286 ONEIDA TRIBE. 



enced by a corrupt and unjust medium of 

 barter to give up in their distress, till they are 

 known no longer but as a wreck, or are found 

 scattered in fragments on the borders of the 

 vast territories of their fathers. Missionary 

 labours will be found most effectual, under the 

 blessing of Heaven, in arresting the progress 

 of that desolation which is blotting the Indians* 

 and rapidly so, from the map of nations. There 

 is an urgent call as well as the Divine command, 

 to enter upon well-principled and active exer- 

 tions in their behalf. Experience tells us, that 

 as success has followed missionary efforts, it 

 may yet accompany them, when made and en- 

 tered upon in simple reliance on the promises 

 of God. A brilliant conquest for humanity, as 

 well as religion, has been achieved in the South 

 Sea Islands, and in Africa. An encouraging 

 prospect of success presents itself in the East ; 

 and if only ten were found among the North- 

 American Indians, who were known to have 

 been rescued from dissipation, ignorance, and 

 wretchedness through the knowledge of the 

 Gospel of Christ, we should be entitled to 

 believe that ten thousand may yet follow them 

 from among the scattered tribes of the North. 

 A pleasing anecdote is told of an Oneida chief, 

 named Skenandou, who had been led to em- 



