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

O'Callaghan, E.B., ed. The Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. IV. Albany: Weed, Parsons and Co., 1851. 308 words

They are surprised that when the present government supports two Popish Missionaries among Indians who are of another religion, and fought against us during the last war; they who were our friends, who shed their blood in our cause, and profess the same religion, should be passed over and' quite neglected. 'Their surprise is not at all abated by reflecting, as they often do, that the clamorous. demands of those popish Indians, accompanied with menaces, proved successful in obtaining Missionaries, whilst their mild and equitable requests to the same purpose have been always rejected. 'They proceed: further to make a comparison between our conduct and that of: the French in this respect, which is always to the advantage of the latter, who constantly paid the closest attention to the conversion of the Indians. These things they have sagacity enough to qbserve. Even those who care little about religion will mention them with warmth, considering all-this as the effect of

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FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 1097

disregard to them, and our neglect of them besides in these matters, gives them a mean opinion of our principles and wisdom. It were needless to say that this disposition will afford great advantages to the French priests, and procure them a more favorable reception, which they will not fail to improve. Under these circumstances the affection of the Indians will be alienated from us more and more, to which the pomp and ceremonies of the Romish religion, with which the Savages are much captivated, will not a little contribute. The only method that is left to counteract this and prevent the bad consequences that must evidently attend it, is to send Protestant Missionaries among the Jroquois. Establishments of this kind, if properly supported, will be a counterpoise to the advantages those Popish Missionaries possess, and to the assiduity of their endeavors.