The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-08-14

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books, (their Bible is not as good print,)
most of them did not know letter nine
months ago. The visitor will now see
them engaged at different times and places
reading out of the Bible or Bunyan; work
ing away at the beginnings on the slate
or in the primer; singing hymns as they
best know how, or altogether; holding re-
ligious services under the guidance of their
elders. Or at another time you will see
or digging wells abont it, and doing their
work cheerfully and WE'LL All those in
charge of them testify to their orderly
conduct and cheerful obedience. Thus
they have had all due consideration from
their keepers until very recently. Lately,
Brig. Gen Roberts, commanding in the
district of Iowa, has ordered them to be
deprived of bread, of all amusements, and
Of religious instruction. 1t is well to have
it known that they made no complaint at
any of those orders, though they have of
course felt them keenly. .Jor do we
say anything concerning the cutting off
| OF their bread ratiOns or the prohibiting of
all amusements, but their deprivation of
religioN privileges is different thing,
and touches the interests of others beside
these Indians. 1t is a stroke against re-
| ligious liberty. -7A
The day before, still another restriction
had been placed upon their religious in
structiOn. As most of these indians have
been converted since the Indian rebellion,
| and were opposers before, they have had
little opportunity to become acquainted
J with ''the service of song in the house of
the Lord" in connection with the mission
services, and DR.. Williamson, deeming
sacred song an Indispensable means of
spiritual growth, but being unable to in
ssruct them himself, sent to the writer for
assistance in this work. The assistant
came from Lockport, Illinois, near Chica-
! go, to perform this special service-to
teach them the use of their hymn-books
that they might worship God the better.
But no pass into the prison could be OBJ
tanned. Neither the first request nor the
earnest entreaty Of Or. Williamson HIM
self was listened to, but promptly and
positively refused, on the ground that DR..
Williamson Ieeded no assistance, and all
anusenaentS were forbidden them. The
next day the missionary himself was ex-
cluded by order of the General. 7gi-
Such orders are supported by the un-
founded assertions that they are guilty of
the highest crimes and most revolving bar
barities, and therefore are not to have
sympathy nor convenience they are
criminals, and therefore have no rights
whatsoever, nor can any mercy be ex-
tended to them Surprising these prem
fruo no in hac fho,
seem yet altogether ont of the way
Though man by crime may be cut off
from rights OF worldly pleasures and free
intercourse with his fellow nlen, there are
other rights of which he can never be
lawfully deprived. The relations of
SHINING soul to it's God should ever be in
violate. To learn of Christ, to repent, to
seek an Inheritance in the world to come,
| are rights yet pertaining to the yilest
criminal. And those things necessary to
the finding and advancing in the way of
the new life-exercises of prayer, of song,
of reading Gods Word, and hearing it
preached, are equally undeniable rights.
| If their sentence had been, without BEN
eft of clergy" the general commanding
would have no option but to do as he has
done. As it is, he has, in Christian age
and lie himself a protesting Christian, gone
back to barbarOus age tor the spirit and
idea OF an order altogether heathenish.
| 1t can but meet with a protest in every
truly Christian heart. ''-- 'aoi'
The case of these Indian rebels, now
Christians and penitents, should excite in
terest in their behalf everywhere, but es-
| pecially among those who through the
| American Board, have labored and pray
ed for their good. We should see to it
that now, when they have turned to God,
and are yet feebly struggling into clearer
light, they be not given up to the wicked
usurpations OF ignorant and conceited
men, having temporary rule over them.
Rather let us insure the final approval of
our Lord, because that "when sick and in
prison We visited" him, in the person of
these his lowly disciples isoi q 'aio1p al
And this order should not merely excite
| the protest of our Christian sympath;es,
but make us watchful in behalf Of relig-
ious liberty. In this direction it affects
every one alike. 1t is true that this sum-
mary and barbarous order of Brigadier
General Roberts, affects directly but very
few people, but, because of the principles
involved, it affects all who prize that right
eous freedom to the defence Of which we
have pledged our fortunes and our lives. q
A. L. RIGGS.
Davenport, Iowa. July q, 1863. h NJ
, Gen. Grant and the mississippi Caln-
q DIE DiH9w ylsAA gpaIgn. 0g tG2inI cd Llns
From Gen. Bair's speech in st. Louis.l,g sabfssss
My friends, I know it is not entirely
graceful to refer to these things in which
we, are ourselves interested but yon will
permit me, l know, coming back from
VicksburgA scene Of our recent CON
, ,noef tn cav what nnOht fn ha said Z anf