The missionary. (Mt. Zion, Hancock County, Ga.) 1819-182?, December 13, 1824, Image 1

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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.