Collection 156
[March 14, 2001]
Company for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England; 1649-
Letter Book; 1688-1761
1 Reel of Microfilm
Restrictions
Permission to reproduce any document or any part of any document in this collection must be secured from the:
Curator of Manuscripts
University of Virginia Library
Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
Historical Background
[The following background note is a word-for-word transcript from the finding aid accompanying the microfilm.]
The "Society for Propagation of the Gospel in New England" was chartered in 1649 for the purpose of converting the New England Indians. In 1661-1662 it was rechartered and named the "Company for Propagation of the Gospel in New England and the parts adjacent in America." The Company sponsored missionaries in America until the Revolutionary War at which time its missionary activities were turned to Canada. In 1961 it was still functioning under the name of the "New England Company."
The Company's function was that of a corporation. The revenues from its investments, chiefly in property, were sent to Commissioners in New England who in turn paid the missionaries or dispersed the funds as directed by the Company. The "Commissioners for Indian Affairs," as they were designated, were appointed by the members of the Company, and were usually Boston merchants or New England officials.
Scope and Content
[The following scope and content note is extracted from the finding aid accompanying the microfilm.]
The microfilm consists of a book of letters relating to the Company dating from 1688-1761. The majority of correspondents in the book are the Company's governors, secretaries or clerks, and treasurers who are writing to the Commissioners in America. Letters discuss affairs of the Company, requests and directives to the Commissioners, and financial matters. The Company's affairs concern the education of the Indians, with references to Harvard College and other schools supported by the Company, the providing of religious texts in translation, and the settlement of the Indians on their own separate lands. Financial matters concern the dispersal of funds sent the Commissioners, and attempts to collect money from the Company's investments in England. In addition, the book contains copies of various charters dating from 1662, financial receipts, deeds, indentures, and other legal papers. The book totals 322 numbered pages.
The arrangement of the items is generally chronological by year; however, within the year letters appear to have been copied at random. Documents, especially the charters, are not in chronological order. The Cross Reference List which follows consists of the names of selected correspondents. Researchers should consult the finding aid produced by the University of Virginia Library for more information on locating documents related to these individuals.
Provenance
The microfilm in this collection was purchased by the Archives.
No Accession #
November 13, 1980
Galen Wilson
LOCATION RECORD
Accession #: None
Type of Material: Microfilm
The following items are located in the CENTER LIBRARY MICROFILM ROOM:
Reel 1 - 35mm, positive copy. Letter book of the Company for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England; 1688-1761.