Took J.T. Kirkland to visit his grandparents in Lebanon before proceeding to Andover. Left him with a fine family there and "he bore (the separation) much better than the father." Financial affairs being resolved. Wrist in sling.
Offers consolation on the death of Polly, their baby daughter. Has been advised to stay in Boston until affairs are settled, but will return as soon as possible.
In abiding by an agreement not to purchase Six Nations land, Samuel Kirkland looking for a retreat in Stockbridge. May accept Thornton's offer of financial assistance. Currently leaving Boston.
Kirkland 137a Letter from Samuel Kirkland to President Willard Stockbridge 7th June 1791 Reverend Sir, A multiplicity of Business in the Indian country, arising from a variety of causes, together with the pleasing expectation I had long indulged of a personal interview this spring, has occasioned my neglect of writing you: - and particularly to acknowledge the honor you have conferred upon me in admitting me a member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences of which the late Honorable Mr. Bowdoin was Show moreKirkland 137a Letter from Samuel Kirkland to President Willard Stockbridge 7th June 1791 Reverend Sir, A multiplicity of Business in the Indian country, arising from a variety of causes, together with the pleasing expectation I had long indulged of a personal interview this spring, has occasioned my neglect of writing you: - and particularly to acknowledge the honor you have conferred upon me in admitting me a member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences of which the late Honorable Mr. Bowdoin was President. You will please to accept of my unfeigned thanks for the respect you have therein showed me. I shall feel myself happy, if it may be in my power to contribute anything to that useful and important Institution. I have nearly completed a pretty accurate census of the six Nations of Indians, with their dependents and allies. The great disproportion of men and children to the women among them compared with that of the white Americans, will afford amusement to the inquisitive, and perhaps be a subject of inquiry as to the cause of the difference by the Philosopher. Should I be able to finish it the ensuing season I shall transmit a copy either to the President or Professor Pearsons . The grounds of uneasiness among the Miamis, and hostile state of things in that vicinity, has very much agitated the minds of the Indians in general. They say, the war, on their part ought to be made a common cause. This idea, with great plausibility, is industriously propagated among them, and not without some success. The Americans, say they, did the same in the beginning of the late war with Great Britain: - It was not, said the Americans, the sum of the tax, but the manner of levying it, which would affect posterity. This aroused and united the former. The Indians now say, 'Tis not the quantity of land, but the manner in which Congress would take possession of it, Viz Conquest, which will affect posterity. Therefore, prosecuting the war, will inevitably tend to unite the Indians, more than to divide and destroy them. I have lately received by two Indian runners, a long letter from from the noted Captain Brant of Grand River. Among other things, he says that in his opinion an accommodation, is practicable, and endeavors to point out the means, by which it may be effected. He writes in high terms, as may well be expected, while his situation exposes him to British influence. I may remark this to you, in confidence, that measures have been devised and pursued for more than ten months, to prevail on Brant to make a visit to Congress you will naturally suppose for human, and good political purposes. - he has agreed on the proposed visit, and appointed the time - I waited near two weeks in expectation of meeting him at Oneida, before I left that country, as I had promised to conduct him safe down so far as Albany. On my way, to Stockbridge, was informed, I might expect to see him in Albany this week; for which purpose, and to fulfill my engagements, I must set out tomorrow for that place. The political and temporal concerns of the Indians, partly owing to the unhappy divisions among them, have occupied more than one third part of my time this year past, and at some seasons almost worn me out. But through divine goodness, I have been, for the most part, blessed with unusual health - equal to the uncommon hardships which have fallen to my lot. - The School at Oneida and in one other village, has been for a considerable part of the time, in a very flourishing state, some of the Indians have made great proficiency, especially in reading and writing their own language. Whether the Honorable Corporation, or Board, will pay the expense of the School, I am not certain; as I cannot recollect, which of them agreed to have me set up the School, upon my representation of the urgency of the case. Dr. Wigglesworth told me there was money sufficient to defray the expense. I have charged it to the Corporation, upon their former vote or resolve. Permit me, Sir, to mention the condition of Good Peter, he has become old, unable to work hard; -- and for a great part of the time the year past, has been taken up in public concerns: and in catechizing. It is now more than two years since he has had no help, agreeably to a former vote, except what little assistance I have been able to afford him. Should the Honorable Corporation see fit to send him a small token of their love, it would now be peculiarly acceptable, as he has had much sickness in his family the late winter. For my own part I have expended considerably more, than my salary the year past, and have no way to extricate myself, but by disposing of my property to a great disadvantage and to the injury of my orphan family - A few days are wanting to to complete the last quarter of my annual allowance, from the Corporation, for which I have now drawn on their treasurer. I hope, it will be in his power to answer the whole of the order, as my necessities are pressing. My great distance renders it difficult to draw my Bills seasonably. - Shall be always happy to hear of your welfare and that of your family. I am Reverend Sir, with sentiments of high respect and sincere esteem, - Your most obedient humble Servant. Samuel Kirkland Reverend President Willard [Bottom of page 3 not yet transcribed.] [Page 4 not yet ranscribed.] Show less
Thanks the SSPCK and the LBCB for 55 pounds given to him to relieve his "embarrassments". Discusses his late mission to the Five Nations and the subsequent trip to Philadelphia.
Kirkland 176a Samuel Kirkland to Peter Thacher Boston, February 9th 1795. Reverend Sir, Soon after the Plan proposed for the education of a number of Indian youth of the five Nations, in the vicinity of Oneida, was communicated to your Board and the Society of Scotland, they were pleased to express their approbation of the measure. And some encouragements were given, both by the Society and their Board of Correspondence, towards the support of six Indian youth for the term of seven years, that o Show moreKirkland 176a Samuel Kirkland to Peter Thacher Boston, February 9th 1795. Reverend Sir, Soon after the Plan proposed for the education of a number of Indian youth of the five Nations, in the vicinity of Oneida, was communicated to your Board and the Society of Scotland, they were pleased to express their approbation of the measure. And some encouragements were given, both by the Society and their Board of Correspondence, towards the support of six Indian youth for the term of seven years, that one effort more might be made, in a different method than any which had been heretofore attempted, for promoting the civilization and happiness of some of the native Indians. The Trustees of the Academy lately incorporated in the vicinity of Oneida addressed your Board on the subject the year past; but not being accompanied with a copy of their Charter, your Board could not proceed at that time to adopt any decisive measures, a certified copy of their Charter being the condition on which your resolves were passed. The Trustees of Hamilton Oneida Academy have now transmitted by me an attested Copy of their Charter which I herewith deliver. You will please, Sir, to communicate the same to the Honourable Board. With sentiments of highest Respect and Esteem, Reverend Sir, Your obedient humble Servant S. Kirkland Reverend Dr. Thacher Secretary etc. Endorsed by Kirkland : Copy of my letter to Dr. Thacher , Boston, February 1795. To Dr. Thacher February 9, 1795 Show less
On a previous occasion, the Board was unable to make any decisions on the Hamilton Oneida Academy, since a certified copy of the charter had not been presented. Kirkland now sends a copy of the charter along with this letter.
Kirkland 137f Copy of letter from Samuel Kirkland to Reverend Mr. Thacher Stockbridge 24th June 1791 Reverend and dear Sir I acknowledge your favor by my son, dated the 15th Instant and thank you for the attention you paid to him, and the ready dispatch you gave to the business, with which he was interested. My Journey to Albany, has proved in a great measure fruitless, as to the object I had so much at heart. Instead of meeting with Captain Brant , the noted Mohawk Chief, agreeably to my expect Show moreKirkland 137f Copy of letter from Samuel Kirkland to Reverend Mr. Thacher Stockbridge 24th June 1791 Reverend and dear Sir I acknowledge your favor by my son, dated the 15th Instant and thank you for the attention you paid to him, and the ready dispatch you gave to the business, with which he was interested. My Journey to Albany, has proved in a great measure fruitless, as to the object I had so much at heart. Instead of meeting with Captain Brant , the noted Mohawk Chief, agreeably to my expectations and repeated encouragements I had the mortification to be informed, that he had gone to the southward, and had set out from Niagara some days before my last letters had arrived there. However he went, professedly, in character of a Counselor, and upon repeated solicitations from the southern Indians - and his friends at Niagara said, his return there, was daily expected. Notwithstanding, common fame, says he went to the southward with hostile intentions - from the many and long conversations we have had upon the subject, I cannot relinquish the idea, of his being friendly to an accommodation, and that He will use his influence to bring about an amicable settlement, betwixt the Americans and those Southern Indians if it can be effected with equitable and honorable terms being granted the Indians. - Captain Hendrick, Chief of the Stockbridge Tribe, with several others of his own Nation, accompanied by Good Peter of the Oneidas have set out, on an Embassy to the Miamis Miamis and other hostile tribes in that vicinity. - Their object, is to effect a cessation of hostilities till such time as both parties can have a fair hearing and the grounds of uneasiness etc be inquired into. - Had they gone two or three months ago I should have entertained sanguine expectations that the cause of humanity would be greatly promoted by the Embassy. I fear the die is cast for the present summer, and desolation will spread through those defenseless parts of our frontiers and many innocent persons, fall helpless victims to savage barbarity. - I am glad to hear you have written to Mr. Crosby , on the subject of a mission to the Genesee. You Observe, in your letter "that had Mr. Sergeant and I agreed on the places where it was proper to fix the schools, there would have been no difficulty in its being done and that more than a year ago you wrote us both, requesting us to agree together and give you information". I recollect no letter from you containing such a request earlier than the one I received in December last dated October and I was then at the distance of a hundred and fifty miles from Mr. Sergeant . However as soon as my situation admitted I immediately answered that letter and gave all the light I could upon the subject, particularly in respect to the Senecas Country - and, if I forget not, mentioned my intention of writing more largely upon the subject with Mr. Sergeant ; more especially in regard to Oneida and its vicinity where he was acquainted. We agreed as to the places, where it would be most advisable to set up the Schools - which were Kanonwarohare or the neighborhood of Oneida for one and for the other in the Senecas Country - although he had no knowledge of their local situation numbers or disposition yet he grounded his judgment upon the facts I had related in my Journals which are in the possession of the Board or Corporation of Harvard College. - We farther agreed, to meet at my house for the purpose of jointly giving the above information to the Board. - but unfortunately when the time proposed drew near he was on a journey and could tarry only a few moments. We then concluded that each of us would write what we had agreed upon together at our last conference, which I directly did and supposed he had done the same. I also mentioned to him, the plan, I had been long digesting for a school to be erected in Indian Country or its vicinity to be more extensively useful and which might promise some general good to the Indians - he also approved of that, could it be effected. I would not willingly neglect to give the Board proper and explicit information; much less would I give them reason to suppose that any alienation of affection between Mr. Sergeant and me might occasion my not doing it exactly after the manner they desired; between Mr. Sergeant and me might occasion my not doing it exactly after the manner they desired; of the case I believe is quite the reverse. - I have a cordial and sincere affection for my Brother Sergeant and do every thing in my power to render his life easy and his mission successful. - I had not any apprehension till now, that there was any difficulty in the minds of the Honorable Board about the places for the Indian Schools for want of further information, but supposed the great difficulty and labouring point that remained was to find suitable persons to teach them. Pardon haste permit me to subscribe myself with every sentiment of Respect and real esteem Reverend Sir, Your obedient and humble Servant S. Kirkland Reverend Mr. Thacher Secretary Board of Commissioners Show less
Samuel Kirkland writes to the secretary of the Society of Scotland, with whom he had been disassociated. Samuel Kirkland wishes to alleviate their bad impressions and feelings of him, and he offers to give information concerning the Indians. He reiterates his plea for monetary assistance. Kirkland also speaks of his personal journal.
Met with the Indians concerning the final status of reservations. Heard from Colonel Butler. Asks Phillips to accommodate J.T. Kirkland for another year.
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".
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