Letter from the Reverend Samuel Kirkland to Secretary of War Henry Knox on urgency of Six Nations delegation to Philadelphia; efforts to derail the delegation's visit; effect of the defeat of General St. Clair's Army
Item
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Title
Letter from the Reverend Samuel Kirkland to Secretary of War Henry Knox on urgency of Six Nations delegation to Philadelphia; efforts to derail the delegation's visit; effect of the defeat of General St. Clair's Army
Description
Kirkland advises Knox that the proposed delegation from Six Nations should go to Philadelphia as soon as possible. Great efforts made vicinity of Niagara to prevent delegation, including Farmer's Brother and Fish Carrier from attending. Some friendly to Americans fear that defeat of General St. Clair's army would kindle such wrath that there would never be peace. Some consider victory over St. Clair as evidence that Great Spirit is on Indian side and should inspire all to join the victors. Discusses Farmer's Brother's belief that it was best to comply with Fish Carrier's request for sovereign mandate. Informs Knox that he has sent express to Captain Brant to obtain explicit answer regards his attendance at Philadelphia. Refers to an Indian council that excludes white attendees. Captain Brant has been asked to attend. Council may have been originated by Colonel Butler or the Western Indians. Fish Carrier may be afraid of the younger warriors who have made contact with Western Confederacy. Defeat of General St. Clair's army has generated a passion for war among the young. If no peace made with Western Confederacy, cannot predict what will restrain them. Based on intelligence from Captain Hendricks, treaty may be possible with Western Indians, although the defeat of the Army may have changed things. Cornplanter should attend at Philadelphia. Will know soon whether Fish Carrier and Captain Brant will attend. All others, except Clear Sky, have concluded to go. Hopes that his endeavors meet with Knox's approval. Discusses the lack of comfortable accommodations and the effect of the unusually extreme cold weather.
short description
Letter, discusses Indian delegation to Philadelphia; discusses St. Clair's campaign; discusses defeat of United States army; describes Indian politics; discusses hostile Western Indians; mentions Indian delegation to Philadelphia.
year created
1792
month created
01
day created
27
author
sent from location
Genesee
recipient
in collection
in image
notable person/group
Henry Knox
Samuel Kirkland
Clear Sky
Red Jacket
Capt. Hendrick
Cornplanter
Good Peter
Jones
Col. Pickering
Capt. Joseph Brant
Farmer's Brother
Fish Carrier
Six Nations
Western Confederacy
Secretary of War
War Office
Indian Council
Colonel Butler
British
Canadians
General St. Clair
Clear Sky
Five Nations
notable location
Genesee
Philadelphia
America
Buffaloe
Buffaloe Creek
Genesee
Niagara
Albany
Ohio
Britain
Canada
Ontario
Upper Canada
New York
notable idea/issue
General St. Clair's defeat
Battle of Wabash River
Six Nations delegation to Philadelphia 1792
notable phrase
good of my country in the present embassy
house I have just now hired for my own lodging
council fire
suffered much by the extreme cold weather
affairs were well adjusted & arranged on this river
Six Nations
lovers of peace
hostile tribes
treaty
prudent & friendly
friends to America
save him the fatigue of a journey
private Indian council
Fish Carrier is afraid to come down on account of his young warriors having been with the western hostile indians
defeat of our army I find has excited a strong & violent passion for war among almost all the young men
council of the chiefs
best for him to comply with Fish Carriers request or sovereign mandate
consider the defeat as evidence that the great spirit is on the side of the Indians & inspired them with courage to gain such a signal victory
all indians now ought to join the victors
indians should know of all my communications for some to them place an entire confidence in me
those who appear most friendly to the Americans were afraid the defeat of our army would kindle the wrath of Congress
speak any more in peace to Indians
become very jealous of each other
moved from this river to the southward & westward
duty & inclination oblige me to give you every necessary & reasonable information in respect to the success of my embassy
disposition of the indians
matter of great importance to the peace & security of the Genesee country & adjacent settlements of white people
proposed delegation from the Six Nations should go down to the seat of government
present critical juncture
leisure or rest
conveying a letter with some degree of safety
document number
1792012740001
page start
1
number of pages
6
Item sets
Transcribe this document
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (6 pages) | BTA18 (6 pages) | Collection: Samuel Kirkland Papers | #144l |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Reverend Samuel Kirkland | Genesee | [n/a] |
| Recipient | Henry Knox | [unknown] | [n/a] |