Letters of Phillis Wheatley and Susanna Wheatley
Author(s): Phillis Wheatley, Susanna Wheatley and Sara Dunlap Jackson
Source: The Journal of Negro History, Vol. 57, No. 2 (Apr., 1972), pp. 211-215
Published by: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2717232
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DOCUMENTS
LETTERS OF
PHILLIS WHEATLEY AND SUSANNA WHEATLEY
by
Sara Dunlap Jackson
Sara Dunlap Jackson is a member of the Research Staff of the National Historical
Publication Commission, National Archives. She expresses acknowledgement for the
kind assistance given by the late Phillip May Hamer, Editor of the Papers of Henry
Laurens; by Leonard Rapport, National Archives; and by Edwin Welch, Churchill
College.
A recent examination of the papers of the Countess of Huntingdon' in
the custody of the Archivist of Churchill College, Cambridge, England,
disclosed letters written to the Countess by the poet, Phillis Wheatley,2 a
copy of her poem "On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell, 1769"3 as well as
letters written by her mistress, Susanna Wheatley.
These rare extant letters, now printed for the first time, are shown
here without any changes in spelling, punctuation, additions or deletions.
The letters help to determine the exact date of Phillis Wheatley's stay in
London and to ascertain that the plans for the publication of her Poems
on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (London, 1773) were finalized
before she sailed for London. One letter indicates that at the time the Poet
learned of the illness of her mistress and planned to return to America
I Selina Hastings, 1707-1791,was a central figure in the evangelical revival movement
of the 18th century. She used her rights as a peeress and appointed evangelicalclergymen
as chaplains and built a number of chapels at various places. George Whitefield(17141770)was her favoritechaplain and she assisted him in his activitiesin America,especially
with the orphanage he founded in Georgia. The Countess was also interested in the
American Indians and assisted at the beginnings of Dartmouth College and Princeton
University. Through Mrs. Wheatley and others and because Phillis Wheatley addressed
the much publicized "On the Death of The Rev. Mr. George Whitefield . . . 1770" to
the Countess, she became familiar with the young African and was fascinated by her
work. She was instrumentalin having the volume, Poems On VariousSubjects,published
in London and insisted that the now famous frontispiece be included. This volume
was dedicated to the Countess.
2 Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753-Dec. 5, 1784) was born in Africa. When she was about
eight years old she was kidnapped and brought to Boston where she was purchased by
John Wheatley, a tailor. She responded immediately to her surroundings. Her master
wrote "Without any assistance from School Education and by only what she was taught
in the family, she, in sixteen months time from her arrival,attained the English Lanauage,
. . .to such a Degree as to read any, the most difficult Parts of the Sacred Writings,
to the great astonishment of all who heard her" (Poems on Various Subjects). Detailed
biographicalinformation and discussions of her poems are contained in The Poems of
Phillis Wheatley,Edited by Julian D. Mason, Jr. (Chapel Hill, 1966); Vernon Loggins,
The Negro Author (New York, 1931) and Charles F. Heartman, Phillis Wheatley: A
Critical Attempt and a Bibliography of her Writings (New York, 1915).
3 Joseph Sewall was for fifty-six years pastor of Boston's famous Old South Church.
Phillis Wheatley was a member of this church. The poem has been published and is
thereforenot printed here.
211
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JOURNAL OF NEGRO HISTORY
212
she had not seen the Countess of Huntingdon. The three letters written by
Phillis Wheatley are possibly the original of letters cited in the "Proposals,
For printing by subscription a volume of Poems and Letters on Various
subjects dedicated to the Right Hon. Benjamin Franklin Esq: One of the
Ambassadors of the United States at the Court of France" published in
The Evening Post and General Advertiser, Boston, October 30, 1779 and
reprinted on November 6, 27 and December 4, 11, 18, 1779. The volume
was never published, possibly because of the strain of the Revolutionary
War. Mrs. Wheatley's letters reveal the intensity of her religious faith as
well as her feelings about the young African.
It is reported that after the death of Phillis Wheatley her papers and
books were confiscated by her husband, John Peters, and that the copy of
Paradise Lost given to her by Brook Watson, Lord Mayor of London in
July 1773 was sold to pay his debts. Some of her books are now parts of
various library collections. It is hoped that in time still other letters of the
much praised poetess will be found.4
To the R.t Hon'ble the Countess of Huntingdon
Most noble Lady,
The Occasion of my addressing your Ladiship will I hope, apologize
for this my boldness in doing it. it is to enclose a few lines on the decease
of your worthy chaplain, the Rev'd Mr. Whitefield, in the loss of whom
I sincerely sympathize with your Ladiship: but your great loss which is
his Greater gain, will, I hope, meet with infinite reparation, in the presence
of God, the Divine Benefactor whose image you bear by filial imitation.
The Tongues of the Learned are insufficient, much less the pen of an
untutor'd African, to paint in lively character, the excellencies of this
Citizen of Zion! I beg an Interest in your Ladiship's Prayer and am,
With great humility
your Ladiship's most obedient
Humble Servant
Phillis Wheatley
Boston Oct.r 25th 1770
Most noble Lady
I have the pleasure to acquaint your Ladiship of the safe arrival of
the rev'd Mr. Page. Have been several times favored with his conversation,
from which I believe him a very serious good man & one who has the
4 Letters written by Phillis Wheatley to Arbour/Obour Tanner a friend from Africa
who lived in Newport, R. I. are in the MassachusettsHistorical Society. See the Proceedings. . . , VII, 1863-64,pp. 267-69; XV, 1876-77p. 386.
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213
DOCUMENTS
interest of the religion at heart. and I doubt not but will be made a great
and rich blessing. I am informed by a ievernd gentleman who has heard
him, that he preaches very clearly the Doctrines of Grace and we have
need of such able faithful ministers. I sincerely hope that your Ladiship's
endeavors for the interest of religion in this part of the World, will be
crown'd with great success. I wish you much of the Preference of God to
strengthen your heart. and carry your Ladiship thro' with such a great &
laudible undertaking: for one in your Ladiship's situation & distinction
in life it is with great astonishment we see the disinterestness, unwearied
deligence and delight with which your Ladiship spreads the blessed gospel
in those corners of the world which still remain in Darkness, & the shadow
of eternal Death. We are very sorry that the rev'd Mr. Mead was disappointed of his passage. but expected him in the first ship; and you may
be assur'd, that I shall bid him a hearty welcome to my House as his home,
and any other Itinerant Preachers which your Ladiship may please to send
this way: I shall think myself greatly honour'd in entertaining those who
are devoted to the cause of Christ. We have had the pleasure of the revd
Mr. Occum's company in Boston, and he resided at my house during his
stay. his preaching was universally admired. & I have reason to hope was
attended with divine blessing. Since the rev'd & worthy Mr. Whitefield
has ascended to the mansions of glory, I hope the ministers will catch his
mantle, and receive a double portion of the Spirit of Grace conspicuous
in him. It is my hearty desire that your Ladiship's life may be continued
to be still a Mother in Israel,........................................
I have reason to hope that Phillis has chosen the better part, and I
have a great deal of comfort in her. Begging an interest in your Ladiship's
prayers. I am, with utmost
Respect, Your Ladiship's most obedt. Humb. Servt.
Susanna Wheatley
Boston Feby 20th
1773
P.S.
When your Ladiship finds any of those
gentlemen this way please to direct them
to John Wheatley, Merchant in King Street Boston.
April 30, 1773
Madam
We were very much disappointed in not seeing the Rev'd Mr. Mead;
for the revd Mr. Page acquainted us that he believ'd he would come in
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JOURNAL OF NEGRO HISTORY
214
the first Ship: and as Capt Calef was the first expected we pleas'd ourselves
with the hopes that he would come with him.
Mr. Carey tells me that after the Rev'd Mr. Pierey has settled the
affairs at Georgia, he is to come this way and I am almost impatient for
his coming, for I hear he is an excellent Preacher, and we want some
Whitefield here.
Phillis being in a poor state of Health, the Physicians advise to the
Sea air and as my son is coming to England upon some Business and as
so good an opportunity presented I tho't it my duty to send her & as your
Ladiship has condesended to take so much notice of my Dear Phillis as
to permit her Book to Dedicate to you, and desiring her Picture in the
Frontispiece: I flatter'd my Self that your good advice and counsel will
not be wanting. I tell Phillis to act wholly under the direction of your
Ladiship. I did not think it worth while nor did the time permit to fit her
out with cloaths: -but I have given her money to Buy what you think most
proper for her, I like she should be dress'd plain. Must beg the favor of
your Ladiship to advise my son to some Christian Home for Phillis to
board at. and as you are so dispos'd to promote the good of souls I hope
you will not be wanting in your advices to my Dear Son. I remain very
respectfully,
Your Ladiship's most huml. Ser.t
Susanna Wheatley
Boston 30, April
1773
London
June 27, 1773
Madam
It is with pleasure I acquaint your Ladyship of my safe arrival in
London after a fine passage of 5 weeks in the Ship London with my young
master (advised by my physician for my Health) have Brought a letter
from Rich.d Carey Esqr. but was Disappionted by your absence of the
honour of waiting upon your Ladyship with it. I would have inclosed it,
but was doubtful of the Safety of the conveyance.
I should think my self very happy in seeing your Ladyship, and if
you was so desirous of the Image of the Author as to propose it for a
Frontispiece I flatter myself that you would accept the Reality.
I conclude with thanking your Ladyship for permitting the dedication
of my Poems to you; and am not insinsible, that under the partonage of
your Ladyship, not more eminent in the Station of Life than in your
examplary piety and virtues, my feeble efforts will be shielded from the
severe trials of uppity Criticism and, being encourage'd by your Ladyship's
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DOCUMENTS
215
Indulgence, I the more feebly resign to the world these Juvenile productions,
and am Madam, with greatest humility, your Dutiful Huml Ser t
Phillis Wheatley
Madam
I rec'd with mixed sensations of pleasure & disappiontment your
Ladiship's message favored by Mr. Rien acquainting us with your pleasure
that my Master & I should wait upon you in So. Wales, delighted with
your Ladiship Condescention to me so unworthy of it. Am sorry to acquaint
your Ladiship that the Ship is certainly to Sail next Thursday (on) which
I must return to America. I long to see my Friend there, (I am) extremely
reluctant to go without having first seen your Ladiship. It gives me very
great satisfaction to hear of an African so worth to be honored with your
Ladiship's approbation & Friendship as him whom you call your Brother.
I rejoice with your Ladiship in that Friend of Mental Felicity which you
cannot but be possessed of, in the consideration of your exceeding great
reward. My great opinion of your Ladiship's goodness, leads to believe,
I have an interest in, your most happy hours of communion, with your
most indulgent Father and our great & common Benifactor
With greatest humility I am
most dutifully
Your Ladiship's obed't Sevt
Phillis Wheatley
London July 17
1773
The Right Honble
The Countess
of Huntingdon
My master is yet undetermind about
going home, and sends his dutiful
respects to your Ladiship
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