On the thirty-first of the month, the boat arrived from Pittsburgh with the goods and implements of husbandry; and notwithstanding the late season for planting, and the ground being to clear of abundance of old logs and rubbish, Friends were enabled to get a small patch of corn and potatoes planted, and a variety of garden vegetables. The land being fertile, they soon had a pleasing prospect of the fruits of their labour, as well as of showing the natives the beneficial effects of their mode of cultivation.
The Indians were much pleased to see the ground so much easier prepared for seed by the plough, than in their usual way of hoeing. Great numbers of them came flocking about Friends, especially the women, who appeared kind and respectful, frequently supplying them with venison, fish, strawberries, and such other delicacies, as their country afforded--and Friends distributed among them a variety of useful articles, such as needles, thread, scissors, combs, spectacles, &c. which were sent for that purpose, and were received by the natives with lively marks of gratitude. These presents had a powerful effect in gaining their confidence, and keeping up a friendly intercourse, which frequently afforded suitable opportunities of giving them instruction.
A number of the Indians also borrowed carpenters’ tools, to enable them to build better houses, and also some farming utensils, with a view of using them.
From the little experience Friends already had, it was evident the ruinous effects of spirituous liquors among the Senecas, together with the natural propensity of the men to an indolent and improvident life, would operate as a serious discouragement in the view of Friends, towards ameliorating their condition. Therefore every suitable opportunity was embraced to impress upon the minds of their chiefs the necessity of prohibiting altogether, the introduction of spirituous liquors into their villages, as the first effectual step towards their improvement in the domestic arts. This counsel was in a good degree carried into effect; and by the exertions of their chiefs in a little time, such prohibition took place as evidently tended to their advantage, and the great encouragement of Friends in their arduous undertaking. A hope was entertained that, although their improvement, at first was small, yet as they come to taste the sweets of industry, and enjoy the benefit of their labours, they would gradually relinquish their former pursuits, and follow the example Friends were setting before them.