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391 To push on to the Muskingum at once, and settle on the Land reserved for them by Congress; [strikethrough: had been the aim] was the intention of the Christian Indians, at the outset of their Journey; but we now saw, that a wise Providence had decreed otherwise. The honorable William Henry Esq. a Member of Congress at that time--and a Gentleman, who for many Years past, had taken a particular Interest, in the conversion of the Indians of this Country; but who had witnessed, scenses the most shocking and cruel which had been committed on the harmless and inoffensive Indians, by unprincipled vagabond White People, among which, strikethrough: were was the murder of the Conestoga Indians: & altho congratulating us by Letter, on the good disposition of Congress, in reserving to the Christian Indians their former Towns on the Muskingum, yet, gave it as his private opinion; "that we would do well, not to be in too great a hurry in settling on these Lands, as he had a bad opinion of the frontier white Settlers, who had already strikethrough: had murdered a great part of the Congregation, and probably would at any time when they had an Opportunity, be ready to do so again to others of the Comunity strikethrough: since as these People sought to get the Country to themselves. He hoped, Congress would strikethrough: not before long, pass and enforce such Laws, as would put an end to all future encroachment* on Indian Lands; for strikethrough: that unless this was done, those intruders would keep the Country perpetually at War with the Indians. Congress

• Tomohawk improvements (as they were called) made on Indian Lands were then customary. Numbers of these were made on the Christian Indian Lands, after these were murdered.