the father told the Osages how well his children were fed and clothed, and how fast they learned to speak the American language. Clamore, the principal chief, was exceedingly pleased with the account, and said "I wish that the war was over, that I might send my children there also."

JOURNAL OF THE UNION MISSION

FOR NOVEMBer, 1821.

Additional supply of Corn.

Friday, Nov. 2.-Being in need of a greater quantity of corn, the Family concluded that it was best to secure the crop which had been raised on a field belonging to the estate of Joseph Revoir, about 15 miles up this river. Brother Vaill, with Brother Woodruff, rode up yesterday to examine the field. It contains probably 400 bushels. We have expected Charles Revoir from Missouri to sell us the corn, as he said he would come down in the Fall. He is probably kept back through fear of the Cherokees, who killed his father,* and who are now in this part of the country. We considered, therefore, that it was our duty to send a sufficient number of hands to gather the corn; and we shall allow for it twenty-five cents a bushel in the field.

Lord's Day, Nov. 4th-The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper has been administered this day. All the members, excepting Sisters Fuller and Cleaver, who are still indisposed, have been present on the occasion. Dr. Palmer has not been able to attend our worship for several sabbaths before.

Monday, Nov. 5th.-Three of the brethren and three hired men set off this morning to gather the corn, according to our agreement last week.

* Mr. Joseph Revoir was murdered by the Cherokees on the 24th of June, and his family removed immediately to the state of Missouri.See Amer. Miss. Register for January, pages 269 and 270 of the present volume.

Supply of Mineral Coal.

Tuesday, Nov. 6th.-Brother Woodruff and two of our hired men have gone out to bring home a load of mineral coal. One of our hired men is laid aside by lameness, and one assists in cooking. Mr. Ransom is not well.

Wednesday, Nov. 7th.-Brother Woodruff has been more expeditious than we expected. He is encouraged to make another trial this week. The place is fifteen miles distant, on a creek, near the Verdigris.

Saturday, Nov. 10th.-Brother Woodruff has brought home the second wagon load of coal. He has been gone but 36 hours. Should we not be able to find coal nearer, this mine will supply us at a cheaper rate than we can burn it. The corn up the river is gathered, and stored in Mr. Revoir's house until it can be brought down by water.

First Marriage at Union.

Lord's Day, Nov. 11th.-This day Brother Woodruff and Sister Foster were united by solemnly taking upon themselves the marriage covenant. May they have grace to walk with God, and may their union prove a blessing to this Mission.

Mr. Chapman's second journey to Har

mony.

Friday, Nov. 16th.-Called again to part with Brother Chapman, who, with Brother Requa the elder, set out for Harmony, to pursue the study of the Osage language. They were ready on Tuesday, but rain prevented. May God keep them from sickness, and prosper their journey. Sent on by them our Journal for September and October, our Report to the Secretary of War, and a letter to Mr. Lewis.

Monday, Nov. 19th.-Brother Vaill set out for the Trading-house, and Brother George Requa for the settlement below, on business.

Tuesday, Nov. 20th.-Finished a large cellar, which we have dug, stoned up, and covered with a heavy roof of puncheons and dirt.

Indian Hostilities.

Wednesday, Nov. 21st.-Mr. Vaill returned with the sad intelligence, that the Cherokees have overtaken a party of the Osages, and destroyed a number.

Friday, Nov. 23d.-Brother Requa has returned, and confirms the news of the destruction of some of the Osages. He states also that the Cherokees have passed homeward, with several pri

soners.

Their rout was on the south

of the Arkansaw river.

Monday, Nov. 26th.-We are making preparations to repair our boat, which We need was cast away last summer. a boat to convey timber across the river, and think that this may be repaired with less expense than it would require to build one.

Tuesday, Nov. 27th.-Brother Redfield and Mr. Ransom, with six men, have gone down to get the boat into the water. Jobs like this are an impediment to the main business of the Mission, and impose an unpleasant tax on the resolution of the brethren, but duty seems to urge, and therefore we go forward.

Friday, Nov. 30th.-Brother Redfield returned after provision. He says they have had to cork the boat, and clear off an immense pile of drift wood, but he thinks they will succeed in their attempt.

GREAT OSAGE MISSION.

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. Doctor Belcher to the Domestic Secretary, Dec. 21, 1821.

DEAR SIR,-After a tedious illness of

almost three months, I am permitted, through the blessing of God, to pen a few lines to you. Our situation as a Family has been afflictive. Almost all of our number have been ill with the intermittent fever. Seldom, during a period of three months, were there at any one time, more than three or four adults able to attend to business. Our supply of bark was soon exhausted. April, 1822.

51

While it lasted, it was used with success in every case; but for want of more to keep the system in a proper state, exercise and exposure in hot and damp weather soon brought on a relapse. Other remedies were tried with very little suc

cess.

At length, we sent to Franklin, and obtained a new supply of bark; and in the use of that remedy, the whole family, under the blessing of Providence, are rapidly regaining their health.

The season is cold. Snow, two or three inches deep, has lain upon the ground for more than two weeks. We find our flannels in this climate, not only acceptable, but very beneficial to health. In addition to a good kitchen, and warehouse, we have finished ten small but comfortable log houses; and as soon as the weather will permit, we shall erect a school-house. We hope soon to enter upon our Missionary labours. From present appearances, we have no doubt of obtaining as many of the Osage children for the School, as we shall be able to accommodate. Several of the tribe have called on us, and offered their children, expressing a wish that they might be taught to read and to live like white people.

On examining our medicines, I found that many essential drugs were not brought. I find it necessary, therefore, to send for them immediately, and I hope you will forward them as soon as practicable. As Peruvian Bark is an article which we cannot do without, and of which we use much, I would suggest, that a quantity be put up in a box by itself. If you send twenty pounds, or more, it will not be wasted.

The remainder of the letter is occupied with a list of the medicines required.

Rev. Mr. Chapman, to the Domestic Secretary-Dated, Harmony, Dec. 28,

1821.

DEAR SIR,-This is the second time I have come to this place since the arri

val of this Mission, for the purpose of having the assistance of Mr. Williams, Interpreter at the United States' Factory, in acquiring a knowledge of the Osage language. He is much the most skilful interpreter of the Osage and English in this country. I have been pursuing the study in company with Brothers Pixley and Requa. We have finished our Dictionary, and the most important parts of a Grammar. Brother Pixley and myself are now attending to the construction of sentences, while Brother Requa has gone to Franklin on business. He is daily expected back; and, on his arrival, we shall return to Union, unless prevented by sickness, or the severity of the season.

The particulars of the late attack, by the Cherokees, upon the defenceless Osages, and the flight and slaughter of the latter, are communicated by Brother Vaill. We cannot be of use to the tribe in such a state of things. When shall we see a happy change? When shall "Kings become nursing Fathers," and victory be seen stamped on the banners of the cross? When Christians shall pray "Thy Kingdom come," and their zealous and faithful attention to the best interests of the cause of Zion, in every place, and in every possible way, shall manifest that this is the prayer of their hearts. Then, and not till then, will the desired object be obtained.

We regret to learn by the following paragraph in Mr. Chapman's letter, that he had not fully recovered his former state of health, since his severe attack of the fever in Septem

ber last.

to travel for the improvement of it, unless insuperable objections or obstacles prevent.

JOURNAL OF THE GREAT OSAGE MISSION.

[Continued from the last Number,
page 358.]

Entrance upon the Osage River.

· Saturday, June 30th.-This day we moved on about 14 miles upon the Osage. We find it a very beautiful stream, and the shores present a very promising prospect for future improve

ments.

Lord's Day, July 1st.—Spent this day in the wilderness. One house not far distant. Attended public worship under the shadow of a great rock. This rock, for several rods projects over about ten feet, and is capable of sheltering from the storms, as well as from the rays of the sun. Brother Dodge preached this morning, and Brother Pixley in the afternoon. A conference was held in the evening.

Monday, July 2d.—We moved along favourably to-day. This morning one of our hands went out, and in a short time brought us a fine deer for our refreshment. Two of our hands left us to return home. This evening attended the monthly concert.

Wednesday, July 4th.-Passed a cave where there were several men employed in making salt-petre. Passed also two or three Indian camps, and although deserted, yet they excited much curiosity among our family. This river shores present land of the most inviting continues to be very beautiful, and its quality.

Friday, July 6th.-The goodness of God continues to be manifested to us as a Mission Family. Our health is preserved, and we are still prospered on

our way.

Saturday, July 7th.-This day we moved on with common diligence until the afternoon, when we came to a Gravel Bar, or island, in the middle of

the river. Here we concluded to stop for the Sabbath. We erected a large tent by the aid of our poles and one of our sails, under which we calculate to hold our worship to-morrow. May God prepare our hearts for his holy worship.

Lord's Day, July 8th.-Brother Montgomery preached in the morning, and Brother Dodge in the afternoon. Attended conference as usual, in the even. ing. We were this day exiled from all society but our own, with our boatmen. May God bless this season for the spiritual improvement of all who were together.

Monday, July 9th.-Moved slowly this forenoon, having to stem some very strong rapids. Passed Little Gravel River, on the right. Met this evening for a season of prayer.

Tuesday, July 10th.-This day we find strong water, but we make tolerable progress. Passed the Great Lick River on the left. We have still a good stage of water, although within a week it has fallen about four feet. Whether we are to go through to our station with our boats, or not, the Lord only knows; but we still hope that we may.

Wednesday, July 11th.-Passed the Younger River in the afternoon, at the mouth of which we found a number of people with a small boat, who were there for the purpose of trading with the Indians who reside about 20 miles up the river. They stated the impossibility of our passing much further; and said that the Great Rapids which are a few miles above, have not more than six inches of water. This story we do not fully credit, but the river has become very low.

Thursday, July 12th.-The water continues to fall, and we find much difficulty in escaping logs and sand bars. We passed some ripples where there was but just water sufficient to carry our boats. The Great Rapids are yet to come, where it is stated that the water is much more shoal. Under these circumstances, may the Lord be

our trust and stay. If it is his will that we should go directly on to our station He can with infinite ease prepare the way.

Arrival at the Great Rapids.

Friday, July 13th.-Several hard showers of rain fell during the last night, which have raised the river about six inches. We pass on this day to the Great Rapids, and ascend the first ripple.

Saturday, July 14th.-The water rose during the last night, about three feet. It has come in season to help us up the Grand Rapid. May we ever notice the hand of Providence which has appeared at this instant of time, to assist us on our way. We have abundant reason to notice with gratitude the general state of health, which prevails in our Family, and among all the hands employed on board. Oh! that we might enjoy as great a degree of spiritual, as of temporal health, that we may be prepared to perform the duties allotted to us in time, and thus to enjoy a peaceful eternity.

Lord's Day, July 15th.-We are now emphatically in the wilderness; but our God is here; Christian society is here; and the Sabbath of the Lord is here; and what privileges more can we ask for. Brother Pixley preached in the morning, Brother Montgomery in the afternoon, and in the evening we attended conference. We have enjoyed a peaceful season to-day; may God bless it to our spiritual improvement.

Monday, July 16th.-This morning our boys went out and cut a bee tree, from which they brought a pail of honey. The water has fallen last night and to-day about 2 feet, and yet there is a sufficiency of water. We have a very heavy shower of rain this evening.

Difficulty with some of the hired men.

Tuesday, July 17th.-This morning the water is up very high, insomuch that we find it very difficult to push our boats up the stream. We have had

some difficulty with a number of our hired men. The whiskey, which had been provided for their use, having all been drank, they demanded brandy, and threatened to leave us in the wilderness, unless they were supplied. They were, however, distinctly informed, that the brandy on board was procured as medicine, in cases of sickness; that it would be preserved expressly for that object; that it was entirely under the control of the physician, and to be used only as he should judge proper to administer it to the sick; and that if they would not proceed without ardent spirits, they might leave us as soon as they pleased. After wasting a considerable part of the day, they yielded the point, and consented to go forward.

Thursday, July 19th.-This morning breakfasted near the mouth of Vermilion River. The water continues very high, and we move very slowly.

Friday, July 20th.-The water still continues to rise. We passed this afternoon what is called the Big Island, and stopped for the night near the mouth of Grand River.

Saturday, July 21st.-This morning the rain is heavy, and we do not move until after breakfast. Stopped a number of times this forenoon, in consequence of excessive showers. We now have a prospect of a plenty of water to carry us to the Osage Village. What meaneth all these accommodations with which we have been favoured thus far? Is it that prosperity shall prove our final ruin? May the Lord forbid it. May he still send his angel before us with a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night, to guide, instruct, and protect us on our way. Except the Divine Presence go with us, may He not send us up thither. We land under favourable circumstances this evening, where we hope to spend a peaceful Sabbath.

Lord's Day, July 22d.-It continues to be rainy. We are now three weeks' journey from all civilized society; but the blessed gospel of our Lord Jesus

Christ is with us, and we are suffered this day to enjoy the privilege of social worship. Brother Dodge preached this morning, and Brother Pixley in the afternoon. Attended a conference in the evening.

Monday, July 23d.-The river has risen since Saturday evening about three feet, in consequence of the heavy rain. One of Brother Dodge's sons is feeble, and threatened with the fever and ague; a number of our people are also complaining.

Wednesday, July 25th.-The water has fallen about a foot, but it is yet extremely high. We pass on favourably to-day, have easy water, and make tolerable headway.

Friday, July 27th.-We this morning commence our journey with usual spirits, and pass on favourably considering the height of water. About this we cannot murmur, for we view it as a signal hand of Providence to help us with our heavy boats to our station; and although we move slow, yet we move safely. May God be praised for his goodness. Passed Turkey River a little past noon. A few of the members of our Family are somewhat unwell; but in general we are enjoying a very good state of health.

Lord's Day, July 29th.—This day we spent as usual. Had preaching by Brother Montgomery and Brother Dodge, after which attended a conference.

Monday, July 30th.-The river has fallen, since we landed here, a number of feet. Pass on tolerably well. Put up for the night just below the Grand Forks.

Tuesday, July 31st.-The river has fallen, within a week, from 10 to 12 feet. Pass the Forks this morning, which takes at least one-third of the water. Proceeded about 20 miles. This evening we met for business, and resolved to pass on to the mouth of Little Osage River; and, at the nearest convenient place, to take our stand until we can hold a council with the Osage Chief, and learn where we are