is so great, that near relations as brothers "and sisters have not visited one another since the aforesaid agreement. A number of that town have been trying every artifice to overthrow, and prevent the progress of the reformation, on which account Mr. K. designs, after a very short visit, to return himself, and not trust the affair to a stranger. I take this account from his own mouth. The school there has been well conducted under David Fowler. Your most cordial Brother, &c. ELEAZAR WHEELOCK. Rev. N. JVhitaker. , 9>7G APPENDIX. From the Rev, Ezra Stiles, D. D. Newport, Nov. 4, 1767. Pvev. Sir, I have taken the liberty, through your hands, to address Mr. "Kirklaiid, with a request for some information respecting the antiquities of the Indians ; more particularly with the view of procuring some account of a rock, said to be charged with In- dian characters. Your communication with the tribes, gives you opportunity of much information. I have, therefore, sent Mr, Kirkland's letter open and shall be obliged to you for an answer to any of the questions, especially as I can scarcely expect one for Oneida till next spring. Permit me to request that you would do me the favor to seal and forward it. I have found a rock on Rhode Island, charged with characters, though unintelligible. I intend to transmit a drawing of it to the Royal Society, and would join with it, that which I request of Mr. Kirkland, if I could be so happy as to procure it. I beg leave. Sir, to congratulate you on the honor done you by the University of Edinburgh, in conferring on you the doctorate in divinity, and on the success of your application to Europe, for the fund of your Indian Academy. This, in my opinion, is a noble institution, and I sincerely pray the bless- ing of heaven upon it. It affords almost the only prospect of christianizing the American aboriginals. May you be carried successfully through all your evangelical labors, for the inter* est of the Redeemer's kingdom. I am. Rev. Sir, Your unworthy Fellow laborer in the gospel, EZRA STILES. Rev. Doctor WJicelock. APPENDIX. 277 From the Indian Council, Nanrigansett. Narragaiisett, December 8, 1767. Reverend Sir, As you are in some measure sensible, that we are in trib- ulation on account of our lands, being disposed of contrary to our minds, we would let you know, that our trouble is aggra- vated by the resolve of the last Assembly ; that we must send home for redress, or sulier ourselves to be ruined. We are truly sorry, we are obliged to take Toby and Jolm from their study ; but as we have none so capable of doing business as they are, we are obliged to. We hope it will not incur your displeasure ; hope you will remember, that we let you know by a letter last spring, that if we wanted their as- sistance we must have it. We are thankful for the degree of learning you have given them already ; also your notice of us in writing to Sir William, which vvas to our profit. We hope to receive yet, greater benefits by your school. Rev. Sio we heartily subscribe ourselves. Your obedient humble servants. SAMUEL NILES, JAMES NILES, - t^, JOSEPH GIFFIN, f . ^}'^ TH031AS LEWIS, H, '^", EPHRALM COYER, \ '-ouncil. ROGER WOBBY, J I From the Ret. Thomas Gifford, D. D. London, March 5, 1768. Rev. and Dear Sir, I have, as Dr. Whitaker will witness, exerted myself in favor of the errand, upon which he and his colleague visited our kingdom. I am glad that Providence has crowned their application with so much success, and shall be glad to hear that you are abundantly blessed in your great and good-under- taking. O that the wilderness, and the solitary places may blossom and rejoice before your sacred endeavors, and that the 278 APPENDIX. day may come, Nvhen Indian Savages shall bow to the septre of the great Emanuel, and be partakers of that salvation, which is in him, with eternal glory ! Dr. Whitaker has met with dif- ficulties, as he will undoubtedly inform you ; bu". I have no reason to apprehend him other than a good and worthy man ; and as I have shared him my friendship during his stay in our country, so I parted with him as my friend, and most heartily pray that God would own him and bless hini, as his good and faithful servant, as I trust he is. I remain. Sir, your affectionate friend and servant, THOMAS GIFFORD. From the Rev. Doctor G. A. Frajick,'^ of Hall in Saxony, to J. Thornton, Esq. Treasurer of the Trust in London. July 8, 1768. SIR, I feel a singular joy for the good work which God is bringing about among the heathen nations, by the Rev. Dr. Wlieelock ; I have also the joyful satisfaction to see that the Lord has excited a pious and charitable Lady, on reading these accounts, to assign one hundred crowns, or ofl?, lOs. sterling, for this excellent institution of the Rev. Dr. Wheelock's ; and as Sjhe has put the money into my hands to transmit the same, it gives me double satislaction, that even from Germany sonie benefaction is made for promoting the kingdom of Christ a- mong the North American Indians, and that 1 am honored to be the channel of the gift. It is but small indeed, and unbe- lief might suggest, that such a trifle was not worth the sending twice over the sea : iaith, however, is sure that all such bene- factions do remain in the hand of the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth, who by his blessing is able to make that very trifle conducive to promoting his honor and glory, and * Son and successor of the eminently i)ious and benevolent Founder of the <^rp!