Nathaniel Holland to Israel Pemberton, December 20, 1761 - 1
Dear Friend,
It is with concern I acquaint thee that the
Libertine spirit more & more appears among the Indians
the chiefest number embracing every opportunity of de
bauching themselves with strong drink, & now the old [vet]
ters are returned to their places on the rivers on Juneata
The trade has lessen’d one half, we can get no evidence
against, & if there was there is nothing but force of arms
will prevail, & as that is a part I cannot act & enjoy
peace of Conscience I have now requested the Commissioners
to appoint one to supply my place by the middle of the third
Month. I have heard from our Friend Pappunehak who
is partly recover’d of his wounds he receiv’d, his neck being well
& his arm so far heal’d that he can bend the Elbow. I was
Talking to Job & James Davis about the [sic], who tell
Me they several times had in their minds to acquaint
Friends in Phila that the Indians in a general way did not
seem so tenacious of them as formerly & that the [Munsee?]
who had been very wicked & have many [sic] afraid to take
them in, & that if some Friends were to go up in the Indian
Country they would be able to [release] more & soon than any
other way
In much Love I remain thy
Real Friend, Nathl Holland
Please to give my love to my Friend A.K.—
