This being a very weighty matter, claimed my
serious attention, and was
laid before the committee
appointed by the Yearly Meeting, for promoting
the
improvement and gradual civilization of the Indian
natives. The
proposal was acceded to by the com-
mittee, who furnished me with a
certificate, expres-
sive of their unity therewith, and addressed to
the
Indians, as follows:
We received by our friend, Henry Simmons
a few lines from you. We were glad to hear from
you, and that your young men were encouraged to
walk in the good path, we recommended to you. It
did our hearts good, when he told us that you had
raised corn, wheat, and other grain, to supply your-
selves till next crop. We wish you all to be sober
and industrious, and learn to be good farmers.
Brothers, we understand that you are desirous a
few of your girls should be
placed in the families of
some of our friends, and be taught what our
daugh-
ters are. We rejoice at it, and are willing to take
three of
them; and our friend, Joseph Clark
agreed to assist in bringing them safe down. They
(H. Simmons
We also have agreed to take two girls from Oneida
and two from the Tuscaroras
Brothers, we expect the girls you send us,
will remain till they are
eighteen years of age, as our
daughters are placed by their parents or
friends to
learn what we want your daughters should know;
that is,
spinning, weaving, how to make butter, and