Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. IV

''T embarked in a Battoe with six indians commanded by Capt, Brant and coasted along the north side of Lake Ontario about 200 miles; and from the Head of the Lake we went 25 miles, by land, to [New Oswego] the Mohawk village in the Grand river which empties into Lake Erie. These people were my former charge, & the Society still stiles me their Missionary. I found them conveniently situated on a beautiful river, where the soil is equal in fertility to. any I ever saw ;--Their village contains about 700 souls and consists of a great number of good houses with an elegant church in the centre it has a handsome steeple & Bell, and is well finished within.

You will be surprized when I tell you, they have a complete service of church plate, crimson furniture for the pulpit &e with the creed, commandments, Society's & King's coat of arms, all very large & elegant, and that the Psalmody was accompanied by an organ. This place ig 90 miles from Niagara and was uninhabited four years ago. I returned-by the route of Niagara and visited that settlement (they have as yet no clergyman) and preached toa very large audience. The increase of population there ig immense. And indeed, I was so pleased with that country, where I found many of my old parishioners, that I was strongly tempted to remove my family to it. You may suppose it cost me a struggle to refuse the unanimous & pressing invitations of a large settlement, with the additional argument of a subscription & other emoluments amounting to near £300 York currency per annum more than I have here.

But, on mature reflection, I have determined to remain here. You will suppose me to be very rich or very disinterested: But I assure you neither is the case.