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No. 46.- Yol. 11. FROM THE S. EVANGELICAL INTELLIGENCER. It is with feelings in which we (rust not a few of our readers will share, that we find ouryelves called to give place in our columns to the First Annual Report of the Missionary Society of the Synod of South CaVoliria and Georgia. It is pleasant enough to see a solitary in dividual now and ilien awakened to a sense of his duty in'any point ; but to see a body of men suddenly roused to a feeling of their obligation to God, in reference to a point of such deep and extreme moment as the one before us—emerging from the dark ness, and shaking off the slumber of many generations, and putting forth their facul ties and means in so great and glorious a cause as that of the redemption of millions from the guilt, and degradation, and eternal ruin of sin, is a spectacle which neither man nor angel may look upon without kindling emotions of exultation and of praise. We hail as the clear opening of a bright and glorious day upon these long benighted States, the rise and first movements of this infant Society ; and we would loudly sum mon to it, the attention and the aid of all, at least, who are in immediate connexion with the ecclesiastical body by which it is founded and directed. Its first great under taking is unfolded in the Report ; the amount of (he means already collected for the prosecution of it, is also stated ; the de ficit is obvious. Our appeal'on tfie occa sion is to the hundreds of us who are able to make it up ; and who have formally sworn themselves into the stewardship of Christ; our prayer on their behalf—and we offer it up as well on their own ac count, as on account of the common cause, is, that they may have laid down upon their hearts, at this critical moment a deep and affectionate sense of their obligations in the cause. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT Os the Board of Managers of the Domcstick and Foreign Missionary Society of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia. — JVov. li, 1820. The Board of Managers, in compliance with the sth arrtcle of the constitution, would present to the society this their an nual report. It could not he expected,that during the first year of the society’s exis tence, much more would be done than funds collected and arrangements made for future operations. No missionaries have there fore been employed in the interiour during the past year. In order to our making a Biicc.es.,fui effort towards the civilization and religions instruction of the aborigines on our borders,*it appeared absolutely ne cessary that suitable persons should first be employed to explore the country, gain the consent of the Indians to the proposed measure of benevolence, and look out suit able sites tor missionary stations. Accord ingly. Thomas C. Stewart and David Hum phreys, Licentiates of the of South Carolina, were employed for that purpose. Notice vva given to the Secre tary at War, of the existence of our Socie ty and our views towards the Indians on our borders, and letters were obtained from him, introducing our missionaries to the agents of the several tribes, and requiring the influence of said agents in their favour. After a tour of more than three months, these gentlemen returned. They have rendered in their report, end for the satis faction of the society, the Board would pre sent it entire, which was as follows : To the Board, of Managers cf the Domestick and Foreign .Missionary Society of the Syn oil of ‘S'. Carolina and Georgia. Pursuant to a commission, received frpm your committee to itinerate as missionaries amongst the aborigines on our south-wes tern frontier, we left South Carolina on the 28!b of April, and proceeded by way of Athens, Watkinsville and Madison, lo Mon ticello, on tiie frontiers of Georgia. As we passed on, our hearts were encouraged by the kindness and attention of Christian fiiends, and the interest manifested for our safety and the success of our mission. We preach* 1 occasionally to audiences of res pectable size, amongst whom we found a goodly number of friends to the project of Missions to the heathen. May their num ber daily increase, and may they evince their attachment to the cause by .such vig orous, active, and unwearied exertions to promote its success as the importance of the work demands. At Monticello we met with one of the (Chiefs f the. Creek Nation, who was friend ly to our views and promised us his assis tance. He informed us that a council con sisting of all the chiefs of the nation was to convene the 20th of May at Broken Arrow Village on the Chatahoochie. We were advised by Dr. Brown to remain near the frontier until near the time of the meeting of the council. We accordingly did so, and spent the intervening time at Morllicello, iliHedgevilleand Katonton, preaching as often as opportunity offered, and collecting information respecting the disposition of the Indians, the geography of their coun try, and the way in which we would be most likely to succeed with them. We al so visited Gen. Mitchell, (the agent for the Creek Nation) who at thattime was at his plantation on (lie Oconee. He received. V politely, and promised to use bis intlu- THE MISSIONARY. GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE. Jesps Christ. ence with the Indians od our behalf. He stated to us that it would not he convenient for him to attend the council, but he would write thetn on the subject. Matters being thus arranged, we left Monticello on Tues day the 18th of May, and proceeded to Broken Arrow, where we arrived on the 20th, and found a great concourse of Indi ans. When we beheld these.tawny chil dren of the forest, the ancient proprietors of the soil—when we reflected upon their situation, that they were enveloped in hea thenish darkness, destitute of the true knowledge of God—that they were igno rant of their deplorable condition by the fall, and of that provision which has been made for man’s salvation by the blood of Christ—that they were unapprised of the awful realities of the invisible world, and unacquainted with all those arts of civilized life which contribute much to the happi ness of man—our hearts were moved with compassion for them, and our anxiety to effect the desired object greatly increased. The council did not commence business till the 21st, when it was opened with the usual ceremony of partaking of the black drink , (a tea made of the Yopon leaves) to which they attach a superstitious efficacy ; alleging that it brightens their ideas, and enables them to form more oprrect and just decisions upon any subject that may come before them. On inquiry we were inform ed that we could not have a hearing until after the affairs of the nation were attend ed to, which was not until the 24th. On this day we laid our papers before them, explained the whole plan, and endeavoured to convince them of the advantages which might arise from their acceding to the pro posed measures of benevolence. After a short consultation on the subject, the pre siding chief, in the name of the council,gave us to know that our proposal could not be accepted. He observed that the laws, the religion, and the. government of the white people did not suit their situation; that they had hitherto been a separate and distinct people, and they wished to remain such ; to enjoy their own privileges, be governed by (heir Own laws, and retain the. manners and customs of their forefathers.* It was observed as an answer to this objection, that it had been the custom of their forefa thers to procurp a subsistence by hunting, which, through necessity, they must soon relinquish, as their hunting ground was now lessened and game be come scarce. To this he replied with some warmth, that their hnuting ground would not have been les sened had not the white people taken it from them. Another objection was, that they did not understand our language,which he considered a very great obstacle to their obtaining an education from ns. He ob served further, that there were men of their own nation and language capable of teaching their children, which men they would employ when they thought proper to do so, without our assistance. Thee and such *like objections were brought for ward, which we in vain endeavoured to ob viate. The door of entrance into the Creek nation as permanent missionaries appeared to he shut against ns by an overruling Prov idence. Os all the chiefs who attended the council, only two were friendly to us.— These two, in consequence of their intem perance (to which all are sadly addicted) were debarred from a seat in council on the day that we made our proposal to them. It appeared to be the general impression that we were designing men wno had no other object but to deceive (hem. Finding that we could do nothing amongst them, and they were not yet ripe for missionary establishments, we de termined to visit the Cbickasaws, and for that purpose left Fort .Mitchell on the eve ning of the 24th, and proceeded by the way of Fort Jackson, and the falls of Cababa to Rtlssell’s settlement in the Alaham i, which J place we. reached the first day of June.—j Being somewhat fatigued, we concluded to 1 spend a while in this and other settlements on the Black Warriour, which were desti tute of the. stated means of grace. We preached frequently during our stay to large and attentive congregations. On Monday the 12th we resumed our journey, and passing by Columbus and the Cotton Gin Port, entered the Chickesaw Nation on the evening of the 17th. [A description of the Chickasaw country, and an account of the friendly reception which these gentlemen experienced from the pfltives, togeth er with the articles of agreement entered into with the chiefs, by which they consented to ap propriate As ranch land ;is would he necessary for a Missionary Establishment, bavins; for its object tjie education of their children and young men, are omitted—they having appeared in the Mis sionary of the 2d March.] Before we proceeded to explore the country, we spent a week at Elliot, in the. Choctaw nation. The school at this es tablishment consists of 70 Indian children, whose progress in learning exceeds the most sanguine expectations of their instruc ted. Many of them learn to read and write before they acquire a knowledge of the English language. Tlie missionaries have not yet had the satisfaction of seeing any of them impressed with a sense of their lost and undone situation, and anxiously in quiring what they should do to be saved.— This is a source of much grief to them.— MOUNT ZION, (HANCOCK CO. GA.> FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1821. Brethren—We shall rely on your kind ness and friendship in furthering our impnr tant object among you, and in aiding the brothers, (as far as convenient) who may. undertake the task of instruction. We should be happy at all times to hear from you. We would diligently attend to any wishes you may express, or any sugges tions you may think proper to make on this subject. We remain your friends aud brothers. Mr. S. is willing to become a permanent missionary to the Chickasaw Indians, ve quring nothing more from our society, than a comfortable support. He is highly re Thky are, however, not discouraged. They j are willing to wait the Lord’s own time, when he will make bare his arm for the salvation of those benighted children of the forest. On Wednesday, the 28th, we left Elliot, and proceeded to Ooktibbeha. Thence np the Tombecbee, exploring the country for the purpose of selecting a site for the es tablishment. After travelling about 40 miles up the river, we were informed of a place which it was thought might answer our purpose. Having procured a pilot, we proceeded to the spot for the purpose of examining it. At this place we found a spring which affords a plenty of water at all seasons of the year. It runs out from a high bluff, east of which, and at the dis tance of about 50 yards is a pleasant situa tion for building. Ou the westside of the bluff, about 80 or 100 yards distant is anoth er site, which is high and pleasant. On the opposite side of a creek which runs near to the spring is a body of excellent low land. Os this there are about 40 acres which is subject to be overflown by the creek when full. the bottom, and proceeding south-easterly, we entered a tract of up land of about 100 acres, which is very lev el and tolerably good. This is about a quarter of a mile from the spring. About 500 yards from the spring and on the same side of the creek, is another body of very good upland. Os this there are about 80 acres. The low grounds of the creek af ford plenty of timber suitable for rails, boards, &c. The upland will furnish tim ber for houses, plank, shingles, and other purposes. The Tombecbee which is uav igable to this placs for boats of 25 tons, is about two miles and a half distant. Avery good road may he made from the river to the establishment,*without much labour.— We were of opinion that the place would be sickly, as there are many marshes both on the creek and river. We therefore left the Tombecbee, and weuton to the Natch ez trace, where we examined another place which we concluded a much better one than that on the river. This is about two and a half miles east of the above-men tioned road, 27 miles west of the Cotton Gin Port, and 4 mile* N. E. of the Chick asaw agency. There are about 150 acres of very good land, which is well timbered, attached to the place. There is no spring convenient to a suitable site for building, but. we are of opinion that good water may be had by digging 20 or 25 feet. The sur rounding country is pleasant, and promises health, being free from swamps and stag nant water. During our stay in this nation, (which was nearly three weeks) we had hut one op portunity of preaching to them, as few un derstood our language, and we had no io tei prefer. We made one appointment, and preached to about 70 persons, most of whom understood English.. The congre gation was orderly and attentive. On Monday, the lOlh.of July, we turned our faces homeward, and passing by Hunts ville, in the Alabama, and Brainerd, Spring Place, and Taloney, in the Cherokee Na tion, arrived home the 31st, after an ab sence of 8 months and 3 days. Thomas C. Stuart. David Humphreys. A letter was received from the Chiefs or Head Men of the Chickasaw Nation, stating that they had seen the brethren sent out by our Society, and that they are much pleased with them ; they wish them to re turn and teach ‘heir children ; and desire to know whether they will send them back in the course of the winter. To this letter, (he following answer was returned. Maj James Colbert , Chickasaw Nation. Brother—We hove ju.*t received your letter of the sth July, for which accept our thanks. We take the liberty of replying through you, to the Ile.ad Men of your Na tion, who have expressed their desires for the establishment ofschools among you. Brethren—lt is our earnest desire to promote the advantagesofeducation, among those who have hitherto been destitute of them. We are happy that you understood and so justly appreciated our friendly views. We shall make it our study to advance the interest of yourchildren as far as lies in our power, and we shall make every exertion to meet your wishes. Brethren—One or both of the brothers, who were with you, will return in the course of the ensuing winter. Probably early in that season. We assure you that we shall make as early arrangements as possible, in order to answer your expecta tions. commended by his own Presbytery, and by all acquainted with him; and arrangements have been made for his ordination, provid ed he be appointed tq that important sta tion. A number of labourers are also to be obtained for one year; and should the measures be approved by the Society, they will, as soon as possible be transported to the place selected fora missionaryestablish- ‘ ment in the Chickasaw Nation. Could inis family be fitted out immediately, it is be lieved that some land might be cleared ready for a crop in the spring; and that many of the necessary buildings might be erected before the meeting of the Society next fall. The general government, pur suing a humane and enlightened policy, highly honourable to us as a nation, propo ses to defray three-fourths of the expense of the buildings; but the other expenses incurred in making such an establishment will, at the commencement, be very heavy. A wagon and team must be purchased, pro visions obtained, and implement* of husban dry and articles of domestick economy, will be indispensably necessary. It appears from the Report of the Treas urer, that, comparatively, but little has been received by him during the last year. What monies may be received during the present meeting of the Society, is yet un known to your Board. It is feared that we shall not be able to go forward immediately with an establishment in the Chickasaw Nation, unless we borrow money to a con siderable amount. But delay in the pre sent case would prove ruinous. By it, we would lose the confidence of the Indians, and blast onr prospects of usefulness ainoDgst them forever. We hope that the friends of the Society, that the friends of missions, that the friends of man, that the friends of religion and good order in civil society, will not suffer us to be cramped and fettered in our operations for want of funds. Trusting in God, and iu the liberality of our people, we shall venture to go forward with our work. Upper Longcane , Abbeville. MISSION AMONG THE CHOCTAWS. Extracts from the Journal kept at Elliot. (Continued from page 170.) Opening of a Road , 60 miles. June 10,1820. The men, who have been opening the road, returned in good health. Wagon* can now come from, the Pigeon Roost to Elliot without difficulty. This road has cost us about 65 days labour, be sides what was done by Capt. Folsom. Brother Fisk returned to-day. 13 Meeting for business. Resolved, that Mr. Jewell collect the remainder of the cattle subscribed last August, for the benefit of the schoel; and that a joint let ter be forwarded to the Beard, as soon as circumstances will admit. 14. A four-horse-wagon arrived at Elli ot ; the first, which was ever in this part of the country. It came from Tennessee, by the way of the Pigeon Roost and the new cut road, and brought/or a merchant in this place about 2,000 yards of homespun cotton cloth, an article much needed by the na tives. Some of them manufacture consid erable cloth; but there is by no means a supply made for the inhabitants. Judgment of a Tennessee Wagoner. 17. The person, who brought the cloth, has been with us two days, for the purpose of getting the wagon repaired at our shop. When the brethren Kingsbury and Williams were on their way to Yalo-Busha, in 1818, they had an interview with the same man. He had for many years been acquainted with the Indians, and had not the least con fidence in our undertaking. But now after observing minutely for two days the con duct and improvement of the scholars, he could not forbear letting us know the change of his opinion’on this subject. He is now as much surprised at the results, as he was at us in the fitst instance, for un dertaking the work. He made presents to the children, in small articles, to the amount of about 15 dollars. * * Rad example of White Traders. 18. There are several white men in the neighbourhood, who have come to trade with the natives in cattle, &c. They show no regard for (lie Sabbath, or religious in struction. Their example and conversa tion have great influence with the natives. How long shall those, who are educated in Christian lands, bring scandal upon that holy name, by which they are called. 19. A part of our supplies, which could not he brought in our own boat, were about the last of May put on board a boat bound for this place. The owner arrived j at Elliot to-day, having left the boat a con- | siderable distance below ; there not being sufficient water to britig it up. We have hopes, that (here will yet he a rise in the river. Generally we cannot calculate on receiving supplies by water, after the Ist of June. Violent Thunder Storm. This evening expet ionerd a violent thun der storm, attended by one of those destruc tive winds, which so often desolate this country. Its effects, however, were com paratively harmless, when estimated by those, which have been frequently experi enced. Several large trees were prostrat ed near the house, aud considerable damage Prior 5 $3,50 P r - w* ll * or i t ’ ( $3,00 in advance. > was donfr to the corn, it came on ve suddenly. The family were abroad in d*l ferent directions; but through the kiodJ providence of God, no one was injured,! though some were nearly surrounded by! the falling trees. The occasion furnished! a good opportunity for impressing the minds 1 ,of our childrenyvith the idea of the mighty 1 power of God. 20. Dr. Pride left home, with a boy and two pack horses, to bring some articles | from the boat, and secure the remainder.. All haDds were employed in repairing tlie fences which were broken down by the falling trees, in removing the scattered I limbs from off the corn, and m setting up , that, which was blown down. 22. Dr. Pride returned with some arti cles, which were much needed, from the boat. 23. The mission ha 9 for some time ex- i perienced very serious embarrassment for J want of help; particularly some person to I work with the boys, when out of school. I Brother Williams has lately been feeble, i and unable to attend to this part of the bn-1 siness. We have long expected the arrival I of brother and sister Wood, and the breth-1 ren Howes and Dyer ; but as yet we get nol intelligence of their approach. Visit o f Messrs. Stewart and Humphreys. 25. Mr. Thomas C. Stewart and Mr. David Humphreys, licensed preachers, visited us to-day. They are ng°ots from the Missionary Society of the Synod of Georgia and South Carolina, to explore the Indian tribes in the southwestern part of the U. States. They have obtained leave of ihe Chickasaw* to establish a school and mission in ti at tribe. We were refreshed by their labours of love, as they arrived in seasdn to preach for us on both parts of the day. This is a dry and thirsty land, where there is no water. Oh that the Lord would pour upon us the influences of his Holy Spirit. 26. Special meeting for business; Re solved., that a joint communication be for warded to the Prudential Committee, in quiring whether a large establishment, or a local school, shall be commenced in the Six-Towns. 27. Brother Jewell left Elliot for the purpose of collecting the cattle mentioned in a preceding resolution. They will be taken to the new establishment. This eve ning heard that brother and sister Wood, and the other brethren, whom we have so long expected, were at the. Walnut Hills, and are probably now on their way to this place. 28 Brother Williams went with a boy and horses to meet our brethren and sister, and guide them on their way to E! ! it. Our dear brethren Stewart and Humphreys took their leave of us this morning to re turn to South Carolina. Arrival of Messrs. Howes and Dyer. July 1. Were rejoiced tortay by the a* rival of Mr. Zechaiiah Howes, and Mr. Anson Dyer in good health. They had a long passage on the river, but were kindly preserved amidst many dangers. Mr. Wood was taken sick about 120 miles from Elliot; and, with his wife, remained be hind. Brother Williams went to their as sistance. We have long expected these brethren, and are greatly strengthened by their arrival. Sabbath 2. Had publick worship as usual. We greatly need another missionary. If the Prudential Committee and Christian publick knew our situation in this respect, they would heartily pity us. We are not weary of the work; but we exceedingly need some person, who can have leisurr to attend to our spiritual concerns, and to the souls of the dear people around us. . 4. Meeting for business: Resolved, that brethren Howes and Dyer direct the labour of the boys in the corn field, and on the piece of ground now clearing. . Difficulties of Missionary T^abour. 5. Sent our herdsman and a boy to assist brother Jewell in collecting and driving cattle. There are now three brethren, two boys, a hired man, and seven hoftes, gone from Elliot on necessary business. Another brother ought, if possible, to go in a few days to the new establishment. Peo ple who live in a civilized land, wher“ sup plies can be obtained within a few miles ; where they have the advantages of good roads and accommodations while on jour nies ; and where business can be conven ient ly transacted ti rough the medium of post offices ; —can have little idea of the difficulty and labour attending the transac tions of extensive business in the midt of [the wilderness. Our supplies must be ob tained, money procured, remittances made, help hired, and almost all business perform ed a* a distance of from 100 to 1,500 miles from EIII4 ; while our letters are. lodged at post-offices *lb, 100, and 150 miles dis tant. Brother Williams returned in the eve ning with the boy, who went to m *et him. His own health is much improved by the journey ; but he found brother and sister Wood very feeble and unable to ride. They are at the bouse of a white man, who is kind to (hem according to his ability; but the accommodations are very poor for sick’ people. 12. Mr. Howes has for several days beef*