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Dec . 29th 1840

Dear Sir, You are doubtless aware of the difficulty of eliciting from Indians any correct information regarding their ancient religious customs and traditions. This difficulty arises partly, at least, from the following circumstances. First, they are known to trust few among themselves. unclear are entirely ignorant of them, not only of the youth + middle aged but even among the aged but few can be found instructed in the learning of the ancients.

Second, those who have the knowledge requisite have received this knowledge as a sacred unclear and would rather die than betray this trust, by making known this sacred knowledge in unclear or to persons not worthy to receive it.

Third, some of their ancient customs were not to be made known to any except sons designed for, and trained up for sacred offices, or unclear, by the invisible powers above.