Dt Wheelock has been so sanguine in these matters that he has made no advances worth mentioning in that way whatever may be reported, as to Smiths they are so necessary to them that they would readily admit them and indeed they were formerly allowed them in their villages at the Expense of the Government, & perhaps Carpenters might also be agreable for if these Mechanics were well inspected & Confined solely to their Trades, (which is a very difficult matter to effect) some of the Indians would doubtles be allured in a little time to apply themselves to Arts so usefull to themselves, & their proficiency in one or Two Arts, béyond which we should not go in the beginning would prepare them to receive others which at present are not necessary to their manner of Living--Tho' farming would be a most necessary acquirement, and which I believe they may-be brought to in Time. Yet I fear it cannot be attempted, such Arts as are necessary tu their present mode of Life will not alarm them, but any that will tend to introduce a Change therein, must bedeferred for a time, as there is nothing which they so much dread as the alienation of their peoples minds from those pursuits & Exercises by which alone they apprehend that their Liberties are preserved.

I thank you tor the political hints you gave me, and presume that by this time the Disposition of our Governor is better known, being inclined to think that he will not fall into the hands of any designing party.