hv_sansomj_letters_1796_024

of Fort Stanwix, in 1784, reserved to themselves a Tract of about twenty miles square, well watered by several beautiful streams upon the border of a charming lake, abounding with Fish. Of this however they have since given away one fourth to the different Tribes that have claimed that protection kin with them. When they were asked to sell they replied: No, we will not sell our Land, to our own Flesh and blood: but we will give you what you want. Another fourth they have lately sold to the State of New York, I understand at a dollar an acre (now selling again at four and five). The purchase money however is funded, and yields them four or five thousand dollars a year, part of which is to be vested in Saw Mills, Grist Mills, &; &; and the remainder of in good hands would soon stock their land and enable them to live far better than People generally do, even in our happy Country. But with all these advantages they drone away their lives supinely in idleness and want; their former occupations of fighting hunting &; naturally ceasing on the White Settlers increase and no new plans having been yet adopted. about them, they are now about 600, tho continually lessening while the other Tribes on this Reservation, who till their land, encrease in a rate that would double their numbers in about 30 years. They received us kindly, and expressed their willingness to adopt our proposals for their gradual civilization, saying the compact between our Forefathers was made a great while ago: but now it begins to take effect. Here we think to make our first Their principal Chief, called Seanmadoa, appears to be a Man in whom the utmost confidence may be placed. He is as firm and erect at 78 as our People usually are at 60