NYYM_minutes_Page_029

Indians, but several of their Chiefs men of abilities for extensive usefulness among them are very intemperate &; set a bad example in other respects; that from this &; other causes, the present prospect in this nation is rather discouraging. The Oneida Nation are divided into two Companies, &; settled in different parts of their land &; of late a division thereof has taken place between them; and part of them called Christians are generally given to excessive drinking &; pay very little attention to improving their lands &; have lately sold a considerable part of their tract to government &; seem much unsettled &; inclining to remove to the Westerward where they can follow hunting their unsual course of life: that there appears to be but little prospect of doing much advantageously for these. But the other part of this Tribe called Pagans seem settled &; very generally abstain from the use of ardent spirit; with them in a collective capacity we had a satisfactory opportunity of conference; they expressed great satisfaction in the care extended towards them by friends &; also an intention on their part to pursue their advice &; appeared very desirous to be furnished with a School Master &; a man &; his wife to instruct them in thier farming &; family concerns offering the use of a house for a family that may settle