Kirkland 69a Correspondence of the Reverend Samuel Kirkland Hamilton College Library Collection Transcribed by Robert Allers '74 Document 69A Dated September 15, 1776 Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Fort Schuyler 15 September 1776 My Dear Jerusha, Amidst the crowd I am unmindful of you, I begin already to count the months - and almost the weeks when I hope a kind providence may indulge another interview - I arrived here the 10th instant was detained some time at Albany - kept first Sabb Show moreKirkland 69a Correspondence of the Reverend Samuel Kirkland Hamilton College Library Collection Transcribed by Robert Allers '74 Document 69A Dated September 15, 1776 Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Fort Schuyler 15 September 1776 My Dear Jerusha, Amidst the crowd I am unmindful of you, I begin already to count the months - and almost the weeks when I hope a kind providence may indulge another interview - I arrived here the 10th instant was detained some time at Albany - kept first Sabbath at Johnstown. - On the whole find things more agreeable here than I expected - The hard duty and variety of business that the soldiers are called to, render it inconvenient for public prayer, save once a day - a number are employed continually as scouts - another part for guards - the rest constantly at work - the Fort (which is now called Fort Schuyler) is almost finished. - The scout which returned from Oswego last evening - say no troops are yet arrived there - but are daily expected. The Two men of Colonel Dayton said to be killed by the Missasuagas was perpetrated by the Mohawks who belong to the upper Mohawk Castle Canajoharie - such is the perfidy of that faithless brood. The big bear as he is called, with Jacob and two of Colonel Dayton's men, discovered the tracks of three men in the woods. Yesterday toward evening, three parties of men were immediately dispatched - but the evening fast approaching, the rogues escaped. Tis supposed they are a scouting party from Oswegatchie who passes Oswego five days ago, it is said, and were on their way to this place. Indian report says Sir John Johnson is daily expected at Oswego - with a body of troops - where he will call the Six Nations (Oneidas and Tuscaroras excepted) to lay before them some important matters from the King of Great Britain. By the best account we can get from New York - our loss amounts to 600 - that of the regular 1800 to 2000 - I think I don't feel so anxious about events as I have been for the time past. I feel more disposed to attend to the present duty - confide in Infinite wisdom for the management of all that concerns His cause and the cause of my country - I find it comfortable to rest future events entirely with God. May the Good Lord in great Mercy prepare us to do and suffer his will and have no choice of our own - when it will become our meat and drink to do the will of our Father in heaven. I doubt not my dear Jerusha, you will remember me in your prayers. My love to the dear little boys. I intend to write them a letter in a few days if I can get time and retirement. My love to all the family, respectful regards to Mr. West and Mr. Edwards - and accept a heart full of love from Your affectionate Samuel Kirkland Mrs. Jerusha Kirkland September 1776 Mrs Jeru[] To the care of Jonathon Trumble esquire Albany [] Show less
Finds affairs at Johnstown better than expected. Held Sabbath there. Fort Schuyler almost completed. Sir John Johnson expected to lead troops to Oswego soon. 2 of Colonel Dayton's men were killed, supposedly by Mohawks, who escaped. Hopes to visit soon.
Oneida Nation is threatened. The last of the Onondagas and Kanaghsorages have deserted to the British. Aid should be forthcoming. The garrison has been crowded with Indians since Saturday.
Kirkland 71a Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Fort Schuyler 5th December 1776 My dear Jerusha - I wish you the Blessing of Almighty God - and hope your heart may be enlarged to praise his holy Name for his wonderful goodness - and adore his righteous Judgements. - The duty of thanksgiving and praise to the great beneficent Parent of the Universe, is a welcome message - a pleasing service to the grateful heart - the benevolent Soul. - In the providence of God, we are this day called to pay our Show moreKirkland 71a Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Fort Schuyler 5th December 1776 My dear Jerusha - I wish you the Blessing of Almighty God - and hope your heart may be enlarged to praise his holy Name for his wonderful goodness - and adore his righteous Judgements. - The duty of thanksgiving and praise to the great beneficent Parent of the Universe, is a welcome message - a pleasing service to the grateful heart - the benevolent Soul. - In the providence of God, we are this day called to pay our acknowledgements and render public thanks to Almighty God. - I am just now preparing for the business of the day - but this moment informed, our Post is going for Albany - which I expected would not be till tomorrow. I had almost omitted writing by this opportunity - but affection rushes on, and bears away every other duty. - Whether your day of public thanksgiving be past or not - I could wish to be with you and pray for a soft, a susceptible heart - that we might praise our God for personal and family blessings - for public salvation - Let us once only view and feel our Characters as sinners - our unworthiness and utter worthlessness, and every instance of divine goodness will rise in our view - appear great and surprising. It is great goodness in God to defer the punishment of guilty creatures - and much more to remit their deserved punishment - and still greater to bestow favors upon them. Oh! what a weight of obligation lies upon us to adore and give thanks to Almighty God, from whom comes every good and perfect Gift - who redeems our lives from destruction and crowneth with his loving kindness and tender mercy. He protects us amidst a thousand dangers and makes the most kind provisions for us - O may this constant care of Heaven, wake up and call forth our most grateful acknowledgements. - I wish my Dear that you may shine and dazzle with the beautiful garments of a humble and grateful spirit, and bring forth fruits of obedience and submission - The Post calls a second time - farewell my Dear, may the Lord bless you, and comfort and support you - My love to the dear Boys - and Jerusha shares in my affection, though she is unconscious of it - My love to the family - I observed in my last - that we have employed a Post, to ride once a week from this Garrison to Albany - Any letter you may leave at Mr. Trumble's - will be safely forwarded - The Post leaves Albany every Tuesday at noon - Newspapers will be very acceptable - remember me to dear and worthy friends in Stockbridge Mr. West - Edwards - etc. - Yours affectionately S. Kirkland Jerusha Kirkland Mrs. Jerusha Kirkland In Stockbridge In the care of J. Trumble Esquire P.M.G: Albany Reverend Samuel Kirkland 5 December 1776 December 5th 1776 Show less