Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1819-01-05
ONEIDA INDIANS.
To the Editor of The Boston Recorder.

Df,-OuTiilS tdte tOhE Ill Inc western
parts OF the state of New York, | made
inquiries respecting the situation of the
lu,iian tribes residing therein, and had
the happiness to learn that some of them
are improving their condition. As their
game has diminished, they have become
more agricultural. | saw some families
at work in their fields; some of their
houses are, in external appearance, not
inferior to many of those occupied by the
white new settlers in Observation-Disclosures
As they have become acquainted with
the advantages OF cultivatiDs their lands
they appear to have become attached to
their old settlements, and unwilling TO self
out, aud remove to the western wilds.-
This is particularly the disposition OF
those who have embraced our religion !;
they are alarmed, and much distressed, at
the exerlions which they say are making
to induce them to a removal from the
privileges they cow enjoy, and the lands
they have so long occupied.
Finding myself in the vicinity Of Oneida
on Saturday night, and bel g informed
that they would hold meeting the next
day, resolved to attend it. | accor-
dinghy proceeded the next morning to
their place Of worship. II was their old
meeting- house the new one which had
lately been erected not being completed,
After couversing while v<.ti, some OF the
Indians who had collected around the
house, the minister arrived, and we wen
10. 1t was the Rev. Eieazer Williams, 3
descendant from the Rev. Mr.. Williams
who was carried into Indian captivity
from Deerfield, Mass. in the early part Of
the last century. The Westinghouse was
fitted up for the Episcopal service con
tanning desk and pulpit, two stoves, and
Two rows of seats. The men and boys
took the seats Oh the left of the minister
the females and little children on his right.
Mr.. Williams commenced the exercises
Of the day, by reading, in the Indian
language, the Episcopal service; large
portion Of the congregation Especially
the female part of ihem) repeating the
responses and prayers in very devout,
and harmonious manner. The church
hymns were also sung. After this was
concluded, MI. Williams delivered SER
mon, in which he displayed the gestures
Of eloquence, and Christian zeal. His
text, (as he afterwards told me) was from
Johns LIST Epistle, lst chap. 9th verse.
g If we say we have no sin We deceive
ourselves" &c. The congregation con-
sisted of 10 or 80 females, and nearly as
many men and boys. They listened with
as much attention and solemtity, as any l
ever witnessed. During the services,
two hymns were sung to our psalm tunes
one of them to Old Hundred, The bass
was sung by some of the men, while others.
with many Of the females, sung the tenor.
All these services were performed in the
Indian languages. The singing was to me
very melodious.
The exercises being completed, the fe-
male part of The congregation retired the
men and boys waiting till all the former
we're out Of the house. Some of these
then went out while others got together
and commenced singing psalm tunes.
noticed among the females, respecta-
BILE looking young white lady, who, as she
passed out Of the door, spoke in very
aifectionate manner to little boy who
was standing near me the expressive
looks aud reply of this little fellow indi.
Gated the keenest sensiblties, and mosI
amiable disposition. From what after
wards learnt, presume this young lady
was one who has left her home and rela
tons to reside among the Indians, for their
spiritual instruction.
| went home with Mr.. Williams, and
found his residence neat and comfortable.
His household consists of two Indian
females, one of them his cousin; and two
young men. These he is educating for
the Gospel Ministry--at his own expense
and one of them he has boarded aud cloth
ed, as we'll as instructed for 10 months