ca; there to commence the long-meditated course of instruction to the Natives, through the medium of their own languages. Our friend having since sailed for that Continent, suitably attended, and provided with the necessary accommodations; and the Committee having recently received advice of her safe arrival and kind reception in the British colony on the river Gambia; it is deemed suitable again to lay before Friends the state and progress of the concern in order to which, it may be proper first to revert to the contents of the Circular above mentioned. It was stated in that paper, that the necessary previous measures which regard the orthography of the Wolof and Mandingo languages had been prosecuted, to nearly the full extent practicable in this country, and with her present means of informationthat a set of Elementary books, together with Selections from Scripture, in Wolof, were ready for printing-that the intended Native teachers, Sandanee and Mahmadee, had been emancipated; they having been previously the property of persons resident at Goree-that their conduct had been satisfactory; and their attainments in common learning such, that it was believed they were qualified to begin to impart some instruction to their countrymen; to which work their minds appeared to be steadily devoted. The result of the preliminary labours, in which Hannah Kilham had for a course of years been engaged, respecting the Wolof (or Jaloof) language, may now be seen, in a publication entitled "AFRICAN LESSONS, Wolof and English, in three parts," the first part containing "Easy Lessons and Narratives for Schools;" the second, "Examples in Grammar, Family Advices, and a short Vocabulary;" the third, "Selections from the Holy Scriptures"-the whole comprising 175 pages, in Wolof and English; and forming a manual fully adequate, as the Committee have reason to believe from late communications, to the intended purpose of instructing the Jaloofs, on grammatical prineiples, in their own language. The Mandingo, indeed, though studied by her in connexion with the Wolof, has not yet afforded materials for a printed document: but it is expected that she will be able to give it equal elucidation in time; favoured, as she will. now be, by daily intercourse with persons using it as their mother-tongue. It was intended by the Committee, that the party destined to make the first attempt at a settlement should sail in the autumn of the year 1822. But this being found, as the time approached, impracticable, Hannah Kilham embraced the opportunity which the delay of a whole year afforded her, to discharge a debt of Christian benevolence in another quarter. The destitute condition of the female peasantry of some parts of Ireland having excited much interest and sympathy in her mind, she resolved to dedicate some time to their cause; and she was accordingly occupied for several months in that island, in concert with the managers of an Association formed in both countries for the same object. In the mean time, the two pupils intended for native teachers continued to receive further instruction. The requisite personal aid to the undertaking was likewise in this interval obtained; and in a way most satisfactory, by voluntary offers on the part of several individuals, members of our Society, who were accepted, as assistants in the work of promoting African instruction; viz. Richard Smith, of Endon, near Leek, Staffordshire; John Thompson, of Cooladine, near Enniscorthy, Ireland; and his sister, Ann Thompson. Departure of the Mission. The preparations being at length finished, the regulations for the conduct of the settlement drawn up, and a suitable dwelling provided in the district in which it was intended they should reside, the party, consisting of six persons, embarked on board the James, A. Smith, Master; which vessel sailed from Gravesend, the 25th of tenth month, 1823. They were exposed, immediately on quitting 31st and following day, which was very near the Downs, to the severe N.E. gale of the casting them upon the coast of Normandy; and, though mercifully preserved from shipwreck, which was the lot of many in that storm, the Master found himself obliged to make for Cowes, Isle of Wight; from whence, after he had obtained the needful supplies, they again took their departure, on the 7th of eleventh month, and had a safe and agreeable passage. Arrival and Proceedings of the Missionarics. The James cast anchor before Bathurst, the 8th of the twelfth month. Upon landing, our friends were conducted to a vacant house, provided for them, as an abode while here. duced to the Commandant, Capt. Findlay, They were soon afterward introand to the rest of the principal resident Europeans. Our friend Hannah Kilham writes The Commandant received us courteously, and was so kind as to propose conducting us to Birkow, and to introduce us to the Alcaide, whom all speak of as a respectable man. Birkow, or Bakkàoo, is a Mandingo town situate on the Cape St. Mary, about 8 miles from Bathurst, near the sea; and being on a dry, elevated spot, was considered the most eligible place to settle in. Another favourable cicumstance concurred to recommend it to the attention of the Committee. A good stone house has been here erected, at the charge of Government, on land held by an annual acknowledgement to the Chief; and the Committee, having learned that it was not likely to be speedily occupied for the purposes for which it was built, made application by letter to Sir Charles Mac Carthy, for the use of it until they could otherwise provide for the party going out: this request having been, in the most liberal and condescending manner, complied with, the concern has been thus relieved, for the present, from a difficulty which had pressed heavily upon it-that of building a sufficiently large and safe habitation and schoolroom, before the merits of the proposed site should have been ascertained by actual trial. The interview with the Alcaide of Birkow has since taken place; and the consent of his Chief, the king of Combo, has been obtained, to a settlement at that place, for the purposes of a school and farm. But before entering upon the particulars supplied by letters of more recent date, it will be proper to state, in her own words, the views and feelings with which our friend entered this new field of labour. She writes, the day after her arrival Through the kind protecting care of Heavenly Goodness, we have arrived safe on the shores of Africa, and it is due from me to acknowledge, that although under a feeling that an arduous concern must engage my mind and occupy my attention from day to day, I never was, in any circumstances, more sensible of being at home, and in the appointment allotted to me. Oh that ability may be given, so to dwell under a sense of dependence on the fountain of Life, that a refuge may be known in all seasons of difficulty and danger! for such there will doubtless be, on the right hand aud on the left. The James cast anchor at this port early yesterday morning, a pilot had come on board, after dark, the preceding evening. After our usual morning reading (of the Scriptures,) we were favoured with a precious feeling of the Divine Presence, and my heart breathed the language of supplication and praise. Very soon, W. W. came, accompanied by Capt. Smith, who had previously gone on shore, and, to our great satisfaction, conducted us to an empty house, which we are to occupy during our stay on the island. The sitting-room is about 30 feet in length, it has eight doors and four windows, a piazza east and west, and is situated close on the beach, so that we may certainly enjoy a breeze, and indeed we are prepared to enjoy it! I did not recover from the effects of sailing, so as to sit up all day, during the voyage, but am now well, and hope to engage without difficulty, in what is before me. Twelfth mo. 10th.---I have the consolation to find, that the humble attempt upon which I have entered with regard to the reduction of the African Languages to a written form, appears quite likely to answer the design of presenting an intelligible picture to the Natives. Adrian Partarrieu informs me, that a young man from Senegal, who has been instructed in French, and speaks Wolof, has read the African Lessons' in Wolof, from the book which I gave him the day before yesterday: he understands the whole, and remarks that it will be a good method of teaching himself English, through the medium of Wolof. Sandanee has been reading out of the Scripture Lessons to some Natives, at their request, which they appear to understand. I have been to talk a little Wolof to the children, and long to teach it to them from their books. Remember us, and desire our preservation every way. From their subsequent letters, it appears that our friends had been chiefly occupied, up to the 16th of first month, in landing and unpacking their stores, in the necessary cares attendant on settling in a strange country, and in preparations for school-keeping; yet not without having commenced their labours as teachers, which it has been found expedient to carry on for a while at Bathurst; confining their attention at Birkow, for the present, to the cultivation of a friendly intercourse with the natives, and to some attempts at gardening. Difficulties, which were not wholly unforeseen, have indeed rendered it impracticable for the whole party to take up their abode, as yet, at this station. The supply of water is distant about a mile; though it is believed that some may be obtained near the house, by digging: there is a want also of some appendages to the building, to serve as kitchen, store-room, &c.; and lastly, a "palaver," with the natives on the spot had been for some time going on, in consequence of objections on minor points; which they undoubtedly expect to have removed in the mode usual with all uncivilized people, by repeated presents. It is expected, that when these matters are accommodated, Richard Smith and John Thompson, with Mahmadee, who speaks the Mandingo, will take up their residence here, and endeavour to diffuse useful knowledge in their immediate neighbourhood, and gain the attention and good will of the natives, until it shall be seen whether this be the more eligible place for a permanent abode. measure was even rendered advisable by a due consideration for the health of our friend Richard Smith, which had been somewhat affected by the climate. It is proposed, that, in the event of their being thus separated, the whole company shall endeavour to spend the first-day together at Bathurst. This With respect to school-teaching, at the latter place, it appears, at the date of the letters, to have been going on with spirit, under Sandanee, in a school formed partly of liberated Negroes from Sierra Leone, who are retained by the government at Bathurst, and go under the appellation of "King's Boys ;" and, under our women friends, with the Mulatto girls and others of the colony, twenty-two in number. This school was opened the 8th of 1st month. education of native boys was not as yet taken in hand. The The most kind and friendly attention has been experienced from the Commandant; and much cordiality, and even assistance, on the part of the resident Chaplain and Methodist missionary. Hannah Kilham was contemplating a short visit to Sierra Leone; which, if it take place, may delay for some time longer the final settlement of their plan of operations. Call for more Labourers. The Committee quote, in reference to this prospect of success, the following remark of Mrs. Kilham may have taken (as these friends individually did) a sufficient time for consideration, and for feeling after the only solid ground of such service, to be able to give up to it with a peaceful conscience, having faith, and in nothing wavering! State of the Funds. A Balance of 389 17s. 10d. in hand, at the time of I am satisfied more than ever, from the appearance of the people's countenances, making the first report, with 2347. &s. since received, that here is a soil which would amply repay a good (mental) cultivation. IT CANNOT BE THAT AFRICA SHOULD ALWAYS REMAIN WHAT IT HAS BEEN, NOW THAT ITS CLAIM ON CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY HAS BEEN ACKNOWLedged. On this sentiment, the Committee thus earnestly plead the cause of Africa It is difficult for the Committee to record this striking sentiment of our dear friend, without a comment. THEY, too, are deeply convinced that THIS CANNOT BE and they would invite every friend to this benevolent undertaking indeed, every friend to mankind, into whose hands this may come to unite with them in enforcing the claims of Heathen and Mahomedan AFRICA upon the Christian sympathies of EUROPE! Surely, nothing more is now wanting to render the intercourse of Europe with Africa as fruitful of benefit, as heretofore it has been of misery-to make honourable amends for our many trespasses toward the people of that injured country-BUT A WILLINGNESS, ON THE PART OF ALL OF US, TO DO WHAT WE CAN to further this noble object. It is not required of every one whose heart is even warm toward it, that he should expose his life to danger on the ocean, and in tropical climates: but, to borrow this devoted labourer's pen Had the heavenly law of our Redeemer, the love of God and man, its full operation in the world, bow speedily might the waste and desolate places of the earth, naturally and morally such, be converted into fruitful fields! And if, with her, we may bring the appeal nearer home, applicable as it is to our own religious society Were a few solid, judicious men Friends to go out, and take up their abode for a season on the African Coast, and set there an example of Christian simplicity and integrity, much good would, undoubtedly, result from it to the Natives. The Committee publish these sentiments, with a desire to bring such considerations more fully than heretofore under the notice of Friends. The services of the greater part of those now engaged in the labour of instruction, in concert with the native teachers, are expected to be continued but for a limited time; against which period, it is hoped that more labourers will be found ready to enter into the harvest. And how greatly it is to be desired, that they who may present themselves fo VOL. V. purpose, 42 and a debt incurred with the Treasurer of 287. 17s. 4d. constitute the expenditure, amounting to 9127. 3s. 2d. Under these circumstances, the Committee, in reference to their call for personal service, add the following. Appeal for increased Funds. There is another mode, equally obvious and much more easy, in which we may be of service to the cause. The funds, placed at the disposal of the Committee, are now more than exhausted. And much as the un expected aid of a grant of a house, rent free, by the kindness of government, has relieved and assisted them, the Committee still feel that they are pledged, both to provide for this important object against the time when it may be required, and to support, on an adequate scale, the remainder of the undertaking. The details of future expenses, of other and various kinds, it is needless here to enter upon, as the accounts will suggest them: that such will occur is, however, matter of reasonable certainty. And the Committee trust, from the experience which they have had of the good disposition and liberality of friends in this affair, that they may with almost equal certainty rely upon their full pecuniary support. The liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things he shall stand. Plan and Objects of the Committee. There are many ways in which a permanent settlement, supported by an occasional change of the resident active members, might contribute to the object above mentioned. Besides keeping a certain number of the natives of both sexes under tuition, those who were competent to the task would be collecting the materials for an extension of the means of instruction: they would be reducing another, and still another, of the African languages to a written form; and, in proportion as this was done, preparing translations into them, of such parts of Scripture as they found they could succeed with in this way. Others, again, would have to propose and exemplify to the natives, such improvements as might be found applicable to the situation, in the arts and comforts of civilized life-in agriculture-gardening-in the construction and furnishing of clean and wholesome cottages and dwell : we should probably see the latter become solicitous to know WHAT had produced so favourable a change, if not disposed to put themselves also under the same instructers. The weaker sex, at least, may thus be rescued from the dreary bondage and degradation to which they are subjected, both in body and mind, in those countries; and a foundation laid, by educating the youth, for a general extension of the benefits which the very twilight of Christianity is sure to shed upon Heathen and Mahomedan dark ness. This is, we believe, the first systematic attempt, at least on so considerable a scale, of the Society of ings in the procuring that prime necessary of life, water, in situations at present unprovided with it-in draining, embanking, grinding-and in a variety of applications of the mechanic arts to the ordinary purposes of industry. It is not to be supposed that the personal exertions of the friends themselves will suffice to effect a great deal in this way their INSTRUCTION and HELP are what the natives chiefly want. In this way, it is presumed that a docile people, them selves by no means destitute of ingenuity, may be excited, by the prospect of additional advantages and comforts, to a much greater degree of exertion on their own behalf. Nor would the residents, if they kept Friends to impart to the Heathen, in connexion with under a right concern for the good of Africa, fail to recommend, on every suitable occasion, the principles of the Christian religion; more especially in regard to a pure morality, and peaceable, inoffensive conduct. In this way, example would do much, were precept even but sparingly applied. Evil is obtrusive and overbearing: many are its victims through the mere influence of prejudice and fear of the multitude; but is not GOOD, also, when viewed near at hand, and from day to day, an inviting spectacle! Is there nothing in domestic order, in decency, quietness, cleanliness-in the visibly greater comfort and enjoyment, even of this life, in a Christian family, which the African FEMALE, more especially, would in time be led to regard with desire and admiration? Let the wives and children of the natives once become qualified to render them greater service, at the same time that they ministered less occasion to their angry passions, and social advantages, direct religious instruction. Their temper and habits have always tended, like those of the United Brethren, to conciliate uncivilized men, and we cannot but hope and believe, from the manifest improvement of the Body, of late years, in the recognition of the distinguishing doctrine of the Atonement, that its Missionaries will not only resemble those of the brethren in their spirit and manners, but will, like them, continually present to the Heathen, ⚫as the only ground of the acceptance of sinners with God, the meritorious sufferings and obedience of the Incarnate Redeemer-Emmanuel, God with us! The powerful influence of this fundamental truth, under the grace of the Holy Spirit, in civilizing and saving numbers of Africans on these shores, will confirm the enlightened friends of Africa in the conviction, that the social virtues of the Gospel must have their foundation in cordial belief in Christ, and him crucified! Home Proceedings. UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. UNION MISSION. JOURNAL FOR JUNE AND JULY, 1824. The Great Indian Council. In our last number, we published a Letter from the Rev. Mr. Vaill, detailing the proceedings and results of this Council. The tollowing notice of the same events is given in the Journal Thursday, June 10th.-Brethren Vaill, Chapman, and George Requa, with Brother Vaill's eldest son returned from Cantonment, Gibson. They left Union on Monday at 3 o'clock P.M. in a canoe, and reached the Cantonment on Tuesday morning. The council took place at 2 o'clock P.M.-the result of which was the delivering up to Col. Arbuckle of six Osage warriors to be tried by the Government of the United States, for the murder of a party of whites as mentioned in the Journal for December last. It would exceed the usual limits of a journal, to notice in detail the interesting transactions. To see six brave men come forward and voluntarily submit to become prisoners, to be put in irons and sent away to be tried for their lives to see this done with firmness and decision, by the unanimous con sent of the nation, and without a sigh from their affectionate wives-to see the sense of honour manifested on the part of the criminals, and the desire to do justice in the nation, was indeed affecting to every spectator. And as it was more than we had expected, it was to us all a surprising event. If ever we have seen the hand of the Lord held out to save this nation, and encourage this mission, it was on this occasion, and we would bless and praise Him for His great goodness in guiding the nation into that which is right.* The next day was spent in council, on some minor affairs, and in delivering to them presents of beef, pork, and flour. The next day (Thursday) was appointed for the Colonel and the Sub-agent, Mr. Barber,† to meet the chiefs and warriors at their encampment near the falls of the Verdigree, to assist them in forming some civil regulations. The Brethren, not being able to remain, left the Cantonment on Wednesday evening It was designed to lay before the chiefs, in presence of Col. Arbuckle and the Agent, our grievances, in the loss of cattle, and disappointment in not having our school filled up. But the old chief, anticipating our design, said, "You must omit your business now, as my hands are full," and indeed, we saw the propriety of his request, and rejoiced that he had done so much. Unhappy Occurrence. Saturday, June 12.-Clamore has lost a son. He was providentially killed in an Indian race which took place yesterday. Having finished their business, the young men entered on this diversion to please the The place of their trial is Little Rock, and the time, the next October session of the court. Mr. David Barber (formerly trader) has been ap officers. In these races they are presented with a piece of valuable cloth, which is taken by some one who bears it away on horseback— extended by the length of his arm from the body. A number of young men contend for it, until some one, more fleet than the rest, is able to bear it beyond the limits, and they yield the point. The horses of course run full speed in every direction, and not unfrequently do they strike each other and fall. In the above event, two horses met, and Clamore's son was thrown to the earth with such violence, as to cause his death in a short time. According to Indian practices, the young man on the other horse, who innocently occasioned his death, must have been precipitated into the other world at the same time, (to use the Indian phraseology) "to keep the deceased company," had he not been able to pay some two or three horses to Clamore, and procure a youth for him to adopt as his son in the room of the deceased. Clamore thought of asking Col. Arbuckle for some compensation for the loss of his son, because his officers made the present that occasioned the race in which the son was killed. Various Notices. Monday, June 14th.-Abraham Swiss, the eldest Osage scholar now with us, and the most forward, entered as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade, and is taken under the care of Brother Redfield. Abraham is about 14 years of age, Wednesday, June 30.-In business meeting. Resolved, that Brother William C. Requa be appointed to manage the secular concerns of the settlement at Hopefields. This resolution is designed to release Brother Chapman from the care of business, that his time may be devoted to the more appropriate work of pointed Sub-agent in the room of Mr. Philbrook, studying the language, and preach ing the Gospel to the Indians. deceased. |