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Life of Thomas Eddy

SW_WH1793_Page_292

intend the improvement of them all more generally,by going amongst them, and counselling them accord-ing to your plan. But will it not cost an over pro-portion of the appropriation in that direction, if $1600be necessary?—especially as these Indians are doing so much better than many others, in every way. Orwould not $1600 for 4976 Indians, leave too small asum to go to the four nations on our borders, whosenumbers may be estimated at 100,000? This may goto show the propriety of using this appropriation asan auxiliary to existing organizations, where itseffects may tell upon a congregation of children, andgive means to increase their numbers, or power toconfer additional improvements upon those already admitted. For I think (for myself) the children shouldbe the subjects of our special care. This, however, isnot intended to exclude the Indian children in NewYork from their proportion of benefits; and hence,I have suggested that you favour me with the infor-mation I have referred to. But all this is my ownfirst thinking, very hastily thrown together, not onepoint of which may be adopted in the regulationswhich shall be finally made. I will cheerfully lay any communication you maymake on this subject before the Secretary of War, who will be the organ to the President in this matter. I have sent after a copy of Heckwelder's book. Nodoubt I shall enjoy it, and derive benefit from it, inthe way of information. With regard,I am, dear sir, your friend, &;c., T.L. McKENNEY. Mr. THOMAS EDDY, New York. N.B. This letter is in the hand-writing of the Choc-taw boy, whom you saw at my house, and for whom Iam gratified to have it in my power to state, Mr. Cal-houn has authorized an extension of benefits, in theway of scholastic acquirements. His promise is great.