Newspaper Page Text
No. 24 Vol. Vl.]
O.,AGE magnanimity.
The following interesting account of the delivery
of several Osage warriors into the hands of jus
tice, is from a letter written by the Rev. Mr.
Vaill at Union, to the Secretary of the United
Foreign Missionary Society. We copy it from
the N. Y. Missionary Register. The date of
y the letter is June 11,1824. —Family Visitor.
J Dear Sir , —l take the liberty of writing
Voyon with more freedom than when I am
performing an official duty, or’ detailing the
slatisticke of the Mission. ] shall never re
gret the pains which I have taken to be pre
sent at the Council, which has just been
held at the new Garrison; the most inter
esting, which, perhaps, was ever held in
an IndiaD country. The Gth inst. was ap
pointed for the surrendry of those crimin
als s oho had killed the whiles, to Col. Arbuc
kle,for trial. The Chiefs having requested
me to be present on the occasion, I went
with cheerfulness,yet with doubts and fears
respecting any good result of the interview.
iSo new.and so strange would it be for the
JPsag- Chiefs to deliver their men to be
tried for their lives. They had attempted,
last year, to take a murderer to the Fort,
a young man, for killing a Cherokee, and
had not been able to do it. How then
could they surrender six or seven of their
chief warriors? What power had the Chiefs
to do this ? and who ever heard of crimm
als giving up themselves ? All that we
know concerning the way 9 of these Indians
led us to fear, that when the day to resign
themselves arrived, the delinquents would
shrink back and be missing But God who
has all hearts in his hands, ordered it in a dis
ferent manner.
It is to be kept in mind, that among In
dians, the leaders of a war-party are ac
countable for all the mischief dooe by the
party. They conduct the campaign, and
give the orders, although, they do not fire
a gun. If therefore, innocent blood be
shed, the leaders are considered as the
criminals. The leader*, in the late affair,
were of course demanded. At the bead
of these was the noted Mad Buffalo, who
sent his war club to New York. I men
tion his name with the more regret, as he
had o lately resigned into your hands his
insignia belli. It would lengthen out my
Journal, to give a full account of the su
perstitions, mistake*, and deep delusions,-’
by which he was led to the lamentable deed.
Suffice it to say, that he and others
had lost relatives ; that it is considered by
them wrong to cea*e mourning, until they
have slain, or caused to be slain, some of
their enemies ; that they hnd just made an
unsuccessful campaign against the Pawnees :
that they were likely to return without
avenging the names of their deceased ; and
consequently that they could not put off the
tokens of mourning, and put on the sign*
of gladness; or, in other words, could not
shave and paint their heads, till they had
destroyed sotpe of their fellow-mortals.—
This led the deluded party to determine
on sacrificing the first human beings which
should fall in their way, and this happened
to be a camp of American*.
Os this war-party, Mad Buffalo was prime
leader. There were several others called
leaders, and a large number of young men
in a parly. Their leaders,'like all warri
ors, are men of renown, heads of bands, &
much respected among the people, it was
the universal opinion that they would not
Vlbrnit themselves for trial. From their
tong delay, the officers at the Fort had rea
sou to expect they would not. People,
who are most acquainted with these Indians,
were the first to say, “they will never
give themselves up.”
On the 7th, the whole town, to the num
ber of four thousand, had encamped at the
falls of the Verdigris, four miles from the
Fort. At 12 o’clock on the Gth, no Indians
had arrived. The Col. was in doubt as to
what they designed to do. He had thrown
up a breast work of wood, enclosing the en
camprnent and store*. He had made pre
parationsto meet them,provided they should
approach with hostile intentions. His mind
was collected and thonghtlul.-r—His inqui
fries, on my arrival, denoted some fear that
* they trigbl become turbulent, if not terri
fick.
About one o’clock, it was announced that
four hundred warriors were approaching.
They forded the river, about half a mile
above She Fort, and halted at a little dis
tance in the most perfect order. Many
of them brought their guns, bows and ar
rows, nod tomahawks, which was said to be
unusual when they met in Council. Indeed
I could'perceive some sign* of fear in those
around me, in the Fort. In a few minutes
the Col. invited Clamore and the other
Chiefs to an interview. The old Chief
came forward in complete American dress,
with the sash from his friend, Mr Little, of
Nets York, around his waist.—Hi* shirt,
was of fine linen, and ruffled —Coat and
pantaloons, of fine blue, formerly worn,
perhaps by some officer of distinction at
Washington. Clamore is naturally a stately
Indian, of about six feet in height, and his
towering pink plume, rising a foot above
his hat, gave him a noble appearance. In
stead of a sword, he carried in his hand his’
magnificent pipe. This was the first time
1 had ever seen the old Chief thus habited;
nd the moment 1 si* him in this attire, I
felt a secret impression that .something was
THE missionary.
to be done, honourable to bimself, and hap
py for tbe nation. His countenance was
uncommonly placid. He seemed to feel
his dignity, and when I took him by the
hand, I perceived that he was friendly, and
was thinking to do right.—This Chief, like
all other men, has his failings ; but I never
meet him without feeling a strong attach
ment towards him, mingled with respect.
I love Clamore, and believe he loves and
respects all our countrymen. He certain
ly has had many advantages above the bulk
of the natioo, and has a mind of great pene
tration. It has been said, that he sometimes
acts a double part for the sake of popularity;
and that be has secretly opposed tbe reform
ation of bis people thro’ tbe instrumentality
of this Mission. Be this as it may, his con
duct on the memorable occasion before us,
which is in-perfect coincidence with all his
•publick declarations, evinces a disposition
to do the thing that is best for bis na
tion.
There were present two good Interpre
ters, viz. Mr. Williams and Francois Mo
gre. The Col. opened the talk, by stating
that he was ready to receive those men,
who were leaders in the party that killed
the whites. To this Clamore replied, that
his people wished to havp these men tried
by the Commanding Officer at this place.
The Col. then fully explained to him his
incompetency id try men for a trespass
against tbe Civil Government; the tenor
of our laws; the way in which it would pro
ceed ; and the care which would be taken
to come at the truth, and to d?> justice. He
also gave assurance, that the men should
be conducted in safsty to Little Rock, the
seat of Justice, for (his Territory. This
satisfied the Chiefs, and led them to request
the Col. f, repeat the same talk in the
hearing of all the people. They then re
tired, and the old Chief harangued his peo
pie for twenty minute*, repeating the talk
he had heard, and making promises to the
unhappy men, that their families should be
provided for. Tims the scene became
more and more interesting to the anxious
spectators. Will these ‘men, after, all,
willingly submit ? Can it be ? was the se
eret inquiry that went round.
A large Council Circle was formed, and
the criminals were seated in the centre.
The Col. then repeated in the ears of the
criminals the explanations and assurances
already given ; and a scene followed, as
leeling as it was surpri*irg. Six Indian
warriors, possessed oi’ all the greatness
of Roman Generals, resigning themselves,
with mure than Roman tirmno**, into the
had® of our Government, to be tried for
th> lives. Mud, Buffalo, in a full Ameri
can uniform, first arose, and taking each
ot us hy the hand, tbu® addressed the Com
manding Officer: “ American Chief, it was
hy accident that lho*e white people were
killed. But at your word, I will go to an
“iver for thi* offence.” His voice was a
little agitated, but full. Ilis countenance,
naturally fierce and savage, was now hold
and firm. As he closed, the Councellors
and Fathers round the circle, in very mild
accent*, pronounced ivhat he had said to
be right. This response was calculated
io strengthen the criminals In their decision.
The second then arose and said, “ Chief, I
have never wished to krll while men ; no,
when they have come to mv town, I have,
with pleasure, fed them. But since yon
wish roe logo and answer for this affair I
will go.” Another rose and said, “My
Great Father, I have lived in peace,till you
see ray head is full of gray hairs, and no.w
they are covered with sorrow. At your
word, I will go.” In iaogauge like thi*
did each separately address the Colonel.
Yes, my dear Sirin language and manner
affecting to the most insensible heart. To
each, the old Councellors responded a note
of approbation, which bespoke the unanimi
ty of the natioo in the measure. There
were present, also, delegates from tbe peo
ple of While Hair’s village, the Little Osa
ges, and Shungeh Moineh’s town, to testify
their satisfaction in having the criminals
given up; and two of whom came forward &
addressed the Col. to that effect.
Here, Sir, was a scene deeply affecting
to my feelings. It almost overcame me.
I said, is (bis possible ? Have these men,
who never read a syllable of true greatness,
a magnanimity so great ? Are their sa
vage minds capable of such a sense of hon
our ?
A general silence ensued. All were as
tonished. The criminals took their seats
with a countenance neither malicious nor
fearful, hut honest and thoughtful. I may
say with confidence, that no one saw on
that day a malicious look in aa Osage
I would go further, and say, that since my
arrival in this country,! have scarcely seen
one of the natioo cast a malicious eye.
In a subsequent address Col. Arbttckle
was led to remark, that they had conducted
in a manner most honourable to them*elves,
and that be never entertained so high ao
opinion of the nation before. He told the
prisoners that had they been guilty, they
would have taken to tbe prairie and not
appeared at the Fort; that their very
countenances indicated innocence; that it
was not for him to predict the result of the
trial; but that they could have done noth
ing more calculated to lead to a favourable
result. Mad Buffalo in particulr gained
Os all the dispositions and l”,it/which kidto PFea '? * ?° f|rtl ,0 creatnr e.-J t ,us Christ.
_ Rhleadto P o!,ti cal P ro, P er "Ji Region and Morality are indispensable supports— Washington.
MOUNT ZION, (HANCOCK COUNTY, GEORGIA,) MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1824.
great honour to himself. When the time
came for them to bid adieu to their fami
lies, natural affection gained the ascenden
cy, and they were led to request liberty to
be with their husbands two days longer.
With his accustomed wisdom the Col.
removed the difficulty by assuring them
that their wives and children might come
to see them at any time while they remain
ed at the Fort. They then rose and fol
lowed the Col. into the Garrison, where
Ihey were received by the soldiers, and
conveyed away for safe keeping. During
all this time not a sigh nor a cry was beard
among the people ; a thing without paral
lel in the nation. For, usually on the smal
lest occurrence rather unpropitious, there
is much crying and sobbing. Indeed, so far
from opposing the measure, the women
were all in favour of it; knowing that it
will save them and their children from be
ing dv:!royed by war. The Col. expressed
the highest satisfaction at the conduct of
tbe people generally, and treateff them not
merely as a friend, but as a father. He
gave them the customary presents in food
aud tobacco; but was careful to give them
noibing until they had done the business for
whioh they came to tbe Fort. At night,
the chiefs slept in the Commander’s tent,
and the people generally returned to their
Camp.
On the 9th, (hey returned to the Can
tonment, and various subjects of grievances
from the Whites, were brought forward,
such as horses stolen and not restored. In
the opening of the talk, on this day, the old
Chief” took me by the hand and said, you
must not speak oo the affair* of the Mission
to-day, as i have so much business on hand,
and that can be done another time. It wa*
with some reluctance that the Col. brought
forward these matters of grievances, a*
some ot them were matters of long standing,
and as they had conducted so nobly in the
more important affair of yielding their men.
To prevent these evils in future, the Col.
aod Agent (who was present during the
whole transaction, and who collected the
ludians and brought them to the Fort) pro
posed that they should appoint a National
Council, to advise and to act in all case o , to
which they joyfully agreed, and the next
day, the 10th, was agreed upon for this pur
pose. The Commanding Officer and the
Agent were to meet the people at their
encampment, and lead them to the election
of proper officers. A* it wa° not consistent
for me to attend that Council, I am not able
to give you the result.
The following sober and considerate re
marks are copied from the Nashville Whig,
published immediate!)’ after the close of the
Electoral Election in that State. They de
serve to be inscribed m letters of gold, on
the portals of every court-house and of ev
ery church throughout our country. It is
too true, tve fear, that, in many parts of the
country, education, instead of advancing, a
we have been accustomed to flatter our
selves, is on the decline. We do not speak
of college learuing, of cour j e, because
the facilities for acquiring that description
of education are rapidly multiplying and ex
tending themselves over the country. We
speak of a common schooLeducation—inclu
ding a knowledge of reading, writing, arith
inetick, a general idea of geography and
history, some notion of the nature of gov
ernment in general, and especially of our
own government, and of the duty of a good
citizen. Sic. Unless instruction in these
matters be better attended to, we fear that,
in the parts of our country more remote
from its centre, the people will, in time,
begin to imbibe very confused notions of le
gal and political rights, duties, and obliga
tions. Nay, we have already seen consid
erable approaches, in avowals of political
sentimeot, to the conclusion, that all gov
ernment is a nuisance, all Jaw a restraint
on the principles of nature, and all judges,
in particular, a sort of ferae natures, whom it
is quite amusing, and very patriotir.k with
al, to hunt down. —National Intelligencer.
“Now that the Presidential Election is
over, (at least so far as the great mass of
the people can have any concern in the af
fair) it is time to think of other matters.
Not (hat every thing else has been by all
Deglected, in the heat of political discussion,
but it is strictly troe, that many things have
been forgotten and overlooked, and great
changes .worought in many respects by
means of (hie contest. Although the choice
of a President was an interesting subject,
yet there are many others equally inter
esting, and more immediately affec
ting the interests of the people at
large. The discussion which has grown
out of this subject has perhaps manifested
to many who have heretofore thought too
little on thte subject, the great advantage
and convenience of education. Many men
of naturally aound mind and vigorous intel
lect, find tbemselves devoid of information
with regard to the ordinary topicks of the
day, from the want of education. On such
occasions, they experience the mortification
of seeing their natural inferiors rise above
them in apparent knowledge. Let it then
stimulate such persons to educate their chil
dren. Education is wealth, talent is power,
in a free government. Os the four distin
guished characters who fill so large a space
in the publick eye, three, at least, have ris
en from obscurity, and sprung from the
bumble walks of private life—their parents
poor, themselves unprovided for, except by
natural abilities and native energies. What
youth, then, in all our country, is too hum
ble to aspire to the highest eminence on
the pinacle of fame; the most elevated seat
in tbe government of our country!”
From the North American Review.
We recommend to those who are prepa
ring themselves for the publick ministry,
Fenelon’s Dialogues on Eloquence. It is
remarked in a preface to this work, by the
Chevalier Ramsay, that “ the ancients bad
treated the subject of eloquence in various
ways, as logicians, as grammarians, and as
criticks; but the Archbishop of Cambray
had gone farther, and treated it as a philo
sopher and a Christian.” Probably no
man understood the principles of eloquence
better than Fenelon. His taste was formed
on the purest models, the study of the
Greeks aad Romans, and of that book,which
afford* more instances of genuine simplicity
and true snblime than any other, the Holy
Scriptures. No mistake is more common
among our young preachers, than an un
worthy affectation of a sparkling brilliancy.
They seem to think the genuine spirit of
eloquence consists in decorating common
and ordinary thoughts in a rich and imagi
naitive dress, no matter bow fantastic, and
how little in harmony with the conception.
“ Uucommon expressions,” says Hume,
“strong flashes of wit, pointed similies, and
epigramtn.virk turns, especially when they
recur too frequently, often disfigure rather
than embellish a discourse. It commonly
happens in snch cases, that twenty insipid
conceit* are found, for one thought which
is really beautiful.” We know of no pro
duction better fitted to correct this mistake,
than the dialogue, which we have mention
ed. The author is au advocate for simpli
city, though he shows no hostility to sub
dued ornament, and those occasional meta
phors, which, in the excitement of descrip
tion and argument, are thrown out burning
from the heart.
If simplicity and a natural manner of ex
pression are requisite to eloquence in gen
eral, bow necessary is it to that species
termed the eloquence of the pulpit. The
truths of religion cannot be said to come
“mended” from the preacher’s tongne, un
less they are pronounced with plainness of
speech, and are attended with earnestness,
resulting from a conviction of their impor
tance. Tbe subjects introduced in pulpit
discussions are of too high and holy a nature
to admit cf the tawdry decorations which
■an untutored imagination, especially when
joined to a heart unmoved, would be inclin
ed to communicate to them. This point
deserves the more consideration, when it
is lelt that without a chastened imagination
and a correct taste, all attempts at extem
poraneous eloquence will be likely to prove
utterly unsuccessful. But a cultivated taste
i9 not all, nor will freedom from puerilities
and improprieties of expression alone,
make one eloquent; there are also requir
ed the earnestness of conviction, the genu
ine pathos of nature and truth, the flames
of a heavenly animation kindling in the
soul. It is the best policy for a publick
speaker to dispense with all tricks of rheto
rick, which are fitted merely to amuse, and
that profusion of ornament, which is the
mask of a weak, and always of an undisci
plined mind, and whether his language be
premeditated or extemporaneous, to have
his own heart full of the subject, and to aim
directly at the heart of “his hearers by the
shortest avenues, and with tbe greatest pos
sible power.
RELIGIOUS.
AN ACCOUNT OF A CAMP-MEET
ING HELD IN TELFAIR COUNTY,
GEORGIA.
To the Editors of the Methodist Magazine.
Dublin, Georgia, Sept 13, 1824.
Dear Brethren,
Perhaps it will be gratifying to your rea
der* to hear that God has revived his work
in the thinly settled parts of Georgia. If
you think (be following worthy of publick
attention, you may insert it in your excel
lent Magazine.
For several years past religion has been
at a very low etb about the fork of the
Oconee and Oaktnnlgee rivers. The peo
ple who live there, and for miles above and
below, with a few exceptions, were entire
ly thoughtless of eternity. Many bad given
themselves up to wickedness, and others
were strongly inclined (o infidelity. And
though they have bad Methodist preaching
for years, but few embraced the gospel;
so that our preachers bad to join in the
prophet’s lamentatioo, Lord who hath be
lieved our report , and unto whom is the arm
of the Lori revealed.
For the last two years religion ha 9 been
[Price $3. 50 per arm.
gradually gaining ground. A few miles
above the junction of the two rivers, sever
al joined society, and last year they desired
to have a Camp-meeting, which was grant
ed them. This meeting proved a blessing
to many. Camp-meeeting in that place for
this year, commenced Wednesday evening,
September I. It was attended principally
by the people of Telfair, Montgomery and
Appling conoties. ’ The congregation
amounted to about six hundred. Rut here
the presence of God was manifested in a
powerful manner in tbe awakening and con
version of many precious souls.
During the first sermoo the congregation
appeared very solemn ; and under the se
cond, many began to cry for mercy. From
this time, the work went on in a surprising
manner—Crowds flocked into the altar,
desiring the prayers of preachers and peo
ple, all of whom appeared in the greatest
distress. On Saturday aod Sunday tbe
good Physician applied the balm of Gilead
to many of their wounded souls and made
their broken hearts to rejoice.
It was common for these young converts,
as soon as they felt the pardoning love of
God, to rise and declare what God bad done
for their souls, aod conclude by exhorting
sinners to seek salvation. Among others,
(here were several children from twelve to
fourteen years of age, earnestly engaged
in exhorting their friends to fly to Jesus,
assuring them that He was merciful and
would receive them if they would eubtnit
to him. And it shall come to pass in the
last days, that I will pour out my Spirit on all
Jlesh , and your sons and your daughters shall
• prophesy. These words seemed to be re
markably fulfilleffion tbe present occasion.
Oo Sunday evening the work spread in an
astonishing manner through the congrega
tion. Some who had made it a subject of ,
ridicule, began now to experience its bles
sed effects themselves. In the midst of
this work, a Baptist preacher who had been
. labouring with us during the meeting, arose
on the stand, and declared to the congrega-
I tion that he had no doubt but this was the
i work of God; and warned the people, es
. pecially professors of other denominations,
of the dangerous consequences of opposing
. God’s work, and of fighting against Him.
. He told them (bat he felt as solemn as
. death. Then lifting up his bauds and eyes
. towards heaven, he prayed God to send bo
. ly fire on the people. An awful solemnity
. rested on the assembly, and the power of
the Highest overshadowed the coogrega
tion. Some fell to the ground, and others
screamed for mercy. He proposed to the
mourners to come into the altar; and it was
soon crowded with penitents who continued
in prayer to God until after midnight. Dur
ing this time Gbd spoke peace to many of
their souls.
On Monday morning thirty-four professed
to hare been converted at this meeting, and
a number went home fully resolved not to
rest until they found Jesus precious to their
souls. I trust (he fruits of this meeting will
continue to appear. To God be all the
glory.
I am, dear brethren,*
Yours in Christian lore,
JOHN J. TRIGGS.
NEW ENGLAND HABITS.
Nothing can more significantly indicate the state
of ft-eiing in New England, in reference to reli
gion, and the consequent effect on the publick
morals and happiness, than the subjoined pro
clamation, by the Governour of Maine. It ie
similar in tone to the proclamations issued an
nually for the same purpose by the governors of
all the New England” States. We wish that
the practice were adopted in all the States,
and by the National Government. “ Righte
ousness exalteth a nation.'”— Columbian Star.
To render thanksgiving and praise to
their infinite benefactor is the duty and pri
vilege of men. We are the creatures of
his power, in whom he has an unalienable
right; rational creatures, made capable of
rendering the exalted tribute ; dependant
creatures, who rely every moment on hit
goodness for existence and happiness; fa
voured creatures, on whom he has lavished
the blessings of his bountiful providence;
guilty creatures, to whom be has extended
his gracious compassion, through the atone
ment of bis Son. Our obligations, indeed,
can never be fulfilled; but we are permit
ted to acknowledge and express them.
And He, who is “fearful in praises/’ has
condescended to say to guilty men, “ Who
so offereth praise glorifieth me. Offer un
to God thanksgivings, and pay thy vows
unto the Most High.”
The praises of individuals, families and
religious societies are prescribed in the word -
of God. There also we fiod intimations
that He expects the same tribute from Com
monwealths and Nations; bat it devolves
on the civil Magistrate to remiod bis fellow
citizens of (be duty, and designate a time for
the united offering.
In compliance, therefore, with the cus
tom of our ancestors, and with the expecta
tions of the people, I have thought fit to
appoint, and with the advice of the Council,
do hereby appoint Thursday the second day
of December next , to be observed as a day of
publick thanksgiving and praise.
And I do earnestly recommend, that all
secular busioess and recreation be suspend
ed, and that the day be devoted to God as
a religious solemnity ; that all religions so.