Rev.
Sir I would now give you a short account of my Situation.— My Prospects of success were so dark and discouraging, last fall and
beginning of winter,— that I was ready sometimes to think I must give up the point,— that there was no such Thing as getting interest among this people at present. though very necessary
and important for the
progress of your Design, by Their superior Number and great Influence over Other Nations.— I could not feel willing to give up the Cause without farther trial. I thought it my duty to still use my utmost (though very feeble) Endeavours, and spare no pains, 'til I should acquire their
language
But through a kind Providence Things now appear with another aspect,— somewhat
encouraging.— I have lately spoke
to the Chiefs and head warriors
of this, and several other small adjacent Castles.— The substance of which, and their
Answer shall only mention to save you needless trouble.—
I a'cquainted them more fully with my Design, Disposition, etc.— requiring of them
what
was their real inclination with regard to my settling among them.— whether they
were desirous, would
receive
and embracing Christianity.— offered them several Argu‐
ments to enforce the Matter, show its Consequence, and
desired them to give it due conside‐
ration.— In Their Answer,
said. They had considered the whole.
of my Speech,— were entirely satisfied with my Design, and was certainly well disposed,—
had their real good at heart.— that they believed
the Ministers in
New England were very
good men, thought of nothing but God and heavenly Things.— would have me proceed in
learning the Language,— that they would
receive
me
and embrace the Word of God.— When I should
think myself sufficiently acquainted with
their Tongue to speak in public, they would
be ready to hear me.— They desired me to cleave fast to this Town (called
Kana‐dasaga) and keep as good Orders as possible, by private advice and admonitions, 'til
I should be able to speak in public. — This was delivered to me in presence of
eight persons (Chief and head‐warriors) who said the greatest part were thus minded,—
and
that they would use their Influence that
everyone
should give me good treatment and
listen to what I might say.—
I have found out all their Traditions,— dont apprehend they will be any great obstruction to their receiving
the
Gospel.— The greatest
and almost insurmountable difficulty is their being given
so much to strong drink. Their being a people without any proper form or kind of government make Things appear something dark.— They exercise no kind of Au‐thority, nor have any kind of
punishment for the highest Crime whatever.— Every Town is like a little Republic,— and again, every Family in some
sense, and still farther, every individual.
However Notwithstanding these Discouragements, the Gospel of Jesus Christ
should be offered them.— The work is Gods— poor feeble Man can only be found in
the
use of Appointed Means,— must leave the
blessing
with him, who has the Sole right
and prerogative to give it,— who orders all Things, according to his own
divine Counsel. — May the ever blessed God grant his holy Spirit to accompany the means
and endeavours his People are now using for this purpose,— without
which all will be in vain.—
I have laboured under so many Discouragements and some peculiar Trials (which I dont think proper to mention here) that I have not made that proficiency in the Language which I might otherwise have done.— I've been apt often to think it would add much to my com‐fort and
happiness, if I was able to support myself in this affair, or could
possibly
live
without any charge or expense.— My obligations are so many both from without and
within,— my unequalness
and
unfitness for the
business, make things very dark on my side.— The Thoughts of turning out
nothing else but an unprofitable servant and ungrateful wretch, are very hard disagreeable Thoughts.— But I hope
I begin to believe
that
Godliness
with Contentment is great gain.— I'm sure
it is most fit and
right
that I shoud entirely acquiesce in the Dispensation of Gods righteous Pro‐vidence.— He surely knows what is best for me.— my proud corrupt heart some‐times, though
very seldom, lets me rejoice in his all-wise
government.— would to God I might be always be resigned to his holy and perfect Will.—
I have not enlarged Things, lest your Expectations should be too high. you will doubtless acquaint the
Rev., and
honourable Gentlemen Correspondents
with my Situation. and please to present them my most dutiful regards.— Though I'm not immediately under their Care, I trust I'm not without their Remembrances Their pious Zeal and unfeigned Sincerity in this great Affair, should
surely be taken as an argument of encouragement and Comfort to the poor
missionaries
it was said of Old the Prayers of the righteous avail.— may they live to see
the fruits of their Labour and answer of their prayers
their abundant Satisfaction.—
Rev. Sir, I return most sincere Thanks for your kind Endeavours to procure me the Honours of College. which I suppose coud not be obtained.
P.S. I wrote the above in such haste, have
omitted several Things,— as the Opportunity delays
will now mention them.— I purpose to visit Rev.
Mr. Chamberlain sometime in the Spring, and inform him of my Situation,
advising what him respecting my Return etc.— Shall—
doubtless_
Verte
doubtless go as far as
Capt. Butlers— I believe I must run you in deb
[gap: tear][guess: t] for a few necessaries. I have scarcely linen to cover my back, and to make i
[gap: tear][guess: t]
last as long as possible, I have not slept in a shirt for Nine Months past.
As to Provisions, I
hope with
the
blessing of health, shall be able to endure the
ensuing Summer. I have a few
biscuit
and a little flour yet left,
I have actually learned to be content with
less Victuals, Than ever I was
wont to before.— we very often here
postpone Breakfast and Dinner 'til four 'o Clock
in the
afternoon. and sometimes until the next Day.— This new fashion was
very disagreeable to me for a long time. nor am I yet perfectly
reconciled
to it.— Through a kind Providence I enjoy a very comfortable state
of health. I have
during the Winter, excepting a bad cold, caught last fall
by going without shoes—
I have wrote a few Letters in these several Days past,— You
will
please to forward them.— If I shall not have time, I humbly beg the
Favour of your writing my kind Friends in
Boston, former Benefactors
I hope I have not given them occasion of offense by not writing for so long
a time.— I have scarcely wrote
my own Father,— and all my letters to you
were wrote in such haste, and
with so much inconsideration, imprudence, and ten‐
Thousand Blunders, that I trust you can easily excuse me.—
I'm conscious to myself
that I feel some small Emotions of Gratitude towards them
as well as towards
my Rev. Patron.— It is my Sincere and constant Prayer that
I may be enabled so to conduct and behave myself as that each shall have occasion
to rejoice, in having opened their Hearts and hands for my relief.—
The Honourable
Sir
William Johnson is a very Kind Patron to me in these distant
Parts,— The hopeful prospects of success here I must subscribe chiefly to
[gap: worn_edge]
[guess: undersed].
All His Honour's Letters to me are wrote wrote in the most friendly manner imaginable, and
with uncommon condescension,— giving the strongest Evidence of His Approbation, and good will towards my design. which adds much to my comfort and encouragement in the Gloomy wilderness. I know not how to requite such unmerited kindness.— I hope I may have suitable acknow‐ledgements of
Gratitude, and above all be thankful to the Father of Mercies for His special friendship to the Design.—
Received
April. 29. 1766.
if otherwise, I believe I shall visit you notwithstanding the many difficulties which attend the journey. you may expect me by the
14 or
16 of May
extraordinaries excepted.
His Honour
Sir William, thinks it best and
necessary
that I return, unless by way of writing
I can give you sufficient Knowledge and
acquaintance
with
the present state and Disposition
of the Indians with regard to receiving
the Gospel. Though
that
would be difficult, and not so well as if I were present.
Time would fail me, should I attempt a plain and full account of Affairs, and nothing else will answer in a Case of such importance.— if Things
are represented in a superficial in‐explicit manner, it will be of no service to you.—
In case of sickness, or anything
that may fall out which shall prevent my return,
at the time mentioned, you will proceed to execute the plan you have laid out, but not in
its full extent.— As to
Schoolmasters among the
Senecas
and
Onondagas—
what I've wrote in the fore part of this Letter must answer for the present, having not
time to enlarge— I find it exactly agreeable
to
His Honour's Opinion
[illegible] of the Matter.— therefore need say no more.— perhaps it may be thought
well for
a young missionary to go there in order to learn their Language, open the way and lay some
foundation for future improvement. of which I can likely give you sufficient informa‐
tion when I
return.— It will be necessary
that you supply
the
Mohawks,
Oneidas
and
Onaquagas
with
missionaries
and Schoolmasters as before Mentioned. and
should be constan‐
tly if you really expect and hope
[gap: blotted_out][guess: to]
see any fruits of your unwearied Labour
and pains.— if these small beginnings at these several places are not perfec‐
ted, I
imagine there is little hope of success,— but if suitably improved, I can't but
think and do really believe a blessing may be hoped for without presumption.—
I hope you may be able to find Such missionaries who shall be willing to tarry
with
the Indians long enough for a proper trial, notwithstanding
the Many discourag‐ments, hardship, and
inconveniences of Life that
must at present accompany the
business.
If I have any right View of the Case, I think the
very
Life
and
progress of the
Design depends upon the
missionaries— though gettings Indian Boys to your
School
is encouraging and opens a door for future improvment.—
The often changing of missionaries will do more hurt than good. and their
tarrying but a little while among them (or just looking upon them
as they call it)
does not forward the
Design, but discourages the Indians and gives occasion of
umbrage to such as are not well disposed.— which unfortunately happin‐
ing with
the
Mohawks
and
Oneidas has given the
Onondagas,
Cayugas
and
Seneca's a mean opinion of the Design, and
some suspicion of insincerity.— Neither
do I apprehend Things are now so forward with
the
[gap: blotted_out][guess: for] former, as they
were
last spring or fall, excepting
Davids
School, which
through a kind providence
has been preserved through many discouragements, and now appears very hopeful,
and promises great success, if other proper Means are seasonably applied for its
support and future improvments. Viz, A missionary constantly residing there, for in‐
structing the old people and encouraging the Young. No one can reasonably expect
any great success from such a School, under such
Circumstances, without a
missionary to accompany the Schoolmaster.— I dont Mention this as if I
thought
Mr. Chamberlain worthy of blame, far from it,— for I
suppose
he acted from principles of conscience and sound Judgment in leaving
Oneida.
the necessity of his continuing there
[illegible][guess: ought] not appear so great as it really
was
was, for want of farther knowledge of their Situation and
disposition.—
his long delay in coming to them and sudden leaving them, has given some disgust
and greatly discouraged them.— from my small acquaintance and view of Affairs,
their Situation, was such last fall, and
the
necessity so great for the general
interest of the Cause, as required the utmost endeavours to improve and embrace
so favourable an Opportunity.— a
proper or
improper Support in such
a case I
suppose is quite out of
[illegible][guess: the] question,— if it be true what old experienced
Divines say, that in a like case if a person should give a year or two's service
to the Lord, without any immediate pay, he will be no loser, find a good pay master
and large interest,— at least a hundred per cent.— I wish I might be able to take
this for my present portion, it would
doubtless give me much ease, and prevent many
bitter complaints.— I'm very sorry
Mr. Chamberlain has concluded
it not worth his while to learn an
Indian Language. I much fear he will
give up his commission.— his faith, or rather
expectations were so very high
last Summer when I first saw him, as made me fear they should soon come as low.
he told me, he thought hardly worth his while to learn any Language of the
confederateNations, but proceed to those more
remote, for he sometimes thought he should live
to see the west fear he really believed God was going to bring all the Indians to the
knowledge of the Gospel, and
that in a
Natural way, by the use of appointed Means.
he also came fortified against all discouragements, he expected nothing but the
most vile ungrateful, inhuman and unkind treatment from the Savages, he knew
Indians and
what he must receive from them.— he never so much as asked me what I thought
of Indians or indian Affairs in one single particular. and I had so
much damnable cursed pride if heart, that I did not open myself so freely to him as
I ought to have done, (The Lord forgive me for my
iniquity). Though I gave him the Charac‐
ters of several persons at
Oneida, whose influence was great,— their favour and esteem
might be well to procure. for which he thanked me kindly.— not that I blame him So
much as myself. for a proud haughty missionary is little Better than the Devil.—
Oh, that I may obtain Mercy of God through Jesus Christ, for my insincerity and pride of
heart. perhaps it may be well that you use some care in seeking missionaries for so important
a business.(or possibly they may cause you sorrow and trouble as I have done.)
for I sincerely believe you nothing but the interest of the Redeemers Kingdom at heart.
If a persons Eye be single (the Scriptures say) his whole Body shall be full of light
If they are true,
one may know whether the Glory of God,
[illegible] self his uppermost.
But what Im [illegible][guess: saying]! Rev.
Sir forgive me this wrong. surely such things are quite improper, unbecoming a youth.— discover too much arrogance
and
assurance. would to God I might know myself. and act accordingly. I want your Instruction and Discipline. bear with my folly, I mean well.— I really feel your indian Cause [illegible][guess: lie]
[illegible][guess: near] my heart. I'm grieved to think how matters have gone on here, when your daily Labour and
travail of soul is so great for its success. but this again disco‐vers damnable pride of heart, what can I say! May the Lord be merciful to me: but surely I have no Reason to boast,
[illegible][guess: rather] to lie in the
dust of humiliation. for you know as well
as myself, that I'm under infinite obligation, both from within and without, to give my life and service to promote this Indian Cause, while it shall appear agreeable to
his will. but alas, how far short have I fell.
that I dont deserve even so much praise as is due to a Man for attempting to
do his duty.— oh, that I may be kept in the fear and love of God. from Pride and in‐gratitude on the one hand, and Despair on the
other.—
[gap: blotted_out][guess: dont]
I pray you wont expose this page to my hurt.
The Bearer is now waiting to go, quite unexpected to me.—
must omit many things.— please God to spare my Life and health you
may expect me about the time mentioned before.—
I can only say this, that several Thing have happened lately which may
delay the
progress of your Design. Yesterday heard at
Sir Williams
the
Onaquaga Sachem, deliver an account
and complaint of an Indian Man
being killed near
Minisinks or in the County. belonging to
Oneida.
The Indian was butchered in the most cruel inhuman Manner.—
Also five of the
Senecas
killed in some parts of
Pennsylvania,
which came in a Letter from
Governor
Penn to His Honour
Sir Williams.
It is said one of the
Onondagas have also shared the Same fate.—
Sir
William is much afraid what
the Consequences will be.—
four of the
Seneca's, I suppose belonged to the Castle where I reside.
who went last summer to war
[illegible]against the
Cherokees. and have
been gone two Months longer than the time they set.—
I have been these three Days past with His Honour
Sir Williams for advice In my affairs etc.
etc.— had many things of Consequence
to inform you, since the last page was wrote.— The Bearer
is impatient to go must leave
all, 'til I see you God Willing
earnestly beg a near Remembrance in you Prayer
Rev.
Sir in haste
Your ever obedient
and
though unworthy servant
Samuel
Kirkland
PS. as I have wrote in great haste
I have no copy nor time for any Correction.
if anything shall appear dark unintelligible
through too Great Brevity, I beg your Candour 'til
I return, when I will endeavour to clear such thing
as shall be
superficial and inexplicit..
Capt Butler
and
Lady give Compliment.— I set off
immediately for the
Senecas.
shall return as quick as possible
[illegible]
[illegible][guess: in]
suitable prudence and Moderation in such
fatiguing Journeys.
tuus ut ante,
Samuel Kirkland.