Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1814-01-27
FROM rHr new YORK EVENING posr.


chieuement now TO be recorded, il is neces
sary to premise that the Congregation o
1.-THE United Brethren" in this countr,
have been extremely Jealous in their efforts
to diffuse the blessings of Christianit,
among our Savage tribes, and it is equally
well known that in these attempts the,
have been peculiarly successful. Indeed
the testimony IN every country has been
highly honorable to those of their Mission
ares who have been employed in propagat-
ing the Gospel ltappears that some years
ago, several persons belonging to this con.
gregation, and distinguished BY their piety,
were sent from Bethlehem (pennsylvania)
to perform this work of love" among such
OF the Indians as resided in Upper Canada.
After being exposed to great danger and
many hardships, they at length formed a
settlement at Fairfield ABOUT 60 miles
above Detroit, on the river Thames, which,
in consequence of their exertion, lately
contained not less than forty or fifty houses,
with about one hundred and fifty inhabi
tants, consisting entirely of Indians, who,
having embraced the truths of the Gospel,
had separated themselves from the rest of
their countrymen, and living under the
immediate inspection of their teachers,
formed as it were, one family of christians
In addition to the buildings above noticed
were school house for the education of
the young Indians, and Church in which
Divine Service was regularly performed !;
both of which it is presumed were erected
at the e&pence of the Brethren. In 1918,
our army penetrated into Canada as far as
thi- settlement and cccasiuned considerable
distress among its inhabitants; in conse
quence of which a representation was made
to government, accompanied with the re
quest that in future, that congregation
might be considered as worthy OF its pro
lection. In June 1918 this request was re-
peated, and the Brethren received in answer
a letter from the Secretary at War, assur
should be protected and that instructions
to that effect had been given to the, com
nianding Generals. Mark the result! On
the 5tn OF October battle took place be.
tween the American and English armies
about one ard malt mife below Fairfield,
when the latter were defeated. On the
evening of that day a large number of
American troops entered Fairfield. AT
first they behaved in very friendly manner
towards the Missionaries and expressed pity
for the lnoians, who had previously lied
from the place. declaring that it was their
intention to have done them no harm.
But that very night they began to treat the
Missionaries with great disrespect, anu
charged them with offences. of which they
knew them to be innocent; every trunk
and box in their possession was examined,
and their persons and houses strongly
guarded-On the 9th, the troops commenc
ed general plumber and SO effectually
was this conducted, that not even mouth
full of provisions of any sort was left for the
Missionaries. As an instance OF the ra-
pacity ofthese patriots, it is q fact that
they actually devoured all the honey con-
tanned in ten Bee Hives while the Bees were
yet living. AT this time, General Harrison
with his other officers entered the town.
One OF the sufferers Immediately waited on
him to solicit protection for tie place las
had been promised by government) and
compensation for the articles Of which they
had been plundered by the troops. But all
that could be obtained was permission to
Isavs the place. 1t is pleasing here to have
an opportunity of introducing gentleman,
who without blushing) we can all acknowi
edge to be an American :: Commodore
Perry met one of these respectable men in
the street, treated him in the most friendly
manner, observed that he was acquainted
with the society to which he belonged, and
respected its missions lie not only exert
ed himself to procure passports for item,
but made them several friendly visits nor
did the attentions of this gallant officer stop
here; he informed them that he should
soon leave the town, and urged them TO do
the same, lest after his departure. they
might not be permitted to go at ail-Gen
Harrison and his army were soon left IN
restrained, and the consequences were the
expulsion of the Missionaries without Civ
ing them an opportunity to collect any o
the little valuables they possessed. The
settlement was then set fire to, on the frs
day only part was burnt, the next, at
forced more amMsement--a continuation
ofthe delightful sport; the Church, Schoo
House and every other building in tn,