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Title: Jos. Brant to Samuel Kirkland
Names: Brant, Joseph, 1742-1807, Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808
Date: 1800-03-18
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 3 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: Grand River (Ont.)
Abstract: Brant acknowledges Samuel Kirkland's letter of March 2nd. Brant talks about trouble among the Indians and the connection of the white people.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-209f
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Joseph Brant to James Dean
Names: Brant, Joseph, 1742-1807, Dean, James, 1748-1823
Date: 1784-08-30
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 2 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Iroquoian languages
Geography: Fort Schuyler (N.Y.), Oneida County (N.Y.), New York
Note: Description: Written in Iroquois. Attached note by George Clinton.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-i-086b
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Joseph Brant to Samuel Kirkland
Names: Brant, Joseph, 1742-1807, Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808
Date: 1792-02-04
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 4 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: Niagara (N.Y.), Niagara County (N.Y.), New York
Abstract: Very cool answer to Samuel Kirkland's invitation to Philadelphia. Will not accompany the chiefs. Thinks that the US should make an official policy statement on the Indians.
Note: Description: Text also found in "Documentary History of Hamilton College," 1922, p. 40.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-145a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Joseph Brant to Samuel Kirkland
Names: Brant, Joseph, 1742-1807, Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808
Date: 1771-09-02
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 2 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State), Iroquoian languages
Geography: Canajoharie (N.Y.), Montgomery County (N.Y.), New York
Note: Description: Written in Iroquois
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-i-021b
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Joseph Brant to Samuel Kirkland
Names: Brant, Joseph, 1742-1807, Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808
Date: 1791-05-03
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 3 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State), Iroquoian languages
Geography: Grand River (Ont.)
Note: Description: Written in Iroquois. Includes a transcription.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-i-136a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Joseph Brant to Samuel Kirkland
Names: Brant, Joseph, 1742-1807, Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808
Date: 1791-03-08
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 8 image files
Text: Kirkland 134a Grand River 8th March 1791 My dear friend, I am happy in having the pleasure to acknowledge your favour by Mr. E. Phelps dated the 12th Ultimo in which I observe with no small regret that you are discouraged of ever making that progress in civilization amongst the Indians in which you once appeared much more sanguine.__ I must acknowledge that the present face of Affairs seems to throw a damp upon the undertaking, and makes the prospect more gloomy. as it again spreads that dark ve
Show moreKirkland 134a Grand River 8th March 1791 My dear friend, I am happy in having the pleasure to acknowledge your favour by Mr. E. Phelps dated the 12th Ultimo in which I observe with no small regret that you are discouraged of ever making that progress in civilization amongst the Indians in which you once appeared much more sanguine.__ I must acknowledge that the present face of Affairs seems to throw a damp upon the undertaking, and makes the prospect more gloomy. as it again spreads that dark veil which had begun to remove from off the minds of some, which will not only make the Undertaking more difficult, but protract the work, while those already enlightened, are moving gradually off the Stage, to leave the completion to less experienced hand.__ Although the minds of the Indians seem to be encompassed in a cloud which their own strength of Judgment cannot remove, and their prejudices so great that access becomes difficult, still, I, cannot condemn them when I consider the many reasons which operates upon them. them.__ To compute it to defect in Nature would be centering the blame where we have no right to search__ they believe the same supreme power created both them and the white people, but perhaps for different purposes; there originates the first prejudice - a chain of corroborating circumstances, and events, seems to evince to them that the white people, under whatever pretence, aim at their destruction__ possessed with such Ideas their prejudices naturally increase and seeing the sword in one hand, supported by injustice and corruption, is it any wonder that they suspect the sincerity of any proposals made on the other hand for so great a change as civilization must make, in whatever color it's represented__ No: they must first be convinced that a Change will not place them in a worse situation than they are now in __ and that must be begun by a strict adherence to the dictates of Justice, a rigid observance of all compacts and engagements on the part of the white people__ Boundaries may be fixed and Territories described, Unity and Concord, amongst themselves must be encouraged, and their own customs rather nourished than discouraged whilst you introduce agriculture__ by this showing and proving that you have the happiness of them, and their posterity at heart you may gain their confidence by degrees, and civilization will then make progress__ But whilst the white people, who have already engrossed the best part of their former Territory continue to crowd, disunite, and raise dissension amongst the Indians, and Individuals who are conversant with them, and pretend the greatest friendship and recommend civilization and adherence to the manners and customs of the white people as an essential means of securing happiness, will not only connive at, but be the secret instrument of effecting the designs of those wicked encroachers, harmony cannot long prevail, nor civilization flourish.__ and the more knowledge the Indians acquire, the clearer they will see the impositions which has been practiced upon them by the White people, and consequently they will be the more averse to adopting the manners of such people in place of the customs of their Forefathers who lived happy, and free from strife before they became acquainted with them__ You express a desire to see my Indian History complete__ I sincerely wish I could gratify my friends and the world with it, but the unhappy barrier which at present presents itself will either put a final stop to it, or furnish materials for its enlargement, at any rate it will protract the work.__ It has been my constant study since the peace between Great Britain and the United States to Unite the Indians together, and make such a peace between them them and the States, as would remove all prejudices and enable us to set quietly down on our seats free from apprehensions and Jealousy, and if not become more Respectable at Least not more contemptible.__ Could I have been instrumental in accomplishing that, I should have been satisfied and have had Leisure to have visited the distant Nations and collected matter to proceed upon with my History, and to make it more serviceable to the public it's necessary to inform myself with the Ideas entertained by the different Nations of the ration and of a future State, the customs preserved by tradition amongst them and also a knowledge of the Medical Plants natural to their soil and climate.__ You also wish me to suggest my Ideas on the practicability of an accommodation between the Western Indians and the United States, to which I answer candidly that I think it still practicable, if proper measures are pursued by the States, but they must alter their system materially__ Lay down the Hatchet, and call a general Treaty with the United Nations. If they are sincere in their pretensions to establish peace and live friendly with all the Indian Nations, they should cherish the Union, and make such proposals as will place the Indians on a more respectable footing than they have hitherto attempted__ give up the idea of taking possession of of the country as conquered Land. Abandon that wicked mode of calling them out in separate Nations, or parties, to treat with them, which only serves to irritate and inflame their minds, instead of healing the sore, and removing the prevailing prejudices.__ If Governor Sinclair's Line be thrown aside, the Indians will still allow them a sufficiency of Land, and be ready to establish an accommodating line upon reasonable terms__ and if the States treat with them as a free property and abandon the idea of Conquest they may always enlarge it at proper times, as their Jurisdiction over the Country will not be disputed__ Let the Americans Look back and take a view of their own affairs at the beginning of the Late War, they say themselves that it was not the amount of tax, but the manner of Levying it that gave disgust, because it was opening the door for extending it to posterity without bounds__ now it is not the quantity of Land claimed at this time, which alone alarms the Indians, but the principles upon which it's claimed, because it's opening a door for extending it over the whole of the Indian Lands within the United States; which would be very hard, and the highest degree of Injustice upon nine-tenths of the Indians, who so far from taking taking an active part against the Americans in the late war, they hardly heard of such a war__ but as the Idea of conquest circulates amongst them the contagion becomes more alarming and every man feels the injury and makes it his own case (as your people did) by which means the disgust is spreading where no prejudices had before taken place.__ Therefore continuing the war will Unite them against you, and prejudices against the white people will take such root that they will not be easily erased - whereas making a general peace and endeavouring to Unite them as a fair and happy people will win their affections, and whoever is most instrumental in accomplishing that happy end, will be most likely to reap the advantages which it must produce__ from the best information I have had of the Battle at Miami, the Indians fell in with a party of the Light Horse and cut them off__ the commanding Officer next day sent out a stronger party and a warm engagement ensued the Indians after some time made a faint retreat to give time for a reinforcement to come up, when they renewed the action and repulsed the Enemy, with the loss of about twenty five men in all. the Loss of the White people is supposed by the Indians to be between five and six Hundred, but your situation will enable you to get a more accurate account of their Loss than I can give you.__ I have fully complied with your request in the Length of my letter, if I have not answered your expectations in other respects__ and I hope you will return the compliment by return of the Bearers and then I shall be convinced that you mean to be a good correspondent. I am Dear friend your most Obedient and very Humble Servant Joseph Brant Reverend Mr. Samuel Kirkland Captain Brant 8 March 1791
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Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: Grand River (Ont.)
Abstract: Discusses problems of Indians and Whites. Feels that the Indians are justified in their many complaints about the white people. Brant has not had time to work on his history of the Six Nations, as he is constantly called upon to intervene in Indian affairs. Thinks that the United States is hypocritical in its position towards the Indians. Believes that the U.S. had better "lay down the hatchet and call a general treaty with the United Nations."
Note: Description: Includes a transcription.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-134a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Joseph Brant to Skenandoa
Names: Brant, Joseph, 1742-1807, Skenandoah, -1816
Date: 1785-08-26
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 4 image files
Text: Kirkland 96b Joseph Brant to Skenandoa My dear friend. This is to acquaint you, and all the Chiefs of the Oneida Tribe, of the situation of the Indians in this quarter - and the present disposition of their minds. - In my apprehension there are some things which greatly obstruct the settling of Peace in these parts. - the fair prospects that opened, on the first promulgation of peace are very much beclouded. - You know how the preliminary articles and a cessation of arms were received by many of
Show moreKirkland 96b Joseph Brant to Skenandoa My dear friend. This is to acquaint you, and all the Chiefs of the Oneida Tribe, of the situation of the Indians in this quarter - and the present disposition of their minds. - In my apprehension there are some things which greatly obstruct the settling of Peace in these parts. - the fair prospects that opened, on the first promulgation of peace are very much beclouded. - You know how the preliminary articles and a cessation of arms were received by many of us - some rejoiced at the event, and thanked you for your exertions in your quarter, - at And you will remember, the strong terms and fixed resolution with which we published them in our journey to Sanduske - and our talk with the warriors there when we wrested the hatchet from their hands and confined them to their domestic employments. You also know there are many among us who do not wish to have any falling out with the white people - for we were not the instigators of the late war. We are yet of the same sentiments, and wish for the establishment of a peace that shall be just and honorable for both the Bostonians and us Indians and when this shall appear - for all difficulties will remove - otherwise the obstructions will remain - For this reason, my friend - use your utmost influence with every Oneida Chief - that Congress, your Brothers, comply with our request - in attending our treaty - and that it be done with dispatch. There are some things that lie deep in our minds. - I exhort you to exert yourself in forwarding our speech to Congress - I have but one thing more to mention to you - which is this - I have taken the liberty to nominate three persons whom I could wish to attend, as Deputies - viz - Colonel James Monroe , Major Peter Schuyler - and James Dean - Interpreter - this is what I have to say ? My salutations await you all ? Joseph Brant Thayendanegea ? Skenandoa Niagara August 26th 1785 I hope my friend, that my messengers will be treated with every mark of civility during their continuance among you ? [from a copy in Kirkland's hand.] Joseph Brant to Skenandoah A true Copy
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Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State)
Geography: Niagara (N.Y.), Niagara County (N.Y.), New York
Abstract: Asks that the Oneidas attend a peace treaty conference of the Six Nations.
Note: Description: Includes a transcription.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-096b
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Joseph Brant to the Bostonians
Names: Brant, Joseph, 1742-1807
Date: 1780-04-10
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 2 image files
Text: Kirkland 80a April 10, 1780 Joseph Brant to the "Bostonians" A translation of an Indian Letter written by Joseph Brant on the Delaware April 10,1780 That you the Bostonians (alias Americans) may be certified of my conduct towards all those whom I have captured in these parts - know - that I have taken off with me but a small number - many I have released - neither were the weak and helpless subjected to death. It is a shame to destroy those who are defenseless - this has been uniformly
Show moreKirkland 80a April 10, 1780 Joseph Brant to the "Bostonians" A translation of an Indian Letter written by Joseph Brant on the Delaware April 10,1780 That you the Bostonians (alias Americans) may be certified of my conduct towards all those whom I have captured in these parts - know - that I have taken off with me but a small number - many I have released - neither were the weak and helpless subjected to death. It is a shame to destroy those who are defenseless - this has been uniformly my conduct during the War - I have always been for saving and releasing - these be my sentiments. You have exceedingly angered me by your threatening Destroying those who may be considered as prisoners - Let there be no more of this conduct - ye are or once were brave Men - I shall certainly destroy without distinction if the like conduct takes place in future. Joseph Brant On the Delaware Translation of Joseph Brant?s letter from the Delaware 1780
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Subjects: Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: On the Delaware
Abstract: Original translation by Samuel Kirkland. Brant asserts that he has never massacred the defenseless and has released many of the "weak and helpless". However, he vows to begin killing all unless the Americans begin to treat their prisoners better.
Note: Description: Includes a transcription.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-080a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/