Previous to the Revolution, he acted as agent in England for the Provinces of Massachusetts and Virginia, and in that capacity acquitted himself as a zealous and sound friend of American liberty. In 1776, he was appointed, conjointly with Dr. Franklin and Silas Deane, Commissioners to France onthe part of the United States, and assisted in negotiating the Treaty between these countries. He reé- turned to America in 1780 and in 1784 was appointed one of the Commissioners to treat with the Six Nations. He executed this trust at Fort Schuyler, (now Rome, Oneida Co.) with much credit. He died, unmarried, Dec. 12, 1792, aged nearly 52 years. He was a distinguished scholar, and a statesman, rigid in principle and unsullied in integrity. His life by R. H. Lee, was published in 2

_ Vols. 8vo. in 1829.--Ep.

THE SIX NATIONS. 431

other hints as from the motives of enquiry suggested in your Letter may I flatter myself prove of some little use, or amusemen to you.

It will be unnecessary to Inlarge on the want of Laws, Government, Letters or such other particulars as are to be found in most authors who have treated of the N. Amer» Jndians. These are general observations as generally known To shew wherein they are defective and to accot for, by setts forth the present state of the sev' Indian Nations is a subject of greater importance it will lead to other matters more Interesting.

I must therefore observe that the customs and manners of the Indians are in sev! cases Jiable to changes, which have not been thoroughly considered by authors and therefore the description of them (as is usual) at any one particular period must be insufficient, and I must furth™ premise that I mean to confine my observations to those of Northern Nations with whom I have the most acquaintance and intercourse.