Search results

Title: (?) to James Dean
Names: Dean, James, 1748-1823
Date: 1776
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 4 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Iroquoian languages
Note: Description: Letter in Iroquois language with "James Dean's" on the side.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-i-064g
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: An address of the Oneida Sachems to a party of young warriors, bound to Gen. Washington, conducted by Major de Tousard
Date: 1778
Type: Addresses, sermons, essays, and other writings
Pages: 8 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State)
Abstract: Article in London Chronicle: Sachem's address, interpreted by Samuel Kirkland.
Note: Description: p. 210, column 1.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-074d
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Articles of Agreement between Mr. Kirkland and Eleazer Wheelock
Names: Wheelock, Eleazer, 1711-1779
Date: 1771-10-30
Type: Covenants, laws, and legal and land records
Pages: 4 image files
Text: Kirkland 22b (Articles of agreement between Kirkland and Wheelock , 1771.) At a Personal Interview of the Reverend Doctor Wheelock with the Reverend Mr. Kirkland , in order in an amicable and Christian manner to Settle Differences and Misunderstandings which have of late Subsisted to the great Dishonor of God, and wounding to the Redeemer's Cause. Hanover 30th October 1771. After Supplicating the Throne of Grace for Success in the Attempt, and a free and deliberate Reviewing and discoursing
Show moreKirkland 22b (Articles of agreement between Kirkland and Wheelock , 1771.) At a Personal Interview of the Reverend Doctor Wheelock with the Reverend Mr. Kirkland , in order in an amicable and Christian manner to Settle Differences and Misunderstandings which have of late Subsisted to the great Dishonor of God, and wounding to the Redeemer's Cause. Hanover 30th October 1771. After Supplicating the Throne of Grace for Success in the Attempt, and a free and deliberate Reviewing and discoursing upon past Occurrences, it soon very evidently appeared that the great Causer of Discord and his Instruments had been very Busy, it was agreed upon to bury many things in silence which had been occasions of widening and continuing the Breech, which was the more easily agreed to as they soon found many misrepresentations made of Facts, and evil surmisings, inspired by evil Instruments, they conceded to the things following, viz. 1. that they never understood one another in many things till this meeting; and During the time of their misunderstanding instruments suitable to inspire jealousies and confirm each other in hard Thoughts and evil surmisings were not wanting, till Satan had gained his point. But they have now both conceived raised hopes that his mischief will finally fall upon his own head, and that order and unity will be the happy consequence of such jangle and confusion. 2. That Mr. Kirkland seems very sensible that his obligations to this Seminary and to the Honorable Trust in England are prior and much greater than to any other men or body of men. He also, when he put himself under the Honorable London Board in Boston, reserved, and they cheerfully granted him the liberty of performing any such agency for Dr. Wheelock , or this School, as should be consistent with the Business of his Mission, and that Honorable Board appeared well pleased with him, and are disposed to be generous toward his support. 3. That Mr. Kirkland continue his correspondence with Dr. Wheelock , and furnish him with such accounts as may be useful to promote the general design. 4. It is acknowledged upon review of past facts that Mr. Kirkland has suffered much in the Business of his Mission and his Expenses augmented for want of necessary supplies, especially in the year 1769 - which also acknowledged not to have been owing to any willful neglect of Dr. Wheelock . 5. That it is farther conceded that upon examining Accounts variety of circumstances and occurrences that Mr. Kirkland has acted with great integrity and a sincere, unfeigned Regard to the Honor and interest of Religion among the Indians in all the extraordinary charges attending his mission, particularly in the years 1769 and 1770-- Though his natural tenderness and openness of heart may have betrayed him into some charities where mature consideration would not have judged so expedient and that he may be too easily overcome by Indian importunity. Nor did the Doctor know till this day but that the whole of Mr. Kirkland's accounts and disbursments to the Indians had been reimbursed to him, for which he has paid interest for above two years. That it appears from Mr. Kirkland's accounts, that he has endeavored faithfully to improve what he has from time to time received through the hands of Dr. Wheelock with the Beneficence of Friends, for the furtherance of the Cause of God among the Indians, for his own immediate support, and in charities to the Indians, where necessity and the Honor of Religion required. that he has not laid up for himself or hired out the value of one shilling, and has nothing which he may properly call his own after seven years service, but his household furniture, horse, etc. 6. Also conceded that Mr. Kirkland has been friendly to this School since the unhappy misunderstanding took place between him and the Doctor, and ready to sacrifice his little all for Christ's Indian Cause; specified and confirmed by the following among other instances of like conduct. When the interest and credit of this School, about 2 years ago and since, were greatly exposed among the Indians, by false reports and unfriendly suggestions from evil minded Persons, of white people, Mr. Kirkland readily offered to stake his life against the sincerity of the Design, and the veracity and integrity of the Doctor and to remove the grand objection the Indians then made against embracing the Gospel, viz. "loosing their lands". - Mr. Kirkland often publicly declaring the true intent of the pious design and the founder of it, with all those he employed as Missionaries solemnly protested in the presence of nigh 200 Indians that he never would either purchase, accept of or any way own one foot of lands on the west side of Hudson's (or Albany) River, during his life which has given the Indians, in general and to some of them surprising, satisfaction and in a great measure removed that almost fatal embarrassment to propagating the Christian Faith among them. Many of the most sober and judicious have since observed to Mr. Kirkland that the Indians never would have conceived the least suspicion of his design nor of his generous and worthy employer had it not been for suggestions of that nature from the white people. And in consequence of this declaration and covenant with the Indians (which he deems sacred and holds inviolable) has refused to accept of several offers made him by gentlemen, in some late purchases of lands in that vicinity. That as the Doctor understands that representations have been made and transmitted home, as though Mr. Kirkland was extravagant in his expense among the Indians (particularly the two last years he was in the Doctor's immediate employ) if the honorable trust in England have received any such accounts the Doctor prays they may be burnt and of which desire he will give them the earliest intelligence. The Doctor never himself accused Mr. Kirkland with extravagance in his expenses, nor ever supposed he spent more than was useful and he (Mr. Kirkland ) thought to be necessary (considering the practice of the Jesuits who used to clothe the widow and fatherless and had large pensions for this same purpose) and if Mr. Kirkland had descried of the Doctor the double of what he did expend, he would have at any time been welcome to it, so long as he appeared engaged in the redeemer's cause, and that the Doctor has been always sorry Mr. Kirkland did not see cause to build a more reputable house and accept other accommodations for his comfort which the Doctor formerly desired him to lay out for. Nor does the Doctor conceive any suggestions of the nature have any justice in them, or that any judicious man will think they have, who only considers his situation, expense of transportation and the occasion he has taken to give to the poor among his people. That the reasons of Mr. Kirkland extraordinary expenses for the three years past, are, his building himself an house, procuring household furniture, moving his family and relieving the distresses of a number of his people. That Doctor Wheelock and Mr. Kirkland have agreed never to receive any reports of one another tending to discord, till they have opportunity by personal interview, or by writing to each other upon the head. If this had been done when they were so very far from suspicion of the evil that has happened, the Devil never would have had the door which he has found to disturb their Peace. That the Doctor has ever been much concerned for Mr. Kirkland's comfort and the success of his Mission, but through a multiplicity and variety of Business, with Mr. Kirkland's great distance etc. has been prevented the doing many things for Mr. Kirkland which lay much upon the Doctor's mind and which he took many endeavors for - particularly, the fixing a pension upon Mr. Kirkland , agreeable to the proposal of the Honorable Trust in England. [(On the back of the last page is the following memorandum in Kirkland's writing: That Mr. Kirkland be paid for those disbursements to the Indians, in the year 1770, viz. a pair of working cattle, plow, chain, etc. which were, in consequence of the Doctor's former advice and direction, given to the Indians in his name. Also œ27 L. M. that Mr. Kirkland have a Bill of Exchange given him on John Thomas Esquire for his arrearages N.B. Either, or neither of the above, as the Reverend Doctor pleases.) The paper is endorsed in Wheelock's hand in the margin of page 1: Articles of Agreement Between Mr. Kirkland and myself. The first sixteen and one-half lines, as far as the asterisk, are in Wheelock's writing; the rest in Kirkland's. Erasures are all as in the manuscript.]
Show less
Subjects: Missionaries -- New York (State)
Abstract: Attributes the late misunderstanding to the work of Satan. Recognizes that Samuel Kirkland's commitment to the London Board of Correspondents in Boston now more important than his other (earthly) commitments. Kirkland did suffer for supplies under Wheelock's patronage, although this was not because of willful neglect on Wheelock's part. Kirkland has not personally benefitted from any patronage, but has put it all into his mission work and the support of his family. Kirkland has also been supportive of Dartmouth. Wheelock "never himself accused Kirkland with extravagance". Wheelock and Kirkland agree not to believe reports injurious of the other until the injured party can be questioned on the issue.
Note: Description: Includes a transcription.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-022b
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Biblical translation? "Nok ne Ro-nigough-vi-yoh-ston... "
Type: Miscellaneous
Pages: 2 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State), Iroquoian languages
Abstract: Item 1: Psalm 12, Item 2: "Nok ne Ro-nigough..."
Note: Description: Written in an Iroquoian language.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-il405
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Business transaction written in an Iroquoian language
Type: Financial records
Pages: 3 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State), Iroquoian languages
Abstract: Business Transaction. "dressing hog, killing 9 hogs, 1 day's work" etc.
Note: Description: Written in an Iroquoian language. May be part of document il410.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-il409
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Business transaction written in an Iroquoian language
Type: Financial records
Pages: 3 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State), Iroquoian languages
Abstract: Business Transaction. "ie Keithasde noniasyon"
Note: Description: Written in an Iroquoian language. May be part of document il409.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-il410
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Captain John to John Wheelock
Names: John, Captain, Wheelock, John, 1754-1817
Date: 1792-08-23
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 4 image files
Subjects: Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: Coos County (N.H.), New Hampshire
Abstract: Samuel Kirkland's translation. Replies to Wheelock's welcome. (see 151d) Compliments Dartmouth. Addresses the graduating class.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-151e
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Census of the Six Nations
Date: 1791-10-15
Type: Government records
Pages: 4 image files
Text: Kirkland 140a A Statement of the Number and Situation of the Six United Nations of Indians in North America, viz. The Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas, Tuscaroras, and Mohawks. 1. The Oneidas, who reside near Oneida Lake in five small villages, about 120 miles west from Albany, consist of 588 souls. Their Dependents and Allies, the Tuscaroras, Stockbridge, and Mohagan Indians, living in their vicinity, consist of 287 Souls. 2. The Onondagas, near the Oneida Salt Lake, about 36 miles west fro
Show moreKirkland 140a A Statement of the Number and Situation of the Six United Nations of Indians in North America, viz. The Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas, Tuscaroras, and Mohawks. 1. The Oneidas, who reside near Oneida Lake in five small villages, about 120 miles west from Albany, consist of 588 souls. Their Dependents and Allies, the Tuscaroras, Stockbridge, and Mohagan Indians, living in their vicinity, consist of 287 Souls. 2. The Onondagas, near the Oneida Salt Lake, about 36 miles west from Oneida, are 184 3. The Cayugas, living on the east and west sides of the Cayuga Lake, 38 miles west from Onondaga, are 130 4. The Senecas, residing in six small villages on the Genesee River, 60 and 70 miles west from Cayuga, are as follows: Kanawages, 20 miles south of Lake Ontario , contains 112 Souls. Ooghwataiyegh, Hotbread, their Chief Bigtree's town, 8 miles farther south, of which Bigree alias Kaondowanea is Chief, contains 15 houses 120 Souls. Little Beard's town, about 5 miles south on the flats, contains 14 wigwams 112 souls. The Town upon the Hill, about three miles south, near the forks of the Genesee River, under the direction of Bigtree and Little Beard, contains 26 houses and 208 souls. Ononjaough, 12 miles southwardly, lying on the west branch of the Genesee, under the direction of Bigtree and Little Beard, contains 6 houses and 48 souls. Kaloughyatilony, 12 miles farther south on the forementioned branch, of which Spruce carrier is Sachem, contains 33 houses 176 souls. 5. Tuscarora's Village, situated near Bigtree's Town, of which Aghstigwolesele is Chief, contains 26 houses and 306 souls. Senecas, Onondagas, and Cayugas, residing on the Buffalo Creek, which empties into the east end of Lake Erie, have in their respective villages, about 34 miles south of Niagara, 256 houses and 2046 souls. Kajaigeas, about 25 miles west of the Buffalo, on the south side of Lake Erie, composed of half Senecas and the other half Delawares and Swaghkees, both subject to the Senecas, contains 28 houses and 224 souls. Big-log is their chief. Corn-Planter's village on the Alleghany, near the Pennsylvania line, contains 38 houses and 240 souls. Total 4685 Souls. The above number reside within the United States. Without the United States is the Settlement on Grand River, 76 miles west of Niagara and on the north side of Lake Erie, composed of emigrants from the Six Nations, with a few Delawares and Mingoes. Their Chief is the noted Captain Joseph Brant , of the Mohawk Nation, of which nation there remain only about 30 warriors. The number in this settlement is about 1100 souls. Those who lead a wandering life may be about 215 Total number of the Six Nations 6000 souls. Errors excepted. Samuel Kirkland . Stockbridge, 15 October 1791. Number and situation of the six Nations and their dependants- 1790-
Show less
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State)
Geography: Stockbridge (Mass.), Berkshire County (Mass.), Massachusetts
Abstract: Lists numbers of Indians living in various Nations and also scattered about New York, Pennsylvania and Canada. Some names of chiefs.
Note: Description: Transcription is not accurate.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-140a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Census of the Six Nations
Date: 1789-10-20
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 9 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State)
Abstract: Census gives Nation's names, tribal names, location of tribes, family names, English translation of family's name, the family mark and the number of men, women, girls, boys, and children in each family. Also sum total of the Six Nations.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-120a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Chiefs of the Oneida Nation to the Inhabitants of New England
Date: 1777-03-14
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 2 image files
Text: Kirkland 73a To the Honorable Jonathan Trumbull Esquire - Governer of Connecticut - by him to be communicated to the Inhabitants of the New England Provinces. A Speech from the Chiefs and warriors of the Oneida Nation. As my younger Brothers of the New England Indians (who have settled in our vicinity) are moving down to visit their friends and move up parts of their families that were left behind. By them with this belt I desire the Road clear of all obstacles - that they may visit their friend
Show moreKirkland 73a To the Honorable Jonathan Trumbull Esquire - Governer of Connecticut - by him to be communicated to the Inhabitants of the New England Provinces. A Speech from the Chiefs and warriors of the Oneida Nation. As my younger Brothers of the New England Indians (who have settled in our vicinity) are moving down to visit their friends and move up parts of their families that were left behind. By them with this belt I desire the Road clear of all obstacles - that they may visit their friends and return to their settlement here in peace. We Oneidas are induced to the measure on account of the disagreeable situation of your affairs - and hope by the help of God they may go and return in peace - and we earnestly recommend them to your Charity. Now we more immediately address ourselves to our Brothers - the Governors and Chiefs of New England. Brothers - possess your minds in peace respecting us Indians - we cannot intermeddle in this dispute between two Brothers. The quarrel seems to be unnatural - you are two Brothers of one blood. We are unwilling to join on either side of such a contest, for we love you both - old England and new. Should the great King of England apply to us for our aid - we shall deny him - and should the Colonies apply - we shall refuse. The present situation of you, two Brothers, is new to us. We Indians cannot find or recollect from the traditions of our ancestors any like case. For these reasons, Brothers, possess your minds in peace that we refuse joining in the contest. We are for peace. Brothers, was it an alien, a foreign Nation, that had struck you, we should look into the matter. We hope, through the wise government and good pleasure of God - your distresses will soon be removed and the dark cloud be dispersed. Brethren - as we have declared, we are for peace. We desire you would not apply to our Indian Brethren in New England for their assistance. Let us Indians be all of one mind, and live in peace with one another - and you white people settle your own disputes. Brothers, we have now delivered our leading sentiments as to the situation of your prayers. Please to write to us - that we may know how you receive it. [Undated. In Kirkland's writing. A very rough draft.]
Show less
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State)
Abstract: Ask that their Eastern Brothers be allowed to move freely into New York. Vow again not to disrupt the neutrality.
Note: Description: Includes a transcription.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-073a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Condoling Speech to a Sachem on the death of some relative
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 4 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State), Iroquoian languages
Note: Description: Written in an Iroquoian language.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-il406
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Deed between John Fitch and Josiah Bradmer and wife
Names: Fitch, John
Date: 1803-01-21
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 2 image files
Abstract: This document states that Fitch deeds to Bradmer and wife lots 7, 8, 9, and 10, containing 12, 61, 39, and 51 acres respectively.
Note: Description: A sketch of the lots appears on the reverse.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-220b
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Document written in an Iroquoian language
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 4 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State), Iroquoian languages
Abstract: otgaddinayawew skenea tughse
Note: Description: Letter? (3 pages probably incomplete)
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-il407
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Document written in favor of Samuel Kirkland
Date: 1798
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 2 image files
Subjects: Missionaries -- New York (State)
Abstract: This document justifies the solicitation of funds from charitable societies for the Hamilton Oneida Academy. It describes the great efforts put forth by Samuel Kirkland in all aspects of his life, in particular the Academy. Samuel Kirkland had given 325 acres of land as well as pecuniary aid for the worthy purpose of education and teaching of morals.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-207a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Dr. J. Erskine to Dr. Bellamy (extract of)
Names: Erskine, John, 1721-1803, Bellamy
Date: 1773-02-12
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 2 image files
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-038h
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Edward Wigglesworth
Names: Wigglesworth, Edward, 1732-1794
Date: 1789-09-02
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 6 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: Cambridge (England)
Abstract: Also passes on an excerpt from a Southern missionary's letter, in which the missionary maintains that the "improved state" is not advantageous fro the Indians.
Note: Description: Encludes part of a letter from Kemp concerning the hiring of a second Oneida missionary.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-118a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Eleazer Wheelock to Jerusha Kirkland
Names: Wheelock, Eleazer, 1711-1779, Kirkland, Jerusha Bingham
Date: 1771-10-28
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 3 image files
Subjects: Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: Hanover (N.H.), Grafton County (N.H.), New Hampshire
Abstract: Samuel Kirkland's visit to Dartmouth was very satisfying. Sends greetings.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-022a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Eleazer Wheelock to Rob Keen
Names: Wheelock, Eleazer, 1711-1779, Keen, Rob
Date: 1767-05-21
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 4 image files
Subjects: Missionaries -- New York (State)
Abstract: Received Keen's letter. Discusses personal and school-related money concerns: funding a building for Samuel Kirkland.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-002g
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Extract from the minutes of Congress
Date: 1779-10-16
Type: Government records
Pages: 2 image files
Subjects: Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography: Philadelphia (Pa.), Philadelphia County (Pa.), Pennsylvania
Abstract: Samuel Kirkland established as the chaplain at Fort Stanwix, with pay of brigade chaplain. Kirkland still to "pay great attention" to the Six Nations.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-079a
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Title: Ezra Stiles and Samuel Hopkins: An Appeal Relative to the Negro Mission
Names: Hopkins, Samuel, 1729-1811, Stiles, Ezra, 1759-1784
Date: 1773-08-31
Type: Correspondence
Pages: 4 image files
Text: Kirkland 43c To all, who are desirous of promoting the kingdom of Christ, on earth, in the salvation of sinners, the following narrative and proposal are offered, to excite and solicit their charity and prayers. There are two negro men, members of the first congregational church, in NewPort, on Rhode Island; named Bristol Yamma and John Quaminè , who were hopefully converted some years ago, and have, from that time, sustained a good character, as Christians, and made good proficiency in christia
Show moreKirkland 43c To all, who are desirous of promoting the kingdom of Christ, on earth, in the salvation of sinners, the following narrative and proposal are offered, to excite and solicit their charity and prayers. There are two negro men, members of the first congregational church, in NewPort, on Rhode Island; named Bristol Yamma and John Quaminè , who were hopefully converted some years ago, and have, from that time, sustained a good character, as Christians, and made good proficiency in christian knowledge. The latter is the son of a rich man at Annamaboe; and was sent, by his father, to this place, for an education, among the English; and then to be returned home: which the person, to whom he was committed, engaged to perform, for a good reward. But, instead of performing his obligation, he sold him, as a slave, for life. But God, in his providence, has lately put it in the power, of both of them, to obtain their freedom. They joined in purchasing a ticket in a lottery: which drew a prize of three hundred dollars. With this, and some other helps, they have purchased their liberty. The former is however in debt fifty dollars; as he could not obtain his freedom under two hundred, which he must procure by labour, unless relieved by the charity charity of others. These persons, thus acquainted with Christianity, and apparently devoted to the service of Christ, have good natural abilities, are about thirty years of age, apt, steady and judicious; and speak their own native language, the language of a numerous, potent, heathen nation, in Guinea, to which they both belong: they are not only willing, but very desirous, to risk their lives, and quit all worldly prospects, in attempting to open a door, for the propagation of Christianity, among their poor ignorant perishing heathen brothers; if divine providence shall open a way to it. The concurrence of all these things, has induced to set on foot a proposal, to send them to Africa, to preach the gospel to their heathen brethren, if, upon trial, they shall appear, in any good measure, qualified for this business. In order to which, they must be put to school, and taught to read and write better than they now can, and be instructed more fully in divinity, etc. And if, upon trial, they appear to make good proficiency, and shall be thought, by competent judges, to be fitted for such a mission, it is not doubted, that money may be procured, sufficient to carry the design into execution. What is now wanted and asked, is money to pay the debt mentioned, and to support them at school, to make the trial whether they may be fitted for the proposed mission. Whatever shall be given to this end, and put into the hands of the subscribers, they engage faithfully to improve, to this purpose only: and to promote the proposed mission, if more shall be given than is necessary to prepare them for it, according to their best discretion: and to be at all times ready, to give an account, to all who desire it, of all they shall receive, and the manner in which it hath been expended. As god, in his providence, has so far opened the way to this, by raising up these persons, and ordering the remarkable concurring circumstances, that have been mentioned, there is most probably no other instance in America, where so many things conspire to point out the way for a mission of this kind, with such encouragement to pursue it: and as numbers have already manifested their approbation and readiness to forward it, may it not be hoped, it will have the patronage and assistance of all the pious and benevolent? And it is humbly proposed, to those who are sensible of the iniquity of the slave trade, the great inhumanity and cruelty of enslaving so many thousands of our fellow men, every year, with all its horrid attendants; and are ready to bear testimony against it, in all proper ways, and do their utmost to put a stop to it: whether they have not a good opportunity of doing this, by cheerfully contributing according to their abilities, to promote this design: and whether this will not be the the best compensation we are able to make the poor Africans, for the injuries they are constantly receiving, by this unrighteous practice and all its attendants. But, aside from this consideration, may it not be hoped, that all who are heartily praying "thy kingdom come," will liberally contribute to forward this attempt, to send the glorious gospel of the blessed God to the nations who now worship false Gods, and dwell in the habitations of cruelty, and the land of the shadow of death: especially as the king of Zion has promised, that whosoever parts with anything in this world, for the kingdom of God's sake, shall receive manifold more in this present time: and in the world to come life everlasting. Ezra Stiles . Samuel Hopkins . NewPort, Rhode Island August 31st 1773 (copy)
Show less
Geography: Newport (R.I.), Rhode Island
Abstract: Two former slaves have lately purchased their freedom and are desirous of support in their cause of preaching to the heathen in Africa.
Note: Description: Includes a transcription.
Part of: Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier: yhm-arc-kir-043c
Use/Rights: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Main menu

Collections

Our Other Sites

You are here

Search results

Display Options

Pages

Pages

Filters

Names (5x or more)

Geography

Genre

Subgenre

Part of