I was this morning favd. with yours of the 19th. Inst:1 stating the Reasons which render it doubtful whether the Society in Scotland ought in future ^would ^^will^^ think it adviseable^ to be at the Expence of continuing ^a^ mission at at Oneida if among the Oneida Indians; and suggesting the Propriety of maintaining one ^at the Expense of this state^ in that Tribe at the Expense of this State for the Benefit of those Tribes and of the Indians of New Stockbridge^of its being done in future by this State^

The Motives which induced that respectable ^benevolent^ society to establish the missions in question were certainly laudable; but Sir it has long been my opinion ^I-thi^ is there not Reason to apprehendd that until the Savages can be prevailed upon to dwell in fixed Habitations, to have separate Property, & to depend more on Cultivati Husbandry than on the chase for Subsistence, little Success will attend the best Endeavors to civilize and ^or^ to christianize them? measures for the operating this change in their Way of Life ^living^, are now executing under the Patronage of the State; and the Quakers are zealously pursuing the same object. considerable ^some^ Progress has been made and is making— much Expence has been ^& will be^ incurred, and it appears however that [illegible] was not [illegible] ^But it is not yet certain^ that even this benevolent and judicious Experiment will succeed perfectly succeed. The Indian Men regard Labour as degrading, and fit only for women & Slaves— Prejudices associated with a Sense of Honor are not easily overcome.

This State has provided for a School, but I doubt ^think it questionable^ whether the Legislature will provide for a ^any^ Missionaries among the Indians especially ^at present, especially^ as former Experience does not afford very strong arguments in favor of it2 ^It seems to be a prevailing opinion that until these Savages shall have made greater ^^some more^^ Progress towards^ a civilized State ^no^ great or permanent change alterations in their opinions or manners of savages or Indi a Tribe of mis ^Indians^ could be accomplished by missionaries however zealous indefatigable and disinterested—3 with very sincere Respect & Esteem I am Sir your most ob. & hble Servt