nied by a man of fervent zeal in the Missionary cause, the Rev. Daniel Smith, was of his own projection. Though much commendation belongs to Mr. Smith, for his patient and laborious exertion in accomplishing the objects of this Mission, he is pleased to say, "The plan of the tour, on which I was Mr. Mills's companion, was projected wholly by himself; and if any thing of importance was accomplished by it, the praise, under God, is due to him."

We ought not to pass over this part of Mr. Mills's life, without presenting a brief view of these enterprizes of benevolence. The first tour was performed under the combined direction and patronage of the Connecticut and Massachusetts Missionary Societies. The principal objects of this Mission were to preach the gospel to the destitute-to explore the country, and learn its moral and religious state-and to promote the establishment of Bible Societies, and of other religious and charitable institutions. The report of this Mission, which has been before the public, presents a mass of results of the most interesting kind, and giving a new and important view of that part of the United States which lies west of the Alleghany Mountains; but the means by which these results were secured the incessant toil-the deep selfdenial-the painful exposures and imminent hazard, they modestly conceal. It was the plan of these gentlemen to take different routes through New York and Pennsylvania;

to form a junction at Marietta in Ohio; to pass through Kentucky and Tennessee, down to New-Orleans; thence across through Mississippi; and on their return, take a course through the western parts of Georgia, Carolinas, and Virginia. Five or six hundred miles of this route was a mere wilderness.

In perusing the private journal kept by Mr. Mills during this tour, I have been led to admire how, in every sentence, his mind was exclusively intent upon the objects of his Mission. On the first page the following subjects of inquiry are entered, as those which he intended to keep steadily in view :

"Are the people supplied with Bibles and Tracts?

How many Bibles are wanted in a county or a town?

Have supplies of Bibles and Tracts been received in part?

From what Societies may supplies be expected?

The number of regular Clergy in each county. The number of towns able and willing to support Ministers.

Ascertain, as far as may be, the most hopeful fields for Missionary labor.

Whence did the people originate?

An institution for the benefit of the Africans."

Agreeably to their plan, Messrs. Mills and Schermerhorn met at Marietta about the last of

October; and proceeded on immediately to Cincinnati. "From thence," says Mr. Mills, "Mr. Schermerhorn and myself went down the river Ohio to Laurenceburgh, in the Indiana Territory. Left that place the 24th of November, crossed the Ohio into Kentucky, and came down the river about 50 miles; then again crossed over into Indiana, and came down some miles on that side of the river; then crossed back into Kentucky, and continued our course within 30 mile of the falls of the Ohio, preaching occasionally. We found the inhabitants in a very destitute state; very ignorant of the doctrines of the gospel; and, in many instances, without Bibles, or any other religious books.

"Leaving the river, we proceeded on our way through Frankfort, an easterly course to Lexington, where we arrived December 5th.

"We left Lexington the 14th of December, and proceeded on our way to Nashville, in Tennessee, where we arrive the 28th. On the 29th, rode to Franklin, 20 miles from Nashville, and put up with Mr. Blackburn. During our stay in this part of Tennessee, we consulted with a number of pious people, with regard to the expediency of forming a Bible Society. They decidedly favored the object. Mr. Blackburn thought there would not be time to collect the people, and form a Constitution during our stay. He engaged that he would exert himself in favor of the object, as did others, men of piety and influence.

"We consulted with Mr. Blackburn on the expediency of pursuing our course down the river to New Orleans. He advised us to go, and assisted in making the necessary preparations. It was thought best for us to descend the river. General Jackson was expecting to go in a few days, with about 1500 volunteers to Natchez. Mr. Blackburn introduced us to the General, who, having become acquainted with our design, invited us to take passage on board his boat. We accepted the invitation; and after providing some necessary stores for the voyage, and making sale of our horses, we embarked the 10th of January, 1813. We came to the mouth of the Ohio the 27th, where we lay by three days, on account of the ice. On the 31st we passed New Madrid; and the 16th of February arrived at Natchez.

"We left Natchez the 12th of March, and went on board a flat-bottomed boat, where our accommodations were but indifferent. The weather was generally pleasant, and we arrived at New Orleans the 19th. The distance is 300 miles. For 100 miles above New Orleans, the banks of the river are cleared, and in descending the river you pass many very elegant plantations. The whole of this distance the banks appear like one continued village. The greater part of the inhabitants are French Catholics, ignorant of almost every thing except what relates to the increase of their property; destitute of schools, Bibles, and religious instruction. In

attempting to learn the religious state of these people, we were frequently told, that they had no Bibles, and that the priests did not allow of their distribution among them. An American, who had resided two or three years at a place, which has the appearance of being a flourishing settlement, and which has a Catholic church, informed me that he had not seen a Bible during his stay at the settlement. He added, that he

had heard that a woman from the State of New York had lately brought one into the place.

"Soon after our arrival, we introduced the subject of a Bible Society. It directly met the wishes of the religious people with whom we had become acquainted. As we had letters of introduction to Governor Clairborne, we called upon him in company with a friend. The object of our coming to the place was stated to him, and he approved of it. A proposal for a meeting was readily signed by him, and by 12 of the members of the Legislature, who were then in session. About 20 more principally merchants belonging to the city, added their names to the list. At the time appointed for establishing a Society, the greater part of those who subscribed to the proposal met. Previous to the meeting, a constitution had been formed; and was presented for their approbation, should it meet the wishes of those present. The constitution was read and considered, article by article, and adopted. All present appeared much gratified with the opening prospect.