Kirkland 183c Samuel Kirkland to J. T. Kirkland Paris, September 30th, 1795. My dear Son, You are anxious for my health and happiness; with many expressions of filial and fraternal affection in your letter of the 19th of August. I enjoy as much health as can reasonably be expected, from the fatigues I am obliged to subject myself to, in my present situation. I had a narrow escape about three weeks ago; by the stumbling and starting of my hose was thrown some distance on hard, stony ground. It wa Show moreKirkland 183c Samuel Kirkland to J. T. Kirkland Paris, September 30th, 1795. My dear Son, You are anxious for my health and happiness; with many expressions of filial and fraternal affection in your letter of the 19th of August. I enjoy as much health as can reasonably be expected, from the fatigues I am obliged to subject myself to, in my present situation. I had a narrow escape about three weeks ago; by the stumbling and starting of my hose was thrown some distance on hard, stony ground. It was some time before I recovered from the shock it gave my whole frame, so as to perceive there was the breath of life in me. The parts most injured were my right side, hip and lower part of the bowels. By the extension of the arms, saved my head. God has seen fit to spare me, for some purpose or other. How much have we, in the events of Providence, to teach us the absolute dependence of the creature upon the Creator. Soon after my fall, before I was able to remount my horse, I had a most lively and awfully pleasing sense of the apostle's declaration, that it is in God we live and move and have our being. How constant and unremitting the agency of the Deity, though invisible invisible to us. He is the infinite Intelligence and Fountain of power. As to the affairs of the family, they are in statu quo, except an increase of cares. The building, under so many disadvantages and so much unpreparedness, subjects me to inexpressible trouble, with some perplexity. I am sorry it was not in Mr. Russell's power to oblige me with the loan of three or four hundred dollars. But he has a right to do what he will with his own; who then can object? - You are now my last resource, so far as your abilities extend. - If Jerusha has not expended my quarterly salary from H. College, I wish you to send the remainder to your Brother George, and whatever more you shall be able to collect by that time. Some late changes and improvements among the Indians, shall be mentioned in my next. -Wishing you increasing happiness with an increase of every divine grace and virtue - will be the constant prayer of Reverend Sir Your affectionate Father S. Kirkland . Reverend J. T. Kirkland . Show less
Samuel Kirkland recently injured himself by being thrown from his horse. The incident reminded him of the infinite power of God. The family is well. Since Russell was not able to provide a loan, Samuel Kirkland requests that Thornton again send his quarterly salary from Harvard, along with any other money he can spare.
Samuel rejoices that Thornton made it safely to Boston, and he is glad that Thornton met up with George, whom Samuel promises to comfort in his times of misfortune. He talks about George's problems concerning certain negotiations in which George "wished to have the Loan of my Name." He mentions Eliza's educational expenses [see 197c and 197e]. He resumes the topic of George's problems which arise from a particular bond, the dealings with which put Samuel in a bad situation both in reputation and in monetary concerns. Samuel feels George should make amends. George also gave a bond of 40,000 to a Mr. Shotwell for two townships of land, but George later sold it causing Shotwell to become angered. Samuel talks about his healthy recovery at the Springs and his recent expenditures.
In reference to Thornton's recent visit, Samuel renders his thanks for his son's filial affection, as well as thanks to God for his return to good health. While on the mend, Samuel visited Judge Green and his wife where he was received with perfect hospitality and cordiality.
Samuel is overly anxious to hear from his son, and he wonders if his copious amount of correspondence is not being delivered to Thornton. Samuel plans to return to Paris next week. He recently heard from Sally, Eliza, George and the rest of the family.
Samuel answers Thornton's question about his resignation of his mission, stating that unless "a reformation should take place among the Indians" he shall proceed with his intended resignation. In this event he wishes an address to be drawn up and delivered to the Indians in the presence of "several associates of the presbitery of this country." He also requests a copy of the defense that Thornton wrote on his behalf. Samuel wishes his thanks to be conveyed to Peter Thacher for his letter [see 191a]. He also speaks about his declining health and says he hopes to get a barrel of medicinal water from the Springs, as recommended by Dr. Buxton.
Thornton's cousin has just arrived at the Springs, and Samuel is worried because he has not heard from Thornton for some time. David Avery had just visited Samuel at the Springs and said he had seen Thornton in good health two weeks earlier in Boston. Samuel needs money, saying he is "utterly destitute."
Samuel informs Thornton of his safe return to the Springs, and that his health is slowly improving. Samuel talks about his health and the possibility of his completing his journal.
Samuel Kirkland talks about the plague in Philadelphia and how happy he is to hear that Thornton is healthy. He is disheartened by his own loss of property and the misfortunes of George and the Academy. Samuel has endured much suffering and hardships in recent years. He explains to Thornton that when George went bankrupt, Samuel and his land were drawn down as well as subject to mortgages. He is having trouble selling his land to pay off his debts. He mentions the Academy and the 325 acres of land he gave it. His generosity to the Academy is ample, as he has housed Indian Boys for months at a time, including the Tuscarora Chief's son, David Cusick. He tells Thornton about the Bond of 1700 dollars to Sarah Bayliss which he and George cosigned. They now owe Bayliss approximately 2000 dollars, and she needs the money desperately. Samuel has offered land to her as compensation but she refuses. The 14-page letter is laden with religious references, including a several line verse from a fellow clergyman.
Samuel Kirkland discusses his son George and his marital status, in addition to his own lack of money. He informs Thornton (John Thornton Kirkland) that he awaits with anticipation the arrival of 200 dollars from George in the near future.
Samuel is worried because he has not heard from his son for a while. He has been with some relatives in connection with George's bond to a Captain Sanger. Owing Sanger about 2400 dollars, Samuel resorts to reimbursing him with wildland. Samuel is still preaching, and he recently returned from doing so in Oneida. Before he left the Indians, he had baptized 13 children.
Samuel writes to his son that the healing Springs have vastly improved his health. He entreats Thornton to pray for his health, because Samuel wishes to devote the rest of his life to God. He says that the medicinal waters of the Springs attract a geographically diverse group of people, coming from all parts of the country as well as from Europe. P.S. Sally's stay with Mr. and Mrs. Parson might be drawing too long, and she might be overstaying her welcome.
Samuel Kirkland relates to his son the strong feelings that his son's most recent letter aroused concerning the affectionate bonds between father and son and the paternal/filial responsibilities that are required as one grows older. He informs his on that despite ill-health he has continued to preach through the summer, and that God has comforted him in his pain. Samuel reinforces the importance and magnitude of his son's theological studies and the necessity of spiritual diligence and devotion.
Samuel has not heard from Thornton since they last saw each other at the Mohawk River. He mentions his recurring monetary problems, specifically the 100 dollars he paid for Eliza's education [see 197c]. Mrs. B[Ingham?] is threatening Samuel with a legal suit for 850 dollars.
Samuel expresses concern to Thornton about George's long absence and lack of communication. He also discusses Thornton's health and his own welfare. He urges his son to write more frequently.
Samuel has sent a lengthy letter yesterday by Mr. Waldo or Judge Lincoln to be handed to Thornton by Mr. Hedge [see 198a]. Mr. Hedge feels he did not benefit from the healing waters and is too low spirited, in Samuel's opinion.
Samuel finally received a letter from Thornton, dated September 18, 1797. The letter was delayed because it was accidentally sent to Burlington. Samuel says that the hardest affair for him has been George's embarrassing predicament. Samuel calls George his "prodigal, imprudent and unfortunate son." Later Samuel informs Thornton that George, Ralph and others have returned to Whitesborough.
Samuel requests Thornton to forward all bills to Ballstown Springs. Concerning the 100 dollars for Eliza's education at Bethlehem, Samuel is upset because George had promised to take care of it. Samuel also tells Thornton that George's misfortunes have distressed him, but he has turned to the Lord for support.
Kirkland 178a Samuel Kirkland to John T. Kirkland Paris 15th April 1795. My dear Son, You have doubtless waited with impatience for some time to hear of my safe return from Boston. The journey was very fatiguing, and some part of it distressing and hazardous, occasioned by a severe snow storm betwixt Albany and German Flatts. There were four sleighs of us in company, and we had like to have perished one evening before we could procure lodgings. The wind and snow came sometimes in such violent sq Show moreKirkland 178a Samuel Kirkland to John T. Kirkland Paris 15th April 1795. My dear Son, You have doubtless waited with impatience for some time to hear of my safe return from Boston. The journey was very fatiguing, and some part of it distressing and hazardous, occasioned by a severe snow storm betwixt Albany and German Flatts. There were four sleighs of us in company, and we had like to have perished one evening before we could procure lodgings. The wind and snow came sometimes in such violent squalls, that we could neither see the road nor our own horses. Hundreds froze their limbs, but not that I have heard of lost their lives. One man froze both his feet to such a degree that both his legs have been since amputated. I escaped with only a frozen toe, nose, and one cheek. All since well restored except the toe. I went to Oneida before I had recovered from my cold and fatigues caught a new cold, which first settled in one of my eyes - soon after was seized with the pleurisy; have been confined about twenty days; through divine mercy am now recovering apace, though still weak. The Doctor thinks, with care and proper regimen, I may soon enjoy a fine state of health. Bleeding freely, with several severe sweats, have corrected the whole mass of blood. With the restoration of health to the body, may it please the Lord of his infinite mercy to grant my soul may be in health and prosper, which will be great gain. My dear Son, you may believe it, God is good in sickness as well as in health. He knows how to afflict how to chastise, and when to mitigate the stroke, or heal the wound with the balm of Gilead. You have every day a Father's fond wishes, and sometimes ardent prayers, that you may be an able and faithful Minister of the Gospel, wise and skilful in winning souls to the blessed Jesus. My cordial salutations to Mr. Preston , Mr. Parsons , etc. etc. I hope to write you again soon. Yours etc. S. Kirkland . Reverend J. T. Kirkland . Reverend J. T. Kirkland April 15, 1795 Show less
Samuel Kirkland informs his son of his (relatively) safe return from Boston. Having emerged from the journey with "only" a frozen toe, nose, cheek, and other ailments, he wishes his son well in the ministry.