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

Could I have a plenty of fresh venison & bears flesh, I would do without bread, ye staff of Life. but to have little of either & ye most of y' little rotten, I think may be call'd coarse fare.

It was said in ye ancient puritanick times, yt man should not live by bread alone,--The Modern ages it seems have degenerated, especially in these parts, for we are like to be denied any bread at all.

I design (god willing) to be down about twenty days from hence. [ve wrote desiring Capt Butler to make ready Provision for me against my arrival, your Excellency approving y® same. I dont doubt but Rev' Mt Wheelock would think it expedient. it will be to y® credit of y® Design, as well as my comfort & support. Tho' success in my present undertaking be uncertain, J must make a trial of 3 or 4 years, yt I may answer with a clear Conscience before Almighty God. My obligations from without are considerable, but much greater from within. I submit it wholly to your Excellency, whose direction and advice I esteem infinitely preferable to my own; also for whose former undeserved kindness and condesention, I desire to renew most humble thanks. .

That Success & Prosperity may crown all your Excellency's undertakings. is ye sincere wish of him.--who is with greatest esteem

Your Excellencys most obedient & obliged humble servant S. Krrtianp.

His Excellency S* W™ Johnson.

P. S. I shall go down by water, with one or two Indians who have invited me to go with them for sake of learning y® Language. -