tribes living at Oneida

country, speaks to you in re-
membrance of the friendship you have manifested
towards them in all our treaties; we ourselves have
held Councils at different times, to contemplate the
welfare of our nations, because we cannot but groan
to see our situation; it is also melancholic to reflect
on the ways of our forefathers.

Brothers—You, also, sometimes sorry to see the de-
plorable situation of your Indian Brethren, for which
you have given us many good counsels; though we
feel willing to follow your counsels, but it has made
no effect as yet.

Our situation is still miserable. Our ancestors have
been conquered, immediately after you came on this
Island, by the strong Heroe, who does still reign
among Indian tribes with tyranny, who has robbed
us of every thing that was precious in our eyes.
We need not mention every particular, how this
tyrant has used us, for your eyes have been open to
behold our dismal situation.

By the power of our enemy our eyes have been
blinded; our young men became willing slaves to
this despotic Heroe, so that we have displeased the
good Spirit, and we could not become civilized
people.

In looking back, we see nothing but desolation of
our mighty men; in looking forward, we foresee the
desolation of our tribes. Our Chiefs have used their
endeavours to reform their respective people, but,
having seen no success, they seem discouraged, and
hang down their heads.

Brothers—In remembrance of your kind promises,
we unite our cries to you for help.

Perhaps, you are ready to think whatman it must
be that have abused so much of our brethren; never
was such Heroe, or tyrant, heard that ever meddled
with Indians. But, in reality, he is your own begot-
ten son, and his name you call Rum, and the names
of his officers, are Brandy, Wine, and Gin, and we