the objects of thy care, may depend upon the
effect produced, by the present liberal and
christian effort to civilize them;- for should
this attempt not succeed, the failure may be
discouraging not only to the Government but
to the Indians themselves, and they turn their
attention altogether from the cultivation
of their lands- Should this be the case, &
the Indians continue in their present wandering
habits, and disposition of mind, it must inevitably
lead, to the entire annihilation of their race
in a few centuries: Whilst on the other hand
the committee entertain no doubt, but a judi
cious administration of the powers with
which thou art entrusted, would in a little
time draw their attention from their present
mode of living, and fix them in habits,
which would not only secure to them all
the necessary comforts, but be the means of
perpetuating their existence as a people, and
securing their attachment to the Govern
ment of the United States. Under this
consideration of the subject, the committee
have been led to view thy situation as a
highly responsible and important one,
the great confidence reposed in thee has