The board of commissioners in Boston from the society in Scotland for propagating christian knowledge have directed me to address your excellency, upon a subject which is important to the interests of christianity and of the society whom they represent.

This society have, for a number of years past, supported a mission to the Oneida indians who live in your state. Mr. Kirkland, who has been their missionary, is now about to quit that employment.1 We are informed that your state has purchased large tracts of land from these indians and annually pay them a considerable sum of money. Under these circumstances we feel a difficulty in recommending to the society in Scotland to continue their mission to the Oneidas. We cannot but suppose that they are able from the annuities of your government to support a minister from ^for^ themselves, and that if part of their money was given him, it would be expended more for their advantage real benefit than they expend it themselves. The fund at the disposal of the society was raised for the purpose of sending missionaries among indians who were in pagan darkness, and who were unable to procure the gospel for themselves. The indians of Oneida are in neither of these predicaments, and we cannot therefore suppose that they are entitled to any part of it. They are surrounded on every side with white inhabitants and are under the protection of a rich and powerful government. Your excellency will excuse us therefore for suggesting to you the propriety of your state’s supporting a missionary among them, and the unsuitableness of his being paid by persons in a foreign country. It is important to the state of New York that these indians should be civilised and that their morals should be such as may render ^them^ harmless and useful to society. Some of these observations will apply also to the indians of New Stockbridge who are under the care of the Revd. Mr Sargeant,2 whose salary is as yet paid by the scotch society.

Our particular situation, as well as our solicitude for the indians who have been for some time in a sense under our care, must be our apology for troubling your excellency on these subjects, and for requesting you to take them under your consideration and to adopt such measures as to your wisdom may seem meet.

With the highest respect and the warmest personal friendship and esteem for your excellency, I subscribe myself, Sir Your most obedient, humble servant