Brother Honoch,fut We the Sachems of Oneida Nation together with our young men— desire to send our voice to your ears. we desire that you would open your ears & listen to us and exercise patience while we speak. we apt to be lengthy Brother As we well know that you are our true friend. and you have concern for the wellfare of Indians at heart— we therefore will acquaint you some thing of our Situation. concern— and desires— Our forefathers were for great length of time lived under clouds of ignorance. in which Situation they were contented at length as we unted the good compassinate people across the great waters— had knowledge of the deplorable Situation of our Tawney— and good spirit inclined their hearts to extend their charity in this Island. have sent proper means for which natives of this land may have some knowledge of the true good spirit— and the path which leads them to— [undecipherable: Pursuance] of which— the commisioners have sent missonories among us who preaching good tidings to our ears— At length they fetch a man^d Kirkland. and M^r Crosby— by which means number of our friends both male and female come to resolution to forsake the old path and follow the new— but when the dark clouds of war hang over this Island— our father in the Colony to have it in their power to defend us from the enemy we have to scatter. the Albany were leaving off— and after the clouds dispersed— we then returned to our antient habitation and gather the coals to kindle fire— while we viewing the desolation of our Town with Sorrow— behold our father Kirkland come to visit us— and informs us that he was very poor— had no Salary— therefore could live among us