Suggests that Crosby learn the Indian language and customs. Will visit in early March, after going to Albany and Stockbridge. Offers Crosby encouragement. Kanonwarohare.
Returned from New England. Wheelock/Kirkland conflict resolved. Stopped at Johnson Hall on return, left answer to questions of Sir John Johnson (see #20e). Thinks that Johnson's questions are unjustified. Apprehensive of Crosby as a missionary, as he does not speak the Indian language.
Journeyed to Onohaghkwage, visited Crosby. Believes that Crosby is worthy of ordination. He has learned the Indian language and his people think highly of him. Settled with Issac and Good Peter. A number of Tuscaroras at Oneida well-disposed to receive the Gospel lately.
Kirkland 51a Oneida 24th October 1774 Reverend and honored Doctor: I am later in my return to my dear people than expected when at Boston by the indisposition of my family - after waiting some time at Stockbridge came away leaving both my children sick. Their grand Congress is now setting at Onondaga, the result of which I shall communicate to you as soon as may be. As things have happened, I believe it is well my return was delayed, as the upper Nations are very jealous of the Oneidas, in such Show moreKirkland 51a Oneida 24th October 1774 Reverend and honored Doctor: I am later in my return to my dear people than expected when at Boston by the indisposition of my family - after waiting some time at Stockbridge came away leaving both my children sick. Their grand Congress is now setting at Onondaga, the result of which I shall communicate to you as soon as may be. As things have happened, I believe it is well my return was delayed, as the upper Nations are very jealous of the Oneidas, in such consultations when I am upon the spot, lest I should be too soon acquainted with their deliberations. My people in general conduct well in these troublesome times. While some, in the day of temptation, fall away, others are strengthened and established. I parted with Mr. Crosby and wife last week at Cherry Valley, bound for Onohoghwage. He will doubtless soon acquaint you with the state of things there, which by report are very disagreeable and discouraging, chiefly by means of old Isaac (the Pharisee) and his party. They are determined to expel and banish from that quarter the Pres-y-e-n or d-s-nt-g cause and introduce the K--?s religion (so-called) at all adventures. By whom they are set on and employed, you may easily guess. I don't purpose to leave Oneida a single Sabbath the ensuing winter, unless the difficulties in the Church at Onogwage should call for a visit there. I have no apprehensions that any of my people will go to the southward for aiding the Shawanees in their quarrel with Virginia. They appear more and more averse to meddling in the affair, notwithstanding reported solicitations. My poor services were never more needed in this quarter than now, and through divine power and goodness I never felt more concerned for the interest of Religion in this Vicinity. Oh! may the Lord grant me wisdom, fortitude and humility. I am anxious to hear how matters terminate with you at Boston. May God in his abundant mercy prepare you for that deliverance you so much need. This is a season, with you especially, that calls for prayer, and I trust every friend of God and friend to Man will be importunate of request at the place of intercession. Amidst every trouble and distress I hope you will be mindful, even of us, in these ends of the earth - so prays Reverend and honored Doctor - - - Samuel Kirkland P.S. I shall be more particular in my next, have now but a moment to write and not the best conveyance. My dutiful regards to Madam and dear family. Reverend Sir please present my compliments to Major Small , his friend Captain McCloud is at Niagara, but soon expected down. I delivered the Major's letter to Captain McCloud's Lady, who is in good health. Show less
Delayed in Stockbridge because of the sickness of the twins. Council currently meeting at Onondaga. Some of the Six Nations tribes are not friendly towards Samuel Kirkland. Issac still center of division at Cherry Valley. Hopes to remain at Oneida for the entire winter.
Sorry that new Wheelock/Kirkland conflict now existing. Defends the expenses of the Oneida Mission, denies the charges of Wheelock, Whittaker, and Woodard. Kanonwarohare.
Returned to Oneida on Oct. 29th. Preached on November 4th and stayed up until midnight telling the headmen about his recent journey. Talks of erecting a sawmill and a meeting house at Oneida. Relays a speech from the Indians to the Board. The Indians are pleased that they are to get a new meeting house. Do not think that Kirkland wastes "Jesus Christs money." Thanks Rev. Pemberton for his advice. The school is well.
Sends greetings, discusses Devil's power. Kirkland/Wheelock conflict mentioned. Hopes to visit in the summer. Is suffering from a back problem and stiff fingers. Kanonwarohare.
Regrets to hear that Moseley is leaving his mission. Discusses Crosby's language problems. LBCB disapproves of Sir John Johnson's hand in ordinations. Hopes to go to Albany in January. Kanonwarohare.
Received news of Andrew Oliver's resignation as secretary of LBCB. The Indians have met and agreed to being cutting lumber for sawmill and meeting house. Relays speech of the Indians desiring that the Board support these Projects.
Hopes to administer the sacrament to the Indians in May. Reports of dissatisfaction to be overlooked: "My enemies increase with my friends." The gentleman who might be circulating these reports was very poorly behaved upon his trip to Oneida. Returning some bills of exchange. Kanonwarohare.
Give account of Oneida, Jerusha's acceptance and the Indians' enthusiasm. Discusses particulars of Wheelock/Kirkland conflict. Mentions issue of his salary.
Arrived home safely. Informed Closs and Butler of his plans to educate the "Youth of any denomination" on his return trip. Avery "appears to be engaged at heart for the cause of God."
Kirkland 30b Samuel Kirkland to Eleazer Wheelock Kanonwarohare 18 June 1772 To the Reverend Doctor Wheelock Sir I received yours - January 28 and February 26 - the former of which came to hand May last - I think you for the expression of respect and good will you bear to me and your niece - as to intelligence of Indian affairs - Mr. Avery will give you, as he was just here for that purpose - I am not a little surprised and no less grieved - that our articles of agreement last fall prove so ineff Show moreKirkland 30b Samuel Kirkland to Eleazer Wheelock Kanonwarohare 18 June 1772 To the Reverend Doctor Wheelock Sir I received yours - January 28 and February 26 - the former of which came to hand May last - I think you for the expression of respect and good will you bear to me and your niece - as to intelligence of Indian affairs - Mr. Avery will give you, as he was just here for that purpose - I am not a little surprised and no less grieved - that our articles of agreement last fall prove so ineffectual towards healing the unhappy differences between us - as your letters now specify - You write "I have sent etc - Promise - to the best of my remembrance you never once mentioned a word of writing to the Honorable Trust - any word respecting the affair, the articles were to speak for yourself - You mentioned of your writing to Dr. Whitaker respecting one of the articles as not being sufficiently explicit - to which I replied, "if the Doctor writes I shall write too - after this I asked for another considering - and you replied, "I can do no more, I shall be blamed for making so many concessions as I have, when my Son and Mr. Woodward return - however promise was not at out of question for you promised me that Dr. Woodward etc. - Several draughts etc. - If your own Character had not been at stake, I rather think you would have saved yourself the trouble even one draught instead of many - especially when there has been so many attempts for several years past (and particularly by these instructions you in the Articles that were suited to inspire Jealousy) to traduce my Character - Even Dr. Whitaker has said, he was obliged to call in all the helps he could possibly get to support the Dear Chair - and he called in the helps not only of conjectures and surmises, but falsehoods - "But I could clear you of blame etc. - I suppose in the affair of not fixing my salary for near two years, and not drawing the from the honorable Trust for the space of 10 months - when I paid interest for money all that time - a true and faith interpreting of that to be that "I could not clear myself of blame in that affair, without casting the blame on you - I am really surprised that you should mention any Bill or Bills being left in the hands of your Agents to be filled up for your relief" - and I am no less sorry I did not take in writing what Reverend Matthew would have given me when at Dartmouth last fall, if I had desired - in reference to these Bills - he said, those blank Bills that were in his hands, were designed for the Doctor's immediate use - and that the Doctor had sent down for more money than he (Reverend Matthew ) could possibility procure anywhere there - he had no orders about my support nor had he heard any word said respecting me, or my affairs in the wilderness - for above 6 months - save this line in one of the Doctor's letters to Mr. Woodward - you must not let Mr. Kirkland suffer - But then let you return with out remittance I will venture to give you one of these Bills - but can't vend it here - in Connecticut - you must take the sale of it upon yourself - "I have said" I can't believe etc. I never considered the Boston Board as Enemies to the Cause of Christianizing the pagans especially when they had been so long engaged in the work - nor have I ever found their opinion of some particular branches of your plan to be different from many others, who are ranked among your peculiar friends. "As to my unadvised and precipitant conduct in putting myself under the care of the Boston Board - I should think two years would afford sufficient considering - especially when I had conversed so often and so loyally with you upon that head during that term of time - As to my ingratitude in that affair let the Board or Honorable Trust determine - if there be proper information on both sides - as it was once said by a venerable Judge, "law doth not condemn a man unheard" - If I "pushed on" was influenced at all in the affair by slanders, falsehoods etc. I know of none, but the reproaches what with I was loaded by your evil instructions before mentioned in the Articles suited to inspire jealousy. - I have never as yet had occasion to repent my entering under the patronage of the Boston Board - I judged it then to be my duty (all things considered) and most expedient for the good of the cause - the whole of which affair I cheerfully refer to the decision of judges in reg - and instead of the hand of , I join with you that the hand of God was in it - (though in many respects mysterious) "and the course he has taken to hide Pride from man." time was when I esteemed and adored you as an Angel, second to none but Gabriel - and should be equal it as a pleasure to have sacrificed my life and all for yours - which many instances of conduct have sufficiently proven. - The unhappy misunderstanding and difference that took place and some time subsisted between us, which a variety of circumstances which attended it do loudly preach that man is imperfect not only prove but too sadly illustrate the soul humbly D--that man is not only a change but a depraved creature - and ever afford matter for deepest abasement and humility before God - and cursed is man that puts his trust etc. By these animadversion upon the affecting subject, I have no immediate reference to any particular person - but a general reflection upon human nature - the imperfect and change of man - as one observes, now a friend and then a foe - today a Saint tomorrow a Devil - [Indorsed in Kirkland's hand:] Letter intended for Dr. Wheelock , but not sent - 1772 [the letter contains many abbreviations, some of which are illegible. All written out in full.] Show less
Wheelock's removal (to Hanover) and Whitefield's death "disconcerting". Discusses the expenses incurred in the Oneida mission. Going under the jurisdiction of the LBCB.
Answer to Johnson's charges (see 53b). (Is politely sarcastic.) Unaware that he was meddling in politics. Kanahgwaeseu's message is not to be regarded as representative of the tribe's sentiments. Was probably conceived in conjunction with Joseph Brant. Relates part of a speech from the Oneida Chiefs refuting the remarks of Kanahgwaeseu. Samuel Kirkland states that he did not cause any letters to be burned (a Johnson charge). Cooperates with the Episcopal missionaries. Will visit Guy Park soon.
Thinks that the Indian delegation should visit Philadelphia as soon as possible. War spirit beginning to infect the Six Nations. Peace with the Western Confederacy may be possible in the spring.