SW_GH1804_162

of the Indian Committee, George Ellicott, ad-dressed the chiefs as follows: Brothers and Friends: We were glad when we heard that some of our Red brethren were coming to this city, and felt our minds drawn to take them by the hand, and have an oppor-tunity of knowing them. As we have not been made acquainted with their circumstances, we have not been able to judge whether any thing we have had to propose to do for them would be accepted? Whether they are really under the necessity of applying to some other mode of living to obtain a livelihood, and whether game in their country is yet plenty? We have thought, brothers, that if it should not yet be the case, that game is scarce, at the present time, it will probably be the case in some future time; and, therefore, we have thought it would be best for our Red brethren to give some attention to the cultivation of the soil. This is one of the subjects which has claimed our attention; and as we feel in our hearts that we love the Indians and desire their welfare, we wish to turn their attention to the subject; we also believe, brothers, that we derive a very great advantage from reading books which contain instruction, we wish that our brethren, the Indians, should partake of the same means of instruction with ourselves. We wish you to let us know with candor, whether you desire these things, and if you do so, that we may do for you whatever may be in our power.