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.
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.
Avery introduces Reverend Sherman. Avery asks Kirkland to show Sherman around Oneida. There is a great opposition to Avery in the Massachusetts Missionary Society, and he does not expect to be employed by them much longer.
Upon hearing that the Sheriff of Herkimer had offered the Hamilton Oneida Academy for sale, Thornton writes George to find out how such an "accursed proceeding" could take place. Despite some doubts to its survival, Thornton still supports it, and wants to know why George and Samuel are not trustees. He wants some action by the trustees in order to prevent such a transaction that would mortify the whole family. P.S. He expounds on the topic of business and their own future.
Thornton speaks about his father's work among the Indians, and his relation to the Society. Thornton supports Samuel and feels he should be helped by the Society. He says that a house in Samuel's village is needed for the Mission, and he urges the Society to pay Samuel's back salary.
Kirkland 137e Letter to Samuel Kirkland from the Reverend Dr. Joseph Willard Cambridge June 18, 1791. Reverend Sir, I have received your journals, accompanied by a letter by your Son. I have had such a multiplicity of business ever since, that I have not found time to peruse your journals, but your letter I have attended to with great satisfaction, and think that you merit much, by your political as well as religious labors among the Indians. I hope you will from year to year find greater and gr Show moreKirkland 137e Letter to Samuel Kirkland from the Reverend Dr. Joseph Willard Cambridge June 18, 1791. Reverend Sir, I have received your journals, accompanied by a letter by your Son. I have had such a multiplicity of business ever since, that I have not found time to peruse your journals, but your letter I have attended to with great satisfaction, and think that you merit much, by your political as well as religious labors among the Indians. I hope you will from year to year find greater and greater good fruits among them, arising from your exertions to promote the knowledge and practice of true Christianity, and to humanize their minds, civilize their manners, and make them more agreeable neighbors to their Anglo-American brethren. I am very sorry it has not been in the power of Mr. Treasurer Storer to answer more of your demands. The time of your Son's coming was very unfortunate for your purpose, as our Treasury has lately had great drains, and no money can be procured, till the beginning of the next month, from the loan office. Your Son will be able to give you an account of what has passes between him and the Treasurer upon the subject. I have communicated to the Corporation your request, respecting good Peter, and they have voted him the sum of Ten pounds, which I suppose the Treasurer will be able to pay, when he makes you a payment of Salary. I wish you, Sir, all the encouragement and support that your fellow men can give you, in the prosecution of your arduous and important work; but especially do I pray, that you may continually have divine influences and assistance, and all necessary supports from the Father of mercies and God of all grace, and that you may be the happy Instrument of greatly enlarging the Redeemer's kingdom! I am, Reverend Sir, with great esteem your very humble Servant Joseph Willard Reverend Mr. Kirkland Reverend Doctor Willard June 18 1791 Show less
The Corporation of Harvard College grants Samuel Kirkland 100 dollars, which, combined with the 100 dollars from the Society of Propagating the Gospel, should provide some relief. The Corporation also will support Isaac Solegwaslon for one quarter at Hamilton Oneida Academy.
Note
Description: Text also found in "Documentary History of Hamilton College," 1922, p. 101.
Having heard from Samuel Kirkland's son that Samuel Kirkland would be coming to Boston, the commissioners decided to suspend investigation of the complaint. They have not seen Kirkland -- would he please either write or come to Boston?