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 177a Elkanah Holmes to Samuel Kirkland New York, March 12th, 1795. Beloved Friend and Brother, About half an hour ago I had the pleasure of conversing with two Indian women of the Oneida Nation. By them I had the happiness to hear that you was in health.... (His pleasure in hearing Kirkland report about the Indians, the mission, etc.) I am rejoiced to hear from one of these men that one of your dear Sons is a Minister of the Gospel and preaches among them.... It gives me great pleasure Show moreKirkland 177a Elkanah Holmes to Samuel Kirkland New York, March 12th, 1795. Beloved Friend and Brother, About half an hour ago I had the pleasure of conversing with two Indian women of the Oneida Nation. By them I had the happiness to hear that you was in health.... (His pleasure in hearing Kirkland report about the Indians, the mission, etc.) I am rejoiced to hear from one of these men that one of your dear Sons is a Minister of the Gospel and preaches among them.... It gives me great pleasure to hear from these men that there is a School of learning among these Indians and that their Youth make proficiency in literature, and that the aged people are pleased with it and endeavour to promote it.... The inclination of your people to attend to Agriculture.... Show less
In a long letter, Holmes expresses his pleasure at hearing of the Hamilton Oneida Academy and wishes that it will be blessed in the future. If Samuel Kirkland is in the area, he should stop to visit Holmes.
Discusses "missionary business" and Society. Mentions Mr. Crosby's renewing his mission to the Indians.
Note
Description: Leaf begins "taken, by one John Jordan (of infamous character), and carried to New Stockbridge, for Mr. Sergeant and Capt. Hendrick, to peruse and prepare an answer."
Kirkland 135b Letter to Samuel Kirkland from George Clinton , Governor of New York State 1777-1795, 1801-1804. New York 15th April 1791 Sir I have received your letter of the 22nd March - written at the Request of the Beech Tree in Behalf of the Oneida Nation - I love the Beech Tree for his Integrity and I wish to oblige his Nation; but it is not in my Power to deviate in any Respect from the Covenant we have entered into, The annual Payments cannot therefore be anticipated - They must forever b Show moreKirkland 135b Letter to Samuel Kirkland from George Clinton , Governor of New York State 1777-1795, 1801-1804. New York 15th April 1791 Sir I have received your letter of the 22nd March - written at the Request of the Beech Tree in Behalf of the Oneida Nation - I love the Beech Tree for his Integrity and I wish to oblige his Nation; but it is not in my Power to deviate in any Respect from the Covenant we have entered into, The annual Payments cannot therefore be anticipated - They must forever be made on the Day stipulated - if an Alleviation could be made in this Respect, any other part of the Covenant might also be changed, and this would be dangerous,: Besides I believe it would be injurious to the Nation to receive so large a Payment at once as they would spend it and be left without any help for too long Time - I beg you will please to communicate the Substance of this letter to my Friend Mr. Beech Tree and believe me with great Regard and Esteem Your Most Obedient Servant George Clinton The Reverend Mr. Kirkland Governor Clinton 15 April 1791 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.
Webster informs Samuel Kirkland that he has been waiting two years for the money owed him, being 42:9:7 pounds minus 16:9:0 credited to Kirkland, leaving a total of 26:0:7.
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.
Kirkland 138c Letter to Samuel Kirkland from Hendrick Aupaumut July 11, 1791. My Dear father and friend - I just let you know that by the goodness of God all are well. been used well by this great man and found many friends both White people and Indians - I have heard Various reports fro the western nations. Captain Brant and 40 (?) men are at Shawanee Country - the 5 nations received letters from him. 38 nations are engaged for war - they expect a battle every day - if I had a time I would writ Show moreKirkland 138c Letter to Samuel Kirkland from Hendrick Aupaumut July 11, 1791. My Dear father and friend - I just let you know that by the goodness of God all are well. been used well by this great man and found many friends both White people and Indians - I have heard Various reports fro the western nations. Captain Brant and 40 (?) men are at Shawanee Country - the 5 nations received letters from him. 38 nations are engaged for war - they expect a battle every day - if I had a time I would write to you a large letter but I just got ready to set out. Colonel Pickering have received letters from General Knox and directions and that he should furnish me and my Companions with all necessaries for present - Good Peter refuse to go - several of the other Indians offer to go but Colonel Pickering thought it would not do - I wish that you would help my family with necessaries of life if they ask for them - Sometimes I feel sorry for the Conduct of my friends toward me and to my friends. Just before I set off from home what still they will do - maybe disagreeable - but I have reason to thank my Lord that he could afford me aid - so that we could trust in him with comfortable hope - pray for me, I feel the weight of my undertaking. I have yet some hopes to do some good in my Journey - the Six Nations are discouraging respecting the Southern Indians but they wished that I might succeed - from here we will rout to Grand River, if I don't have chance to board in vessel from Lake Erie. If the Lord will - I shall be back within three months - Our brethren will acquaint you all particulars in this treaty - some the Mohawks been doing mischief in taking and killing White people at Westward - therefore the Mediation of the Six Nations will not succeed - if I ever see you I shall have the pleasure to converse with you in many things - Farewell - Hendrick Aupaumut Reverend Mr. S. Kirkland I wish you would get one smart and faithful man to work for me - 5 or 6 weeks New Town Point July 11th 1791 [Addressed on other side of sheet] Reverend Mr. Samuel Kirkland Clinton - Hendrick Aupaumut July 11, 1791 Show less
Brant's presence at Congress "considered of great importance." Samuel Kirkland to try to "induce him" to attend. General Chapin may accompany the rest of the delegation.
Kirkland 136c H. Knox to Samuel Kirkland War Department May 11th 1791 Sir. I have just received your letter of the 22nd of April, for which I sincerely thank you. I highly approve of Captain Hendricks being employed, and will make good any reasonable allowance to him for his services. Let him call on Colonel Pickering , at Wyoming, who will furnish him with clothing, and necessaries for the purpose. -General Schuyler also mentioned an Oneida chief of great respectability, who I wish would also a Show moreKirkland 136c H. Knox to Samuel Kirkland War Department May 11th 1791 Sir. I have just received your letter of the 22nd of April, for which I sincerely thank you. I highly approve of Captain Hendricks being employed, and will make good any reasonable allowance to him for his services. Let him call on Colonel Pickering , at Wyoming, who will furnish him with clothing, and necessaries for the purpose. -General Schuyler also mentioned an Oneida chief of great respectability, who I wish would also accompany the others. But, I imagine the Cornplanter has already anticipated the others, and gone forward. Colonel Colonel Brant is right as to the principle of the boundaries. The idea in future of conquest ought to be relinquished, and fair purchase and optional sale take place. I shall be gald to hear that you have pushed forward Captain Hendricks and the chief Peter I am, Sir, etc. etc. H. Knox , Secretarty of War. To The Reverend Samuel Kirkland . (From Pickering MSS 61:202-203. Printed in Gates' State Papers, Vol. 4, Page 169.) Show less
Kirkland 142d Letter to Samuel Kirkland from Henry Knox , Secretary of War 1785-1794. War department, 20th December 1791. Sir At a conference held by Colonel Pickering with the Senecas and all the others of the Six Nations (excepting the Mohawks) at the Paintedpost, in the month of June last, it was agreed that certain chief's should repair to Philadelphia, during the time of Congress being in Session, in order to carry into execution certain principles tending to the civilization of the sa Show moreKirkland 142d Letter to Samuel Kirkland from Henry Knox , Secretary of War 1785-1794. War department, 20th December 1791. Sir At a conference held by Colonel Pickering with the Senecas and all the others of the Six Nations (excepting the Mohawks) at the Paintedpost, in the month of June last, it was agreed that certain chief's should repair to Philadelphia, during the time of Congress being in Session, in order to carry into execution certain principles tending to the civilization of the said Indians. Colonel Pickering now writes to those chiefs at Buffalo Creek, and other places inviting them to repair here. In his invitation, he has included Captain Brant ; perhaps this may not be a sufficient inducement for him to come - You will therefore write to him in your own name assuring him, that you will pledge yourself for his safety and welcome reception. Immediately on your return to Oneida Oneida you will send Indian runners to the several chiefs who are named by Colonel Pickering . You are explicitly to understand, that the presence of a few of the principal chiefs are desired. You will appoint Geneseo as the place for you to meet the said chiefs, with whom you will proceed directly to this city, by way of Tioga and Luzerne county. Your knowledge of the language and customs of the Indians, a confidence in your character and integrity, induces me to place an entire reliance in you relatively to this business. That you will send fruitful and intelligent messengers, particularly to Captain Brant , from whom you will endeavor to obtain an explicit answer. That you will meet the said Indians at Geneseo, at the time you shall appoint, which which ought to be as soon as convenient. That you will make suitable provision for them at Geneseo and thence on the route to this city. That you will take all due care, that they are not insulted on the road, but kindly received. That you will inform me in due season, of their numbers, and when they will arrive in this city in order, that suitable accommodations may be provided for them. That you will keep the accounts of the expenditures upon the road, in a fair and clear manner, taking receipts for every expenditure so that, every shilling may have a proper voucher annexed thereto. In order to enable you to execute this business in a proper manner, I have directed that the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars be placed in your hands, for which you will be held accountable. Besides defraying your necessary expenses while while in the actual execution of this business, you shall have a reasonable compensation for your trouble, which shall be settled and paid, upon the issue of the business in this city. I shall depend upon receiving your communications upon all necessary occasions, and particularly, I shall wish to obtain as early information as possible of the effect which the late defeat of our army, has had upon the minds of the Six Nations, particularly the Senecas. You will not fail upon all proper occasions to impress on the minds of all Indians, so that the sentiment may be diffused far and wide, That the President of the United States and Congress are highly desirous of being the protectors, friends and ministers of good to all peaceably disposed Indians; but at the same time they will punish all murderers and disturbers of the peace of the frontiers. I am Sir with esteem Your most obedient Servant The Reverend Samuel Kirkland H. Knox Secretary of War Show less
The Chiefs are going to visit Philadelphia. Samuel Kirkland to sit in conference with them at Geneseo and then accompany them southward. Brant is also invited.