%xiv introduction'. 
as friendly' viiitors, into their towns r let thefe men 
he inftrudted to learn perfectly their languages, and 
by a liberal and friendly intimacy become acquaint- 
ed with their cufloms and ufages, religious and ci- 
vil ; their fyftem of legiflation and police, as well 
.as their moll ancient and prefent traditions and hif- 
tory. Thefe men thus enlightened and inftruCted 
would be qualified to judge equitably, and when re- 
turned to us, to make true and juft reports, which 
might allift the legiflature of the United States to 
form, and offer to them, a judicious plan for the^ 
civilization and union with us. 
But I prefame not to dictate in thefe high con- 
cerns of government, and 1 am fully convinced that 
fuch important matters are far above my ability ; 
the duty and refpedl we owe to religion and redii- 
tude, the rnoft acceptable incenfe we offer to the 
Almighty, as an atonement for our negligence in 
the care of the prefent and future wellbeing of our 
Indian brethren, induce me to mention this matter* 
though perhaps of greater concernment than we ge- 
nerally are aware. 
TRAVELS 
