Thomas Huntington, journal, 1769 June
Date1769-06
Call Number769390.1
abstractHuntington details his visit to Mr. Kirtland’s school, recounting the success of the mission to the Oneidas, and the barriers to further missions.
handwritingThe document is written in Wheelock’s hand. It is small, informal and occasionally difficult to decipher. The signature appears to be in a different hand, possibly Huntington's. The postscript is also in an unknown hand.
paperLarge single sheet is in good condition, with light staining, creasing and wear.
inkBrown ink appears to be somewhat watery and faded.
noteworthyIt is uncertain to which place Huntington refers when he mentions, on one recto, the lower Oneida Castle, and so it has been left untagged.
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
May 31. 1769.
while he Should make a visit to New England, or (in case
his Affairs Should not favour his making his visit at this
Time) to go on a mission to remoter Tribes if a Door Should
be opened for it, (after joining with the Doctor in Solemn Supplica‐
tion to the Throne of Divine Grace, for Protection, and success in the
important Undertaking,) we arrived Safe to the Rev. Mr. Kirtlands at
Kanawalohale on the 8th of June. and was not more rejoiced to See
him than to See and hear the wonders which God had wrought among
the poor Indians. Numbers of them came in to pay their respects to us
and to hear from their Father (the great minister) and seemed really
to rejoice and bless God for our Safe arrival. they appeared very
fond of Religious conversation — I was agreeably surprised at the
unaffected Simplicity and love which appeared in their Deportment
towards, and conversation with Mr. Kirtland, who readily interpreted
what they Said. Their Knowledge in the things of Religion is surprising,
their lively discourse, pertinent observations, and Breathings of
piety were Such as Might provoke to emulation very eminent Christians
Lords Day June 11.
worship, the word seemed to be accompanied with Power; the
Indians were very attentive, numbers in Tears. I think it was
the most Solemn assembly I ever Saw. My Expectations were
much raised by what I had heard of the Work of God's Grace
among them, but what I found among them much exceeded
them all.
Communion and a hopeful prospect of the Addition of many
more. May it be increased with the increase of God.
and uneasiness towards the English had prevailed among [illegible]
all the Indian Nations, occasioned probably by the Artifice and
insinuations of the French near the Mississippi, or by the
encroachments of french Settlers near Detroit — a war
Belt was Sent through the Nations which increased the
ferment among them — Some of the Senecas this most
powerful of the Six Nations, breathed out threatenings against
the holy and praying people as they term the Oneidas, to break
off their alliance with them, and even to cut them off if they would
not renounce the Gospel, In consequence of, and intimidated by these
Threats the people of the lower Oneida Castle at Some miles dis‐
tance from Mr. Kirtlands laid a Plot to Seize him, and Send him to
the Senecas, as a Merit to appease, and conciliate the friendships of
that powerful Nation, but the plot was seasonably discovered
and happily disconcerted. The Indians now disown and try to [illegible][guess: smother]
the fact and pretend greater friendship for Mr. Kirtland than ever
Situation long enough to accomplish his visit to New England.
and I did as I was directed, submit the Expediency of my mission to
a remoter Tribe to Mr. Kirtlands Determination, He consulted his people
on the Head, they were of Opinion that as the Temper of the Nations then
were it was not prudent, and that my Life would not be Safe. and
accordingly after delivering the Doctors message to them, and receiv‐
ing their answer, I took my leave of them. 21 June and left Mr. Frisbie in
the School and John Matthews assisting Mr. Kirtland as a Labourer, and
both engaged in learning the Indian Tongue.
techist and to keep Mr. Kirtlands School and to learn that Language
and John Matthews a Narragansett Indian to keep a School among
the Tuscaroras or Onondagas as Mr. Kirtland should
direct, and Elias a Mohawk designed for his Inter
preter —