Memory-[1840]

   “The committee in the Indian M. L. School has agreed to employ Mr. Currell shoe-maker at 350 dollars per year and bear his traveling expenses to the Institution; But if Mr. Currell becomes dissatisfied and should leave the Institution before the end of two years he must refund the money that he received for his expenses. The committee will take his tools, lasts, etc. at their valuation and will also take his stock of leather that he may have on hand.

   Mr. Currell is requested to make his arrangements to reach the Mission by the last of May.

   Mr. Edward Currell will go to the Mission for 350 dollars per year and is to be there by the last of May— The amount of stock which he will have on hand:— 24 calf skins at $39 per dozen—which is what they cost; 9 sides horse leather at $32 1/2 per dozen; 18 skin-linings $9.75 per doz.; 1/2 lb. bristles $2.60; thread, web, springs not known how much. There will be a little sole and heavy leather, though but little.

   Mr. Currell thinks Baltimore is the best market for leather. He also thinks the Institution ought to furnish him with vegetables for the first year as he will not be on in time to make a garden. If he is not wanted by the last of May he wishes to be informed by letter immediately. There will be as many benches for shoe-making as there will be boys put to the trade and one for the boss.

   A set of tools required for a shoe-maker:— A boot and shoe key; 2 giges, a light and a heavy one; 3 shoulder irons of different sizes; 1 raw breaker; 1 pair pincers large size; l pair of nippers; 12 awl handles, 12 pegging awls; 1 gross Altitan’s assorted blades; l corset set; 2 knives; 1 hammer; 1 key for ladies’ shoes; 1 whet stone; l gross steel tacks; 1 shoe rasp.”

[From the memoranda book of Rev. Jesse Greene. It is undated. Miss Belle Greene who copied it states that it was written in blue ink, the exact shade of two items in his expense account to the General Conference at Baltimore which was held in 1840. These were the only two places in his record where he used the blue ink. She thinks it could be safely placed in 1840.

   Also from the report of John Luce in [November 11,] 1840, the school had not yet begun its manual labor program, but in 1841 Thomas Johnson reports four pupils learning the shoe-makers trade. So I think this pretty well establishes the year.]