Justice, at Jeast, demands that we should apply an antidote against the Evils we have brought upon them, nor can this be done ctherwise than by inculeating Principles which will restrain those Enormities.

But were even the voice of Humanity silent, a regard for our own safety and interest remonstrates against the position I am considering. The Iroquois are a_ bold, fierce, enterprising People, and much addicted to War. If this military spirit does" not find employment against a common enemy, or is not diverted into some other Channel, and softened by Culture, it will occasion much trouble, and be directed against ourselves. We have ulready experienced this since the conclusion of the late French war. There have been several commotions among the savages since that time, which I shall pass over, and only mention one that was very alarming. In the year 1763, several Tribes of the

1100 MEMCRIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR

western analans, instigated by jealousy at our Conquest of Canada, and our near approach to them, took up the Hatchet against us. They were headed by Ponoiac, a noted Chief, and joined by several of the Senekas. In a few months they cut off no less than eight of our outposts, and totally defeated several detachments of His Majesty's Troops that were sent against them. They also depopulated our frontiers to a great extent and ruined the Indian trade in many places. It was with great difficulty and expense, after much time and the loss of many lives. that this Insurrection was quelled. To these Insurrections-we shalk be continually exposed, whilst the Indians are unprincipled and unsettled as at present. They widl be ever turbulent, ready to; kindle the Flames of War on the slightest feglect or provocation, and the inconveniences arising from sucly Insurrections are too glaring to require a particular delineation.