XX 



PREFACE. 



As this establishment could probably be made, 

 with the greatest convenience, within the British 

 dominions, it might, perhaps, be undertaken with 

 the surest prospect of success, by some society in 

 Great Britain. The Society in Scotland for Pro- 

 pagating Christian Knowledge has, heretofore, 

 contributed to the support of missionaries among 

 the American Indians; and might, perhaps, be 

 willing to engage in this undertaking. The Socie- 

 ty in Massachusetts for Propagating the Gospel 

 among the Indians of North America has, in some 

 instances, if I mistake not, acted in concert with 

 the Society in Scotland, above mentioned ; and 

 might, perhaps, conveniently do it, in this instance. 

 Every association, however, who may become ac- 

 quainted with the facts here disclosed, will be able 

 themselves, to judge most correctly, of their own 

 resources, and of their own duty. — At Fort Wil- 

 liam, on Lake Superior, a very considerable num- 

 ber of the partners of the North West Company 

 assemble annually, about the middle of June, at 

 which meeting, many important arrangements are 

 made, respecting the business of the Company. 

 At such a meeting, an agent from some benevo- 



