rant of our language, who have learned the alphabet in three days, and on the fourth could read and pronounce syllables. We have never seen an equal number of children in any school, who appeared more promising. Since they commenced, their attention has been constant. No one has left the school, or manifested a wish to leave it.

Want of accommodations, but more particularly of funds, has obliged us to refuse many children who wished to enter the school. If adequate means can be obtained, we design to increase the number of scholars to 80 or 100.

It is our intention to embrace in their education, that practical industry, that literary, moral, and religious instruction, which may qualify them for useful members of society, and for the exercise of those moral principles and that genuine piety, which form the basis of true happiness.

The moral and religious instruction, which we have communicated to the adults, has been very limited, for want of interpreters. A considerable number of those who could understand, and some others, have attended public worship. And it is evident, that a favorable impression has been made on the minds of some, and the state of morals, in a small degree, improved. Our great hope is, from the habits which may be formed by the young, and the principles which we may instil into their minds.

The expenditures of this mission, including the outfit and travelling expenses of the missionaries, and exclusive of their services, (which have all been gratuitous,)—have been more than $9,000 dollars. About 2,000 dollars of this have been on account of buildings. A part of this last sum has been refunded by the U. States; and bills for the remainder have been forwarded to the Agent. The balance of 7,000 has been principally drawn from the funds of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Between two and three thousand were contributed, under the Agency of said Board, by benevolent individuals in New Orleans, and Natchez, and their vicinity, expressly for this school. It has been our constant endeavor, to impress on the minds of this nation, the advantages of instruction, and the propriety of their contributing towards the education of their own children. We are decidedly of opinion, that in every point of view, it is important that they should learn to help themselves. By commencing on a liberal and extensive scale for their improvement, we have drawn forth a spirit of liberality, as unexpected as it is encouraging. At a general council in August, which by invitation I attended, the natives and white men residing in the nation, subscribed 85 cows and calves, and more than $1300 for the benefit of this school. At a council of the lower town district in September, they voted unanimously to appropriate $2,000, their proportion of the money due from the U. States, for the last purchase of land, to the support of a school in that district. It has been proposed in this district, to make a similar appropriation for the benefit of this school.

These measures show the disposition of the nation, and evince, that under the influence and direction of the Executive, a fund might be established, which eventually would be adequate to the instruction of the nation. We feel a confidence, that in future treaties with the natives, this subject will, without any suggestions from us, receive that attention, which its importance demands,

To bring this people within the pale of civilization, is a great work. The instruction of the rising generation, is unquestionably the most direct way to advance it. Nothing now is wanting, to put the great mass of children in this nation in a course of instruction, but efficient means.

I am not able at present to state the extent of the funds which are, or may be, appropriated to this establishment. The resources of the American Board depend principally on voluntary contributions, and are, of course, variable. It is probable, that the Treasurer of that Board may forward to the War Department some particular information on the subject. I would just observe, that in addition to this establishment, the Board have large and expensive missions at Bombay, at Ceylon, and in the Cherokee Nation,-a large school establishment in Connecticut for heathen children; a large mission recently fitted out for the Sandwich Islands; and two more will soon embark,-one for the Arkansaw and the other for Palestine. When a distribution is made to these various objects, it is expected that the proportion allotted to this establishment will fall far short of its real wants.

VOL. XVI.

11

It ought also to be understood, that the principal part of the subscription in this nation, will not be realized in time to relieve our present necessities. The stock, which in three or four years may be productive, at present hardly pays the herdman. Of the money subscribed, $700 were of the annuity, which I understand cannot be paid this year, as the amount has been ordered on in goods. Nor have we yet had sufficient experience, to enable us to state the extent of the aid required for the support of this establishment, the ensuing year. The mission is in debt about $1500, and to provide on a scale commensurate with the object, and the wishes of the nation, $3,000 would be required in the course of the winter, to purchase supplies of provisions and other articles. Much labor will be necessary to clear land. and put the plantation in a state to meet the wants of so large a family. It will also be necessary, in the course of the next summer, to build a dwelling house, for the accommodation of the mission family. Those now built will be occupied by the children, when the school is enlarged. We have already received assurances, that the same aid will be extended to this establishment in erecting the buildings, which was granted to the one in the Cherokee nation. And should the state and prospects of the school, and the means at the disposal of the Executive, warrant an appropriation towards the present expenses, it would be a most seasonable relief; and we pledge ourselves to appropriate it agreeably to the benevolent intentions of the Government. It may be proper to observe, that the Chickasaws are anxious to have a similar establishment made in their nation, and two more are earnestly desired and much needed by the Choctaws. For the support of one of them $2,000 annually for 17 years, have actually been appropriated by the natives. It is the intention of the American Board to commence one or more of these establishments, so soon as they can command the means. It is therefore desirable, that the one already commenced here, should be completed without delay, and placed on a permanent foundation.

JOURNAL OF THE MISSION AT BRAINERD.

(Continued from vol. xv, p. 574.)

Aug. 4. 1819. We were greatly surprised this morning, on missing one of the scholars, to learn, that he went off the evening before, and had not been seen since. This appeared the more strange, as he was very steady in his habits, had attained the age of manhood, and might have gone openly at any time. It was very painful to think that he had left us in this manner, as he had appeared much attached to us, was seriously inclined, and, we had hoped, was savingly converted to God. On the most diligent inquiry, we could find no cause for this abrupt departure, except that some of the boys had accused him of stealing a peach, which, it was said, appeared to hurt his feelings, and had excited a little warmth, though we could not learn that he had said any thing more to his accusers, than that the charge was false, and that he would not do such a thing for a thousand peaches.

About school time in the morning, to cur renewed surprise, he came in with a serene and pleasant countenance, and seemed to suppose he could not have been missed. On being asked the cause of his absence, he said he did not think we should miss him-that his heart got bad when they accused him of stealing a peach,-the Good Spirit went away from him, and he had been out to pray and seek his God. His very countenance indicated, that his all-night prayer had been heard and answered. On being asked, if he had found relief, he replied, "Yes." In the afternoon conference he spoke feelingly of the peace of mind he then enjoyed.

6th. Mr. Alfred Wright, a licensed preacher, on a mission from the South Carolina Presbyterian and Congregational Missionary Society, called on us. As the next Sabbath was our communion season, we constrained him to stay and preach to our little flock.

7. Preparatory lecture by Mr. Wright.

We learn, that the Cherokee, who had the little Osage boy,* did not go to the Arkansaw last winter, as was expected, and it is thought probable will not go

See Pan. vol. xv. pp. 322, 323.

at all. We also learn, that the boy has been sold to a white man, an intruder in the nation. Brother Chamberlain, in the tour which he is soon to make in that part of the nation, will inquire after the boy.

Sabbath 8. Mr. Wright preached. Brother Chamberlain's infant, called Catharine Brown, was baptised. The little company of professors, which the Lord hath gathered in this wilderness, then surrounded the table of our Lord: none absent except one sister, who was detained at home by a sick child. Love to God and his people appears to increase in all the new converts, and our souls were fed with living bread. O how unworthy are we, who are called missionaries, of these abundant mercies.

9. Our dear brother Wright took an affectionate leave of us this morning, to prosecute his mission in East-Tennessee. May the Lord go with him, and bless his labors there.

From the commencement of the school, many parents have fixed on this season of the year to take their children home to visit; it being a time when green corn and watermelons are plenty-a sort of feasting time with many among this people. We therefore thought best to have something like a vacation at this time, and give liberty for all the children to visit their friends, if they chose, for three weeks. In consequence of this arrangement, brother Chamberlain appointed a visiting and preaching tour to the western part of the nation, travelling down by the Tennessee river. For this purpose he left us today, expecting to be absent two or three weeks, and to proceed nearly or quite to the western line of the Cherokees. Catharine Brown will go with him, as far as her father's house, which is about 100 miles distant.

It appears that, notwithstanding the general permission to go home, twenty or thirty of the children will continue with us, and we expect to keep the school regularly for them; as we think it will not do to urge them away, or to suffer them to continue here without a regular school.

19. Raised the barn, which is 36 feet by 40. We were under considerable apprehensions, that this building would not be raised without injury to some one; as those who assisted were entirely unacquainted with putting up a frame, and most of them had perhaps never seen one of this kind. The workmen themselves had never assisted in framing or raising a barn. In procuring the timber, laying off the frame, &c. brother C. assisted as master workman; there being no mechanic to be found, who understood the business. Our reasons for attempting a frame, rather than a log barn, under such circumstances, were these: a log barn, at the best, is but a poor thing, and will soon rot down; we had put up so many log buildings on this place, that we should have been obliged to haul our logs so far, that a barn of this description would cost nearly as much as a framed one.

The whole came together very well, appears to be a good frame, and was put up without injury or accident to any one, except a slight wound in one finger. Sat. 20. Brother Butrick, according to previous appointment, made by request, went out with the design of preaching tomorrow near the Tennessee river, about 15 miles above this place.

Sabbath, 21. Brother B. returned at evening. The day was very wet and uncomfortable; yet about 40 persons assembled, who understand English, and gave good attention to the sermon, which is supposed to be the first ever preached in that neighborhood. At the request of the people, an appointment was made to meet them again on the fourth Sabbath.

Aug. 25. Brother Chamberlain, and sister Catharine returned. He found in every place a number of whites and half-breeds, who understand English; these were generally disposed to attend preaching. In one instance, where he stopped for the night, without thinking of being able to collect any for religious worship and instruction, without his knowledge, information of his arrival was sent out, and he was surprised to see people assembling, but knew not the cause, until they requested him to preach to them, saying, they had come in for the purpose of hearing him.

A decent attention to the preaching of the word, was all the encouraging appearance he saw in this tour. No serious conviction of sin, and exposedness to the wrath of God were discovered, nor any anxious inquiry after the way of salvation heard.

Brother C. visited two girls, who had been a while at school, and when here were under serious impressions and desirous to continue with us, but were taken away against their will by their father, a half-breed of some education, who has been much among the whites. The girls had lost their serious impressions, and frankly told brother C. that they did not now pray to the Savior, or mind any thing about these matters, as their father had forbidden them. That part of the country is much infested by lawless whites, who are stealing horses, &c. from the Indians.

Brother C. on his return reported, that he had ascertained the fact, that the Osage boy had been sold-that the price was about $20-but he was not able to see the boy.

28. While we were concerting measures with Mr. John Ross and others, to rescue the Osage captive, news came, that the man who first bought him, had sold him to another white man for $150. It now appeared, more than ever, that a plan was laid to take the boy into perpetual slavery; and no time was to be lost in taking measures to counteract the nefarious design.

Mr. Ross agreed to apply to Mr. Hicks and the U. S. Agent, for directions and authority to rescue the boy, wherever he might be found.

Sab. Sept. 5. Brother Butrick, according to previous appointment, went out to preach at the house of a white man, who has a Cherokee family, about 10 miles south of Brainerd. Brother Reece and John Arch, (the young man who went out for the night to pray,) went with him. A number assembled, a part of whom could understand English and a part could not. Brother Reece interpreted. An appointment was made to preach there again in four weeks. Sept. 6. Meeting for business.

Resolved, that we improve the first opportunity of low water, to clear the Creek, to make a more convenient passage for boats bringing up supplies. Resolved, that we build another cabin for the boys, as soon as convenient.

7. Brother Butrick, who has been unwell a day or two, was this day confined to his room.

14. Brother B. rode out in the light waggon a short distance, having been confined to his room since the 7th. He has had considerable fever, and taken much medicine. We hope he is now in a way soon to recover.

15. Four boxes from our fellow helpers at the north came to hand safe, and in good order. They were brought by way of Baltimore and Knoxville, and contained cloth and clothing for us and for the children.

One was from three sisters in Worcester.Mass.; and one from the Female Society for retrenchment, Reading, Ms. Auxiliary to the A. B. C. F. M. The other two boxes contained neither letter nor mark, by which we could know from whence they came, only that they were directed first to Baltimore. One of them was filled with clothing for children, and contained a letter to Mrs. A. R. Gambold, wife of the Rev. John Gambold, from one who was her pupil in Pennsylvania; it was written at Windsor, N. Y. but Mrs. G. says there is not a word in her letter respecting the box or its contents. The other box contained clothing for men, women, and children, with a number of New Testaments. Whether a letter, giving an account of these boxes has miscarried, or whether it was the design of the donors to keep their charity a secret, we know not; but we think it of some importance that notice should be given of articles sent, and that we should acknowledge the receipt of them, when they arrive. Without this precaution, valuable articles may, by mere casualty, be stopped by the way, never missed, and never found. We have already, in our short experience, found special advantage by knowing what was forwarded and on the way to us. It might be of service if each box contained a bill of its articles.

17. Mr. John Ross returned from the Agency, and shewed us a precept issued by the Agent in the name of the President of the U. States, authorizing him to take the Osage boy wherever found, and place him under our care, until further orders from the President.

Brother Kanouse and wife arrived on their return from Elliot. They have had a prosperous journey thus far.

23. Father Hoyt, who has had frequent ill turns for several weeks past, was this day confined to his bed with considerable fever. We have reason to be thankful that brother Butrick has recovered strength so as to be able to go out and attend to the business before this confinement.

27. Resolved, that the girl called Anna, whose father's name is John, be named Ann Porter, in compliance with the request of a society of ladies in Wilmington, Del.

Oct. 6. Brother Hall, with two hired men, set out for Tallony, with a view to commence buildings there for a local school. He expects to be able to hire more help in that neighborhood.

10. Mr. Ross brought the Osage boy and placed him under our care, according to the direction of the Agent. He is not quite so large as the Osage girl, and is thought to be under 5 years of age; he is quite active, and appears to have a good natural genius-has forgotten his native tongue, and speaks English only, except occasionally a Cherokee word.

Mr. Ross left home with two assistants, in search of this boy, on the 24th of September, not knowing where he was. He found him within 15 miles of the mouth of the Cahawba, about 250 miles from Brainerd,

Having ascertained where the boy was, he took the precaution, when near the place, to leave his horses behind him, and approached silently on foot. He found the boy entirely naked, in the yard before the house, and took him in his arms, before he made his business known to the family. The man disclaimed all intentions of keeping the boy in slavery, and wished Mr. Ross to leave him a short time, until they could prepare him some clothes. But he refused to leave the boy a moment, or to suffer him to sleep from him a night.

The neighbors told Mr. Ross, that the man said, the boy was a mulatto, and that he was born in slavery-that he had said, he was going in a few days to take him to market and sell him. It was also said, that the man had endeavored to persuade another to join him in this business, stating, that there were a number of captives in the Cherokee nation, whom he thought he could obtain at a low price.

O when will this highly favored land, called the land of freedom, cease to traffic in human blood!

11th. The Osage boy appears delighted with his new situation. One observing to him, that he would find a father and mother here, he answered with quickness and animation, "Yes, and bread too."

13. Five boxes of clothing arrived from Knoxville, by way of Baltimore, sent, (as appears by letters and bills in them,) 1 from ladies in Woodstock, Ver. forwarded May 20; 2d from gentlemen and ladies in Pawlet, Ver: forwarded March 6th; 3d from Portland, Maine, forwarded March 27; 4th from Dorcas Society in Hawley, Mass. forwarded May 11th; 5th from Hatfield, Mass. containing some articles from Ashfield and Hadley, forwarded May 3d. We ought to be very grateful to God, "who hath mercy on whom he will have mercy, and compassion on whom he will have compassion," for putting it into the hearts of his children to send from the most remote parts of the United States, these seasonable supplies of ready made clothing, to cover these naked children of the forest; and in this way to evince the power and excellence of that Gospel, which he has commanded to be preached to every creature. To him be all the praise; and from Him may every donor receive a munificent reward. Our best thanks, which indeed are but poor, are due to every one of them.

It is not known to us, that this mode of supplying the mission was early expected, or even thought of by any one; but now, we see not how we could well have proceeded without it. We hope, and trust, that those who have begun to afford this help will not become weary of it; and that these donations will be enlarged, as the mission increases by the formation of other establishments.

22. Brother C. Washburn and wife and child arrived, all in good health. By the good providence of God, they have had a very quick and prosperous jour ney from Georgia to us. They left Jackson county on Monday-crossed the Chatahoochee into the Cherokee country on Tuesday,—and arrived at Brainerd on Friday evening.

Sabbath 24. Father Hoyt attended public worship for the first time since his confinement; he has been sick about four weeks. Brother Washburn preached. Brother Butrick went out this morning to fulfil our appointment for preaching at Mr. Rackley's, 12 or 15 miles above us on the Tennessee. He rode brother Washburn's horse, which died at the place of preaching; the cause unknown. 27. Rev. Mr. Glenn, preaching as a missionary under the direction of the East Tennessee Presbytery, called on us.