them from going backwards, and possibly tend to
advance them in agriculture, &c. Taking a view of
the whole subject, in all its various ramifications, we
cannot but believe it would be most for the advan-
tage of the Indians, to remain on their respective
reservations.

It may be useful to examine, 1st. Suppose the In-
dians should conclude to sell their present posses-
sions, is it expedient for Friends to offer them assist-
ance and advice? 2nd. If it is deemed proper for
Friends to interfere, then what course would be most
advisable? 3rd. What advice should be given to
them, in case the Indians should ask for it?

In reply to the first proposition, we are of opinion,
that if they should conclude to sell, it would not be ex-
pedient to offer assistance, or advice, unsolicited, as
it would irritate the person who holds the pre-emp-
tion right, and the conduct of Friends might be
wrongly represented to both Indians and whites, and
in many ways it might prove injurious to the cause
in which we are engaged.

In reply to the second proposition, we think Friends
cannot be indifferent spectators, if the Indians should
agree to dispose of their lands, as our minds are im-
pressed with a belief, that great unfairness would
most probably be shown towards them. It might
be right to interfere, so far as that a sub-committee,
from your general committee, might wait on the
President, and confidentially communicate to him
the propriety of his being on his guard in selecting
a person as Commissioner, urging to him the neces-
sity of appointing a person of established good repu-
tation, of undoubted integrity, and purity of charac-
ter. If the Indians are induced to make application,
and solicit the advice of Friends, it appears to us
Friends might (and perhaps ought to) afford every
assistance and advice they might require; but, even
then, it would be necessary to exercise great pru-
dence and circumspection in every movement.