hv_swaynej_diary_1798_054

a desire to be useful to them, and instruct them in the cultivation of their Land, and wanted nothing from them for our trouble. And that our prospect was not confined to any particular tribe of Indians, but were willing (as much as lay in our power) to assist any that made application to us, and that we did not wish to go amongst them where the Chiefs and leading Men were not willing to receive us, and the reason we came to Cornplanter's people was that a general circulatory Letter had been addressed and sent to these Nations of Indians to know if any of them were desirous of having friends to instruct their Children in the useful habits of good and honest White people, Cornplanter was the only Chief that consented to receive us and therefore we came amongst his people but that the way was still open for others to make application, and if the Chiefs and warriors of Cataraugus Village were desirous of having any assistance from our society and would send their minds to us in writing we would forward it to our friends in Philadelphia, and perhaps some assistance would be given them-