l; while the Indians considered themselves, and had
always been treated by the United States government as independent
nations or communities. Treaties were made with them just as with
foreign nations. There were difficulties on every side. A proposition
was made to them, to sell their lands to the United States, and remove
to a country beyond the Mississippi. Some of the tribes were in favour
of this, and some were opposed to it. The state government became more
and more urgent for their removal, and at last effectual measures were
adopted for this purpose, and the Cherokees and other tribes were
driven from their homes, which were now becoming the abodes of
civilization and comfort and Christian love, and were compelled to
find a new residence in the far, far distant West. It is a melancholy
and reproachful chapter in our history as a nation; and we have reason
to fear that a day of retribution is at hand, if, indeed, it is not
now upon us. There is a just God, who plucks up and destroys even the
mighty nations of the earth; and, in every period of the world, his
power to visit their iniquities has been exhibited.

_Austin._ And have all efforts for their improvement been given up?

_Hunter._ O, no. As I told you just now, several interesting and
prosperous missions are established among them in their new abode; and
so lately as the years 1843-4, the sum of $300 was appropriated by the
American Bible Society, towards printing portions of the New Testament
in the Dakota tongue, for the use of the Sioux. And the same blessed
volume is now in the course of publication at the Bible Society's
house in New York, in the language of the Ojibbewas. This is a large
tribe, and their tongue is understood by several of the neighbouring
tribes. It is hoped that the possession of the gospel of peace by the
Sioux and Ojibbewas, in their respective tongues, will produce a more
pacific spirit between these two hostile tribes. To this end
Christians should pray that the Scriptures of truth may be accompanied
by the Spirit of truth; that they may bring forth the fruits of
holiness; and that the remnant of the tribes may all be brought to the
knowledge of the Saviour.

There are many obstacles to this most desirable event. The wars that
break out unexpectedly among the tribes, the reverence entertained for
superstitious customs, their removals from one place to another, the
natural indolence of Indians, and their love of spirituous liqu