with a population, at that time, of three or four millions? We complain not of the constitutional provision, which gives a political weight to slaves, unless that provision be extended beyond its letter, or spirit, or the intention of any of the parties at the time it was made. But it was most evidently intended for the old states only. In regard to them, let it be honorably fulfilled, however unequal may be its operation. It is the characteristic of an upright man, that when "he sweareth to his own hurt, he changeth not." But when an upright man finds, that a contract, into which he has entered, proves to be very unequal, and very prejudicial to his interests, he may with perfect integrity refuse to extend its operations beyond the original intention of the parties. In other words, he may refuse to make a new contract on the basis of the old one.

This statement is entirely applicable to the admission of new states into the union. With every such new state, the terms of admission are fixed by a new contract. It would, indeed, have been extraordinary, if the convention of 1787 had attempted to fix the precise conditions, on which new states shall be admitted into the union, in all future times. This was not attempted; and the only provision was, that new states should have a republican form of government guaranteed to them by the United States.

But it is said, that slavery should be admitted beyond the Mississippi, from motives of humanity, to relieve the crowded slave-population of the Atlantic states. What! is slavery felt to be such an evil at the south already, that some little, partial, temporary relief is to be sought, by measures which will go far towards making the evil unlimited and perpetual? If the pressure of slavery is now felt to such a degree, as this argument would seem to imply, how great will be its pressure, when ten millions of slaves shall exist on each side of the Mississippi? What relief can then be obtained? Whither can the redundant slave-population be sent, when the natural increase shall be a million a year? Yet this period will certainly arrive, if Providence gives fruitful and healthful seasons, as hitherto, and if the blacks of our country are to be removed only into the new states and territories, instead of being removed from our continent.

Official documents show, that the slaves of the southern states increase much faster than the whites. It will continue to be so, unless wise, and humane, and vigorous measures are resorted to, for the transportation of blacks to other parts of the world. But should such measures be neglected and decried, and should slavery be cherished, what is to save the country from the horrors of a servile war, the causes, the progress, and the termination of which cannot be contemplated without shuddering? We do not imagine, that any thing like a general negro insurrection is to be apprehended in our day; nor, if wise measures are now adopted and steadily pursued, will there be reason to apprehend so deplorable an event, at any future period. But it is madness to do any thing which has a direct tendency to increase the number of slaves; and the enlargement of the territory inhabited by them undoubtedly has this tendency. Nor ought it to be forgotten, that though no general servile war should take place for centuries, there is constant danger of plots and partial risings, which

would agitate and distress whole towns and districts, and pierce many hearts with indescribable agony. Could all the terror, alarm, and melancholy foreboding on this subject, experienced by the southern people within the last twenty years, be presented at a single view to the imagination, they would form a most affecting exhibition of human misery. In saying this, we judge entirely by the glowing descriptions to be found in southern writers, when some newly discovered plot, ready to be executed, has been exposed to the public. Hundreds of slaves have already been put to death for sharing in such plots; and thousands of families have been filled with unutterable consternation, on finding themselves at the very brink of ruin, as in the cases of Richmond and Camden. What then will be the danger, the trepidation, the ceaseless inquietude, the torturing distrust, when plantation shall join plantation, all swarming with slaves, from the Atlantic to the table land of Mexico, and from the mouths of the Mississippi to the falls of St. Anthony?

Again; the present decision is inconceivably momentous, as it will probably fix the preponderance of the slave-holding, or the non-slaveholding, states in the councils of the nation. At the commencement of the present session of Congress, the non-slave-holding states were eleven, and the slave-holding states ten. Alabama was admitted with the utmost precipitation, and the slave-holding states are now eleven. Maine is kept out of the union, though containing 300,000 freemen, and presenting a constitution entirely unobjectionable. If Maine and Missouri are admitted together, and if the latter becomes a slave-holding state, the number of slave-bolding and non-slave-holding states, will continue to be equal; but a pledge will be given to the Arkansaw territory, and there will be no hope of excluding slavery from it, and from other states and territories to be formed in that quarter. Should the Floridas become ours, they too will be slave-holding states; so that the majority will, in the case supposed, be fixed and unalterable in favor of slavery.

If, on the contrary, Missouri should now have its character fixed on the side of freedom, the number would be thirteen to eleven. Its neighbors would follow its example; Michigan would soon come to the aid of the non-slave-holding states, and, notwithstanding the Floridas, the majority would be permanent in favor of the limitation of slavery, and its gradual abolition. Is not such a majority desirable? If our southern brethren object to our deciding the question, might we not appeal to the wise and philanthropic in other countries? How would a Gregoire in France, a Humboldt in Germany, a Galitzin in Russia, a Wilberforce in England, decide the controversy?

We had designed to inquire how far slavery can be imputed to the United States, as a national sin, and a just cause of national reproach. But our limits remind us, that we must defer this inquiry to a future

number.

July, 16, 1819. Have lately been favored with a plentiful supply of rain. This is a most favorable providence. It has not only revived the drooping fields, but has caused an uncommon rise of waters; so that the boat on the way with various supplies for the mission, and for this neighborhood, can reach us without difficulty. Our flour is nearly exhausted, and as for corn, there is none to be bought within 150 miles. Our family consists of about 40 persons.

20. An Indian came from the road, and brought us a packet of letters, Panoplists, and Newspapers. It is impossible to describe the interest we feel on these occasions. After being entirely excluded from the world a number of weeks, we are in a moment transported to our native land, to Africa, India, and China: have a full view of the noble plans of piety which adorn the present age; and hold sweet converse with the wisest, the purest, and the best of men. At our meeting for business, resolved, that we hold a meeting on the Sabbath, after public exercises, for the benefit of our hired men and children, and such of the brethren and sisters, as can conveniently attend.

23. Replanted some Irish potatoes which we raised this season, in hopes of another crop. Our corn, sweet potatoes, beans, peas, &c., in all 20 or 25 acres, look promising.

25. Considered the duty of self-denial, in those who would be the followers of Christ, particularly with reference to our peculiar situation. The thoughts were suggested by our Lord's expostulation to his disciples. Matt. xvi, 24.

26. This morning have been busy in cutting a part of the vines from our sweet potatoes, and setting them out in rows. From these vines, thus transplanted, we expect to raise small potatoes, called slips, for next year's seed. This is economical, and they are said to be better for seed, than those raised directly from the potatoes.

27. At the meeting for business resolved, that the prayer meeting on Sabbath morning be at 9 o'clock;-also, that brother Jewell write a joint letter to Brainerd, and brother Kingsbury revise the common journal, and forward it to the Board.

28. About ten minutes before 9, P. M. perceived a flash of light, and looking towards the north east, saw a fiery ball descending with great rapidity in a westerly direction, at an angle of 60 or 65 degrees with the horizon. In appearance it was not more than 4 or 5 inches in diameter. We listened for a minute, or more, to hear the report, but heard none. We entered into conversation, and in about four or five minutes, heard a report resembling that of a distant cannon. If the report proceeded from the meteor, as unquestionably it did, it must have been 50 or 60 miles distant, and very large. The day had been hot and dry, as also several preceding; and the evening was clear, except a few hazy clouds.

29. There is a very considerable change in the air this morning:-much cooler and a prospect of rain.

We are beginning to reap the fruits of our agricultural labors. Among other vegetables, we have very fine Irish potatoes, raised from seed which came from New Hampshire, by way of New Orleans. We have also fine muskmelons: our watermelons were planted late, and are not yet ripe.

30. About noon, a half breed called at our house, with a letter from our brethren, Fisk and Pride, whom we have long expected. We understand by the messenger, that they are within a day's journey of the station. One of their horses had failed, and they requested that we would come to their assist

VOL. XVI.

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ance. The brethren, L. S. and A. V. Williams, immediately set off with horses to meet them.

August, 1. Last night the rain poured down in torrents, and the wind blew almost a tempest. All the creeks, and many of the small branches, are full, and there is no passing, except by swimming. We have great anxiety for our brethren, who had probably nothing but their blankets to shelter them last night from the storm. Brother Kingsbury and an Indian boy set off to meet them, and carry them some refreshment. At four o'clock in the afternoon the brethren all arrived in safety; though much worn down with fatigue. Brother K. met them about seven miles from the mission. They had left their waggons and most of their baggage in the woods, on account of the high water. They were obliged to stand up most of the night, thoroughly drenched with rain. The arrival of these dear brethren, and the letters and intelligence they have brought, have greatly refreshed our spirits.

2. We have cause for gratitude that the brethren arrived yesterday. Last night we had another powerful rain. The creeks are higher than they have been before this year.

3. Three of the brethren set off to bring in the waggons, which had been left in the woods about 9 miles from the mission house. They found every article safe, and returned with them before night.

We learn this morning that the boat we had expected, is yet at a considerable distance. One of the hands died after they entered the Yazoo; others are sick. The master was obliged to leave the boat, and come up the river for help. This is another trial of our faith and patience. We have not flour for more than one baking, and no dry corn. But green corn is beginning to be plenty in the neighborhood, and we have some excellent potatoes. So that by the care of a kind Providence, we shall still be provided for.

4. Sent four hands to help bring up the boat. Brother Pride was called to attend one of our neighbors sick of a bilious fever. We are happy that it is in our power to extend the blessings of our mission to the bodies, as well as the souls, of this people.

Considered in our meeting for business, that, in respect to house room, we could accommodate 50 scholars the ensuing winter: also, that fifty dollars a year be considered a compensation for those parents, who are disposed to pay for the board of their children.

7. Brother Kingsbury set out to attend a general council of the Nation, to be held at a place called the Upper French Camp, about 60 miles distant. We expect business will be transacted highly important to the interests of the mission, as well as to the nation.

Sabbath, 8. Held a meeting as usual. In the afternoon held a second meeting, about three miles distant, which was well attended.

12. Hired another laborer. At present we have 6 hired men and one boy, besides one man employed in the kitchen.

14. At eleven o'clock, received the joyful intelligence that the boat had arrived. Hope soon to be in possession of some articles which we much need. 15. Brother Kingsbury returned, but not in season to attend public worship. He was unexpectedly detained by a heavy shower and tempest. It blew almost a hurricane. The sound of the wind could be heard more than two miles.

During this scene, brother K. had an opportunity of witnessing the practice of the Indians on these occasions. The man, at whose house he took shelter, was a half breed chief, of good natural sense, and some information. As soon as they heard the wind, apprehensive what the event might be, the father and on took down their guns, deliberately loaded them, and waited the approach of the tempest. In a few moments, the scene was sublime and awful. The crashing of the trees, and the darkening aspect of the clouds, were suited to lead the mind to adore, in awful silence, that Power, who rides on the whirlwind and directs the storm. At this instant the Indians discharged their guns. It is a belief, which they have probably derived from the whites, that a musket ball discharged into a hurricane will break its force. The wind passed by, without doing any other damage than breaking the tops of dry trees, and some branches from the green ones.*

• There have been four very destructive hurricanes through the Chostaw country this summer. Their course was from S. W. to N. E., and they were from 20 rods to two miles

The following is extracted from brother K.'s journal, during his absence to attend the sitting of the council.

"I arrived at the council ground on the morning of the 9th, the day appointed for commencing the talk. As a number of the chiefs had not arrived, they did not proceed to business. In the evening, several kegs of whiskey were brought by Indians, to sell out to those assembled on the occasion. Capt. Folsom, and several other half breeds, immediately went to those who owned it, and stated the bad effects of selling whiskey to the Indians, while they were attending council. They were easily persuaded to deliver it up, and it was put under lock and key, until the talk should be ended.

"10. No business done to day. The chiefs from the six towns have not yet arrived. Report says, they found whiskey on the way, and will not come to the council till it is gone. Those present are perfectly civil. There has been no disturbance throughout the whole encampment; and in fact, they have no quarrels at any time, except when under the influence of whiskey.

"I have conversed with a number of the chiefs concerning the school, and the importance of making some provision for the support of the scholars. They manifested an interest on the subject, but I fear nothing decisive will be done at this meeting. By consent of the Agent, I notified them, that I wished to give them a short talk, when they are ready to hear it. They informed me that they would listen to it when the other chiefs arrived,

"11th. About 8 o'clock in the morning, Col. McKee, the U. S. Agent, called at the house where I lodged, to inform me, that a white man was found dead in the camp this morning; and requested that I would attend the funeral, as soon as a grave could be prepared. The deceased was in health yesterday, ate a hearty supper last night, and went to sleep as usual. Two white men slept by his side, who found him a lifeless corpse in the morning. How uncertain is human life! "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

"At eleven attended the funeral. Many of the chiefs and Indians were present. After a short address and prayer, to which they gave profound attention, the body, wrapped in a blanket, was interred with decent solemnity.

"The council, which had been delayed on account of the funeral, convened at 12 o'clock, and gave notice that they were ready to hear what I had to say to them.

"Col. McKee very kindly introduced me to the head chiefs, and made a few remarks very favorable to the school. The following talk was then delivered.* "The place for holding the council was a square area of 30 feet on each side, over which poles were laid supported by forks, and covered over with bushes, to screen those under it from the sun. The chiefs were seated on the ground. After I began my address a heavy shower of rain came on, and the covering of bushes proved but a comfortless shelter in the storm. Col. McKee, myself, and two or three others, were defended by umbrellas; but the chiefs were thoroughly drenched; yet they listened to all that was said with great attention. The rain soon subsided, and after Col. McKee had read two letters to the council, they adjourned.

12. After the council had convened this morning, Capt. Folsom, a half breed chief of some information, and who possesses great influence, addressed the council in a very animated manner, for a considerable time on the importance of schools, and several other subjects. A subscription was immediately opened, and between 80 and 90 cows and calves, and more than $1300 in money were subscribed for the benefit of the school at Elliot. It is not probable that the whole subscription will be collected."

16. At our meeting for business, resolved, that brother Jewell go to collect the stock lately subscribed for the benefit of this school; also, that we hire three blacks, one man and two women, of Col. McKee, for one year, if we can obtain them.

23. Brother Jewell went with two half breeds hired for the purpose, to collect the stock lately subscribed.

wide. Wherever they passed, most of the trees were either broken or torn up by the roots. To get through one of these tracts of devastation, where it crosses the public road, travellers are obliged to make a circuit of three miles.

* For a notice of this talk, see Pan. for Dec. p. 555.