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Joseph Clark's Of a second Visit to the Indian Country, 1801

SW_JC1801_Page_2

they committed their daughters to his care. Of this journey, he gives the following narrative. Upon our arrival at New York, we received every mark of attention that was necessary. As I was alone with the Indian girls, Friends expressed great concern for me; and we were conducted to a friend's house which proved as a brook by the way, both temporally and spiritually. It being first-day, we attended meetings both forenoon and afternoon. Next morning, our beloved friends here furnish-ed us with a carriage and horses, to carry us as far as Albany; with a letter of recommendation to a particular friend there, who, on our arrival, received us with open arms, and procured a carriage with a sober driver, that conveyed us safely to the Indian country. On my arrival at Stockbridge and delivering up the girls, I could discover no less joy manifested by the whole nation, than by their parents. In a day or two, a council was called. It was held in a large room, at the house of one of the chiefs. Three great trunks of trees were brought in, and laid on the floor apart for the women to sit on. On one side was a two armed chair, constructed by the na-tives, in which sat the sachem; the interpreter sat next, and myself was seated next him; while the chiefs occupied a seat opposite the women, the latter sitting in a leaning posture, with their eyes fixed on the ground, the lids of which appeared not to move. A solemn silence ensued;—when He who meted out the heavens with a span, seemed to preside over the whole assembly: and I can safely say, the