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[Retrospective entry:] January 1802
A
While travelling from Little York down
the Lake, on the first day of January, a little before sun
set, I came to the house of an Indian Trader, where were a
number of People, men and women, assembled, to celebrate the
New-year. Going about two miles from thence, I came to a
small creek, partly frozen, the bridge so broken, I could
not cross it; and neither could I, by any means in my power,
get my horse over the creek. Being in the woods, the weather
very cold, and in the night, after considerable labour to no
purpose, I was obliged to return to the above-mentioned
house, it being the only one to which I could go. Wishing to
reach my appointments, I offered them money if any of them
would go, and help me over the creek. This they refused;
adding, however, that if I would stay with them they would
use me well. I accepted their offer, more from necessity
than choice. They were quite merry, singing and dancing.
Although I refused the offer of their whisky, I accepted of
some supper having eaten nothing all day. They continued
their singing and dancing; and I commenced a conversation,
with one of the women, who, had been a Baptist professor, on
the subject of religion. A group soon collected around us to
whom I talked very freely on the necessity of salvation. So
many were listening to me, that they could not so well carry
on their dancing. Wherefore, a robust looking man accosted
me, in the following manner — "Friend, if you will be here
you must be civil, — you must not preach." I replied, That I
was not preaching; but, as providence had cast my lot among
them, they could not blame me for discharging my duty. He
said, "no; but we must dance." He then, partly by force, and
partly by persuasion, led them on the floor, and continued
their childish frolic. They however, seemed to move heavy,
and with apparent reluctance. It being Saturday night, and
about 12 o'C, I asked liberty of the the trader, who
manifested much friendship, to address the company. Liberty
being granted, I informed them that the Sabbath was drawing
nigh, so that they were exposing themselves, not only to
the laws of God, but also to the law of the Land; and
therefore I advised them to desist, to which they consented.
The trader then informed me, that the Indians, who were
encamped near by, had expected a dance, and he wished my
liberty to call them in for that purpose. I told him that I
was not master of the house; but advised him, if consistent,
to dispense with it. He, however, fearing to offend them,
gave an indian [sic] whop, and forth they came from
their encampment, rushing into the house, commenced their
indian dance; which was performed, by knocking an old pan
with a stick, singing and dancing in a circle. An hideous
noise! This ended, I had an opportunity, by the aid of the
trader, who interpreted my words to them, of conversing with
them, on the subject of religion. I asked their chief, if he
knew from whom they had descended. He replied, "That the
Good Spirit, made one man and placed him on an island,
(according to his description about the size of an acre)
that this man offended the good Spirit; for which offence
the man was driven off from the island, to this continent;
from him they had descended." I then gave him an account of
the creation of the world, of man, his first sin, his
expulsion from paradise, and the peopling of the world,
according to the Mosaic account; to which he listened with
great attention. I then enquired if he had ever heard of
Jesus Christ. He said no. I then gave a narrative of his
birth, life, miracles, suffering death and resurrection; and
the end for which these things were suffered and done. While
describing the sufferings of Christ, the chief, seemed
struck with awful solemnity and astonishment. Ending my
discourse, he clasped me around the neck, hugged and kissed
me, calling me father, and asked if I would not come and
live with them and be their instructor. Their native
simplicity and apparent affection, quite affected me. This
pleasing interview with the natives of the forests more than
compensated for the disagreeableness arising from the
rudeness of my company. But the most disagreeable part of
the tragedy remains untold. The indians dispersed peacibly
to their encampment; and most of the white people, had gone
to their habitations some distance from there, when a
quarrel began between the trader, and one of his company.
The former, by this time, was so far intoxicated, as to
loose [sic] the government of himself, but demanded
more whiskey, which the later refused him. Twice they drew
their fists, to fight, and twice I placed myself between
them; which prevented their coming to blows. The trader then
swore, that unless whiskey was given him, he would call the
indians, and fall upon them with deathly vengeance. "Go,
said the other, as soon as you please." He went; and at his
command down came the indians at the door. There were three
men, and one woman in the house, besides myself. They armed
themselves with cudgels, stood at the door, determining, if
possible to knock them down, as they attempted to enter. I
shuddered for the consequences. Blood, human blood, the
blood of fellow creatures, I feared would be shed to satisfy
a revengeful disposition. Persuasions, however, were now
fruitless. The Trader now opened the door, came in, and, in
an authoritative manner demanded whiskey, threatening in
case of refusal to bring his guards, (as he called them) who
were at the door, to fall upon them. "Will you," said the
other, drawing his fist to strike, which I prevented again,
by stepping between them. Taping him on the shoulder, with a
few soft words I persuaded him to go in bed with me. He soon
fell asleep, and thus, by the mercy of God, ended the
quarrel, without shedding blood. Day light appearing, I made
my way on my journey; thankful to God who preserved me, and
gave me favour among the barbarians. I felt a great desire
for those poor heathens, and I hoped the time would soon
arrive, when they also should be given to Christ for his
inheritance.
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