NYYM_scrapbook_118

Do friends cooperate with the Agents of the general Government for the civilization and instruction of the Indians has the Government any objections to agents from our Society residing among the Indians in the capacity of instructors and overseers Could friends render the Indians more service by a coopporation with you, than by acting apart orby their own Agents What other Tribes than those west of the Mississipi can Friends render assistance, and if any where are they situated What good in thy opinion would result from a combined effort of the Yearly Meetings, in this concern, by appointing agents to reside among the Indians, or otherwise as might be thought most advisable We shall be obliged for any other information thee have it in thy power to communicate Can thee send me a copy of the Map which thee shewd me, when I was in Richmond, shewing the location of the Indians, shewing also those under the care of Friends, I presume thee can draw it on a part of the Letter--should like to have the report of the committee on Indian Affairs of your Yearly Meeting I think it was publishd with the proceedings of the Meeting Correspondence with Indiana respecting Indians west of the Mississippi--1837 Richmond, Ind. 10th Mo. 13th 1837. John R. Willis Dear friend Thy letter of 4 mo. 19 was received in due time, and several Friends were consulted on the subjects of it. Wishing however to have the matter more fully inves- tigated previous to an answer being made, a delay until 6 mo. 1. was concluded on, about which time our meeting for suffering met. I was sick at the time, and sent the letter to the meeting; it was mislaid among the members; and I was totally at a loss about it until the late meeting (a few days past) when I found the letter again. I hope this may explain to thee the cause of the vexatious delay. The Indian concern is one of deep interest, and I look upon it that much good can be done to this people, by the right kind of labours from Friends. No people as I think possess the confidence of the Indians to the same extent as Friends; and so far as Friends have kept themselves apart from the heat of party politics, none, as I believe, could have greater influence with the Govenment in this matter. The Government has been kind to our people, and has shown a decided dis- position to countenance their efforts. Secretary , of the War Department, in particular. The Commissioners and other agents of the Government are frequently corrupt; and seem to feel themselves set up to get the best bargain out to their people (the Indians) that they can, too little regarding, in many cases, as I fear, that some Christian principles of doing as they would be done