Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III

Barclay, who was now a missionary in the city of Xew-York, it was said, liad been a faithful and zealous instrucrv-r *ii' the Indians, but his situation, as I was informed, was made uncomfortable by his neighliours; and his support being scanty, he left them and Mr. Oglevie was his successor, and now in office. This gentleman had many amiable qualities; but he finally removed to New-York, and succeeded Dr. Barclay also at that place. *****

In the year 1748, tliis Board had sent upon tlie same mission Mr. Elihu Spencer.* who could not surmount tlie obstacles he met with. But these Indians having, sundry of them, particularly .!■ .iiah, ShcTrrack, and some otliers, by coming to Stockbridge manifested a thirst for christian knowledge, the commissioners were encouraged to make another attempt to carry tlie gospel to them : they did all they could to encourage it. Money was not wanting in their treasury ; and the company in London were able to answer their bills, when more was called for, and were ready to do it.

* Rev. Dr. Spencer finaUy settled at Elizabeth-town in New Jersey, as prertdent Dickinson's successor.

TO BROOME COUNTY. 1037

It was agreed that Deacon Woodbridge* being a man long acquainted with the business, and a gentleman of abilities, should accompany me into their country, and introduce me to the Indians, with whose manners and language I had gained some acquaintance and had been acceptable in my school, &c. It was also agreed that Mrs. Ashley sliould be our interpreter; and that Benjamin Ashley, her husband, should be employed, and have a salary. This could not be avoided, if we had his wife ; but he was a fenatick, and on that account unfit to be employed in the mission. His wife was a very good sort of woman, and an extraordinary interpreter in the Iroquois language.