The articulation even of New-England people, is injured by their being intermingled with tlie Dutch, Irish, and Scotch. The character of the Dutch people, even on first acquaintance, appears to be that of kindness and justice. As to religion, they know but Uttle about it -- and are extremely superstitious. They are influenced very much by dreams, aiid apparitions. The most intelhgent of tliem seem to be under tiie influence of fear from that cause. The High Dutch have some singular customs with regard to their dead. When a person

1130 MISSIONARY TOUR THROUGH THE

dies, nothing will influence y* connections, nor any other person, unless essentially necessary, to touch the body. When the funeral is appointed, none attend but such as are invited. When the corpse is placed in the street, a tune is sung by a choir of singers appointed for the purpose -- and continue singing until they arrive at the grave; and after the body is deposited, they have some remarks made -- return to ye house, and in general get drunk. 12 men are bearers -- or carriers -- and they have no relief. No will is opened, nor debt paid, under 6 weeks from y« time of death.

July 2Gth. -- Left the river about noon, and turned to the North. Preached the afternoon to a body of people in the northwest part of the town of Amsterdam -- people kind and friendly; soil good -- very productive in wheat; -- a silicious earth.