The Documentary history of the state of New-York; arranged under direction of the Hon. Christopher Morgan, secretary of State. By E. B. O'Callaghan ...

1102 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR
be justly apprehended. It should direct us to deprive the
French of those advantages which in all probability they will
employ against us, and improve such as we have to the utmost
of our power. Our neglect of the Indians will throw their
whole weight into the opposite scale, and encourage the French
to prosecute any schemes they may form against Canada.
Whereas by proper endeavors to convert and civilise the Indians,
their fidelity to us might be immoveably fixed. They would
greatly help to secure us against any foreign Invasions, and in
other respects prove beneficial to the Community. It is in truth
a matter in which the Peace, Safety and Welfare of those Northern Colonies are much concerned, and it is hoped the wisdom
of government will attend to it accordingly.
To ensure success in the execution of any design, much
depends on pursuing proper measures. If these are ill-concerted,
or not adapted to the end in view, a failure of the whole will
probably follow. In attempting to convert and civilise Savages,
great attention should be paid to their Situation, Prejudices,
Temper, Disposition, and other circumstances..These should be
minutely considered, 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
the Iroquois, the following Plan is humbly proposed; in which I
shall keep within the strict Bounds of what is practicable, and
promises success on the one hand; and avoid any unnecessary
expense, as well as what would tend to give Umbrage to the
Indians, on the other. For sake of Order and Perspicuity, I shall
range under distinct heads the several parts of this Plan, in
which I would proposeI. That two Missionaries, men of good character, abilities,
and prudence, and in the orders of the established Church of
England, be sent to the Iroquois, one to reside at Conajohare,
the other at the old Oneida Town. Most of the Indians at both
these villages have been baptised, and even profess Christianity;
all are willing to be further instructed. Each of these Missionaries should have a Salary of ~150 sterling a year at least, to
enable them to shew some marks of favor to the more deserving
Indians, by making small Presents to them from time to time.