Kirkland 172a John Fisk to Samuel Kirkland Canadarque October 9th 1794 Reverend Sir. Yesterday I experienced that pleasure which was unexpected and such as I never before felt. Colonel Williams , an Indian brother to Captain Isaac, who lately died, came in from the River with five others desiring me to baptize their children. Colonel Williams informed me, by an interpreter, that they were all members of the church which is established at Oneida. He further mentioned that the parents of one child Show moreKirkland 172a John Fisk to Samuel Kirkland Canadarque October 9th 1794 Reverend Sir. Yesterday I experienced that pleasure which was unexpected and such as I never before felt. Colonel Williams , an Indian brother to Captain Isaac, who lately died, came in from the River with five others desiring me to baptize their children. Colonel Williams informed me, by an interpreter, that they were all members of the church which is established at Oneida. He further mentioned that the parents of one child were not married, only according to the Indian method, which he supposed would be an objection in the minds of some Ministers, and therefore he esteemed it his duty to mention the circumstance. It was mentioned by General Chapin that Mr. Kirkland was expected here at the treaty, and perhaps it might be well to omit baptizing the children until that time. Williams replied that it was a matter of importance, and ought to be done as early as possible, for although his child lived to-day, it might be dead to-morrow. I endeavored to remove this objection by telling him that when circumstances were such that it could not be done with safety, it could not be imputed to him or his child as a fault, although its baptism were delayed for all necessary information. He consented that it might not be done rashly, and if I thought proper, they would delay the matter until the treaty, at which time they would return for the same purpose. This is the first time that I have attempted to write since I have been visited with a severe fever, and I cannot make a full statement of their "talk" and I fear my writing will be barely legible. But on the whole I admired the sentiments and Christian conduct of Colonel Williams . And now, Sir, if you propose to be at this treaty, you will do what will be proper. If not, I beg you would inform me by letter what you think is most expedient. Whether you consider them as members of your church at Oneida, and their children proper subject for baptism. and whether you consider the marriage of the couple mentioned above such as will entitle their child to baptism. I presume, Sir, that you will consider this matter of importance and therefore I need make no apology for the trouble of this, but subscribe myself, in great respect to yourself and your Family, Your very humble Servant, John Fisk Mr John Fisks - October 5, 1794 Show less
Fisk, apparently a minister, was requested to baptize Indian children by Colonel William, an Indian. He asks whether the Indians are indeed members of the church at Oneida, and whether the Indian marriage ceremony can be considered valid.