Harvard University. Corporation. Records of Grants for Work among the Indians, 1720-1812. Letter from Samuel Kirkland to Joseph Willard, June 24, 1791. UAI 20.720 Box 1, Folder 26, Harvard University Archives.

Stockbridge 24th June 1791.

{Reverend} & {Honored} Sir,

Permit me in the most abrupt manner, just to acknowledge your favour by my Son dated the 18th inst. The friendly sentiments & benevolent wishes it expressed both for my personal happiness, & success of my mission are very grateful altho' beyond what I may have deserved. ---

I am sorry to inform you, that {Captain} Brant (the noted mohawk Cheef), has not come down, agreeably to his engagements, on a freindly visit . -- By direct intelligence from Niagara, {Captain} Brant had set out for the southward some days before my last letters arrived. And that he had gone, professedly, in character of a Counsellor, & in consequence of repeated solicitations from the Southern Indians, -- [common?] [some?] says, he went with hostile intentions; but from what has passed betwixt us, I cannot relinquish the idea of his being friendly to an accomodation -- & that he will use his influence to bring about an amiable settlement, between the Americans, & those western & southern Indians. -- {Captain} Hendrick, the Chief of the Stockbridge tribe, with several others, & good - Peter set out, soon after I was at Albany, for the Miami; The design of their Embassy, is to propose & (if possible) effect a cessation of hostilities, untill each party can have a fair hearing -- For the present, in the behalf of good Peter, I would acknowledge the late gratuity which the Corporation have voted him -- I am now [truly?] [bottom edge torn away] [?] mak [?] [the?] necessary preparations for my return to Oneida

I am [?] S.Kirkland

The {Reverend} Joseph Willard D.D. President of {Harvard} University Cambridge

[at right-hand edge of page, turned 90 degrees] S. Kirkland Stockbridge 24th June 1791