In the course of this summer, Friends had got about thirty acres of land cleared on their farm--their spring crops were productive, and they sowed fourteen or fifteen acres with winter grain. The grist and saw-mills were kept in operation, and found to answer a valuable purpose.
In the spring of 1806, the Indians were much engaged in clearing land, splitting rails, and carrying on various improvements. One of the more sagacious observed to Friends, “Our Indians are getting to have more sense, very fast.”
They continued strongly opposed to the use of spirituous liquors, and seldom held a council without some animadversions on their baneful effects--and nothing excited more wonder among the surrounding white people, than to find them entirely refuse liquor when offered to them. The Indians said, that when the white people urged them to drink whiskey, they would ask for bread or provisions in its stead.
In the course of this summer, a company of Indians from Alleghany, with Connediu (whom they called their prophet,) at their head, paid a visit to several villages of their brethren, near the Genessee river, in order to dissuade them from the use of strong drink, and to encourage them in habits of industry.
In the Ninth month, this year, the settlement was again visited by three of the committee. The writer being one of the number, and having resided more than two years among them at the first opening of the settlement, was afforded a full opportunity of judging of the improvements the Indians had made. A council was held with the Indians at Cold Spring, which was a new town the Indians had built on the west side of the river, a few miles above Tunesassa. Various subjects were discussed in this council, relative to the Indians’ improvement, and much advice communicated relative to their moral conduct, and long replies again made by the Indians, which the limits prescribed for this narrative will not admit in detail. One thing, however, not heretofore noticed, was earnestly pressed upon them; to live in peace and harmony with their wives, and not to let trifling matters part them, as was sometimes their practice; but to consider them as companions for life: and also to live in peace and friendship one with another, which would enable them to make a greater progress in the good work Friends were endeavouring to promote among them.