Harvard University. Corporation. Records of Grants for Work among the Indians, 1720-1812. Letter from Natick Indians to the Harvard Corporation, January 1, 1753. UAI 20.720 Box 1, Folder 10, Harvard University Archives.

{Honored} and {Revered} Sirs,

Whereas God in his holy and righteous Providence, hath taken away our late worthy Pastor, by death; and we are now as Sheep with out a Shepherd; and being desirous of a resettlement; and as the greatest part of the maintenance of ye ministry at Natick, comes from the hands of Yourselves, and the {Commissioners} of ye Corporation for propagating ye Gospel in New England, &c: We thought it proper to advise with Some of this corporate Body, whither it would not be proper to keep a day of Fasting, and Prayer, to ask of God, direction and Success in ye Same; and in order [illegible]--- then to we ask the Countenance & Assistance of Your Selves, with Some of our Neighbouring Ministers.

We Humbly ask leave to Subscribe our Selves, Yours &c:

Natick {January} 1. 1753

John Sawin Laird Morse Jonathan Richardson Michael Bacon Jonathan Carver {Thomas} Sawin Micah Whitney Peletiah Morse William Peabody William Morse

Joseph his mark [mark] Ephraim Jacob Chalcom Nathaniel Hill John Ephraim Benjamin [mark] Tray his Mark Josiah Soodvik Isaac Ephraim Jeremiah Comacho

[at bottom edge] [illegible]

[note at upper right edge, at 90 degree angle, clockwise]

Letter from Natick people after Mr Peabody's death { January} 1st 1758

[center of page, at 90 degree angle counter clockwise]

To the {Reverend} Mr Edward Holyoke one of the Corporation of Harvard Colledge