But altho-I am fully satisfied on this Head ; yet I am sensible that Objections have been raised concerning it. It will therefore be proper in this Place briefly to obviate these: Because however weak or ill-founded, they may influence even the Judicious for Want of due Information ; and I would willingly lay before your Lordship, in as clear and concise a manner as J could, whatever might tend to elucidate the Subject. TI shall select

1110 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR

some of the most plausible Objections that have come to my Knowledge.

Among other Things it has been .suggested--" That the " Troquois are such an ignorant, barbarous People, that they are " incapable of being civilised or brought over to Christianity."

But this Language is manifestly dictated by Prejudice, I grant 'the Troquois are ignorant, when compared with civilised

Nations ; but certainly we should distinguish between Ignorance

and Dulness--between the Want of Knowledge and the Want of Capacity to receive it. Whoever has any Acquaintance with the Iroquois, must know they are not deficient in Point of Understanding. No People have more Sagacity to discern their Interest, according to their prevailing Notions, or can reason better on it ; none can project Schemes with more Subtilty to promote it, or have more Spirit and Resolution to carry those Schemes into Execution. Their Speeches at Treaties, their 'Conversation and Conduct are incontestable Proofs of this. Besides it is well known that such of them as will learn to read 'and write, generally make a more rapid Progress than Persons of the same Age amongus. Itmay then with Truth be affirmed, that the Indians are not inferior in their Intellectual Paenltiss to other Nations, or less capable of Improvement. Their Knowledge indeed, for Want of Culture, is confined within a 'narrow Circle; but notwithstanding, they shew a Discernment, and a Force of Understanding, which ee them on a Level with the Best of Mankind. ,