seven primitive colours, and from them chose the red, of which he made a man. But perceiving there were no animals like himself he became disconsolate. His unhappiness was so great as to excite the sympathy and pity of the brutes around him. The frog first addressed him as follows: 66 My Lord, why are you thus mournful and sad, while all other creatures are joyful?" To which the man replied, "There can be no cause for grief when every thing conspires to create happiness. I see no fish, animal, or bird, but that is furnished with a suitable companion, for the bestowment of all the enjoyments of social life. But I am alone." The frog then offered to conduct him across the sea, to some other region where, perhaps, he might find a companion. But in attempting to follow, he soon found the water too deep to allow him to proceed. The leech next, with equal expressions of tender regard, offered his services; but he being soon lost in the mud, they were unaviling. At length, the buck elk came, and understanding the case, tendered his services, and invited the man to follow him, which he did. This noble animal proceeded, beating back the waters with his huge sides to the right and left as it became deeper, and thus making a clear path, with the water standing like two walls on each side. In the middle of the sea, they came to a large rock, whose top extended above the surface of the water. On this they rested. Here his arms and legs were increased to seven pair. The elk then directed him to swim, but perceiving, on trial, that he was unable to exercise his numerous limbs in this business with dexterity, he consented to lay hold of his benefactor's tail with his middle pair of hands, and thus by swimming, they both arrived safe to the Continent. In consequence of the great fatigue occasioned by this extraordinary exertion, the man soon sunk into a deep sleep;

and while he was sleeping, the Great Father above took from his side a rib, and broke it into seven pieces, of which he made seven women, and at the same time furnished each of the seven pairs of limbs, which encumbered the man, with a head, body, &c.

Thus seven couple, male and female, were created, from which sprang the seven clans, that exist among the Indian tribes. These seven clans mark the limits of affinity. It is incest, in their apprehension, to marry into the clan to which one's mother belongs; although the consanguinity of the parties be ever so remote. They appear to be more scrupulous on this subject than Christians. Although this tradition is exceedingly foolish, betraying the ignorance and degradation of these Indians, yet it is presumed that some parts of it show as strong marks of original derivation from Sacred History as could be expected from one which has probably come through an oral channel of two or three thousand years. But as those who take an interest in the discussion of such subjects, are probably most entertained by forming their own conclusions, it will be unnecessary for me to point out those marks. If this tradition, in the view of any inquirer on this subject, should appear to have been derived from events recorded in sacred history, he will probably conclude that it must have been from those events which took place previously to the settlement of the Israelites in the land of Canaan. And whether the Indians were the descendants of the ancient people of God, or their heathen cotemporaries, the resemblance between traditions and sacred rites of the heathen, and the corresponding events and rites of the Bible, may serve to fix the date at which the former were derived from their sacred source, and thus furnish a clue to the solution of this interesting investigation, which has not, as I recollect, been tried. But

those who investigate this subject should bear strongly in mind, that as the Indians have more traditions and rites which have apparently derived their origin from the sacred Scriptures, which are also in possession of other heathen nations; it can be only from those which are peculiar to the Indians that we can derive evidence in favour of their Israelitish extrac tion. But whatever be their origin no one will dare to deny that "they shall be given to Jesus for an inheritance;" and happy will it be for us, if we are exerting ourselves to the uttermost to gather them into his

arms.

June 29.-Mrs. C.'s health is still feeble, but we hope she is recovering. The settlement of Indian farmers, with which Brother Requa and myself are connected, now consists of eleven families besides our own. They have done well, and Divine Providence seems about to reward their labours with an abundant crop. Our second report will be transmitted

soon.

HARMONY.

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL FOR

JUNE, 1824.

Influence of well-disposed Agents. Wednesday, June 2.-Maj. Graham, Agent for this branch of the nation, on his return from a tour among the Indians, and L. Chouteau, Esq. SubAgent, favoured this station with a visit, and passed the day in friendly communication, chiefly concerning the affairs and prospects of the Osages. From these gentlemen we learn the result of an embassy from the Pawnee Mawhaws, which arrived a few weeks since among the Osages with propositions of a Treaty for peace. The branch of the Pawnee Nation from which they came, though latterly at war with the Osages, has never been considered by them, so determinately hostile as the more western bands, and accordingly

the messengers were received with but little opposition, and on their return, a deputation was sent with them to prosecute the negotiation at the Pawnee village. Present appearances afford ground to hope, that the barbarous warfare, which has been carried on between these deluded people, may at least for a season be terminated. From the good offices rendered by Mr. Chouteau, in introducing these strangers into the village and promoting the object of their Mission, we see the important influence which might be exerted by Agents of Government, in bringing about a general peace among all the western tribes. And certainly the influence and authority of the United States could seldom be employed for a more beneficent purpose. For, besides the shocking cruelties, and the useless waste of lives, attendant on Indian wars, they are the active nutriment of every foolish and pernicious sentiment in the minds both of the youth and adults, and the most powerful obstacle to the introduction of religion and the arts of civilized life. To cut off the head of a Pawnee, or even to strike him after he is fallen, is a source of greater distinction than the knowledge of letters or the arts of civilized life.

Regular Government in the Osage Tribe.

We have at length the satisfaction also to hear of the commencement of some degree of government among the Osages. Major Graham, during his late visit to the village, instituted a Council of Chiefs and principal men, and a band of soldiers to carry its orders into effect. The principal object at present proposed to their attention, is the recovery of property stolen from citizens of the United States. But should the Institution be vigorously maintained, it would, doubtless, in a short time extend its authority to the punishment of crimes committed against one another, and may be hoped, through the paternal

care of the Agent, and the increased intelligence of the people, to eventuate in the establishment of a rational and efficient Government.

Arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Colby. Friday, June 4.-Brother Colby returned from Missouri, bringing with him his wife. Seldom has so long a journey been performed with equal despatch to that of Brother and Sister Colby. In thirty days from their leavingNew-Hampshire,they reached St. Louis, notwithstanding they were detained thirteen days, chiefly waiting for boats; and in nine days from that place, arrived at Fort Osage. We have much reason for gratitude to our gracious Master, both for inclining the hearts of his servants to come out to this desert to strengthen our hands in an important branch of our concern, and for preserving their healths and protecting them from accidents during their journey. We pray that the animation occasioned by this seasonable and happy addition to our number may long continue, and be productive of important results in the prosecution of our Missionary work.

After a merciful interval of more than two years and a half, in which the lives of the members of this family have been precious in the sight of God, it has pleased him again to visit one of our households with death. The youngest son of Brother and Sister Dodge, an engaging child of six months old, was, two days since, suddenly taken ill, and experiencing no relief from medicine, was seized this morning with convulsions, and died at 10 o'clock. }

Monday, June 7.-A Committee was appointed to take into consideration the propriety of establishing a branch of this Mission near the present Indian village, for the double purpose of enabling the Brethren, studying the language, to remain constantly with the Indians, and for leading and assisting those poor people in

forming fixed settlements, and enter. ing on the cultivation of the earth.

Visit from the Indians.

Thursday, June 10.-A band of Osages stopped here on their hunt, having with them a man ill with a white swelling on his knee, who has been for some time desirous of putting himself under the care of our physician. A Delaware lad, who has been with the Osages for several months, also proposes to stay with us, and is received into the school, under the name of Wm. C. Brownlee. May his proficiency in every useful attainment be such as to impart a favourable impression to his countrymen of the value of education, and prepare him to become an eminent instrument in diffusing among them the light of the Gospel, and the practice of the arts of peace.

Wednesday, June 16.-The usual Summer freshet appears to have commenced. The streams are rapidly filling with water in consequence of heavy rains within a few days past. Br. Pixley is obliged by the high water to return from a tour with the Indians, on which he set out on Saturday last.

Advices from Union.

Thursday, June 24.-Mr. Chouteau comes up to the Station with a keel boat, to take in peltries which he has had stored here. Through Mr. Chouteau a letter is received from Br. Vaill, of Union, stating that the leaders in the outrage committed last winter on a party of Americans, have been given up to the Commander at the Fort, and have been by him sent on to Little Rock for trial. this unhappy business, which has for some time threatened the tranquillity of the country, appears likely soon to be terminated. Br. Vaill further mentions that a Council and band of soldiers, similar to the institution in this village, has been established in that branch of the nation by the joint.

Thus

instrumentality of the Agent and the Commandant at the Fort. The simultaneous adoption of this measure by the two great sections of the Osage population evinces that it has proceeded from high authority, and affords, we hope, a pledge that it will not be abandoned until an experiment of the capacity and disposition of the Osages for the maintenance of some simple laws be fairly made.

Health of the Family. Wednesday, June 30th.-The family, in general, enjoy better health than usual at this season. The only instance of considerable fever is that of Sister Woolley, who has been confined to her room near two

weeks, and is only now beginning to walk about. Brother Dodge, who left us on the 8th inst. on a journey of business to the Missouri, has just returned. In consequence of the freshet, he was detained on the banks of different creeks thirteen days, exposed to heavy rains, and with a very scanty supply of food. He was, however, so favoured, as to accomplish the object of his journey at Lexington, the principal town of the nearest county on the Missouri.

MACKINAW.

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS.

Rev. Mr. Ferry to the Domestic Secretary. Monday, July 19.-We have now nearly 40 children, and others to come in soon; but many more we cannot take. Our house is now so full we know not how to get along for the want of room and help. And yet most of the traders' children were left in the interior, because when they went from this last season, it was quite doubtful whether a Mission would be effected at all. All the traders are decidedly interested in the subject, and the few children brought in are or will be placed in the Mission family. Several, whose parents are able will be supported by them.

Your request of fixing upon a boy to bear the name of John I. Christie, has been attended to. The one we have selected is a fine active boy, apparently about 5 years old, a fullblooded Indian of the Ottowa tribe. He was brought to us last May from the River Sable, by Mr. Drew, a trader, who goes out every spring into the adjacent region, to the distance of 200 miles or more. When brought here, the boy knew nothing but Indian, but he now stammers out some broken English, and understands still more.

First Indian Convert.

God is also giving us some cheering prospects of good, in calling up the attention of some to the concerns of their souls. Besides the hopeful conversion of one white woman, and serious anxiety in one or two others, there is a full-blooded Indian woman, who, as we trust, has become pious within the last two months. Her case is truly an interesting one. She often makes me think of Poor Sarah.

After meeting with her one evening at Br. Campbell's, who together with his wife talks good Indian, and having talked with her at length on the leading doctrines of the Bible, man's creation, fall, total depravity, and the way of Salvation by the Lord Jesus ; I told her that before parting we would kneel together and pray especially for the grace of God to renew and sanctify her soul. On rising from prayer, I perceived, that, although she does not understand English, she was bathed in tears. is now learning to read, and comes to our house almost daily, generally choosing her time for this purpose towards evening, so as to enjoy evening worship with the family. Never have I been permitted to witness more animated joy and holy peace in any person's countenance than is uniformly expressed in hers. She often says in broken English, "O! I am happy-I love God's Son." She re

She

gularly attends our meetings, and seems to enjoy much, although she understands very little.

Field of Missionary Labour Extensive. Saturday, July 31st.-The Lord is giving us to witness more and more of his gracious designs of good for this benighted region from day to day. We have now forty-four children, gathered from different quarters. Some, who, a few months ago, had their home in the wilderness, more than one thousand miles apart, are now together daily, enjoying the means of instruction. The field of Missionary labour in this region is indeed just as wide as the most extended charities and active exertions of the church please to make it. Were measures and means now in operation adequate to the grand object, hundreds, nay, thousands of children might ere long find this dreadful darkness in which they are now veloped, fleeing before the light of the Gospel, and would rise up to call the people of God BLESSED!

Arrival of Miss McFarland.

en

We were much comforted on the arrival of Sister McFarland last Friday. The addition of another labourer seems to invigorate us anew. But we have great need of more help still. In view of the family, and what there is before us to be done, the Sisters already begin to realize some of those sinking feelings under which our spirits and healths have been labouring for months. Surely, could the Board only look at our family and situation, and see the care and labour which necessarily devolves on me, they would be well satisfied that I must either have help in a male Assistant or soon be able to do very little. My health is much impaired. I cannot endure what I could six months ago. But great as is our need, I do not think it wisdom, nor can I conscientiously urge the sending of more Assistants unless the Board are fully determined to go on

with buildings for the Mission. I am hitherto able to keep the children from any communication with the village or the streets, but our yard is quite too limited for the tolerable comfort of the children, and the house We have to make of one room, a family room, an eating room, and a school room; nor is there another building on the Island

still more so.

obtainable that is more convenient than the one we occupy. But the subject is before you. I feel it my duty to submit the whole candidly as it is impressed on my mind. In God is our wisdom and strength. There I leave it.

Health and Circumstances of the Family. Wednesday, Aug. 25.-The family are in usual health, and under as favourable circumstances as can be expected, until we have buildings of our own. Our house is now overrunning-forty-five children, besides ourselves and help. We shall inevitably have to suffer some real privations for the winter. But our God will help us through it. Since my letter to Mr. Lewis the other day, we have received a son of one of the principal and most influential Indians at L'Arbre Croche. Although our how it would be with us, yet we house was so full that we hardly knew could not refuse one, whose father's influence will be great. Truly the way and work are open before us; if the Board only go on efficiently to provide us help and accommodations. From an Officer of the Garrison at Sault de

St. Marie, July 26, 1824.

My Dear Sir-Feeling as I do, a conscious assurance of the deep interest you take in the welfare of Zion, and particularly in the cause of Missions, I am induced to take the liberty of writing to you a few lines upon the latter subject.

Last week, business called me to Mackinaw. While there, I paid several visits to the Mission School, under the superintendence of the