ent proposal is to go to Boston & settle
affairs--thence to Salem & visit dear Doctor Whitaker--thence perhaps
to Portsmouth--then either return & accompany Madam & Family to Cohos
(which I think of doing if I can get back in season)--or go directly
from Portsmouth to Cohos--in either case I hope to be with the Doctor
within a month. I want much--I long to see you. I want to do more,
much more than I am able, to assist in removing--but the wise Governor
of the Universe seems to forbid my doing much. I desire to commit the
conduct of affairs to him. I shall endeavour as far as I am able to
comply with all the D^r desires in his letters--shall carry the letter
to M^r Whitefield to Boston myself. I shall write to M^r Keen a
general Sketch of affairs. I hope to be able when I see the D^r & the
Trustees meet to be able to determine what to do the ensuing winter.
This Parish have M^r Potter to preach next Sabbath & expect M^r Austin
after that. M^r Austin is now asleep in your house. I expect M^r
Wheelock will be at home the last of next week or beginning of week
after. Mary & Cloe I expect will ride up in the Carts. Porter, Judson
& Collins are to set out next Monday (at their desire) that they may
assist in making preparation. School must (I think) unavoidably break
up till they remove. Scholars have been much engaged in study
(especially in the Art of Speaking) since the Doctor went away. If
Scholars are engaged Instructors must be so too--and if Instructors
are diligent and faithful, Scholars will make improvement. We cannot
learn that the duty on tea is taken off; and I expect difficulty in
disposing of Bills; but shall do the best I can. I have tho'ts of
carrying a Set to Boston. Is it not best to desire Miss Zurviah
[Sprague] not to engage herself in business 'till the Doctor's mind
can be known respecting her going to Cohos--I know not where one can
be had to supply her place (omnibus consideratio)--will the D^r write
his mind respecting it in his next? I have many things to say; but it
is now between 1 & 2 o'Clock in y^e morning, and I find nature flags.
I could get no other time to write. I have neither time nor strength
to copy, therefore hope the D^r will excuse the scrawl from him who is
with much duty & esteem Rev^d & hon^d Sir,

"Your obedient and humble Serv^t.
"Beza Woodward.

"N. B. Family are all asleep. Please give love to Ripley &c. &c.

The "Memoirs of Wheelock" contain the following paragraph