E99 .C6C75 y^Pj' ^^"^i. %^^K** ^^\ "•^^*' J'^^ • ^S**''* *?-%. ^^ wah nan, Nin dah moiig wuli dah seewh ; Ta ba uing a, wee je e shin Che zhuh zliee bain duh mon. Kuh ke null ta ba ne muh jig, Tuh muh mon zhe tw.ih wug; Oda bah bun dah nah wah go" ' Ka we tuh nuh kee wod. I'h pee kee mah wun doo nuh dwali Ka wah sa yah ze jig; Ke uuh gall qii di duh in ili goog suh Ka bah pc uaiu dung ig ! HYMN. c. M. NUHGUHMOWIN. c. m. Tliere is n. land of pure (lelij:lit, Where saints immortal veigu ; Infinite clay excludes tlie night, And pleasures banish pain. There everlasting spring abides, And never-withering flowers : Death, like a narrow ?ea, divides This heavenly land from ours. Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood Stand dress'd in living green : So to the Jews old Caiuiaji stood, While Jordan roU'd between. But timerou3 mortals start and shrink To cross this narrow sea : And linger, shivering on the brink, And fear to launch away. O could "we niJike our doubts remove Those gloomy thoughts that rise, And see the Canaan that we love. With unbeclouded eyes I I'll yah muh gud suh kah ge ga, Me no luh niih kee win ; Kah wee kah te be kuh so noon, A peech o i^ah ne gwuk. Kah ge nig me noo kuh me ne, Me nwah be go nee nig ; Mee a tub go ewh ae ho win, Ka be shkah ga muh guk. Ke die me suh we nah gwud suh E we de uh gah ming ; O moiig e zhe suh a luiii gom, Oon zah bun je ga shung. Ne tah zhah gwa ne mo she wug, Wah ah zhuh ^vuh o jis: ; Quee null we ke chee kah zo wod, Oon dos e nuh ka gom. Oh ' uh shke to yung o bun ew^h Che muh shkuh wain duh mung Ke dah puh guh kah bun dah non ; Qua nah je wung uh ke I Could we but climb where AToses stood, Keesh pin oon zah be ynng o bun, And view the landscape e"er. [flood, M July 14, 1845. 5 To the President of the Conference, Rev. Mr. Wilkinson. * ***** The late General Council, have appointed me their agent for the Manual Labor School. I shall be happy to receive any in- structions you may think proper to give, on my way down [to Montreal] for I am anxious to see this going on. * * * I remain yours, &c., GEORGE COPWAY. Missionary at Saugeeng. I give these, for the benefit and instruction of those, 12. 138 THE LIFE OF who have been so kind as to insinuate, or assert, that I was not an authorized agent to forward the interests of my poor people. Those who have been the loudest and most active in this slander, have done the least, in rendering the Indians any essential service. Let them go on, with their gossippings, while I go on my way re- joicing in doing all I can for my poor people, indepen- dently of the Canada Conference. Neither have I any disposition to court the favor of this Conference. In- deed, my heart has often sickened at the divisions and subdivisions of the Canada Methodists. The speeches of Jones, Sunday, Taunchey, McCue, D. Sawyer, J. Youngs, W. Herkermer, were excellent. That of John Sunday, particularly, was uncommonly eloquent. His keen black eyes, flashing fire ; and his large brawny arms extended, gave great effect to his speech. As a matter of course, there were often diflfer- ences of opinion, as well as warm discussions, upon various subjects ; some w^ould even feel that their views were not fairly treated ; still, there were no unkind re- marks, no calling of hard names, no abuse, no ridi- cule, no insults, no threats, no intrigues, no blows, and no challenges to meet on the field o/* honor (?). The individual who had the floor, was never interrupted ; profound attention was given, and a death- like silence was observed. Ocasionally, it is true, there was per- petrated a pleasant, and innocent Jfw (T esprit; an ex- ample of which, I will give. During a protracted debate, in w^hich Chief John Jones took a very active part, some facts were elicited, and some views were presented, which induced him to change some of his former opinions, and vote on (he KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 139 other side. One of the speakers at the close of his re- marks, referred to this fact, and observed, very good humoredly " If he wishes to be like ?ifish worm without a head — capable of moving forwards or backwards, let him alone/' I have often been asked the question, " What is the reason that the Indians are diminishing in numbers in the midst of their white neighbors ?" To state all that might be said in replying to this question, would re- quire almost a separate volume. But the following are a few of the principal reasons : 1. The introduction of King Alcohol among them. 2. The introduction of new diseases, produced by their intercourse with the whites ; and by adopting their intemperate habits. 3. Their inability to pursue that course of living, after abandoning their wigwams, which tends to health and ^Id age. 4. Their spirits are broken down in consequence of seeing that their race are becoming homeless, friendless, moneyless, and trodden down by the whites. 5. Their future prospects are gloomy and cheerless — enough to break down the noblest spirits. There are many other reasons which could be assigned for their diminution. But are not these suffi- cient of themselves to crush and exterminate even any white race, if not protected and defended by friends and wholesome laws ? Our people have been driven from their homes, and have been cajoled out of the few sacred spots where the bones of their ancestors and children lie ; and where they themselves expected to 1 10 THE LIFE OF tie, when released from the trials and troubles of life. Were it possible to reverse the order of things, by placing the whites in the same condition, how long would it be endured ? There is not a white man, who deserves the name of man, that would not rather die than be deprived of his home, and driven from the graves of his relatives. " Oh shame, where is thy blush!" With all the wholesome and enlightened laws ; with all the advantages and privileges of the glorious Gospel, that shines so richly and brightly all around the white man ; the poor ignorant Indians are compelled, at the point of the bayonet, to forsake the sepulchres of those most dear to them, and to retire to a strange land, where there is no inhabitant to welcome them ! !! May the day soon dawn, when Justice will take her seat upon the throne. If I did not think that there were some who are alive to the interests of my people, and often shed a tear for them ; if I did not think that I could discover a gleam of light and hope in the future, " I should of all men be most miserable." " Surely the bitterness of death" would be " past." I look then to the Gospel and to education as my only hope. I will now state, in a very brief manner, what I think ought to be done, by those whose benevolent feelings lead them to commiserate the condition of the Abori- gines of America. 1. They should establish missions and high schools wherever the whites have frequent intercourse with them. KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 141 2. They should use their influence, as soon as the Indians are well educated, and understand the laws of the land, to have them placed on the same footing as the whites. 3. They should try to procure for them a territorial or district government, so that they may represent their own nation. 4. They should obtain for them, deeds of their own lands ; and, if qualified, according to law, urge their right to vote. The Indians will be sure to waste and squander what- ever they may receive from the American or British Government, unless some, at least, of the above sugges- tions, shall have been put into practice. The Council was now dissolved. The President, Chief Sawyer, proceeded to His Excellency, the Gover- nor General, and presented the petitions, in the name of the General Council. These petitions, as we learned afterwards, were received with a simple nod ! of the head. mercy ! is this for ever to be our destiny ? Common humanity, at least, might have induced his Lordship to speak a few consolatory words, if nothing else. Our reception was both discouraging and chill- ing. When we have a press of our own, we shall, perhaps, be able to plead our own cause. Give us but the Bible, and the influence of a Press, and we ask no more. The General Council appointed me to go to Walpole, to present their address to the Walpole Island Indians, entreating them to embrace Christianity. I visited them in July. 142 THE LIFE OF CHAPTER XVII. A GEOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE OJEBWA, OR CHIPPEWAY, NATION. As the Ojebwa Nation are within the bounds of the two Governments — the American and the British — I will give a separate account of each. The number of our nation, according to Drake, in 1842, was thirty thou- sand ; and this is not far from the truth. The best work upon the Indians, however, is that deservedly popular book, by Col. McKinney, of New York ; the undoubted friend of the red man. I will now speak of that part of the nation who oc- cupy places within the bounds of the United States. They inhabit all the northern part of Michigan, or the south shore of Lake Huron; the whole northern part of Wisconsin Territory ; all the south shore of Lake Supe- rior, for eight hundred miles ; the upper part of the Mis- sissippi, and Sandy, Leach, and Red Lakes. That part of our nation who live in the British posses- sions, occupy from Gononaque, below Kingston, through- out all western Canada ; the north of Lake Huron ; the north of Lake Superior ; the north of Lake Winepig ; the north of Red River Lake, about one hundred miles. The whole extent, therefore, occupied is over one thousand nine hundred miles east and west, and from two to three hundred miles north and south. There are over five thousand living under the British Government, and less than twenty-five thousand under KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 143 the American Government. There are about five thou- sand of these who receive religious instructions ; rais-- sionaries of different denominations being sent from Canada and the United States. The Methodists were the first who preached to the Ojebwas. or Massissaugas (as they are frequently called.) They commenced at Credit River, in Canada West, in 1824, and at Grape Island, in 1827. The conversion of some of the Ojeb- was commenced during those years. Native teachers were then sent to their brethren in the West, where the influence of Christianity is still felt. There are twenty- three Methodist Missionary- Stations : six of which are in the States, and the remainder in Canada. There are four Presbyterian Missions, all of which are in the States ; viz. La Pointe, Bad River, Leach Lake, and Red Lake. There are seven Episcopalian Mission Sta- tions; all of which are in Canada, except one, which is at Green Bay. There are two Baptist Mission Sta- tions, one at Sault St. Marie, and the other at Green Bay. The Roman Catholics have their missionaries in nearly all the principal places in the west. Those who are not under religious instruction, al- though accessible, are wandering without the gospel. There is a field in the Territory of Wisconsin where missionaries should be sent. There are Indians all around the shores of Lake Superior who have, from time to time, called for missionaries, and have not yet been supplied. The Hudson's P-ay Company have, of late, adopted a plan which in ray opinion does them much credit ; they employ Misrionaries to give instruc- tion to the Indians and their children in the principles 144 THE LIFE OF of Christianity. There are persons who once belonged to other nations, who now live in the territory of the Ojebwas. The present state of the christianized Ojebwas is such, that they are fully ripe for greater advancement in reli- gion, literature, and the arts and sciences. Multitudes have left their wigwams, their w^oods, and the chase, and are now endeavoring to tread in the footsteps of worthy white men. The reasons for all this, are the fol- io vvmg : 1. Their chiefs have seen the necessity of making a " smooth, strait path for their children," by appropria- ting as much of their means as they could spare. 2. The rising generation are beginning to thirst for learning, and are culuvating a taste for improvement more than ever. 3. Native teachers are now being trained to go to their brethren, and preach to them in their owm language, Christ, and him crucified. By this means the nation must be elevated. Our prospects as a nation, are becoming brighter through missionary efforts. There are many in Wiscon- sin, and at Lake du Flambeau, who have requested that missionaries be sent along the south shore of Lake Su- perior. The same may be said of those residing about VVinepeg and Red Lakes. Much of the western part of Red Lake, is full of " the habitations of cruelty ;" for the Chippew'as and Sioux are habitually destroying each other. I will here give extracts from the Report of the Com- missioners, in 1842, to the Provincial Parliament, rela- KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 145 tive to the Mission Stations ; also subjoin the names of the villages with their condition, and the chiefs of each village, as far as I could ascertain them, which will show their progress, and their present state ; and also those who have abandoned the wigwam and the chase, and resort to farming for a living. 1, Chippewas on the River Thames. The Chippewas and Munsees occupy a tract of land contain- ing about 9000 acres, in the Township of Caradoc, within the London District, a distance of about twenty-five miles from the Moravian village. It is only within ten years that the Chippe- was have been reclaimed from a wandering life, and settled in their present location. The Munsees have been settled since the year 1800, on land belonging to the Chippewas. with the consent of that tribe. The present number of Chippewas is 378, and of Munsees 242. The Chippewas and Munsees are not collected in a village, but live on small farms scattered over their tract. Some of the Chippewas are settled on surveyed lots of twenty acres each. This tribe occupies 76 log houses, and six wigwams ; they pos- sess 25 barns. They have 450 acres under cultivation. Their stock consists of 30 oxen, 27 cows, 44 heifers, 82 horses and colts, and 400 swine Their agricultural implements include 9 ploughs, 9 harrows, 23 scythes and sickles, 19 ox chains, a fanning mill, 4 wagons and carts, 7 spades, &c ; they have a blacksmith's forge, and two and a half setts of carpenter's tools. John Riley, Chief. 2. The Chippewas at Amherstburg. They all profess Christianity, and several of them are exam- ples of true piety. The majority are Wesleyan Methodists, and the others Roman Catholics. They have no place of w^orship of their own. They can command the means. The Method- ist minister, however, who is stationed in the town of Amherst- burg, visits those of his persuasion every Sunday, and with the 13 146 THE LIFE OF aid of an Interpreter, preaches, reads, and expounds the Scrip- tures to them. They also have a general Prayer Meeting among themselves, once a fortnight, and they meet occasionally more privately for social prayer; some of them maintain family wor- ship. The Roman Catholics attend chapel at Amherstburg, which is about three miles from their settlement. There is at present no school among them, but they have expressed their desire to establish one, and would gladly avad themselves of instrnction for their children. When there was one, the attendance of the scholars was very irregular, but their ability in acquiring knowledge was in no way inferior to that of the white children. 3. Chippewas of the St. Clair. These Indians are among the first whom Sir John Colborne endeavored to settle and civilize. Previously to 1830, they were wandering heathen like their brethren elsewhere, scat- tered over the western part of the Upper Province; they were drunken and dissipated in their habits, and without either reli- gious or moral restraint. In 1830 and 31, a number of them were collected on a reserve in the Township of Sarnia, near the head of the River St. Clair, and containing 10,280 acres. A number of houses were built for them, and an officer was appointed for their superintendence. Their conversion to Chris- tianity and their progress in religious knowledge, and in the acquisition of sober, orderly, and industrious habits, have been, under the care of missionaries of the Wesleyan Methodist So- ciety, both rapid and uniform. From the formation of the mis- sion 221 adults and 239 children have been baptized and admitted into the jNIethodist community. The total number up to the year 1839-40 does not appear to have exceeded 350. Since then their number has increased greatly by immigration, chiefly from the Saginaw Bay, in the State of Michigan, and by the settlement of wandering Indians; and in 1842, as many as 741 received presents. The Indians of the River aux Sables have about sixty acres under improvement, and one log house. Those at Kettle Point have twenty acres of improved land and two log houses. The KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 147 land on the Upper Reserve was regularly surveyed and laid out into farms. The chiefj with tlie approval of the Superinten- dent, placed most of the present occupants on these lands, but It is not indispensable that he should be consulted, as the mem- bers of the tribe may choose any unoccupied spot; when once in possession they are secure from intrusion, but repeated ill conduct or drunkenness would subject them to be expelled from the reserve of the chief. VVa-wa-nosHj Salt, 4. Chippewas at Walpole Island. Chiefs. These Indians are also known under the name of Chippewas of Chenaille Ecarte. The Chippewas who have long hunted over the waste lands about the Chenaille Ecarte and Bear Creek, , are a branch of the same nation which is settled in Sarnia, and share in the same annuity. The Pottawatamies are recent immigrants from the United States. The settlement at Walpole Island was commenced at the close of the American war, when Col. M'Kie, called by the Indians " White Elk," collected and placed upon the island which lies at the junction of the River and Lake St. Clair, the scattered remains of some tribes of Chippewas who had been engaged on the British side. Being left for many years with- out any interference or assistance on the part of the Govern- nent, they became a prey to the profligate whites settled on the frontier, who, by various frauds and in moments of intoxica- tion, obtained leases and took possession of the most fertile and valuable part of the island. 5. Chippewas of the River Credit. These Indians are the remnant of a tribe which fomierly possessed a considerable portion of the Home and Gore Dis- tricts, of which in 1818, they surrendered the greater part, for an annuity of ^0532. 10, reserving only certain small tracts a", the River Credit, and at Sixteen and Twelve Mile Creeks. 148 THE LIFE OF They were the first tribe converted to Christianity in Upper Canada. Previous to the year 1823, they were wandering pagans. Tn that year, Messrs. Peter and John Jones, the sons of a white sur- veyor and a Mississaga woman, having been converted to Chris- tianity, and admitted members of the VVesleyan Methodist Church, became anxious to redeem their countrymen from their degraded state of heathenism and destitution. They, accordingly, collected a considerable number together, and by rote and frequent repetitions, taught the first principles of Christianity to the adults, who were too far advanced in years to learn to read and write. In this manner the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Commandments, were committed to me- mory. As soon as the tribes were converted, they perceived the evils attendant on their former state of ignorance and va- grancy. They began to work, which they never had done before; they recognized the advantage of cultivating the soil ; they totally gave up drinking, to which they had been greatly addicted, and became sober, industrious, and consistent Christians. J. Sawyer, > ^, . ^ ^ T ' >- Chiefs. P. Jones, ^ -^ J. Jones, War Chief 6. The Chippewas of Alnwick. These Indians were converted to Christianity in the years 1826-7. They were then pagans, wandering in the neighbor- hood of Bellville, Kingston, and Gananoque, and were known under the name of the Mississagas of the Bay of Quinte ; in those years, between 200 and 300 were received into the Wes- ley an Methodist Church, and settled on Grape Island, in the Bay of Quinte, six miles from Bellville, where they commenced planting, and where schools were established by the missionary for their instruction. On this island they resided eleven years, subsisting by agriculture and hunfing. Their houses were erected partly by their own labor, and partly at the expense of the Methodist Missionary Society. The number, at length, amounted to twenty-three ; besides which, they had a commo- dious building for religious service and school, another room KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 149 Chiefs. for an infant school, a hospital, smithery, a shoemaker's shop, and a building for joiners' and cabinet work. Sunday, Simpson, G. CoMEGO, Ch. & M. Inter. 7. Chippewas at Rice Lake. These Indians belong to the same tribe, the Mississagas, or Chippewas of Rice Lake, who, in 1818, surrendered the greater part of the tract now forming the Newcastle District, for an annuity of ^740. They have ail been reclaimed from their primitive wandering life, and settled in their present locations within the last ten or twelve years. The Rice Lake settlement is on the northern side of the lake, and at about twelve miles from Peterborough. The number of Indians is 114. They possess about 1550 acres of land, which are subdivided into 50 acre lots; of this, 1120 acres were granted in April, 1834, to trustees, ''in trust, to hold the same for the benefit of the Indian tribes in the Province, and with a view to their conversion and civilization ;" and the remaining 430 have been since purchased with their own funds. They have rather more land cleared than the Indians of Alnwick, about 400 acres; but the cultivation is not so good. The village contains thirty houses, three barns, a school-house, and a chapel with a bell. The head chief of the tribe resides here. For some time these Indians were under the charge of an officer appointed by the Indian Department, who assisted in their settlement; but at 'present they have no special Superintendent. POT'DASH, ^ CopwAY, y Chiefs. Crow, ^ Chippewas at Mud Lake. The Mud Lake Indians are settled on a point of land on the Mud or Chemong Lake, .sixteen miles north-west of Peterbo- rough. They are ninety-four in number, and possess twenty dwelling houses, with three stables. They occupy a grant of 13* 150 THE LIFE OF 1600 acres in the township of Smith, made to the New Eng- land Company for their benefit, in April, 1837, of which about 200 acres are in cultivation. These Indians were for some time under the management of the late Mr. Scott, agent for the the New England Company, and belong to the Wesleyan Me- thodist Church. A chapel is in the course of erection at the village; where there is already a mission house and a school. NOGEE, ^ Iron, v Chiefs. McKuE, ) 9. Chippewas at Balsam Lake. The Balsam Lake Indians, ninety in number, are at present settled within the Township of Bexley, on a point of land jut- ting out into Lake Balsam, which is the most northerly of the chain of lakes, running northwest across the back Townships of the district of New Castle. The reserve which was granted to them by the Crown, is 1206 acres in extent. Of this ihey have about 200 acres in cultivation. Their village contains twelve houses, a barn, and a commodious school-house, in which divine service is performed by a resident Methodist mis- sionary. But w^ithin the present year, (1843,) these Indians having become dissatified with the climate and the quality of the land at the Balsam Lake, have purchased six hundred acres on the banks of Lake Scugog, to be paid out of their share of their annuity, and are making preparations for removing from their former settlement. Their improvements will be sold for their benefit. Their reason for removing evinces their desire to advance in the pursuit of agriculture. Crane, C?ticf. 10. Chippew^as of Rama. These Indians formerly occupied the lands about Lake Sim- coe, Holland River, and the unsettled country in the rear of the Home District. General Darling reported of them in 1828, that they had expressed a strong desire to be admitted to Chrislian- iiy, and to adopt the habits of civilized life ; and that in these respects they might be classed with the Mississagas of the Bay KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 151 of Quinte and Rice Lake, but were then in a more savage state. In 1830, Lieutenant-Governor Sir J. Colborne, collected them on a tract of land on the northwest shore of Lake Simcoe, of 9800 acres in extent, where they cleared a road between that lake and Lake Huron. They consisted of three tribes of Chip- pewas, under chiefs Yellowhead, Aisance, and Snake, and a band of Pottawatamies from Drummond Island; their number was about 500, under the care of Mr. Anderson, now the Super- intendent at Manitoulin, who was appointed to take charge of their settlement and civilization; they made a rapid progress. The tribe under the chief Yellowhead, now setded at Rama, were located at the Narrows on Lake Simcoe; Aisance's tribe, at present residing at BeausoleU, Matchadash Bay, was settled at Coldwater at the other extremity of the reserve, the distance between them being fourteen miles. Yellowhead, ^ Na-nah-ge-skunq, > CJdefs. Big Shilltnge, ) 11. Chippewas of Beausoliel Island, Matchadash Bay, Lake Huron. This band, under the chief ^'Aisance,'' is the same which wassetUed by Sir John Colborne, at Coldwater. Their present village, which is not very distant from the former settlement, was only commenced last year. It contains fourteen houses, and a barn; the number of the band is 232. They have about 100 acres under cultivation. The majority of these Indians are Roman Catholics. They have not as yet any place of worship, or school. In the former settlement they were occasionally visited by the Roman Catho- lic priest, resident at Penetanguishene. Aisance, ^ James Ka-dah-ge-quon, Chiefs. 12. Chippewas of Snake Island, Lake Simcoe. This body of Indians was one of the three bands established at Cold water and the Narrows, and separated from them on the abandonment of those settlements. They now occupy one of 152 THE LIFE OF the three Islands on Lake Simcoe, which was set apart for this tribe many years ago. They are 109 in number, and occupj twelve dwelling houses. They have also two barns and a school house, in which their children are instructed by a respectable teacher, and Divine Service is performed by a resident Mission- ary of the Methodist persuasion, to which these Indians belong. They have about 150 acres in cultivation, and are improving in habits of industry and agricultural skill. Their missionary, who has been acquainted with them since July, 1839, states that the majority of them are strictly moral in their character, that most of the adults are decidedly pious, and that many of them for consistency of character, would not suffer by a comparison ft'itli white Christians of any denomination. J. Snake, Chief. 13. Chippewas of Saugeen, (Lake Huron.) It was from these Indians, and their brethren, since settled at Owen's sound, that Sir Francis Head, in 1836, obtained a surrender of the vast tract of land lying north of the London and Gore Districts, and between the Home District and Lake Huron, containing 1.600,000 acres. He reserved, at the same time, for the Indians, the extensive peninsula, lying between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, north of Owen's Sound, and supposed to contain about 450.000 acres. J. Metegoub, Alexander, y Chief?. Ah-yah-bance, JB, ^ 14. Chippewas of Big Bay, in Owen's Sound, Lake Huron. These Indians were formerly either wanderers in the Sau- geen tract, surrendered to Sir F. Head, or lived in scattered wigwams, on the shores of Big Bay. According to the agree- ment then made with them, it was proposed that they should either repair to Manitoulin or to that part of their former terri- tory which lies north of Owen's sound; upon which it was promised '• that houses should be built for them, and proper assistance given, to enable them to become civilized, and to cultivate land." John Jones, } fyu- f Peter, 5 KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 153 15. Chippewas and others, in the Township of Bedford. Within a few years past, some stragglers from the Rice Lake tribe have settled in the township of Bedford, about twenty-five miles north of the town of Kingston ; and recently, they have been joined by a band of eighty-one Indians from Lower Canada; belonging to the post of the Lake of Two Mountains. As the settlement is of recent formation, and the claim of these Indians upon the attention of the Department of Upper Canada has only been brought forward last year, they have not yet been visited by any officer of the Department, and no account can be given of the settlement. By Instructions issued in 1843, they were transferred from the Roll of Lower Canada to that of the Upper Province, and, accordingly, received their presents for the first time in that Province. My beloved Reader — I am now about closing my narrative, and in doing this there are but a few things to say. Throughout the work, I have confined my re- marks chiefly to my own nation. But it must not be supposed, on this account, that I am forgetful of my brethren of the other Indian nations. The prayers and benevolent efforts of all Christendom should be directed towards all men every where. The gospel should be preached to every creature ; and the field is the wide WORLD. The Menomenees in Wisconsin, the Winebagoes and Polawatamies in Iowa, the- warlike nations of the Sacs and Foxes, the Osages, Pawnees, Mandans, Kan- sas, Creeks, Omahas, Otoes, Delawares, lowas, and a number of others elsewhere, must perish as did their brethren in the Eastern States, unless the white man send them the Gospel, and the blessings of education. There is field enough for all denominations to labor in, without interfering with each other. It is too late in 154 THE LIFE OF the day to assert that the Indians cannot be raised up out of their degraded state, and educated for God and heaven. None need be discouraged since the Ojebwas in Western Canada have been converted. No lan- guage is adequate to portray the misery, wretchedness, and degradation in which we were, when the word of God was first brought and preached to us. It is not necessary to detail each and every wrong, that my poor people have suffered at the hands of the white man. Enough has already been said in various parts of the work, to prove that they have been most grossly abused, peeled, and wronged. Nor shall I notice the personal wrongs that I myself have received ; and from those, too, of whom I had good reason to hope better things. I once thought, that there were some things that I could never forgive ; but the religion of Jesus, and the law of love, have taught me differently. I do forgive them ; and may God forgive them and me too. I have sometimes heard it said, that our forefathers were cruel to the forefathers of the w^hites. But w^as not this done through ignorance, or in self defense ? Had your fathers adopted the plan of the great philan- thropist, William Penn, neither fields, nor clubs, nor waters, would have been crimsoned with each other's blood. The white men have been like the greedy lion, pouncing upon and devouring its prey. They have driven us from our nation, our homes, and posses- sions ; compelled us to seek a refuge in Missouri, among strangers, and wild beasts ; and will, perhaps, soon compel us to scale the Rocky Mountains ; and, KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 155 for aught I can tell, we may yet be driven to the Pacific Ocean, there to find our graves. My only trust is, that there is a just God. Was it to perpetrate such acts that you have been exalted above all other nations ? Providence intended you for a blessing and not a cwse to us. You have sent your missionaries to Burmah, China, the Sandwich Islands, and to almost every part of the world ; and shall the Indians perish at your own door 9 Is it not well known that the Indians have a generous and magnanimous heart ? I feel proud to mention in this connection, the names of a Pocahontas, Massasoit, Skenandoah, Logan, Kusic, Pushmataha, Philip, Te- cumseh, Osceola, Petalesharro, and thousands of others. Such names are an honor to the world! Let a late Governor of Massachusetts* speak for our fathers, when they first beheld the trembling white man : — "Brothers! when our fathers came over the great waters, they were a small band. The red man stood upon the rock by the seaside, and saw our fathers. He might have pushed them into the water and drowned them. But he stretched out his arms to our fathers and said, ' Welcome, white men !' Our fathers WTre hungry, and the red man gave them corn and venison. Our fathers were cold, and the red man wrapped them up in his blanket. We are now^ numerous and power- ful, but we remember the kindness of the red man to our fathers." And what have we received since, in return ? Is it * Edward Everett. Esq. 156 THE LIFE OF for the deeds of a Pocahontas, a Massasoit, and a host of others, that we have been plundered and oppressed, and expelled from the hallowed graves of our ances- tors ? If help cannot be obtained from England and America, where else can we look ? Will you then, lend us a helping hand ; and make some amends for past injuries? It is often said, that the Indians are revengeful, cruel and ungovemable But go to them with nothing but the Bible in your hands, and Love in your hearts, and you may live with them in perfect safety, share their morsel with them, and, like the celebrated Bartrara, return to your homes unharmed. They very soon learn to venerate the Bible ; as a proof of this, I will give an instance, that came under my own eye : — While at the Rabbit River Mission, a chief from the west, visited me. After reading to him several chap- ters from the Bible, he said, with much surprise, *' Is this the book, that I hear so much about in my country ?" I replied, yes ; and these are the words o^ Ke-sha-mon- e-doo (the Great Spirit.) *' Will you not,'^ said he, " o-ive me one ? I wish to show it to my people." I told him, not without you first promise that you will take care of it. He promised me that he would. I handed it to him ; he took it, and turned it over and over, and then exclaimed, ^'Wonderful, wonderful} this is the book of the Great Spirit V He then wrapped it up in a silk handkerchief, and the handkerchief in three or four folds of cloth. I heard, afterwards, from the trader, that the book was still kept sacred. O, if my poor brother could but read and understand that KAH-GE-GA GAH-BOWH. 157 blessed volume, how soon would his dumb idols be *' cast down to the moles and to the bats!" Will no one go and tell him and his nation, of the boundless, beseeching, bleeding, dying love of a Saviour; and jrj^e upon them the importance of such a preparation of heart, as will enable them " to give up their account with joy ?" The Great Spirit is no respecter of persons ; He has made of one blood all the nations of the earth ; He loves all his children alike ; and his highest attri- butes are love^ mercy and justice. If this be so, — and who dare doubt it ? — will He not stretch out his hand and help them, and avenge their wrongs ? " If offences must come," let it be recollected, that twoe is denounced against them " from whom they come." I again propose that the territories of the Indians, in the British dom.inions, be annexed to that Government, and those in the American dominions to the Federal Union. And, finally, in the language of that excellen't, magnanimous, and benevolent friend of the poor children of the forest, Col. Thomas McKenney, I would say, " I have already referred, in the commencement of this proposal to annex the Indian territory to our Union, to those good men, who, in the character of missiona- ries, have kept side by side with the Indians in so many of their afflictions and migrations. I will again refer to them, and implore them by all the lost labor of the past, and by the hopes of the future ; by the critical con- dition of the pacific relations that exist between the Indians and us ; and by the sacredness of the cause in which they are engaged, to look well and earnestly into 14 158 THE LIFE OF this subject, and learn from the past what must attend upon their labors in the future, if the change I propose, or some other change equivalent to it, be not brought about. And, seeing, as they must see, that the plan I propose, or some other, is indispensable to the success they seek to command, I implore them to take up the sub- ject in all its bearings, and by the instrumentalities which they have at command, manufacture, collect, and embody public opinion, in regard to what may be de- termined to be done ; and by memorial, and personal agencies, bring this opinion to bear upon Congress, with whom alone the power is vested, to redeem, dis- enthrall, and save, and bless, the remnants of this abo- riginal race. And I make the same appeal to all the good, of all religious persuasions, both in the Church and out of it, and politicians of all parties, to second this attempt, feeble as I know it to be, to save the Indians, and consolidate, and perpetuate peace between them and us, and, by so doing, ward off the terrible retribu- tion which must soonei or later, unless it be averted, fall upon this nation.'' HYMN. L. M. NUHGUHMOWIN. l. m. Hoi everyonethat thirsts, drawnigh:" Kuh ke nuh kah -hkah bah gwa yaig ('Tis God invites the fallen race ,) Me no Mun e doo pe e zhog ; Mercy and free salvation buy ; Wa ne puzh o dah pe nuh mook, Buy wine, and milk, and gospel grace. 'Newh o zhuh wain je ga win un. " Come to the living waters, come ! Sinners, obey your Maker's call : Return, ye weary wanderers, home ; And find my grace is free for all. Pe me ne quaig pa me je wung ! Pe e zhah yook, ain do me naig ; Wa ne puzh, pe nah ze kuh wik, Wa ne puzh, zhuh wa ne me naig. " See from the Rock a fountain rise I Nuh 1 uh sin eeng oon je je wun, For you in healing streams it rolls ; Nwah je rawah bah wuh ne go yaig; Money ye need not bring, nor price, Wa ne puzh, pe nah ze kuh mook, Ye laboring, burden'd, sin-sick souls. Kuh ke nuh gwa duh gain duh maig. " Why seek ye that which is not bread, Tah neesh nah un do na uh maig Nor can your hungry souls sustain ? Ning ood a nah buh duh se noog ? On ashes, husks, and air ye feed ; Pi"g ^ve kuh ya mee zhuh shko shun, Ye spend your little all in vain. Pa kuh da e go ya goon 'go. " Hearken to me with earnest care, And freely eat substantial food ; Tlie sweetness of my mercy share. And taste that I alone am good. " Your willing ear and heart incline, My words believingly rec-ive : Quicken-d your souls by faith divine, Au everlasting life shall live." Pe zin duh we shig wa wa ne, Mee je yook ewh ne mee je mim : Ke kdiu duh mook ma nwain dah gwuk, Neen a tuh o ne she she yon. Ta bwa tuh we shig muh yah num, Noong oom wee da be me nuh goog, Ish pe miug ke je ehah go wog, Ka oon je tuh gwe she no wod. HYMN. L. M. Sinners, obey the gospel M'ord ; Haste to the'Supper of my Lord ; Be wise to know your gracious day ; All things are ready, come away! Ready the Father is to own And kiss his late-returning son : Ready your loving Saviour stands, And spread? for you his bleeding hands Ready the Spirit of his Love, .lust now the stony to remove ; To apply and witness with the blood, And wash and seal the sons of God. NUHGUHMOWIN. l. m. Ma je e zhe wa be ze yaig, Noon duh mook, me nwah je mo win : Ne bwah kog che ge kain duh maig. Uh nooj ka goo kee gee zhe sing. Kee zhee tah, we oo jee me naig I^h pe miug a yod Koo se wah ; Kee zhee tah nwah je mo e naig, Ke zhee be ne ka tah go wah. Ke zhee tah wun O je chah gv\ain, "Wee e ko nung muh yah nah duk ; We ge kain duh moo ne naig ewh Zhuh wa ne me naig Koo se wah. Ready for you the angels wait. An gel nug kah gee zhee tah wng, To triumph in your blest estate : Pah bee e na gwah ish pe ming ; Tuning their harps, they long to praise Me nwa wa che ga wug a peech The wonders of redeeming grace. Ke che moo je gain duh mo wod. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Is ready, with their shining host ; A 11 heaven is ready to resound, " The dead 's alive ! the lost is found I' Wa yoo se mind, Wa gwe se mind, Kuh ya Bah ne zid O je chog, Kuh ke nuh moo je gain duh moog, Me kah goo yaig we ne she naig. 14888 173 HYMN. 6- NUHGUHMOWIX. 6-7's. Weary souls, tliat wander wide From tlie central point of bliss, Turn to Jesus crucified, Fly to those dear wounds of his : Sink into the purple flwod : Rise into the life of God. Find in Christ the way of peace, Peace, unspeakable, unknown : By hi< pain he gives us ease, 'Life by his expiring groan : Rise, exalted by his fall ; Find in Christ your all in all. O believe the record true, God to you his Son hath given ! Ye may now be happy too : Find on earth the life of heaven; Live the life of heaven above, All the life of glorious love. This the universal bliss, Bliss for every soul design'd ; God's original promise this, God's great gift to all mankind ; Blest in Christ'this moment be I Blest to all eternity : Ka che uh ya ko ze yaig. Ewh puh bah wuh ne she naig, Je sus pe nah ze kuh wik, Kee null wah kee oon je na ; O me queem ing uh yah mook, Me no pe mah de ze win. Me kuh mook, ewh ma nwuli mook, Je sus kah be o zhe Jood ; Kee ge ge wee suh gain dung, Ke doon je pe mah de ze min : Ah pe je go kuh ke nuh Me kuh mook wah uh yah maig. Ta bwa ya ne mik e suh O gwe sun kee mee ue naig ! Ke che me no uh yah yook, Ewh pe zhuh wa ne me naig : Ish pe ming a yah muh guk, Ke zhuh wa ne me go wah. Kuh ke nuh ain duh che wind Ah no we zhuh wain je ga ; Kah e ke do go bull nan, Pe e zhe, zhuh wain je ga ; Noong oom zhuh wain dah go zig Kuh ya dush e go moo zhug ! HYMN. 46's8l2-8's. NUHGQHMOWIN. 4-6's. Stung by the scorpion sin, My poor expiring soul The'balmy sound drinks in. And is at once made whole : See there my Lord upon the tree I I hear, I feel, he died for me. O unexampled love I O all-redeeming grace I How swiftly didst thou move To save a fallen race I What shall I do to make it known What thou for all mankind hast done? O for a trumpet-voice, On all the world to call ? To bid their hearts rejoice In him who died for all ! For all my Lord was crucified ; Vor all, for all my Saviour died? Muh je uh ye ee wish, Ka gah na se go yon, Ning ee e zhe me kon Nwah je mo e go yon; Wah buh mik owh Ta ba ning s Uh goo jing e mah me te goong Oh Ma nwa ning a yun ! Oh Wah doo kah ga yun! Ke gee wa wee be tah Noo je mo e wa yun ! Tah neen ka e zhe die go yon, Min ze che ke ka ne me quah ? Oh pa gish kuh ke nuh Uh keeng ka da bwa waig I Noong oom uh yoo yom bon Che ween duh mah ga yon; Owh Ta ba nms: a kuh ke nuh, Kuh ke nuh go kee oon je na I - t • o . ^5% .<\V * • • . . " .1 ^^ >^ xr Wj^' LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 010 524 010 7 m^0^ mFyyXv'M