intend the improvement of them all more generally,
by going amongst them, and counselling them accord-
ing to your plan. But will it not cost an over pro-
portion of the appropriation in that direction, if $1600
be necessary?—especially as these Indians are doing
so much better than many others, in every way. Or
would not $1600 for 4976 Indians, leave too small a
sum to go to the four nations on our borders, whose
numbers may be estimated at 100,000? This may go
to show the propriety of using this appropriation as
an auxiliary to existing organizations, where its
effects may tell upon a congregation of children, and
give means to increase their numbers, or power to
confer additional improvements upon those already
admitted. For I think (for myself) the children should
be the subjects of our special care. This, however, is
not intended to exclude the Indian children in New
York

from their proportion of benefits; and hence,
I have suggested that you favour me with the infor-
mation I have referred to. But all this is my own
first thinking, very hastily thrown together, not one
point of which may be adopted in the regulations
which shall be finally made.

I will cheerfully lay any communication you may
make on this subject before the Secretary of War,
who will be the organ to the President in this matter.

I have sent after a copy of Heckwelder

's book. No
doubt I shall enjoy it, and derive benefit from it, in
the way of information.

With regard,
I am, dear sir, your friend, &c., T.L. McKENNEY.
Mr. THOMAS EDDY, New York.

N.B. This letter is in the hand-writing of the Choc-
taw

boy, whom you saw at my house, and for whom I
am gratified to have it in my power to state, Mr. Cal-
houn has authorized an extension of benefits, in the
way of scholastic acquirements. His promise is great.