Kirkland 183b A. R. Robbins to Samuel Kirkland Norfolk, September. 15th. 1795. Very Dear Brother-- -- In the multiplicity of Cares and Business public and private to which I know you are attentive - I know you will allow a moment just to run over a scrawl from an old Friend. - - The repeated Opportunities I have had with the Major (your Son) gave me great Satisfaction, and the more because he could inform me of the State of his dear Father and Family. It seems you still continue alone though in Show moreKirkland 183b A. R. Robbins to Samuel Kirkland Norfolk, September. 15th. 1795. Very Dear Brother-- -- In the multiplicity of Cares and Business public and private to which I know you are attentive - I know you will allow a moment just to run over a scrawl from an old Friend. - - The repeated Opportunities I have had with the Major (your Son) gave me great Satisfaction, and the more because he could inform me of the State of his dear Father and Family. It seems you still continue alone though in the midst of a world full of people and a large domestic Circle. Perhaps it is best - you must be the best Judge. I hope you still continue to do GOOD - as I trust you have been accustomed to so many Years. It feels to me sometimes that I do none and never did. But we don't know. Reverend Mr. Kirkland 1795 Reverend: Samuel Kirkland Clinton State of New York As to news - Sickly in many places - rather distressing at New Haven - Camp Distemper. Numbers have died - are not the Judgments of a holy God somehow glorious as well as awful, on such a sinful World - and especially on such a sinful people as Connecticut! Dr. Dwight is inaugurated and presided at Commencement last Wednesday - saw Brother Hart who is appointed missionary in New Hampshire and Vermont east side of the Mountain - unexpectedly the General Association has appointed poor me to go again - and I have given encouragement that I will try, Deo Vol: - Part of my Mission is in your Quarter - i.e. to the Unadilla and so up to Fort Stanwix etc. I have it in Expectation to be in those Parts about the middle or latter part of October. - in company partly with Brother St-- who is also going - hope it may please God to give us an agreeable Interview at your House or near it. My best Friend joins me in Love to you and yours. I am now and ever Your affectionate Friend and Brother A. R. Robbins . Rev. Mr. Kirkland . Show less
Robbins recently saw the Major (Samuel Kirkland's son) who informed him of Kirkland and his family. He informs Kirkland that many have died at New Haven. Since Robbins' impending mission will take him to Kirkland's area, he hopes to visit.
Kirkland 47d Aaron Crosby to Samuel Kirkland Onenhogwage 29th January 1774 Reverend and Dear Brother last night received yours 25th November 1773 am sorry it happened so that I could not give myself the Please, and receive the Benefit of the intended Visit; but could not accomplish it without receiving Detriment which would probably have over balanced both. but yet determine, at the expiration of some future period by the leave of Providence, to make a Visit into those Regions; can't prefix Show moreKirkland 47d Aaron Crosby to Samuel Kirkland Onenhogwage 29th January 1774 Reverend and Dear Brother last night received yours 25th November 1773 am sorry it happened so that I could not give myself the Please, and receive the Benefit of the intended Visit; but could not accomplish it without receiving Detriment which would probably have over balanced both. but yet determine, at the expiration of some future period by the leave of Providence, to make a Visit into those Regions; can't prefix any certain time; perhaps I shall come as a Thief. I find the Dutch Minister such a Person or rather Parson as I never conversed with before, yet I understand there is another like him. He sais Mr Mosely agreed very well with him; (believe it's true) O that old things may be done away and forgotten and all things become new and the Kingdom of the glorious glorious Redeemer be extended far and wide in these Deserts; when you write me again please to send these words translated into Indian, "thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself but will reprove thee and set thy sins in order before thee." perhaps you have something wrote upon the Subject that will be serviceable. Our Father still holds his integrity (Adam) takes great care of me, presents his Love to you, is on good Health, says he stands in need of but one thing, that is, the divine assistance to enable him to persevere in the ways of Godliness; rejoices to hear of your welfare; but bemoans your condition so far separate from your Dear Partner. That you may enjoy the communion and consolation of the Holy Spirit, which is better than any earthly companion, is the prayer of your affectionate Brother, A. Crosby For Reverend Samuel Kirkland Missionary at Kanenwarohare Mr. Crosby, January 29, 1774 Show less
Still having problems with Old Issac. He is still in favor of feasting after Baptism. Baptized his son with much feasting and shooting guns: "some of them were carried by the Spirit out of themselves into Beasts". Crosby is also trying to get the Tuscaroras baptized by him. Good Peter "met with a fall", is better now.
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.
The board of directors' meeting produced a resolution stating that due to insufficient funds of the Society no further money can be forwarded to Samuel Kirkland. However, the board is trying to collect money, and they just received a deed for land of the Oneidas.
Miller informs Kirkland of the Hamilton Oneida Academy Directors meeting. The board decided that if he continues to work among the Oneidas until November he will be awarded 50 dollars.
Miller apologizes that Samuel Kirkland has not received the money from Joseph Kirkland. The board of directors is meeting on the 16th of January, and Miller will try and get as much money as possible from them for Samuel Kirkland. P.S. How much will it cost to have the Missionary's short catechism translated into the Oneida language?
The reason for Samuel Kirkland not receiving any money from the board is that Kirkland didn't teach Mr. Palmer the Indian Language or prepare him for missionary duties. The board is disappointed that Kirkland spent only half the time at Oneida during the summer. Miller suggests a list of important words be drafted up in English and Indian to help in communication.
Pleased with the account of Crosby's mission. Desires Samuel Kirkland to send more frequent journals. Wheelock has again written the Board. Samuel Kirkland is not to have anything to do with him without consulting the LBCB. The board is looking to send out an additional missionary.
Kirkland 53a Andrew Eliot to Samuel Kirkland Boston February 12, 1775. Dear Sir, I have long waited for an opportunity of answering Yours of October 24, but have not been able to convey a Letter to Stockbridge till Deacon Brown brought me Your second Favor of January 5 - I have heard nothing from Mr. Crosby since I have received Yours - so that I hope matters are accommodated with his people - A gentleman named Butler hath offered his service, to go to join him - and to fix with the Tuscaroras - Show moreKirkland 53a Andrew Eliot to Samuel Kirkland Boston February 12, 1775. Dear Sir, I have long waited for an opportunity of answering Yours of October 24, but have not been able to convey a Letter to Stockbridge till Deacon Brown brought me Your second Favor of January 5 - I have heard nothing from Mr. Crosby since I have received Yours - so that I hope matters are accommodated with his people - A gentleman named Butler hath offered his service, to go to join him - and to fix with the Tuscaroras - He bears an exceeding good character and seems to engage with a proper temper of mind - Though it could not certainly be determined where he would finally fix - yet the Commissioners were loath to part with so valuable a man - I wish I could have heard from you and had your sentiments - I sent him a copy of what you wrote me - He is now at Nantucket - a place with which we have very little correspondence - I expect him up in the Spring - and if we hear nothing discouraging I believe he will proceed to the Indian country - I am very glad your Indians will not meddle with the quarrel between the Virginians and Shawanese - I have had time as yet only just to run over your Journal - I rejoice that the Indians have an ear to hear - and humbly pray that you may have more and more success - I fear you are too long in your exercises - am not pleased with your holding your meetings till midnight - Prudence is to be used - May you have divine direction and support! I shall communicate your Journal to the Gentlemen here and then shall send it to Scotland - It will be pleasing to hear from you as often as may be - - - As to things with us I know not what to write - The Port is yet shut up - The troops are with us - We have more quiet in this place than might be expected - General Gage behaves with great prudence - and were it not for the errand he is come upon would be much beloved and esteemed - We know not what is designed on the other side of the water - Our people are making all preparations for a vigorous opposition if they are attacked - What God designs no one can tell - I wish a spirit of religion was more visible - But alas! we have not returned unto God - - however it is the only source of comfort that the government of the world is in so good hands - We wait with impatience to hear what the new Parliament will determine - May God overrule the dark aspects of providence to a happy issue - All things are possible with him who hath the hearts of all men in his hands - I have sometimes been ready to envy you your retirement and could wish myself at a distance from these scenes of noise and confusion - and yet I bless God as I pass the time agreeably in my own study - I mix very little with the Politicians of this world - and find more enjoyment in following the duties of my situation - I love my country and would do anything to serve it, but can do very little except by my poor prayers - Mrs. Eliot and the Family desire to be remembered to you - I am with the greatest affection and esteem - Your Brother and Servant Andrew Eliot You will be surprized to hear Mr. Bacon is dismissed - The Church was offended with his sentiments about Baptism - the atonement - imputed righteousness - But the truth is there was a general disaffection - and this being the case he was willing to go - He is a worthy man - - I sent your Letter to Major Small by my son - he promises to call upon me - when probably you will have an answer - To the Reverend Mr Kirkland at Oneida Favored by Deacon Browne From the Reverend Doctor Eliot February 12, 1775 Show less
Butler to serve as the Board's new missionary. Samuel Kirkland's journal received, will be sent to Scotland when the whole Board has read it. Advises Kirkland not to work so hard. Troops are in Boston and the Port is closed. General Gage "behaves with great prudence."
Board advancing Samuel Kirkland on his salary. Cautions Samuel Kirkland about drawing on the Boards funds, as their treasury is often empty. Have heard nothing from Crosby (as usual). SSPCK appears pleased with Samuel Kirkland's efforts. Hopes that the Six Nations will not oppose the colonies.
After reading the Articles of Agreement with Wheelock, the Board has decided "that it would have been as well if you had not seen him". The LCBC should be informed of future transactions with Wheelock. Dispute with Sir William Johnson should be straightened out. The Board is taking care to prevent the publishing of the portions of Kirkland's journals referring to Johnson. Crosby to be assisted.
Quotes from a letter from Dr. Erskine to Dr. Chauncey. Is favorable to Samuel Kirkland. Elliot warns Kirkland of being "used cruelly by those who pretend to be your friends." Wheelock has procured 3 Stockbridges for Dartmouth.