hv_sansomj_letters_1796_020

horseback, and conducted us to the town, where we were very well entertained by his good wife, a managing well-disposed Woman. These People settled here by the courters of the Oneidas, about 12 years ago, upon a Tract of excellent land, 6 miles square, having sold themselves out of house and home, in the northern parts of Massachusetts, where they had long resided, under the care of a Missionary from the Scotch Society for the propagation of the Gospel. John Sergeant is their present Pastor. He stays with them half his time, two months alternately, and appears to have their wellfare at heart, being now here with two agreeable Daughters, who make us wellcome. There are about 60 Families of them, amounting to about 300 persons, increasing rapidly, for Indians, as the births exceed the deaths as 2 to 1. This is evidently in consequence of their peace able, and comparatively, sober and industrious way of living. Every Fa-mily has 100 acres in its own right, and as much is divided off to every new Beginner; the rest, together with a Saw Mill, three yoke of Oxen, some Horses, and an annuity of 250 dollars a year, from the United States, being held in common. This we learnt from their Chiefs and Councellors in a private con-ference; one of the latter, called impressing us all with respect, by singular meekness, gravity, and decorum. On 20. day morning we had a public hearing in their meeting