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Finley Letters

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Letter from Augustus Eddy to James B. Finley

Augustus Eddy
February 07, 1826; Springfield

Eddy sends his best wishes for it seems Finley has been ill. He reports on the progress of the Mad River Circuit. There has been an increase of 100 members since he arrived on this circuit. The principal work is in Springfield and Urbana. He describes a wonderful revival service. Eddy is "tormented" by the Radicals. Abstract Number - 57
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
February 07, 1826; Washington City

McLean has heard from Gov. Lewis Cass that Finley has recently experienced a severe affliction. He is very sorry to hear this news. He has also learned that Gov. Cass has appointed his own brother, Charles L. Cass, to serve as Indian sub-agent in Upper Sandusky. Abstract Number - 994
Letter from George Washington Maley to James B. Finley

George Washington Maley
February 08, 1826; Piqua

Maley has received Finley's "inflammatory" accusatory letter concerning the case of Indian mission pupil "John McLean." Maley tells Finley that the boy was treated well by all concerned. Because he was homesick, the child returned home to the mission without telling anyone. Abstract Number - 746
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
February 13, 1826; Zanesville

Young is unhappy that the U.S. government is advocating removal of Indian tribes westward. "It appears to me that Indians as nations are going to cease to be!" He is aware that his friend Finley is suffering bodily affliction and stress concerning the Wyandot Mission. He urges Finley to leave the Mission in order to recuperatae, perhaps to visit him in Zanesville. Young shares a prescription for Finley after conversing with his own doctor. He advises Finley to take pulverized charcoal for his stomach problems. Abstract Number - 876
Letter from Lewis Cass to James B. Finley

Lewis Cass
February 20, 1826; Zanesville

The bearer of this letter, Captain Cass, is being sent to Upper Sandusky as Indian Sub-Agent, and is to receive instruction, information, and advice from Finley, who is to call a Council of the Indians and introduce Captain Cass and read a letter directed to them by the writer. Abstract Number - 747
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
February 20, 1826; Zanesville

The bearer of this letter, says Young, is Captain Charles L. Cass, brother of Finley's friend, Governor Lewis Cass. Young reports that Captain Cass has recently been appointed Indian Agent [sub-agent] at the Wyandot Mission. Cass will need instructions and guidance. It is hoped that this change will relieve the work burden on Finley's health. Young states that this change will allow Finley to be "less responsible." Abstract Number - 883
Letter from George S. Houston to James B. Finley

George S. Houston
February 21, 1826; Dayton

Houston (editor of Ohio Watchman and Postmaster in Dayton) writes to Finley concerning several important topics. He is greatly concerned about the falling away in Dayton from "Old Methodism." Instead of reforming the people, local preachers are inveighing against the Discipline. It is time for an "old fashioned revival." He then talks about the difficulties he has experienced as editor of the Ohio Watchman. His expenses have been great, and his receipts small. He is near ruin, and will shortly be selling out. Finally, Houston expresses his deep sympathy for the Indians. Much effort has been made to civilize, educate, and Christianize the Indians, and now we are driving them to the west, most likely on to the Pacific, and finally into the ocean. Annihilation appears to be the goal. Abstract Number - 516
Letter from Thomas Goodwin to James B. Finley

Thomas Goodwin
February 23, 1826; Mt. Pleasant

Goodwin responds to a letter received from Finley requesting payment of some kind (real estate transaction?). Goodwin tells Finley that money is in short supply, but he can pay him $200 if Finley comes to see him in early April. Abstract Number - 748
Letter from Jacob Young to James B. Finley

Jacob Young
February 24, 1826; Newark

Young writes concerning the two Wyandot Indian boys brought to him in December -- Thomas Clarke and Jacob Young. Thomas does not wish to go to school and would prefer to learn a trade, so he has been sent to Athens to work with a good man there (a tailor). Jacob has been a more difficult case, leaving the Young home for days at a time. He has been given permission to return to Sandusky for a short while, but promises to return to Lancaster in three months to attend school. Young is doubtful that this will happen, and believes it will be best for both boys to learn trades. Young reports about the mental derangement which currently afflicts him, a fact known only by Finley and Mrs Young. Abstract Number - 651
Letter from Robert W. Finley to James B. Finley

Robert W. Finley
March 04, 1826; Batavia

Robert has had influenza but has only been absent 3 days from his work on the circuit. He has heard rumors that James is dead or near death. It is more than an old man of 72 can stand. The circuit is getting along fine. Robert tells James he is standing on the shore of time just waiting to die. Robert says if James should die first he should look for him because he will follow close behind. Abstract Number - 958
Letter from William Simmons to James B. Finley

William Simmons
March 22, 1826; Detroit

Simmons describes the visit of Brother Mononcue. Unfortunately, there was no interpreter to translate. Nevertheless, many things were understood. Mononcue prayed twice on the Sabbath with "life and power." The only words recognized by the congregation were "Oh Jesus", but "Holy Fire" ran through the assembly just the same. Mononcue is now on his way to Canada. The work of the Lord is gradually progressing here. The Detroit Quarterly meeting in February was glorious. Simmons acknowledges that he would prefer an appointment "in the south" (Ohio), but will go wherever he is appointed. Abstract Number - 600
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
March 25, 1826; Zanesville

Young is delighted to learn that his friend Finley is feeling so much better, and equally delighted to hear about Finley's opportunity to travel to New York. Young opines that Methodism has "never half been formed" in New England. Congregationalism was never rooted out there. Young hopes that Finley's "trip by water" will be conducive to his health. Abstract Number - 884
Letter from John Reynolds to James B. Finley

John Reynolds
March 27, 1826; Urbana

John Reynolds (Urbana merchant and member of the Mad River Circuit) sends $100 cash and a draft. It will suit them better if Finley draws quarterly. They wish him to draw payable to Isaac Reynolds. Reynolds regrets Finley's affliction but feels the journey he is about to take will bring about his recovery. Abstract Number - 58
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
April 22, 1826; Washington City

McLean expresses himself on the subject of political life, its hardships and sacrifices. He is happy in Washington and public life, but he still longs to see Ohio. Abstract Number - 995
Letter from James B. Finley to John Johnston

James B. Finley
April 26, 1826; Upper Sandusky

Finley responds to Johnston on the subject of moving the Wyandot Indians westward. He accuses Johnston of being hypocritical on the subject, telling both the whites and the Wyandots what they want to hear. Finley is adamant that he will never advise the Indians to move. Abstract Number - 749
Letter from D. Stanton to James B. Finley

D. Stanton
May 21, 1826; Steubenville

The greater part of this letter from Doctor Stanton is devoted to diagnosing a recent digestive illness of Finley, and prescribing medicine, diet and exercise for him. Stanton ends the letter discussing the three things he thinks need to happen in the country -- Civilization of the Indians, abolition of slavery, and the suppression of intemperance. He believes that progress is being made in all of these areas, especially the latter. Abstract Number - 59
Letter from Thomas Mason to James B. Finley

Thomas Mason
July 05, 1826; Newburgh

Mason has learned that Finley and two of the Wyandot Indians will be coming to New York with an interpreter on July 20th. He would like Finley to consider stopping over at the village of Newburgh on his way. One or two meetings could be held, or a Sunday service could be arranged with a large congregation. He is very anxious for him to come and requests an immediate answer. Abstract Number - 614
Letter from C.L. Cass to James B. Finley

C.L. Cass
July 14, 1826; Upper Sandusky

Cass writes to inform Finley that John Johnston (Indian Agent) has been empowered by the Secretary of War to furnish assistance to Indians who desire to migrate beyond the Mississippi. Johnston has asked Cass to convene the nation to inform them, and to send a "deputation" ahead to survey the land. Abstract Number - 750
Letter from William Walker to James B. Finley

William Walker
July 15, 1826; Upper Sandusky

William Walker writes to Finley in Baltimore letting him know of recent correspondence from Indian agent, John Johnston. Annuities will not be paid to the chiefs until the last week of next month. Johnston has been authorized by the Secretary of War to organize exploring parties from each nation to examine potential new homes west of the Mississippi. Abstract Number - 752
Letter from Jonathan Wright to James B. Finley

Jonathan Wright
July 19, 1826;

Plat certificate of 10 acres of land owned by James B. Finley, section #30, T4, R4 (location not given) for Joseph Hays. Abstract Number - 60
Letter from Joseph L. Ingles et al.. to James B. Finley

Joseph L. Ingles
July 20, 1826; Philadephia

The writers have been appointed by the Philadelphia Conference Missionary Society to communicate with Finley about his coming fund-raising visit with converted Wyandot chiefs to their city. They have a camp meeting and some public meetings planned and want to know if this meets with Finley's approval. [1826 journey to the east to promote missionary cause and Wyandot Indian Mission]. Abstract Number - 61
Letter from Stephen Dando & Charles Irish to James B. Finley

Stephen Dando and Charles Irish
July 22, 1826; New York City

Dando has received a letter from Charles Irish inviting the Wyandot chiefs (who have been converted to Methodism) and any friends whom they care to bring along, to visit Castle Gardens. Dando, in this note to Finley, says that he verbally answered Charles Irish to the following effect: "These Indian chiefs are impressed with the realities of Eternity and the Methodist Society seriously object to their being made a public spectacle -- they wish their mind to be continually impressed with the vanity of the public exhibitions, in this city. Notwithstanding, I should not object to their being taken to view the landscape at Castle Gardens at any time in a private manner." Abstract Number - 751
Letter from Thomas Pitts to James B. Finley

Thomas Pitts
July 22, 1826; New York

Dr. Thomas Pitts writes from New York City asking Finley to receive two land warrants (6295, 6421) from Alexander Homes, Esq., in Newark, Ohio. Pitts requests that Finley sell the land "to advantage" and send the net proceeds to him. He then asks Finley to call on Rev. Spencer in Cincinnati to let him know that he "will send necessary proof on account of two notes paid the Newark Banking Co. for the estate of Jonathan Dayton (deceased)." In a postcript, Pitts advises that these military land warrants sell for $200. Abstract Number - 8
Letter from Robert Young to James B. Finley

Robert Young
July 25, 1826; Staten Island, NY

Robert Young writes that he has been employed by the British Conference (Wesleyan) as a missionary for six years. He has just arrived in America from his previous post, Jamaica, on route to his new post in Halifax. He has read in "The Advertiser" that Finley will be attending the annual meeting of the Missionary Society of the MEC in New York City, scheduled for this very week. Unfortunately, Young is quarantined on the ship for 48 hours and will not be able to come. He is very anxious to meet Finley one day. Young prays for Finley's continuing success among the Wyandots. Abstract Number - 856
Letter from Francis Hall to James B. Finley

Francis Hall
August 05, 1826; Ithaca, New York

Hall acknowledges Finley's letter telling of his work with the Wyandot Indians. He expresses satisfaction that the mission cause is progressing well with "our Indian friends." Hall states that since Finley's visit to New York [with Mononcue & Between-the-Logs] much interest has been aroused in the Wyandot Indian Mission. Abstract Number - 753