95 



lections, rests upon sound considerations of public utility ; and the rea- 

 sons which induce them are just as applicable here, as elsewhere; and 

 just as appropriate to each single State, as to the National Government. 

 ^This enterprise has been fairly entered upon, undar the fostering care 

 of the Regents of the University. The foundation, at least, of an In- 

 dian Collection, has been established. Were it enlarged, upon the 

 principles suggested in this report, it would soon become one of the 

 most interesting of all Historical Cabinets. It would grow in public 

 value, as the people whose social condition it reveals, recede from pub- 

 lic observation ; and in after years it would become inestimable. But 

 such are the changes, and causes of change at work among our. Indian 

 races, that the present moment should be improved with diligence. 

 Time buries every thing in a common tomb. 



The Red races are passing away before the silent, but irresistible 

 spread of civilization. The tenure of Indian sovereignty is as precarious 

 as the habitation of the deer, his co-tenant of the forest. Their gradual 

 displacement is as inevitable as the progress of events. A portion, 

 indeed, of the Indian family, if present indications are to be trusted, is 

 destined eventually to be reclaimed, and raised to a citizenship among 

 ourselves. But this can only be accomplished by their adoption of 

 agricultural pursuits, and the diffusion of knowledge among them. 

 When this change is effected, they will cease to be Indians. A different 

 destiny awaits the residue. At no distant day the war shout of the 

 Red man will fall away into eternal silence, upon the shores of the dis- 

 tant Pacific. Industry will then have taken up her abode in the seclu- 

 sions of the forest, the church will rise upon the ruins of the council- 

 house, the railway pursue the distant trail, the ploughshare turn the sod 

 of the hunting ground ; and the pursuits of peace having diffused them- 

 selves over the whole republic, one universal and continuous hum of 

 industry will rise from ocean to ocean. When the destiny of the Indian 

 is thus fulfilled, 'the words of the great Seneca orator will rise up in' 

 perpetual remembrance : 



" Who then lives to mourn us ? None. What marks our extermi- 

 nation ? Nothing." 



All which is respectfully submitted. 



LEWIS H. MORGAN. 



Rochester Dec. 31, 1849. 



