PAPERS RELATING TO THE SIX NATIONS.

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You propose, (and I think it will Illustrate your design) That one of your heads shall be a shortHistorical and Topographical account &c as most pieces that have appeared on this Subject arevery deffective, and as none of them could when Written or from the then State of Information beCorrect, It will greatly add to the merit of your Work to place these points in their true Light, butas this is a Work of difficulty, which Will require a very particular Information I should think itthe safest to give a General Brief Sketch of it, which will sufficiently answer the design—The Con-version of the Indians would greatly Contribute to secure them to our Interest, and prove a meansof Counteracting the future designs of the French who certainly are very busy In sowing the seedsof discontent amongst the Ind s and will Continue to do Whilst they have any Intercourse with anypart of the Continent.—Under the Circumstances which promise success to such an attempt at thistime I am of opinion that our possessions of Canada does in some measure secure us from the Prac-tices of popish Missionaries but not Effectually, which I think ought to be a Spurr to our Industry,For their being at present a Romish Bishop, and many Clergymen of that Church there, who takeuncommon pains to preserve the Indians in the faith they were taught, and to gain proselyte's, TheInd 3 who have any Intercourse therewith being like the rest naturally Captivated with pomp &Ceremony will allways be in danger till we have some Establishments that may Counterpoise theadvantage they possess, and the assiduity of their endeavors The Capacity of the Indians forreceiving knowledge, & Comprehending Divine Truth is certainly not to be doubted, and as theyhave an Excellent Genius for Imitation, after they have received due Instruction in Christianity ,they may be easily & insensibly Led to become Enamoured of the Arts of peace.

They have been in some Measure & should allways be taught to place their Confidence in & Lookup to his Majesty as their Common Father & Protector who is disposed to redress their grievancesand to Contribute a portion of his Royal bounty and Authority to the making them happy ; Hispatronage of a plan calculated for their prosperity here & hereafter as it will be the strongest proofhe can give them of his regard, so it will be the best Security for their allegiance. It has been theopinion of Government, that all affairs with them sho d pass thro’ one Chanell, to the Crown as thefountain, & this plan on that Principle has a peculiar claim to the Royal Patronage from the illConsequences which must attend the Leaving them Exposed, to the various Unsettled Tenets inReligion & Politicks with which an Extensive Country Abounds, which not only Lessens theirOpinion of our Wisdom & principles, but must abate their affection for the Crown.

I delivered your Letter to Odeserundy who was made very happy by the rect of it, and Expressedhis most Grateful Acknowledgments I am now in the utmost hurry, having sometime since sent tocall a few Chiefs of each Nation, in order to enquire into some Informations I rec d from the South-ward, 300 Ind 3 a much larger number than was required have accordingly come here,—Two daysago we entered upon business, In the midst of which I am now engaged, which will apologize tormy not being able to add more at this time than that I am with the most perfect Esteem

D r Sir &c

The Revd M r . Inglis.