Of another Parliamentary measure, it is said—

On the same day, Mr. Wilmot moved an Address to the Crown, to issue a commission to inquire into the state of the settlements of the Cape of Good Hope, the Mauritius, and Ceylon; and also into the administration of Criminal Justice in the

also carried; and commissioners have accordingly been appointed, and are now employed in the discharge of their duty, under this address.

The Directors notice with pleasure, and detail at length, the proceedings in Parliament, and the measures of the Anti-Slavery Societies, for effecting the gradual Abolition of the State of Slavery throughout the British dominions.

UNION MISSION.

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS.

The Superintendent to the Domestic Secretary-January 5, 1824.

You will see by the December Journal, that the present state of things is critical. We observed Friday, the 2d inst. as a day of Fasting and Prayer, in view of the present condition of the nation. Yesterday was our communion, and the Saviour was with us, of a truth, saying, " In the world ye shall have tribulation. In me ye shall have peace.' The mission is evidently becoming more solemn, heavenly, and devoted to Christ; and willing to labour, to suffer, or contend earnestly for the faith, as may please the Saviour. We had yesterday some tokens of Divine love. Sister Requa, wife of brother George Requa, was admitted to our church, and mission from a sister church, and George Douglass, a promising youth, in whom the Lord, as we humbly believe, has wrought an astonishing change, was admitted from the world. It may not cause the same joy among

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the anxious friends of the heathen, as though it were an Osage that was brought in but there is joy in heaven over one sinner, without regard to nation or colour, and there is joy at Union.

To us who know his talents, his influence among his companions, and his sincere desire for the prosperity of the mission, the case cannot be looked upon with indifference, or without emotion. But while we notice this event, our minds do not linger a moment on the good already done; nor does this animating token of God's favour diminish aught of our desire for the salvation of the poor deluded heathen. For this we long, for this we pray, and never more earnestly than at the present time."

The Superintendent to the Domestic Secretary.-Feb. 13.

In a late Journal it was stated, that two of our Osage youths had signified their desire to be removed to the Cornwall School, and one or two reasons were given why it would be best to send them. These reasons continue to have their full force, and

others have recently urged the measuré, arising from the unsettled condition of the nation. Could the Board provide a way and means for their Conveyance to New-York, it would probably secure their continuance at school, raise them above the prejudices of their people, and prepare them to return in a few years to strengthen the mission and benefit the nation. And scarcely any measure could be adopted, which would be more likely to awaken a general interest for the mission.

The school was never more prosperous than at this time: I mean in regard to its improvement. The children are beginning to rise above their foolish diffidence, and speak our language. The two oldest boys, whom we have recommended for your particular patronage, improve as rapidly as could be expected in their present situation.

In regard to expenses, we are shaping our course so as to meet the exigencies of the Board, and the perplexities of the times in this country.

By the Journal for January, it will appear, that the dark clouds which were rising when we last wrote, have assumed a milder aspect. The lenity of our government toward the Indians, and the prudence of the commanding officer at Fort Smith induce the hope, that the late breach upon the citizens of this territory will be healed without a war, and overruled, for the best good of these natives.

The attempts which have been made to preach the gospel to these. heathen, have succeeded as well as could be expected. A good attention is given to what is said, and we trust some light has been scattered before their eyes. Brethren Chapman and Requa are assiduously pursuing the study of the language, and at the same time attempting to allure the people to settle and become industrious. But though some speak encouraging words, and give reason to expect a speedy change of their habits, yet

the disturbed state of things induces them to postpone the attempt from time to time. In all we do, we have need of patience. Brother Montgogomery is still with us, giving his undivided attention to the language, preparing and translating short sermons and addresses. Our interpreter is much improved, and exceeds our expectations in translating.

The health of the family is generally good. Sisters Chapman and Fuller are still feeble, and sister William C. Requa much of the time unable to labour.

Imploring the Divine blessing, dear Sir, on your labours, and those of the Board, I remain yours, in the Bonds of the Gospel,

WM. F. VAILL.

JOURNAL FOR DECEMBER, 1823.

Dec. 1.-Brethren Chapman and Requa commence the Indian settlement, about four miles north of this, on the opposite side of the river, having first sought the blessing of God on the attempt.

Unhappy Occurrence.

Journal gives the following notice :—

Of the late massacre of several white hunters, the

Dec. 4.-Brother Vaill returned from Fort Smith, where he preached the last Sabbath, to the soldiers in the garrison. He found at the fort a trader, who had just arrived to lay before the commanding officer the destruction of his hunting party by the Osages. He states, that on the 17th of November, as they were peaceably encamped, a party of 70 or 80 Osage warriors suddenly rushed upon them, and killed six or seven of their number, took about thirty horses, and plundered their camp. He himself escaped almost miraculously. This distressing outrage was committed on the waters of the Red River, and the men who fell a sacrifice were citizens of this territory. Col. Arbuckle greatly feared at first, that it

was an act of national hostility, but we have since learned, that the chiefs of the nation wholly disapprove of the act, and regret its occurrence; and that it was done by a war party, who, after an unsuccessful campaign against the Pawnees, fell upon these Americans. It is one of the savage customs of this people, when they have lost friends, not to shave their heads or cease mourning till they have caused some of their enemies to

fall victims to their revenge. This act appears to have been occasioned by the combined effects of blind superstition and savage revenge. Let us therefore pray-That God would "have respect unto the Covenant, for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty."

Interview with a party of the Delawares. Dec. 10.-Brother Vaill returned from Mr. Chauteau's, where he saw Clamore, who appears as friendly as usual, and very anxious to settle this difficulty with the white people. He is doing what he can to collect the horses and the plunder. Last evening a party of Delaware Indians, who were at Mr. Chauteau's, had a talk with the Osages respecting their intention to hunt beaver on the Grand River, (or Neosho, as the Indians call it,) and on the Verdigris. There being three chiefs in the company, the inquiry was made by brother Vaill, whether the people would like to have schools set up among them? to which they replied, that this subject was not for them to decide, but for their father, the old Chief. It has been understood, however, that Anderson, the old Chief alluded to, is prejudiced against schools; as some of their young men, who have received a partial education, have not done well. These people can talk English, have some ideas of a future state of rewards and punishments, of the Sabbath, and of some other things relating to Christianity. They have lost the knowledge of David Brainerd,

こ

who taught their fathers the word of life, but have some tradition of the Moravian Missionaries. They live on James's Fork, a branch of White River, and near them are six or seven remnants of former tribes, once living east of the Mississippi, large and respectable. Their distance from this place is from 130 to 300 miles. They live partly by agriculture, and partly by hunting.

Dec. 14-Lord's day. Just at the conclusion of public worship, a part of the above-mentioned Delawares called upon us, on their way up the river, trapping for Beavers. They, however, left us in a few minutes.

Dec. 18.-The Osages brought us word yesterday, that they found one of our creatures dead; and that it appeared to have been designedly killed. To-day we examined into the matter, and became satisfied from the wounds, and the tracks of the shod horses, that it was killed by the Delaware Indians.

Visil to the Osage Villages.

Dec. 19.-Brother Chapman, with the Interpreter, returned from a tour among the Indians. In consequence of the late outrage on the Americans, it was thought best to suspend our labour at the settlement for a short season, and visit the Indians to learn their state of feeling. They have been absent five days, and have visited most of the little towns, or encampments along the Verdigris, for many miles. They found them apparently more friendly than usual; endeavoured to communicate religious knowledge; and became fully satisfied, that all the leading men in the nation are desirous to perpetuate peace with the whites. May the God of peace be with this disastrous people.

Major Cummings from the garrison has just come up, and called the chiefs to a council, to demand the murderers. Had this nation any efficiency in its government, they might at once

deliver up the men who committed the outrage.

It ought to be remarked that these hunters were engaged in hunting on Indian lands, without license, and contrary to law. Still it was an outrage that cannot be tolerated.

Dec. 21-Lord's day.-Brother Chapman preached the Gospel to the Indians at the Osage house. The interpreter appeared to take much pains to convey the truths to their minds. The Indians gave good attention, and were pleased with what they understood.

Arrival of Mr. George Requa, and the

accession of a sister to the family. Dec. 22.-Brother George Requa returned from New-York. On the first day of November last he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah S. Clapp of Cincinatti. He has been absent from this a little short of nine months; was about one month in going from this to New-York, and three in returning. He has been abundantly prospered, and we would praise our covenant God for his kindness to our beloved friends, in conducting them to this place in safety, and for his goodness to the family in adding to their number another sister, who appears to be prepared for the missionary life, and whom we welcome as a member of the mission. Female assistance was never more needed, and yet it could not have been more unexpected; for the last that we had heard of Brother Requa was that his health was declining; nor did we know of his having set out on his return, till his arrival. He came by the of Harmony, kindly accomway panied by brother Pixley. He has travelled in a light wagon. The weather has been favourable, and the rivers and creeks low. It is remarkable that a journey so long has been performed with so much facility.

The brethren this day, resumed their labours at the settlement; but hearing of the return of brother

Requa, they came in to unite with us in thanksgiving, in which exercise we have spent this evening.

Dec. 28-Lord's day.-Brother Pixley spoke to us from Deuteronomy, 8th chap. 2d ver. "And thou shalt remember all the way, which the Lord thy God hath led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, &c."

Dec. 29.-Brother Pixley after a short but pleasant visit of one week, set out this morning on his return, Not only has this visit been pleasant; but it has been profitable to speak of the way, in which God hath led us, and to encourage each other under our respective trials.

Alarm and Departure of hired men.

Dec. 31. Six hired men, who came from the state of Ohio, in our boat last summer, leave us, being alarmed at the state of the Indians.

This movement has stripped us of all our help on the farm excepting Swiss, a Frenchman. But little can our friends realize all the evils to

which we are subject. The trials that have risen of late are, if possible, more serious than any that have preceded. Still God's grace supports, and enables us to say, our will, but thine be done."

"Not

GREAT OSAGE MISSION,

JOURNAL FOR NOVEMBER AND

DECEMBER, 1823.

In this Journal, the whole family, with only one or two exceptions, are represented as in good health.

Two young men, in part of Indian blood, were admitted to the school on the 6th, and on the 9th one of their girls was taken away by her mother.

On the 10th, a Frenchman, with his Osage family, arrived at the station for the purpose of settling near the Mission house. At his request, his oldest child, a boy of four years of age, was received into the school.

The death of Big Soldier, was mentioned in our March Number, page 81. Of this event, the Journal contains the following notice.

November 27.-Man dies. With

death there is no distinction. The hero, the sage, the chief, his vassals, the rich, the poor, the wise man and the fool, sink alike into one common grave. The Big Soldier died at Mr. Chauteau's trading-house several weeks since. This Chief, it is supposed, had more influence than any other, in removing the Osages from their Village in the Autumn of 1822. He is now dead; and as singularity marked his life, it did not leave him in the circumstances of his death. Over the grave of his wife, he wept and fasted, deaf to the entreaties of his friends, until nature was nearly exhausted. He was then removed by force from the grave to a lodge, and soon sunk into the arms of death.

The Journal of November closes as follows

Lord's day, Nov. 30.-Where grace is needed, may it be granted, that all the sacred hours of this day may be filled up with praise and devotion before the throne of Him, who is the Searcher of the heart and

Trier of the reins of the children of

men.

While seated in our church, we felt the deepest compassion for a number of Frenchmen and Osages who were present, who, though seeing, saw not, and hearing, heard not. Through whom, and by whom, shall that all-powerful voice again speak? Dry bones live. Father, thy servants are before thee-hasten it in thine own time.

Woodbridge Newton, an Indian lad, who had been absent about ten months, returned to the school on the 3d of December, apparently much gratified to be again permitted to reside with the Mission Family. Under date of the 9th of December, the Journal

Angel by night and by day; may he conduct them safely to the bosom of their friends, abundantly qualify them for the work to which they are destined, and grant them many souls, as crowns of their rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus.

An examination of the School took place on the

9th of December. The committee of examination express themselves satisfied with the regulations

adopted by the teacher, and with the improvement and good conduct of the scholars. The female scholars had made, in five months, 16 garments for adults, and f1 for children, besides performing their full share of labour in the kitchen.

On the 23d, Mr. Dodge and Mr. Blight were ap pointed to visit the Kickapoo and Delaware Tribes of Indians, for the purpose of ascertaining their situation, and their feelings, in relation to the introduction of Christianity, and of the arts and customs of civilized life. This duty the deputation performed early in January-and their Journal, which we now present to our readers, will be perused with interest.

Visit to the Kickapoo and Delaware
Tribes.

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 1824.-Started with John B. Mitchel for our guide. Passed through a fine prairie country, interspersed with creeks, which were lined with timber. Found a small bottom, where we were accommodated with food for our horses, and water for ourselves, and spent the night under favourable circumstances.

Wednesday, Jan. 7.-Passed over ed two considerable creeks, and then a rough and barren country. Crosstook the dividing ridge between the two branches of the Grand Fork. In the course of the day we passed several very excellent springs, one of which is quite a curiosity. The water rolls out from the lower side of a large rock, in a sufficient quan

and a half from Mr. Wm. S. Williams.

Mr. George Requa and his wife arrived at Harmony on the 8th of December, on their way to Union. The following notice of their departure is given in the Journal

December 15.-Brother Requa and his wife, having rested a few days, set out for Union, accompanied by Brother Pixley. May the Great Shepherd of Israel be their Guardian

approaching, we here turned aside to a little grove, where we were accommodated with wood and water, and under the good hand of our God, we spent the night very comfortably.

Thursday, Jan. 8.-Our journey this day is almost wholly through prairies. We have passed many fine springs, and some very good land; but much of the country is gravelly