Avery has been upholding Samuel Kirkland's honor and reputation, dispelling any evil rumors. Avery has recently been on mission in the district of Maine, and he has served several stints as a teacher. Now he is responsible for the regulating of churches.
Avery introduces Reverend Sherman. Avery asks Kirkland to show Sherman around Oneida. There is a great opposition to Avery in the Massachusetts Missionary Society, and he does not expect to be employed by them much longer.
Sorry to have missed Samuel Kirkland on his trip to New England. Mr. Dean, accompanying Avery, plans to collect Indians for Dartmouth and return to there.
Avery desires more frequent correspondence and is dismayed at the attempts by some people to take Samuel Kirkland from his mission post. He inquires as to Kirkland's knowledge on the newly founded Grand Missionary Society in London, in regards to expanding "to the South Seas, Africa, Canada and other parts of the Pagan World." Avery also tells Kirkland of Captain Wilson's ship the Duff which "failed" with 29 missionaries from England on board. He also talks of Mr. Brainard's Evangelical Magazine and the correct approach to Indians. P.S. Send love to David Fowler and all of the Oneida people.
Commencement at Dartmouth was on the previous day. Degrees were not conferred, as a quorum of trustees was not present. Avery will spend the winter at Oneida although in poor health.
En route from Long Island to Hanover, will See Wheelock. Would like to visit Virginia, health permitting. Talk in Boston of Wheelock/Kirkland conflict.
David Cusick, a Tuscarora Indian, [see 207d] who was able to attend Hamilton Oneida Academy because of the spiritual and financial support of Samuel Kirkland, writes to Samuel Kirkland, jr. Cusick sorely misses Samuel Kirkland, jr. and says he is presently living with Samuel junior's parents, who treat him very well.
Founded scholastic and singing schools. Living is hard/uncivilized. Samuel Kirkland well: teaching children to read. Is well and content. Pupils progressing nicely. Encouraging agriculture. Received letter from Samuel Kirkland: he had a tiring journey.
McClure is gathering memories of the life of Dr. Wheelock and a history of Moor's School and Dartmouth College. He needs more information and asks Kirkland to write something about Wheelock's work among the Indians. McClure says that Kirkland is the last "persevering missionary" of those who originally set out to work with the Indians. He also asks what the numbers and names were of the Senecas when Kirkland first arrived in 1765. McClure poses several questions regarding the Five Nations and their language, agriculture, arts and education.
During the "inexecution" of the peace treaty between Great Britain and the United States, the taking possession of any Indian territory will violate his Majesty's rights and strain relations between the two countries. Acknowledgement of receipt by Thomas Little, agent for Captain Charles Williamson.
Sale of a three and three-quarter tract of land located in Paris to Joel Bristol for eight pounds. -- Verification of deed by James Dean, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Oneida County, January 21, 1799.
The deed was drafted on February 23, 1802, between Drake and Posst for $340 for 22 1/2 acres of land. An inscription on the reverse is dated February 11, 1804.