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Letter from Philadelphia Committee, with copy of a Letter from James Munroe to the Indians 1819 Dear Friends Your letter of the 8th instant, was received this morning, and in reply to which we will observe, That at the present very interesting Crisis of Indian Affairs, and particularly as relating to those Indians, who yet retain reservations of land within the Massachusetts claim, we apprehend every step contemplated by their friends, ought to be maturely considered and examined, before acting on, least what may appear of advantage to these poor and much oppress'd part ot the human family, should in its ultimate result prove to be quite the contrary. For instance, those Indians are now under the care &; protection of the United States, as will be seen in the Treaty, contained in the pamphlet forwarded to Rich. Mott last week, should they be prematurely placed under the intire direction &; management of the State Legislature, is there not danger to be apprehended that the influence of the Speculators in the last remnant of their land, would be more likely to obtain their object, than if the Indians remained as they are at present situated? Again--Would not a division of the land of these Indians be more likely to produce among them the obvious necessity of having a few laws instituted for their regulation, and thus induce them to apply to the competent authority, for such as should appear indispensable, and which would of course be more congenial to their feelings and sense of propriety, than if they should be presented with a code of regulations, and informed that they must conform to the requisitions therein contained, without feeling the necessity of such compliance? Has not experience proved the danger there exists in oppointing agents &; Commissioners by law, to the care of Indian lands? see the sentiments of the Indians on this subject 3rd paragraph 17th page in the pamphlet already noted--and if we are correctly informed, the transactions now in operation with either the Brothertown, Stockbridge or Oneida Indians and one of their care takers, is not void of admonition on on this delicate subject. There is, and it is gratefull to us in observing it, a general sensation felt, on behalf of the Aborigines of our Country--but this may subside--we wish to make use of the favourable opportunity, to effect some permanent advantage to the natives, without requiring from Government anything but what Justice demands. It does not appear to us that those Indians who are the immediate subjects of this Communi- cation, require much, if any pecuniary aid at this time from Government