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