Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-02-05
Hhrarp.
From THE CuMB Pres. MISSIONARY
Report of a visit to the ChOctaw Indians.
BY REV. DAVID LOWRY

Rtp0It vi ilSit W tlic CHUCtdW luuidflS
BY REV. DAVID LOWRY.
l set out from home for the Indian Territory OF
the 10Th of September, and took steamboat the
next day at Nashville. After a journey of two
weeks by water / reached Rockrow, on White
river. about 90 miles from Little Rock Here the
low stage of water obliged ME to close my journey
by steam, and resort by private conveyance to Fort
Smith, distance Of near 800 miles. Fort Smith
is within short distance of the Choctaw country
Here met with exGov. Drew, the present super
intendent of Indian Affairs He was born in VIII
son county, Tenn, expresseded much pleasure at
seeing me, and furnished letters to the Choctaw
and Chickasaw agents.
Being unable to travel further by hired convey
ance, purchased an Indian pony, and after mount
ing him, a distance of A5 miles brought me to the
Choctaw agency, whers,I found Capt. Cooper, the
| agent. He treated me with much courtesy, and
expressed pleasure that Tennessee was disposed to
send Missionaries among the Choctaws. My first
night in the Nation was spent at the house of a
widow lady of mixed blood. She treated me with
hospitable feeling, for which paid 81 25 in the
morning.
The next day at late hour, found myself at
the cabin of white man, who is married to
native woman. Marks of poverty and mysery
were prominent here, but every disposition shown
to consult my comfort. Having but one room
and bed, both were surrendered to me, while the
family passed the night in the yard 1 know not
how. After settling my bill in the morning, my
pony was again put on the road, and another hard
:, - -I&
whose inmates were an Irishman and an Indian
woman, his wife. Everything here looked forbid
ding and comfortless, and the supper table, when
spread, added nothing encouraging. A dollar in
the morning covered expenses, and my faithful pony
was once more at my service A wet and stormy
day was now before me, but in the evening Ger
man with native wife, gave me shelter from the
Storm and provided for my comfort during the
night. In the morning the first thing that salrted
my ear was the prayer Of an Indian, who was in
the employ of my Dutch host He had lodged in
the yard near the door of the cabin, and presented
his offering before rising from his bed. This ray
of light inspired me with fresh courage. A dollar
this morning repaired damages. and | was again
off for hard days ride. This being Saturday,
subject of thought. Late in the evening, however
1 rode up to a small cabin and inquired of fine
looking Indian man if | could remain with him
till Monday morning. He answered in the afirma-
tive, but asked whats the matter?' / answered.
the Bible does not allow us to work on tomorrow
The explanation was satisfactory, and was kind
ly received. | soon learned that was in the house
of Baptist clergyman, who had been educated at
the Choctaw Academy in Kentucky. His family
to me quite interesting, being all full Indians
The neighbors were notified on Sabbath morning
for preaching, and delivered my first sermon to
Choctaw congregation. The singing was conducted
in the Choctaw language, and the Baptist preacher
followed me with a sermon in that language. The
people were solemn and attentive, and the day to
me was peculicrly interesting, calling up associa
tons in reference to Indians of by-gone days. On
Monday morning 81 so covered the expenses of
the Sabbath and my journey was again resumed.
Much difficulty was met with on this day in cross
ing streams but with the aid of canoes, and SWIM
ming my pony, they were overcome This days
Journey brought me within miles of brother
Folsoms and next morning kind reception was
found in his lamily, He is everything that his
communications which have appeared in the Ball.
ner of Peace indicate. His services as Minister
of the gospel have been very useful to his people,
and promise still to be more so, should his life be
spared.
The mother of brother Folsom was converted
under sermon preached by Father King, who, by
the way was the first man that ever preached the
gospel to the Choctaws and that woman was the
first convert to christianity among her people, or
to wear clothes like a white woman or use the
loom After feeling the power of the gospel upon
her own heart this mother consented that her son
(now Rev. Israel Fosom) might be sent to Con-
nectitcut to be educated. This item of history is
well authenticated and should be carefully preser
we'd by our Church in memory of the services OF
that venerable father who being dead yet speaketh.
Little did he think when he arose to preach the
sermon referred to-, that he was about to put in
motion train of influences that would live and
operate for good among the Choctaws during their
existence on earth, and after death be felt by them
! in heaven.
! Brother Folsom has church in this neighbor-
! hood of over 100 members, mostly full Indians
| To this congregation [ preached the first Sabbath
| after my arrival in their country, through their
pustor as interpreter. The singing was all in Choc-
taw, and never have heard more delightful msuic.
| Ny sermon was followed after an hours intermis-
sion, during which the people took some refresh
ment brought with them in the morning9 by a dis
course in the Choctaw language from licensed
preacher of our church. He is full Indian, lives
in the neighborhood, and promises much usefulness
to his people.
Rarely have seen better organized congrega-
ton, or one that seemed more interested in divine
worship than | have found here-and with proper
management good influence cannot fail to go out
from this neighborhood among the nation at large
Most of the members of the church, however, are
extremely poor and have large families of children
They are trying to cultivate the soil, but have nc
mechanics among them, and possessing but little
agricultural knowledge, their labor is not very pro-
ductive They receive no annuity from the Gov
ernment and all the supplies received from abroad
have to be hauled considerable distance II
wagons. One or two generations must pass away
before these poor people can be expected to take
b,- {La s;do Of +bo ,vbita man Rut the'