September 12 [1836]. Twenty-three hundred Indians
arrived in this country recently from the old nation. They are
hostiles. Before they started from their old home they were coupled
together with chains. Chiefs and warriors, old and young, down to boys,
wore those chains till they reached this side of the Mississippi.
Two prominent chiefs, Ne-ar-marthlar,
and Ne-ar-me-co, headed this company. Ne-ar-mar-hlar is a great
warrior: he fought desperately in a previous war; but begins to feel
the influence of old age.
A part of this company are the Uches,
who are noted for thefts, robberies, and murders. Even after this
company left for this country, there has been much excitement among all
classes here.
Probably you are aware that the
M’Intosh family have had the controlling influence over this western
nation, from the first. Such is the fact. And they have watched with a
jealous eye, all emigration to this country; indeed they say that this
last company and others that are on their way, have no business here.
It is reported that not long since the
Cherokees and the M’Intosh party held a secret council, when the
Cherokees pledged themselves to support Rolly M’Intosh, as principal
chief, against the claims of all emigrants. Rolly is brother to the
late General M’Intosh.
The last week Rolly M’Intosh and
Ne-ar-mar-hlar, held a talk in presence of Gen. Arbuckle, at Fort
Gibson. Ne-ar-mar-hlar said, “It belongs to me of right to be chief,
and I will be chief.” Rolly replied with warmth, “You shall not be
chief. I will take the sword first.”
Gen. Arbuckle has anticipated
differently, and several weeks ago sent an express to the Gov. of
Arkansas, for a reinforcement of troops.
Upothleholar is the chief that ordered
Gen. M’Intosh’s death. It is said that he is on his way to this
country, with a party of eight thousand. The sons of Gen. M’Intosh say,
he shall not live twenty-four hours after his arrival here. They seem
fully determined to revenge the death of their father. The company that
have last arrived, say that the Indians that were friendly to the
whites, and assisted in chaining them, robbed them of their horses and
flocks, and other property, and when they arrive here, which will be in
a few months, they are determined to have satisfaction. In short, such
is the state of things among themselves, according to human probability
there must be a revolution ere long.
The excitement that now exists, and
that will exist for a time to come, is very unfavorable to all
missionary operations. There is at this time much prejudice in the
minds of some in the nation, against missionaries. Before the late
emigrants arrived, the Indians held a council, Gen. Arbuckle present,
when some of the chiefs requested him to remove all missionaries from
among them. They brought certain accusations against all on the
ground. What the specific charges against me were, I have not yet
ascertained. When my health is sufficiently good, I design to know and
forward the same to you.
-0-
September 18. The assembly at worship was large
and solemn, while I endeavored to point them to the day of judgment, and
bring its awfully interesting scenes to view.
21. From Jan. 1, 1836, to this date, eight have
been baptized; six have been received by letter; two have been excluded;
one has died in the faith of the gospel.
25. This day, preached to a full assembly,
probably for the last time in this nation. I addressed the disciples
and the congregation to whom I haven accustomed to speak, in the name of
my Master, for nearly two years past. My own heart was dissolved, and
the assembly were melted into tears, as I bade them adieu. An order
from the agent, Wm. Armstrong, bids me depart, and I feel it duty to
obey. And while I regret leaving these dear sheep and lambs of Christ’s
flock here in this wilderness, in the midst of wolves, for whom the
sympathies of my soul have often been drawn forth,--I rejoice that the
great Shepherd still cares for them, and will preserve them safe unto
his heavenly kingdom.
