Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1821-08-07


their number died-Miss Hoyt on the
goth, and Miss Lines on the 25th OF Ju-
ly. Others were brought to the verge
of the grave, and not one OF the family
escaped entirely the disease OF the ch-
mate.
In the midst of their affection, they
were favored with unexpected mercies.
On their arrival at Little Rock, they
found two unoccupied buildings for their
immediate accommodation, situated on
high ground, and well supplied with
springs of pure and wholesome water.
At no other spot on the banks OF the
river, could they have found situation
so elevated and healthful, nor any which
could furnish so many Oft the necessaries
and comforts of life.
On the 4th of October, the Rev. Mr..
Chapman, assistant of the mission, to-
gether with three of the brethren, and
several hired men, embarke ed in canoe,
and proceeded for the station, with the
view of preparing buildings for the &C
commodation of the family. They as
cended the river about one hundred and
fifty miles, where they were compelled
to abandon their boat and complete their
Journey on horseback. They reached
the spot :" consecrated to the missiona-
ry work." about the middle of Noyem-
Der. The Indians received them kindly,
and expressed much satisfaction at see
ing "the long-expected missionaries. ="
=" To me-" said the Usage Chief, "This
is glorious morning. am glad IN
my heart, that ever lived to see this
day. Now my children will be taught
to read, and live like the white men.
We want to learn your religion. 1t is
better than ours.
At our latest dates, site for the esta-
blishment had been selected; building
so by 8 feet erected; field, OF about
one hundred acres, enclosed for tillage
in the approaching season; stock, con-
sisting of horses, oxen, cows, and swine,
to considerable amount, procured; and
other preparations made, both to well
come the family, and to enable them to
commence their missionary operations
without delay.
On the 18th of December, the river
having been raised by heavy rain, the
superintendent and the family took their
departure from Little Rock; a place
where they had been providentially de-
tanned for more than four months, and
which had been rendered melancholy,
and yet interesting, by sickness and by
death. On the first of January, having
proceeded nearly two hundred miles,
they were again arrested by the falling
of the river. After painful detention
of four weeks, another heavy rain ena-
bled them to press forward and on the
morning of the 3lst Of January, the date
of our latest advices, they arrived at Fort
Smith. In letter announcing these
facts, the superintendent adds: "The
water is still rising, and the prospect is
now favorable for our reaching the sta
ton in twelve days from the present
date"
In the history Of this mission, VIC have
found much to interest the tenderest feel
ings ofthe heart. We have felt, that, to
rejoice Nth those that rejoice, and 10
zveeh with those that 7oeeh, is not only
the duty, but the privilege ola christian.
We have sincerely sympathized with
the afflicted family, in their severe and
unexpected trials; and have deeply
realized the loss, the mission has sustain
ed in the death of those excellent and
amiable sisters, whose spirits, we cannot
doubt, are now rejoicing in the presence
of their God and Redeemer.
The missionaries have, indeed occu-
pied nearly year in reaching the field
of their labors. The delay is to be
ascribed, however, to circumstances en-
tirely beyond their control. We have
watched them in every step of their long
and diversified journey. We have sur
yeyed their conduct in health and in sick
ness; in the brightest and the darkest
hour; and we are constrained to remark,
that, in point of discretion, perseverance,
fortitude, and every other trait of the
missionary and christian character, they
possess, not only the undiminished, but
the increased confidence of the board.
There is reason to believe, that the at
flictive dispensations with which this
family have been visited, will result in
the spiritual welfare of the survivors,
and the ultimate benefit of the Union
Mission. (7o be continned.)