There is the clearest Proof of the contrary. ~The advanced Population of our Frontiers will greatly -- facilitate the Conversion of the Iroquois. Formerly there were very few English Inhabitants near the Indian Villages, which subjected our Missionaries to numberless hardships and embarrassments. Removed far from our settlements, they could seldom converse with any but Savages. They often: found it difficult to procure the common Necessaries of Life, or a Place of Refuge in Times of Danger, which were frequent. They were obliged to rely for immediate support and Protection on

FIVE CONREDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 1109

the Indians only ; many of whom were not well affected to Christianity ; all of them exposed to the Ravages of a barbarous Enemy. These Inconveniences, like the former, are now no more. Our Settlements surround some of the Indian Villages, and are not very Distant from others ; so that Missionaries may be readily supplied with whatever Necessaries they want, and will be under no apprehension of Danger to their Lives. Even the Indians, by their Vicinity to the English, and Intercourse: with them, are become much more tractable and humane. In reality the State of Things is intirely changed from what it was formerly in this Respect; and all to the Advantage of the Design 'now under Consideration. But the most favourable circumstance, and what promises success the most of any to an attempt for converting the Iroquois, is the Desire of the Iroquois themselves that Missionaries might be sent to instruct them in the Principles of Christianity. They have repeatedly made this Request, and have urged it with much Earnestness, particularly at a Congress lately held, where 2,400 Indians from the different Tribes were present. This shews a general Disposition in the Troquois to embrace Christianity ; and that the Plan now proposed would be successful.