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dered inoperative, by extending the jurisdiction of that state over it.

Aug. 9. With my wife, and sister Fuller, rode to Carmel. Here we learn that two members of the church have lately been drinking, and conducting in a very shameful manner. One of these was once suspended a long time for this crime and again restored. The other members, as far as we can learn, have been supported in their Christian walk. The people generally seem to be sinking in dissipation. Stores (of white men) crowded with liquor are multiplying, and tempters are not wanting to draw all the poor Cherokees, old and young, into vice of almost every descrip

tion.

11. Partly in reading-partly with Cherokees from Chickamaugah who came yesterday.

Thus it is easy for people now to begin to conclude that the "Indians are destined of heaven to destruction." So a gentleman told me the other day, to whom I replied, If it is determined that the United States shall continue to prosper in a course of oppression and cruelty, till they have time to destroy all the Indians, they will doubtless do it; but should they learn to be just, nothing apparently would stand in the way of the improvement and salvation of these children of the forest.

The situation of the Indians is now peculiarly dangerous. Their enemies in America, have ever been ready to ascribe every failure of missionary exertions among them, to their nature, and some secret decree of heaven for their destruction; and the exertions of weak Christians have too often been paralised by such remarks. On the other hand the Indians have generally seen nothing but avarice, fraud, and cruelty in Americans, because the wicked have always been very officious, and kept as a bar between all good people and the Indians; so that the latter have scarcely seen a virtuous man in his true character, and of course have considered all as traitors. For a few years past the wicked have seemed to step back, and Christians have come forward, and found the Indians generally kind,

Andrew, a Cherokee brother, seems convinced that it will not be his duty to stay here much longer without a school. The youth generally are carried away by temptation, as with a flood. His family excepted, very few can be found, who are not already involved in the evils of gambling, drinking, &c. I told our friends I could not advise them to stay long and keep their children exposed to such temptations as were placed before them here. At candle-ready to receive instruction and susceptible light we enjoyed a pleasant season of prayer at the school-house."

12. Sabbath. The day was rainy, though a good congregation assembled. We first held a prayer meeting; then brother J. Sanders, and a brother from Chickamaugah addressed their people. About noon I spake from John i. 11, 12, and administered the Lord's supper. Evening we held a meeting at the mission-house, when I addressed the brethren and sisters on the importance of immediate exertion, &c.

of every kind of improvement. But now the wicked are roused again to action, and seem determined to thrust every honest man from the heart and confidence of the

Indians, and to cover the Bible and all di vine institutions with reproach, and thus lead the poor Indians to swear eternal enmity to religion, as well as to those who profess to be its followers. Thus, while good people are tempted to withhold their assistance, the Indians are tempted to detest all their offerings, and say, Bring no more vain oblations. We will never re

Remarks respecting the condition and pros-ceive another offering at your hands. pects of the Cherokees.

After his return from Carmel to Candy's Creek, Mr. Butrick makes the following remarks, which seem peculiarly just.

During this tour, by the remarks of some white people respecting the poor Indians, we have been reminded of the wisdom of Solomon, "All the brethren of the poor do hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him. He pursueth them with words, but they are wanting to him." Prov. xix. 7. Let a man be stripped of his earthly inheritance by the highway robber, or by a national foe, whom he stood in the way to resist, or by any other means, how honorable and glorious soever, yet the moment he appears in the garb of poverty, a glance of pity, passing with the speed of lightning, can scarcely reach him, before the eye of scorn and contempt is immovably fixed upon him.

VOL. XXVIII.

Arkansas Choctaws.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. WRIGHT,
DATED SEPT. 26TH, 1832.

Arrival at the new Choctaw Country.

WHEN Messrs. Wright and Williams, with their wives were proceeding to the new Choctaw country last winter, the former was detained on his way at Little Rock, nearly 200 miles east of the Choctaw boundary, by sickness. This af fliction kept him from his missionary labors among the Indians for about six months.

Through the kind care of a watchful Providence, I am permitted to write you from this distant land. We left Little Rock August 30th, and arrived here on the 14th instant. We were much favored on the

51

way. The weather was in general pleasant, and my health daily improving. I am now so far restored that I cherish the hope of being able to resume my labors among this people. And although I cannot labor with my hands, nor bear any violent exercise, yet riding on horseback agrees well with me, and speaking does not injure me. With proper care and attention to my health I trust I shall be able to preach as much as I have formerly done. The Lord has raised me up from the borders of the grave and brought me to this land, and I trust it is that here I may labor and glorify his name in winning souls to Christ.

Since my arrival here I have visited the Six Town people, who are settled from 30 to 40 miles from this place, and was cordially welcomed by them. They had heard of my partial recovery and were anxiously waiting my arrival among them. The members of the church with one or two exceptions, have, as far as I can learn, continued to adorn their profession. It was good to meet with them again after so long a separation, and unite with them again in praise to God for his redeeming love.

There has been much sickness among the Choctaws generally, and especially among Mr. Nail's and Nitakechi's parties. Thirtyfour of Mr. Nail's party have died since they left the old nation: more than half of these however died on the way. Mr. Nail's party are settled in two divisions-the Six Town people on Little river, and the Chikeshahe people on Red river, and both these sections of country have proved very unhealthy. The present amount of sickness, however, does not probably afford a just criterion for determining the sickliness of the climate; as there is much more sickness than usual this season throughout the Arkansas Territory.

The portions of the Choctaws mentioned above are those that inhabited the southern parts of the old nation, among whom Mr. Wright performed most of his missionary labors.

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After a delay of about four months, and prayerful consideration of the subject, 1 concluded to settle on what is called by the white people the Mountain Fork, an important branch of Little river. By the Choc taws this beautiful stream is called Nunnih Hacha-Mountain river. It is only about 10 miles west of the territorial line, and has its source in the mountains between this and the Arkansas. A great many people are settled on this stream and its tributaries within three miles of me, and also a large body are and will be permanently located on a stream six miles west. Thence on further west, and north, and south, the country will unquestionably contain many hundreds-probably 1,000 or 1,500 inhabítants, within 25 miles.

one,

I had taken my axe on my shoulder with a view of commencing a new place in the woods, when an opportunity presented of purchasing an old improvement formerly occupied by a white man. The site seemed to me, in almost every respect, a suitable and the terms advantageous. It was occupied by a Choctaw, who relinquished his claim, and gave me almost immediate possession. We have also an unfailing spring of good water near our door. I have thought proper to name the place Bethabara. I removed my family to this place on the 12th of July.

School.

Within twelve days after our removal, Mrs. Williams commenced a school in our own house. Miss Clough still continues to teach in the white settlements. Several of our neighbors felt unwilling to wait until they could get time to build a school-house, and were willing their children should be taught any where, even if it were in the woods.

Their disposition relative to the educa tion of their children may be judged of, by the fact that they have agreed to pay four dollars a quarter for each scholar taught the English language, and three dollars for each one taught the Choctaw only. They are to pay in such things as I may want and they have to spare. The school now contains about 25 scholars, more than half of whom study the English. It is, strictly speaking, a private district school, having no connection whatever with the national school fund.

After the expiration of the present quar ter, it is probable that a school-house will be erected, and the school much enlarged under the care of Miss Clough, with a native assistant.

The new Choctaw books will, I think, find a ready sale.

In a letter dated September 11th, Mr. Williams remarks:

The good cause in which we are mutually engaged for the benefit of this tribe, is

advancing. The wall is rearing fast, I think, even in these troublesome times. God himself works by powerfully inclining the hearts of hundreds even of those now here, to attend to instruction, and especially, I may say to the knowledge of letters in their own language. Several of the principal men who once were bitterly opposed to the Choctaw books, now decidedly and warmly favor them. Light is increasing by this means, faster than in any other way. Some of the full-blooded heathen chiefs or captains, have learned to read almost without our knowledge. They teach each other and soon learn to read and write. The new books are well received, by many indeed with strong expressions of joy. The Methodist mission calls for a considerable share. There is as yet no difficulty in selling them.

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Organization of a Church.

As the church members who emigrated from the old nation, had not been formally dismissed from the churches to which they belonged there, and some had conducted disorderly, Mr. Williams thought it expedient to examine all the candidates for church membership anew, and to organize a church out of such persons as he could find giving good evidence of repentance and faith in Christ. All, however, except one who became members of the new church were formerly members of churches in the old nation.

The religious prospects in this part of the nation have been quite encouraging of late. 1 might say that for two months past, there has been an unusual attention to the means of grace, and about twenty persons have been for the first time awakened. Several backsliders, and some of them whose cases had appeared hopeless, have also returned, 1 trust, even to the Lord. Christians have been stirred up and quickened in their souls. I might say more-but I would rather fall short of the whole truth than exaggerate. In short such was the state of things, that I felt it a duty to take steps for the administration of gospel ordinances. Christians seemed greatly to desire it, ex

pressing themselves as being hungry, famishing, for such spiritual feasts as they used to enjoy at Hikashubbaha in the old nation.

On the 17th instant a meeting of my appointment commenced in the woods, about ten miles west of this station, and closed on the 20th. Some of the natives spent four

nights on the ground. A beautiful and spacious arbor with good seats was prepar ed, and several tents were pitched around the spot. The place was given to God by a solemn act of dedication, and as much of the time as possible was spent in public religious exercises. I had no white assistance except two discourses through an interpreter, delivered by a Methodist brother. I had myself just recovered from an attack of the fever, and was still weak; but the Lord was good and kind to a poor worm, strengthening my body, unloosing my tongue, and warming my heart. I had previously drawn up and translated the articles of our faith, and a covenant, to which also I annexed an article requiring total ab stinence from the use of ardent spirits, except as medicine in cases of extreme neces sity. These were publicly read, after which, each individual came forward, and subscribed with his hand unto the Lord.

One new member was received and baptised. After this solemn transaction, the A few individuals of the Goshen and Emordinance of the supper was administered. maus churches attended, as also of the Methodist church, and communed with

us.

It was a season long to be remembered; but I have not room for further de scription.

This little church now contains 57 Choctaws; and Mrs. W. makes the 58th member. Several others were examined, and appear worthy candidates, but were prevented attending by sickness.

It is probable that the Mayhew church who are yet to emigrate will bring letters, and thus be received into this church. May the Lord build up his own church here and every where, so that the gates of hell may not prevail against it.

In a letter dated October 12, 1832, lately re ceived from Mr. Kingsbury, he writes that the Indians who are remaining in the old nation "are about starting on their long journey towards the setting sun. To-morrow I expect, with the leave of Providence, to go to the encampment of the advance party of the Choctaws, to attend a meeting on the Sabbath." The removal of the Indians will probably be completed during the present fall and winter.

fibeways.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. BOUTWELL, DATED LA POINT, AUG. 8, 1832.

Exploring Tour between Lake Superior and the head waters of the Mississippi.

MR. Boutwell's progress in his tour among the northwestern Indians, which he had been kindly invited to make in company with H. R. Schoolcraft, Esq., United States agent for Indian Af

fairs in that quarter, was noticed at p. 293. He || first individual, or party of individuals, who was then at Fon Du Lac, the western extremity of Lake Superior. The following extract presents an outline of his journey from that time till his return to La Point, with some remarks upon the state and disposition of the several bands of Indians which he visited. A fuller report is expected from him at a future period.

Since I last wrote you from Fon Du Lac, a kind Providence has enabled me to make the tour to the head waters of the Mississippi, and safely returned me to this place; where I arrived on the 6th instant.

Leaving Fon Du Lac, we continued our route up the St. Louis, till we reached one of its tributaries, the Savannah. This we pursued to its very source; when we made a portage, and reached a tributary of the Mississippi-the western Savannah, which first empties into Sandy lake.

Leaving this lake, we embarked on the 4th of July, and from this point commenced our ascent up the Mississippi-now become our high way. We arrived at Cassena or Upper Red Cedar lake on the 10th. Here our baggage, our large canoes, and our men, save seven or eight, were left, when Mr. S. procured two Indians as guides, and five Indian canoes in which we embarked and made our ascent to Elk lake, where we arrived on the 13th.

We returned to Cassena lake by a different fork from that by which we ascended, and next visited Leech lake. From thence we directed our course to the Des Corbeau, which we descended to its juncture with the Mississippi, and thence down this to the St. Anthony's and St. Peter's to the mouth of the St. Croix, which we as cended to its source, and by a portage reached the head of the Brule. This we descended, and once more found ourselves on the shores of Lake Superior.

1

Our tour from the Saut to Elk lake, from thence to this place by the Des Corbeau, we estimate at nearly 2,400 miles, which we travelled in sixty days. We were enabled to make the tour in a much shorter time than was anticipated, on account of the waters being favorable on the Upper Mississippi. The Indians spoke of their being much higher than they ever before saw them at this season of the year.

The Ojibeways in this part of the Mississippi, in particular at Leech lake, we found in a state far from being favorable for receiving instruction at present. They are evidently much disaffected toward our government, and disposed to make war upon their neighbors the Sioux. The cause of their disaffection is grounded on the promise made to them at the treaty of Prairie du Chien in 1825, which, as they say, has not been fulfilled. The promise made by the commissioners, they say, was this, that their great father would punish the

should violate the treaty. They feel, and say, that the Sioux have violated the compact made when they smoked the pipe of peace and mutually agreed to burn the implements of death. They say, that the Sioux enter their country, murder their young men, women, and children; and our government sit and look on, while they neither punish them, nor are willing that they should rise and do it themselves. This treaty was referred to by almost every chief on the Upper Mississippi, who made a speech; but by no one more feelingly than by the old chief at Leech lake, who had just returned from an excursion against the Sioux which he led himself, and in which he had taken three scalps and lost but one man. He justified himself in the course he had pursued by saying, that it was not so bad for them to kill Sioux, as for the Sacs and Foxes to kill white men. His speech with two or three incidents accompanying it, I shall give you hereafter, in which he was so frank as to say, pipe stems and wampum had already been sent to invite the different bands in that section to join in forming another party, which though he would not lead them himself, yet he might not be the last man to follow. It is more than probable, that the Indians at Cassena and Red lakes cherish the same sentiments and feelings which were devel oped here, from the fact that they are in the immediate vicinity; the former being but a few hours, and the latter but two or three days march, which in this country is hardly a matter of reckoning. But all seemed desirous of peace, and particularly, that the line should be definitely marked, each party pledging that if this was done, they would keep their own side of it. The major part of the Indians, but especially some of the chiefs, seemed highly to appre ciate the appropriation of government, ($12,000 if I mistake not,) for the purpose of vaccinating the tribes on our frontiers.

Dr. Houghton, who accompanied the expedition as surgeon and naturalist, had on his vaccinating list when he left here on his return, nearly 2,000 belonging to the Ojibewa tribe.

who are daily expected, when we shall I am waiting the return of the traders, consult with Messrs. Warren and Oaks, relative to one of us visiting the Lake Du Flambeau region this fall. Till their re turn I shall take charge of the school, and relieve Mr. Hall, who has been much em. barrassed with the care of this and other concerns. We are all in usual health, though I suffered somewhat during the tour from rheumatism, exposed as I was to rains by day, and wet blankets by night.

Every Sabbath, with but two or three exceptions, brought me in contact with through our interpreter. more or less Indians, whom I addressed

Endians in New York.

EXTRACTS FROM COMMUNICATIONS
ELLIOT AT TUSCARORA.

OF MR.

THE revival at Tuscarora has been repeatedly mentioned in this and the preceding volume. A mission was commenced among these Indians, about the year 1805, by Rev. Mr. Holmes, who acted as a teacher and evangelist. The school since that time has suffered many interruptions for a longer or shorter period. Since it come under the care of the Board in 1826, it has been in pretty constant operation. Under date of August 30th, Mr. Elliot makes the following statement respecting the

There have been during the year four marriages, fourteeen births, and six deaths.

The revival has affected the temporal as well as spiritual interests of the people. It has broken up their ball plays and long hunting tours.

They now depend upon the cultivation of their land for a livelihood, and raise did three years since. One had a field of probably twice the amount of grain they wheat the last summer embracing twentynine acres. Most of the Tuscaroras have fine fields of corn, beans, wheat, oats, &c. They have comfortable dwellings for the most part, and some have convenient barns and large herds of cattle. The young men are beginning to plant orchards.

Within eighteen months past seven clocks have been purchased in the Tuscarora village, and five newspapers subscribed

Encouraging Results of missionary labors || for and read by native families. among the Tuscaroras.

Little of special interest has occurred among us within five months past. The establishment of a grocery the last winter and spring, exerted a pernicious and demoralizing influence for a season, with a certain class. But most of the converts have as yet appeared well. Forty-one united with the church in 1831. We have had but two seasons of communion the present year. Four at these two periods were admitted to the sacrament, and eight children were baptised. Twenty-one were baptised in 1831. Thirty-one persons have during the year joined the temperance society, which now numbers a hundred men, women and children. But few have as yet violated their pledge.

These were some of the more prominent results in relation to what God hath

wrought. He has been the agent, we the unworthy instruments; and as such are prepared, I trust, to ascribe the praise and glory to him forever.

These facts compared with the former but much yet remains to be done. The fecondition of the people are encouraging; It is exceedingly desirable, that something males especially are in the back ground. in the arts of domestic life. more should be attempted, to instruct them

In another communication, Mr. Elliot men-` tions the following facts respecting the schools. The Sabbath school, as mentioned above, contains forty or forty-five scholars.

among their kindred. The average number of scholars the season past, has been from forty-five to fifty.

Three years since not less than half the entire population of adults made use of ar- Ninety scholars have entered the school dent spirits; and often drank to intoxica- since its organization. One of the number tion; now, reckoning the whole popula- is now principal chief, and state interpreter, tion at three hundred, not more than one and can speak readily in three languages. in twenty use intoxicating drinks. Ten or Two others are young men of great promise twelve confirmed drunkards have been re- and influence. Sixty in all have left the claimed, some of whom pray with their school, and in most cases with the prosfamilies and lead their children to the Sab-pect of diffusing knowledge and happiness bath school. In nearly twenty families the altar of sacrifice is erected, and sweet incense, we trust, ascends to the God of heaven. Our Sabbath school numbers from forty to forty-five children. They were divided into classes of six or eight each, and instructed for the most part by native teachers; young men who have lately joined the church. A few recite small portions of holy writ from memory. Fifteen or more read larger portions alternately. Nearly all the time from nine until eleven o'olock on Sabbath morning is spent in this sacred employment. From the Sabbath school they go to the sanctuary, and there with others listen devoutly to the exhibition of truth.

Fifty-eight natives belong to the mission church; four of this number are under suspension, and some of them, I fear, will have to be excommunicated.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF MR. WRIGHT,

DATED SENECA, SEPT. 28, 1832.

Convention of the Christian Indians at
Cattaraugus.

A detailed account of this convention which was held near the end of February last, has been recently received.

The Indians in the western part of the state of New York reside on five small reservations; on four of which there are missionary stations. Three of them are under the direction of the Board, and one is occupied by a missionary of the Baptist denomination. On the remaining re

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