regret the late measures concerning the Choctaws. Nothing, I repeat it, nothing will so effectually prevent the benevolent designs of Missionary enterprise, as Indian wars. It is the most fatal impediment that the enemy of souls could lay in the way, especially in regard to the Osages. As they have not been corrupted by ardent spirits, they are comparatively pure. They are not vitiated by bad examples. They have less to unlearn. They are an interesting portion of the human family. We long to go out into their villages, and compel them to come in. But war, distressing war, forbids.

With due respect to the government of the United States, I would ask-Is it not consistent with the Constitution? Is it not right to controul the savages in their conduct, not only towards the white people, but towards each other? What more judicious measures could be arranged for civilizing the Indians, than overruling their wars? What will the grants of money avail, while they are disturbed by quarrels, and engaged in dancing over the scalps of their enemies? Their annuities are of little value too, expended in war. It is the sincere prayer of our Mission Family, that speedy and effectual measures may be taken to prevent war, and thus to What open a door for our usefulness.

other impediment have we? And what greater could we have? If it be possible to bring to an end, this distracted state of things, what labours of love could be more important than petitioning the government to controul the Indians? Friends of Christ, offer your prayers to God. Friends of humanity, present your petitions to Congress, praying, that, if it be possible, the poor savages who live within the pale of a Christian Government may be hushed to peace, and awed from raising the warhoop and the tomahawk. Give yourself no rest till the end be accomplished. We most earnestly desire to go to our work. We are ardently desirous to be engaged in teaching the

poor Osages. We have food and rai ment, and houses to dwell in, but how small a thing this, compared with the great errand on which we came to this distant heathen land.

The glorious news from the Sandwich Islands, we have read with delight. There, war is over. The door is open. The way is prepared. The time to favour Owyhee and her sister Isles appears to have come. My heart rejoices over a people for whom I have prayed, and whose sons I have assisted in nursing for Christ. Oh! that the Osages and their enemies in this Western wilderness, knew the things that belong to their peace.

I feel under obligation to occupy a few of my leisure moments in giving you a short account of the place we inhabit, of the manners and customs of the natives of this land of moral darkness-of their deplorable degradation, and of the hopeful appearance of our being useful among them, It will not be necessary to give a geographical description of this Territory at large. I shall, therefore, confine my. self to a brief description of the missionary station, and the contiguous region. The place chosen for the missionary plantation, of which we have the occupancy at present, was freely given by all the Chiefs in the Osage Tribe. It is situated about twenty-five miles from the mouth of Grand River, which runs from North to South, and empties into the Arkansas about seven hundred miles from its mouth. The land in this country appears to be exceedingly fertile. The air is also very salubrious, owing to the variegated surface of the country, which is interspersed with hills and dales in every direction, and probably to the land

being mostly destitute of timber, which admits a free circulation of air. Extensive prairies are found all over this Western Country, in which there is not a tree to be found except on the rivers and smaller streams which glide through it. I do not exaggerate when I tell you, a person may travel in almost any direction, some hundreds of miles from this place, without seeing timber sufficient to fence the land in sizeable lots. The site for the Missionary buildings is about a mile from the river on the west side in a prairie of about four or five hundred acres of excellent arable land, which is mostly surrounded with timber.

That portion of the ignorant aborigines of America who inhabit this region of country, though naturally intelligent and docile, are, notwithstanding, sunk into a lamentable state of degradation. Being ignorant of the arts of civilized life, they roam necessarily and almost constantly, from place to place, in quest of game for the support of themselves and their families. Being destitute of the means of clothing themselves as we do, they wear the skins of beasts; but their children are literally naked.

This tribe live in villages altogether, of which there are several. The largest is about thirty miles from this place. I was there a few weeks ago, and found the Indians very numerous. There are about five hundred huts in the village, in each of which are large families. As polygamy is common among them, it is not uncommon to see with one man in his lodge, three or four women, who are his wives, with fifteen or twenty children.

These poor savages of the wilderness, being totally ignorant of letters, of civil law, of the revelation of God, call vice virtue in many instances. They think it is laudable to steal, especially from their enemies; that it is commendable to take every advantage of other Indian tribes who are their enemies, in committing devastation and destruction

within their borders. Other examples of their degraded state I could mention; but they would wound a chaste and delicate ear. I shall therefore forbear.

The writer here gives an account of the first interview with the principal Chief; and after quoting a part of his speech on the occasion, (the substance of which we have already published,) thus remarks :—

Such language as this, fraught with wisdom and good sense, from the principal Chief in the Nation, filled our hearts with gratitude to God, for so happy a reception among them. May the Lord, who hath said, that the heathen shall be given to Christ for an inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession, make us, in infinite mercy, bright and shining lights in this land of pagan darkness!

My dear Sir, the Lord has seen fit to afflict us much with sickness, and even with the death of two of our sisters in this family. It would occupy several sheets of paper to give a particular account of the sufferings and afflictions of this family, since the Lord laid his chastening hand upon us. With respect to myself, I can say, hitherto the Lord hath been abundantly merciful to me. I have, indeed, been sick, but less I think, than any other of the family. My health is very good at present. I have reason to believe that the Lord, who hath declared that all things shall work together for good to them that love God, hath in much mercy afflicted us, to reprove our wandering ways, to show us what we are by nature, to bring us to the footstool of sovereign mercy, to teach us where our strength lies, and to exhi bit to us the uncertainty of life, our lia: bility to death, the vanity of all things sublunary, and the importance of having our treasure in heaven, that our hearts may be there also. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. The

Mission Family enjoy a comfortable degree of health at present, and are com fortably situated in log dwellings.

War is declared between the Osages, among whom we are, and the Cherokees, a neighbouring tribe. We received this information a few days ago, from the governor of this Territory. The Indians on both sides have sent for their allies, and we are apprehensive of a bloody war between them; they having long been inveterate enemies to each other. You may probably conclude from this, that we are in a perilous situation. We are not, however, apprehensive of any danger with regard to our personal safety. The governor, in a council with the Cherokees, told them, that if they killed any of the missionaries, or any white man, or injured them in any respect, while at war with the Osages, their whole tribe should atone for it with their lives. But we put not our trust in an arm of flesh, but in the omnipotent arm of God, which is able to put a stop to the rumours of war around us, and hush the contending parties to peace, and to an amicable adjustment of their differences.

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL.

In our May number, the Journal of this Mission was brought up to the 9th of December last, We now resume it at that date. Lord's Day, Dec. 10.-Brother Vaill preached to the Mission Family.

Monday, Dec. 11.-Have nearly completed the re-loading of the boats, and engaged part of the hands. The price for the hands is one dollar for every day they labour. We have engaged George Douglass, an active and experienced young man, to act as our first Captain.

Departure from Little Rock. Tuesday, Dec. 12.-This evening the Family embarked again, and bid adieu to Little Rock, after a residence of four months and nineteen days. They have experienced as much kindness as could

be expected from a settlement so new. Our expenses for house rent, &c. have been reasonable. Yet we think some advantage has been taken from our sickness by the Physician of the settlement, whose bill we consider extravagant.

Have purchased seventy bushels of corn to take with us to the station; and been at considerable expense for provision to ascend the river. The health of the family is so much improved that we consider it safe for them to embark. Sister Cleaver is not wholly restored to her former health. Sister Johnson is very feeble, and Sisters Foster and Beach have not regained their strength; but their animation in going forward gives strength to weakness. Brethren Fuller and Woodruff will proceed by land, and take up the horses. The water has already begun to fall.

Wednesday, Dec. 13.-Have obtained the complement of hands; six to each boat, besides the Captains.

Unexpected Prosecution.

Thursday, Dec. 14.—In consequence of a misunderstanding with a citizen on the river, about his being engaged as a boatman, the boats were stopped this morning by an officer, and Brother Vail was summoned to answer for a breach of contract. After an examination of the witnesses, the Court declared, "There is no evidence of a breach of contract; and, therefore, the defendant is cleared, and the plaintiff must pay the cost." This has occasioned the mission no other expense than a few hours delay of the boats. We have submitted to this summons, to avoid aspersions from evil-minded men, although we knew that it was a clear case, and the prosecution unreasonable.

Saturday, Dec. 16.-A tedious storm for these two days. Yesterday, obliged to lie still. Hail and snow descended through the day. The first snow that we have seen in this country. The weather cold and uncomfortable.

Lord's Day, Dec. 17.-Upon serious reflection and mutual consultation, it

This

appeared expedient to move forward on this day. We have been led to this on account of the inclemency of the season, and the falling state of the water. Our religious exercises have been in some measure interrupted. evening reached the Cadron. Saturday, Dec. 23.-Nothing special has occurred the past week. The weather has been favourable. One of our boats is warmed by stoves, so that the family are comfortable. Have met with some bad shoals. The water still falling.

Lord's Day, Dec. 24.-We have again proceeded on the sabbath. To-day the river has been difficult, and it has required great labour to propel the boats up the bad places. While the men have been called to the usual labour of the pole, the family have united in the worship of God; and have found consolation. It is indeed unpleasant to be surrounded by the noise of busy boat

men.

We have sighed for the delightful privilege of the sanctuary. Who can prize the blessing as he ought. Oh ye highly favoured people of the Lord, whose every sabbath invites you to his house of prayer, enter and sing,

"Away from every mortal care

"Away from earth, our souls retreat, "We leave this worthless world afar, "And wait and worship at thy feet."

Thursday, Dec. 28.-For two days have made but little progress. Yesterday, not two miles. To-day but three or four, because of rain, and cold, and the difficulty of passing shoals. Our best progress in good water is not more than fifteen miles, and our average distance about twelve.

Friday, Dec. 29.-A hard passage over an extensive fall to-day, which has required the united force of the boatmen to take up each boat separately. This was done by means of a rope fastened to the mast of the boat and drawn by the men on shore, a very common way of ascending these rivers.

Saturday, Dec. 30.-Passed a bend in the river, which has turned our boats

nearly every point of the compass, so that a whole day by water has advanced us but a few hundred yards in a straight direction by land. The Arkansas is indeed a crooked stream. We have passed several such bends since we have entered the river. The most crooked part of the river however is between the Post and Little Rock.

Unexpected arrival of Brother
Chapman.

Lord's Day, Dec. 31.-Reached what is called the Billingsley settlement, about 30 miles by water, 18 by land below the Garrison, or Fort Smith. Here we heard of Brother Chapman, who came down to attend the treaty of peace with the Osages, which it was expected would have been held at the Garrison last week. Understanding that he had made an appointment to preach at the settlement, we gladly embraced the opportunity of attending and uniting in worship. The audience consisted of about forty respectable people. It was indeed pleasant to meet our long absent Brother, and to hear of the welfare of those whom he left at the station. The Osage chiefs have not yet come down to the Garrison.

Arrested by impassible shoals. Monday, Jan. 1, 1821-Proceeded 5 miles and were stopped at noon by impassible shoals. This is indeed a crossing providence. Our faith and patience have need of further trial. May we, through rich grace, be made willing to wait the appointed time of our arrival. May we all learn to feel and to act, more and more, as pilgrims and strangers on the earth.

Tuesday, Jan. 2.-A light snow this morning. Discharged three of our hands. Others think they must leave us to-morrow, unless we make them some compensation for tarrying.

Wednesday, Jan. 3.-Discharged two other hands. The difficulty of obtaining others renders it unsafe for us to discharge all.

Afflictive Providence.

"Clouds and darkness are round

about Him, who doeth his pleasure in the armies of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth." We have met with a sore affliction, and fallen into deep distress by the death of Mr. John Muncy one of our hired men. He was providentially killed, by a discharge of a gun in the hands of a person, who was fitting the lock of another gun, to the one which was discharged, not conscious that it was loaded. To try the new lock, he primed and snapped it, and to his dreadful surprise it went off, and shot poor Muncy through the body. He was shot about eleven o'clock this morning, and died about ten this evening. It has been a scene of darkness to us all. We have heard the groans and dying agonies of this distressed fellow mortal. We have seen him close his eyes. The sentence cannot be revoked. The kind, active, and faithful Muncy is no more.

Thursday, Jan. 4.-We have laid down the body of the deceased in the grave, and committed him to the dust with Christian decency. A short discourse was delivered on the occasion, from 1 Sam. xx, iii. A number from Billingsley settlement, came to sympa. thize with us in our affliction.

Friday, Jan. 5.-This day John Billingsley, Esq. one of the Judges of the Court of this County, (Crawford) at the particular request of the members of the Mission, came to our Boats to receive the testimony of those who were present, and witnessed the event of Muncy's death. The Family feel anxious to prevent as far as possible the reproach which some may be disposed to cast upon the cause, in consequence of this disaster. Never had this family so great reason to humble themselves before God. One wave of adversity has followed another. The last rising higher than any that had preceded. The billows have gone over us; we are sunk in deep waters; but God is able to deliver us.

Lord's Day, Jan. 7.-Brother Chapman preached to the Mission Family,

and Brother Vaill at Judge Billingsleys. He also baptized a child.The people in this settlement are chiefly from Kentucky, and seem disposed to keep the sabbath, and hear the word. Some among them are professors of religion.

Monday, Jan. 8.-Judge Billingsley came and finished and signed the testi mony of the witnesses. The weather continues dry. The river is settling down to its lowest stage. In some places it is frozen across. We live in the Boats, under the southern bank of the river, where the high bluff and the trees keep the sun from us, most of the day. Still our accommodations are as comfortable as we can expect. But how unpleasant to be detained in this lonely wilderness on expense and without employment. The men occasionally bring us in fresh provision, though game in this place is scarce.

Friday, Jan. 12.-This day has been set apart by the Mission Family, as a season of fasting and prayer. In the Morning, Brother Chapman gave a serious and solemn exhortation on the importance of self-examination; and in the afternoon, Brother Vaill discoursed from Micah vii. 9. Brother Chapman has been to the garrison this week, and found that Gov. Miller had gone up to visit the Chiefs.

Monday, Jan. 15.-Yesterday Brother Vaill went to the settlement again and preached. The appearance is encouraging, and this is a good field for missionary labour. Brother Chapman preached to the family.

Wednesday, Jan. 17.-Yesterday and last evening, snow fell to the depth of nine inches. The weather very cold. Brother Woodruff came to us this evening. He left the Brethren at Union on Friday morning of last week, at their particular request, to bring them shoes, stockings, and other clothing, together with medicine. He states that Brother Redfield had been sick of a fever for several days before he left them. Brother Woodruff has been in imminent