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Samuel Kirkland to Henry Knox
Title
Samuel Kirkland to Henry Knox
Names
Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808, Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Date
1791-04-22
Type
Correspondence
Pages
4 image files
Text
Kirkland 135c Samuel Kirkland to Henry Knox Oneida, 22d April 1791. Honored Sir - When I was in Philadelphia the winter past, and honored with a personal interview with you, the character and present situation of the Indians were a subject of much conversation. Among other things, the propriety and practicability of an accommodation with the Indians in the vicinity of the Miami, to prevent the horrors of an Indian war, were inquired into. - Their complaints and uneasiness which at length broke o
Show moreKirkland 135c Samuel Kirkland to Henry Knox Oneida, 22d April 1791. Honored Sir - When I was in Philadelphia the winter past, and honored with a personal interview with you, the character and present situation of the Indians were a subject of much conversation. Among other things, the propriety and practicability of an accommodation with the Indians in the vicinity of the Miami, to prevent the horrors of an Indian war, were inquired into. - Their complaints and uneasiness which at length broke out into open hostilities to two causes, viz.: the influence and artifice of unprincipled traders and others who had immediate access to them, - and secondly, their ignorance of the fixed determination and real disposition of Congress to do strict justice to the Indians. To remove these prejudices and correct their mistaken apprehensions, it was proposed that a number of their chiefs should be brought down to Congress, that both might have a fair hearing. This idea was suggested by Captain Obeil , alias Cornplanter, who on the occasion remarked that the voice of Congress could never reach those western Indians; before it passed through so vast a tract of country it would either evaporate into the air, or be intercepted by the voice of birds - alluding to the artifice of evil-minded persons and unfriendly to the States. Some time after my return from Philadelphia, as a friendly correspondence is kept up between Captain Brant and myself, I wrote him upon the state of the Indians at large, and the discouragement that attended every attempt (already made) to introduce the arts of civilized life among them; subjects upon which we had frequently conversed with the utmost freedom. I also expressed my fears that their love of war with their spirit of jealousy would terminate in their ruin. I must acknowledge that my chief design in this was to obtain his sentiments and feelings towards the hostile Indians in the vicinity of the Miami. A few days ago I received his answer by two runners. Your official character and known humanity induce me to transmit you a copy of his letter for your own perusal and not for publication - as my situation among them is delicate and I am continually watched. I shall at present make no comment upon his letter - am obliged to write in haste - the strong trait of British influence and interest in many passages will not escape your discovering eye. As I deprecate an Indian war from every principle both of humanity and policy - if it can possibly be avoided without a direct violation of the laws of the general Government; permit me, Sir, to suggest the idea of sending Captain Hendrick and one other chief of the Stockbridge tribe to the westward. This tribe had formerly more influence with the Miamis, Shawanees, Delawares and Chippewas than all the Five Nations. Captain Hendrick is well acquainted with their customs and manners, and has since the war received several invitations from those western tribes to make them a visit. He once went as far as Buffalo Creek, where he met with some of his own nation who reside in that quarter. In private council of the Oneida Chiefs they have advised to the measure. Captain Hendrick flatters himself he could convince them of the justice and goodness of Congress in the treatment they are disposed to give to all Indians, and persuade them to lay down the hatchet till they could give Congress a fair hearing. As you are in great measure a stranger to Captain Hendrick's character, allow me, from long personal acquaintance to say, in a word, that he is very little inferior to Cornplanter; who also himself has a high esteem of Hendrick, and mentioned him to me when at Philadelphia as a proper person for an embassy to the westward. - Captain Hendrick with one other person will either go in the name and behalf of their own nation, or at your direction, as may be thought best, - if he can only be furnished for the journey with the necessary articles of clothing, belts and strings of wampum, with a little pocket money, the whole amount of which would be no more than fifty or sixty dollars. The support of his family might require as much as twenty bushels of grain between this and next fall. Should the proposal meet your approbation, as bearing the signatures of humanity and policy - you will please to honor me with the earliest notice - as no time should be lost for the enterprise; to forward which every aid in my power shall be most cheerfully afforded. With sentiments of highest respect and esteem, I am, honored Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant, Samuel Kirkland , Missionary. Honorable Henry Knox , Esquire Secretary War Department (From Pickering Papers, 61: 200-201. Massachusetts Historical Society)
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Subjects
Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography
Oneida (N.Y.), Oneida County (N.Y.), New York
Abstract
Kirkland thinks that his position forbids comment. Captain Hendrick suggested as a peace ambassador to the Western Confederacy.
Note
Description: Includes copy of letter from Brant (see 134a). Includes a transcription.
Part of
Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier
yhm-arc-kir-135c
Use/Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/
Samuel Kirkland to Henry Knox
Title
Samuel Kirkland to Henry Knox
Names
Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808, Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Date
1792-01-05
Type
Correspondence
Pages
4 image files
Subjects
Indians of North America -- New York (State), Missionaries -- New York (State)
Geography
Oneida (N.Y.), Oneida County (N.Y.), New York
Abstract
Returned from Albany. Pickering's invitation sent to Buffalo Creek by Indian runners. Defeat of the Army has alarmed the Six Nations, as the Western Confederacy is now looking in their direction. Will set out for Geneseo on Monday with Good Peter and others. May bring more chiefs than specified to Philadelphia, as many more will doubtless want to come.
Part of
Hamilton College Library Digital Collections, Samuel Kirkland Collection
Identifier
yhm-arc-kir-144b
Use/Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/