dian villages, our minds were often deeply af-
fected under the sorrowful consideration of the
baneful effect of spirituous liquors on them, being
abundantly supplied with it in almost every vil-
lage by Canadian traders residing among them;
and we are confirmed in the opinion, that unless
the traders can be restrained from furnishing
them with this destructive article, in exchange
for their skins and furs, they will not easily be
persuaded to turn their minds towards agricul-
ture and the useful arts. At the same time, we
have no doubt that these unprincipled men will
make use of the great influence they have over
the Indians to keep them in their present mode
of living, as most conducive to their own in-
terests. Notwithstanding this cause of dis-
couragement, the great affection which the In-
dians have always manifested for our Society,
induces us to desire that Friends may endeavor
to keep under the weight of the concern, and
be prepared to proceed in the benevolent work
before them, whenever the way may open for
service among them.

Signed by EVAN THOMAS,
JOEL WRIGHT,
REESE CADWALADER,
GEORGE ELLICOTT.
Dated Monongahela, 6th mo. 26th, 1779

In the manuscript journal of George Ellicott

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