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Filler
October 21, 1784
The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Exeter, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
In 1777, after the American army's retreat to Valley Forge, an Oneida Sachem visited General Washington. Observing Washington writing and glancing heavenward, the Indian tearfully interpreted it as Washington bearing the continent's burdens, an idea recorded by Dr. Kirkland.
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ANECDOTE
Of GENERAL WASHINGTON
AND AN ONEIDA INDIAN.
At the close of the campaign of 1777, when the American army retired from the field, and took up their cantonment in the neighbourhood of Valley Forge, several Indians of the Oneida Nation, came down with a desire to see the camp, and to be introduced to that great and illustrious man, General Washington. One of them (a Sachem) was conducted immediately on his arrival to the General, and introduced by Dr. Kirkland, who had for many years lived as a Missionary among them. When the Indian entered the apartment where his Excellency was sitting, he made a sudden halt, gazed for sometime on him, then advanced and gave him his hand. After the usual ceremonies were over, the Sachem seated himself, and General Washington, who had been writing a letter to Congress, again resumed his pen, and went on with his business. As is common with the General whilst writing, he several times cast his eyes to Heaven, as if to invoke the assistance of some superior power. The Indian was unable to support--filled with an idea of the weight of his concerns, he melted into tears and quitted the room. Dr. Kirkland saw his distress, followed him out, and desired to know the cause of it. "Did you see" (replied the Indian, turning round to the Doctor as he entered the passage) "how that great man seems oppressed by his cares?--He lifted his eyes to Heaven, as much as to say help, Lord help,--what a great continent I have got upon my shoulders."
The Doctor was struck with the dignity and novelty of the idea, and immediately committed it to record.
Of GENERAL WASHINGTON
AND AN ONEIDA INDIAN.
At the close of the campaign of 1777, when the American army retired from the field, and took up their cantonment in the neighbourhood of Valley Forge, several Indians of the Oneida Nation, came down with a desire to see the camp, and to be introduced to that great and illustrious man, General Washington. One of them (a Sachem) was conducted immediately on his arrival to the General, and introduced by Dr. Kirkland, who had for many years lived as a Missionary among them. When the Indian entered the apartment where his Excellency was sitting, he made a sudden halt, gazed for sometime on him, then advanced and gave him his hand. After the usual ceremonies were over, the Sachem seated himself, and General Washington, who had been writing a letter to Congress, again resumed his pen, and went on with his business. As is common with the General whilst writing, he several times cast his eyes to Heaven, as if to invoke the assistance of some superior power. The Indian was unable to support--filled with an idea of the weight of his concerns, he melted into tears and quitted the room. Dr. Kirkland saw his distress, followed him out, and desired to know the cause of it. "Did you see" (replied the Indian, turning round to the Doctor as he entered the passage) "how that great man seems oppressed by his cares?--He lifted his eyes to Heaven, as much as to say help, Lord help,--what a great continent I have got upon my shoulders."
The Doctor was struck with the dignity and novelty of the idea, and immediately committed it to record.
What sub-type of article is it?
Human Interest
Curiosity
What keywords are associated?
Washington
Oneida Indian
Valley Forge
1777
Sachem
Missionary
American Revolution
What entities or persons were involved?
General Washington
Dr. Kirkland
Oneida Sachem
Where did it happen?
Valley Forge
Filler Details
Topic
Oneida Sachem's Emotional Observation Of Washington's Burdens
Location
Valley Forge
Key Persons
General Washington
Dr. Kirkland
Oneida Sachem
Event Details
An Oneida Sachem, introduced by Dr. Kirkland, visits Washington at Valley Forge in 1777. Seeing Washington look to heaven while writing, the Sachem weeps, interpreting it as Washington carrying the continent's weight, an idea recorded by the doctor.