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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. 305 words

Of these they ought to avail themselves ; and gradually unfold the Principles of the Christian Systems to their pupils. Each of those Schoolmasters ought to have a salary of £40 Sterl. a year, which might be increased according to their industry and success. They also, as well as the Missionaries, should be furnished with Prayer-books, and such other Tracts in the Indian language as can be procured ; which will be necessary to teach the Indians to read, and instruct them in the principles of Religion.

III. That Smiths be placed at some of the most convenient _ Indian Villages. These would be of great service to the Indians, and therefore very acceptable ; and probably some of the Indians, from a sense of their utility might be induced to learn their Trade. Their Wives might also be engaged to teach such of the Indian women as are willing to learn Spinning, Sewing and other Branches of female Industry. The Government formerly allowed Smiths at several of the Indian Villages, with a competent

1104 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR

salary. These Mechanics would now be of much service in promoting the general design, and might be had at a trifling expense. The Spaniards have employed mechanics, and do still, for the same purpose to great advantage.

IV. That the Missionaries and Schoolmasters employed in n this. Scheme be appointed, or at least appr oved, by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The Superintendency of those matters naturally belongs to that Venerable Body, not only by reason that they coincide with the design of their Incorporation, and with their connections on this Continent, but also because the Society have with great fidelity discharged the important trust reposed in them, and have already done much towards Converting and Civilising th Iroquois.