477 Samuel Dunbar to President Holyoke

    [Stoughton, February 14 1743/4]

    Reverend Sir,

    Having ben informed by one of the Reverend Overseers of the College, that Sam. Bird, an undergraduate has lately a second time ben called to an account for some of his misdemeanours and particularly for that freedom he took in railing against me, at one of his Holdings forth in the Town, and that he has repeatedly denied the same; I tho’t it proper and expedient to send you the inclosed Narrative of his proceding and preachment, that so he may, if possible, be convinced of his railing hypocrisy and falsehood: if you should think fit to look into this affair any more.

    These Gentlemen have given in nothing, but what, I believe, they would readily make oath to, were there need of it, and were they called to it; they have such a perfect remembrance and full assurance of this then extraordinary piece of conduct, tho’since it is become more common.

    They are men of a good character amongst us: the former subscriber has been chosen by this church to be a Deacon in it: the latter is a young man of exemplary modesty, seriousness, […] and piety.

    If this young Bird should hear the account of his management at that time, and the persons named, who subscribe and attest it, I cannot think he will have the conscience (if he have any) or the confidence (though I judge he has a sufficient stock of that) to repeat his denial. For these very persons then immediately expressed their dislike of his reviling me, and the latter especially entered into a clear debate with him upon it.

    Wishing the Divine blessing may rest upon the College, and that good order, useful Learning and excelling piety may be preserved and promoted in it, and that yourself especially the Head of it, may long continue to be (as at present you ar[e] […])

    I subscribe my […]

    Your very Humble servant

    Samuel Dunbar

    College Papers, 1. 83 (No. 172). There is a tear at the end of the letter. Samuel Dunbar (A.B. 1723) was minister of that part of Stoughton, which is now Canton. For testimony about Bird see No. 478.