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 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 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.
Kirkland 185b Samuel Kirkland to John T. Kirkland Paris 16th November 1795. Dear Son Yours of the 12th ultimo by Mr. Johnson came safe to hand. I need not mention the gratification it afforded me, for your letters have always that happy influence. I am sorry, however, that temporalities should oppress you, when scarcely setting out in life. I have long borne them, and they have become familiar. If your finances will not admit of affording me a little present relief towards completing my house, m Show moreKirkland 185b Samuel Kirkland to John T. Kirkland Paris 16th November 1795. Dear Son Yours of the 12th ultimo by Mr. Johnson came safe to hand. I need not mention the gratification it afforded me, for your letters have always that happy influence. I am sorry, however, that temporalities should oppress you, when scarcely setting out in life. I have long borne them, and they have become familiar. If your finances will not admit of affording me a little present relief towards completing my house, make yourself entirely easy. I can cheerfully encounter a thousand difficulties rather than see a favorite Son attacked by a single one. My embarrassments and disappointments from almost every quarter I shall not mention. Should it be consistent with your present situation, I wish you to enclose me, in a letter by post, 50 or 100 dollars or more if convenient. I believe it may come safe. It is probably your Brother George will visit you early in the winter, if there be snow. All things considered, I think my daughter Jerusha ought to show you the purport of the enclosed, and take your advice being so far from family connexions. The The subject is very delicate. Who at present can be a more faithful, judicious and affectionate counselor than a dear Brother? Amidst all the variety and little cares of life I can't forget your important office and the situation in which you are placed. I wish you every day to thank Christ Jesus your Lord who hath enabled you, for that he wanted you faithful, hath put you into the ministry. Set the Lord always before you as your teacher and example. As a preacher he gave himself wholly to his work; he loved it; it was his meat and his drink. Let the nature, importance, and success of your office follow you into all places and into all companies and direct the whole course of your conduct. May your time and talents be all consecrated time and talents. Where much is given, the requirement will be proportionable. My heart's desire is, that the Lord may keep you, and make you an able, faithful, and skillful minister, and wise in winning souls to Christ. I expect to write you again shortly - and be a little more particular as to domestic affairs, with some Indian information. Yours, etc. S. Kirkland . P.S. This moment received yours of the 5th instant - thank you for the enclosed. Shall be very glad of the next quarterly payment by the time; accept ( ) P.S. I am exceedingly anxious for the education of my son Sammy, but cannot at present advance anything towards it. P. S. 2d. Please seal the enclosed - having no wafers. Show less
Samuel Kirkland regrets that his son should so early in life be worried about temporalities. George will probably be visiting Thornton soon. Jerusha ought to show Thornton the gist of the enclosed and take Thornton's advice. P.S. Just now received Thornton's letter of the 5th -- thank you for the enclosed. P.S. At this point, Samuel regrettably cannot contribute for the education of Sammy.
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 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.
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.
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 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.