UNION MISSION.

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS.

last July. I, therefore, feel myself bound to fulfil the agreement. In doing this,

Nov. 15. 1822.

DEAR SIR-Your letter, dated in July, reached us two weeks since. We have seriously considered the subject of the depressed state of the funds of the Society; and have, notwithstanding, concluded that it is our duty, unless we receive particular instructions to the contrary, to proceed with our mills, and, if possible, put them in operation by the next spring. By stopping the building now, we shall be liable to lose, in a measure, what we have already expended: and, sir, the expense yet to come must unavoidably be considerable.

The advice which you have been pleased to give, and which, under present circumstances, appears to be right, "that we draw for smaller sums," we shall, when practicable, comply with most cheerfully. But there is a difficulty in the present instance, which it is not possible to remedy. Two months since I commenced a negotiation with a house at Fort Smith for an exchange of two thousand dollars. In expectation of this, they have already advanced, on our order, four hundred and eighty dollars for the stock we purchased

the following arrangement, as the only change which they are willing to admit:To divide the sum, and to draw for one thousand dollars at ten days sight, and the balance at thirty days. Unwilling to subject the treasurer to inconvenience, and unable to proceed without drawing at this time for the amount stated, I have felt myself much perplexed; and, having sought direction from the Great Head of influence, have considered it my duty to take the course which I have mentioned, not doubting that all who know the circumstances will view it in the same light. I am, sir, in great hopes, and indeed have strong faith to believe, that by the time this may reach you, or the drafts be presented, the christian public will have come forward to the help of the Lord in this good work. If that spirit of missions, which was rising so rapidly two years ago, is now dying away, it must be considered a dark hour: but I will not believe a thing so utterly opposed to the spirit of the gospel, and to the covenant of christians with their Redeemer, that they will do with their might whatsoever their hands find to do in his cause. Is the salvation of the

heathen of less moment now, than when your Missionaries were bidding adieu to their earthly all for Christ's sake, and for the souls which he purchased with his blood? If the Lord of glory gave himself, where is the redeemed soul that is not willing to give of his substance as the Lord shall prosper him?

I might enlarge on this topic if my time

would allow.

We have recently held a Missionary meeting, composed of Brother Washburn and Brother Orr from Dwight, and Brother Pixley from Harmony, in connexion with our own mission. This meeting was held by previous arrangement, and was appointed at our station, as being central. It is designed to precede future annual meetings, if our respective Boards give their approbation. The proceedings of the meeting will be forwarded to you by the next opportunity. It would exceed my powers to describe the consolations we have enjoyed-the happiness of mutual counsel, here in the desert among the wild children of nature, by brethren labouring together in the same field.

Mr. Redfield to his Brother.-Nov. 5, 1822.

I have lately returned from a journey to Franklin, on the Missouri, a distance of

about three hundred miles. I was accom

panied by Brother William C. Requa. The object of our journey was to procure millwrights and other labourers. We were one week in going to Harmony; and after resting our horses, we reached the settlements on the Missouri in three days. Excepting along the banks of creeks and rivers, we travelled through open prairies, and steered our course by the compass without any path.

A

The station at Harmony is pleasant, though not very healthy this season. number of the family were visited with the fever and ague.

While at White Hair's Village, we witnessed a disgusting scene of savage barbarity. The warriours brought in a number of scalps, which they had taken from the Iaways, who had stolen some of their horses. The scalps were strung on a pole, and carried before them as they marched

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into the village. Besides the scalps thus displayed, almost every warriour bore a limb; some a foot, others a hand, and others an ear, of a fellow mortal. The scene truly filled my soul with horror. Two of the Osages were killed, and two mortally wounded.

While in the Missouri, we engaged two millwrights, a mason, and six common

labourers. Three of the labourers came about four weeks. on with me, and the others will follow in

We have, as yet, no addition of Indian youth to our family since the late treaty was formed. Most of the tribe are on a hunting expedition. When they return, it is our intention to hold a general talk in relation to our school. The three half breeds who are with us can now talk tolerably good English; and the other four are making good improvement. Philip, by the request of his father, has gone to assist for one month in hunting. He is then bound, by a written agreement, to return. The difficulties, which have thus far prevented us from obtaining a full school, have been to us a great trial; but we feel that our work is in the hands of

God, and that he will overrule it for good. Our establishment is progressing slow

ly. The timber for our mill is out, and we are waiting for workmen to put it together. We have erected four log buildings this summer. The productions of our farm are considerable; consisting of corn, turnips, sweet and Irish potatoes, &c. The expenses of our establishment, during the last season, have been very heavy but we think that in a few years it will entirely support itself.

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBEB, 1822. Communion Sabbath.

Lord's day, Sept. 1.-Very precious has been this Sabbath. This little church has once more enjoyed Christ's presence at his table. Although four of our number are absent, and sister Cleaver is kept back by indisposition; yet it has been pleasant to remember our absent communicants, and to pray, that God would grant them the light of his countenance.

Monday, Sept. 2.-This evening, General Gaines and his aid, in company with General Atkinson and Major Bradford, all of the United States' army, arrived at this station. General Gaines is on a tour of inspection of the military posts, and is now on his way to Council Bluffs. He arrived at Fort Smith a few days after the late treaty was concluded, and regretted that he was not able to arrive in season; as he had special instructions from government concerning the war between the Osages and Cherokees. He states, that they were not only required to make peace on just principles, but to refrain from fighting within the territory of the United States. He would have visited the Osage village, were not the chiefs and principal men absent at the present time, having gone to the Factory in the Missouri, to receive their annuities.

Tuesday, Sept. 4.-This morning General Gaines and his company took their departure. In this gentleman we recognise the officer who accompanied President Monroe in his tour through the Western States. He expresses the highest satisfaction in having witnessed what had been done for the good of the Indians at Brainerd, which place he visited in company with the President. He appears to be friendly to Missionary establishments, a well-wisher to the cause, and a firm believer in the success of missions. General Atkinson speaks favourably of the Osages of this village, having become partially acquainted with them at the garrison. By the visit of these gentlemen we have been cheered in our solitude. Major Bradford also left us, to return to his station. Brother and sister Chapman returned from the village, after an absence of eight days. They had intended to remain there longer, but were prevented by the circumstance, that the Indians were about to leave their village for some time. They have lived on Indian fare, but have returned in health. Robert Monroe came back with them. His clothes he left among his friends, as Philip did the other day. The recovery of these boys has been the VOL. IV.

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Sickness in the Arkansaw Territory.

Wednesday, Sept. 4.-Two of our hired men are sick. They have, indeed, been unwell for a month. These men are interesting to us, having lived at Elliot and Mayhew in the Choctaw nation, and at Dwight, among the Cherokees. Our family is generally as healthy as might be expected in any country at this season of the year. At Fort Smith sickness has prevailed, and several persons have died.* in many places on the river below the Fort, it has, also, been quite sickly.

Affecting Interview.

Friday, Sept. 6.—The mother of Stephen Van Rensselaer came to see her son. It was affecting to witness the interview. She came into the yard, walking on her knees, having lost the use of her limbs. In this manner she proceeded until she had reached the door stone of the school house, when her son came and sat by her side. Before she uttered a word to him, she poured out her prayer, and cried aloud for some time. She then dried away her tears, and inquired after his welfare. Such is their custom.

Wednesday, 11.-To stimulate our boys to exertion, we have this day introduced the use of tickets, which we intend to redeem with small books and other articles. Philip, the oldest, is yet rather unsteady, and has much influence over the others. Now is the time for the exercise of our patience.

Lord's Day, 15.-Brother Vaill preached in the morning from Luke, iv. 18, setting forth the spirit which should pervade the missionary breast. Brother Chapman preached in the afternoon from these words:-What I say unto you, I say unto all, watch.

Thursday, 19.-Three young men, of our acquaintance, arrived this morning, on their way to Missouri. Brother George Requa requested the privilege of journeying with them as far as Harmony, for the benefit of his health. Being accommodated with a horse and supplies, he left us at 2 o'clock this afternoon. May this

feeble brother be protected from the inclemency of the weather, and benefited by his excursion.

Indian Skirmish.

An Indian arrived this evening, having received a ball through his hand. He was wounded in a skirmish with a party, supposed to be Indians, from the Red River. Saturday, 21.-Another Indian came from their encampment, twenty miles distant, to request Doctor Palmer to visit his father, who was shot through the body in the skirmish mentioned above. Two children were made prisoners, and several horses were stolen.

Lord's Day, 22.-Doctor Palmer returned from the encampment. He states that the wounded Indian is dangerous. He found several of the tribe sick with the fever; as was also the case when he visited the village last month, to whom he administered medicine.

Tuesday, 24.-Brother Vaill went on business to the trading-house. Sister Cleaver rode down for her health, accompanied by Sister Woodruff. Doctor Palmer went again to the encampment. Wednesday, 25.-The brethren and sisters, who went out yesterday, returned this evening. Sister Cleaver has been more cheerful during her absence; but it is not consistent for her to remain any time abroad, as there is no suitable place near us. W

Additional particulars of the skirmish.

At the trading house Brother Vaill met with Colonel Brearly, the Cherokee agent, Webber, a Cherokee chief, Mr. Rogers, the interpreter, and other gentlemen; from whom he received the following facts: The Cherokees had sent information to the Osages, that they were waiting at the garrison with twenty-one prisoners ready to be delivered up. A number of the Osages set out immediate, ly for the Fort to receive their bosom companions and tender offspring from captivity. While on their way, and in the midst of their high-raised hopes, they were fired upon by a party who lay in ambush, and who caused the disaster mentioned in the Journal of the 19th and 21st instant. The Osages, expecting fur

ther danger, returned; and Captain Pryor proceeded to the Fort to convey information of the occurrence. The gentlemen above mentioned came up immediately to this country to assure the Osages, that the Cherokees on the Arkansaw are still their friends, and that they had no hand in this attack. It is yet uncertain by what people this outrage was committed. It took place near the mouth of the Canadian, on the south side of the Arkansaw.

Various Notices.

Thursday, 26.-Mr. Augustus Cheauteau, with a party of Indians from White Hair's Village, arrived here. A boat of his has just arrived at the mouth of Grand River, with goods to trade with the Indians. He intends to form an establishment on this river, above this place.

Friday, 27.-Received the Missionary Register for June, and six numbers of the Missionary Herald, from Mr. Lewis.

Lord's Day, 29.-Brother Redfield returned from the Missouri. Being unable to accomplish his journey in six days, he was obliged to spend a part of this in reaching home. His health is good, and he has been prospered. We rejoice to see our brother again, and are thankful that the Lord has kept him in safety.

Monday, 30.-Doctor Palmer, who was called out again yesterday to see the wounded Indian, returned this morning, He reports that the Indian will probably die.

Meeting for business.

At a meeting this evening, Brother Redfield reported, that he had purchased a horse for the team for fifty dollars, and had hired nine men; two of whom are millwrights, one a mason, and six assistants in building the mill, and in farming. Three of the men came on with him, and the others are expected within a month. Four of our hired men have left us today. The month has rolled away without any accession to our school. The time has now arrived for the Osages to redeem their pledge: "When the war is over, we will give you our children." To incline their hearts to this, requires the same divine power as to convert a sinner.

May our unceasing prayers accompany our feeble endeavours to rescue these people from Satan's yoke.

A copy of the Annual Report of this Mission to the Secretary of War is received, and will be published in our next.

GREAT OSAGE MISSION.

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS.

Although several letters from this Mission have been received during the last month, yet they are principally on business, and furnish but little for publication. A few extracts will now be given.

In a letter of the 4th of November, accompanying the Journal, the Superintendent, after mentioning the supplies which will be needed next season, thus remarks:

"Remember us who are destined to this dark region, where Satan has long held his empire undisturbed. Do not think that he will give up his usurped authority without a struggle. Pray for us, that we may be continually on the watch tower, and may be enabled to guard effectually against his devices. Our trials are, perhaps in a great measure, peculiar to ourselves. We have need of being humble, and of keeping very near to our Lord and Master.

"The Indians have left their village in our neighbourhood, and it is expected that they will settle at a distance of about seventy miles from our establishment. This removal, however, does not in the least discourage us. The Lord, we trust, will overrule it to the advantage of our Mission. The great and little Osages will now be established near to each other. We can visit them from time to time; and if they are disposed to send their children to us, there will not be, as now, too frequent an intercourse between them and their parents.

"Our mills are now in readiness for operation. We expect to grind, for the first time, to-morrow."

A letter, of the 16th of November, from Mr. Sprague to the Domestic Secretary, closes as follows:

"We are apt, you know, to catch at every appearance of favour from the hand of the Lord. Our two Indian lads, Philip

Milledoler and Woodbridge Newton, appear to have not only a willingness, but a desire to hear remarks about the Scriptures. Brother Montgomery, who is learning their language, occupies a part of every evening in conversation with them, for his own improvement, as well as theirs. At the present moment, at least, they appear desirous of obtaining a knowledge of the English; and, as they term it, becoming like the white people."

JOURNAL OF THE MISSION, FOR
AUGUST, 1822.

Thursday, Aug. 1.-Attended conference as usual on this day. Several of the members of our family are deprived of the privilege of attending, in consequence of their feeble state of health.

Friday, 2.-A packet was received from the post-office at Fort Osage, containing letters, pamphlets, and newspapers. We feel ourselves highly favoured in regard to religious information, as we are receiving regularly seven religious publications. Rumour of War.

Saturday 3.-The Osages have a rumour that the Pawanees are coming on to attack them, and they are in a state of great agitation. An Indian life is poor indeed. He seems to die a thousand deaths for fear of one. The Good Lord open the way whereby peace may be permanently established among these western tribes. There appears to be much sickness at present among this people.

Lord's Day, 4.-Brother Pixley preached in the morning and evening. Brothers Dodge and Montgomery being unwell.

Monday, 5.-This evening attended the monthly concert. Oh that our hearts may mingle, not only with the church on earth, but with the blessed on high, in ascriptions of praise and of glory to him who sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb for ever.

Wednesday, 7.-General Atkinson arrived at the Factory yesterday, on his way to Fort Smith, on the Arkansaw. He thinks that some measures will soon