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A Letter from Phillis Wheatley, 1774

The American Revolution, 1763-1783 The American Revolution
BACKGROUND OF LETTER

Phillis Wheatley was born in Africa and brought to Boston on a slave ship in 1761. She was only 7 or 8 years old at the time and was purchased by John Wheatley. Phillis was quick to learn the English language and, without attending school, she learned how to read and write. She became interested in poetry and began to compose her own verses. In 1773, at age 19, a volume of her poems was published in London. The Wheatley family treated her more like a family member than a slave, and in this 1774 letter she describes her feelings at the death of her mistress, Mrs. Wheatley.
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Highlights
March 21, 1774

Dear Obour,

I recd. your obliging Letter, enclosed in your... Pastor's & handed me by his Son. I have lately met with a great trial in the death of my mistress, let us imagine the loss of a Parent, Sister or Brother the tenderness of all these were united in her.--I was a poor little outcast a stranger when she took me in, not only into her house but I presently became, and honor in her most tender affections, I was treated by her more like her child than her servant, no opportunity was left union proud, of giving me the best of advice, but in terms how tender? how engaging! this I hope ever to keep in remembrance. Her example by life was a greater monitor than all her precepts and Instruction thus we may observe of how much greater force example is than Instruction.....

I am very affectionately your Friend.
Philles Wheatley

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  Last updated 03/14/2005