NYYM_scrapbook_198

an arch deciever. The greatest number still adhere to thier old traditions. The general appearances of these Indians was filthy; many are much given to dissipation and other vices; especially those residing near the Fort. The Methodists have a Missionary in this Tribe. We held a Council with them and endeavoured to lay before them what appeared porper; persuading them to leave their bad practices, and become sober and virtuous. There were present at this Council about thirty of their Chiefs and principal men. They heard what we said to them very attentively; but not being ready to reply, requested another interview. Accordingly a number of them met us in the evening and after consulting for a time among themselves, made the following reply through one of thier number who understood english. Brothers, We understand what you had to say to day to us; and this is what our chiefs say to you. We are glad you have come to see us, we believe what you have said to us to day is true; we were once bad, but now try to do better, and hope you will help us. We remember what you said about the Great Spirit, and we know what you said about the Great Spirit to be true. We are very glad you have come to talk to us about these things. We believe the Christian way is the best, and what you have told us about it is true. We are glad to hear what you have said to us about building houses, and schooling our children. We can not do much, we want you to tell our great Father at Washington to help us. We heard his talk to us about whiskey and other matters, we dont make whiskey ourselves, and we tell our young men not to drink it; but we cant help it so long as white men sell it to them. We dont know how to make the white men take the whiskey away, but the great men at Wash- ington do; we hope they will help us. They them informed us how glad they were we came to see them, and wished us to tell the men at Washington of their wants. Said they were poor and had no waggons to gather thier corn in, and carry it to market. They had no ploughs, thier mills were out of repair, and thier young men had to go to mill near the whiskey shops, and they would get drunk. They said these things were due to them by Treaty Stipulation; and that their great father had promised to attend to these things, but had not. They wished us to go and see him and let him know what they said. After this talk they took us by the hand and parted with us in a very kindly manner. The next morning 3d. of eleventh month 1842 we returned on our way back, as far as the Stockbridge Tribe, a small remnant of a once numerous Tribe of Indians; but at this time numbering only seventy seven. They were originally from New England. We reached the house of the principal chief, Thomas T. Hendrick about eleven o clock A.M., having previously made an arrangement for meeting with them. He had a long trumpet which he made use of to collect the Tribe; which being sounded, they soon come together, men women and children. They all set down in an orderly manner, like a company of Friends. We had a religious opportunity with them great- ly to our peace and comfort, and as they nearly all understood some english, we spoke to them without an interpreter; it being the first instance of our ad- dressing a company of Indians in this manner. The greater part of the adults of this Tribe are professors of Christianity. The principal Chief is a sober sensible man. After we had relieved our minds to them, he spoke some time to his people in the Indian tongue, referring as we understood to what had been said. One of their number, a young man who had recieved an education at some of the schools in Connecticut was requested by the Chief, to say to us that they understood all we had said to them, and that it was all true; and he hoped they might often think of it, and improve from it. They said they considered it a great favour from God that He had sent us to see them, and give them such good advice. The Quakers had always been friends to the Indians, and had never wronged them; other white men had. They had heard much about the Quakers, and considered them thier friends They said they noticed our advice to them to endeavour to