many of them are idle and indisposed to the cultivation of
their land, which must in great measure be attributed to
their former habits of life in hunting &c. This
nation consists of about 60 families; they were about
endeavouring to get a saw mill erected, but not having
funds to complete it, we furnished them with pecuniary
aid. We had much satisfaction in a Council with
the men and women of this tribe, one of them on behalf
the rest expressed their sorrow that the great evil of drinking
Spirituous Liquors had so much prevailed amongst his
nation and Western Brothers, which had blinded many,
and prevented their following the advice of the Friends
as they had been used to do; for which he was very sorry, as
the Six Nations

had long experienced the kindness of
William Penn and his Children, but hoped we would
not be too much discouraged with them.

From Stockbridge

we went to the principal
settlement of the Oneidas; this nation resided where
they now are when the Country was first known to the
white people; it now consists of about 150 families, and
altho' they possess 24 miles square of excellent land,
they have made but little agricultural improvement
or advancement in civilized life, being like the
other Tribes addicted to the excessive use of ardent spirits;
they are mostly very idle, and the little labour which
is done is commonly performed by the women.