FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS.

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masters of their ancient Possessions 1 These matters surely call for serious attention. Prudence should lead us to guard against future contingences as far as possible, and caution us against beinglulled into security, when danger is to be justly apprehended. It should direct us to deprive theFrench of those advantages which in all probability they will employ against us ; and improve suchas we have to the utmost of our power. Our neglect of the Indians will throw their wholeweight into the opposite scale, and encourage the French to prosecute any schemes they may formagainst Canada . Whereas by proper endeavors to convert and civilise the Indians, their fidelity tous might be immoveably fixed. They would greatly help to secure us against any foreignInvasions, and in other respects prove beneficial to the Community. It is in truth a matter in whichthe Peace, Safety and Welfare of those Northern Colonies are much concerned ; and it is hoped thewisdom of government will attend to it accordingly.

To ensure success in the execution of any design, much depends on pursuing proper measures.If theseare ill-concerted, or not adapted to the end in view, a failure of the whole will probablyfollow. In attempting to convert and civilise Savages, great attention should be paid to theirSituation, Prejudices, Temper, Disposition, and other circumstances. These should be minutelyconsidered ; and made as subservient as possible to the general design. Should Government,influenced by the above motives, think fit to engage in this Undertaking with respect to theIroquois , the following Plan is humbly proposed; in which I shall keep within the strict Bounds ofwhat is practicable, and promises success on the one hand ; and avoid any unnecessary expense, aswell as what would tend to give Umbrage to the Indians, on the other. For sake of Order andPerspicuity, I shall range under distinct heads the several parts of this Plan, in which I wouldpropose—

I. That two Missionaries, men of good character, abilities, and prudence, and in the orders ofthe established Church of England, be sent to the Iroquois , one to reside at Conajohare, the otherat the old Oneida Town. Most of the Indians at both these villages have been baptised, and evenprofess Christianity ; all are willing to be further instructed. Each of these Missionaries shouldhave a Salary of £150 sterl. a year at least; to enable them to shew some marks of favor to themore deserving Indians, by making small Presents to them from time to time. This will beexpected from them, and if judiciously managed, will have a good effect in conciliating theaffections of the Indians. If these Missionaries had some knowledge of Physic , so as to be able toassist the Indians in sickness, it would also increase their influence, and make their SpiritualLabors more successful.

II. That a Schoolmaster be fixed at each of those villages, viz : Conajohare, and the old OneidaTown ; another at Onondaga ; one at the principal village of the Cayugas, and two among the Senekas.These Schoolmasters, for whom admission and protection may be easily procured, should beprudent, and virtuous young men, and such as have had a liberal education. Their business willbe to teach the Indians to read and write. They ought also to apply themselves diligently tolearn the Indian Language ; by which they will be better qualified to act as Missionaries afterwards,should their behaviour and merit entitle them to that office. Schools, if properly conducted, willbe of infinite service. The Indians are all willing that their Children should be taught to readand write ; and Youth is the properest season to instill principles of Morality and Religion, whichthe Schoolmasters will have constant opportunities of doing. Of these they ought to avail them-selves ; and gradually unfold the Principles of the Christian Systems to their pupils. Each of thoseSchoolmasters ought to have a salary of £40 Sterl. a year, which might be increased according totheir industry and success. They also, as well as the Missionaries , should be furnished with