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Pictou Indians
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From W. Dawson, Pictou.
Pictou, 20 Jany, 1842
Hon. Joseph Howe
Dear Sir
I observe that something is to be submitted to the Legislature on my favorite subject the "Civilization of the Indians". x x
I have given the subject some attention for more than 20 years, and have made myself quite familiar with the tribe, and have long and deeply regretted that I could do little for them.
I may refer you to a communication I sent you last year and also to several others which were sent to [Mr] Burnett in 1838 on the subject -- if that gentleman be still in Halifax he will show you them. But there are several matters in these letters I did not [advert?] to, and yet they are of paramount importance. I shall first name one or two.
The altered circumstances of the Indians have produced, already, some important changes on their habits, some for the better, others for the worse, the former should be acted on and encouraged. Necessity has forced on them the manu-