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.
Samuel Kirkland petitions the President of the Society for Propagating the Gospel for aid. Kirkland receives 50 pounds from the Corporation of Harvard College, which is half the amount he used to receive from the Society of Scotland. What he receives now is not enough to support a family with, provide education for Indians, and maintain a decent residence. He feels it would be only fair that he receive some form of pecuniary aid. He includes with the letter several documents to back up his case.
Note
Description: (The additional documents are no longer with the letter.)
Samuel Kirkland petitions the President of the Society for Propagating the Gospel for aid. Kirkland receives 50 pounds from the Corporation of Harvard College, which is half the amount he used to receive from the Society of Scotland. What he receives now is not enough to support a family with, provide education for Indians, and maintain a decent residence. He feels it would be only fair that he receive some form of pecuniary aid. He includes with the letter several documents to back up his case.
Note
Description: (The additional documents are no longer with the letter.)
Relates content of SSPCK's letter. They did not grant Samuel Kirkland his whole request because he was employed in the service of those "that were in Arms against Great Britain".