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.
Extraordinary expenses of Samuel Kirkland, October 1770-October 1771. For provisions, clothing, farming utensils, medicines, and school support. Justifies these expenses as a minimal and necessary. Kanonwarohare.
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.
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.
The board has agreed with Samuel Kirkland to send a committee to visit him to observe the state of affairs among the Oneidas. They want Mr. Palmer to be more effective as a missionary. Miller talks about the state of the Indians and Palmer's role among them, emphasizing the need to break the communications gap between whites and Indians. The board resolved to employ Kirkland in translating certain things into the Oneida language. Upon completing this task he would receive $200.
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?
Miller received Samuel Kirkland's letter of the 31. Unfortunately, the coffers have run dry, and Miller is unable to pay Kirkland's 100 dollars. However, Joseph Kirkland owes money, so Miller will have him send it to Samuel Kirkland. If Joseph doesn't have the money, Samuel should impress upon him the necessity. Miller is very grateful for Samuel Kirkland's journals which he just received.
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.