Translated by Samuel Kirkland. Welcomes John to New York. Requests a blacksmith to make guns, axes, and farm implements. This had been denied by Sir William Johnson.
Feb. 24: Samuel Kirkland's speech to the Indians. Discusses Avery, Wheelock's request for students. March 3: Tagawaron answers in the name of the Chiefs. Students removed from Dartmouth because it was thought to be too far away, and the children derive enough benefit from the Oneida School. Do not plan to send any more students in the future.
Kirkland 139a Letter to Samuel Kirkland from Stephen West . Stockbridge, 18th August 1791. Reverend and Dear Sir, I have a moments time by Doctor Edwards , who is on his way to White's Town, in order to assist in gathering a Church. If the Professors , in Clinton, can unite with each other, in such sentiments, and upon such principles as are agreeable to the gospel; Pray, would it not be wise for them to improve the opportunity of the Doctor's being there, in order to form into a Churc Show moreKirkland 139a Letter to Samuel Kirkland from Stephen West . Stockbridge, 18th August 1791. Reverend and Dear Sir, I have a moments time by Doctor Edwards , who is on his way to White's Town, in order to assist in gathering a Church. If the Professors , in Clinton, can unite with each other, in such sentiments, and upon such principles as are agreeable to the gospel; Pray, would it not be wise for them to improve the opportunity of the Doctor's being there, in order to form into a Church state. The Doctor will be as good an assistant as they could have; and it would save me, and some other person, the trouble and fatigue of coming up. A journey into those parts would be agreeable to me in many respects: but, if consistent with the general good, would rather be excused from taking it. However, should it be urged, and some Gentleman invited to be my company, propose to come. Wish, Sir, you would propose to the professors, in Clinton, to improve the opportunity of Dr. Edwards's being there. With sincere affection, Yours Stephen West Reverend Mr. Kirkland [Addressed on other side of sheet] Reverend Samuel Kirkland Reverend Samuel Kirkland Clinton. Favoured of Doctor Edwards . Reverend Stephen West 16 July 1791 [used for scratch paper?] Daniel Dr. Dr. Norwich Show less
Kirkland 135a Letter to Samuel Kirkland from Stephen West Stockbridge, 13th April, 1791. Reverend and Dear Sir, Your late kind favour by Mr. Willard was very gratefully received: But, it really reproved my negligence; and, made me blush to reflect upon the too just grounds I had given you to suspect the interest which my heart takes in all your concerns. I had often thought I would not let slip the next opportunity of writing: yet, through the multiplicity of concerns, and once by reason of bodi Show moreKirkland 135a Letter to Samuel Kirkland from Stephen West Stockbridge, 13th April, 1791. Reverend and Dear Sir, Your late kind favour by Mr. Willard was very gratefully received: But, it really reproved my negligence; and, made me blush to reflect upon the too just grounds I had given you to suspect the interest which my heart takes in all your concerns. I had often thought I would not let slip the next opportunity of writing: yet, through the multiplicity of concerns, and once by reason of bodily indisposition, I protracted till the opportunity was past. In regard of the subject upon which you ask my opinion, relative to the professors in Clinton, I hardly know what advice to give. As they came from various parts, very probably their professions are not, all, really the same. Whenever a Church shall be formed there, hope it will be on the Edwardian Plan. Should those of different sentiments and professions now commune together, possibly it might rather occasion some embarrassment with respect to forming such as are willing to make a proper profession into a Church-State. However, you who are on the spot, will be the best judge: and, to your wisdom and prudence, the matter must be left. I think it probable I shall be able to afford them some assistance with respect to a Preacher. It is, on the whole, not unlikely that Mr. Hyde , who has been with me, some part of the Winter, will visit them, the coming season. I know no one whom I could more cheerfully recommend. I feel myself so interested for the people in your vicinity, that it would afford me great pleasure to visit them. And, were it not for the state of my own people, should seriously meditate a visit to that part of the Country, between this and next Fall. But, the providences of God toward us are such that I cannot think of leaving this people for so long a time as would be necessary for visiting those western plantations. The blessed work which a gracious God has been carrying on here, seems to be again reviving. There are several recent instances of awakening; among which are, old Mr. P. John , who lives at the upper end of the Town, and young Asa Bement . I hope the truth has gotten fast hold of their consciences. Amongst those hopefully brought into light, as is Mrs. Dwight , (wife of H. Dwight ,) whose heart appears to be greatly engaged in the things of religion. Mr. Ephraim Judson , late of Taunton, being dismissed, has an invitation to settle in Sheffield; and, will probably ere long be installed there. There is a hopeful prospect that Lee will be favoured with Mr. Jones , who has lately been with me, for their minister. Your Son is yet pursuing his studies with me, though not without interruptions. His journey to Boston detained him longer than he expected. And the business and affairs of the family, frequently call for his attention. With respect to a professional Calling, know not what to say. He will probably make a figure in any of the learned professions. Perhaps it is best to put him to the study of the law. I cannot, however, without regret, see him leave the study of divinity, for that of the law. But, as all hearts are in God's hand, He will order as infinite wisdom shall direct. May the Good Lord, in answer to the prayers and fervent wishes of a tender and affectionate Father, and of other friends, send down the Good Spirit into heart! Be assured I never receive your kind, engaging letters without sincere and sensible pleasure. I am, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend and Brother, Stephen West . P.S. kind regards to Doctor Hopkins . Reverend Stephen West April 13 1791 Show less