Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois, or Six Nations, and History of the Tuscarora Indians by Elias Johnson - HTML preview

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SIR:--I transmit herewith a copy of a letter just received from James Cusick, one of the party of the New York Indians removed west last summer by Dr. Hogeboom, from which it appears that there has been much sickness and mortality among those Indians, and that they are in a distressed situation. Mr. Cusick's letter, supported by Capt. Burbanks, is calculated to excite much anxiety on account of these Indians. They were removed contrary to the instructions and expectations of the Department at the time, and their having gone west was not known until they were some distance on the route. There was, consequently, no opportunity for making the requisite preliminary arrangement for their comfort and welfare on their arrival west. After giving you the instructions of June 10th for their subsistance, such had to be left to the judgment and views of duty, under these circumstances, of yourself and the Osage Sub. Agent, under whose immediate supervision they came, in regard to what further required to be done for them. In my letter of the 30th ultimo your attention was especial y cal ed to their situation, and no doubt is entertained, that your answers to that communication will show you have done, or caused to be done, al that could be done, under the circumstances, for their relief. Should the amount now remitted not be sufficient to cover the expenses of what you have already done, or what it may be, in your judgment, further requisite to do for them in addition to their subsistance, for which there is a special appropriation, you wil please report promptly accordingly, and the necessary funds wil be furnished. Funds wil also be remitted on account of their subsistance when this office is informed that they are needed.

Respectful y,

W. MEDILL.

THOMAS H. HARVEY, Esq., St. Louis, Mo.

MISSIONARY WORK.

A RECORD OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN THE TUSCARORA RESERVATION

OBTAINED BY INQUIRY.

The church in the Tuscarora Reservation was organized in the year 1805, embracing six members only, under the care of the New York Missionary Society.

Rev. Elkanah Holmes, first missionary, from 1805 to 1808.

Members of the Church--Sacarissa, a Sachem, and his wife; Nicholas Cusick, an interpreter, and his wife; Apollas Jacobs and Mary Pempleton.

Rev. Mr. Gray, second missionary, from 1808 to 1813. At first the Indians converted their Council House into one for public worship, and also for school operations, and in time they built a convenient chapel, which was painted red, and was destined to share the same fate as their dwel ing houses at the hands of the British Indians in the war of 1812.

It was on December 20th, 1813, when they were burned to the ground, in consequence of which the operations of the mission were suspended from 1813 to 1817, when Rev. James C. Crane took charge of the mission until the end of the year 1826.

In the year 1821 this mission was transferred from the New York Missionary Society to the United Foreign Mission Society.

Rev. Joseph B. Lane, the fourth missionary, took charge of the mission from January 3, 1827, to June 8, 1827.

Rev. John Elliot, the fifth missionary, also labored among these Indians from June 22, 1827, to May 7, 1833, when he left the mission by his own request, being dismissed from the service of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, to which this mission was transferred from the United Foreign Mission Society in the year 1826. Rev. Joel Wood also labored in this mission from October 15, 1833, to October, 1834.

Rev. Wil iam Wil iams also labored among them from October 26, 1834, to August 29, 1837.

Mr. Gilbert Rockwood, arrived and took charge of the station as teacher and overseer of the affairs of the church, and was afterwards ordained to the ministry.

Before he was ordained he would summon to his aid in the discipline and ordinances of the Church, at different times, Brother Asher Wright, and Mr. Bliss, of Cattaraugus Reservation, and Rev. J. Elliott, of Youngstown.

Ordained at Tuscarora Mission, July 3rd, 1839, Rev. Gilbert Rockwood as a missionary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, to labor among the Tuscarora Indians. Invocation and reading of the Scriptures were performed by Rev. Lemuel Clark, of Lewiston; first prayer by Rev. John El iott, of Youngstown, and former missionary at Tuscarora; sermon by Rev. E. Parmely, of Jamestown, consecrating prayer by the Rev.

Asher Wright, of the Seneca mission; charge by Rev. Asher Bliss, of Cattaraugus mission; right hand of fellowship by Rev. A. Wright; address to the Church and people by Rev. John El iott; concluding prayer by Rev.

Elisha B. Sherrod, of Wilson; benediction by Rev. Gilbert Rockwood.

The exercises were listened to by an attentive audience of Indians, who probably never witnessed anything of the kind before. The ceremonies were solemn and interesting to the people to the very close, although considerably protracted by passing through an interpreter.

What added to the Interest of the occasion was the ordination of three _native_ members as Deacons of the Church, at the close of the ordination. The Church has received a refreshing from on high during the last winter, which has added a number of members, and is still in a peaceful and prosperous condition.

Rev. G. Rockwood was a faithful missionary; he went in and out among the Indians, visited in their homes, and talked with them in their inroads, and was a great advocate in the cause of Temperance. He was a powerful preacher, and at times had great revivals: for instance, in the year 1852, when I was first awakened to concern for my soul's welfare. It was then my soul was first fil ed with rejoicing in my newly found Saviour; it was then I first poured out my soul in fervent prayer.

On the 7th day of March, 1852, was held a communion season, and on that memorable day forty converts were admitted to the full communion of the Church. Old men of seventy winters and youths of fourteen bowed down together to receive the ordinance of baptism, of whom I was one of the number, at the age of fifteen. It was a scene that angels might rejoice to behold. The whole number admitted to the Church that winter were fifty converts.

Rev. G. Rockwood finished his work among the Tuscarora Indians on the first day of January, 1861. Thus it is claimed that Rev. G. Rockwood spent the longest term of ministerial service at one installation in Niagara county but one, which was Rev. W. C. Wisner of the First Presbyterian church, Lockport, N.Y.

The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, when they withdrew Rev. Rockwood from this mission, also withdrew their supplies, when the Tuscaroras were thrown upon their own resources. In October fol owing the church appointed as delegates Mr. John Mt. Pleasant, a Sachem; Dea. Samuel Jacobs and Elias Johnson, interpreter, to attend a meeting of the Niagara Presbytery at Yates, to make an application that this mission might come under the care of that body, which was granted them on October 29, 1861. The Presbytery appointed as Committee on Supplies, Rev. Joshua Cook, of Lewiston, and H. E. Niles. In January, 1862, Rev. Charles A. Keeler was sent to take charge of the mission, who labored among them until 1863, after which the preaching was supplied by some of the members of the church, and more particularly by Dea. S.

Jacobs.

Rev. George Ford supplied the Church with preaching every fourth Sabbath, and was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Hal , and he by Rev. W. P. Barker, who began his labors among us in Oct., 1877, and was formerly a missionary in India.

A letter by James Cusick, concerning the Baptist mission at Tuscarora, to wit:

"In 1836, a portion of the Tuscarora Nation thought it expedient to become Baptists, according to the dictates of their own conscience and free enjoyment of their religion in this Republican government.

Consequently a Baptist church was built and organized among the Tuscaroras, and they were called in council with several Baptist churches in this county. In 1838 they were admitted into the Niagara Baptist Association at Shalby.

"In a ministerial council June 14th, 1838, Mr. James Cusick was examined touching his Christian experience, and cal ed to preach the Gospel by Providence and the council. They decided on that question, and gave him ordination as a native preacher, deciding that he was wel qualified by a knowledge of theology; and now he has labored among several tribes of the Six Nations."

The first Baptist Church at Tuscarora was broken up in the spring of 1846, on account of an emigration to the Indian Territory, under the influence of Rev. James Cusick, the party being composed mostly of the members of that Church, which caused its overthrow. The next year, after about one-third of the emigration party had died in the Indian Territory, the remainder came home among the Tuscaroras, but Rev. Mr. Cusick removed into Canada and labored among the Six Nations at Grand river.

In the year 1860 Rev. James Cusick began his labors again among the Tuscaroras, in the town of Lewiston, having been invited here by James Johnson, with the view of reorganizing the former Baptist Church.

On the fifteenth day of February, 1860, there was held a deliberative meeting at the house of James Johnson, Rev. James Cusick acting as moderator. There were present, Wil iam Green, of Grand River; James Johnson, Isaac N. Jack, Isaac Patterson, Joseph Wil iams, Adam Williams, Sr.

The church was organized on March 21, 1860, at the house of James Johnson, Rev. James Cusick, Moderator, and Isaac N. Jack, Clerk.

A council of delegates from Wilson and Ransomville was invited by the reorganized Baptist church to meet on the 26th day of April, 1860, for recognition, which duly met, Rev. Wil iam Sawyer, Chairman: James Bul ock, Clerk. Introductory prayer by Rev. L. C. Pattengill: hand of fel owship by Rev. Wm. Sawyer; address by Rev. L. C. Pattengill, including prayer and benediction by Rev. Wm. Sawyer. The following delegates were present, to-wit:

From Wilson--Rev. L. C. Pattengil , Dea. R. Robinson, Dea. A. Chapin.

From Ransomvil e--Rev. Wm. Sawyer, Dea. G. Hopkins, Dea. J. Bul ock.

They were received into fellowship of the Niagara Baptist Association June 14, 1860, held at Akron, Erie county, N. Y. James Johnson, the first deacon, was chosen April 13, 1860.

They finished an edifice of 30 x 40 feet, a convenient chapel, which was dedicated February 5, 1862. A sermon by Rev. L. C. Pattengil , prayer of dedication by Rev. Wm. Sawyer, report of building by J. C. Hopkins.

Rev. James Cusick was to have been their first instal ed pastor, but in the year 1861 death took him to his long rest. He was a powerful preacher, and we had great revivals under his ministrations.

Rev. Thomas Green, a native, was baptized Jan. 9th, 1861, and on the third day of Oct., 1863, was licensed to preach the Gospel of Christ, a helper for Rev. Nicholas Smith, and on Sept. 25th, 1867, was ordained to the ministry, and succeeded Rev. N. Smith as pastor of that Church, which office he faithfully fil ed, went in and out among them, with meek and humble spirit, ever faithful to his trust. He had the gift of natural oratory, and we had some powerful revivals under his preaching. It would seem to us that he was called away too soon, but the Omniscient Being knows best. God called him from his labors and trials in this vale of tears to weal in the pleasures of his presence and of his only Son, Jesus, of whom he had preached, and fought, as did Paul, the good fight of faith, and finished his course on Jan. 12, 1877, and has seen the crown of life which was lad up for him in Heaven.

Rev. Franklin P Mt. Pleasant, a native, began to preach the Gospel in the spring of 1877, by the invitation of Rev. T. Green, and was licensed on the 23d day of October, 1879, and has been their constant preacher.

SCHOOL OPERATIONS.

For the earlier part of the history of school operations among the Tuscarora Indians, I can do no better than to give the report of Rev.

John El iot to the Secretary of War, in the year 1832, viz.:

"_To the Secretary of War_:

"This will show the operations of the schools from their organization in 1805, to September 30, 1832.

"The first school among the Tuscaroras was taught by Rev. Mr. Homes, the first missionary. This, according to the best information, was in 1805.

What amount has been expended, either from the fund of the society or by the Government, to sustain its operation, I am whol y unable to state.

The Indians converted their Council House into one for public worship, and also one for school operations, until 1828, when, with a little assistance from abroad, they completed a convenient chapel, 28 x 38 feet, for publicworship. In 1831 they raised and finished a frame school house 24 x 20 feet, at an expense probably of $200. This sum, with the exception of $8, the Indians obtained by contributions among themselves.

"We have but one teacher, whose whole time is engrossed in the concerns of the school (Mrs. El iot and myself are occasionally employed). Her name is Elizabeth Stone, and the compensation she receives is only the means of support, the same that we receive. Ninety scholars have, to our certain knowledge, entered the school since its commencement. One of the number is the principal Chief and stated interpreter, who can communicate in three languages. Eighty of this number have attended the school within the last six years. Sixty have left with the prospect, in most cases, of exerting a happy influence. This influence is the result of a belief in, and adherence to, the doctrines of the Gospel. Since they have embraced the principals of Christianity in ful their progress in industry and temperance has been strikingly visible and rapid. But few of the number now sip ardent spirits--not more than one in twenty.

"The young men are enterprising; some have large, convenient barns and comfortable dwellings, fine fields of wheat, corn, oats, &c.; others are beginning to plant orchards; they now depend on the cultivation of their lands for a livelihood."

The second teacher who taught the school among the Tuscaroras was the son of Rev. Mr. Gray, the second missionary, in the years from 1808 to 1813, and was then fol owed by a young man by the name of Mr. Youngs. These were the first three teachers who broke in and shed the light of education upon the dark minds of our forefathers. The schools were supported by the missionary societies in the same order as in the different transfers that were made concerning the support of the missionaries. In the year 1858 was the last transfer made from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission to the State of New York, by whom they are now sustained. There were many changes made in the teachers, al of whose names, with dates, in the order in which they came, I am not able to record; but I will record such names as I have been able to obtain which came under the appointment of missionary teachers, to wit:

Miss Elizabeth Stone, from 1831 to 1837.

Miss Lucia G. Smith, 1836.

Miss Hannah T. Whitcomb, from Oct. 5, 1839, to Aug. 25, 1849.

Miss Mary J. T. Thayer, from 1849 to 1854.

Miss Cinderel a Britto, from 1853 to 1854.

Miss Abigail Peck, from 1853 to 1858.

Assistant teachers not having regular appointment.

Miss Emily Parker, 1831.

Miss Burt, 1837.

Miss Nancy Wood, 1856.

Miss Maria Colton, 1857.

Miss Eleanor B. Lyon, 1857.

Under the New York State supervision:

Miss Abigail Peck, from 1853 to 1858.

Miss Mary A. Smith, native.

Miss Robinson.

Miss Emily Chew, native.

Miss Pomeroy.

Miss Margaret Eddy.

Miss Helen Gansvort, native.

Mr. Wil iam Sage, seven winters.

Mr. Philip T. Johnson, native.

In the year of 1850 there was another school house built by the natives under the proposition of Miss Mary J. F. Thayer. I have here a brief history of her labors among the Tuscaroras, from her own writings, which is very interesting, to wit:

MISS M. J. F. THAYER'S LABORS AS A MISSIONARY TEACHER.

At the invitation of Rev. G. Rockwood (then the ordained missionary at Tuscarora) Miss M. J. F. Thayer commenced her labors among the Tuscaroras as teacher on April 30, 1849, in the old school-house opposite Mr.

Rockwood's house, receiving from the American Board one dol ar and fifty cents per week, besides her board. There were but few scholars, and these were very irregular in their attendance. Miss T. visited the parents and tried to get them interested. She final y came to the conclusion that time and money were thrown away on that little _day_ school, and drew up a paper, which was read to the Tuscaroras at their New Year's feast, January 1, 1850, in which she detailed her plans and wishes, asking their aid in executing them. Their response was cordial and hearty. They resolved to build a new school-house; the site was selected on a corner near Isaac Mil er's, and the people, as one man, went to work with great alacrity, under the leadership of one of their chiefs, Wm. Mt.

Pleasant, and had, before the next New Year's, a snug house, 18 x 24

feet, well finished, furnished with two stoves, and a large pile of wood prepared. Miss Thayer commenced teaching at the new station (which she was pleased to cal Mt. Hope) Jan. 14, 1851, having forty scholars the first day. On Saturday, Jan. 12, before school began, a church meeting was held at the new station. There were thirty persons present, and they voted to hold prayer meetings there every Wednesday evening.

Feb. 20 Miss T. wrote--"Fifty is the average attendance at school.

Scholars happy and bright and very eager to learn Nearly every one has bought a new spel ing book. The prayer meetings are well attended; Sabbath evenings there are fifty present, Wednesdays, thirty. They conduct these meetings without their pastor, usual y. Christians are being revived; there is an increasing spirit of prayer: the women have begun to pray; we had a precious meeting last Sabbath evening."

In March there was a great deal of sickness (typhoid fever), of which several died. The school was interrupted for a few days.

May 2, she wrote--"My school flourishes. It is difficult to say which seem the happier, the children or their teacher. I have five little girls boarding with me. As the 'boarding school fund' is exhausted, I am obliged to meet all the expenses from my own allowance" It might be stated that Miss Thayer never received a "formal appointment" from the American Board, because her health was so poor, but she was _employed_ and _paid_ by them. After she went to the new schoolhouse they paid her one hundred and fifty dol ars a year, and she found everything. By "boarding school fund" is meant money received by Miss Thayer from friends of hers who were interested in her work and sent her, from time to time, small sums of money and sometimes articles of food and clothing for the children, _deficiencies_ she met from her own al owance.

Thus the work went on. Several children were anxious to become inmates of the teacher's family. Celia Green, Elizabeth Cusick, Ann and Mary Henry, Susan Patterson and Sarah Mt. Pleasant were the favored ones.

Sept. 10, 1851, Miss T. wrote--"My school is smal now, owing to the prevalence of the measles. The little girls living with me being attacked, their mothers have taken them home." Under the same date adds--

"Two weeks ago I passed a sleepless night, contemplating the deplorable condition of the young people here, agonizing and with tears wrestling in prayer for them. Last week I learned that three young women had decided to forsake there evil ways, repenting of their sins, and looking to Jesus for salvation. Two of them came forward at the church meeting last Saturday, and offered themselves as candidates for admission to the church. One of the young women stayed with me last Sabbath night (this was Louisa Henry). She gave evidence of a change of heart. May many more be led to a saving knowledge of the truth."

Writing again to her father, (these extracts are al from letters to her father), Dec. 8, 1851--"It would do your heart good to look in upon my little family--my little ones so confiding affectionate and happy. My heart has again been made glad by the conversion of one of my older pupils, an interesting youth of seventeen. He and the two young women mentioned in a former letter united with the Church at our last communion. I wept for joy at these tokens of the presence of a prayer-answering God."

Jan. 1, 1852--"Attended the New Years' feast to-day. Told the people of my plans for building an addition to the schoolhouse, so that I might take more children into my family. They adjourned to the Council-house, and will talk over my propositions there this evening."

Jan. 3--"The church meeting to-day was very interesting. Five young women offered themselves to the church, were examined and accepted. Most of them state that they found the Saviour last summer. As near as I can learn from their statements it was at the very time when I was so exercised in their behalf. For some time I agonized in prayer; then I became calm, and felt assured that my prayer was heard and would be granted."

Jan. 4, Sabbath--"An interesting day. Never saw so many of the Tuscaroras present at a religious meeting. Some one who counted them stated that there were nearly one hundred and forty, and all seemed serious and attentive. Bro. B.'s discourse in the forenoon was ful of instruction to the young converts. In the afternoon the young women examined yesterday were received into the Church. Eight children were baptized, and the sacrament administered. In the evening I repaired to the council house, where the sacrament was again administered, on account of an aged sister, nearly one hundred years old, too infirm to go to the meeting-house."

Jan. 5--"Commenced school to-day with twenty-five scholars; have seven girls boarding with me; my little house is too smal , but I hope soon to enlarge it, as the Tuscaroras give encouragement that they wil take hold and help about building. They hold another council to-day to make necessary arrangements."

Jan. 6--"A committee of chiefs cal ed on me this morning, and advised me to accept the thirty dollars offered by Mr. E. S. Ely, of Checktowga; it would be needed to purchase the fine lumber, which they can buy cheaper in Canada than in the States. To-morrow they will turn out with their teams and draw logs to mil for the coarse lumber, and next week they wil go to Canada for the fine lumber, which Mr. Mt. Pleasant will prepare. When al things are ready they wil frame the building, enclose and shingle it."

Jan. 12, 1852--"Louisa Henry, who seems to be in the last stages of consumption, has been with me since New Year's; is failing fast; told me when she came that she expected to die soon, and wished to spend her last days with me; does not fear death; takes great delight in prayer and reading the Bible; the 23d Psalm is her favorite portion."

Jan. 14--"At an inquiry meeting this evening, as Bro. R was absent, I conversed with those who came; explained the parable of 'The Prodigal Son' making personal application; three young persons requested prayers; one was only 'almost persuaded;' the other two expressed their determination to begin a new life at once; invited Elias Johnson and his brother James to stop after school for a season of prayer: they were both rejoicing in their newly-found Savior, and poured out their souls in fervent prayer; my soul is fil ed with joy."

Jan. 19--"Feel quite worn out; thought Louisa dying; watched with her all night; sent for her aunt, who will watch with her to-night."

Jan. 21--"Bro. R. cal ed; decided to send the little ones home; close school for a few days, and take Louisa to the mission house."

Jan. 25--"Louisa's aunt took her home at the instance of the Chiefs, who did not like to have the school interrupted."

Jan. 26--"Louisa died to-day; her sufferings are over; her happy spirit is doubtless with the ransomed above."

Jan. 27--"Attended L's funeral."

Jan. 28--"Returned to the school-house, where we had an inquiry meeting in the evening; about fifty present, of whom one-half seem seriously inquiring the way to be saved; I conversed with the females; found five indulging a hope; others greatly distressed on account of their sins.

Within a few months there have been twenty hopeful conversions."

Jan. 31--"Met the sisters according to appointment; there was some earnest wrestling with God; had conversation with one who, for many years, has been a backslider, but thinks she has now returned to God."

Feb. 4--"At the inquiry meeting many were present; several indulging a hope; deep feeling, but no excitement."

Feb. 7--"At the church meeting thirty-two candidates were examined for admission to the church."

Feb. 8--"Sabbath; ninety Tuscaroras in attendance upon divine services; a most solemn assembly."

Feb. 12--"An interesting young converts' prayer-meeting."

Feb. 13--"My children al have the whooping cough."

Feb. 14--"Detained from church meeting by the sick children."

Feb. 15--"Sabbath; detained from church; though I am much confined by home duties, the work of the Lord prospers; Bro. R. is very faithful, and the Lord crowns his labors with great success. He now numbers fifty new converts; has united several couple in lawful marriage; many drunkards seem to be reclaimed; twelve of my Bible-class have found the Savior; so have three of the little girls that have boarded with me and ten of my day scholars."

Feb. 17--"I was afraid that I should have to stop teaching and devote myself to the care of my sick children, but their friends took them home last Saturday; it seemed lonesome without them, but little Elizabeth, who seems to love me with all her little heart, cried so much to come back that they could not keep her at home; she is with me now and seems quite happy. Have written to Secretary Treat, urging that Bro. Rockwaod be permitted to remain here; none could be more active and efficient than he now is."

Feb. 24--"So many children have the whooping-cough that but few attend school. I, also, have a most troublesome cough, and find it difficult to teach; should have to give up if my school was very large, as I have fits of coughing just like the whooping-cough."

March 4--"My brother in Buffalo sent the sash and doors for my boarding-house; the building is going forward. Miss Howe writes that she wil come to my assistance if I need her."

March 7--"Communion season--forty additions to the church. The old man of seventy and the youth of fourteen bowed together to receive the ordinance of baptism. A scene that angels might rejoice to behold."

March 8--"Have written to Miss Howe to come on, my health being very poor. Have obtained leave of absence for a few weeks, or months, if I should find it expedient to go on to New York to Dr. Nichols' Medical Institute."

March 11--"Several cal s from my Tuscarora friends. They are very loth to have me leave, even for a short time, and it is a sore trial for me."

March 13--"Arrived at my father's in Lancaster, N. Y."

March 18--"Wrote in my journal, 'stil at my father's,' but thinking continually of my dear Tuscarora children. May I soon be restored to them, invigorated both in body and mind."

March 23--"Quite unwel ; cannot tell how long I shal have to stay away from my school."

April 26--"Left Lancaster for Tuscarora."

Mt. Hope, Tuscarora, April 28, 1852--"Once more in my own sweet home, greeted by the sparkling eyes and smiling faces of my dear children.

Found Miss Howe nearly worn out and glad to be relieved.

"There have been several deaths during my absence--some among my scholars.

Several cal s this evening from my adopted people, who seem so glad to see me."

April 29--"Resumed my duties in the school-room."

May 1--Sabbath--"Rising early went on foot with my little girls, though the road was muddy, reached the meeting house before 9 A. M., in time for Sunday-school, sacrament in the afternoon. Five received into the church

--three of them my scholars. So thankful to be once more with my beloved Tuscaroras."

May 18--"Have had to relinquish my school again to Miss Howe, I am too feeble for school duties."

June 22--"A week ago yesterday almost the whole nation turned out to help at the "raising." The excitement of the day was so great that I could sleep but little that night; so happy! The Lord be praised. How mountains of difficulties have vanished. The Tuscaroras are doing nobly; but, besides their work, to finish and furnish al wil require about four hundred dol ars; this will take all my funds, but when I need more, I know that the Lord wil provide. Have already expended nearly one hundred dol ars, yet, I trust there will be no lack. Donations are coming in from various quarters."

July 23--"How different my labors this summer from those of last winter.

Unable to teach, have given my school to another; nor, am I able to visit much among the people. Occupy my time chiefly in taking care of my little girls, teaching them to sew, and preparing bedding for my contemplated boarding school; thankful that I may do a little, though I long to do more."

Sept. 3--"Being unable to teach, and thinking that I might do more good here, if ever, to study medicine, having consulted my friends and Mr.

Treat, I shal