introduction - * 
%xiv 
as friendly vifitors into their towns : let thefe men 
be infringed to learn perfectly their languages, and 
by a liberal and friendly intimacy become acquaint- 
ed with their cuftoms and ufages, religious and ci- 
vil ; their fyftem of legiflation and police, as well 
as their moft ancient and prefent traditions and hif- 
tory. Thefe men thus enlightened and inftrudted 
would be qualified to judge equitably, and when re- 
turned to us, to make true and jufb reports* which 
might affift the legiflature of the United States to 
form, and offer to them, a judicious plan for their 
civilization and union with us. 
But I prefume not to didtate in thefe high con- 
cerns of government, and I am fully convinced that 
fuch important matters are far above my ability ; 
the duty and refpecf we owe to religion and redti- 
tude, the moft 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 
