came convinced of sin, and happily converted to God,) was one of the company. He modestly declined partaking with them, but being pressingly solicited by Bish

op M'Kendree, yielded. After the repast was over, the red brethren joined in singing several hymns in their own tongue, during which a number in the house within hearing, crowded into the room, until there might have been as many as forty present. Mononcue, a chief, rose, and approaching Bishop M'Kendree respectfully, held out the hand of friendship, which was cordially received, and a warm embrace took place. This appears to have taken off all restraint. Between-the-logs, another chief, followed his example, and they proceeded round to all in the room, while sighs and tears witnessed the feelings of most who were present; but they were sighs of gratitude and astonishment, and tears of joy. The spirit of hostile foes in the field of battle was lost in the spirit of harmony and Christian love, which appeared to fill the room. I have witnessed few scenes which carried stronger conviction to my heart of the truth and excellency of the religion of the meek and humble Jesus. I was ready to cry out and say, What hath the Lord wrought?'

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"A worthy gentleman, high in office and respectability, had received an invitation, and was present at the interview. It seems he had imbibed an opinion which is, perhaps, prevalent among politicians, that it is impracticable to christianize the aboriginals of our country. He was placed in a part of the room farthest from the door. When the chiefs approached him, all his unbelief appears to have given way, his arms were open to give the friendly embrace, while the flowing tear bore witness to a reciprocity of feeling. He was heard to exclaim a day or two afterwards, I am fully converted.' At the close

of the singing by the red brethren, Bishop Roberts made a few appropriate remarks, and we all joined him in singing, at the close of which, from the fullness of his heart, he offered up a fervent prayer. We again joined in singing, and one of the chiefs, (Between-the-logs,) being called on, prayed in a very feeling manner, while every heart appeared to respond the hearty amen! The meeting was then closed.

"From the various accounts of individuals, as well as from the report laid before the conference by brother Finley, the superintendent, the Sandusky mission appears to be prospering beyond any former example. May the great Head of the Church hasten the time when the kingdoms of this world shall be converted, and become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ.'

"I am requested by Bishop M'Kendree, who is now in this town in good health, to inform you that the Methodist Missionary Notice, No. 5, came to hand in this place, and was thankfully received.

"At our late annual conference, the superintendents present divided the important business between them. The stationing the preachers devolved on Bishop Roberts. The missionary business, it seems, was committed to Bishop M'Kendree. He reported a plan to establish a mission among the Chippewa Indians, about eighty or ninety miles from Detroit; two missionaries to be sent to Michigan territory, to the Rapids of St. Mary's in par ticular; and another plan to establish a mission in New Orleans, was recommended. These, with the reasons which influenced the attempt, the probability of success, the ways and means by which the objects might be accomplished, together with arrangements for the Wyandott mission, were laid before the conference, in order

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to secure its approbation and co-operation. The plan was thought to be judicious, and the preachers resolved to use their influence to support the undertaking. How it will eventuate will be seen hereafter."

CHAPTER IX.

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The year 1822-24-The author re-appointed, and with him the Rev. Jacob Hooper-Letter from Hon. Lewis Cass-Last illness and death of John Stewart-The author sets out for the north, to visit other tribes, accompanied by two Indians-Incidents on the way-The ring hunt-A Wyandott hymn-Sin of selling ardent spirits-Lodging at a Frenchman's-Meeting at the house of Honnis-Description of this venerable man-His speech-Roman Catholic priests among the Wyandotts-Mouth of the Detroit river— Malden-Brownstown-Detroit-Interview with Governor CassCrosses to the Canada side of the river-Forms the first Indian class ever formed in Canada-Return to Detroit-Revival there.

Ar the conference held in Urbana, Ohio, September, 1823, I was re-appointed to the superintendency of the Wyandott mission, with the Rev. Jacob Hooper and his wife. Brother Hooper was to have the supervision of the farm, and his wife was to take charge of the Indian girls, as teacher. This was a great relief to us, for our cares were more than we were able to bear. Brother Hooper well understood the business of farming, and it prospered greatly under his care. He labored with his own hands daily, and improved the farm greatly. Sis ter Hooper was well qualified for her department, and by her amiable disposition, won the affection of all the children and family. Her piety was conspicuous, and shone as a light in this dark and benighted land. Our burden was made much lighter by this appointment. Brother Hooper was an old and well-tried friend. We had been fellow-laborers in another field, in former years.

At this conference I was instructed to extend my labors to the Ottowas and Chippewas, at Saginaw Bay. After we arrived at our station, and entered upon our work, as soon as possible, I made preparation for the journey. I wrote, previous to the annual conference, to

Gov. Cass, chief agent of the Indian department for all the west, in reference to the situation of the Saginaw Indians, and the probability of establishing a mission among them. To my letter I received the following

answer:

"Detroit, October 22, 1823.

"DEAR SIR:-Your letter of July 22d, was received here during my visit to Ohio, where I was detained by sickness, and whence I have but recently returned. This circumstance will account to you for the delay, which has taken place in answering your letter.

"I rejoice that such success has attended your zealous labors among the Wyandotts. I do not doubt the truth of your statement, for it is corroborated by information which has reached me from many quarters. Your plan has been well matured, and what is more important, it has been faithfully executed.

"With respect to the establishment of a mission at Saginaw, I will state the facts, and you must determine for yourself the propriety of making the experiment. The Chippewas, who live there, are the most troublesome Indians in this quarter. They are in the lowest state of moral degradation. More savage and indolent, and less tractable than the Wyandotts: any comparison between them will result greatly to the disadvantage of the former. These considerations, while they show the difficulties which must be encountered by a missionary establishment, show also the immense benefits which must result from such an institution, properly directed.

"The means which I could apply in aid of this attempt, are the application of the sum of two thousand dollars, appropriated by an act of Congress, in confor