Harvard University. Corporation. Records of Grants for Work among the Indians, 1720-1812. Letters from Gideon Hawley to Samuel Langdon, 1778. UAI 20.720 Box 1, Folder 25, Harvard University Archives.

Mashpee, 11th {August} 1778

{Reverend} & {Honorable} Sir,

In addition to the common distresses of the day, [Mrs.?] Hawley's long languishing sickness & death and the state of my motherless children since that most sorrowful event and our present prospects all encrease the expenses of my family; which have indeed been often kindly aleviated by the timely & liberal charities of my distant friends as well as, the daily [?] of my neighbours & poor people which have been conferred in a manner infinitely obliging.

I therefore present my humble duty to the Corporation of Harvard College & beg their Board would pledge in their wisdom & goodness to take my circumstances to heart & contrive some way whereby my salary from their funds, which the 2nd of this instant will be thirteen quarters or Ninety seven Pounds & ten Shillings in arrears may be remitted.

The Commissioners of the Company in London for Propagating the Gospel Among the Indians, about six months ago, (enabled me for my salary from them) enabled me to draw a bill of exchange on the Company's treasuries and if the Corporation of College would adopt a similar mode or could contrive any other whereby my salary might be paid and made as good as English bills for that sum at the time I might draw for it; it would be very grateful to me. With the greatest respect, I am, {Reverend} & {Honored} Sir your most {humble} {Servant}

Gideon Hawley

To President Langdon

{Reverend} Mr. Hawley Letter {August} 11 1778

Mashpee 10th {December} 1778

{Reverend} & {Honored} Sir,

I thank you for your kind & sympathizing Favor of 10th ult. which is just come to Hand. ____With humble Gratitude I beg to advise you that by one means or another I have been supported in my mission beyond all Expectations. and am under no Temptation to doubt, but, have every Consideration to invite me, to confide in that good Providence, which hath in every Stage & Change of Circumstances been mindful of me, as I have been passing thro' Life.

I thank you for laying my Letter before the Corporation and them for considering & deliberating upon it and the Advises you now transmit me relative thereunto. At pressent I desire no more. I wish for some expedient to aleviate our {common} sufferings and for the support of the College Funds, which I pray the friends of that institution may ever attend to, as one of the most important Interests that concerns our Country.

You will permit me to say, that I have had invitations to preach, and might have offers to settle, in good parishes; but shall not at present quit my Mission, for any other Business or Situation in Life. I am, {Reverend} Sir, with great respect your most {humble} {servant}

{Gideon} Hawley

President Langdon

{Reverend} Mr. Hawley's Letter {December} 10. 1778