Sorry to hear from Samuel Kirkland recently. Curious to know why Jerusha is not living at Oneida, hear rumors to the effect that Samuel Kirkland "had not provided stores enough to support her." McClure and Frisbie to tour among the Indians again in the spring. Understands that Kirkland is again writing "injurious" things about Wheelock.
Kirkland 43c To all, who are desirous of promoting the kingdom of Christ, on earth, in the salvation of sinners, the following narrative and proposal are offered, to excite and solicit their charity and prayers. There are two negro men, members of the first congregational church, in NewPort, on Rhode Island; named Bristol Yamma and John Quaminè , who were hopefully converted some years ago, and have, from that time, sustained a good character, as Christians, and made good proficiency in christia Show moreKirkland 43c To all, who are desirous of promoting the kingdom of Christ, on earth, in the salvation of sinners, the following narrative and proposal are offered, to excite and solicit their charity and prayers. There are two negro men, members of the first congregational church, in NewPort, on Rhode Island; named Bristol Yamma and John Quaminè , who were hopefully converted some years ago, and have, from that time, sustained a good character, as Christians, and made good proficiency in christian knowledge. The latter is the son of a rich man at Annamaboe; and was sent, by his father, to this place, for an education, among the English; and then to be returned home: which the person, to whom he was committed, engaged to perform, for a good reward. But, instead of performing his obligation, he sold him, as a slave, for life. But God, in his providence, has lately put it in the power, of both of them, to obtain their freedom. They joined in purchasing a ticket in a lottery: which drew a prize of three hundred dollars. With this, and some other helps, they have purchased their liberty. The former is however in debt fifty dollars; as he could not obtain his freedom under two hundred, which he must procure by labour, unless relieved by the charity charity of others. These persons, thus acquainted with Christianity, and apparently devoted to the service of Christ, have good natural abilities, are about thirty years of age, apt, steady and judicious; and speak their own native language, the language of a numerous, potent, heathen nation, in Guinea, to which they both belong: they are not only willing, but very desirous, to risk their lives, and quit all worldly prospects, in attempting to open a door, for the propagation of Christianity, among their poor ignorant perishing heathen brothers; if divine providence shall open a way to it. The concurrence of all these things, has induced to set on foot a proposal, to send them to Africa, to preach the gospel to their heathen brethren, if, upon trial, they shall appear, in any good measure, qualified for this business. In order to which, they must be put to school, and taught to read and write better than they now can, and be instructed more fully in divinity, etc. And if, upon trial, they appear to make good proficiency, and shall be thought, by competent judges, to be fitted for such a mission, it is not doubted, that money may be procured, sufficient to carry the design into execution. What is now wanted and asked, is money to pay the debt mentioned, and to support them at school, to make the trial whether they may be fitted for the proposed mission. Whatever shall be given to this end, and put into the hands of the subscribers, they engage faithfully to improve, to this purpose only: and to promote the proposed mission, if more shall be given than is necessary to prepare them for it, according to their best discretion: and to be at all times ready, to give an account, to all who desire it, of all they shall receive, and the manner in which it hath been expended. As god, in his providence, has so far opened the way to this, by raising up these persons, and ordering the remarkable concurring circumstances, that have been mentioned, there is most probably no other instance in America, where so many things conspire to point out the way for a mission of this kind, with such encouragement to pursue it: and as numbers have already manifested their approbation and readiness to forward it, may it not be hoped, it will have the patronage and assistance of all the pious and benevolent? And it is humbly proposed, to those who are sensible of the iniquity of the slave trade, the great inhumanity and cruelty of enslaving so many thousands of our fellow men, every year, with all its horrid attendants; and are ready to bear testimony against it, in all proper ways, and do their utmost to put a stop to it: whether they have not a good opportunity of doing this, by cheerfully contributing according to their abilities, to promote this design: and whether this will not be the the best compensation we are able to make the poor Africans, for the injuries they are constantly receiving, by this unrighteous practice and all its attendants. But, aside from this consideration, may it not be hoped, that all who are heartily praying "thy kingdom come," will liberally contribute to forward this attempt, to send the glorious gospel of the blessed God to the nations who now worship false Gods, and dwell in the habitations of cruelty, and the land of the shadow of death: especially as the king of Zion has promised, that whosoever parts with anything in this world, for the kingdom of God's sake, shall receive manifold more in this present time: and in the world to come life everlasting. Ezra Stiles . Samuel Hopkins . NewPort, Rhode Island August 31st 1773 (copy) Show less
George was unaware of Samuel's trip to the Springs and tried to visit him in Albany on Hudson. He also is grateful to hear of his father's healthy recovery. George's friend John Lothrop wishes to enter a Treaty of Alliance with Samuel's oldest daughter, and George requests his father's ratification, assuring Samuel that Lothrop is an honorable man in all respects. According to George the addition of Lothrop to the family would be very beneficial. With regard to the Academy and the family, George sends his best wishes.
Although George strongly desires to be at home, he is unable to, due to a plethora of business appointments and concerns. However, his business is faring quite well, and he foresees the opportunity in the near future to send money. He also asks Samuel to oversee the furnishing of the inside of George's building so he will have a place to return to someday. George also mentions politics and the Antifederals, as well as indicating that Adams will most certainly be the next President. P.S. George hopes that Samuel will send a reply to Lothrop soon.
George laments that he has not been able to visit his father and assist him in his affairs. Political and other affairs both at home and abroad have put George and other up and coming businessmen in an embarrassing and unfortunate situation. His sense of honor and concern for reputation has forced him to make many sacrifices. He bitterly explains that his "honesty has been trifled with" and his "generosity abused". He tells his father that he stands to lose 30,000 dollars unless action is taken.
George saw a Mr. Olmstead and a Mr. Colt concerning some affairs he was accused of wrongfully conducting, and he asks his father not to believe such unsubstantiated accusations. He speaks of his partner, Mr. Haskell, concerning business in Virginia and Europe. George also mentions Peter Smith's will, and in addition his hope that the Academy and its buildings will be completed.
A reply to a speech by the Oneida Nation to the inhabitants of New England (June 19, 1775). Sorry that differences exist between Old and New England. Rhode Island is appreciative of the friendly disposition of the Oneidas.
Kirkland 53b Guy Johnson to Samuel Kirkland Guy Park 14th February 1775 Sir, With great concern I have for some time past received Complaints against you, which as they principally regarded Modes and Ceremonials, (matters I never interfere in) I neglected to pay much attention to, the rather as I naturally expected from the Office I have the Honor to hold, and which is Vested with Certain Authorities in the Indian Country, that I should have had an Opportunity of seeing you, as You had to pass m Show moreKirkland 53b Guy Johnson to Samuel Kirkland Guy Park 14th February 1775 Sir, With great concern I have for some time past received Complaints against you, which as they principally regarded Modes and Ceremonials, (matters I never interfere in) I neglected to pay much attention to, the rather as I naturally expected from the Office I have the Honor to hold, and which is Vested with Certain Authorities in the Indian Country, that I should have had an Opportunity of seeing you, as You had to pass my House in your way down the Country and on your return, but as you did not Call I am now induced through Christian Charity, and favorable Wishes for you to inform you that these charges have of late increased, and that you have by several been accused of meddling in Matters of a political Nature, and which might have had a dangerous tendency with the Indians, as well as of your having lately advised a Letter to me from a messenger sent on his Majesty's Service to be burned. As I never condemn any person unheard so, I am inclined to hopes that these and some Stories of a more Malicious Nature have been much Exaggerated although The Reverend Mr. Kirkland although from a train of Circumstances they appear but too well founded, Many of these Complaints were carried to the late Worthy Sir William Johnson , who could not help taking some Notice of them although he very cautiously received accusations against those employed in the Ministry of the Gospel; and I trust I shall practice the same caution. But these Accusations having been repeatedly made, I should be justly chargeable of Neglect of duty If I omitted making a particular enquiry into them where they may be thought to affect the Harmony hitherto subsisting amongst the Indians or tend to obstruct his Majesty's Service in any manner. You are sensible that you owed your Establishment among the Indians and your Security under some Situations that I am no Stranger to, to the kindness and Interposition of Sir William Johnson , which he was determined to afford so long as you Confined yourself to your Ministerial function, and endeavored to promote peace and Harmony in your Village etc. and you may rest fully fully assured that whenever my Assistance is wanting it shall also be cheerfully afforded, in the same manner, and on the same terms with which it was done by that Good gentleman. At the same time I must Expect either to hear, from or see you, respecting the Subjects of the Letter, when I wish they may be satisfactorily Explained, and that Harmony restored amongst the Oneidas, which should be the fruits of a Gospel Ministration. The chiefs also complain that a Considerable number of Infants have died without Baptism, as you refused them this Sacrament on account of the Misconduct of their Parents. I thought it necessary to mention this (though relating to matters in which I shall not pretend to interfere) but I know you had formerly more Liberality and have baptized children without such enquiries and even according to the rites of the Church of England However if the rules of your Persuasion require that Strictness, I have nothing to say upon it, neither should I have mentioned it but to give you a sketch of the Causes of their discontent. I am, Sir, Your most humble Servant G. Johnson Show less
Complains about Samuel Kirkland's behavior, especially his "political" influence among the Indians. Demands an answer. Relates chiefs' complaints about Kirkland's strict Baptism codes.