APPENDIX.

The following are the extracts from letters of the teachers referred to on p. 16 of the Report. They are numbered for the purpose of indicating their proper separation-each number standing connected with an extract from one letter:

1. "I do not have as many privations as I expected. It is true the Western people are not so far advanced in refinement as those of the East; but they are kindhearted and cordial. They generally have a high opinion of the teachers sent out by the Board, as far as my knowledge extends, and want more of them. I shall never regret coming here if I can be of the least use in improving the inoral condition of the West. I reap now the benefit of the preparatory course at Hartford. It has been of more benefit to me than a year's study."

2.

At the first sight of this place my heart sickened, and I thought I could never make it my home; but after a few day's reflection and acquaintance with the people, I became quite reconciled, and now I think if it is the will of God that I should re main here, and I can be useful, I shall be contented. There are a few here who prize education; but most of the parents have permitted their children to grow up in ignor ance. I find, indeed, many women and even men who cannot read."

3. "Here is a wide field for missionary labor. Very few good schools, and children rude and uncultivated. It makes my heart ache when I think of New England with its churches, and schools, and see the almost utter destitution around me; and more than all, so little interest manifested by parents about the education of their children, ---particularly their daughters."

4. "I would say for the encouragement of those interested in our enterprise, that so far as I am able to learn, the work is progressing with great interest. I am occupying a field of extensive usefulness. My influence is daily increasing; and I can truly say that I never occupied a position in which I could so well serve God and my country." 5. "I had rather be here in this capacity, than to be a Queen on a throne."

6. I introduced vocal music into my school, at its commencement. It was something entirely new, and the scholars were much delighted. I think it has had a tendency to soothe the irritation arising from mental exertion, and render all cheerful and happy. The people here are very much interested in the movements of the Board, and express the greatest pleasure that such a society has been formed. I understand that a number of applications for teachers are to be made, soon, from this vicinity.

I begin to feel quite at home in the Far West.' I desire to live to the glory of God, and am grateful that He has placed me in a situation where I can labor for Him. I do not regret having engaged in this enterprise. I sometimes ardently long to see my friends whom I have left; but duty shall conquer."

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7. "I have introduced vocal music into my school, and with very happy effect. influence is very perceptible in soothing discordant passions, and calling into action the better feelings of our nature. Indeed, I can govern my school with twice the ease that I could before introducing music.

The Bible has a prominent place in school. Without it I do not think I could have secured such order as I have done, or presided with so much pleasure in my little em+ pire of mind. We read it daily at the opening of school. All are required to join in the exercise. I then seek to impress upon their minds the important truths contained in the chapter for the day. All listen with deep interest. They are very careful to be present early, so as not to lose the exercise. We then bow before our Father in prayer. I have been surprised at the deep silence which pervades the room during this exercise, and the change which a few short months have produced in a school before so undisciplined. I feel that the influence of the Bible is all-powerful for good in my school, joined with the sweet influence of melody and song, filling our hearts with kind thoughts towards each other, breathing a spirit of gentleness and love. Of late, serious impressions seem to have increased on the minds of my pupils, and one young woman has embraced the Saviour. My school is now well organized and disciplined. Four young men of promise are numbered among my pupils, and two young ladies who are preparing themselves for teachers, and will, probably, devote themselves to teaching at the West,

There is a very great want, in this region of good schools, and an increasing interest is felt in education; and, so far as my knowledge extends, there is a far more favorable

feeling with regard to the operations of the Board than a year ago. I found much opposition to it when I came here, so that many refused to send to my school; but prejudice is now abating, and the people are asking for more Eastern teachers."

8. "As moral and religious instruction is deemed by the Board an essential part of a proper education, I have endeavored to meet their wishes in this respect. I read the Bible in the morning, and all my scholars read with me. I then question them upon what they have read, and pray with them. In these exercises I have been deeply interested, and have found God a prayer hearing and a prayer answering God. Two of my scholars have given evidence of a change of heart. and have united with the church. A few others profess to be seeking the pearl of great price, who stay with me, after school, for prayer and conversation. Oh, if I can be instrumental in leading these youth to the Saviour, I shall have cause for everlasting gratitude.”

9. "The Bible is used at morning prayers, and is made a book of reference to decide cases of right and wrong."

10. At first there seemed a strong disposition among my scholars to combat with each other. during the time of recess. I endeavored to remedy it for a while unsuc cessfully. On one occasion there were three girls and two boys from eight to twelve years of age; and it appearing impossible for me to get at the truth of the mattereach denying what the other said, I detained them after the others were dismissed, and read to them the story of Annanias and his wife, and told them we would kneel and ask our Heavenly Father to enable them to do right. This appeared to melt them, and they all acknowledged the part they had taken. I have had no further trouble." 11. One rule I made when I began to teach was never to punish a scholar in presence of the school. At the commencement of my last quarter a boy, of about sixteen came to my school. I hesitated about enrolling his name, as he had turned one of his teachers---a man of about twenty-seven or eight---out of the school-house. But I thought that perhaps Providence had sent him to me for some good, so I took him. Once he rebelled; I kindly reproved him, telling him that, upon a recurrence of the act, I should be obliged to detain him after school. He rebelled again, and when dismissing the school, I told him he might remain. He took off his cap with with an air of conscious superiority, at least of strength, and sat down. Need I be ashamed to own that I trembled and grew faint, for I knew not what to do. But God was my refuge and strength. When alone with him, I took him by the band, and knelt down, and with one arm around him, carried his case and mine to God in fervent prayer. He was melted; and after a moment of conversation with him, he asked my forgivness. I never had occasion to keep him after school again. I mention this to show not my skill, but the efficacy of prayer."

12. "I open my school in the morning by reading the scriptures and prayer. I tried at first to excuse myself, from praying as there were so many young men in the school. I was afraid of them. It seemed at first that everything depended upon their favor, for if they should feel disposed to ridicule me, my usefulness would be at an end. But so far they have maintained decorum. Oh, pray for me, that I may have the moral courage that will enable me to perform my duty in the fear of God."

13. "I commence school each day, with reading a portion of Scripture, singing, and prayer.

My influence is with a class of scholars who will probably disseminate the instruction received, among the neighboring schools as teachers. My hope is, by steady, persevering effort, to establish such a school that its influence will, in time, be felt by the community in a manner that will carry with it its own eulogy."

14. "I open school, daily, with reading the Bible-each scholar that can, reading a verse in turn. I then ask questions on what has been read, and endeavor to impress on their minds the importance of obeying the Divine precepts of the Savior; and that, to do this, their hearts which are naturally sinful, must be changed by the Holy Spirit. I talk with them about prayer, and pray with them, endeavoring to lead them to seek for heavenly wisdom, and teaching them that to become truly wise, they must love and fear God It is not uncommon for the boys and girls to come to me and say-" Į prayed this moraing."

15. "What you say in your Circular of the Bible, I appreciate, and endeavor to make it a "text book of moral and religious instruction." My scholars all read in it, in connexion with the devotional excrcises. It is a consideration of this part of my duty that at times, almost overwhelms me. How am I to bring the pure precepts, and perfect example of the Great Teacher to bear upon the hearts and conduct of my beloved pupils, is to me a very important question. But I will do what I can; and I trust that, through Christ strengthening me, I shall be enabled to do something for his glory I believe more fully than ever that our cause is the cause of Christ; and although I am not doing what the world calis great, yet God is permitting me, all unworthy as I am, to do a very small part of a very great work. I have no wish to retire from it. I hope, on the contrary, that I shall b permitted long to labor in the great West, which, on account of its necessities I dearly love. My prayer is, that I may be kept in the path of duty, and be where I can best glorify God. My pupil

are, most of them, in the Sabbath School, and most of the larger ones are connected with a Friday evening Bible class.

You enquire as to the general feeling in regard to the operations of the Board. When I first came here, there was a strong prejudice against it; but I think it has subsided. Many, who were most opposed, have since sent to my school."

16. "In this obscurity and retirement, my path would be a dull and weary one, were it not for the pleasant and ennobling employment in which I am engaged. Among these children I have found some noble minds, which, if rightly directed, cannot fail to exert a very great influence for good, among men. I esteem it a great privilege to be permitted to point these minds to the only true source of life and light and joy-to make impressions upon them which shall endure forever-to set in motion influences which shall go on widening and deepening through all-coming time.

The precious Bible is used in my school. It is the first book we study each day. Every scholar who can, reads a portion. I try to impress upon them the necessity of making the truths we read our rules of action, and often describe to them scenes of which we read in Scripture, in my own language, in a manner as simple and attractive as possible. They listen with the most eager and intense interest, and often ask me questions which are unanswerable. Often have I seen in these exercises the light of intellect kindling in countenances before unmeaning and expressionless, Without the Bible and prayer I could not, I think, govern my school. Their combined influence is powerful in restraining the bad and encouraging the good. I have often wished that those who have given to the Society, and through whose benevolence I have been placed in this field, could be present one morning, at the opening of School-could see these children all bowing in prayer-notice the quiet and order which prevails during this exercise, which "breathes of earth, yet fashions us for heaven" could perceive the solemnity which comes stealing over the room, as with closed eyes and prostrate forms we approach into the presence of the King of kings. Methinks it is a sight on which our Father's gently beaming eye rests with approbation, and over which angels rejoice. Could our benefactors look in upon these scenes, would they not feel in some measure repaid for the self-denial their gifts have cost them."

17. "I am deeply interested in the Sabbath School. My pupils all attend. My class consists of fifteen young ladies, mostly from among my pupils, and they seem to be deeply interested in the study of the Scriptures. This interest has increased, of late. At my request the Sabbath School in my native town have sent me a very good library, and some of Newcomb's questions. Our number has been thereby increased, and I trust greater good will be done. I also meet my pupils at a stated time for religious instruction and prayer, and each season increases the interest. There are some praying pious hearts among them, and sweet it is to hear them pour out the fulness of their souls to our Father in heaven. I have reason to believe this number to be increasing. I find many in a very interesting state of mind. I have just received a note from one dear little girl, saying, "I hope the Lord has been merciful to me a sinner, and forgiven my sins, and washed me through the blood of his dear son, and made me his own child." This, to a teacher's heart is a source of no common joy; and I hope that a great blessing is in store for us.

The teachers sent out by the Board are, every where, well spoken of, according to my knowledge, and increasing confidence is felt in its operations."

18. "I have commenced a Sabbath School, which is attended by both parents and children, and occupies a part of the Lord's day usually spent by them in visiting and pleasure. It has been the means of convincing the people that my object in coming among them was not for gain, but a sincere desire to do good

At first they were very suspicious, and my movements were narrowly watched; but I invited them to visit my school, and several of them having done so, have expressed entire satisfaction with my proceedings. Through the blessing of God upon my labors, I have succeeded in gaining the confidence of the people, and awaking an interest in the cause of education, so that they have promised to support my school as long as I will stay among them."

19. When last I wrote you, I was in low spirits, and thought my labors were useless. But the Lord has seen fit to crown my feeble efforts with unexpected success. There has been a scries of evening meetings here, and ten of my scholars are rejoicing in their Saviour."

20. "We have a large S. School here, and all my scholars attend. I have a very interesting class of girls ten years of age. They all feel anxious for their salvation, often asking me to meet and pray with them. Pray for me, that I may do my duty faithfully, and trust in God for strength and wisdom."

21. "The S. School organized the past summer was first proposed by a son of Catholic parents, a young man of about fifteen years of age. They are surrounded almost entirely by Catholic families. His first step was to obtain a room, which was done by occupying the only one in his father's house. His parents have been active in sustaining the school, and it now numbers over forty scholars. The Catholic priest has visited them several times, and tried to persuade them to give it up. He says it is the work of the devil, aud it must be given up. But they tell him they see nothing but good resulting from it, and therefore mean to have it continue."

22. "I find an ample field for all the labor my health permits me to bestow. During the summer 1 spent Sunday afternoons some five miles out, at a settlement of colliers. with the children who have no other means of religious instruction, This fall and winter I have a class of eight large boys in the village S. School."

23. "I would not return to my home, dear though it be, while so much remains to be done. If I can but benefit one soul, I shall be amply repaid for the small sacrifice 1 have made. How can Christians remain idle when such a great sacrifice was made for their salvation?"

24. "If 1 can only be the instrument of doing good here. if only to one, 1 shall rejoice and count these perplexities as nothing. Oh, the privilege of laboring in this noble cause,-of training this

• Will not many S, Schools in N. Eng and imitate this example? Can they more appropriately testify their gratitude for their great privileges 7 Freely ye bave received-freely give.' W. S.

tising generation for God. I never felt its importance so much as since I came here and have learned the character and wants of this people. It is to the children emphatically, that our mission is. These we may hope to imbue with right principles."

25. "Sixteen of my pupils this winter have been young men from the age of eighteen to twentytwo, and about a dozen young ladies of similar age. I have strong reason to hope. that two or threo of those under my charge have been made the subjects of renewing grace. There are several others-young men, who converse with treecom on the subject of religion, and express a determination to give themselves no rest until they are satisfied. The most prevalent sins here are profanity, and Sabbath desecration, of which I have the greatest horror, and against which I have labored hard to exert an influence."

[The hand that penned the foregoing is palsied in death. See p. 8 of the Report.]

26. Many leading individuals in this region regard this silent, unpretending movement, as the greatest enterprise of the present day-one that will result in a vast amount of good to the Western Valley. The community feel great confidence in the teachers sent out by our Board. I pray God we may all be enabled fully to justify this confidence,

You enquire if I have had any regrets that I embarked in this undertaking. I reply-never. Why should we remain at ease in our New England homes, while thousands are perishing for lack of knowledge? Besides, the very act of benefitting others brings its own reward,

I have a very interesting class of young ladies in the Sabbath School. Oh, if I could be the humble instrument of leading them to the Saviour, it would be worth a life time of toil and sacrifice." 27. Do not imagine, because I paint so dark a picture, that I am unhappy and regret having engaged in this enterprise. I never was more happy, for I believe I am in the path of duty. My only regret is, that I did not long ago engage in the noble cause of educating the West. I am willing to remain here so long as I can endure the arduous labors of my school, though other situations might offer, more advantageous to myself, for I see how much the influence of a pious teacher is needed among so many children and youth who have not been religiously educated by their parents. I am resolved to be happy and contented under all circumstances trusting in God my friend and portion." 28. "Oct. 16, 1842. I was just on the eve of taking possession of the new and neatly finished school house, when God was pleased to lay his chastening hand upon me, and since the last of July I have been receiving medical treatment. This is a dark and mysterious providence, but faith gives assurance of a wise design.

I regret to mention my pecuniary wants, but with the freedom I would address my own dear father, I feel that I may speak to you. Everything here bears an enormous price, and every article, however trivial, draws heavily on my purse. I am about $25 in debt; but the promise to "those who forsake" &c. has, and will sustain me.

(This is the teacher whose case is ren rred to on p. 12-13, of the Report Until recently she has received only her board from the people where she has labored; and now she receives bat little more than that. The Constitution of the Board has been amended (See An 4,) so as to uthorize an application of the funds of the Board to such cases as this. Who wild, by a prou ptnd generous liberality, enable the General Agent to meet the necessities of this case 7)

After being pronounced convalescent, I took a trip to Galena, by the advice of physicians. It was decided on, when my purse was almost empty; but when I was being taken on board the boat, 1eing too weak to walk, a purse was put into my hand, which enabled me to realize the assurance→→ "None ever trasted God and was confounded." While at Galena, I was strongly solicited to remain and occupy an opening for a school, where I would be above want. The temptation was strong to go to a place where I could have ready access to the n.ost refined society, -where eight or ten church spires point to where our labors will end, and where, moreover, my health would, probably, be improved. What ought I to have done? I went to God, sought his direction and declined. The aspect of the school has very much changed since last winter. Many good families have moved in, and there are now about thirty purely white scholars, whereas, one year since, there were but eight. Then, but one professor of religion, now some eight or ten. The S. School has been suspended during my illness, but will soon he resumed, and we are in hopes to have some form of worship every Sabbath. In view of these things, I am led to exclaim-" What hath God wrought!"' It may be a matter of interest to you that my school-house is the only one on the Mississippi, above Dubuque. Prairie du Chien, settled the same year as Philadelphia, has never had one. Mine, of course, is the first in the new l'erritory of Minesota; though Miss Hosford, [another of the teachers of the Board,] has one nearly completed.

Since I have been here, there are three things I have endeavored to have my first and only object, viz: The good of this people-the interest of our noble Society, and the glory of God. The Lord willing, I shall resume iny labors next week, though yet unable to sit up the entire day."

[From the same, Dec. 18.] My new school-house is comfortable and my prospects for usefulness were never so flattering. The entire aspect of the school is changed, and I never witnessed a greater proficiency-so much, indeed, that it is an astonishment to myself.

Though half of my school are Catholics, all are supplied with Bibles or Testaments. At the opening of school in the morning each pupil rises in turn and repeats a passage of Scripture. A portion of the Old Testament is then read and prayer offered. At the close of the day, the scholars read, in connexion with myself, in the New Tastament. I have been much pleased by the questions frequently asked by the thoughtful children. We then close with prayer. We have singing at worship, and occasionally during the day.

The S. School becomes more interesting. Where, one year ago, I was standing alone, without the aid of one praying soul, there are, now, four connected with me in this blessed work. "Sectarian teaching" has no place in my heart. My labor is, and shall be, to do good as I have oppor tunity, and inculcate the pure principles of Christianity-praying that those over whom I have influence may be transformed into the likeness of its great Author.

There is no organized Church in the Territory; but in this vicinity there are eight or ten who profess godliness, of different denominations, though of one heart and soul. We have public worship each Sabbath day at 11 o'clock; at 2 o'clock, our S. School. A regular prayer meeting on Thursday evening.

As for regrets that I embarked in this enterprise," I have not one. It is a theme of praise that I was permitted to come to this difficult and trying field of labor. God has blessed me in it, and I have no wish to retire from the work. I am willing, if it is His will, to remain in it, so long as the Board shall see fit to continue me here."