accusations and vain objections brought against it by the heathen. Nor is it less interesting to state, that the females which have joined our church, seem to take a lively interest in the cause, and often seek opportunities, by going to different houses, of communicating truth to their own sex, and are sometimes successful in persuading a few to break away from their former customs, to go to the house of worship, and to listen to a preached Gospel.

Besides these methods of spreading the knowledge of salvation through Christ, we have taken tours, in which we have visited most of the parishes in the district, and some of the neighboring islands. On these tours we spend as much time, as circumstances render proper, always taking our supplies with us, as it would be altogether imprudent to depend either upon the generosity, or the compassion of the people; and even if we could, their scanty store would not always afford our necessary food. It is our grand object to preach the Gospel to every creature wherever we go, and to declare, as may be best suited to the hearer, the whole counsel of God.-It is hardly necessary to add, that our opportunities for a judicious and profitable distribution of tracts and books, are very numerous; and it is matter of deep regret that, through the failure of our printing establishment, and of funds, we are, in this respect, very much embarrassed.'

The Boarding Schools.

By some of the above remarks, you wil understand that our boarding schools stil continue to be a source of great encouragement. We have recently commenced a school of this description, at Manepy, so that we now have one at each station. Perhaps it may be thought by some, that

We

are forsaking the more appropriate work of a missionary, and confining our attention too much to the education of these children and youth. But it should be distinctly understood, that the care and instruction of these schools devolve, in a great degree, on the females of our mission, assisted by natives; and though domestic duties may prevent them from laboring, to any great extent, among the people, they be very way useful to the cause. may in this -In these schools, much religious instruction is daily given, and all possible care is taken to keep the scholars from the contaminating influence of heathen customs. The change effected in the habits of these children, by the discipline of a few days only, is exceedingly interesting, and the number from these schools who have been added to our church, sufficiently proves, that the moral influence of such discipline is most happy in its cffects.

Admission to the Church.

In some of our former letters, we mentioned the hopeful conversion of two girls in the boarding-school at Tillipally, and also that some other individuals gave evidence of a change of heart. On the 21st of December, these girls, Miranda Safford and Mary Poor,* and the hired man of Mr. Richards, Daniel Smead, were admitted to the church. One of the girls and the hired man received the ordinance of baptism; the other, being from a Roman Catholic family, had been previously baptized. These two were the first females we have received to our communion from among the heathen; and as they have made considerable progress in reading, and in a knowledge of the word of God, as well as in many things of less importance, we cannot but hope they will be made a great blessing to many of their own sex.

A boy, named S. B. Gautier, belonging to the boarding school at Panditeripo, has also been admitted to our church. For some months past there have been favorable appearances at Oodooville. Some individuals connected with the station, and two or three in a neighboring village, expressed great anxiety for the salvation ef their souls; and there was encouragement to hope, that five or six would eventually be added to our church. In these hopes we have not been entirely disappointed. Four of the number, the instructor of the boarding school, one male and one female domestic, and a woman in the neighborlhood, were received into the church, on Ithe 21st of last month. Most of the brethren and sisters, and a very large congregation of native people, were present. After the sermon, three of the candidates knelt and received the ordinance of baptism. The other one, having been a member of Mr. David's school, had been previously baptized by him. They were then all admitted into fellowship with the church. Mr. and Mrs. Winslow's child, and six children of the newly admitted members, were also baptized. The ordinance of the Lord's supper was then administered, and the whole concluded by singing the doxology. All the exercises, excepting the prayer before the baptism of Mr. Winslow's child, were in Tamul. This was a most interesting scene. We had never before witnessed the heathen coming to Christ, bearing their children in their arms. We had never before, at one time, received so many; nor had we before admitted an individual from the midst of the heathen, entirely removed from every influence, excepting that of a preached Gospel, as was the case of the

* The original names of these girls were Chelly and Mariel. Editor.

woman in the neighborhood. The congregation gazed with apparent astonishment, wondering whereunto this would grow. Our little church now consists of 32 members, of whom 17 are Malabars; and we are happy to add, with devout thankfulness, that we have as yet admitted no one, who does not come out from the world, and give evidence of spiritual communion with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

All of these persons had been more or less opposed by their relatives. Several attempts were made to withdraw the two girls from the school, and often, when they went to hold religious conversation with the women, they were ridiculed, and sometimes abused. "Their conduct at this time," say the missionaries, "gave us the best proof of their being renewed in heart." ." Smead, being at a greater distance from his relations, who live at Trincom alee, has been less opposed; though his uncle came to Tillipally for the purpose of reclaim. ing the offender, "who had brought so much disgrace upon his family." Smead, in return for the arguments, sarcasms, reproaches, and abuse of his uncle, earnestly entreated him to attend immediately to the salvation of his soul.-Two others from the heathen have offered themselves as candidates for admission to the church; but, though nothing appears against them, while there is much in their favor, a longer trial seemed to be expedient. One of them, whose name is Pandar. um, resides in Tillipally; the other resides in Oodooville, and is the husband of the woman above mentioned.

A Christian Marriage.

At Tillipally, on the 3d of April, Daniel Smead and Miranda Safford, both mentioned above as members of our church, gave their friends and relatives an opportunity of witnessing a Christian marriage.

This was

a new circumstance. The ceremony, conducted by Mr. David, was in the church, and in the presence of many heathen, principally the relatives and friends of the couple. This marriage has, for several reasons, produced considerable excitement among the people. The parties are of different casts. Smead is of the Vellale cast, which, on this island, is second only to that of the Brahmins. Miranda is of the Chanda cast, which is comparatively low. According to the custom of the people, an individual of one of these casts cannot marry, nor even eat with, an individual of the other. But, at this time, prejudice and custom lost their influence, and all united in partaking of a feast prepared for the occasion on our

premises. One of the most extraordinary circumstances in the view of the heathen, is, that Smead and Miranda are in the habit of eating together. This practice does not obtain, even among the Roman Catholics of this country; and the heathen think it quite intolerable that a woman should eat with her husband. We feel gratified, that this event has had a good effect, and that three girls of good cast, from the village where this girl lived, have, in consequence, been offered to become members of the school.

The concluding remarks in the letter, though not new, are deserving of very attentive consideration.

It cannot be supposed that a cause, in which the temporal and eternal welfare of so many souls is involved, can be carried forward without constant and extensive efforts; neither can it be supposed that He, from whose undiminished treasures all the nations of the earth are supplied, has committed his cause to such weak instruments, without pledging himself to bestow all needed aid. We feel that he has thus pledged himself, and that he will not only redeem his pledge, but that for any temporal enjoyment, which is, with proper feelings, sacrificed for the cause of Christ, he will restore a hundred fold in this world, and in the world to come life everlasting.We exhort all to prepare for a long and vigorous struggle with the powers of darkness, and to put on the whole armor of God: for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.-Much land remains to be possessed, and the missionary stations already occupied, are but poorly furnished with laborers. Every individual follower of Jesus should distinctly understand, that the work of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations, is not the work of a day. It is the proper business of life; and may not be accomplished, till our children's children more fully comprehend the nature and extent of the promises, and, more promptly obeying the commandments of God, shall labor more faithfully, suffer more cheerfully, and contribute more liberally, to for ward this glorious cause.

In the bonds of Christian fellowship
Most truly yours,

J. RICHARDS.
B. C. MEIGS.
D. POOR.

M. WINSLOW.

L. SPAULDING. H. WOODWARD. J. SCUDDER.

MISSION AMONG THE CHOCTAWS.

MAYHEW.

Extracts from the Journal of the Mission.

(Continued from Vol. xviii, p. 378.)

THE journal states, that intermittent and remittent fevers, of an unusually malignant type, have prevailed, not only through the Choctaw nation, but through the western country generally.

On the 5th of October last, Mr. Kingsbury commenced a journey to the south-east part of the nation. His object was to select a scite for a new school, and to make arrangements for putting the school into operation Two days afterwards, Mr. Jewell left Mayhew to join company with Mr. Kingsbury at the res idence of the "Mingo," (or principal chief,) about 20 miles from Mayhew-For the support of the contemplated school, an appropriation of $1,000 annually, for 6 years, was made by the Choctaws, in March, 182; but various circumstances have prevented its establishment till the present time.

Face of the Country.

The course, which the brethren travelled after leaving Mayhew, was S. by E. The first 40 miles was through a level, rich prairie country, interspersed with copses of trees, like islands scattered through the ocean. But generally the woodland was most extensive, and appears to form the ground work, in which the prairies are interspersed. The margin of the creeks, for a considerable distance, were covered with heavy timber, principally oak and hickory. The country, though extremely fertile, has but few inhabitants. This is owing to the want of water. There are scarcely any springs that appear on the surface, and all the small branches or brooks are dry through the summer and autumn. Probably there are many springs concealed under the rich, alluvial soil, which, if the country should be inhabited by civilized people, would be found by a little digging. This has been the case at Mayhew. Only two streams of running water were found in the above distance of 40 miles. The first was Catawpah, five miles from Mayhew; the other was ooknoxibee, a large creek which empties into the Tombigbee, about 60 miles below the mouth of the Ook-tib-be-hah, and about 150 miles above St. Stephens. The largest creeks in this country are small, at this season of the year, and may be easily forded; but in the winter they be

come large, and frequently overflow their banks to the extent of from one to three miles. This renders travelling in the winter season, extremely difficult. From a dry and hard road, which is almost every where found in the autumn, the country is suddenly transformed into a region of mud, with extensive swamps covered with water, and large overflowing creeks.

At the distance of 40 miles from Mayhew, the brethren left the military road, which leads to New Orleans, and took a course more easterly, in a direction towards St. Stephens. The remainder of the way was through a woody country, some part of which was very hilly, through a barren soil, and many small streams of pure water.

Scite of a New Station.

At the distance of 100 miles, after leaving the military road, the brethren arrived at what are called the Long Prairies, near where the line, which separates the states of Mississippi and Alabama, intersects the dividing line between the Choctaw country and the white settlements on the south. At this place resides H. Nail, an aged white man, or, as he is called, an "Indian countryman," who married a "quarteroon" Choctaw woman. He has had 13 children, 12 of whom are living. His son, about 25 years old, an industrious, intelligent man, is settled near his father, and has a family of small children. These people have done much to improve the condition of the Choctaws in this part of the nation. Joel Nail, the son, is captain of the "light-horse," or regulating company in this district, and has much influence with the principal captains. They are very friendly to the object of the missionaries.

The "light horse" here spoken of, consists of a company of ten men appointed to act as a patrol, for the purpose of punishing offenders, collecting debts, &c. This company had its origin at a general council in the N. E. district about a year before; and was the first instance of the organization of a civil power among the Choctaws, for the purpose of executing the laws.

As many conveniences were found in this neighborhood for the accommodation of a school, the brethren, after mature and prayerful deliberation, determined to make the first establishment at this place. A scite was selected within about half a mile of the above families. It is on the east side of the Buckatunnee, a large creek, which runs southerly and empties into the Chickisahha. Preparations were immediately made to have some cabins erected, and a supply of provisions secured.

The seite is about two miles from white settlements; about 25 miles from the nearest landing place in the Tombigbee, and 50 miles N. W. of St. Stephens.-The intelligence which follows, in respect to the progress of Indian civilization, is certainly very important. It will perhaps occur to the minds of our readers, that no attempts to suppress intemperance on this Christian, civilized land, have had balf the success, which has attended those made among the Choctaws.The dreadful custom of destroying infants with its remedy, is brought distinctly to view. Every where, "the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty."

The prospects of this part of the nation are encouraging, as it respects civilization. Several important laws have lately been made by the chiefs, and promptly executed by the regulating company.

Law for the suppression of Intemperance.

The object of one of these laws is, to suppress intemperance. For a long time, the Choctaws have carried on a great trade in whiskey. Those who could raise money, or who had cattle to dispose of, would purchase large quantities in the settlements, for the purpose of retailing it at a great advance upon the first cost. Four years ago, the price was one dollar for a bottle containing about half a pint. No sooner was it announced, that a cargo of whiskey had arrived, than all within hearing would assemble, and never quit the place till it was consumed. Those who had money would give it. When that was wanting, clothes, blankets, guns, and every species of property, would be freely given in exchange for whiskey, with very little regard to the comparative value of the articles. It would be impossible to describe the evils, which resulted from the practice. Poverty, wretchedness, quarrelling, and murder, filled the country. This is now wholly stopped in this part of the nation. What could not be checked by the influence of the government, or the strong arm of civil power, is now completely put down by the Choc

taws themselves.

Law respecting Infanticide.

Another important law is against infanticide. From time immemorial, the Choctaws have considered this no crime. Hundreds of helpless children have been inhuVOL. XIX.

it had better be dead than alive. Sometimes it is destroyed before birth. Sometimes the mother digs a grave, and buries it alive, soon after it is born. Sometimes she puts it to death by stamping on its breast, by strangling it, or by knocking it on the head. Yes! this horrid practice has prevailed for ages among the Choctaws! Thanks he to God, it is now likely to be effectually checked.

A woman was lately brought before a council of captains and warriors in the district, charged with having killed her infant child. On trial it appeared, that when the child was three days old, she killed it by knocking it on the head with a pine knot. She was tied to a tree, and whipt till she fainted. Her husband, who had instigated her to this deed, was punished in like maThis was the first punishment inflicted, in this nation, for infanticide; and, it is believed, the practice will soon be abandoned, at least in this district.

ner.

Different Indian Clans.

On the 16th, Mr. Kingsbury left Mr. Jewell to make further arrangements relative to the school, and proceeded, in company with Mr. J. Nail, towards the Chickisahha, Huwahnee, and Sixtowns. These lie in a N. W. direction from the scite selected for the school. After travelling about 25 miles, they crossed the Chickisahha. Near this place, which is about 25 miles north of the southern boundary of the Choctaw nation, the French formerly had a fort, and a Roman Catholic church. It is said that, in high water, they brought large boats up the river to this fort. At this season of the year, the Chickisahha* is not more than 30 or 40 yards wide; and the navigation would now be much obstructed by trees. Large boats are sometimes, with much difficulty, brought as far as Winchester, 50 miles below.

After having gone five miles from the river, they came to a place where about 500 men, women, and children were assembled to attend a ball-play. The Chickisahha and Huwahnee captains were on the ground. The usual dance was for a while postponed, and the captains and warriors

assembled to hear a short talk relative to the school. They were highly pleased that a school was to be opened near them, and

* In former communications, the name of this river has been spelt Chickasawhay. The above orthography corresponds with the pronunciation, the accent being on the penult.

declared themselves satisfied with the scite that had been selected.

From this place, Mr. Kingsbury proceeded westerly through the Sixtowns. This is by far the most numerous clan in the S. E. district. On this account, the whole district has frequently been called the Sixtowns, but improperly. It comprises four clans, the Chickisahha, the Huwahnee, the Sixtowns, and the Coonshas. Formerly they lived in six compact towns, but are now scattered over the country for the convenience of wood, water, and agricultural pursuits. Each of these clans is under the direction of a principal man, or. leader, who, since the war, in which the Choctaws were employed with the United States' troops, are called captains. These captains are under a chief, who is styled Mingo, or king.

ness.

The captain of the Sixtowns, whose name is Hwoo-la-ta-hoo-mah, or, in plain English, Red Fort, is an active, energetic man; possessing a great share of intelligence and firmHe rejoiced much that there was to be a school in the district; but was very sorry it was not to be in his clan. As the school at the Long Prairies was designed to be small, and it was desirable that there should be two in

the district, Mr. Kingsbury gave assurance, that

he would write to the Prudential Committee to have good persons sent out, to open a small school among his people. Hwoo-la-tahoo-mah himself also wrote a letter, stating the laws he had made for the government of his people, and his wishes relative to a school. This letter has been received. Possibly the language was dictated by some white person; but, for aught that appears, the hand. writing is his own. The writing is not elegant; but then it is not bad; and it often becomes our duty to read letters, which are less plainly written. Excepting a few cases of punctuation, we give the letter unaltered.

The whiskey drinking is wholly stopt among my warriors.

The Choctaw women have long been in the way of destroying their infants, when they did not like to provide for them. I have made a law to have them punished, that no more innocent children be destroyed.

The Choctaws formerly stole hogs, and cattle, and killed them. I have appointed a company of faithful warriors to take every man who steals, and tie him to a tree, and give him thirty-nine lashes.

It has been the custom with the Choctaws, when there are three or four sisters, and they marry, that they all live together in one house. I do not want it to be so any longer. I have told them to move away from each other, and settle by themselves, and work, and make fields, and raise provision.

The Choctaws have taken each others' wives, and run away with them. We have now made a law, that those who do so, shall be whipt thirty-nine lashes. And if a woman runs away from her husband, she is to be whipt in the same manner.

The Choctaws, some of them, go to Mobile and New Orleans. I have told my warriors to stay at home and work; and if they go, and do not get back in time to plant corn, their corn is to be burnt down.

The number of men, women and children in the Sixtowns, is 2164.

I want the good people to send men and women to set up a school in my district. I want them to do it quick. I am growing old. I know not how long I shall live. I want to see the good work before I die. We have always been passed by, and have had no one to advise and assist us. Other parts of the nations have schools; we have none. We have made the above laws, because we wish to follow the ways of the white people. We hope they will assist us in getting our children educated.

This is the first time I write a letter. Last fall the first time we make laws. I say no more. I have told my wants. I hope you will not forget me.

HWOOLATAHOOMAH.

Some may smile at the above system of jurisprudence; and some, perchance, may feel the need of professional skill, to explain the latter part of the statute which respects the going to Mobile and New Orleans. For ourselves, we regard these laws as the certain prelude of a more perfect code. The evils which they aim to suppress, viz. intem. perance, infanticide, idleness, &c.-are the very evils, which were hurrying the Choctaws to final ruin as a people.

The laws are as wise as those, which have