NYYM_minutes_Page_118

many of them are idle and indisposed to the cultivation of their land, which must in great measure be attributed to their former habits of life in hunting &;c. This nation consists of about 60 families; they were about endeavouring to get a saw mill erected, but not having funds to complete it, we furnished them with pecuniary aid. We had much satisfaction in a Council with the men and women of this tribe, one of them on behalf the rest expressed their sorrow that the great evil of drinking Spirituous Liquors had so much prevailed amongst his nation and Western Brothers, which had blinded many, and prevented their following the advice of the Friends as they had been used to do; for which he was very sorry, as the Six Nations had long experienced the kindness of William Penn and his Children, but hoped we would not be too much discouraged with them. From Stockbridge we went to the principal settlement of the Oneidas; this nation resided where they now are when the Country was first known to the white people; it now consists of about 150 families, and altho' they possess 24 miles square of excellent land, they have made but little agricultural improvement or advancement in civilized life, being like the other Tribes addicted to the excessive use of ardent spirits; they are mostly very idle, and the little labour which is done is commonly performed by the women.