Kirkland 69a Correspondence of the Reverend Samuel Kirkland Hamilton College Library Collection Transcribed by Robert Allers '74 Document 69A Dated September 15, 1776 Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Fort Schuyler 15 September 1776 My Dear Jerusha, Amidst the crowd I am unmindful of you, I begin already to count the months - and almost the weeks when I hope a kind providence may indulge another interview - I arrived here the 10th instant was detained some time at Albany - kept first Sabb Show moreKirkland 69a Correspondence of the Reverend Samuel Kirkland Hamilton College Library Collection Transcribed by Robert Allers '74 Document 69A Dated September 15, 1776 Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Fort Schuyler 15 September 1776 My Dear Jerusha, Amidst the crowd I am unmindful of you, I begin already to count the months - and almost the weeks when I hope a kind providence may indulge another interview - I arrived here the 10th instant was detained some time at Albany - kept first Sabbath at Johnstown. - On the whole find things more agreeable here than I expected - The hard duty and variety of business that the soldiers are called to, render it inconvenient for public prayer, save once a day - a number are employed continually as scouts - another part for guards - the rest constantly at work - the Fort (which is now called Fort Schuyler) is almost finished. - The scout which returned from Oswego last evening - say no troops are yet arrived there - but are daily expected. The Two men of Colonel Dayton said to be killed by the Missasuagas was perpetrated by the Mohawks who belong to the upper Mohawk Castle Canajoharie - such is the perfidy of that faithless brood. The big bear as he is called, with Jacob and two of Colonel Dayton's men, discovered the tracks of three men in the woods. Yesterday toward evening, three parties of men were immediately dispatched - but the evening fast approaching, the rogues escaped. Tis supposed they are a scouting party from Oswegatchie who passes Oswego five days ago, it is said, and were on their way to this place. Indian report says Sir John Johnson is daily expected at Oswego - with a body of troops - where he will call the Six Nations (Oneidas and Tuscaroras excepted) to lay before them some important matters from the King of Great Britain. By the best account we can get from New York - our loss amounts to 600 - that of the regular 1800 to 2000 - I think I don't feel so anxious about events as I have been for the time past. I feel more disposed to attend to the present duty - confide in Infinite wisdom for the management of all that concerns His cause and the cause of my country - I find it comfortable to rest future events entirely with God. May the Good Lord in great Mercy prepare us to do and suffer his will and have no choice of our own - when it will become our meat and drink to do the will of our Father in heaven. I doubt not my dear Jerusha, you will remember me in your prayers. My love to the dear little boys. I intend to write them a letter in a few days if I can get time and retirement. My love to all the family, respectful regards to Mr. West and Mr. Edwards - and accept a heart full of love from Your affectionate Samuel Kirkland Mrs. Jerusha Kirkland September 1776 Mrs Jeru[] To the care of Jonathon Trumble esquire Albany [] Show less
Finds affairs at Johnstown better than expected. Held Sabbath there. Fort Schuyler almost completed. Sir John Johnson expected to lead troops to Oswego soon. 2 of Colonel Dayton's men were killed, supposedly by Mohawks, who escaped. Hopes to visit soon.
Has returned from visiting Crosby at Onohaghkwage. Cleared up differences between Crosby and Isaac and Good Peter. The latter two were made to realize that memorization of the Ten Commandments is not all that is required of a good Christian. Baptism also not to be a "frolick." Six Nations recently held a council at Onondaga. The threat of war seems less. Sending a gown by Abbe. Kanonwarohare.
Oneida Nation is threatened. The last of the Onondagas and Kanaghsorages have deserted to the British. Aid should be forthcoming. The garrison has been crowded with Indians since Saturday.
Kirkland 71a Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Fort Schuyler 5th December 1776 My dear Jerusha - I wish you the Blessing of Almighty God - and hope your heart may be enlarged to praise his holy Name for his wonderful goodness - and adore his righteous Judgements. - The duty of thanksgiving and praise to the great beneficent Parent of the Universe, is a welcome message - a pleasing service to the grateful heart - the benevolent Soul. - In the providence of God, we are this day called to pay our Show moreKirkland 71a Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Fort Schuyler 5th December 1776 My dear Jerusha - I wish you the Blessing of Almighty God - and hope your heart may be enlarged to praise his holy Name for his wonderful goodness - and adore his righteous Judgements. - The duty of thanksgiving and praise to the great beneficent Parent of the Universe, is a welcome message - a pleasing service to the grateful heart - the benevolent Soul. - In the providence of God, we are this day called to pay our acknowledgements and render public thanks to Almighty God. - I am just now preparing for the business of the day - but this moment informed, our Post is going for Albany - which I expected would not be till tomorrow. I had almost omitted writing by this opportunity - but affection rushes on, and bears away every other duty. - Whether your day of public thanksgiving be past or not - I could wish to be with you and pray for a soft, a susceptible heart - that we might praise our God for personal and family blessings - for public salvation - Let us once only view and feel our Characters as sinners - our unworthiness and utter worthlessness, and every instance of divine goodness will rise in our view - appear great and surprising. It is great goodness in God to defer the punishment of guilty creatures - and much more to remit their deserved punishment - and still greater to bestow favors upon them. Oh! what a weight of obligation lies upon us to adore and give thanks to Almighty God, from whom comes every good and perfect Gift - who redeems our lives from destruction and crowneth with his loving kindness and tender mercy. He protects us amidst a thousand dangers and makes the most kind provisions for us - O may this constant care of Heaven, wake up and call forth our most grateful acknowledgements. - I wish my Dear that you may shine and dazzle with the beautiful garments of a humble and grateful spirit, and bring forth fruits of obedience and submission - The Post calls a second time - farewell my Dear, may the Lord bless you, and comfort and support you - My love to the dear Boys - and Jerusha shares in my affection, though she is unconscious of it - My love to the family - I observed in my last - that we have employed a Post, to ride once a week from this Garrison to Albany - Any letter you may leave at Mr. Trumble's - will be safely forwarded - The Post leaves Albany every Tuesday at noon - Newspapers will be very acceptable - remember me to dear and worthy friends in Stockbridge Mr. West - Edwards - etc. - Yours affectionately S. Kirkland Jerusha Kirkland Mrs. Jerusha Kirkland In Stockbridge In the care of J. Trumble Esquire P.M.G: Albany Reverend Samuel Kirkland 5 December 1776 December 5th 1776 Show less
Back at Oneida. Having trouble readjusting palate to the Indian diet. The Oneidas have sunk to new lows: they "are in plain English-- Filthy, dirty, nasty creatures-- a few families excepted."
Kirkland 30f Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Oneida June 28th 1772 Sabbath Evening My dear Spouse, Mr. Avery is to leave us tomorrow morning - this day delivered his farewell sermon to the people - he has borne an honorable testimony for God - a solemn season with us, and I hope a day of remembrance. - My strength and spirits are so exhausted, I can but just write. I preached in the forenoon, and interpreted for Mr. Avery - But you are upon my heart almost day and night - I trust before now Show moreKirkland 30f Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Oneida June 28th 1772 Sabbath Evening My dear Spouse, Mr. Avery is to leave us tomorrow morning - this day delivered his farewell sermon to the people - he has borne an honorable testimony for God - a solemn season with us, and I hope a day of remembrance. - My strength and spirits are so exhausted, I can but just write. I preached in the forenoon, and interpreted for Mr. Avery - But you are upon my heart almost day and night - I trust before now you have fresh occasion to rejoice in God's salvation - and find by happy experience that it is good to commit our ways to the Lord and trust in him. - By the leave of Providence I hope to see you about the middle of September - externals here, much as usual - save an addition to the garden, and that enclosed with a pale fence - chiefly done by our common friend and brother Mr. Avery - we have 13 beds of carrots parsnips and beets - peas blossomed some time ago - and cucumbers just set - I hope you have richer entertainment than the leeks and onions of Egypt - may you be daily fed and refreshed with the cheering fruits of the heavenly Canaan, even Emmanuel's land - I need not add - how comforting a line from you would be - may the Lord bless you and the little babes - adieu - Yours affectionately S. Kirkland Mrs. Jerusha Kirkland For Mrs. Jerusha Kirkland In Windham By Reverend David Avery June 28 1772 From Mr. K Show less
Glad to hear that the children are well. Council at Onondaga "sat nigh a month". Results "favorable". Only a few Cayugas went South to fight with the Shawnees, and were "severely censured". Samuel sending Jerusha some supplies on his sleigh.
Kirkland 31a Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Fort Stanwix 10th July 1772 My dear Spouse, I wrote You sometime ago by Mr. Avery , our common friend. An opportunity now presents of conveyance from hence to Schenectady - I came here three days ago, by the importunity of the distressed inhabitants, whose children are all smitten with the small-pox. Mr. Ruff has lost his oldest Daughter - the rest are all like to do well. I am almost impatient to hear from you. I trust the Lord has been kind to y Show moreKirkland 31a Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Fort Stanwix 10th July 1772 My dear Spouse, I wrote You sometime ago by Mr. Avery , our common friend. An opportunity now presents of conveyance from hence to Schenectady - I came here three days ago, by the importunity of the distressed inhabitants, whose children are all smitten with the small-pox. Mr. Ruff has lost his oldest Daughter - the rest are all like to do well. I am almost impatient to hear from you. I trust the Lord has been kind to you - May he ever be your guardian God - and you rest quiet and secure under the shadow of his wings. 'Tis my constant prayer that your life and health - with the dear little Babes may be ever precious in God's sight. There has of late been a great controversy and dispute among my people, respecting the Nature of Repentance Baptism and Covenanting with God - I have done little else than attend Counsels and catechetical lectures for near three weeks - the debate has had a happy issue - brought truth to light - established and strengthened the church, who as yet have won the day - against the head-men and multitude of several villages - a number are now become attentive to divine truths - last Sabbath had a crowded assembly - May the Lord bless you and be very gracious to you - so prays - Your affectionate husband Samuel Kirkland For Mrs. Jerusha Kirkland For Mrs. Jerusha Kirkland In Windham To the Care of Reverend Mr. West In Stockbridge Mr. Kirkland July 10, 1772 Show less
Many of the Oneidas are off hunting, hoping for a little relaxation. Mr. Abbe to visit around the middle of January. Family could accompany Abbe, but Samuel Kirkland desires that Jerusha consider carefully whether it would be prudent to bring the boys on such a journey.
Kirkland 32b Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Oneida 5 August 1772 Dear Madam - I have heard to my exceeding Joy, that the Lord has in very deed been kind and gracious to you in a time of need, and granted safe deliverance. - May the Mother and babe be consecrated and devoted to Christ - were we not bound to submit to the divine disposals - and rejoice in God's holy and righteous government - impatience would seize my mind and hurry me hence, before duty would permit - how I long for an Show moreKirkland 32b Samuel Kirkland to Jerusha Kirkland Oneida 5 August 1772 Dear Madam - I have heard to my exceeding Joy, that the Lord has in very deed been kind and gracious to you in a time of need, and granted safe deliverance. - May the Mother and babe be consecrated and devoted to Christ - were we not bound to submit to the divine disposals - and rejoice in God's holy and righteous government - impatience would seize my mind and hurry me hence, before duty would permit - how I long for an interview and your tender embraces - I forbear - 'tis surely good to wait on the Lord - Many of the Indians rejoice in the goodness of God to you. It will not surprise you, Madam, to hear that controversy or polemic divinity has made its appearance amongst us - and wretched work does it make with these untutored Indian minds - The points of debate are the nature of Repentance or whether any difference between what is called by divines legal and evangelical Repentance - Baptism, and covenanting with God. - They were first chiefly occasioned by a private message from a Jesuit - strengthened by suggestions from some of our white neighbors - of whom you well know it may be said, they have the form of Godliness but deny the power thereof - neither knowing nor owning the divine efficacy, cloak their malice under the specious covert of pretended friendship to Jesus - and his cause - and I may tell you, weeping, they are Enemies to the Cross of Christ. - Dear Mr. Avery left this when these debates were at their height - we had counsel upon counsel, meeting upon meeting, one Conference after another since his departure - however he shot an arrow or two in his last discourse, which appear to have done some execution. Although many weary days and sleepless nights have been my portion and lot in the matter, on the whole have had great reason to bless God - by whose help the Church (though but a handful) have as yet won the day - The controversy has aroused the attention of many to divine things, and excited in others an earnest enquiry and critical search after the truth. - It has been so overruled as to delete error and been the means of bringing more truth to light than all my preaching for some time - I have introduced public catechetical lectures, - they appear to be owned of God. - Things in general wear but a dark aspect, respecting the poor Heathen - The love of many waxes cold, and in consequence of which, no marvel if iniquity abounds - a few of my people stand up for God, and are not afraid to speak for Jesus - in the face of all opposition - A general uneasiness and disposition for war prevails among the more remote tribes, and in some parts of the confederacy - Notwithstanding any gloomy appearances and threatening symptoms in regard to the Heathen - the friends of Zion's King will rejoice that he reigns - absolute and supreme - and 'tis the prerogative of his wisdom alone to educe good out of evil - to cause not only the wrath of men but rage of devils to praise him - Those baptized Infidels, as well as Heathen, who will not submit to the peaceful scepter of King Jesus, must be subdued, and (if nothing else will answer) broken with a rod of iron and dashed in pieces like the potter's vessel. - No grounds of discouragement, or disquietude - the Lord reigns and knows well what he is about - Christ's other sheep shall be gathered in - the Elect will ( ) - O may we then be found with our little dear ones, ( ) to the everlasting of God's everlasting love, and all conquering grace - peace be with you - and a blessing to the little babes - Dutiful regards to Mr. White - family - Parents - Mr. Dodge etc. - in utmost hate, from him, dear Madam, who subscribes, in great truth and esteem Your affectionate Husband S. Kirkland P.S. I can from sweet experience rely upon your candour to pardon the inaccuracies my hurry may have betrayed me into. N.B. The sacrament will be attended 16th instant. In September I hope to see you - have lately received a sweet Letter from a friend in England, worth ten thousand times its weight in gold. - I am given to understand my character stands fast as ever, notwithstanding the attempts that have been made to traduce it. - You will be pleased to forward all the enclosed as soon as may be - especially that to Boston. - For Mrs. Jerusha Kirkland For Mrs. Jerusha Kirkland by John Matthews Windham August 9 1772 From Mr. Kirkland Show less
Congratulates Jerusha on the birth of their daughter. Mission in poor shape, although Samuel Kirkland's friends in England are steadfast in their support.