JOHN WHEELOCK'S EUROPEAN JOURNEY

THIS STORY of the European Journey of President John Wheelock,as written by him following his return to Hanover isedited by Prof. Leon B. Richardson, author of the recently publishedtwo-volume History of Dartmouth College. This is the secondand concluding installment of the first publication of PresidentWheelock's manuscript.

III

WE SAILED from Helverslange about the first of July, landed at Hardwich, and arrived at Lon- don on the sth of that month.13 The day after our arrival we waited on Mr John Thornton14 of Clap- ham as we thought (the Earl of Dartmouth being in the country) our first respect due to an old bene- factor. He was civil & kind. He desired us to spend the following day and night with him. As to a solic- itation, he thought the spirit of the nation for the present would not admit of the measure and as to the Scotish fund he said it might be proper to use endeavours, but he fully believed we should not get a penny. He objected to writing as he had no acquaintance with the members of the Board at Edinburgh, and referred us to Mr. Mackintosh, Sec- retary to the London board, but he refused to inter- fere in the matter. After this I waited on Mr Griffith with Dr Maclains letter at Turnham Green. He wished success to our objects, and introduced us to Doctor Rose,15 as the most proper person to render services on the occasion. Those tiro very valuable gentlemen were our true and attentive friends. They made a good inquiry, and consulted with their acquaintance about charities for piety and human- ity in the western world. It appeared the common voice, that, though the Britains wanted &: sought our trade, their spirit would revolt in giving. But Dr Rose, expecting the Arch Bishop of York at London this winter, 8c being a particular acquaintance of his, said he would consult him, 8c use his influence 011 the subject; and would observe & improve to the best advantage the first favorable change of popular feelings.

I opened to them the affair of the fund at Edin- burgh. Mr Griffith happened to be acquainted with Mr Strahan16 the Kings printer, and member of Pat liament for Scotland: and with John Spottis- woode, F.sq. the Scotch Attentat I.ondon. He offered to introduce us to them as most likelv to he useful to our cause. We accepted his goodness: hut as the recommendations were not properlv calculated for our new meridian. We applied to the l arl of Dart- mouth (who had just arrived from the country) for a testimonial. He is a most sincere friend to the Institution, as appeared by his conversation and letters to me while in I ngland. His I.ordship reach 1 v complied with my desire, and the other trustees fol- lowed him in amply testifying they were fully con- vinced and persuaded that all the monies in their hands for the use of the School had been expended with fidelity, economy, and prudence by Dr Whee- lock, and that the same design had been invariably observed bv him and his successor, as far as the times and circumstances could possibly allow.17 Govt Wentworth18 also signed another testimonial not less to the purpose as late governor of New Hamp- shire, and made several remarks from his personal knowledge of the Society and the expenditures of benefactions. These being prepared, I delivered Mr Griffith's letter to Mr. Spottiswoode, who was ready to assist us; and at my desire wrote to Dr Frskine,11' as we were unknown to one another. He returned a short answer, that the removal of the school front Connecticut was never approved of by the Scotch Society—That, in consecjuence of its removal, the board of Correspondence in that colony, established by them at the particular desire of Doctor Whcelock (the nomination of most of the members being made by him) was of course dissolved, and new arrange- ments necessarily took place.—That nothing could be done till public affairs were settled; and not then, unless certificates should previously be ob- tained from the Boston 01 New Jersey Board, and that he had discoursed with Mr Forrest, who was of the same opinion—But that any application from Mr Wheelock would be attended to the Board at Edinburgh (though he should be absent) if directed to Mr Forrest their Secretary.

In consequence of the above I wrote a long letter to Mr Forrest as Secretary, and in that enclosed the credentials—l urged that the money was collected by Messrs Whitaker and Occom, and deposited in their care for the use of the School—That the same design had been uniformly and invariably observed from the first which the Credentials avouched: and that the accounts of expenditures had been regularly examined and approved as just by public authority. That the same object could not be prosecuted unless we can be invested with the means designed for it. Supposing, said I, that some disagreeable circum- stances attended the removal of the School; yet, if the design was better subserved by a situation more free from temptation, and more contiguous to the natives than the one in Connecticut, if the interest of the School was inhanced by a removal; and finally, if its distance is greater from the Boston & N. Jersey boards than formerly, there is as strong and indeed a stronger reason than at the first why we should act distinct from them—These facts I urged were evident to the world, and then appealed to their justice, virtue,- humanity, and piety; and presumed that they would at least allow us the use of the interest of the fund. I then proposed that they should organize a Board of correspondence; and first recommended the Trustees of the College as proper persons, their object being the same; 2 ly a number of good orthodox Prysbeterian (sic) ministers in the vicinity of the School, or 3 ly that I should draw the money myself on their Society. I desired, if the enclosed credentials could be of no material service he would return them to me by the first opportunity as there were no duplicates. Mr. Forrest returned an answer, that, in consequence of my letter, a Committee was appointed to examine into the records, and assured me the Board would do justice, 8c act as near as possible in the disposal according to the interest of the donors. He wrote that they would inform me so soon as matters could be determined. He did not return the Credentials. Mr Spottiswoode soon after set off for Edinburgh; and engaged to see & converse with Mr Forrest on the matter, and render what services he could. I informed him minutely of affairs, and gave some of the last narratives, which he took with him to Scotland. In the course of two or three days after near the end of September I received from Mr Woodward20 a letter enclosing the copy of another from Mr Higginson, demanding immediate payment for a bill of £1OO Ster. protested many years since by that board but by some accident miscarried in the return. I sent the letter immediately to Mr Forrest, and earnestly solicited a speedy decision, observing the injurious consequences that must be entailed on myself & other individuals, if they continued their protest, the amount being honestly accounted for in the expenses of the School. And as to ourselves we could not, for we had nothing to pay it.21

The other object, which we had in view, was the procuring an apparatus and addition to the library. I proposed to see Govr Wentworth on the subject of the former and Doctr Phillips generous donation22 of £3OO in his hand, before he left England, as he had no thoughts of departing before Spring: But very unexpectedly he received positive orders (a few hours notice only being given) from his majority to go to Hallifax, in the execution of his Commission as Surveyor General of the American woods.23 This I was informed of just before he sailed, and wrote him a penny post letter, desiring an interview on that subject, or intelligence respecting the donation for that purpose, but received no return. After which I went to Mr Paul Wentworth,24 a late member of Parliament, & agent to the king at the Hague, supposing him to be best acquainted with that affair. He politely informed that the governor a little before the beginning of the war sent a bill to him of about an £1OO Sterling to purchase an apparatus;—that, by the public dispute com- munications being prevented the articles of the apparatus, which had been finished and ready, were sent to Russia;—and that the Govr when he arrived, on the settlement of accounts received the money back, which was all that he knew. We told Mr Went- worth the College was in great expectation of receiving one; that it was much wanted, and that my object then was to procure it by the benificence of the generous & good. He cheerfully engaged to assist; and promised an atlas and a large pair of globes as his personal favor. Upon his own request I gave him a Catalogue of the most essential instruments now wanted; which he should probably procure. We visited Doctor Rose and proposed our plan. He presented the seven mechanical powers; procured before our depar—a thermometer, barometer &c., and will see that the apparatus is completed among the friends to the Institution by the Spring.25 He gave besides some very valuable books & others promised to give. The Doctr is a gentleman of influence, ability, and opulence: and engaged to pay the same attention to the affair as if we ourselves should have tarried in England, and that the whole should be ready to be shipped on my order in May or June. He also offered his service in laying out the Donation of Colonel Atkinson26 in books, and also the donation in Govr Wentworth's hands according to the mind of the donor & Trustees if he could receive the Bills and orders, and would send the purchase with the other benefactions.

Besides the characters mentioned, Doctor Price,27 whom I well knew, manifested much friendship to the Institution in the visits which we exchanged; as did also many other respectable persons—All our affairs in great Britain lying in such a situation, I was clear in my conclusion that the necessity of a longer stay was wholly superceded. We therefore concluded to embark for America; and taking leave of our friends we left London about the first of October and went to Gravesend where we tarried five days for that place we departed to Pool which we left about the 20th of the month and sailed in the fine Briggantinee Peace & Plenty with an exceeding good Commander, Captain Callahan.

IV OUR PASSAGE was very uncomfortable, as the weather was changeable and gales numerous and sometimes violent—East of the Banks of New found Land in a violent wind the vessel was dismasted and a heavy sea shipped which washed away the live stock on deck, and most of the quarter raves—Destruction then iminently threatened us, but the ship rode, and we survived the shock. A calm soon ensuing, a jury mast was erected, and the vessel fitted in the course of three days. Nearly three weeks after this expired when the Captain reached the port at Hallifax. We were out nine weeks from Pool to this place, not able to lay our course eight & forty hours during that time. Making the Port at Halifax was attended with one particular agreeable circumstance. As by that means I had an opportunity of seeing Govr Wentworth on the subject before mentioned. I mentioned to him the affair. He said the money lay deposited in London & ready for the designed use—when I first mentioned to him the sum of £3OO he thought it was not quite so much, but afterwards said he believed it to be about that sum which he received, though he had none of the papers as he left most of his things being obliged to leave England so suddenly & unexpectedly, but could ascertain it by the Spring as his Checks would be forwarded to him in that time. I saw him five times on the Subject and agreable to my desire he wrote me a letter to be communicated to the trustees in which he mentions the donation, and that he would immediately on notice dispose of the money for an addition to the Library or apparatus agree- able to the will of the Donor & inclination of the Board—He observed expressly that he should have done something before but public national disorders prevented.28

Govr Wentworth retains his friendship for the College as warmly as ever—we were often with him & received several kind invitations from him, his Excellency Govr Parr, Lieut Govr Tanning, and the clergy of the church of England who all offered their services & manifested sentiments of a great regard to the Institution.

VON THE 29th of December we sailed with a prosperous wind from Halifax. We had been out two days when a most violent north-east storm. The vessell was under a close reafed mainsail. The heavens grew more black 8c terrible, no observation could be taken for two days—till finally we found ourselves surrounded with breakers 8c about half after three in the morning of the second of January the ship beat upon the barr off the point of Cape Cod. The stern was in a few minutes driven in by the raging billows the room was filled with water. A large part of the goods & things in it were entirely lost; among the rest my strong box which contained my money 8c most important and valuable papers, not one of any consequence saved, except the letter of Govr Wentworth, which was accidently put into a trunk in another part of the vessel. I have therefore been furnished with no materials for this sketch but what I had in memory.29

We arrived at Boston about the 14th of the month; and after a stay there of six days (in which time we experienced many civilities and polite notices from a number of very respectable characters in that place) we took our leave for Dartmouth; & travelling by the way of Portsmouth arrived on the Ist Instant.

Besides the loss of many official papers, I lost near 200 private letters of Correspondence while in the different parts of Europe. Some I most dearly prized as they came from the hearts of my affectionate friends. Those who are from principle attached to the Institution, and who have it in their power to render most essential services to it in Europe— whether by procuring additions to compose the ornamental parts of an apparatus; to enlarge the library from time to time by the most modern writers; by collecting the natural curiosities of different nations and countries, which may compose a museum, or by improving opportunities as the times and feelings of mankind may admit to make contributions in money—ln short friends that are important give credit & stability & extensive avenues being opened make it useful. Such treasures are graciously handed to us from the rich stores of heaven, & to the Supreme governor be all the praise and glory.

Dartmouth College,yth February 1784.

P. S. I should not forget to mention, that (besides the letter which I received from the Commissioners at Amsterdam manifesting their intention to promote the design when the situation of Public affairs may admit in future time) a letter came to hand just before we left England from Mr Dumas, informing of the great & increasing uneasiness of the people of the Netherlands at the articles of peace. For this reason the introduction had been deferred at Dort; and he observed that the affair would not be promoted till the temper of the people should be calmed—and that he would forward to Philadelphia for the benefit of the Institution the money that may be collected. I received at the same time a letter from Dr Macclaine, mentioning the convulsed state of the inhabitants, and that he should deliver what might be collected in the circle of his acquaintance to the American minister at the Hague to be trans- mitted for the College in America. He expressed in the highest terms his affectionate sentiments of esteem & respect. I might add here that I had the pleasure of holding a steady correspondence with the Baron of Haserswoude and the parting expressions of that noble man in his last letter (which came to hand in the vessel just as we were setting sail) were so moving and friendly, that I can never forget them. I could swell this piece into a volume but I forbear, and shall only mention that I had the satisfaction of an acquaintance with Mr Stoe Secretary of the Southseahouse, In London, who proposed a correspondence, and offered his services at my command in any time.

On account of the disaster with which the expedition terminated, it is impossible to arrive at a fair estimate of its success. Evidently the result was less satisfactory than had been hoped for. Most of the Dutch subscriptions seem to have remained unpaid. In subsequent years, when the president and trustees were at open war, this journey, among many other incidents of the administration, was made the subject of heated controversy. The trustees asserted "that the travelling charges would probably have purchased all the articles of apparatus and books which were procured by donation and purchase, so that John Wheelock got a trip to Europe at the expense of the College, and begged one-half enough to remunerate the board." On the other hand, the president's defender, Josiah Dunham, presented accounts to show that the proceeds of the journey amounted to $7,531.30. In this estimate, however, an exaggerated value was placed on the articles procured, and certain results were credited to the journey which probably would have been attained if it had never been made. Very likely neither the board nor Dunham was very near the truth, but it seems apparent that, in a financial sense, the efforts of John Wheelock upon this mission were not particularly fruitful.

IJ The two Wheelocks must have been among the first of Americans to enter England after the cessation of hostilities. 14 John Thornton, 1720-1790, opulent merchant in the Russian trade, prominent member of the Clapham sect, a member of the English trust, most constant of the English friends of the elder y\ heelock, and most generous in repeated gifts for his enterprises, l or him Thornton Hall was named. Dr. William Rose, 1719-1786, master of a successful boys' school at Chiswick, friend of Dr. Johnson. 16 William Strahan, 1715-1785, printer, publisher of the works of Gibbon, Adam Smith. Dr. Johnson. Blackstone and many other writers. 17 William, second Earl of Dartmouth, 1731-1801, for whom the College was named, chairman of the English trust. 1 ord Dartmouth seems to have concerned himself very little with the affairs of the College after registering an emphatic objection to the change of base from the Indian School in 1769. "I his expression of satisfac- tion with the use made of the English funds must have been highlv welcome and serviceable 111 meeting the objections of the Scotch Society, and in counteracting the assertions of the main enemies of the Wheelocks in America, who maintained that the monev had been wasted. "John Wentworth's friendship for the College, in evil times as well as good, was always to be relied upon. After being driven from Portsmouth in September, 1775, for a time he had remained in lloston, going then to Halifax and in 1776 to England, where he had since resided. He was shortly to return to America, but never again to New Hampshire. "Rev. John Erskine, 1721-1803, Scotch theologian, friend of Whitefield, a frequent correspondent of Eleazar Wheelock in the earlier days of the Indian School. 20 Bezaleel Woodward, 1745-1804, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy and Treasurer of the College, John Wheelock's brother-in-law, and in charge of finances during the absence of the President. 21 This is the beginning of the long struggle of successive presi- dents of the College to obtain the fund of £2500 collected for the Indian School by Whitaker and Occom in Scotland in 1767, and placed under the charge of the "Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge." After the founding of the College the officers of the Society were convinced that the funds were being improperly applied, and the elder Wheelock, in his latter days of great proverty, much to his exasperation was able to obtain practically nothing from them. The negotiations of his son with the Society, begun at this time, continued for a number of years, and, by adroit management, he was eventually able to secure over £lOOO to pay the debts of Moor's School. This sum was paid from accumulated interest and did not impair the principal of the fund. In 1800 he was further successful in obtaining annual grants from the interest of the fund to support Indian students in school and college, and this policy was continued, except for an interregnum from 1814 to 1827, down to 1891. During that time, how- ever, the attitude of the officers of the Society was generally one of suspicion and that of the presidents of the College one of veiled exasperation. As a result of the suggestion of President Bartlett that the direction of the fund should be somewhat changed, all payments were discontinued in 1891 and none have been made since that time. In 1922, by order of the highest court in Scotland, the fund was turned over to the Society for its general purposes. Through accumulations it had, at that time, increased to £10,246. 23 This gift, one of many from John Phillips, was made in 1772, and amounted to £175 L.M. (about $583) rather than £300, as stated. It had been placed in Governor Wentworth's hands for the purchase of a "philosophical apparatus" in England. 23 Governor Wentworth had been appointed to this office in 1766, simultaneously with his appointment as Governor of New Hamp- shire. The former appointment was renewed at this time. He was Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia from 1792 to 1808, and died in Halifax in 1820. 24 Paul Wentworth seems to have been a relative of the Governors but the exact relationship is not known. He was a man of much wealth with estates in the West Indies and a member of parliament. 35 In the following year Colonel Eleazar Wheelock Jr., brother of the President, visited England and secured the apparatus. Al- most certainly an orrery, and probably a standing telescope, still in the possession of the College, belong to this early collection. 25 In 1769 Theodore Atkinson, 1697-1779, Secretary of the Province of New Hampshire and a member of the board of trustees, had given £lOO for the purchase of books. Whether the reference is to this donation or to a subsequent one, not recorded, is uncertain. Much had been expected by the College from Col. Atkinson, as one of the few wealthy men in New Hampshire and without direct heirs, but these expectations seem to have been disappointed. 27 Dr. Richard Price, 1723-1791, non-conformist preacher, writer upon moral, economic and political topics, intimate friend of Franklin, and unwavering defender in England of the American cause. 23 Despite the promise of the Governor, he made no move to redeem his pledge. In 1790 the Legislature of New Hampshire voted that the sum of £361 L.M. should be taken from the confiscated estate of John Wentworth to pay the debt (including interest); a method of settlement which must have appealed to the latter as eminently suitable. An "apparatus" having already been provided, the money was applied toward the construction of Dartmouth Hall. 29 Letters from John Wheelock, still preserved, give a less restrained account of the disaster. At first, in the darkness of the storm, it seemed that no chance of rescue existed, and those on board the ship gave themselves up for lost. Through the exertions of the inhabitants of Provincetown, however, all the passengers and crew seem eventually to have been saved. For a number of days the President remained on the spot, walking the beach with the hope of recovering some of his possessions from the wreckage which was washing on shore, but with little success. He speaks in the highest terms of the skill, courage, and cool-headedness of Capt. Callahan, master of the vessel.