IJ observed farther to Sir W™ that it would be the means of expediting the sending of a Bishop into America who assured me nothing could [afford] him greater Pleasure; and that he would recommend it in the strongest Manner to the Ministry at Home, and farther very justly observed that there were several Gen" in orders now at New York that were fit to personate the Character of a Bishop and would be made no Doubt do Honor to the exalted Station. and who knows but that the Gentleman is now in your City (and that I may have the Honor of being his Chaplain) who may. preside in some Measure over the proposed Seminary--much, very much therefore depends upon the Resolution the good Gentlemen of the Clergy in your City shall make upon this occasion; and suffer me to say it's an affair of as much Consequence as ever was laid -before you or perhaps ever may be--Why may not Sir William be the means of introducing Learning & Religion amongst the Indians, and civilize them as well as Peter the Great did the Muscovites and altho St W™ like Solomon has been eminent in his Pleasures with the brown Ladies, yet he may lay the Foundation of a Building in the Mohawk Country that may be of more real use, than the very splendid Temple that Solomon built and I dare say that the Queens of the Ste

490 PAPERS RELATING TO

cas, Oneydas, Onondagoes, Cayugas, Tuscoraras, & Mohawks, may joynin their Observations with the Queen of Sheba and with the same Truth say, that not one half was told them.