Memorial of Connecticut Indians at West Stockbridge
To The Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Connecticutnow sitting at Hartford
This may certify that we who removed from the New England states to the Oneida and resided on a tract of land granted to us from our brethren, the Six Nations, have been lately driven from our settlements by the enemy and sustained great damage, leaving our effects, by which means are now reduced to the necessity of seeking a redress, particularly are desirous of being instructed in the great things of religion, and our children, trained up to enjoy a school and religious privileges, and as Daniel Simon of the Narragansett Tribe of Indians, of a college education, properly authorized and ordained to preach the gospel, has been both keeping a school and preaching among us, the most of the time since the first of May last upon his own expense and charge, and we are unable to pay him. And, being desirous of his continuing among us and all funds of money for the spread of the gospel among the Indians are stopped, and, therefore, we are obliged to apply to any state where our God, in his providence, may open the hearts of his people to us, with a charitable design, praying that Your Honors[1] would consider us.
They are of the state to which we formerly belonged and were particularly our brethren from whom we have heretofore received many favors. We have twenty-two children, which we are exceedingly desirous should be instructed the ensuing year, and should be thankful for six or even three months schooling, as we shall all reside in the neighborhood of Stockbridge till these troubles be over. We, therefore, would earnestly pray them to encourage Daniel Simon, our brother, by donation or any other way. Therefore, we have made known our request.
Wishing the heath and prosperity of your own persons, which we shall ever pray.
Farmington Indian Council,
West Stockbridge, October 1780
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Certification:
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By request, I certify the foregoing representation to be just and true and would recommend them to the charity of those who are able to afford them relief. Samuel Kirkland, October 13, 1780
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Legislative Action:
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In the Lower House, on the question, nothing granted on this memorial. Test, William Williams, Clerk. In the Upper House, on this memorial granted that the sum of thirty pounds in bills of thelate emissions be issued and paid out of the public treasury, to be improved according to the direction of thewithin mentioned Mr. Samuel Kirkland for the use and purposes mentioned in the said memorial. And that a proper bill in form be brought in accordingly. Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. In the Upper House, William Pitkin, Esq., is appointed to confer with such gentleman as may be appointed by the Lower House on the differing votes of the Houses on this memorial. Test, George Wyllys, Secretary. In the Lower House, Captain Isham and Mr. Chandler[2] are appointed a committee per the conference above mentioned. Test, William Williams, Clerk. In the Lower House, on report of the committee of conference, and reconsider nothing granted on this memorial. Test, William Williams, Clerk. October 1780
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Cataloguing:
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226a, 226c
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