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Title: David Avery to Samuel Kirkland
Names: Avery, David, Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808
Date: 1766-08-23
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 4 image files
Text: Kirkland 2c Lebanon, August 23, A.D. 1766 Reverend Sir, Your kind favours were very agreeable the 17th this instant; for which I cheerfully acknowledge my obligations, and return you my most sincere though homely Thanks. And indeed, I should not have had least expectation they would make any satisfaction in exchange worse for better, had not you conferred your Kindness on one, from whom you could expect nothing better. As low and languid as my old affections were, they loudly declare they were m
Show moreKirkland 2c Lebanon, August 23, A.D. 1766 Reverend Sir, Your kind favours were very agreeable the 17th this instant; for which I cheerfully acknowledge my obligations, and return you my most sincere though homely Thanks. And indeed, I should not have had least expectation they would make any satisfaction in exchange worse for better, had not you conferred your Kindness on one, from whom you could expect nothing better. As low and languid as my old affections were, they loudly declare they were much raised to hear from you, your Prosperity and glorious Prospects before you which you are reaching to catch Ð I am rejoiced to hear the Indians are hungry for GodÕs News; and that none but the Author of appetites is able to supply their wants; and yet I am rejoiced that God has qualified and commissioned you to administer the Bread of Life unto them. O! that a Door of Hope and Comfort will be opened, when the poor tawny Immortals shall eat this Bread with as much Voraciousness as they now devour their Prey! Methinks I see Numbers of the poor bewildered creatures, with streaming eyes hanging around your neck crying for a little Light and Direction in their way, that they may come toward the land of Rest, you going before conducting them to Jesus Christ, the way, the Truth, and the Light. And methinks I hear many crying one to another, this is the way, walk in it. May we not look for such a Day? A Day when the wilderness shall not only bud, but blossom as a Rose! I hope it is rolling on. And, O my Friend! who shall lead on that blessed Hour? Hail! all hail that happy man who shall be thus highly favored and most agreeably employed! But why do I make words of it? for it will be enough that generations yet unborn, even to the latest posterity, shall perpetually water their ashes with memorable Tears, sacred to the remains of their Great fore Father, Mr. Samuel Kirkland! O! methinks I long for the time to come when SatanÕs Kingdom shall reel and totter and fall to the Ground, like Lightning from Heaven; and ChristÕs peaceable Kingdom take place. But stop! why should we look for such great things? and yes, why maynÕt we? Has not God promised that He will give the Heathen to Christ for his Possession? Yes, yes, worthy Sir, and my your Bow abide in Strength upon the Arm of the Lord. O the dark Horrors and Egyptian Darkness of that howling Wilderness to which you are bound, confined, and reside, both as to the civil and Christian Life! And yet how sweet must your solitary Walk in the lonely Desert be, when you walk ( as I trust you daily do) with our Companion, bosom Companion Friend, the dear sweet Jesus. Some say, "God is able to convert all the Heathen through the Instrumentality of one Missionary, as well as a thousand." I would that all had as Sound a Belief of the Agency or Power of the Deity and the various Ways of his Operation, even in employing any in his Vineyard. But what will you do for an Armourbearer in the important Task? Sir, Kinne has failed, McClure is immature and Avery half dead, etc. But alas! why should I bring us into Question with him? Whom will the Lord train up for himself? And who is sufficient for such a Task? I fear your Eyes are too much set upon me - we have both been once disappointed, and it may be again. However, I am willing to go by Way of the Wilderness if I go at all. I can't but thank you for your kind Invitation to go and see you if I shall set out on my Journey before you; yet you must not take it ill if I'm obliged to go some other Way beside Oneida. It's a common Proverb, "The farthest way found is the nearest Way home." And so I expect my Sluggishness will advise me around, that I may save travel by going across Lots; for if I stay here for ever I shan't get home. - When I go your Way I shall with great Willingness take one, or two, or three, or half a dozen of your black, smoky, smutty baconed Souls and carry them with me. I make no Doubt they will or may be gladly received, (and it may be as rarities too) if washed in the Redeemer's Blood, as you observed. Yea, I should be glad to carry them pig-back, than they should not some of them be released from their abject Slavery to Sin, Satan, an the Devil and made Happy in the Presence of the Lord. But O Presumption! Stop, and pause. He who sits upon the Circle of the Earth and rides upon the Wings of the Wind, must fill my Sails to reach your Coast, and incline their Hearts to go to the Promised Land of Eternal Rest. O! let us wait, let us long, expect and hope, and yet not murmur or be impatient when we adopt these most pathetic Words, "How long are thy Chariot Wheels in coming!" But, dear Sir, how do you do, and what are you about? As for myself, I am yet unwell, low, and feeble, but little if any better than when you departed. I have grown weaker, and been much poorer a good deal of the time since, than when you were here. I have kept the School almost every day till last Monday, though with much Difficulty by my Indisposition. The Scholars behaved in the main very well, which encouraged me to proceed, though with Difficulty; many Days just able to sit in the Chair, my Mercury working so prodigiously severe in my Joints. I have lately been to Dr. Rose of Coventry and he has given me a good deal of Physic, part of which I've already took, and have found some benefit. Dr. Huntington says 'tis not likely I shall get well this twelvemonth so as to go into any hard Business. Dr. Rose says 'twill be a considerable time first, but thinks I may recover. I long much to get to my Studies again, to which I've become almost a Stranger. I can't tell you what a heavy Cross I've had to bear on many Accounts since your last Farewell. Christ's cross is easy and light; but what one have I borne? I am much given to melancholy, mourning and Dejection! I have seen some such sad Days of late as I never saw before. My heart is ready to burst with grief many times. I would tell you the cause of my Trouble the soonest of anyone on the Globe, had I not determined to tell it to no one living so long as it may be avoided; as it concerns no one but myself. 'Tis nothing of that nature which Time will bring forth as the common Proverb is: No, but something in my opinion worse, i.e. if it should get into the Ears of the World. O! how I want to see you, my Dear Friend, and disclose my Heart into your sympathizing Bosom. O for a Bosom Friend, near at hand at a time of Sorrow! Gladly methinks you would bear a Brother's Burthen, if I could get it up to you in the Words. Ah! just a Tear or two would do me much good from your pitying Eyes. It is freely talked of abroad, I understand that I carry a very high Topsail, am become a proud, scornful fellow; and have got to be a Notorious Rake. - That I am proud, very proud, too, I readily acknowledge, and believe that none by any outward Sight can see more Pride than I see to my daily Sorrow; but that I am a Rake, I think that they have mistaken the Fellow, or much injured the Character; I can't but pity their cursed Ignorance. But this gives me an anxious thought, though the Report has become credible in the Family. I hope the Fruit of these things will be to take away Sin; and teach me more effectually to keep the World, Pride, and the Devil under my feet that I may live upon Christ. But how, dear Sir, or in what Lines shall I attempt to express a Scene yet more affecting? even the sad, dejected, melancholy Distressed and heavy Case of Miss Bette! I fear your hopes were groundless concerning her, that she has found Christ the Dear Saviour to her Soul's joy. She seems to have a deep Conviction of this Truth, the Reason she don't come to Christ is she will not. Thick Clouds of Darkness, even Egyptian Darkness, are her Pavilion, and that whilst she is looking for Light! Every Way seems hedged up, and Help appears to be at an immense Distance from the distressed Soul! To come to Christ she seems earnestly desirous, and thinks that nothing but Destruction presses on behind; and so nothing, no one but Christ will suffice. She entertains no hope that she has ever as yet found Christ or tasted Divine Sweetness in his Ways. And as she's been a long time seeking after this, and not found, she is much distressed with a fear, God will totally leave and give her up to Security, Hardness of Heart and Blindness of Mind, never to have a Call more. Sir, you are sensible if this her Case is a most distressing one, impossible for any created Arm to remedy, and yet easy for Christ to cure. O pray the Father of Lights for her! And may the God of all Grace and Consolation fill the Dear Soul with Light, Love, Joy, and all holy Affection; and give her to rejoice with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory! I long, O! how I long for that happy Period! that blessed Day! that heavenly Hour! when the Prisoner's captive Chains shall be loosed, and Christ shall make her free. - O the affecting Groans of the Prisoner! Quist alia fando temperet a Lachrimis! What adamantine Heart would not be softened into Pity, and bleed in Prayer! I speak with yearning Bowels! O how gladly would I Take her Burthen upon my own Shoulders (together with my own) and yet I dare not administer one word of Comfort; yea, I believe it's impossible almost I should attempt. I can't but hope God designs mercy for her. But I must forbear - I am lost - and know not where to stop, or how to end - on such a subject as this. [Consider me at Norwich when and at that time that this bears Date, as I drew up some part of this Letter there.] August 26th. Today I've had an Opportunity to converse with that young Convert I told you of some time ago. She seems to long after Holiness, Sanctification and Nearness the most of anything in this to her empty Void. Yet she is somewhat in the Dark about her State; earnestly desirous of the Grace of Assurance, and bright Evidences of an Interest in Christ. She meets with one Temptation and another and the like, that she fears she has not that supreme Love to Christ which heavenborn Souls have or are wont to have. She longs after real sensible Communion with the Dear Jesus; and takes more Delight and Satisfaction in the Things of Religion than all the Amusements, Gaieties and Pleasures of a blooming Youth, You can realize at once how agreeable and yet affecting the Chattering of such Birds are! A Dear Jesus seems to be embraced by her with such tenderness and ardent Love, it's impossible to get him away! yea, she will part with her two Eyes before him! The Smallpox is now in Norwich. Three Men have had it, and one is supposed to have given it to about 3 or 4 hundred, as he was broke out thick and Pox turned down to his Vitals, and yet he went all over the Landing Place and from there to the upper part of the Town, and great Numbers were exposed. The major Part are preparing for the Operation. I can't enlarge. Time would fail should I attempt to communicate one-half I could easily write to so dear a Friend and under so free a Gale of Friend as I do to you; and I think myself somewhat to be borne with, when you told me to write 4 times so long letters as yours. I love you enough to write an Epistle or Body of Divinity; but did you know the hurry of my Business, you would think it sufficient to excuse me. You know me so well of old you can't expect much; but however, if you won't be Mad I'll let you have as much Love as all your Indians can carry poof-back from hence. I am with the greatest Respects, and tender Affection, Reverend Sir Your most affectionate, most obliged, and everlasting Friend, David Avery. To the Reverend Mr. Samuel Kirkland.
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Subjects: Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: Lebanon (N.Y.), ,
Abstract: Exults Kirkland's mission. Mentions his own poor health and depression and the trials of Miss Bette. Tells of smallpox infection in Norwich.
Note: Description: Includes a transcription.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-002c
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Eleazer Wheelock to Samuel Kirkland
Names: Wheelock, Eleazer, 1711-1779, Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808
Date: 1768-11-21
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 3 image files
Text: Kirkland 3a Eleazer Wheelock to Samuel Kirkland 1768 Lebanon, 21 November 1768. My dear Sir. I would send you the money by William if you had assured me it would be safe, but you may expect it by the first safe conveyance, as my steady disposition always has been, and I believe ever will be, so long as you are faithful to the Lord's cause, to supply all your necessities within my power and every way encourage and help you in your work, and establish the best character of you far and wide. W
Show moreKirkland 3a Eleazer Wheelock to Samuel Kirkland 1768 Lebanon, 21 November 1768. My dear Sir. I would send you the money by William if you had assured me it would be safe, but you may expect it by the first safe conveyance, as my steady disposition always has been, and I believe ever will be, so long as you are faithful to the Lord's cause, to supply all your necessities within my power and every way encourage and help you in your work, and establish the best character of you far and wide. William brought with him a letter from Jacob's sisters, desiring Jacob to return home with William and Hannah - representing their necessity of his coming to take care of them. But as he was sent down to continue till he should be fit to put into Business, and I had retaken him on no other consideration - and they had said nothing to Mr. Avery of his coming, or any necessity of it - and he is desired to come only by his sister, I know not who - and my letting him go on such Grounds and Reasons will be a bad Precedent - and give just cause of Displeasure to all the thinking and judicious part of the Indians, I have finally told him that if you shall write to me advising to his return, or that the Wise men think it best I will send him immediately. Hanna goes off with Honour. She has behaved well and made good proficiency since she came. I believe you will be able to discern that her manners are somewhat polished. Mr. Cleveland was highly pleased with the behaviour of your Indians at the Congress. William tells me that Thomas and his Family design to come as soon as it is good sleighing. I shall be glad to have him come, and if I could be certain of it I would prepare a Room for him beforehand. Joseph Johnson on hearing that I had heard of his ill behaviour in his late Tour and Being conscious of his desert of punishment went off on Friday morning. I have some intimations he designs for sea with Aaron Occam , both of whom I expect will be poor drunken creatures. Oh! my dear sir, how shocking is it that one after another turns out so. It looks indeed as though the whole of them excepting a small remnant were nigh unto cursing. Tell Thomas I long to have him a preacher and to lift up his voice like a trumpet to show them their misery and danger. You sent no word respecting my sending a schoolmaster. Only that too late you see your error in not taking Mr. Dodge with you. Will not Johannes do to keep school this winter? I hope John Matthews will do in the Spring. I think Avery has improved much by his tour. Mr. Rodgers of New York left the following memoranda to be communicated to you. "That the Reverend Mr. Beane , one of the Members of the Presbytery of Relief and Minister in Edinburgh, has sent a bill of exchange to the Reverend Mr. Rodgers (i.e. of New York) of sixty pounds Sterling, a part of which Mr. Rodgers is desired to pay into the Hands of Reverend Mr. Kirkland as an acknowledgement to him for his extraordinary services as a missionary among the Indians. Mr. Rodgers does not recollect the sum precisely mentioned in Mr. Beane's letter to be appropriated to Mr. Kirkland's account, but thinks it is thirty pounds Sterling. but he will strictly follow Mr. Beane's orders, and desires Mr. Kirkland will give him order to whom he shall pay the money and the money shall be paid accordingly when it comes to hand, as Mr. Rodgers expects shortly to receive the money. Mr. Rodgers will expect receipt from the person to whom he will pay the money for the satisfaction of Mr. Beane ." Perhaps you will have opportunity from your country direct to New York. My dear Sir, farewell. Yours affectionately, Eleazer Wheelock . P.S. John Moseley who was apprentice to Doctor Tracy died of an apoplexy yesterday at Norwich. A heavy stroke indeed upon Brother Moseley . The Lord sanctify the same to us all. To the Reverend. Mr. Samuel Kirkland Missionary to the Six Nations Kanawarohara Reverend Doctor Wheelock November 21, 1768
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Subjects: Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: Lebanon (N.Y.), ,
Abstract: Relates news of More's Charity School. Communicates a note from Mr. Rodgers. Samuel Kirkland to be paid by agency in Edinburgh.
Note: Description: Includes a transcription.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-003a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Jonathon Trumbull to Samuel Kirkland
Names: Trumbull, Jonathan, 1710-1785, Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808
Date: 1784-02-25
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 2 image files
Text: Kirkland 84c Jonathan Trumbull to James Bowdoin Lebanon 25th February 1784 Sir - I have the honor to address you at the request of Mr. Kirkland respecting his Indian Mission. My remote situation has prevented my so intimate knowledge of this Gentleman, as may have fallen to the share of many others - but report of his conduct as Missionary, so far as it hath reached me, and on which I have reason to depend - together with my own knowledge, as far as I have had opportunity to be acquainted have g
Show moreKirkland 84c Jonathan Trumbull to James Bowdoin Lebanon 25th February 1784 Sir - I have the honor to address you at the request of Mr. Kirkland respecting his Indian Mission. My remote situation has prevented my so intimate knowledge of this Gentleman, as may have fallen to the share of many others - but report of his conduct as Missionary, so far as it hath reached me, and on which I have reason to depend - together with my own knowledge, as far as I have had opportunity to be acquainted have given me a good Idea of his diligence and attention to the duties of his Mission, so far as the particular circumstances of the Indians and the turbulence of the late times would admit. I have the Honor to be with great regard and real esteem, Sir Your most Obedient and most humble Servant Jonathan Trumbull . Honorable James Bowdoin Esquire. [from a copy in Kirkland's hand.] Copy of Governor Trumbull's Letter to James Bowdoin Boston Lebanon February 25 1784
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Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: Lebanon (N.Y.), ,
Abstract: Recommends that Samuel Kirkland receive compensation from the SSPCK for Wartime Indian work.
Note: Description: Includes a transcription.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-084c
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Occom to Reverend Mr. Whitefield
Names: Occom, Samson, 1723-1792, Whitefield
Date: 1765-05-04
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 3 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State)
Geography: Lebanon (N.Y.), ,
Abstract: An account of local Indian affairs?
Note: Description: illegible
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-001c
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

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