In former Times, the Iroquois were almost continually engaged in War ; either with the French, or some of the neighbouring Indians. A State of War must necessarily obstruct their Conversion, as all their Men are on these Occasions called into the Field ; their Country also is in perpetual Alarms, often a Scene of Blood and Desolation. In Times of Peace, like the present, the Inconveniencies are removed ; and they are at Leisure to attend instruction.

Our possession of Canada is another Circumstance peculiarly favorable to the Conversion of the Iroquois, which did not

exist till lately. When the French were Masters of that Prov-.

ince, they were sensible of how much Consequence the Friendship of the Indians was to the Security, Trade, and Growth, of their Colony.. The Government therefore gave all possible. Encouragement and Assistance to their Missionaries in converting the Savages. To this and the zeal of those Missionaries, who were generally Men of Abilities, must be attributed the great Success they had in making Indian Converts. The Iroquois are too considerable to be overlooked by a People so discerning and attentive to their Interest as the French. They earnestly courted, and with much Assiduity, the Friendship and alliance of the Iroquois. These Overtures were, for the most Part, rejected by the latter; owing in a great Measure to their Connection with us: And altho' the French were generally at War with the Troquois, yet their Priests had sufficient address to gain Admittance among them, and proselyte many. This gave