I believe his present Circumstances are very indifferent but he conceives he has a prospeét of some advantage in view from the Publication of a manuscript he has wrote on the Manners, Customs & History of the Southern Indians, tending to prove their descent from the Hebrews, which performance shews him a man well acquainted with the Languages, and very Curious in his Remarks, His design is to go for England and (if he may be allowed) to take some Chicksaws with him, & as none of that Nation were ever there he conceives it would be for the public advantage to Shew them the greatness and power of the English.

I apprehend that your Patronage in whatever shape you may please to Countenance his design, is his principal object. If he is worthy of it in any degree my recommendation is needless-- His appearance may not be much in his favor and his voluminous Work may rather be deemed, Curious than entertaining, but he is certainly well acquainted with the Southern Indians,

1 Janus Aparr, author of the History of American Indians, London Ato, 1778.

THE SIX NATIONS. 401

and a man of Learning-tho Rusticated by 30 years residence in a Wild Country--He thinks that I could serve him by mentioning him to you, and I hope that his importunity in consequence of that opinion will apologize for the Liberty I have taken in Giving you this Trouble.

ST Oo

SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE REVD. WM. SMITH.

. Johnson Hall Jany 34 1769. ir The return of M* McClay affords me a good opportunity of answering your favor of last month on the subjects you mention on some of which M? Peters & I have conversed, and to whom I have wrote fully the other day as well concerning M* Murray, as of the Two Young men you mention for Orders your Sentiments on which I greatly approve. /