ers continue to work with a degree of patience which exceeds our anticipations. They begin to set a value on manual la bour, as we are punctual to pay them. One respectable old man said—" My people told me that if I should work I should become a woman; but look, I am a man still, and can now clothe my children handsomely, while those who are lazy are poor and vicious. Emigration to the South. Saturday, May 10.-Four men called, on their way to the Missouri. They are about to remove their families to the Spanish country. The immense tide of emigration which, for many years past, has been rolling westward, has now begun to turn its course to the South; and, sweeping the foot of the Rocky Mountain, has entered the Mexican empire. What record may probably be made of its progress after a lapse of thirty years! The Rainy Season. Wednesday, May 14. We have been able to make but little progress in our ploughing and planting for two or three weeks past, in consequence of the almost incessant rain. The rainy season commenced uncommonly early this year. In this country, as in Africa and other eastern regions, we have had, although not perhaps to so great an extent, distinct rainy and dry #seasons regularly in the summer. The rain has generally continued from four to eight weeks, during which period travelling and the cultivation of the soil have been always much impeded, and often entirely prevented. Although, in the present season, we had, previous to the rains, ploughed and in part planted one hundred acres, yet we fear we shall not realize so extensive a crop as we had anticipated. Visit from the Indians. Tuesday, May 27.-Between one and two thousand Indians arrived this day on their way to their hunting ground. Their importunity for us to store their property occasions us much trouble. Clamore behaves with great dignity and propriety in restraining his men from doing mischief. Wednesday, May 28.-Exhibited to 47 Clamore our various improvements-the different parts of the mills and their appropriate uses; the spring-house, limekiln, and the plantation generally. He seemed surprised and pleased. He said that he could now comprehend the nature of our business more perfectly than ever before. He now began to think that he should live to see the full accomplishment of our wishes. He believed that his children, when they should see and understand the use of these things, would adopt our habits. He added-"Don't be discouraged, my son; my people will soon see the superior advantages of your way of living." Thursday, May 29.-Robert Monroe (one of our Indian lads who had left us) and his relations request that he may be received again. As the returning prodigal appears to be humbled, we have complied with his request, and we hope he will behave better. The brothers of Stephen Van Rensselaer have attempted to persuade him to leave us, and to action. After much serious conversation company them in their hunting expediwith him and his relations, he concluded to stay. In this, as well as in several other similar cases, Clamore has displayed a degree of wisdom and integrity worthy of his station. Close of the Month. Saturday, May 31.-In closing the Journal for this month, we are happy to state that we have now twelve Indian children under our care-eleven in the school, and one learning the blacksmith trade; and five families living near to labour with us. From two to six, and sometimes a larger number of Indian women and girls, not otherwise connected with us, have, for several months past, been labouring at the various branches of domestic business. From three to fifteen men and boys at a time, have been employed in the field; and some are asking very interesting questions concerning our God and our religion. This is the Lord's doings. From these facts, whatever dispensations of Divine Providence may be in store for us or for this bewildered nation, we derive much encouragement. Let us rejoice and praise God for "the day of small things;" and hope, and pray, and labour patiently and diligently for the future. JOURNAL FOR JULY. Raising of the Mill frame. It was mentioned, in a letter published in our October number, that the frame of the mills was raised without accident on the first and second of July. The following notice of it is given in the Journal Wednesday, July 2.—Finished raising our mill-frame, which we commenced yesterday. Several travellers, who providentially happened here, kindly consented to stay and assist us in this heavy job. Without their aid, we should probably have found it very difficult, if not impossible, to raise the building. The business was closed with a short address, expressive of our thankfulness, together with singing and prayer. Several Indians were present at the raising, but, instead of assisting, they ran to a distance for fear of danger. While all were engaged at the mill, our smoke-house took fire and burnt to the ground. Scarcity of Provisions in the Territory. Friday, July 4.-A great proportion of the inhabitants on the Arkansaw are suffering for the want of bread. This is especially the case west of Fort Smith. Messrs. Saunders and Bean, at the Saline, having made earnest application for some of our flour, we agreed to lend them five barrels, which are to be returned next winter. Various Notices. Saturday, July 5 —A party of the Osages have arrived more hungry and troublesome than usual. In a late skirmish with the Iatans or Chamanches, they have lost several of their number. We have consented that our interpreter should pilot a company of travellers, who have six wagons, in a direct course to the Saline on the Illinois. A new way will thus be opened to Fort Smith, which will be a day's journey nearer than by the old trace. We have threshed out the wheat raised on our prairie. Beyond our expectations it amounted to forty bushels-seed sufficient for the coming season. We had sown but a small piece of ground, and the prairie hen, a bird larger than a partridge, devoured a large proportion of the seed before it had sprouted in the field. Monday, July 7.—Three men, very ill with the bilious fever, arrived last evening on their way to the Missouri. They made every effort to reach this place in order to They obtain the benefit of a physician. need attention, and we cannot refuse their request, although it will greatly increase the labours of the sisters, who are already feeble. Return of the Superintendent. Thursday, July 10.-Brother Vaill arrived this morning at day-light, after an absence of seven weeks. He descended the river in a canoe, as far as the post of Arkansaw, and returned on horseback. In consequence of the flies on the prairies, he has been obliged to travel most of the way in the night. He brought more than thirty letters for different members of the family, besides three from Mr. Lewis, the Domestic Secretary. Of these official letters, one was dated in December, 1822, and the others in March and April of this year. There was also a letter from the Domestic Secretary to Mr. Chapman, and another from the Female Missionary Society of Georgetown, in the District of Columbia. He also brought upward of sixty numbers of various religious publications from New York, New-Haven, and Boston. After a dearth of eight months, in which scarcely a scrap of intelligence had been obtained, the arrival of these packages is like cold water to a thirsty soul. Brother Vaill met our supplies on the river, and found the iron for the mills at the mouth of White River. It was landed a few days after our boat from Ohio had passed, and is now under way in another boat. He preached a number of times during his absence, distributed a quantity of Tracts, and received from Governor Miller a donation of ten dollars to the mission. At Dwight, Brother Vaill found a school of fifty-seven children, all doing well. Among the number is a little Osage girl, of about six years of age, who was taken prisoner by the Cherokees in the autumn of 1821. She was afterwards pur chased for a trifle from the Cherokees, by a base white man, and conveyed away as a slave; but by the vigilance and kindness of Governor Miller, she was redeemed, and placed in the school at Dwight, with the intention of our receiving her as soon as we think it prudent. We would express our thanks to God, that brother Vaill has been preserved in health, and prospered in business, in his long and tedious journey. An Osage Foundling. Wednesday, July 16.-A little Osage female, about fifteen months old, weak, helpless, and destitute, was found near our door. It seems that the mother left the child last evening, at the instigation of her husband, a step-father, who, it is said, has frequently abused it. This is probable, as it bears evident marks of violence. Symptoms of Indian Civilization. In a former Journal we were informed that one of the young Osage chiefs was employed as a labourer on the missionary farm, and that he had expressed the intention of adopting the customs of white people, and of devoting his life to the pursuits of agriculture. The Journal before us gives the following additional imformation: To-day [the 16th of July] we have clothed Moineh-Persha, and his wife and child, and received them to our table, after a trial of his sincerity in wishing to adopt the habits of civilization. He requested sister Johnson to teach his wife; and he intends himself to labour for her board and clothing until we can assist him in forming a settlement. Progress of the Permanent Buildings. In consequence of the embarrassed state of the funds, the managers, early in the last spring, found it necessary to arrest the progress of permanent buildings both at Union and at Harmony, and to urge the observance of the most rigid economy in every department of the missions. In allusion to these instructions, the Journal, under the date last quoted, thus remarks: After due consideration of the late instructions from the Board, we resolved to restrict the job of brick to sixty thousand, which are already under way, and which will be completed in a few days. The brickmaker has expressed his willingness to relinquish the remainder of his contract. Although the mill comes within the scope of our instructions, yet we find it indispensably necessary to proceed and complete it; as the work is already under contract, and in great forwardness; and as it will be of immense use in saving expense to the mission. Expenses of Transportation. It will be recollected by the readers of the Register that the transportation of supplies to this station, during the last year, cost the Board nearly one thousand dollars. With the hope of diminishing the expenses of transportation, the experiment has this year been made of purchasing instead of chartering a boat, and of hiring hands to navigate it to the station. This measure was suggested by our missionaries at Union, and carried into execution by onr active Board of Agency at Cincinnati. As we learn by the following extract from the Journal, it has produced a satisfactory result: Friday, July 18.-Sold our keel-boat for one hundred and forty dollars. It cost one hundred and fifty in Ohio. The whole expense of bringing our supplies from Ohio does not exceed four hundred and fifty dollars, which saves, in comparison with our last year's freight, at least five hundred dollars. Had the iron from NewOrleans been at the mouth of the river in season, it would have been brought up without any additional expense. Addition to the School. Monday, July 21.-Received two children, whom we have named Philip and Margaret Milledoler. The boy is about ten years of age, and the girl about six. found near our door on the 16th instant, The parents of the little child which was have returned from their hunt. We claimed the child, and the mother willingly gave it up. The step-father was ill-natured, and appeared to be glad to get rid of his charge. It is adopted by sister Johnson, and named Theodocia. Tuesday, July 22.-Total eclipse of the dead. They regard the eclipses of the sun moon. The Indians say that the moon is and moon as ominous of some approach. ing calamity. Indian Council. Monday, July 28.-Brother Chapman, together with Mr. Philbrook, the government agent, and the interpreter, have returned from the Indian village. They were gone from the station four days; and brother Chapman reports that, in consequence of the good advice of the agent, the Osages have agreed to give up the murderer. In connexion with this record, the Journal gives the following account of a singular disease which had recently visited the horses in that territory, and the loss consequently sustained by the mission: The horses which brother Chapman and the agent rode to the village, died soon after their arrival. They both belonged to us, making five which this mission has lost within a few days. Four other horses have also died at this place; one belonging to the agent, and three to the sick travellers, who are still with us, and who are thus left entirely destitute. The disease is as singular as it is fatal. It is accompanied with a large swelling in the breast and side. We are at a loss to determine whether it was introduced by a company of horses, lately purchased of the Chamanches, and driven through this country, or is occasioned by the flies, which, if great care is not used, destroy, in a short time, the best blood of the animal. Arrival of Iron and Salt. unusually severe rains, mentioned in the Journal for May, continued, with very little intermission, through the first ten days of June. The garden and a corn-field of fifty acres had, however, been planted, but apprehensions were entertained that, in consequence of the wetness of the season, the crops would be considerably injured. On the second of June the family were visited formation that a memorial would be presented to by the Indian agent, who communicated the inCongress at the next session, by many of the inhabitants of Missouri, praying for the extinguishment of the Indian title to that part of the Osage country embraced within the limits of that state. On the 9th it is mentioned that, in consequence of the high stage of the river, the operations of their grist-mill were suspended, and that they were entirely destitute of bread, having nothing but boiled wheat as a substitute." The water, however, was then subsiding, and on the 12th the Journal adds-" The mill again goes, and the family are once more supplied with bread." First attempt to translate the Scriptures into the Osage Language. Saturday, June 14.-Last evening brother Montgomery returned from the Indian village in the enjoyment of good health. The Indians had gone for a few weeks to their hunting grounds. An attempt has been made by Mr Williams, the interpreter, to translate a few chapters of Scripture into the Osage. With how much success and correctness, we are scarcely prepared to determine. We would hope, however, it is good. Increase of the School. Thursday, July 31.-Having been informed that our iron from New-Orleans, and twelve barrels of salt, purchased at On the 1st of July it is mentioned that the the Saline below, had arrived at the trading-house, brother Vaill and brother of his arms by a fall from the wagon. youngest son of the superintendent had broken one Woodruff set out on Monday evening, with two teams, to bring up the freight. They have returned with heavy loads. The iron will enable us to proceed again with our mills; and the arrival of salt is very seasonable, as our store of this article had been previously exhausted. would, therefore, close this month with thanks to God for his watchful Providence over the interests of this mission. We GREAT OSAGE MISSION. JOURNAL FOR JUNE AND JULY, 1823. The principal part of the Journal for June is occupied with a detail of necessary agricultural operations, and of the state of the weather. The Thursday, July 10.—We were gratified yesterday with having three children, two girls and a boy, committed to our care. Their mother is an Osage, and their father a half breed. The Indians continue to visit us, complaining of the scarcity of game, and not a little pleased with being able to buy corn, meal, and lard, for their subsistence. Friday, July 11.-Three more children, two boys and a girl, were committed to us to-day. The mother appears like a miserably poor forsaken woman, having no husband, and but few relatives. The whole tribe are talking about returning to . their former village, near the station. But nothing, it would seem, but absolute starvation will compel them to cultivate the soil. The want of game, and the encroachments of other tribes upon their hunting grounds, will soon leave them no other alternative than to labour or starve. Surely, if the Lord intends that a remnant of this people shall be saved by our instrumentality, we came not a moment too soon to place before them the means; for, without these means, they must, in a short time, undoubtedly be destroyed. Indisposition of the Family. The Journal of the 12th of July mentions that eight of the family, besides several hired men, had been afflicted, during the week, with the in termittent. It also mentions that a man had arrived from the Missouri, who was bitten on the way by a rattle-snake. Although seriously injured, hopes were entertained of his recovery. On the 13th Mrs. Sprague, who had been confined, was represented as extremely ill, and her case as entirely hopeless. On the 22d we are gratified to find the following notice : Contrary to all expectation, sister Sprague, for the week past, has been making a gradual progress towards health, and every alarming symptom has subsided. In the view of this, and of the general health of the family, and the hopeful prospects of the mission, we have cause of gratitude to our covenant God. Thursday, July S1.-In closing this month, we have to record that only two of the family are sick, and these are children indisposed with the intermittent. On reviewing the tokens of mercy with which we have been surrounded-recovery from sickness, preservation from death, and the brightening prospects of the mission, we have reason to persevere with increasing zeal in our Master's cause, and to trust in his gracious promise, that we shall, eventually, reap, if we faint not. CATARAUGUS MISSION. They expressed the highest approbation of the regulation and management of our school. Having distributed severally among the children some small valuable books, they left us with expressions of the tenderest regard for our success in so laudable an undertaking, and for the welfare of the Indian children. Third Quarterly Examination. Sept. 30.-The third quarter of the school closes to-day, and, agreeably to our regulations, the children are permitted to go home and spend a few days with their parents and friends. The principal chiefs, with several other Indians, came to attend the examination of the school. They looked on their children with apparent amazement as they performed their tasks, both in school and in the family. They were not the same children as when they brought them here. They saw and observed the change. They rejoiced to see it. Agreeably to the anxious desires of their hearts they now saw their children turning away from those habits which their fathers had so long persisted and delighted in, but which they now saw and acknowledged could never make them happy. We find our attachment to these dear youth constantly increasing. It is with feelings of the most anxious solicitude that we part with them even for a few days. We know they are going to associate with those who are immersed in sin JOURNAL FROM SEPT. 29 to Nov. 1, 1823. and ignorance, and we know not what ef Friendly Visiters. Sept. 29.-Two gentlemen, travelling ministers of the friends' society, the one fect the conversation and example of such may have on their minds. It affords us no small consolation, however, that we can commit them to the care of that dear |