These Reflections might be carried much further. But I shall only observe, that the Iroquois resemble other barbaro Nations, seem to have much the same Vices, and are equally attached to their own Manners. They also possess the same - Faculties, with as great a share of Reason and understanding, ag others of the human Species in general. Experience hath demonstrated that the most ignorant and barbarous People may be civilised ; and why not here as well as elsewhere? I am persuaded that-no solid Reason can be assigned why the Iroquois should be an Exception to the general Rule. Human Nature is much the same in every Clime and Age. Culture, with other external Circumstances, constitute the principal Difference betwen the various Parts of Mankind. For we find the same

1112 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR

Nation, at different Periods, differ from itself, in Point of Man- 'ners, as much as the most distant Nations, can differ from each other. °

It is certain that the Mohawks, from the Impressions of Religion they have received, and their Intercourse with the English, have already made considerable Progress towards civilised Life. Were proper Measures taken for the Purpose, there can be no Doubt, but much more might be done this Way. Nothing but the Want of those Measures, and their Connections with the Nations of their Confederacy, still buried in Darkness and Barbarity, at the Head of which they are ambitious to figure, prevent it. If the Mohawks were intirely to adopt our Manners, their Influence over the other Tribes would be at an End. But if these Tribes were instructed as They are, the Case would be very different.