hv_coatesi_account_1798_006

Visit to the Indians in 1798. Philadephia Yearly Meeting's Committee having concluded to make an attempt at civilizing some of the Indian Natives on theNorth Western border of Pennsylvania, re-siding on the Alleghany river, in the stateof New York. Several of their number visited said Indians, accom-panied by their friends, Henry Simmons, JoelSwayne and Halliday Jackson, who went withthe prospect of remaining a while with the Indiansto instruct them in cultivating their lands &;c. Three of the Committee kep some accountof their travels and experiences in this journeyfrom which the following is compiled. Those three friends were Joshua SharplessJohn Pierce and Isaac Coates, of whom we willspeak as Our Travellers. They set out from Chester County the 1st of 5th Mo. 1798.One of them says This day left our habi-tations after experiencing a humbling time in parting with our families and connections, andwere accompanied from home by Henry Simmonswho called on us, and next day we were met byHaliday Jackson and Joel Swayne, at the house ofAbraham Gibbons where we all set out in theafternoon, about 2 o clock; and after several days