His Missionary Tours into the Western and Southern Sections of the United States

It is yet to be shown by the opposers of Foreign Missions, that the abettors of the cause abroad diminishes their zeal for the cause at home. It is a maxim founded on actual experience, that the more you do for the heathen, the more will be done at your own doors. “When once warmed by the animating spirit of Missions, good men will naturally think of the destitute among themselves. When once their selfish stupor is broken, every object within their reach will feel the benign effect.” No where are the men to be found who have done half so much at home, as those who have accomplished the most abroad. Never has Britain achieved any thing like so much for the destitute within her own geographical limits, and especially for her Irish neighbours, as since she began to weep over the ignorance, and superstition, and death of Hindostan, China, and Africa. And if we survey the exertions of the American Church, where do we find the most extended, the MEMOIRS OF TIIL LATt

most judicious, the most persevering, and the most hopeful measures in behali’of the Indians on our own continent, if not among those who have shown the deepest zeal for Foreign Missions?

It affords unfeigned pleasure to be enabled to record, that the very individual whom we have seen so indeiatigahly employed in projecting plans for evangelizing the heathen in distant lands, is the individual to whom all aie disposed to yield the palm for his exertions in favour of the destitute on our western frontier.

Mr. Mills received ordination as a gospel minister, at Newburyport, Massachusi’tts. in company with Messrs. Richards, Bard well. Poor, Vvarren, and Meigs, on the 2 1st of June, 181,3, all destined to Missionary services. In allusion to this interesting scene, the Report of the Board of Commissioners says —” Propitious heaven smiled on the day. A vast concourse of people assembled, and gave every attestation of deep interest. After the usual ordination solemnities, about seven hundred communicants of different churches sat down together at the table of their common Lord and Saviour, gratefully to commemorate that divine love which was displayed in the great propitiation for the sins of the whole world, solemnly to testify their joint participation in the heavenly design of imparting the blessings of salvation to the perishing heathen, and unitedly to set their seal to the prayers, and thanks!xivings, and vows, and sacred transactions of the day. The scene throughout was most interesting, impressive, and refreshing; and was a

REV. sXMUEL J. MILLS. ^9

precious earnest, as we may devoutly hope, of immortal blessings to many in distant latids, and of the holy joys of that day when they shall come from the East, and from the West, and from the North, and from the South, and sit down together in the kingdom of God.”

Shortly after his ordination, Mr. hills pegan to make preparations for a Missionary tour through the western and southern sections of the United States. Very little was known of the reality and extent of the moral desolation .of this rising portion of our country, until the “nakedness of the land” was actually surveyed, and the heart-rending rej-ort reached the ears of the Churches through the instrumentality of this indefatigable Missionary. Such was his impression of the importance of this service, that he performed two separate tours through this part of our country; the first iti the years 1812 and lol3; and the last in the years 1814 and 1815. It is not known that the first of these expeditions originated with himself more than with his worthy companion, the Rev. John F. Schermerhorn, of the Dutch Reformed Church. The last, in which he was accompanied by a man of fervent zeal in the Missionary cause, the Rev. Daniel Smith of Natchez, in the IMississippi Territory, was of his own projection. Though much commendation belongs to Mr. Smithy for his patient and laborious exertion in accomplishing the objects of this Mission, he is pleased to say,” The plan of the tour, on which I was Mr. Mills’ companion, was projected wholly by himself; and if

any thing of importance was accomplished by it, the praise, under God, is due to him.”’

We ought not to pass over this part of Mr. iMills’ life, without presenting a brief view of these enterprises of benevolence. The first tour was performed under the combined direction and patronage of the Connecticut and Massachusetts Missionary Societies. The principal objects of this Mission were to preach the gospel to the destitute — to explore the country and learn its moral and religious state — and t6 promote the establishment of Bible Societies, and of other religious and charitable institutions. The Report of this Mission, which lias been before the public, presents a mass of results of the most interesting kind, and giving a new and important view of that part of the United States which lies west of the Alleghany Mountains; — but the means by which these results were secured — the incessant toil — the deep self denial — the painful exposures and imminent hazard, they modestly conceal. It was the plan of these gentlemen to take ditferentroutes through New-York and Pennsylvania; to form a junction at Marietta in Ohio; to pass through Kentucky and Tennessee, down to New-Orleans; thence across through the Mississippi Territory; and on their return, take a course through the western parts of Georgia, Carolinas, and Virginia. Five or six hundred miles of this route was a mere wilderness.

In perusing the private Journal kept by Mr. Mills durinsf this tour, I have been led to admire how, in every sentence, Ilis mind was exclusively intent upoi!

the objects of his mission. On the first page the following subjects of inquiry are entered, as those which he intended to keep steadily in view:

“Are the people supplied with Bibles and Tracts?

How many Bibles are wanted in a county or a town?

Have supplies of Bibles and Tracts been received in part?

From what Societies may supplies be expected?

The number of regular Clergy in each county.

The number of towns able and willing to support Ministers.

Ascertain, as far as may be, the most hopeful fields for Missionary labour.

Whence did the people originate?

An Institution for the benefit of the Africans.’’

Some of the hardships sustained on the mission may be conjectured from a few passages of the Journal, on the route from New-Orleans to Georgia, a country almost untrodden, except by the natives of the wilderness.

•’ Friday, April 30. Left Mr. C ’s, who is a

half-breed, has a very handsome plantation and a good house. We proceeded about fifteen miles, and came to a large creek, which could not be passed without swimming our horses. We concluded to go up the creek until we could find a log to cross on ourselves, and then carry our baggage across, and

then swim our horses. We proceeded some distance up the creek, four or five miles. Ilaviug found a place, we tijot our bnggage over, and attempted to swim the horses. The first horse we drove in swam across, and not finding a good place to ascend the opposite bank, returned, floating a little down the stream. The bank was too steep and miry for him to ascend on the side he started from; and after having made a number of useless efforts to ascend, he appeared very weary, and we feared woidd fail. We were so fortunate as to get near enough to put the bridle on him, and at length succeeded in bringing him ashore. By tying together our bridles, halters, &c. we made them of sufficient length to reach across the creek, the one on the opposite side assisting the horses in ascending the bank It was sunset when we had the horses safely across the river. It had been raining during the afternoon, and we were very wet. We encamped on a high ridge of ground near the creek, and were so fortunate as to succeed in making a fire in a short time. We here began to dry our clothes, but were very much fatigued. Our way, after we left our trace where we crossed the creek, was very bad, without any path at all. Some of the time we were ascending and descending ledges almost perpendicular. A part of the time we were passing through swamps, very miry; and some of the time we had to contend with canebrakes, which could not be penetrated but by cutting our way with our hatchet. In the evening the rain abated, and we had a pretty comfortable night.”

“May 1. To-day we crossed another creek, and eat the last of our bread.

“Monday May 3. It rained very hard. Our tentcloth so wet, that it afforded us a poor shelter from the storm. Our provisions levy low, and we allow ourselves to eat but half a meal. In the evening heard an Indian whoop, which made us believe we were near the habitations of some of these rude sons of nature. Dried our blankets, and rested tolerably well.

•’ Tuesday, May 4. Were early on our way going up the. river. Had not proceeded far, before we discovered our trace on the creek, where some Indians had lately crossed over, as we percei ed by the tracks of the horses. We soon heard some one chopping wood up the creek. We proceeded near the place, and found three or four Indians, who were fellirig trees to cross over for their baggage, which they left on our side. They cut down two trees, which the stream carried away. We made signs to them to fell a third opposite to us, which they did. It did not tloat away, but fell mostly under water. We then made signs lo them to bring us the axe. One of them swam across with it, and we cut two more trees, falling one on the other, and both on the one cut on the other side. One of the Indians went across on the top of the trees, but was obliged to wade in the water to his waist. We engaged them to take our baggage across, and made preparations for swimming our horses. One of the Indians mounted the lai-gest horse and rode in. The horse left him in the middle of tlje creek, swam to the opposite bank, and

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not fiMding a good place to ascend, returned to the bank he started Iroin, after floating some distance down the stream. We were much aliaid we should lose him, till at length lc caught the hridle, and assisted him in gaining the shore. The Indians then took the horses down the creek to a place w here they thought the crossing sale, and landed them on the other bank. As I did not like to wade so deep in the water, as 1 must have done, had I crossed on the trees, I ascended a tree, which had fallen part way from the bank towards the side, and w-as lodged against one from the opposite bank, the two trees meeting at the top over the middle of the river, thirty feet from the water. I found as I came down the tree, it was cut partly oflC We w ere now safe on the other side, with our horses and baggage. We soon came to an Indian house, made signs to the women that we wanted something to eat, and they soon brought in a large loaf of Indian bread, milk, butter, and honey. We ate very heartily, fed our horses with corn, and were in readiness to proceed. If we understood them, we had now twenty miles to go before we came to our stage, having come only forty miles in four days. After proceeding some distance we encamped on a hifich ride for the niiiht.”

‘• Wedncodny 5. We were on our w ay early in the morning. Came to a large stream, nearly eight rods across, very deep, with very little current at all. We concluded it entered the Tennessee river not far distant, and that the current was impeded by the back water from that river. We knew there were many settlements on the Tennessee, and if we followed the

REV. SAMUEL J. JMlLLi. UP

itream to its mouth, we should not be able to cross it there. We thought it best to proceed up the river, and attempted lor some time to keep the bank, but were soon involved in the cane brakes and swamp. Night came on: we backed out as well as we could, and encamped on a high hill. Our stock of provisions again became very Ion,”

“Thursday 6. Pursued our course down the river, or rather margin of the swamp, and at night encamped on a hill, with the valley and river on our left.”

‘•’-Friday 7. Kept down the creek — passed some old Indian fields — concluded we could not be far from the place where we struck the river on the opposite side. We endeavoured to keep on the bank, but the cane brake and green briar could not be penetrated. Took the margin of the lov, lands, and at night encamped on a high hill. This night we ate the very little meat we had left.

‘■^ Saturday a. Early on our way. Saw the tracks of horses, cattle, <kc. Convinced there were Indians not far oflC Before noon we came to a trace, which had the appearance of leading to the river. After riding several miles, we came to the river opposite the place where we just discovered it. There we found eight or ten Indians and Indian women, who were about crossing the river on a raft. We inquired of them how far it was to a house, but could obtain no certain information, as they could not, or would not speak the English language. We were satisfied we were in our trace, and leaving the river, pursued our course easterly. We had not gone more than a mile or two, before we met an old Indian who could

6G MKSfuifis or THE late

talk a little Eno;]!.-!). He informed u~, Ave s[i(3iiM come to an Itulian house, proccedini;- on the trace one mile, where we should be able to procure provision. We soon arrived at the place, and found the Indian a Cherokee, a very pleasant, friendly man. I expect he had been making some provision for his Indian brethren; for as soon as we entered the house he invited us to sit down at the table. Before we left him we provided ourselves with meat, liread, and cold Hour. In the afternoon, went on our way, rode till near sunset, and encamped. The wolves were around the camp in the night.”

In a statement of hi;? labours on this Mission to the Trustees of the Missionary Society of Connecticut. Mr. Mills says,

‘• South of New Connecticut, few Bibles or relip-ious tracts have been received for distribution among; the inhabitants. The Sabbath is greatly profaned; and but few good people can be ibund m any one place. There are, however, a number of societies which are wishing to obtain Ministers for settlement, for a part of the time at least, more commonly for six months in the year.

“From Cincinnati Mr. Schermerhorn and myself went down the river Ohio to Laurencehurgh in the Indiana Territory. Left that place the 24th of November, crossed the Ohio into Kentucky, and came down the river about.’30 miles; then again crossed over into Indiana, and came down some miles on that side of the river; then crossed back into Kentnjckv. and continued our course within 30 miles of h£V. SAMUEL 3. MILLS. QH

the falls of the Ohio, preaching occasionally. We found the inhabitants in a very destitute state; very ignorant of the doctrines of the Gospel; and, in many instances, without Bibles, or any other religious books. The jMethodist preachers pass through this country, in their circuits occasionally. There are a number of good people in the Territory, who are anxious to have Presbyterian Ministers amongst them. They likewise wish to be remembered by Bible and Religious Tract Societies.

“■ Leaving the river, we proceeded on our way through Frankfort, an easterly course to Lexington, where we arrived December 5th.

We left Lexington the 1 ith of December, and proceeded on our way to Nashville, in Tennessee, where we arrived the 28th. On the 29th rode to Franklin, 20 miles from Nashville, and put up with Mr. Blackburn. During our stay in this part of Tennessee, we consulted with a number of pious people, with regard to the expediency of forming a Bible Society. They decidedly favoured the object. Mr. Blackburn thought there would not be time to collect the people, and form a Constitution during our stay. He engaged that he would exert himself in favour of the object, as did others, men of piety and influence.

‘’ We consulted with Mr. Blackburn on the expediency of pursuing our course down the river to New-Orleans. He advised us to go, and assisted in making the necessary preparations. It was thought best for us to descend the river. General. Jackson was expecting to go in a few days, with about 1500 vo-

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liinteers to Natchez. Mr. J^lackburn introduced u? to the General, who, having become acquainted with our design, invited us to take passage on board his boat. We accepted the invitation; and after providing some necessary stores for the voyage, and making sale of our horses, we embarked the 10th of January, 18 1.’i. We came to the mouth of the Ohio the 27th, w here we lay by three days on account of the ice. On the 31st we passed New Madrid; and the 1 6th of February arrived at Natchez.

“During our stay at Natchez and the vicinity, we introduced the subject of the formation of a Bible Society, for the benefit of thv destitute in the Mississippi Territory. The professedly religious people, of the different denominations, appeared anxious for the establishment of an institution of this kind. A proposal was drawn up forameeting of those disposed to aid the object, and the time and place of the meeting agreed upon. At the time appointed, a number assembled, and chose a committee to prepare a constitution, to be presented to those disposed to sign it at a second meeting, which was to be held at Natchez, three weeks irom the first meeting. We left with the committee a copy of the constitution we had with us, to which the one formed for the Mississippi territory will most likely be similar. The Bible Society for this territory will be supported by a number of the most inlluential characters, both civil and religious-We engaged to send them 100 Bibles, and have given directions that they should be forwarded to Natchez. We likewise encouraged them to hope for further donations of Bibles from other societies:

and engaged, upon our return, to represent their state to the Bible Societies o(” Philadelphia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. As those who engaged in the formation of the society, entered upon the subject in a very spirited manner, we doubt not the result will be a happy one.

We left Natchez the 12th of March, and went on board a Hat bottomed boat, where our accommodations were but indilTerent. The weather was generally pleasant, and we arrived at New-Orleans the 19th. The distance is 300 miles. For 100 miles above New-Orleans, the banks of the river are cleared, and in descending the river you pass many very elegant plantations. The whole of this distance the banks appear like one continued village. The greater part of the inhabitants are French Catholics, ignorant of almost every thing except what relates to the increase of their property; destitute of schools. Bibles, and religious instruction. In attempting to learn the religious state of these people, we were frequently told, that they had no Bibles, and that the priests did not allow of their distribution among them. Ao American, who had resided two or three years at a place, which has the appearance of being a flourishing settlement, and which has a Catholic church, informed me that he had not seen a Bible during his stay at the settlement. He added, that he had beard that a woman from the state of New-York had lately brought one into the place.

“Upon our arrival at New-Orleans, we were soon made acquainted with a few religious people. The number of those possessing this character, in thi?

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))lace, we are constrained to believe is small. Wc iound here a Baptist minister, who lias been in this city a few months, but expects to leave the place soon. He is a sensible man, and to appearance a christian. 1 doubt not he has laboured laithtully in the service ot” his Master. There is no protestant church in the city. Attempts have been made to obtain a subscription for building one, but have failed. There is at present a Methodist preacher in the place. I believe he expects to leave it soon. The Catholic priests will then be the only professedly religious teachers in the city.

“Soon after our arrival, we introduced the subject of a Bible Society. It directly met the wishes of the religious people with whom we had become acquainted. As we had letters of introduction to Governor Clairborne, we called upon him in company with a friend. The object of our coming to the place was stated to him, and he approved of it. A proposal for a meeting was readily signed by him, and by 12 of the members of the Legislature, who were then in session. About 20 more, principally merchants belonging to the city, added their names to the list. At the time appointed for establishing a Society, the greater part of those who subscribed to the proposal met. Previous to the meeting, a constitution had been formed; and was presented for their approbation, should it meet the wishes of those present. The constitution was read and considered, article by article, and adopted. All present appeared much gratified with the opening prospect.

^•Wc found that, in order to have the Bihle circulate freely, especially iimoni the Catholic?, the consent of those high in oflicemust he obtained. We were frequently told, that the Catholic priests would by no means favour the object. We were referred to Fa’.her Antonio, as lie is called, who lias greater influence with those of his order than even the Bishop, who has lately arrived from Baltimore. If the consent of the former could be obtained, it was allowed by those with whom he conversed, that much might be done towards distributing the Scriptures among the French Catholics. We took a convenient opportunity to call upon the reverend Father. The subject was mentioned to him. He said he should be pleased to have the Bible circulate among those of his order; and that he would approve of the translation distributed by the Biitish and Foreign Bible Sorietij. In addition to this, he said he would aid in the circulation of the Scriptures, should an opportunity present. We inquired of him, whether the priests in the ditTerent parishes would likewise favour the good work? At this inquiry he seemed surprised, and aaswered, “How can you doubt it? It is for their interest to circulate the Scriptures.” Upon this point, our sentiments were hardly in unison. However, we felt no disposition to contradict him. We have since called upon the Bishop. He also gave his consent, and said he would contribute in favour of the inlant institution. This disposition in the Catholic priests to favour the circulation of the Scriptures has very much surprised all with whom we have conversed on the subject in the city. The

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priests acknowledge the nakedness of the hind. Father Antonio gave it as his opinion, that we should very rarely find a Bible in any of the French or Spanish Catholic families, in any of the parishes. And the Hishoj) remarked, that he did not believe there were 10 IJibles in the possession of all the Catholic families in the state; and these families constitute three-fourths of the population of the state, people of colour excepted, as is believed by men of information. When we came to this place, we found a number of French Bibles and Testaments had been sent here for distribution gratis; and had been on hand some time. They are now all disposed of, and repeated inquiries are made for those books by the Catholics. I happened to be in at Mr. Stackhouse’s store a short time since. During my stay, which was short, five or six persons came in, inquiring for the Bible in the French language. The present is ccrtaiidy a new and interesting era in the history of New-Orleans. Mr. Stackhouse informs me, that if he had 50 Bibles, he could dispose of them at once to the Catholics.”

On the last of these Missions, Mr. Mills left Boston in July, I8l4; went on to Connecticut, where he found the Rev. Mr. Smith, and engaged him to be his companion on the tour. Having obtained considerable assistance from the Philadelphia Bible Society, and the Philadelphia Missionary Society, and equipt with a large quantity of Bibles and Tracts, they proceeded on their journey, followed by the prayers of many of the friends of Zion. In the inteiaor of the state of Pennsylvania, they found extensive tracts of ceuntry, and especially the valleys between the Allegany Mountains, exceedingly destitute of religious privileges. Throughout the country north of the Ohio River, there was a lamentable want both of Bibles and Missionaries. To supply the former, they became instrumental in the formation of Bible Societies in Pennsylvania, in the Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri Territories; and to sup* ply the latter, could do little more, while on their tour, than faithfully ascertain and point out the most important fields of Missionary labour. Of all these territories, they have said to the churches, ‘’ We have travelled through them; have seen the nakedness of the land; and our eyes have affected our hearts. We have heard the cry, Come over and help us. Would that all Christians at the east would lift up their eyes and behold. Could they but see what we have seen — thousands ready to perish, their eyelids fast closed in spiritual slumber, and none to awake them — could they but see the sons and daughters of Jerusalem weeping for themselves and their children; surely ministers would no longer be wanting, nor funds for their support.” Speaking of the state of Louisiana, they say,” There are Jlmerican families in this part of our country who never saio a Bible, nor heard of Jesus Christ. It is a fact that ought not to he forgotten, that so lately as March, 1815, a Bible in any language could not be found, for sale, or to be given away, in JVew-Or leans. ^’ And yet eight thousand Bi= bles would not supply the destitute of this state. On this second visit to New-Orleans, Mr. Mills did

K much to relieve the desolations discovered on his former tour, and especially in the distribution o(^ the Holy Scriptures. Some circumstances attending these efforts we «hall present from his private Journal, though most of them have been before the public.

“Feb. 10. This morning I called upon Esq. Hennen; and concluded, at his request, to tak? lodgings niih him for the present. I called in company with Mr. H. at the public prison; there are three hundred English soldiers in the prison, A number of Bibles had sometime since been distributed among them, by one of the managers of the Society. We found many of them reading with great attention and seriousness, the copies which had been furnished them. We gave them some additional supply. They received the Bibles with evident expressions of joy and gratitude. We distributed among them likewise a number of Religious Tracts and Sermons. They returned many thanks for them. More or less of the soi.^aers, are, it is said, apparently pious men. They informed us, that many of them were furnished with Bibies or Testaments, but left them on board the fleet In the course of the same day, we called upon Dr. Dow. He informed us, that he had furnished some of the prisoners with a number of Watts’ Psalms, and some other religious books.

“The succeeding day, I called at the United States Hospital, in company with Esq. Nicholson. There are three hundred men sick and wounded in the hospital; one hundred and eighty are English prisoners. Upon examining the several wards, we found that some of the prisoners had brought their Bibles from the Heet; but this was rarely the case. A number of the sick and wounded, both English and Americans, expressed an earnest desire to be possessed of the sacred Scriptures. Called at the Navy Hospital, containing about forty sick. There was not a Bible among them, as we could learn; but more or less will thankfully receive them. We called at three different places, where a part of the sick soldiers belonging to the Kentucky detachment are quartered. The whole number of sick at these houses is one hundred and twenty. Many of them received the information with great satisfaction, when informed that some of them could be furnished with Bibles. This was manifest, from their countenances, and from the numerous applications which were made for this blessed book. In one of the houses we found a number of the sick lying on the floor. One was reading from a Nev, Testament to those around him. They had not a Bible in ilm house.

“On the 1 2th, in the morning, I called with a friend at the Charity Hospital. There are forty sick soldiers at this hospital belonging to the Tennessee troops. They had not a copy of the sacred Scriptures. A number were very pressing in their solicitations, that we would supply them. We observed to them, that they would probably soon leave the hospital for Tennessee; and as they expected to travel on foot eight hundred or a thousand miles, they could not carry their Bibles with thera. should they

be supplied. Some of them answered at once, that they woidd leave some other articles, rather than their Bibles. Upon our return we sent a number of Bibles to the hospital. We called at three difTerent places, which we visited yesterday, occupied by the sick belonging to the Kentucky detachment, and distributed among them seventeen Bibles. They were thankfully received. The minds of many of the sick appear to be solemnly affected. We hope there are some godly persons among them. We explained to them the object of the Bible Society; and charged those who received copies of the Bible, to make a good use of them.

“13/^. We sent a number of Bibles to a fourth house occupied by about forty sick Kentucky soldiers; and received many thanks for them. Visited a house occupied by the sick troops from Tennessee; there were one hundred sick at this house, but not a Bible amon<; them all. We left one in each room. Visited the United States Hospital, and distributed thirty Bibles among the destitute. Many applications were made for the sacred Scriptures, with which we could not comply. It is sickly at the present time. Since the 8th of January, a great mortality has prevailed. Twenty and even thirty of our soldiers have died in a day.

“1 5th. 1 have ascertained that there are a considerable number of the troops belonging to the militia of this State, who are sick in hospitals, on the opposite side of the river. It is the impression of many who go to the hospitals, that they shall die in ai

them. This impression perhaps hastens their dissolution in some instances.

“16//t. We visited a hospital occupied by the Tennessee troops. One hundred are sick at this place. They had no Bibles in the house. Found a lew leaves of the Old Testament in the possession of one of the soldiers. Distributed among them fourteen Bibles. They were very thankfully received.

‘• Mth. To day there was a meeting of the managers of the Bible Society. They voted their thanks to the societies that had generously aided them by donations in Bibles. Visited one of the hospitals, prayed with and addressed the sick in two of the wards. A sick man from Tennessee appeared to be much exercised in his mind. He seemed conscious of his ruined state by nature, and of the necessity of his exercising repentance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to obtain the salvation of his soul. The sick appeared much gratified by the attention paid them.

•’ 18//i. 1 visited to-day, in company with Mr. N, one of the hospitals, at which we had previously called, and in Mhich we had left a few copies of the Bible. Some of the men had died since our first visit to them; and others had so far recovered as to be able to leave the house; and their places had been supplied by the sick brought in from the camp. We found a number of the rooms containing eight or ten sick, without a copy of the sacred Scriptures. Supplied one copy to each room, and received many thanks.

“22</. I rrossed the river to-day, and visited the sick soldiers in the barracks. In two rooms there were near one hundred sick. It is truly afFecting to visit these abodes of disease and death. The sick have not generally beds or mattresses. With medical aid they are tolerably well furnished; still no doubt many of them suffer much for the want of proper attendance. In some instances, when I have been attending the sick in one room, I could hear those in the room adjacent, crying out with great earnestness, Lord have mercy on us: — Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. I informed those I visited that there were some Bibles on hand to be given to the sick and the destitute. There were many applications for them. During my stay at the barracks I was at six or eight of the rooms. There was not a Bible to be found in any of them. I have foutid unusual freedom in speaking to the sick and the dying in the hospitals. They almost uniformly give very strict attention to what is said; and their tears witness for them that they do not remain unaffected. God only knows how lasting their serious impressions may be. But from what I have seen and heard in the hospitals, I am inclined to believe that some of the sufferers have been born again, even on the threshold of the grave. Many of the troops, after their arrival in the vicinity of this place, were subjected to great fatigue while defending the lines. Many of them were standing or lying, for some successive days and nights, in the low marshy ground where the water was near a foot deep. The weather some of the time was so cold as to freeze ice a quarter of an inch in thickness. Some of the soldiers at

this time were but poorly clothed; three or four physicians from Kentucky and Tennessee have died but a short time since.

“23d. This morning more than four hundred English prisoners left this place. They went on board the steam-boat and two sloops which were to carry them to the fleet, or the proper vessel prepared to receive them lying off the mouth of the river.

“After their departure, I called at the prison, and obtained leave of the keeper, to examine the rooms, which had been vacated by the prisoners, in order to ascertain whether any of the Bibles we had distributed were remaining in them. But not a Bible had been left, nor the remnant of a religious tract. The prisoners had retained them all. The servant into rmed me that he saw them packing them up in their knapsacks, a little time previous to their departure.

“From the manner in which the prisoners received the Bibles, and from the care with which they preserved them, we have reason to believe they will be very serviceable to many of them.

“25th. This morning I crossed the river to visit the sick soldiers in the barracks, now converted into hospitals. There are three hundred and sixty in the barracks. Some of them are dangerously ill. Five or six died the last niffht. I went into a number of the rooms, containing each from thirty to forty sick. In one room at which 1 called, there was a corpse lying on the floor, partially wrapped in a blanket. One person appeared to be in the agonies of death, 80 MEMOIRS OF THK LATil

apparently insensible to every thing around hinj. Others were groaning, and calling for assistance. A number caine in from the adjacent rooms. I addressed those present, and prayed with them; they were attentive and solemn. In five of the rooms I left ten Bibles. Many of them appeared in some measure rightly to estimate the precious book. The gratitude they manifested upon the reception of the Bibles was an ample reward for the exposure and labour attendant on furnishing them. Previous to this distribution there was not a single copy of the Bible to be found, as I could learn, among near four hundred men in the barracks. After leaving the sick now referred to, I passed a number of additional rooms, containing sick soldiers. Near one of the rooms I observed three dead bodies, wrapped in blankets. The deceased died in the same room during the last night. But few of the dead, I believe, are buried in coffins. Before f left the barracks I became acquainted with General Morgan, who has the command of the militia of this state. I saw likewise Dr. G. and Dr. R. who are the two principal physicians in this department. They sent two men with me to obtain an additional number of Bibles, for those rooms which as yet remained unsupplied. I sent back by them twenty-four; making in the whole thirty-four distributed in the barracks.

“I lately visited the camp, occupied by the Kentucky detachment. Gen. Thomas informed me, that out of about 2,000 men belonging to this detachment, there were at the present time 800 on the sick list. The Kentucky troops are not supplied with even a sino-le chaplain, while there are four altached to the troops from the state of Tennessee. I have ascertained that there are three or four houses near the camp (which is three miles below the city,) containing sick soldiers, which have as yet received no supply of Bibles. The officers are, I believe, uniformly attentive to the sick belonging to their several detachments.

“27//i. This morning I crossed the river to visit the sick in the barracks. Dr. G. introduced me to one of the sick under his care. He wished me to converse with him. The sick man professed to hope that he was made a subject of the renewing grace of God about three years since. He readily acknowledged his lost and ruined state by nature, and professed his confidence in Jesus Christ as the great atoning sacrifice. He remarked, that he had no fears of death. He said he felt happy to be in the hands of a good and merciful God, and was willing to be at his disposal. He professed the fullest confidence in the rectitude of the divine government, and would endeavour to trust in the Lord. He added, that he had an aged and infirm mother, who looked to him for support and consolation; and if it should please heaven, he could wish to recover, in hopes of relieving her sorrows, as she descended into the vale of years. After conversing with the sick man, I addressed those present. A number came in from the adjoining rooms. We sang, and closed with prayer. The season was a very solemn one, — many were in tears.

*’’• March lst. To-day I crossed the river to visit the sick. During my staj, preached to more than 200 of the soldiers, who weie able to assemble. The meeting was a solemn and interesting one. Dr. G. and Dr. R. expressed their thanks for the attention paid to those under their care. They wished to have their thanks presented to the managers of the Bible Societies, who had furnished them with the sacred Scriptures.

“One of the chaplains belonging to the Tennessee detachment informed me lately, that most of the intemperate men from that state had died since they came here; his expression was, the hard drinkers are nearly all gone.

“bth. To-day I visited one of the hospitals. The soldiers had so far recovered from their sickness as to be able to join their fellows in the camp.

“The hospital is now principally occupied by the needy and the sick from the city. The soldiers who have left the hospital have taken their Bibles with them, and there are a number of needy people in it, without any supply.

“1th. I called to-day at one of the houses occupied by the Kentucky sick soldiers. Some of them have been a long time sick, but appear to be recovering. Numbers are still dangerously ill; they lie around the tloor in all directions, some groaning and some praying; they however gave very strict and solemn attention while I addressed them, and prayed with them. It was the first serious address and prayer that numbers of them had heard since they left home, and perhaps for years. When I was about leaving the room, one of the men, as he lay on the floor, reached out his hand, and grasping mine, exclaimed, “God bless you — God bless you” I entered into conversation with him, and ascertained, that for some time past he had entertained a hope that he had been born again. After conversing with hira freely, I left him with a request to examine himself as in the presence of the heart-searching God, who could not be deceived, and would not be mocked. What will be the result of exertions to relieve the wretched in these abodes of misery — these cages of despair, God only knows. He hath the hearts of all men in his hands, and here our hopes rest.

“lOth. To-day, in company with Mr. Smith, I called at one of the hospitals, and made some inquiries respecting the Bibles which had been left there some time since. There were two rooms containing the sick; only one Bible was remaining in each.

“lu. This morning I rode down to the Kentucky camp; the Generals Adair and Thomas accompanied me. I had made a previous appointment to preach at the camp at ten o’clock A. M. The notice had been given to the soldiers, and arrangements made. The place for preaching was in the open field. A platform was prepared for the speaker to stand on, raised six or eight feet from the ground. A large congregation was collected in a short time. As many as eight hundred or a thousand soldiers were present. They behaved with great propriety during the service — were solemn and attentive.”

On this mission Mr. Mills was particularly intrusted, by the Philadelphia Bible Society, with the distribution of a qu;lntity of French Bibles. The manner in which this trust wis discharged, and the Testaments received, by the Roman Catholics in New-Orleans and its vicinity, we shall present by an extract from his Report to the Philadelphia Society.

“As has already been stated, I readied New-Orleans on the tenth of February. I soon ascertained that the 3090 copies of the Testament, directed to the care of the managers of the Louisiana Bible Society, h.ad been received. But none of them had at that time been offered to the people. A few copies were given out on the day I arrived in the place. The succeeding day an additional number was distributed.

‘• The day following, February 12th, the number of the destitute who made application for a supply very much increased. From nine o’clock A. M. to one P. M. the door of the distributor was thronged with from fifty to one hundred persons. Those who applied were of all ages and of all colours. They were literally clamorous in their solicitations for the sacred book. For some successive days the applicants became still more numerous. In a week after the distribution of the Testaments commenced, one thousand copies were given out. Some of those who requested a supply came prepared to purchase them. They remarked to the distributor that they must have a supply by some means. The Principal of the College, and a number of the instructors of the public schools in the city, presented written statements, containing a list of the scholars under their care, who would make a prodtable use of the Testaments, could the charity be extended to them. These statements w ere respectfully addressed to the distributor, with a request that as many of the scholars might be supplied as was consistent with the views of the Managers of the Society. Their solicitations were, in most cases, complied with.

“Pere Antonio, a leading character in the Roman Catholic Church in the city, very readily aided in the circulation of the Testaments among his people. Some more than two years ago, the Rev. Father engaged to assist in the distribution of French Bibles and Testaments. Soon after I arrived in the city, I called upon him, in company w ith Mr. Hennan. We informed him that the Testaments had been received from the Managers of the Philadelphia Bible Society, and presented him with a number of copies. He expressed great satisfaction, and repeatedly invoked the blessing of God on the donors. He observed, that God would certainly bless the generous, pious men, who had exerted themselves to give to the destitute his holy word. He expressed his desire to obtain an additional number of copies, and eno-a«ed that he would make the most judicious distribution of them in his power. He remarked, that he would give them to those persons who would be sure to read them through.

After our visit to Antonio, his attendant called for two or three copies of the Testament. The man who attends at the cathedral was anxious to recei e one. His choir of singers likewise requested a supply.

*’ Soon after the distribution of the Testaments commenced, Mr. Hennaii called upon Mr. Du Boiirg, the administrator of the Bishopric, and informed him that the Testaments, printed by the managers of the Philadelphia Bible Society, had been received; and that some copies had been given to the people. The Bishop oipserved, that he had been made acquainted with the circumstance by some of his people, who had called upon him to ascertain, whether he would advise them to receive the Testaments. He added, that as they were not of the version authorized by the Catholic church, lie could not aid in the distribution of them. When the distribution of the Testaments in the convent was suggested, the Bishop remarked, that the parents of the children who received instruction at that place were at liberty to furnish them if they thought best. I had myself an interview with the Bishop: during our conversation he expressed to me his regret that the Roman Catholic version of the Testament, printed in Boston in 1810, had not been followed, rather than the version printed by the British and Foreign Bible Society. He observed, however, that he should prefer to have the present version of the Testament in the possession of the people, rather than have them remain entirely ignorant of the sacred Scriptures. I here state one or two incidents which occurred, as related by the Bishop, connected with the circulation of the Testaments. — A poor woman of his liock called on him, and handing him one of the Testaments — apparent-Iv with great anxiety, addressed him in the following manner: Good Father, what book is this.** The Bishop looking at it. replied, Why, ray child, it is the history of the Evangelists — it is the Gospel. I know that, replied the woman; but is it a book you would recommend to your people? Said the Bishop, It is a Protestant version; it is as Calvin would have translated it. Good Father, replied the woman, keep the book, keep the book! My child, answered the Bishop, you may retain the book, if you please. Read it with care; and should you find any thing contrary to the Catholic faith, you will bear in mind that it is a Protestant version.

“Miss J. one of the Nuns, called upon the Bishop somewhat agitated. She had been reading the Testament. Her mind was perplexed by the expression, in the summary of the first chapter of the First Epistle of St. John: ‘Et la confession de nos pcches a Dieu;’ and the confession of our sins to God. She had been taught, that the confession of our sins was to be made to the priest; or rather to God, as the Roman Catholics say, through or by the priest. She inquired what could be intended by the expression, confession of our sins to God. He informed her that the translation was a Protestant one, and that the expression she referred to was prefixed to the chapter by the translator. The Bishop remarked to me that he thought it not proper, that any explanations of the contents of the chapters should be prefixed to either Bibles or Testaments, desio-ned tor circulation amone the Roman Catholics.

“As early as the first of March, fifteen or sixteen hundred copies of the Testaments had been given out. Many of those who applied for them were very earnest in their requests. Some of them said, that they came in from the comilrj. and could not be denied; and some of them, that tlicy had made repeated applications, without success. Some wished the Testaments for themselves; some for a son or a daughter, and some were anxious to obtain a copy for each of their children. It was frequently the case, that numbers would remain a considerable time at the door of the ‘distributor, after notice was given that no more Testaments would be given out until the succeeding day. Many applications were made by peoi)le of colour. We foimd that a much greater proportion of them, both old and young, could read intelligibly, than has generally been supposed.

“A little previous to the attack of the English on New-Orleans, three or tour hundred free people of colour were organized into companies, for the defence of that place. A number of these men called for copies of the Testament. One of them wished to know whether the officers of the companies, with whom he was connected, might be furnished each with a copy. He was answered in the affirmative, and informed that many of the privates could also be .supplied. He expressed much surprise, that so many Testaments should be given away. He inquired froui whence they came — whether they were the gift of the Legislature of the State, or of the General Government. He was informed that they were sent on by the managers of the Bible Society of Pliiladclpiiia. The object of the Society was explained to him. The gratuitous distribution of the Scriptures is a thing so novel in this part of our country, that it excites much surprise. There is probably a much greater proportion of the French people able to read than has generally been supposed. The 5000 Testaments will furnish but a very partial supply.

“Mr. K. one of the managers of the Bible Society, informed mo, that an elderly woman, a Roman Catholic, called on him for a Testament. She remarked to him, that she was very anxious to read it, and had applied several times to the distributor for a copy, but without success. Mr. K. obtained one for her: she received it with tears of joy. She infonned him, that when a girl her father had a book, which he valued much, and which he used to keep in a private manner. She thought it was the Bible, and for a long time had been desirous of obtaining it. She remarked, that now she had such a book as her father used to have.

“Soon after my arrival at New-Orleans, I had some conversation with a respectable planter, a Roman Catholic, respecting the circulation of the Testaments. He remarked to me, that he did not think a good Catholic had any occasion to read the Bible. Before I left that place, I ascertained that he had perused some portions of the Testament. And he informed a friend of his, that what he had read excited in his mind many reflections. A woman and her daughter came in from the Bayou St. John, two miles from the city. She informed the distributor, that she had heard that there were Bibles and Testaments to be given to the destitute, and that she was hardly disposed to credit the report. She concluded, however, she would ‘Come and see.’’

“In the Spring of 1811, eight or ten thousand of 90 MEMUmS Oi THE LATE

the inliabiluuts olSt. Domingo came to this part of our country. Most of them remained in New-Orleans, IVIany of (hem are about to return to St. Domingo, and will take with them the Testaments, where the sacred Scriptures have rarely, if ever, been introduced. Some copies have been sent to the Havana, in the island of Cuba.

“On the first of April, in company with a friend, I set out upon a visit to the Attnkapas country. We proceeded up the east bank of the Mississippi about eighty miles; then crossed the river and went in a westerly and south-westerly direction, between fifty and sixty miles into the country. We often called at the houses by the way, distributed a number of Testaments in diiierent parts of the country, and informed the people that a quantity had been sent on for gratuitous distribution by the Philadelphia Bible Society, and where they might apply to obtain them. Have we not reason to hope, that in this region and shadow of death, the true light is beginning to shine? May it shine more and more until the perfect day !*’

On Mr. Mills’ return from this tour, it very naturally became an object of desire with him to turn the attention of the Atlantic States to that destitute region. Before his return to New-England, he took pains to have an interview with the managers of the Baltimore and Philadelphia Societies, and to give them a full view of the real condition of these portions of our country. The same representation Was also made in substance to the Connecticut Bible

Society, as well as to the Society who were the immediate patrons of the enterprise. In consequence of this, the Baltimore and Philadelphia Societies came to a resolution immediately to set on foot measures to supply the Southern and Western country with Bibles; and the Connecticut Bible Society promptly voted five hundred Bibles to the sister Society in Louisiana, for gratuitous distribution, wherever they were in the greatest demand; and the whole country received a new impulse in favour of domestic Missions.

We cannot finish the narrative of this Mission more acceptably than in the closing paragraph of Mr Mills’ own Report:

“We have now given a brief account of our tour — of our exertions, and of the success with which the Lord has been pleased to favour us, in advancing the kingdom of our Redeemer. We have presented some sketches of the moral and religious state of the country, through which we have passed. — In reviewing the whole, we feel compelled to call upon our own souls, and to call upon the patrons of the mission, to bless the Lord. Surely goodness and mercy have followed us all the way. On a journey of more than six thousand miles, and passing through a great variety of climates — in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils on the rivers, and in perils on the sea — the Lord has preserved us. — Neither can we forbear to express our obligations to our dear Christian friends in the western country. We were strangers, and they took «s in. From many we received pecuniary aid, besides other important services; while the kind attentions and Christian fellowship of others alleviated our labours and comforted our hearts.

“In return for these favours, we have felt compelled to do what we could for them. Ever since we came back to this land of Christian privileges, we have been endeavouring to arouse the attention of the public, and to direct it towards the west. These exertions have been stimulated by a deep conviction of the deplorable state of that country. Never will the impression be erased from our hearts, that has been made by beholding those scenes of wide-spreading desolation. The whole country, from Lake Erie to the Gulf of Mexico, is as the valley of the Shadow of Death- Darkness rests upon it. Only here and there, a few rays of Gospel light pierce through the awful gloom. This vast country contains more than a million of inhabitants. Their number is every year increased, by a mighty ilood of emigration. Soon they will be as the sands on the sea-shore for multitude. Yet there are at present only a little more than one hundred Presbyterian or Congregational ministers in it. Were these ministers equally distributed throughout the country, there would be only one to every ten thousand people. But now there are districts of country, containing from twenty to fifty thousand inhabitants, entirely destitute. And how shall they hear icithout a preacher?

“From the estimates made, it appears that seventy-six thousand families are destitute of the sacred volume, in this portion of our country. These nrv. SAMUEL J. MILLS,

estimates are not ungrounded and exnggeratcdeonjectures. They are the result of much inquiry and patient examination. It is our sober conviction, that at least 76,000 Bibles are necessary for the supply of the destitute; and the number is every year increasing. Most of those who emigrate from the older States are poor: there are many young men who go into that country, and are married afterwards — and never have an opportunity of supplying their families with Bibles, The number of Bibles, sent there by all the Societies in the United States, is by no means as great as the yearly increase of the destitute. The original number still remains nnsupplied. When we entered on the mission, we applied in person to the oldest and wealthiest of these institutions for Bibles to distribute in the western country: but we could only obtain one solitary donation. The existing Societies have not yet been able to supply the demand, in their own immediate vicinity. Some mightier effort must be made. Their scattered and feeble exertions are by no means adequate to the accomplishment of the object. It is thought by judicious people, that half a million of Bibles are necessary for the supply of the destitute in the United States. It is a foul blot on our national character. Christian America must arise and wipe it away. — The existing Societies are not able to do it. They want union; — they want co-operation; — they want resources. If a National Institution cannot be formed, application ought to be made to the British and Foreign Bible Society for aid.”

94 MEMOIRS OF THE LAi;E

The beneficial results of these two Missionary tours can never be duly appreciated. By these means the whole extent of our western and southern territory was explored, and an accurate disclosure of its moral and spiritual desolation made to the Churches; — the Gospel of the grace of God was preached to a vast multitude of the dwellers in the wilderness; — no less than ten or twelve Missionaries were sent among them, the very first year after the information of their wants was circulated, and more the second, and still more the third; — five or six Bible Societies were established in different States and Territories; — thousands of Bibles were forwarded from the Atlantic Societies to the people of the west; — and besides these, many thousands of religious Tracts have gone, the winged messengers of salvation, into every section of the country; and, in defiance of its obstinate and long-continued barrenness, our own wilderness begins to blossom as the rose.