Kirkland 70a A Letter from Mohawk chief to his brother David. 28, October 1776 A True copy and translation of a letter wrote by Aaron Kanorraron , A Mohawk Chief from Niagara, to his brother David residing in the lower Mohawk Village. I write this 28th of October 1776- You shall now be informed of our situation this way- for which purpose we send back Kargah (a young Mohawk so called from Niagara) and I wish we might be certified what you are doing your way- Our eyes are fixed upon Canada - The Show moreKirkland 70a A Letter from Mohawk chief to his brother David. 28, October 1776 A True copy and translation of a letter wrote by Aaron Kanorraron , A Mohawk Chief from Niagara, to his brother David residing in the lower Mohawk Village. I write this 28th of October 1776- You shall now be informed of our situation this way- for which purpose we send back Kargah (a young Mohawk so called from Niagara) and I wish we might be certified what you are doing your way- Our eyes are fixed upon Canada - The commands of the Governor there determine our conduct. But we are assured he is well disposed - he will not punish such, as are behind the hand of others in coming in (or joining him) - and although you reside in the midst of the Bostonians you are loved by all the Britains, and by all the different nations of Indians - it is only expected of you that you don't take active part with the Bostonians while you reside in the midst of them. The only reason they don't arise this way and destroy all around you is your situation viz. Residing in the midst of Bostonians. The Indians universally are firmly united with you on the Kings side- the Cherokees are of your sentiment, let this strengthen your minds with the disposition of the Governor of Canada- he purposes in the first place to take possession of Ticonderoga and this way and then New York. They are to meet in Albany, Then the Indians one and all are to proceed and make their way thither- I hope no misfortune may befall you in the meantime- these are the important matters I now have to communicate- Let the sentiments possess your minds my Younger Brothers, be assured of this taking place- I must however observe, at our grand meeting at Niagara (Consisting of Ottawas Chippewas and others with some of the Six Nations) -many of the Indians were discouraged by disappointment- they were eager to return and fall upon the frontiers but the Commander would not consent to it solely on account of your situation being surrounded by Bostonians- In this god has mercifully spared us, especially my Country (the Mohawks) this conduct of our Commander, I attribute to the divine disposal- Let Colonel Butler receive many thanks from you for his friendly Administration- he is well and the one that is with him ( NB the Indian letter does not specify whether the one, here mentioned be the Commander or some other) let no offence be taken that I don't return so soon as expected: the Commander will not part with me- I am of great service to him- Aaron Kanorraron Show less
Niagara Mohawks under Butler's command. Advises David and all other Mohawks along the Mohawk River to remain friendly to the King, although surrounded by "Bostonians." Most of the Indians at Niagara conference favored action against the colonies, but were discouraged because of the precarious situation of the eastern half of the Mohawk nation. Aaron is "of great service" to the commander.
Delivered by David Avery upon his departure from Oneida. Tells the Indians that because of their heathen ways: "I have not the least expectation of seeing one of your faces there [in heaven] in comfort, but must stand as a swift witness against every of you that shall come to God's awful Bar in your sins." Kanonwarohare.
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
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.
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
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.
This document certifies that Samuel Kirkland gave money to the Hamilton Oneida Academy Trustees for the building of the Academy. Several donations over the years bring the total amount to 1221 dollars.
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
They talk about the benefit of uniting all ministers and Christians together "in brotherly love" and "in all proper demonstration of that Christian affection." They have heard that in the Oneida area there is a division and dispute among ministers, church, and the people. They are afraid that the region might fall into the hands of the Baptists or Methodists, unless there is renewed action and organization.
They talk about the benefit of uniting all ministers and Christians together "in brotherly love" and "in all proper demonstration of that Christian affection." They have heard that in the Oneida area there is a division and dispute among ministers, church, and the people. They are afraid that the region might fall into the hands of the Baptists or Methodists, unless there is renewed action and organization.
Avery received Emmons' letter prolonging his missionary term until May 15. He says that settlers have come to this region not for religion, but to make their fortunes. There are many uncouth and unsavory "hirelings" around, and some missionaries have strayed from the doctrine. Avery advocates fewer "transient preachers," and a more serious adherence to the doctrine. Several societies need missionary aid, more specifically resident missionaries.