Samuel Kirkland has had his folio transcribed at last. He is happy to say that an unexpected "union" has occurred between the Oneidas, i.e. the "pagans and the Christians." He is anxious for the return of Mr. Crosby. The Oneidas need someone to oversee them. P.S. When Crosby comes, he will probably need an interpreter for a few months. Crosby also needs to be aware of the physical and mental strain he must endure all year round.
Description: Not in Samuel Kirkland's handwriting. Signature cut out of page, but inscription to Rev. Alexander Miller remains. Begins "pleased, so far, to answer my prayers ... " and page is headed "No 3d ."
Samuel Kirkland tells about the state of the Indians and his own experience with them. There is a definite division between the Christian Indians and the Pagans. After much dispute, Kirkland was allowed to occupy a Quaker house, which afforded him many more conveniences. The question resurfaces as to who should be the Oneida's minister, Kirkland or Crosby. Miller took a neutral approach to the matter and asked the Indians whom they would prefer. Kirkland informs him of a conflict in regard to John Jordan, Mr. Sergeant, and Captain Hendrick. Kirkland speaks of his affection for Crosby.
Note
Description: [This 15-page letter contains references to the state of the Indians, conflict between missionaries, and Kirkland's opinion of the matter.]
Samuel Kirkland writes to the secretary of the Society of Scotland, with whom he had been disassociated. Samuel Kirkland wishes to alleviate their bad impressions and feelings of him, and he offers to give information concerning the Indians. He reiterates his plea for monetary assistance. Kirkland also speaks of his personal journal.
Samuel Kirkland received Nott's letter of November 8 [see 227a] and is pleased with the interest and support of the Board. Combined with the compensation from the Eastward, the $100 will allow Samuel Kirkland to continue the work. The $30 to educate Isaac will be a great help, and it will not go to waste, because Isaac is a very worthy recipient.
Samuel Kirkland informs Thacher that after two years of sickness he is at last enjoying good health. Despite earlier problems with the Indians, Kirkland now retains a good relation with them. He asks that the corporation pay his salary for the time he was sick up to the present, because not only does he have great need of the money for his family, but also for his 35 years of devoted service to God and the Mission. Kirkland says he would never request money if he was capable of surviving without it. He desires to finish his personal journal, and he needs financial aid to do so. He sends to Thacher a copy of his letter to Thornton in order to further clarify his money situation [see 207d].
Samuel Kirkland is copying the remaining entries of his journal, up until his resignation from the Society. He tells Thacher that he has paid for the education of several Indians, asking for 228 dollars as reimbursement.
The new blacksmith, Mr. Wemple, is unable to make tools due to the lack of iron. A few pagans in the town are trying to prevent Wemple from setting up shop in the old Quaker blacksmith building. Samuel Kirkland says that the Quakers left some iron, but it cannot be found. Kirkland talks about the Quakers' three year stay with the Oneidas. He also states that honest men need to be found to be in charge of the mills. Kirkland mentions there is a disagreement between the Oneidas and the Kanghsorge Indians, which should be settled by Chapin or Judge Dean.
Met with the Indians concerning the final status of reservations. Heard from Colonel Butler. Asks Phillips to accommodate J.T. Kirkland for another year.
Kirkland 176c Library of Hamilton College Clinton, N. Y. Copy. Albany 24th February 1795. Sir, Permit me to observe to you, that the difficulties, attending the collection of subscriptions already made to the Hamilton Oneida Academy, and procuring others, till the next season, induced the Trustees of said Seminary, to apply to you for a small loan, which you was pleased to grant, Colonel Sanger and myself becoming joint security for same. In order to complete their Building, the Trustees have si Show moreKirkland 176c Library of Hamilton College Clinton, N. Y. Copy. Albany 24th February 1795. Sir, Permit me to observe to you, that the difficulties, attending the collection of subscriptions already made to the Hamilton Oneida Academy, and procuring others, till the next season, induced the Trustees of said Seminary, to apply to you for a small loan, which you was pleased to grant, Colonel Sanger and myself becoming joint security for same. In order to complete their Building, the Trustees have since proposed to me, to convey the donation I have made to them, with a mortgage, giving them the Equity of Redemption, that I might thereby be able to procure them a thousand or fifteen hundred dollars. Could you, Sir, conveniently loan them, or me on their behalf, the sum of 10 or 12 hundred dollars for the term of one year, I will mortgage to you three hundred acres of land, including the Academy plat or lot of ground on which the Academy is erected. The Building has already cost them upwards of two thousand dollars. The land only, would be valued at 16 or 18 hundred dollars. __ Pity the Institution should be retarded for want of some friend to give it a lift at the present juncture: as few, if any, are established upon more liberal knowledge, and enlarging the bounds of human happiness, and aiding the reign of virtue. I wish to hear from you upon the subject by first conveyance. With sentiments of high respect and esteem, I am Sir Your obedient humble Servant Samuel Kirkland Stephen Van Renselaer Esquire The Honorable Stephen Van Rensselaer member of Senate New York 1795 Samuel Kirkland Show less
In order that the trustees may finish the Hamilton Oneida Academy building, Samuel Kirkland requests a loan of ten to twelve hundred dollars fro the term of one year.
Note
Description: Includes a transcription. Text also found in "Documentary History of Hamilton College," 1922, p. 89.
Arrived at Oneida safely. The Congress's generosity met with a cool reception at Oneida thanks to the influence of Penet. Discusses the current problems at Oneida.
Oneidas feel cheated by the benefits granted to them by the Treaty of Philadelphia. Samuel Kirkland hopes that trade will eventually be regulated among the Six Nations.
Samuel Kirkland mentions the benefits that have been heaped on the Oneida Indians by Congress. He gives the state of affairs of the Oneidas. Mr. Wemple, a blacksmith, has moved to the area and is well-liked by most of the Indians. Wemple is ready to work and will be a good source of materials that the Indians badly need. The shop and tools once belonging to the Quakers should be utilized. The iron and steel left by the Quakers is unaccounted for. Despite some conversions of faith, a majority of the town, Aghwistorris, are pagans and have revived ancestral feasts and sacrifices. He continues to give an account of Indian behavior, problems, etc.
Since his resignation of his office, Samuel Kirkland admits to the Board that he has undergone many misfortunes of monetary concern. He asks the Society for some relief. He explains that he resigned because he thought the Society wanted him to do so. In addition, he believed he could live on his own without the Society's stipend, especially working for the Corporation of Harvard College. However, it is not the case, and he feels that in his old age the Society could help him financially in recognition of all his hard work in earlier years.