by their speaker, Between-the-logs, said that they were unaccustomed to the form of trial, and would not be able to do themselves justice, and asked leave of Col. Johnston to select a man who would conduct the trial for them. To this Col. Johnston readily agreed; and, after some little counseling amongst themselves, I was chosen by them for that purpose. I was accordingly sent for; and although I saw plainly the delicate situation in which I was placed, I agreed to act for them. This trial lasted three days.

In the meantime, the sub-agent and his party were triumphing in the prospect that they would be able to involve me, and so strike a fatal blow at the mission. But after the business of examination was over, and the pleadings finished, to await the decision of the judge, I arose and requested the liberty to speak. I then stated that I had learned that the accused and his party, intended to report that the opposition of the chiefs and the charges originated with me; and, as I was there as the organ of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an agent for the general government in the application of the money applied by the Secretary of War, and held a very responsible relation to both, I would claim it as a privilege to defend myself and the mission family, from any imputation in this case. I knew that it was not my place to prove a negative, but that it was the place of my accusers to prove that I had actually been guilty. Nor is it often in the power of the accused to prove the negative; but I think, on this occasion, I am able, and will do it, with your permission.

Col. Johnston readily granted my request, and said it was of importance to me and my work that I should do so, if I could.

I then proceeded, "Sir, you and my accusers know that I cannot converse in the Wyandott language, and that, in conversing, I have to use an interpreter. Now, sir, here they all are. I wish you to swear them all, to answer the agent any questions that he may propose to them on that subject. If they all clear me, I shall be clear indeed." This was done; and he examined them all under oath, and they all acquitted me. One, only, said that in the summer the chiefs mentioned it to me, through him, and that I dissuaded them from any such course. Those men were more disappointed than any men I ever saw. They were confounded, and their looks spoke fully the sensations they felt.

I then asked Mr. Johnston to give me a certificate of this investigation, that I might be able to meet any reports on the subject, which he readily did; and it is in the following words:

66

Complaints having been made to me by the Wyandott chiefs, against John Shaw, sub-agent at this place, a public investigation of the charges was held and terminated on yesterday; and, as it appeared in the course of the inquiry, that some insinuations had been made that the Rev. James B. Finley, or persons connected with the missionary establishment here, under his care, might have countenanced, aided or encouraged the Indians in making those charges against Mr. Shaw: Therefore, I hereby certify that in the course of the whole investigation, which continued for several days, there were not any facts or circumstances developed that could be construed in any degree to implicate Mr. Finley, or any of the persons belonging to the mission. On the contrary, the most clear and satisfactory testimony was produced to

show that Mr. Finley, or the persons attached to the mission, never interfered, in any way whatever, to encourage the Indians in their opposition to Mr. Shaw. From my long experience among Indians, and an examination of the testimony and information derived from other quarters, I pronounce the aforesaid suspicions to be groundless, and without any support whatever.

"Given under my hand at Upper Sandusky, the 27th day of March, 1824.

(Signed,)

"JOHN JOHNSTON,

"Agent for Indian Affairs.”

Having passed through this fiery ordeal without being burnt, I felt thankful to God. In the midst of all the opposition of the savage party, and the Indian traders and whisky sellers, the Church was firm and cleaved close to God and one another. The work of God greatly revived.

Many hard and evil reports were raised against me; and letters were written to Mr. Calhoun, Secretary of War, stating things that were false, and every effort was made to remove me out of the way. I was twice told by the Indians, my friends, that I must be on my guard, for there were men employed to seek my life; yet I harbored no fears, nor did I stop a moment from the discharge of my duty to the Church, poor or sick. But often I have rode at the hour of midnight from the sick bed of one patient to another, through those plains, without arms or dread; believing firmly that Daniel's God would -preserve and deliver me from my enemies. I have often been made to praise him, from the great peace I felt in my soul. Casting my care on him, and trusting him for all things, I have frequently met the drunkards alone; and,

instead of insulting or threatening me, they would mostly say, "Rewowwowah," (My father.)

I do not now recollect that I was ever insulted by an Indian, drunk or sober, during all the time I was with them; nor did any of them ever manifest any unkindness towards me. The heathen party did not like my religion, nor my course in establishing a Church; but still I was respected, for I treated all with kindness and hospitality. Indeed I do not believe that there are a people on the earth, that are more capable of appreciating a friend, or a kind act done towards them or theirs, than Indians. Better neighbors, and a more honest people, I never lived among. They are peculiarly so to the stranger, or to the sick or distressed. They will divide the last mouthful, and give almost the last comfort they have, to relieve the suffering. This I have witnessed again and again.

CHAPTER XI.

The year 1824-A class formed of the school children-Their religious exercises-Their Christian behavior-Death of Hannah Armstrong, in May, 1824-The Indians go to White river to hunt during the winter-Between-the-logs has charge of the partyThey all observe the Sabbath, and hold religious meetings—White persons coming to trade on the Sabbath, are reproved-Admirable exhortation of Between-the-logs on one of these occasions-Their return to Sandusky-Sum-mun-de-wat and the unknown preacherUnprincipled conduct of the traders—Attempt of the heathen party to restore their religion-Manner in which the author restored those who had been led astray by the heathens-Kindness and revenge of the Indian-Instance in the case of Adam Poe and Rohn-yen-nessThe Indians turn their attention to agriculture and domestic improvements-They receive much aid from the example and assistance of the missionaries-Erection of a meeting house-Interview of the author with President Monroe-Also with Mr. CalhounLetter from Mr. M'Kenney-Form of a report for an Indian school-Objections to this by some-Efficiency of the Gospel to civilize man.

AFTER our return home it pleased the Lord to pour out his Spirit upon the mission family, and upon the nation. Within one month twenty-seven adult Indians were converted to God, and joined the Church. Prayer meetings were held at the different Indian houses three times every week; and at almost every meeting, some were awakened and converted. We had formed a class among the school children, and brother William Walker was their leader. They met in class once a week in the school house, and the most of them experienced religion. One evening I went into class, and we had not been there very long when one of the young Indian boys was called upon to pray; and such was the fervency of every child, that there was almost a universal cry for mercy. Several came and caught me around the neck, when on my