Memorandum regarding Care of the School at Stonington

The particular branches of trouble and charge, in taking care of the school at Stonington, are such as these:

At the first setting up this school, I spent many days before I could find a master that suited the Indians.

In common, it takes me considerable time, in riding or writing to procure a master; as I have been obliged to employ many. 

Examining the candidate and opening the school, by advice to the master and direction to the scholars

Settling unreadiness that have frequently arisen among the Indians, on account of the school

Procuring a house or room to hold the school in

Examining the children to see if they are well instructed, and what proficiency they make

Calling all that have learned, at this school, together at times, to see if they have retained their learning, and exciting them to diligence, by proper motives

Frequent interruptions in my study and business at home, by the master and others, applying to me for directions and help, in the affairs of the school, which always occasions the expense of provisions

Soon after the master begins his quarter, I begin to pay him of my own money, orders etc., and the balance must always be ready and paid at the quarter’ end.  The borrowing, paying and settling of which costs much time and riding many miles, before I find a man to take an order.

Procuring paper and books, in the intervals of a supply from the commissioners,1which I pay of my own money, and distributing the books among them, which is hard to do without giving offense.

Besides, though not immediately connected with the school, it costs me a good deal of time and some perplexity to distribute the blankets, given by the commissioners, so as to do right and keep them from murmuring.

Notation:  Care of the School at Stonington

• 1. As the local agents for the Company for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England and parts adjacent in America, referred to more commonly as the New England Company, the Board of Commissioners administered money raised in England for the evangelization of Native Americans.