Letter from Reverend Samuel Kirkland to Secretary of War Henry Knox from Kanandaique on the Indian delegation to Congress; meeting at house of General Israel Chapin

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No human transcription currently available for this document.

Type

Autograph Letter Signed

Description

Written from Kanandaique within 38 miles of Big Tree's Town on the Genesee River, Kirkland reports his arrival with the Oneida Chiefs. Reports of planned meeting at house of General Israel Chapin to acquaint chiefs of his business and express peaceable intentions of Congress and the President of United States General George Washington and readiness of congress to fulfill all promises of Six Nations. There were reports propagated among the Buffaloes to the contrary; that Congress and Colonel Pickering did not regard promises made to Indians. Reports that effort made to prevent delegation, to include Farmer's Brother and Red Jacket, from going to congress. First meeting of Oneida and Seneka Chiefs, they appeared shy and jealous of each other; spoke with caution and formality. Kirkland brought forward the West Indian animating spirit [rum] and drank to the health of the President. Discussed Colonel Pickering and President of United States General George Washington. Washington fears the great spirit above and does right, whether it be protecting the lovers of peace or punishing the disobedient. Farmer's Brother pledged to accompany the delegation to Philadelphia. Cornplanter asked for assistance moving his baggage and family as far as Genesee. Kirkland recommends the proposed delegation should go to Philadelphia; the expense is justified. Discusses need to keep the Five Nations from joining with the Western Confederacy.

Date

01/19/1792

Recipient

Sent from

Kanadaique

Document number

1792011940001

Page start

1

Notable persons

Henry Knox
Reverend Samuel Kirkland
Farmer's Brother
Kanadaigue, alias Washington
Good Peter
Gen. Israel Chapin
Big Tree
Farmer's Brother
Col. Pickering
President of United States General George Washington
Red Jacket
Cornplanter
Seneka
Oneida
Congress
Western Confederacy
Six Nations
Five Nations

Notable locations

Kanadaique
Buffaloe
Philadelphia
United States
Kanandaigue
Big Tree's town on the Genesee
Kanadasegea
New York