Diary of David Zeisberger, a Moravian missionary among the Indians of Ohio

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Historical and Philosophical
Society of Ohio.

Zeisberger's Diary,

1781-1798.

NEW SERIES— VOL. III.

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JULIUS DEXTER,
ROBERT CLARKE,
MANNING F. FORCE.

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300

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DAYID 'ZEISBERGER

A morayia:n" MISSIOE^ARY

AMONG THE INDIANS OF OHIO

TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL GERMAN MANUSCRIPT

AND EDITED

X

BY

EUGENE F. BLISS

^^OLXTJVIE II

^ CINCINNATI
KOBEKT CLAKKE ^ CO

FOR THE HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF OHIO

1885

^

OF

THE INDIAN CHURCH

IN THE

Western Part of North America, 1789.

CHAPTER IX.

New Salem, on the Huron, Ohio (Pettquotting).

Thursday, Jan. 1. Br. Michael preached about Jesus,
our Saviour, who came to heal the wounded, to seek the
lost, and to save sinners. Then the baptized brethren had
a service from last year's text : Grace be unto you and
peace from God, our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ, whereby they were admonished to give and offer
themselves up to him anew with their whole heart, to do
with us as he pleased, to hold us fast in faith in him ;
thus would the God of peace be with us. We commended
ourselves anew to him, to his faithful guard and to the
care of the Holy Ghost ; we awaited confidently all good-
ness from him, that in his mercy he would think of us
and help us on our way, and that in the bad outlook of
the times he would aid us and show us the way we
should go, if again we were to take the pilgrim's staff;
of this among the brethren nothing was heard, they for-
got their miserable life and earthly needs from the com-
fort the Saviour sent to our hearts. Through the whole
day the brethren and the children came to greet us. We
could read upon their faces an easy and cheerful look.
An unbaptized woman with her husband, who has been
here for some time, though not belonging here, goes now
regularly to the meetings, though before they avoided

2 zeisberger's diary.

them, and the woman especially was touched. Another
woman, Jacob Cook's wife, who often shed tears during
the services, said : " I do not very well understand what is
said, but one thing I have heard and retained, namely,
whoever there understands and feels that he is a sin-
ner, he has a Saviour that can help him and cheerfully
will; such a one am I, therefore I believe he will, perhaps,
have mercy upon me," and she wept sore. With her spoke
also Br. David, and when she thus wept, her child a year
old looked at her and wept heartily too.

Saturday, 3. When last evening the brother of the
Tawa chief with another man came here, and we heard
that the chief lay with his people the other side of San-
dusky Bay, having nothing to eat, we collected several
bushels of corn, also tobacco, and sent them to him and
his people. He had been on the way to us, but could not
get over the bay, the ice not being strong enough, and
had to remain behind encamped there. We heard he was
on his way to Sandusky to find out why the nations had
not gone to the treaty, and will himself go there, having
learned that they have not stood by the resolve of the
Council of the Miami, but departed therefrom, though
there they had all voted for peace. We still hope he can
bring it to pass that there will be no open and general
war.

Sunday, 4. David preached about the story of the mur-
der of so many innocent children in Bethlehem. Edwards
held the congregation meeting.

Tuesday, 6. At morning prayer we commended our-
selves to the grace of the heathen's Saviour, asked for his
near presence and blessing for to-day (Epiphany) in all our
services. Then was the service for the baptized from last
year's text to this effect, that the mystery of our redemp-
tion is now made known through the prophets and the
preaching of the Gospel, since the Saviour came into the
flesh, to which we also, now that it is made known to us,
should be obedient. In the afternoon was a love-feast, at
which, there being many new people with us, it was ex-
plained why we celebrate on this day the feast for the con-

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 3

version of the heathen, and the history was related. Br.
Edwards made an end with a short address from the
Scripture-verse and with the blessing of the church. The
Saviour made himself known to us. There was a blessed
feeling of his presence at all our services. We could have
no baptism, though we had candidates, but either their
husbands or their wives were not at home. This made us
sad and we could hardly bear it.

Wednesday, 7. From Pittsburg came Mr. Robbins with
another man on their way to Detroit, and both had been
longer than three weeks on their road here on account of
high water. We were forced to send them food when
they were still a day's journey from here, encamped on a
creek which they could not cross, for they had nothing to
eat. We had hoped since now there are so many oppor-
tunities from the Fort hither, to get letters or the Script-
ure-verses for this year, which we knew to be on their
way, but we got nothing. We had now a chance to do
good to Mr. Robbins, who had shown us much kindness
during our captivity in Sandusky, and had taken us —
especially Brs. Edwards and Michael Jung — into his house
for several weeks, and entertained us, and to entertain
him. This we did too, the more willingly that now he is
very poor and has nothing in his possession.

Thursday, 8. By Indian acquaintances from Sandusky
we learned that the outlook is not so bad about the treaty
on the Muskingum as we had heard, but that after Joseph
Brant had several times exchanged letters with the Gov-
ernor, the latter finally answered him that he had nothing
to do there at the treatj^, it were better he went home,
whereupon he, with several Mingoes, went back, but many
are going there, the Wyandots, Delawares, Tawas, Chip-
pewas, Shawanos, etc., so that we can yet hope that some-
thing good will occur.

Saturday, 10. Renatus, the Mohican, came from hunt-
ing. He lost old Michael, who was with him, and has
since not been found. It is conjectured that he went away
and froze to death, for it soon became very cold, and he

4 ZEISBBRGER S DIARY.

had when he went out little clothing, and had not taken
with him his hatchet.

Sunday, 11. Br. Edwards preached about the Gospel:
And when he was twelve years old. Then the large boys
had a blessed service on their day, at which the Saviour
made himself known, and a fine feeling was to be observed
among them. In the evening David held the congregation
meeting, when he sang some new verses, which had been
translated, which treated of the Holy G-host. His scholars
soon came to acquaint themselves with them, and he wrote
them out for them, for they can read writing as well as
print, though they cannot write. .They have a peculiar
spirit in learning. They spend day and night over their
books. Married brothers and sisters with three and four
children go to school, and we cannot refuse them. The
need is at hand we have long foreseen and feared, that if
school should once begin, suitable books would be lacking,
useful for them to read. We have been thinking about
this, and make preparation to prepare something for print-
ing, yes, we wish we had something already, for it is much
to be feared they will have to wait for them. Those who
attended school on the Muskingum and are now married
and have children, have not forgotten what they learned,
the}^ can read, and those who lately began with their a b c
have in a few weeks learned to read. Thus among the
Indians no trouble and labor, however little, is in vain ; it
aids them, is for their good and future well-being, and to
the Saviour brings honor and joy.

Monday, 12. The brethren got wood for us.

Wednesday, 14. A deep snow fell, hitherto there hav-
ing been little of it this winter, so that the hunters cannot
do well without snow-shoes and get any thing.

Thursday, 15. David, the Indian, came home from
hunting, who, with his company, was absent during the
holidays.

Friday, 16. David baptized to-day the child of a savage
woman, Frank's wife, that was very weak, with the name,
Nathan. The mother, who is also very low, has been here
since autumn, and not quite without movement in her

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 5

heart, but on account of her husband, who is away hunt-
ing, she cannot yet quite make up her mind, not being free.
Sunday, 18. Michael preached and David held the con-
gregation meeting. An Indian was here two days ago
from his hunting in the bush, and yesterday went to an
Indian brother here to hear something, but as he asked
many questions and got very short answers, he was soon
disposed of, for he believed the Indian merely wanted to
find out every thing from curiosit3^'s sake, but this was
afterwards shown not to be so, for to-day, in the afternoon,
which they had free on account of snow-squalls, there were
no services till evening. Samuel went to Abraham's house,
where several brothers and sisters were together, and when
he began to speak the house was soon full and many had
to stand outside. There came then old Beata, asking to be
let inside, saying she would like to be saved. After a time,
came the above-mentioned Indian, who managed to get as
far as in front of Samuel, and listened to him. He so di-
rected his discourse that he thought the Indian would re-
ply to him, or at least ask him questions, for he spoke .
about the ignorance and blindness in which the Indians
live, knowing nothing of their Redeemer and Saviour;
they put their trust and confidence in their sacrifices, idols,
and superstitions, which help them yet not at all ; in their
pretended worship of God they merely bring about their
eternal damnation, which pleases Satan well enough, whose
will they do with all pleasure. The Indian listened, but
said not a word till he came home to Boaz, his brother,
and the latter's mother, an unbaptized woman. Then he
began, and said : " I have heard all sorts of astonishing
things, the like of which I had never heard in my life.
Now I am convinced it is the truth. I must keep silent,
lay my har:d upon my mouth, and say — it is the truth.
And this is not all I think, but here will I dwell and also
so live. I als(i should like to be saved." He said to his
brother and mother that they should go and tell' what his
mind was. They replied that he must do this himself.
He said: " That will I too," but that they should first do
it. He came, therefore.

6 zeisberger's diary.

Tuesday, 20, himself to Br. David, asking for reception.
The assistants spoke about it with him, and advised him
to bring his wife, who last summer wanted to live here,
whom the doctors advised to come here, where she would
get well. This, too, he was glad to do, the sooner the
better.

Wednesday, 21. Mr. Eobbins went away to Sandusky,
after being here two weeks.

Sunday, 25. David preached and held the . communion
quarter-hour, which was announced for Saturday. Ed-
wards held the congregation meeting.

Tuesday, 27. We had a conference with the assistants
about Renatus, the Mohican. It was laid upon them to
search his things, which they did. We have lately heard
all sorts of strange, disagreeable things about Satan's
witchcraft among the Indians, which is very frequent.
When we lived on the Muskingum, we heard there, now
and then, something about like works of darkness, but it
bore no comparison to what there is here. We see very
well that Satan has here still great power, and we have also
examples and indications that it has had effect upon some
of our young women, who thereby come to harm, and are
led astray. We have then to do with a bad kind of
heathen, with whom we have to use foresight, and whom
we have to watch well, that our youth be not seduced and
the. like come among them. For the savages, especially
the women, gladly seek to strew abroad the wicked seed,
which easily takes root with young people, for the tinder
of nature still lies in them, and destruction is thereby
brought about, and the Indians cannot well bear tempta-
tion.

Saturday, 31. After the brethren had been before
spoken with, the communicants enjoyed the body and
blood of the Lord in the holy sacrament. Two sisters,
Mary Elizabeth and Lydia, who some time ago came back
to the church, were readmitted, to their unspeakable bless-
ing and the joy of all the brethren. Two, namely, Abra-
ham and Benigna, Samuel's daughter, were candidates.

AT NEW SALEM, 1789.

For three days now the weather is the coldest we have
had this winter.

Sunday, Feb. 1. After the communion liturgy, Br. Ed-
wards preached and Michael held the congregation meet-
ing. Sudden sickness seized David, but it soon passed
off. Our Chippewa visited us here again, who was now
come home from hunting, who, we had heard, had been
so burnt by an explosion of powder that he would hardly
get well, but he is pretty well cured. He was talking
always of wishing to bring to us his family and all his
friends.

Tuesday, 3. Wyandots came here from Sandusky and
stayed over night. The assistants spoke with Pemitsch-
ischen and his wife, and made peace between them.

Wednesday, 4. Chippewas, from Huron Eiver over
the lake, came here to find out what the prospect was
about the treaty, having heard that all who went there
had been taken prisoners, which news Brant had brought
to them, but this we neither knew nor had heard of.
This Brant has for some years secretly labored to extir-
pate the Delawares, and on this account, has urged the
Chippewas, Tawas, etc., to begin war with them. This
plan, secretly formed, became manifest last summer, and
at the same time found its end, for it came to naught.
He then worked for this, that the nations should begin war
afresh with the States, with the hope that in this the Del-
awares would be extirpated and blotted out. Since now the
Governor has sent him home, and told him he had noth-
ing to do at the treaty, he has not very well succeeded.

;^riday, 6. A couple of white people, who, last autumn,
went over the lake, leaving cattle here, came in two days'
time over the lake on the ice to get them.

Saturday, 7. The assistants spoke with Moses and his
wife, likewise with Mary Elizabeth, Renatus' daughter.

Sunday, 8. Michael preached, David held the congre-
gation meeting. Two, namely, Tscholi and the son of
John Cook, who came home yesterday out of the bush
from his journey, announced themselves for baptism.
A Chippewa chief, from Machinaw, whom we knew in

8 zbisberger's diary.

Cuyahoga, where, for a considerable time, he encamped
near us, and had received from us much kindness, came
back from the Muskingum, where he went three weeks
ago, but we could not learn much about the treaty, that
was trustworthy, except that the Chippewas had declared
for peace, but that the Wyandots must first give up their
prisoners, which they were now doing, having sent men
from there to fetch them ; that the States claimed the land
and would not yield it. It appears, then, that we shall
have no Indian war, at least, not a general war. More
exact information we expect to hear from Gelelemend,
when he comes, for he is now there. This chief knew
nothing of him.

Monday &. Edwards held morning service. Susanna,
Adolphus' wife, gave birth to a daughter early to-day.
The brothers yesterday spent half the night with a couple
of strange Indians, who were come here out of the bush
from hunting, praising to them the Saviour and his re-
demption. They gave out that in the spring they would
come to us. They were present at the services and were
very attentive. One of them, a counsellor, related that
Pipe had spoken with the Wyandots in regard to us, it
being asked, among other things, what they held about
the believing Indians, and when they knew not how to
answer the question at once, Pipe himself answered and
said : " We have a model and example in them." Where-
upon they applauded and said : " Yes, that is true. We
think so too." Thus also must Indians many times say
somewhat and speak out what at another time they would
not have said.

Tuesday, 10. In the early service, which Br. David
held, the little daughter of Adolphus and Susanna, born
yesterday, Hannah, was baptized into Jesus' death.

Wednesday, 11. Weschnasch came in from hunting, all
whose horses, on account of high water, have died in the
bush.

Thursday, 12. Gelelemend came back from the Mus-
kingum, whence he has been three weeks on the way. By
him we got from there the Scripture- verses for this year,

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 9

which, from letters, we had already long known to be on
the way. Thus much we can depend upon as to how the
treaty has gone. Certainly no perfect peace has been con-
cluded, since they were not all there, yet an agreement
has been come to with those who were present, and the
Wyandots, who have surrendered their prisoners, will
have peace, likewise the Delawares and Indians this side
of Gigeyunk, Chippewas, etc., so that we can hope there
will be no common war, and if the farther nations shall
now be quiet, none at all ; that the States, in regard to the
land, yield nothing, but wish to claim it.

Gelelemend was nearly killed, was insensible for sev-
eral days and for three weeks in bed. Smaan freed him-
self and got off well.

Friday, 13. Chippewas, who come from the Mus-
kingum, and were present at the treaty, came here to get
correct information as to what had been discussed and
treated of there, for they, as they said, had heard and un-
derstood nothing, but had comforted themselves, that
their grandfather, the believing Indians, would tell them
every thing, which also the brethren did.

Sunday, 15. We had with the Indian church a blessed
day, when our dear Lord very graciously made himself
known to us. Br. Edwards preached. In the afternoon
meeting, after a discourse upon our day's text : I can do
all things through Christ which strengtheneth me, a single
man, Israel, the first child baptized on the Ohio, now
twenty years old, and also two large girls, were taken into
the church. In the service for the baptized, which followed,
about the Scripture- verse, absolution was given to David
and his wife, Salome, who came to us last autumn from
Gigeyunk. Both the reception and absolution caused
much joy and awakened much praise and thankfulness to
our dear Lord.

Tuesday, 17. We had once again to endure a sad oc-
currence. We heard that one of our sisters, Anna Eliza-
beth, who has here in the church a husband and three
children, wanted to marry a Chippewa. We spoke with
her, but she denied it all, saying she knew nothing of it.

10 zeisberger's diary.

The thing was, however, afterwards stopped, so that noth-
ing came of it.

Wednesday, 18. Two Frenchmen came from Detroit,
one a smith, with whom we were acquainted, and a third,
also from Sandusky Bay. The smith brought ironware
here and sold it for corn, and the next day went back
again.

Thursday, 19. Mingoes came here from the Muskingum,
on their way to Niagara, where they live, to whom we
had to give food for their journey; also several Delawares.

Friday, 20. Anna Elizabeth at last left us. We always
thought she would get over her difficulty, but all was in
vain, though the assistants and we too took every care.
In the evening was the betrothal of the two single people,
Israel, Luke's son, and Salome, Joshua's daughter. The
assistants spoke with Pemitschischen about his disorderly
conduct.

Saturday, 21. Israel and Salome were married.

Sunday, 22. Michael preached. Mr. Abbot came from
Detroit with another man, and as they were going to
Pittsburg, we wrote to the church. We heard now that
peace had been made and that the nations have come back
satisfied and peaceful from the treaty. This was refresh-
ing and pleasant news to us. A. Elizabeth's three chil-
dren were taken from her and placed elsewhere.

Monday, 23. David held early service. The white peo-
ple set out for Pittsburg, Thomas going with them as
pilot.

Tuesday, 24. Early in the morning at sunrise four suns
stood in a circle in the heavens till nine o'clock. All the
Indians stood and wondered at the phenomenon, and
some of them asked if the end of the world was at hand.

Wednesday, 25. Some made the beginning of going to
the sugar-places, but this whole month it has been se-
verely cold and has frozen worse than during the whole
winter.

Friday, 27. An Indian, a counsellor, came back from the
Muskingum here, from whom we got certain information

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 11

about the treaty, better than we had yet heard. There is
peace, and the nations, well content, have dispersed. The
Governor had also said to them, after all was over, that
Congress had given the believing Indians their three
towns, with so much land, and that he wished to invite
them to settle there again, to which the nations offered no
opposition. While now we have trustworthy news, we
made it known to the brethren, to their unanimous pleas-
ure and joy.

Sunday, March 1. Br. David preached and then con-
ducted the communion quarter-hour, announcing to the
communicants the Lord's supper for next Saturday.

Thursday, 5, and Friday, 6. There was speaking with
reference to the communion, when there was much to be set
right, but the Saviour sent grace, so that this time only
one remains away.

Saturday, 7. The communicants had the most blessed
enjoyment of his body and blood in the holy communion.
Two, namely, Abraham and Tobias, partook for the first
time. Six, namely, two young men, Israel and Anthony,
and four sisters, Anna Regina, Salome, David's wife,
Esther, and Sophia, looked on for the first time. It was
a communion especially blessed, and accompanied with the
Saviour's near presence.

Sunday, 8. After the communion liturgy was the ser-
mon, and in the afternoon meeting, three adults and one
child were baptized, namely, Luke's daughter's husband,
with the name Simon, John Cook's son, with the name
Isaac, and his wife, Rebecca, likewise their child, six weeks
old, which was born here, with the name Martin. This
ceremony was accompanied with the near presence of the
Holy Trinity. Strangers and inhabitants shed many tears.
A couple of white people from Detroit, who came here
yesterday, on their way to Pittsburg, and had been pres-
ent at the services, said afterwards to some of our people
that they had seen to-day what they had never seen in
their lives before, and they showed the greatest respect
and regard for all this. We observe that people see and
must bear witness that the Christian Indians have not that

12 zeisberger's diary.

name vainly and to no purpose. The people in Detroit,
except the French, have neither church nor worship of
God. With this Isaac, who was baptized, there was a
singular instance, a case of a sort we have never had. His
father said that he was baptized as a child, though he was
himself in doubt whether the baptism was valid. He was
in the bush hunting, far away from any settlement, and
this his son, then a little child, became very sick, so that
he thought he would die. There came to him two French
traders, who asked him if he would let his child be bap-
tized, saying that perhaps he would die. He replied :
"Where shall I get him baptized? There is here no
preacher, and before I can get to one my child will long
have been dead." One Frenchman said he would baptize
him, for he had already seen people baptized, and knew
how it was done. And, as the father of the child did not
refuse, the two Frenchmen took the child, but what they
did with him no one saw. They brought him back again,
said he was baptized, and was named Jacob. We could
not grant the validity of the baptism by a private person,
and, still more, a very bad man, for what the traders are
and what their character is, we know only too well. We
declared the baptism insufficient. On the other hand, old
John Cook was baptized by a French priest, and this bap-
tism we let avail.

Monday, 9. After the early service, which David held,
the brethren were told they could go undisturbed to their
labor in their sugar-camp, and were exhorted to be indus-
trious and to observe the time, so that in four weeks they
could be together again. We heard much that was cheer-
ing about the effect the baptism had upon those still un-
baptized. Some were cast down, who had announced
themselves for baptism, that they must still wait, whom
we urged to be patient — Gelelemend, for instance. A
woman, who does not belong here, but who has been here
with her husband for some time, could not, for weeping,
control herself. Others did not sleep all the night, from
thoughtfulness and reflection. Other strangers said they
did not like to go to our meetings, they became so restless,

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 13

and yet had no idea of being converted, therefore they
avoided attending the meetings.

Tuesday, 10. Most of the brethren went away to their
sugar-huts, and the town became very deserted.

Friday, 13. After the early service from the Scripture-
verse : I will make a new covenant with the house of
Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with
their fathers, a messenger came with the news that
A. Charity on her way to the sugar-huts, eight miles
from here, had fallen ill three days before, and had not
since got up ; that she was so bad she would hardly re-
cover. It is a sort of sickness which prevails not only
here, but everywhere among the Indians. We sent help
to the sisters with her, but in the afternoon, before evening,
another messenger came with the news' that she was al-
ready departed. The body was brought here the next day.

Saturday, 14. We sent out to summon the brethren to
bury the corpse, and many came in. From Gigeyunk came
an Indian, who had another message from the Delaware
chief there for us, but since few of the brethren were at
home, and there was also no time, he had to wait.

Sunday, 15. Michael preached from the Epistle : Be ye,
therefore, followers of God, as dear children, and in the
afternoon was the burial of the remains of A. Charity, at
which nearly all were present.

Anna Charity came with her husband, Jeremy, to the
brothers, 1760, just as they came to Goschgoschiink on
the Ohio,^ and heard the Gospel for the first time, she was
dead in heart, but suftered and endured reproach and
scofiing from the savages there, when it was a hard and
dark time. She was baptized Jan. 21st, 1770, went in the
spring with us to Languntouteniink,^ continuing blessed in
the grace she had found and kept. Jan. 6, 1771, she came
to the enjoyment of the holy communion, one of the first
three on the Ohio to share this mercy. She was with us
in 1772 when Schonbrunn was settled, and also in the year

^This place was really on the Alleghany River, Venango Co., Pa.
^On Beaver River, Lawrence Co., Pa.

14 zeisberger's diary.

'76 at the founding of Lichtenau. In December, 1778, sbe
became a widow. In the year '79 she moved again with
the church to ^ew Schonbrunn, where, in October of
the same year, she was married to Luke, the present
widower. She was chapel servant and assistant, had gifts
and tact also ; if any work had to be done for the sisters,
she was the first, and was loved. She lost, however, much
of this, for she came away from her heart, and was no
longer what she had been, although exertion was always
made to bring her to the right track. In the year '82, when
the Indian church lost its laborers and teachers, who were
taken away to Detroit, she moved with her husband to
the Shawano towns, from where in the spring of 1783
[May], she came to us again over the lake, on Huron
Kiver, but it was not easy for her, and she had to wait
long before coming again to the enjoyment of the Lord's
supper. In the year '86, when we were in Cuyahoga, on
account of lying stories, she went away with her husband
and others. She soon came back to us, and remained till
we broke up from Cuyahoga, but to no purpose. They
remained through the winter here in Pettquotting. The
year after, in '87, they returned to us, when we came
here. She could not, however, come to herself again, and
sinfulness was hard upon her, but she at last became meek,
so that it was intolerable for her, and she turned to the
Saviour, as a poor sinner, asking forgiveness and pity, and
he took her again to grace. She came the 13th of last
August to the holy communion, was then again easy in
mind and cheerful. It could be seen she had found peace
before his eyes. At the last speaking before the commun-
ion, a week ago, she was content, and spoke so feelingly of
her heart that we took particular notice of it. Four days
ago she went with sisters to the sugar-camp, but the snow
was still deep and there was nothing but water. On their
way they passed a night in the open air, when sbe became
ill, complaining of pains in the breast, and her illness grew
worse the next and the third day. The sisters with her
asked her at the beginning of her illness if she thought she
should die. She answered, no, she thought not, but when

1789. 15

she became worse, she said she should go, and go quite
willingly. She was not quite well when she set out, and
said to some sisters that perhaps she should die, and not
come back again. Since autumn, when also she had a
bad sickness, she has often spoken about death; she be-
lieved she should not be here long below, and it was as if
she w^as always making herself ready for death. Thus
her soul took wing, very quickly, after an illness of three
days, and on her account we were much consoled. The
Saviour has done well in taking her to eternal rest and
safety with himself, at a good and suitable time, out of this
wretchedness.

The assistants came together to hear the Indian's mes-
sage, for which most of them had slight inclination, and
would rather not hear it. They said : "What good can
we expect to hear from Gigeyunk " (Fort Wayne) ? It
had to happen, however, and must be listened to. The
message of the chief was as follows : " My friends, often
when we are assembled in our councils, taking to heart and
considering the welfare of our young people, ye should
also be present, and I wish I had you again near me. I
am troubled about you, especially as I have heard that
the Indians, or nations, were told at the treaty thM ye
would move to the Muskingum and dwell again in your
towns. I have no faith in the Virginians. They speak
fine words, their heart is foul, therefore I do not wish that
ye should be betrayed by them and be enticed thither,
where the bones of your slaughtered friends still lie in
heaps, unburied, and where ye also would suflPer the same.
Therefore I am distressed, for I am always fearing that
some morning I shall hear the dreadful news that ye are
already there, or on the way thither. I should then like
to hear from you what your intention is and upon what
ye have resolved." Thereupon followed a string of wam-
pum. As we knew something about this beforehand, and
understood pretty well the contents of the message, and
the assistants had learned already our disposition, they
answered his speech with his own string, without first go-
ing apart, and said : " Friend, we have received thy words,

16 zeisberger's diary.

that thou wouldst be glad to see us nearer thee. Thou
didst send us last autumn a message of just the same im-
port. We understand not what thou meanest, and what
thine endeavor and desire about us are. We formerly lived
beyond the Alleghany Mountains, on the Susquehanna,
whence the chiefs called us, not one alone, but the cbiefs
of all the tribes had come together and had agreed and
arranged this with one another, telling us also the reasou
why they called us, namely, that the Indians might hear
the word of God. They made ready for us a place where
we could live alone by ourselves, apart from the savages,
and when we came hither we found it so. The old chief,
Netawatwes, and White Eyes, and others visited them-
selves our meetings, and urged their people to follow them.
Welapachtschiechem (Capt. Johnny), afterwards Israel,
thy grandfather, lived with us till his death. We have not
forgotten, and it is still fresh in our memory, what kind of
agreement we made with the chiefs, and what understand-
ing we had with them. Thereby we would yet stand. On
our part we have yet broken nothing, and if it shall be
broken, it will not be so by us. But all this, as it seems,
has been forgotten. In both thy messages not a word was
said about it. Always before it has been the custom with
all chiefs, if they sent a message, to make mention of the
old or former friendship, to conduct their matter .'from it,
and to bind fast the threads there where they had before
left them. If now it is different, or the chiefs have agreed
upon something new among themselves, we have heard
nothing about it. We get messages, each different from
the other, many times very sharp, hard words and threats,
by which an effort is made to frighten us and to throw us
into terror, and each man speaks his own mind. There-
fore we do riot understand it, there being nothing therein
of that which the chiefs have agreed with us from the very
beginning of our coming here, and we can also give no an-
swer. There is always a wish to unite us to the savages?
that we should make one people with them, that is, they
would ruin us and blot us from the surface of the earth.
The second point in thy message is this ; thou hast learned

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 17

that it was said to the nations at the treaty that we should
again dwell in our towns on the Muskingum, and thou
wouldst like to know certainly ahout the matter. If thou
hadst thyself gone thither, as was right and proper, see, thou
wouldst have heard plainly, and if thou hadst had any thing
to offer to this, thou couldst have spoken and expressed thy
thoughts, hut now thou comest to us and wilt hear from
us, who were not there, and also have not heard, what was
said to them^ and if also we wished to tell it to thee, it
might not be the truth. We know nothing more than thou
also. Thou wilt know our intention. We have not yet
thought about it, and no one has yet said any thing to us
about it, except what we have heard by chance, as thou
also. What shall we say to this? Know then, we sit here
in Pettquotting. Pipe, the Wy an dots, Tawas, and Chip-
pewas have established us here, this it is which we can say
to thee, and they told us to remain till they spoke farther to us.
Wouldst thou have friendship with us, thou knowest where
we are. Our purpose is this, to arouse the chiefs, that they
may awake and reflect, seek and search, and if they do so
they will find. They can think about this." (In the mar-
gin) N. B. The message to Gelelemend and his answer.
He knows little indeed about our affair, therefore we will
give him occasion to ask, for Pipe and others are still alive
who know about it. The Indian related farther among our
brethren that he was on his way to the treaty with the
chiefs, but that Brant met them, who was on his way back,
having been sent away ; he informed them they were al-
ready all killed, wherefore they also turned about. This
Brant, a Mohawk, told the chief he should call away the
believing Indians from Pettquotting, or, if he wished,
kill them, that they might be out of his way once for
all, or if he did not want to do this, the Mingoes would
do it; it were better they were blotted from the sur-
face of the earth ; they caused only unrest among the In-
dians ; this was the reason and cause for his summoning
us, fearing we should be killed by the Mingoes. It is a
like story to that we also heard at our captivity on the
2

18 zeisberger's diary.

Muskingum. We are a small number, not even a handful
in comparison with them, why are they then always con-
cerned about us, and have their eyes upon us? Why do
they not let us rest in peace? We put nothing in their
way. Or why do they not make away with us, as they
are always threatening and would gladly do, that at last
they may be done with us ? We should not be even a
breakfast for them, but they dare not venture, they are for-
bidden. He who is with us is stronger and above them
all. Were that not so they would long since have done it.

Monday, 16. After the early service, which Br. Ed-
wards held, the brethren went again to their sugar-camp.
Gelelemend's son, Henry, came and spoke out to us his
heart, perplexed and troubled about his salvation, and
asked what he should do to be rid of his unrest. He was
answered that he should give himself up to the Saviour,
corrupt and full of sin as he was, and beg for his grace
and mercy, thus would he find peace.

Wednesday, 18. For three or four days now the snow,
which has been very deep, has gone ofl' very fast, with a
warm south wind, so that there is uncommonly high
water, and on the west side of our town every thing is
under water, and it looks like a lake. To-day there were
showers and thunder-storms, one after the other.

Sunday, 22. David preached upon the subject that be-
lievers from among the heathen are Abraham's children,
according to the promise given him : In thee shall all fam-
ilies of the earth be blest, for his faith was imputed to
him for righteousness, that we all by faith and not by our
good works become righteous and blessed. For also the
heathen in our time, who yet know nothing of God, and
have shown nothing good, nor can show any thing, wish
to be saved, and if they wish to do good, must themselves
acknowledge that they have no power, and thus see them-
selves lost and damned until they turn to the Saviour as
such, and beg for his mercy and grace, who will then al-
ways have pity upon them, forgive them their sins, by his
grace save them, adopt them as his children, and impart
to them his spirit, who leads them to all truth, and gives

1789. 19

them assurance that they are God's children, co-heirs with
Christ. From Sandusky came Petty, Job Chillo way's for-
mer wife, who is on her way to us, with her children, to bor-
row horses here, in order to get them and her things here.
Monday, 23. After the morning service by Br. Ed-
wards, a messenger came, whom a sick Indian of our
neighborhood sent to us, begging the brothers to come to
him and hear his mind and wish; he would much like to
be baptized before he died. The Indian, Samuel, and sev-
eral others, had visited him daily during his illness, and
the first, especially, had often praised to him the Saviour
and redemption through his blood. Brs. David and Ed-
wards went to him with Samuel and Joshua, several sisters
following, also, without having been requested, and we
heard his frank confession, made in the presence of the
brethren and his friends. He said : '^ I believe that the Sa-
viour died for me and poured out his blood for me. I be-
lieve that nothing on earth can help me, nor save me, ex-
cept his blood, that his blood alone can wash away my sins,
and that he for his blood's sake will forgive my sins. And
if he does this for me, and I again get well and live longer in
the world, I shall not stay here, I shall come to you to live,
yes, if I could have come, I should already have come to
you, and not have you call me first." Br. David said to him
farther, that if he were baptized, he must then dismiss Ms
Indian doctors and no longer be subject to them, and this
he promised to do, saying he had already dismissed them,
and wished to have nothing more to do with them. Upon
this, his belief and confession, Br. David baptized him in
the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
into Jesus' death, and named him Paul, whereby a blessed
feeling was aroused in the j^resence of all his friends. When
we took leave of him and kissed him, he was very thank-
ful, seemed quite cheerful, a bright and lively look ehone
from his eyes, and he said he would like to go with us
at once, for he was there no longer content, but since a
cold north wind was blowing, we promised to come and
get him the next day, which pleased him and was a com-
fort to him.

20 zeisbbrger's diary.

Tuesday, 24. The brothers went with a couple of ca-
noes down the river and brought the sick Paul, with his
family, up to us, where we had made ready for them a
good hut. He was very joyful when they arrived, and
said his heart was now right well and content, and while
before, from thought and reflection, he could not sleep, he
now had peace, and had rested right well the whole night.
In the evening was the burial of little Martin, who died
yesterday.

Thursday, 26. The child of Simon and Jacobina, about
a year old, became very sick in the sugar-camp. They
hastened home with the child, and asked for its baptism.
Br. David baptized it the same evening into Jesus' death,
and named her Sybilla.

Friday, 27. From Sandusky came the father of Moses
and Lamst, from whom we heard that there, in a drunken
quarrel, two men had been killed. Abraham came home
from the sugar-camp, soon visited the sick man, who
longed to hear him, and talked with him, exhorting him
to place his hope and trust in the Saviour, and to give
himself up entirely to his will. The next morning, how-
ever, he took Indian beson,^ which his son brought, which
was not pleasing to us.

Sunday, 29. Br. Edwards preached from the Gospel:
Which of you convinceth me of sin ? Several came home,
but soon went away again.

"Wednesday, April 1. We heard from Sandusky many
rumors and complaints that the Indians are restless among
themselves, talk about war, and it is said they will have
war, yet we can hear no reason therefor, whether it is
merely a flying rumor or whether there is something in
the thing.

Saturday, 4. Our brethren came home from the bush all
right, joyful and pleased; they were glad to be together
again after being, most of them, away for four weeks.
From there Nicholas Smaan brought us pleasant news, to

^" Their medicine or beson is not for a white man's stomach."—
Olden Time, Vol. I., p. 279.

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 21

whom a Chippewa came and told him the Tawa chief
would come here to us and tell us we should stay here and
plant, and not be persuaded to go to Gigeyunk; the Chip-
pewas, Tawas, and all Indians this side the place men-
tioned, wished not to have war, but peace ; we had, there-
fore, nothing to fear. This news was very pleasant for us
to hear, particularly as we had heard for some time many
sorts of rumors which were not pleasant, and caused us
much anxiety. The chief had probably heard of the mes-
sage we had received, which induced him to come here.

Sunday, 5. Michael preached about the Saviour's en-
trance into Jerusalem for his passion, which he so willingly
underwent in order to bring about our redemption. In the
afternoon the Lord's supper was announced to the com-
municants for Thursday, and what St. Paul, I. Cor. xi, 23,
wrote about it, was read to them. Paul, who had convul-
sions towards evening, was blessed for his death, for it was
not thought he would live till evening, but he got better
again.

Monday, 6, and Tuesday, 7, there was speaking to the
brethren with reference to the communion.

Wednesday, 8. Early before day the sick Paul de-
parted, after lying speechless two days. His remains
were buried in the evening, many strangers being at the
funeral and listening attentively to what was said to the
church about his last hours. He passed the two weeks he
was with us quite contentedly. It pleased him when we and
the Indian brethren visited him and spoke to him of the
Saviour. The brethren having come home four days ago,
most of whom had not seen him since his baptism ; that
night he was especially aroused, when many brethren
watched by him. He told them how it had been with him
at his baptism, and how his heart had been comforted and
lightened, that the Saviour had forgiven his sins and had
washed him with his blood. He told, also, what idols he
had when a heathen, wherein he had trust and assurance,
but all this now he had given up for the Saviour, having
renounced those things ; that he had given himself entirely
to the Saviour, and if he should be well again he should

22 zeisberger's diary.

go with the brothers wherever they went, and since he
probably may have heard before that we should go to the
Muskingum, he said he should not remain behind ; he must
be with us, and would be ready for this. The last night
that he could speak he made disposition of his outward
things, how they should be held, and at last he said he had
still a care, and that was his four children, who are still
quite small, and cannot speak for themselves. The assist-
ant brothers understood him, and said tcf his wife that she
should speak for herself and her children, that at peace
about them he might go from time, but the woman .kept
silence and knew not what to answer, for she had yet no
disposition to.be in the church as widow. This was also
the last time he spoke, for the day after he became speech-
less, lay for most the time with his eyes closed, and only
gave the brethren to understand the condition of his heart.
He, as a sinner, reconciled and washed with the blood of
Jesus, is gone from time, who yet in his last hour came to
him, longing for grace and mercy. In the evening the
communion brethren, with a discourse from last year's
text for this day, had a reading of the history, and, upon
their knees, the prayer of absolution, and then the wash-
ing of feet, first the sisters apart, and then the brothers,
which to the brethren is always a weighty, respectable af-
fair.

Thursday, 9. The communicants, fifty-three in number,
had the Lord's supper the night he was betrayed. Three
brothers and six sisters enjoyed it for the first time with
the church, all young brethren, born and bred in the
church, except Abigail; but first was a reading of the
history.

Friday, 10. After the communion liturgy, began the
reading of the martyr-history of our Lord, wherewith we
divided the day into four parts. At the words : Jesus
gave up the ghost, we read a newly translated liturgy upon
our knees, which the savages, also upon their knees, went
through with us respectfully and devoutly. The history
was listened to with the greatest attention, both by the
brethren and by strangers, a great number of whom were

1789. 23

present, and many had made a great point of being here
during the holidays, and to our brethren it was as if they
heard it for the first time. We can surely believe that the
story of our Lord's passion, outpouring of blood, and death
will not have been published in vain here among these
blind heathen. Here and there a seed falls, which in its
own time will spring up and come to sight. A rich woman,
what is called rich among the Indians, namely, who goes
about well clad and can bedeck herself with silver, said :
" E'ever in my life have I seen or heard any thing like this.
I was in Stockb ridge, (in Mass.), where the Indians also
have a minister who preaches to them, but I did not hear
that which I hear here." [There they go to church not very
much and hear nothing.] She said also to our Indians:
'^ Ye have certainly the right way and the right doctrines."
She omitted no meeting, listening with the greatest atten-
tion and curiosity, saying she wished also to come here and
live with us and believe. Others are convinced of the truth
of the Gospel and restless [for instance, Ihis] ; they would
willingly be converted, too, but they cannot be done with
thinking about it, for they are not yet willing to lay aside
every thing which belongs to the world, and as they do not
want to renounce every thing, they make it hard for them-
selves, and have no rest.

Saturday, 11. We had Quiet Sabbath, in the afternoon
a love-feast.

Sunday, 12. Early, before daybreak, David was called
to the sick Benjamin, who was perfectly content and happy,
and with joy wished to go to the Saviour, of whom he
talked much to the brethren, who filled the house, exhort-
ing them to remain with the Saviour, that in his presence
they might come together and see one another again. We
read the Easter litany in our chapel, which was before
small and narrow, and during the holidays two hundred
people were assembled in it ; on account of snow and water,
for it snowed yesterday, all day long, we could not go to
our grave-yard. We prayed for eternal communion in the
perfected church, with those who had this year died, six
brethren, among them a sister and two little boys. After-

24

wards was read the story of the resurrection, and then Br.
Edwards preached about the same story. In the afternoon,
after consideration of the text: He is the beginning, the
first-born from the dead, that in all things he might have
pre-eminence, etc. Jesus, my Redeemer, lives ! — I, too,
unto life must waken. Gelelemend was baptized into
Jesus' death with the name, William Henry,^ and this was
a blessed ceremony. It was as if he alone should have
grace and honor, for in his whole family there was move-
ment and ferment, his wife, two grown sons, and yet oth-
ers begging with many tears for baptism [but they all fell
away]. He sat and kneeled at his baptism like an honora-
ble old man. Already for many years he wished to be in
the church, and although it was through many by-paths
and crooked ways, the Saviour at last reached his end with
him. May he help him farther and let him thrive !

Monday, 13. After the early service by Br. Michael
Jung, the strangers from Sandusky and Gigeyunk went
back home again, the latter place being ten days' journey
from here. The rich woman was from there, who came of
herself to us, took leave, and expressed her great thanks
for all she had heard and enjoyed here. She said to us
that if God were gracious to her and helped her, she hoped
to see us again. Her whole circle of friends — so far as we
could make out — mother, brothers, sisters, etc., are from
Anohockquage, on the Susquehanna, where for many years
a minister lived, till the war broke out, when he, as the
woman said, went to the war also and died in it. The sis-
ters, who talked with her, said to her : " Our ministers do
not go to war and we also not." At this she much won-
dered, and said we were certainly in the right way. She
believed believers should have nothing to do with war.
She will know how to say much about us in Gigeyunk,
and Pettquotting will preach far around and shine. 0th-

^ Taking the name of William Henry, of Lancaster, Pa., who, as early
as 1769, had been of help to Zeisberger and Sensemann. Bishop de
Schweinitz speaks of him as "Judge Henry, the Congressman." In
the year 1797 he was one of the commissioners to survey the land in
Ohio granted to the Moravian Indians.

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 25

erwise to-day we had a day of work for the assistants, who
were busy all the time. A. Elizabeth came and begged
hard for readmission, and she was again received. On the
other hand, Pauline, Cornelius' daughter, was sent from
the church. What A. Charity left behind was distributed
and settled, and besides we spoke with many.

Wednesday, 15. Both yesterday and to-day the sisters
went again to their sugar-camp and the brothers hunting.

Thursday, 16. Petty came here with her husband, who
is a Mohican, and said he wished to come here to live, but
often if such people go among the savages they are forget-
ful, for much is said to them to persuade them against
coming. Whoever seeks honor among men is easily held
back. Thus it often happens that Indians go on for
many years, longing ever for the church, but cannot find
the way.

Saturday, 18. By Mr. Abbot, who came back from
Pittsburg, we received both the text and Scripture-verses
for this year, together with letters from the church, of
January and February, to our hearty joy and refreshment.
Petty went back.

Sunday, 19. Br. David preached from I. John, v. 4 :
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, etc.
Only some few were come home, and they went back
again to their work, which will now soon, probably, be
over.

Wednesday, 22. As most of the brethren came home
yesterday, at the early service the greetings from the
church, contained in our letters, were given to them. In
the assistants' conference the brethren were told to speak
with Andrew and A. Pauline, Pauline, Cornelius' daugh-
ter, who had been sent away, and now at their prayer were
again received.

Friday, 24. Michael held early service. From Detroit
came here in a boat the smith, who again brought iron-
ware to sell. Both yesterday and to-day all sorts of bad
rumors and stories came to us, as though it would come
to a general war with the Indians, of which we heard
to-day almost every hour one bad piece of news after the

26 zeisberger's diary.

other, and though we had always comforted ourselves with
the thought that the Wyandots would yet stand fast and
with the Chippewas and Tawas remain at peace, having
thus always heard from them, yet to-day we were told
that they too were secretly getting ready and that the
people of Sandusky were fleeing. We knew not what to
think of all this, could not make it out, and since we much
wished to know how we stood, for it was already late in
the spring, and it was needful for us to know positively
whether we could plant here and not have to flee from
here in the summer, we asked,

Thursday, 25, the Saviour about it, in order to spare
ourselves unnecessary concern : whether on this account
we had any thing to ask him concerning our mission. The
answer, however, was no, and thus we became quiet and
comforted. I^ot long afterwards the French trader came
and told us that the Tawa chief, whom we had always
been expecting, was come to the mouth of this creek and
would soon be here. This was joyful news for us, for we
knew we should be freed from our anxiety and perplexity
and hear the truth; how circumstances in the Indian king-
dom then were, and what we had to hope. It was not long
before the chief, Ekuschuwe, came, with ten men of his
body-guard, to visit us. We had already made ready for
them the school- house., which is large and roomy, where
we quartered them. We bade them welcome and were
careful to entertain them the best we could, for which
purpose one of the largest fat hogs was killed. After they
had been greeted and had eaten, the Indian assistants
made a speech to him, telling him that since last autumn
we had wished to speak with him or to have opportunity
to send him an answer to the message he had sent us the
former year, and were now very glad that he himself was
come. We thanked him by a string of wampum for all
he had then said to us. This was repeated to him, and
he acknowledged it, and we showed him our joy and sat-
isfaction, and this is what was done to-day.

Sunday, 26. Br. Michael delivered the sermon from
the Gospel : I am the good Shepherd ; at this the chief

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 27

was present with his people. There were farther no ser-
vices until evening, for we knew that the chief wished
to speak to our Indians, and this happened in the after-
noon, for the assistants with some others went to him.
He hegan the business in the following manner in his
speech : " Grandfather, and ye believing Indians in Pett-
quotting, last year when the nations were assembled in
Detroit and took to heart and considered the good of our
young people, our wives, and children, yes, of all the In-
dians, we thought of you too in our grand council, ye
were not forgotten, we were concerned about you that
ye are so alone here, as if forsaken, and no one interests
himself for you. The nations, namely, the following :
The Chippewas, Tawas, Potawatomies, and the Wyan-
dots, have charged me personally to come here to you and
in their name to bring you also the following message,
likewise to inform you what we have agreed upon and
to what conclusion we have come. This string is a proof
of the commission of the nations aforesaid." He then
went on and said : " Grandfather, thou hast suffered much
hardship and anxiety. Thou hast heard many evil ru-
mors, which have caused thee much uneasiness. I wash
the tears from thine eyes, comfort thee for all thy suffer-
ing and take out of thy heart all ^trouble and anxiety.
.Cleanse thine ears and make thine eyes clear, that thou
mayst see me and understand what I have to say to
thee." He gave a string. " Grandfather, listen not to
the songs of the birds in the thickets, whereby all sorts
of lies have been brought to thine ears ; listen to me,
from whom thou wilt hear all [that is true. I say to
thee now, in the name of the four nations, remain here in
Pettquotting and plant, that thy young people and chil-
dren may have something to eat. Think not of going
elsewhither, whereby thou wilt make thy life hard, and if
any one comes and will drive thee away from here, give
no heed to him, but let me know. Thou shalt always
hear from me truthfully what goes on among the chiefs of
the nations, and if any danger appears thou shalt come
to know it betimes. This is what I have to say to thee

28 zeisberger's diary.

in behalf of the nations, who have agreed together for
peace, and will hold together therefor until the other na-
tions shall give their assent thereto. And since we know
of you that ye are a peaceful folk, having nothing to do
with war, nor troubling yourselves about it, we have re-
solved to take you also into our agreement. Therefore,
I say to you, remain firm in Pettquotting. Flee not. Ye
are not alone, nor forsaken." Whereupon he gave a third
string of wampum.

We received this speech for many reasons. It is the
peace-party of the nations. The former speech, which we
got this spring from Gigeyunk, where the seat of war is,
we sent back and now we see that we did well. We
thanked the chief for the news given to us of the good
intentions of the nations towards us, and promised him
to do as he had told us, and in confirmation of this we
gave him both a string and a belt of wampum. There-
upon he answered that he would take this our answer
with him to Detroit, where the same nations would now
again come together, and we could believe that it would
be received with joy. He said that the Mingoes, or Six
Nations, had at present a council among themselves, but
what they proposed he knew not, perhaps it was good ;
likewise of those in Gigeyunk, and as soon as he had news
of them we should learn ; that they, the nations aforesaid,
make every eflbrt that they shall yet all follow them, and
be of one mind with them, i. e., for peace. They went
away on the 27th, and we gave them several bushels of
corn, for which they were glad and thankful. As they
went off and were in the midst of the river, they greeted
the town with two rounds from their guns, and they were
answered in like manner on our part.

If we make our reflections over this occurrence, we see
in it a new phenomenon, for which we have contributed
nothing. We should hardly have undertaken to make
any application to a strange nation, but perhaps to the
Delaware nation. We have not sought it, and if we had
been seeking for it, we should not well have known how
to find the thread thereto, so as to have a beginning and

1789. 29

a chance to put it in execution. Thus the Saviour hag
done it quite alone, and we perceive now with wonder
what will come from this. The Indian church in the In-
dian land must have at least one nation to protect it, and,
so to speak, watch over it, or it cannot stand nor maintain
itself, for it is among wolves where every one snaps at it
and does his hest to injure it. When the Indian church
came to the Susquehanna, the Cayuga chief (Togahaju)
was the man who had interest in it, gave it land and
privileges, so' that no one of the Indians dared put any
thing in its way. It was afterwards invited to the Ohio
by the chiefs of the whole Delaware nation and protected.
Although the chief at that time, KetawJitwes, did it with
a certain fear, not knowing how this would be imputed
to him and regarded by other nations, the Indian church
found with him care and help, so that it throve, and in a
short tinie grew very much. After Netawatwes and also
White Eyes were dead, and Goschachgiink was destroyed,
the Indian church was alone, forsaken, as the bird upon
the tree. Thus it was easy to carry it away where they
pleased. The Delaware nation had thus at first received
the believing Indians, but afterwards helped ruin them,
and most distinguished themselves thereby. But what is
the Delaware nation now ? A nation disturbed and rent
asunder, which cannot support itself, without head or ruler
according to the Indian manner. We have been thinking,
since we have been here, of again coming to a good un-
derstanding with them, but as there is no regular chief
among them, we see not how it could fitly happen. We
shall, however, in spite of this, neglect no opportunity to
bring this about where it is possible. Yes, one could al-
most start the question, whether the Delaware nation has
attacked and sinned against the Indian church.^ ISTow it
is taken from their hands since they did not esteem it, nor
know how to protect it, though we have no doubt that
the Saviour will get together many of them and save them

^ Perhaps Zeisberger implies that after all the Delawares had not
very much harmed the believing Indians.

30 zeisberger's diary.

in the church, perhaps more than before. The Chippewa
and Tawa nation thus takes the believing Indians to its
arms, and takes upon itself to protect them from acts of
violence and from harm, and to interest itself in them,
that they shall not be given over as booty to any idle
populace to exercise its caprice upon. We hope that this
will contribute much to this result, that many Indians will
come together to us for their eternal salvation. May the
Saviour turn this to the eternal good of the Chippewa na-
tion, with which over the lake we had nothing to do, but
this side the lake we first became well acquainted with it.
To what shall we ascribe that which the Tawa chief also
said to us? The agent of Indian affairs, the year before,
at the council in Detroit, had said to the nation that they
should still look to Pettquotting ; there were the Christian
Indians forsaken., no one troubled himself about them, no
one protected them ; they knew what they had suffered,
for many of their own friends had innocently lost their
lives; this might happen again if the times should be dan-
gerous; they should think about their safety and care for
them. He is also not unaware of this business of the Tawa
chief with us, and it takes place with his approval.

Tuesday, 28. Michael held early service. From San-
dusky came Mr. Robbins, sick and poor, to us again.
There also came from there a widow with two children,
who last year was always herself wishing to come to us,
and begged us to receive her, she wanted to live with us
and be saved, and when we told hey how it was here, and
how she would have to conduct herself, set forth to her
her widowhood, and gave her to consider whether she
could be here as widow, she answered that she had
thought about this and considered every thing, but that
she wished to be saved. After slie had been spoken to by
the assistants, she was received and established. So was
also,

Wednesday, 29, a sick woman brought here, who was
here a long time last winter, keeping away from no meet-
ing, because the people in our neighborhood moved away,
and, so to speak, threw her aside. She is a poor woman

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 31

who has no friends to care for her. She entreated us, by-
means o± strange Indians, to take her, she wanted much to
die among the believing Indians, and she was very glad
and thankful when she came. Moreover, many strange
Indians came from Sandusky and Gigeyunk, whence we
heard again many tales, that on the Muskingum nine In-
dians had been killed, who had stolen horses, and that from
Gigeyunk (Ft. Wayne) war-parties are continually going
out. When Indians come here from that place, it is not
otherwise than as if devils in person came into town.
They bring the most frightful and abominable lies among |

our people, so that one would hardly think it possible to
invent them.

[Thus far sent to Bethlehem.]

Thursday, 30. JS^athaniel's people came here, daughter
and Louisa's son, on account of his things, but left them
here again, after hearing how the circumstances were. ^

They went in the autumn to harvest their fields, after-
wards moved around to the treaties, and now they are
again among the wolves, and now from fear have fled far-
ther towards Gigeyunk with Indians.

Friday, May 1. The sick w^oman, brought here two
days ago, asked very longingly for baptism and was very
weak. Upon her earnest request she was baptized into
Jesus' death with the name Anna Maria. Before her bap-
tism she answered all questions very intelligently, though
she could not speak aloud. She was afterwards very con-
tented and smiled, having quite another look and ex-
pression.

Saturday, 2. David held early service about this, never
to forget how much it has cost the Saviour to redeem us, and
to be thankful to him. By Mr. Smith, from Detroit, we
sent our diary and letters to Bethlehem. The assistants
had labor again to-day in speaking with some brethren,
Renatus, Pauline, and others. The strangers, who^brought
so many lies to town, went away.

Sunday, 8. Br. Edwards held the early service, David
the children's service. In the neighborhood was drinking.

Tuesday, 5. Several sisters went to Sandusky, Helena,

32 zeisberger's diary.

with the woman who lately came, also Mark, about whose
return we doubt. Many Chippewas came here to trade all
kinds of things. The Tawa chief has made known to all
Chippewas this side the lake what he has arranged with
us, and has ordered them to behave in a friendly way
towards us, looking upon us as their good friends. And
since this summer a great trade in flour will be carried on
from Pittsburg to Detroit, by way of Cuyahoga, he has
likewise ordered them not to think of going there, nor of
stealing horses, nor of robbing, for the^ flour which is
brought through was for their father over the lake, who
has ordered it. This also is good for us, for we can hope
it will be quiet in this country and that no warriors will
pass through it. This, no doubt, the English over the lake
will impress upon those nations.

Friday, 8. The Indian brethren went together to fence
in yet one more new piece of land for those who have come
and have no fields ; thus we have spread quite a mile down
the creek, and nearly as far up stream. William, Peter,
Nicholas, and Joachim came home from hunting.

Saturday, 9. We had the whole afternoon a strong party
of Chippewas here, coming from their winter hunt in
Cuyahoga, and getting some kindness from us. A Chip-
pewa lad below here is said to have been driven out into
the lake by a strong wind, in a little canoe. They set after
him, but dared not follow him very far, and had to give
him up to the lake, whether he came from it or not. He
was for a night on the lake, and lost sight of land. For-
tunately, the wind changed, and drove him back towards
land, so that the next day he got sight of land again, and
about noon came to it, among the Chippewas, about
twenty miles east of here.

Sunday, 10. David preached about the history of the
Holy Ghost, who convinces the world of its unbelief, and
punishes it for not believing in the name of the only be-
gotten son of God, in whom we have our life and salva-
tion, for which he was given us. We heard again many
rumors from Sandusky, which caused much uneasiness
among the brethren, though we are in no danger from war.

I

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 33

On the Miami, in the former Shawanese towns, a thousand
white people are said to have come, to build a fort and lay
out a settlement; that in a short time they would visit
Gigeyunk, who have already stolen many horses from them
and murdered people, and yet more of the like, if all be
true.

Wednesday, 13. Some of our people came back from
hunting on the Muskingum in our towns, where they might
very easily have come to harm, for there came to them six
Mingoes, who went to the river (Ohio), came back to them
in a couple of days with eleven horses they had stolen,
which they took to Sandusky. If now the white people had
followed after them, they would have been in great danger
of perishing with them, wherefore they at once started for
home. The brethren at home got done to-day with fencing
the new field. As last year we had trouble with our breth-
ren on account of the Chippewa stories, and were always
hearing from Sandusky that they were coming and would
plunder us, which now has an end, and the savages see we
have no better friends than the Chippewas, this year they
have invented something else to make our people anxious,
namely, the Indians in Gigeyunk will come and take us
off captive for not having accepted their message and in-
vitation; thus the chief had ordered the captains, and
they would come with warriors to take us away. Although
that is only a lie, yet there are always people among us
who will believe it, making their life hard thereby, being
afraid.

Friday, 15. We heard by Chippewas that old Michael,
who was lost in the winter, had been found dead in the
Cuyahoga, as also were found his gun and clothes, which
he must have taken off to wash himself in the water, but
how he died is not known. Probably he broke through
the ice and was drowned. At the same time we heard
that a ship was come to the Cuyahoga.

Saturday, 16. The brethren planted our fields. Ed-
wards held early service.

Sunday, 17. Edwards preached, David conducted the
3

34 zeisberger's diary.

communion quarter-hour, and Michael held the congrega-
tion meeting.

Monday, 18. David held early service about this sub-
ject, that those, wretched and distressed about their salva-
tion, have a Saviour, true and trustworthy, and who has
confidence in him, will not come to harm. Loveless came
here from Sandusky, where he went from the Muskingum
to get prisoners, but he could get none, and, as it appears,
they do not surrender them, so that the outlook is not
good. The widow, baptized on the 1st of this month, A.
Maria, died in peace in the evening.

Tuesday, 19. In the evening the remains of A. Maria
were buried, w^ho -was baptized on the 1st Inst. She has
passed right blessedly the seventeen days she has been in
the church since her baptism. She was a poor, forlorn
widow, and when she begged for acceptance, Sophia re-
ceived her from compassion, and took tender care of her,
for which the sick woman called her mother, and was al-
ways very well aware of what she and the sisters, who
watched with her, did for her, and w^as thankful. After
her baptism she seemed to grow better, as is usually the
case with the sick, since their heart is then blessed and con-
tent, so that it was believed she wotild again get well, but
two days ago there was a change in her, she began to fail
and took nothing farther. When they spoke to her about
the Saviour, that he had forgiven her sins, washed her
with his blood and taken her to grace, she always showed
her joy and thankfulness. Last evening she asked the
sister with her whether it were well to go to the Saviour
in the night also, and when she was told yes, that it was
all the same, by day or by night, she was contented. She re-
mained in possession of her senses till her breathing ceased,
which happened with the benediction for her death by Sis-
ter Susanna, when she departed easily and blessedly, the
spoil of the Saviour, as a brand rescued from burning.
Who will not rejoice thereover, blushing with shame?
N. B. Lobeia, her mother-in-law, was present at the
burial, she who was so angry when Paul was baptized, and
called him a fool.

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 35

Wednesday, 20. There came to us suddenly and in quite
unexpected quickness Brs. John Heckewelder and Abra-
ham Steiner,^ by way of Pittsburg, from which place they
had had a tedious and difficult journey, giving us joy by
their letters and news from the church. Their arrival was
the more unexpected and pleasing from our knowing that
the way was not quite safe from warriors and horse-thieves.

Thursday, 21. Ascension Day, Br. Michael preached.
There was a service for the baptized from the text : I will
see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, etc., about in-
tercourse and acquaintance with our unseen Saviour, whom
we love and in whom we believe, about which the brethren
were told to be thoughtful. The brethren were greeted
from the church.

Friday, 22. Heckewelder held early service about this:
That it is labor in vain to try to live a life well-pleasing
to God and holy, before the heart has been washed with
Jesus' blood and forgiveness of sins has been received.

Saturday, 23. The communicants had the very blessed
enjoyment of the body and blood of our Lord in the holy
communion, at which a brother, Isaac, and a sister, Rahel,
looked on as candidates.

Sunday, 24. After the communion liturgy Br. Edwards
preached from the Grospel about the Comforter promised,
who leads us to all truth, and David held the congregation
meeting.

Monday, 25. Abraham Steiner held early service from
the Scripture- verse to the effect that in us by nature noth-
ing good is to be found, that we are poor, depraved men,
but that the blood of Jesus heals us and makes us blessed
men, so that the nations round about see that they love
God and are loved by him. Then the single brethren went
down to have a view of the lake.

Wednesday, 27. Heckewelder held early service. The

^Abraham Steiner was a Moravian missionary, the scene of whose
labors was for the most part in N. Carolina and Georgia, lie was in
the year 1801 a missionary among the Cherokees in Georgia; stationed
at Hope, N. Carolina, 1802-1806; principal of the Salem (N. C.) Female
Academy, 1806-1816, when failing health made him give up the place.

36 zeisberger's diary.

brethren were busy planting. Praise be to God that all is
so quiet. Boaz came from hunting. Ihis, with his wife,
Jael, came here from hunting, also Moses, from Sandusky.

Thursday, -8. Michael held early service. Brs. Hecke-
welder and Steiner went up the creek to see an old Indian
fort.

Friday, 29. Abraham held early service. Joachim came
back from Gigeyunk, where he saw his old mother, who
will come here this summer. He told us the Indians were
very anxious there on account of Virginians, and say that
all of us here will be killed by them. Benjamin died.

Saturday, 30. Edwards held early service from the
Scripture-verse: I will gather the remnant of my flock
out of all countries, etc. Towards evening was the well-
attended burial of the young man, Benjamin. He came
to us with his mother on Huron River (Michigan), from
Niagara, and was baptized in Cuyahoga by D. Zeisberger,
Jan. 1, 1787. He had a tender heart and loved the Sa-
viour. Nothing frivolous was to be seen in him, as with
boys usually, but he had a weak tabernacle. When he
did something wrong, and was admonished about it, he
confessed and promised amendment. This winter he got
the consumption, yet went to school and had the wish to
learn, but was soon driven to his bed. Some days before
Easter, when he was already quite wasted away, he had
Br. David called, to whom he opened his heart, that he
had not always been true to the Saviour since his bap-
tism, had not walked as he should, but had often sad-
dened the Saviour. Since we knew his conduct, and we
were all aware that he had meddled with nothing and
sinned, we said to him that the Saviour would willingly
forgive him all ; this he should believe and have no doubts
about. He did this and got the assurance in his heart,
and was as perfectly happy as if he were now first bap-
tized, so that he wanted to go to the Saviour Easter morn-
ing, exhorted his brothers and the brethren to stand fast
by the Saviour, also begging those who were baptized at
the same time with himself to remain with the Saviour,
80 that they might meet above in his presence. His

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 37

mother asked him and said, if he had to choose one of
two things, either to die or to remain here, which he would
choose. He replied, that he chose to go to the Saviour, for
he was no longer glad to be here, and if he should yet live
and get well, he feared he might again make the Saviour
sad and lose his feeling of blessedness. It was then
thought already he could no longer be here below, but he
was patient and resigned in his illness, was pleased when
the brethren visited him, to whom he always showed how
gladly he was going to the Saviour, and all liked to hear
and visit him. He often sent his greetings to Br. David,
which meant he was glad to see him, for it was an especial
pleasure if he visited him, spoke with him, or sang verses.
Thus he departed in peace with the blessing of the church.
His conduct in his long sickness preached much to bap-
tized and. unbaptized. He is an example of a blessed
youth, the like of which we have not yet had.

Sunday, 31. Br. Heckewelder preached from the Gos-
pel : If a man love me he will keep my w^ords, and my
Father will love him, and we will make our abode with
him, about the work of God, the Holy Ghost, to convince
men of their unbelief, and to conduct them to the Saviour,
our Redeemer, whom we have cost his blood, that thereby
we should have forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salva-
tion. In the second service from the Scripture-verse :
0 Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us
confusion of faces, about the same subject, four were
buried in Jesus' death by the bath of holy baptism,
namely, John Henry, Charles, Gottlob, Cornelia, by Brs.
David, Heckewelder, Edwards, and Michael Jung, a cere-
mony accompanied by the near presence of the Holy
Trinity. In the afternoon w^as a love-feast, which a whole
troop of Chippewas attended, who came here to pass
Sunday, and were all very friendly. In conclusion, the
baptized had a service, praying upon their knees t9 God,
the worthy Holy Ghost. We begged forgiveness of all
our faults and failings, in which we had grieved him by
giving no heed to his voice, thanked him for the care we
had enjoyed from him, which he has bestowed upon us.

38 zeisberger's diary.

entreated him not to turn from us, nor to be weary in
preparing us for our Saviour to his honor and joy, and
vowed to him anew faith and obedience.

Monday, June 1. Br. Heekewelder held early service,
took leave of the brethren, and admonished them to abide
by the Saviour and his wounds, who would bless them,
make them fruitful, and let them shine, a light among the
nations, and they would be a blessing. Afterwards, in the
afternoon, they set out for Pittsburg with a great com-
pany of Indian brethren, nearly the whole town going
with them a part of the way.

Tuesday, 2. Michael held morning service. School
then began again, which, on account of the holidays and for
other reasons, had been closed a week. Ihis and his wife,
who had expressed their wish and wanted to live here,
were earnestly spoken to by Br. David and the assistants,
and they held permission to be here. Land was also
shown them to plant. We have all the time examples
here in the church that a baptized husband brings into
the church an unbaptized wife, or a baptized wife an un-
baptized husband, with children, and then both thrive.
What fruit then has Satan from this, that he always seeks
to seduce sinners? He must see to his sorrow that he
works for his own harm. It happens quite right to him.
Why does he not leave believers in peace? Why will he
always be driving them back to heathenism ? If he ac-
complishes this, they do not remain with him, but bring
others with them back to the church. As it seems, how-
ever, that is ceasing, and he will hereafter be more shrewd.

Betsy Leeth, who was for a time so sick here that her
recovery was despaired of — it appears now that during
her sickness she was not by herself, though she said every
thing intelligibly, for three days ago she heard for the first
time and was aware that the brothers from Bethlehem
were here, wherefore she arose, went to them, and greeted
them. She had convulsions seven times in one night,
and afterwards miliary fever, and then lay unconscious,
until, all at once, she came to herself. She then said she
had not been sick, but only absent in a beautiful place

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 39

where it was very pleasant for her, and whence now she
was come back, and she was sorry for it, for she would
have liked to stay there, but could not say how nor
where. 8he had to go without the Lord's supper, being
unconscious, and she missed the holidays too; thus the
Saviour made recompense to her in her illness.

Thursday, 4. Mr. Askin's ship from Detroit, which had
come below here into the river and had taken in a cargo
of corn and pelts near the Frenchman's, who trades here
for him, sailed away to-day. We were alarmed again to-
day for a time by bad news, for it was said that two mes-
sengers from the Tawa chief were to tell us that the
Chippewas and Tawas had taken up the hatchet and
would go to war. When we made more careful inquiries
it turned out that they were not sent, arid that he who
had spread abroad the stories was a great liar ; also that
he lay there a.nd was drunk, which no ambassador or
messenger does or is allowed to do, wherefrom we could
soon see that all was a lie, and we were comforted.

Saturday, 6. Between twenty and thirty Chippewas
came here, and as some came from over the lake, they
told what they had heard, but there was nothing of con-
sequence. They were not sent, as they said themselves.
Meantime they got something to eat a^nd went away again
down the lake. Mr. Smith came from Pittsburg on his
way to Detroit.

Sunday, 7. Michael preached from the Gospel about
Nicodemus, and David held the congregation meeting
from the Scripture- verse : To hiifi that overcometh, about
the hidden manna, the bread that comes from heaven and
gives life. We read the church-journal.

Monday, 8. Quite early came here Manitto, who was
present at the early service, and said a messenger from
Ekuschuwe was come, who would soon be here. White
people from the States passed through on their way to
Detroit. Wyandots arrived with liquor, but we -at once
sent them away on account of the Chippewas. At noon
came the messenger with a large following of Chippewas,
but in reality he did not bring much, except that the

40

chief would let us know that M(cKe)e had brought pow-
der and shot to the Indians and Twightwees in Gigeyunk,
and had told them to defend their land and not suffer it to
be surveyed, and since the chief cannot know exactly about
this, he will go to Detroit and find out how the thing is,
which will become clear this summer, as he said. With
the message he left a belt here, which we shall send back
again, if he gives us more exact news.

Thursday, 11. Indians came from Pittsburg, bringing
news that every thing was quiet there, and that Indians
went there and came away undisturbed, though here we
are always hearing that the Virginians will make an in-
vasion. We heard the like from Detroit, whence Chip-
pewas came. Meanwhile a rumor had secretly spread
among the sisters that we should not stay here, but must
flee again, on which account they were already getting
provisions ready. They had heard something from the
Chippewa women, which they wove into something more,
for women will always know more than the chiefs.

Saturday, 13. A messenger came from the Miami here
with a large company of Chippewas, who are on the lake
here, bringing a message to the Chippewas of this import,
that they should arise and all come to the Miami, bringing
with them their grandfather in Pettquotting, for the next
day the Virginians would be in Sandusky, and we should
be surrounded. The Indian brothers, the assistants, ex-
amined the messenger, seeking carefully to find out whence
the message came, and they told him they saw very well
it was no speech from our chief, and when the messenger
could think of nothing farther, he said it came from a
Tawa chief in Gigeyunk, whereupon we sent him back
with his message, and thereby made it known that we
were ordered to receive none, and to listen to no one,
except the chief, Ekuschuwe ; thus we had no ears for the
message, whereupon they went away. It is probable that
Welandawecken, the Delaware chief in Gigeyunk, whose
message we sent back in the spring, was the author of
this.

Sunday, 14. David preached and held the children's

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 41

service. In the afternoon were thunder-storms. We read
the church-journal. We learned that two Tawas from the
Miami, who were here yesterday, had gone to the war
to-day. It is as if Satan begrudged us the quiet we would
yet have and sought to disturb us. They seek to make us
fearful, when no danger is present.

Monday, 15. Michael held early service from the text :
Woe to that man by whom the offense cometh. French-
men from Detroit, on their way to Cuyahoga, who have
run into the river in a transport, on account of contrary
winds, came here. From them we learned that ammuni-
tion had been given to the Indians in Gigeyunk. The as-
sistants spoke with Tutele and M. Magdalene. Both were
told to go away from the church on account of unseemly
conduct.

Thursday, 18. By Joshua, who returned from San-
dusky, we had news from there that nothing dangerous
was to be feared from war ; that those there, as we here,
had many lies sent them from Gigeyunk, but that the
Chippewas far beyond Gigeyunk were quiet and wished to
have no war, so that it is only those in Gigeyunk, the
Shawanese and Twightwees, who also were become weary
of it, but yet they had murdered on the Muskingum and
thereabout. Samuel and his company came back from
Pittsburg. By letters from Heckewelder and Steiner, as
well as by word of mouth, we perceive that they arrived
fortunately and had gone away down into the country.

Friday, 19. A white man also came from Pittsburg
with goods, such as salt, bacon, etc., to trade. Likewise
Mr. Robbins came again. David held morning service.

Saturday, 20. Edwards held early service. The breth-
ren hoed oUr plantation. An Indian came here with corn.
Ihis brought good news from Sandusky that the chief in
Gigeyunk at the present convention on the Miami had
given his consent for peace. Pleasant news.

Sunday, 21. Edwards preached, David held the'quarter-
hour for the married, and Michael held the congregation
meeting. Many strangers were here. We read the church-
journal.

42 zeisberger's diary.

Tuesday, 23. Edwards held early service. William
spoke with Ihis, David with Mary Magdalene, who went
away and is come back. She asked for readmission.

Wednesday, 24. The assistants spoke with young mar-
ried people, and provided for what is right ; also with
William Henry and his wife about their son, John. They
also considered about the girl, Mary Magdalene, where she
could be. In the afternoon died Adolphus, who for a
year already has been sick with consumption, and for the
last three months has always been more apparently ap-
proaching the end. He died blessedly and very peacefully.
His remains were,

Thursday, 25, buried. He came as a youth with his de-
parted mother, in 1770, to the church in Languntout-
eniink (on Beaver River, Pa.), was baptized by David
Zeisberger in Schonbriinn, Feb. 13, 1774, and May 29 of
the same year he was married to his present widow, whom
he leaves with four children. He came to the enjoyment
of the Lord's supper Aug. 13, 1780. By nature he was a
wild, uncontrollable man, and nothing except the grace,
the Saviour wrought in his heart, could have made him
tame, for as soon as this got the upper hand with him he
became a lamb ; it made him meek and humble, and he
walked with it until the church, 1782, went asunder and
was dispersed, when he relapsed to heathenism, falling
into greater sins than before. In 1784 he came again to
the church on Huron River. The spirit of murder, which
had wholly possessed him, shone from his eyes, so that
once, when he wanted to go to Detroit on business, we were
forced to say to him that we could not let him go except
under good oversight, fearing he would kill somebody,
thus bringing scandal upon the whole church. Yes, we
had reason to hesitate about receiving him again, but
since we knew him and could hope that if the Saviour
should again come to his heart and grace be master with
him, he would become a lamb instead of a bear, we were
not in despair about him. Praise be to God this happened,
for after he once, late into the night, had with Br. David
an upright, fraternal talk, confess! ncr to him all his sins, of

1789. 43

which no one among the brethren knew any thing, he re-
ceived absohition from the church. He soon became quite
another man and was pliable clay in the hand of the pot-
ter. He was soon readmitted to the enjoyment of the
Lord's supper, and became again a blessed man, only much
more solid and firmer in the faith and in confidence in the
Saviour, who in him had shown so great grace and mercy,
than ever before. But he came not through without op-
position from his friends, who often beset him here, seek-
ing to lead him away from the church by crafty promises,
since they proposed to make him a chief, whereto he had
pretensions from his forefathers. He did not, however, let
himself be moved, but always spoke out very freely to
them that he should stay his life-long in the church ; he
knew what he had found, namely, eternal life ; they
should give themselves no trouble about him ; he would
not exchange with them ; they should hold for themselves
what seemed to them good and precious. A year ago this
spring, in clearing land, he hurt himself by too hard lift-
ing at a log, so that he lay sick for a while. He became
indeed somewhat better by remedies he used, but con-
sumption soon showed itself in him, which continued and
was the occasion of his death.

The Quaker went back to Pittsburg. We learned late
this evening that a party of Indians had come from Pitts-
burg with thirty gallons of brandy, and had encamped
half a mile from our town, probably because they knew
that here in town they would not be masters of it, since it
would be taken for safe-keeping. That we might have no
drunkenness from it, for many Chippewas lay by the lake,
we sent out a good party of Indian brethren already in the
night, who took it away, and brought it into town, where
it was kept till they went farther.

Friday, 26. The assistants married John Henry and
Anna Mary, Ignatius' daughter.

Saturday, 27. Michael held early service. We learned
to-day that the two Chippewas, of whom mention was made
under the 14th Inst, are come back without letting them-
selves be seen by us, with six horses they had stolen.

44 zeisberger's diary.

Sunday, 28. Michael preached. David held the com-
munion quarter-hour and Edwards the congregation
meeting. We laborers read the church-journal, and to-day
the Memorabilia of the U. A. C. for 1787.

Monday, 29. David held early service from the Script-
ure-verse : In this place will I give peace, saith the Lord
of hosts.

Tuesday, 30. Boatmen from Detroit arrived early, who
went to Presque Isle to get flour there, to whom we had
to give an Indian as pilot, for they did not know how to
get by the rocks. There came upon us this morning, like
a storm, all sorts of trouble and difficulty. Two other
white people wished to have a pilot for Pittsburg, and as
we knew and had heard that warriors were out, we could
not very well refuse ; besides we had two parties of In-
dians, who had a great quantity of brandy with them, to
be on our guard against, that we might have no trouble
from them, by whom already last night we had been dis-
quieted. This is now a real evil, and for us like a land-
plague, for the Indians can now safely and unhindered go
to the Fort and bring away strong drink in such great quan-
tity, whereby are caused so much misfortune, murder, and
deadly quarrels.

Wednesday, July 1. The whisky-Indians finally went
away, but encamped again not far off, where there was
more drinking, and most vexatious was it that two of our
people were there.

Friday, 3. Yesterday and to-day was talking, always
hard work, but when it is done it awakens praise and
thanks to our dear Lord, who always does best thereby,
and takes away many a difficulty, and thus it was this
time, so that on Saturday the 4th we had a communion
very gracious and blessed in his near presence. Two
brothers, Isaac, John Cook's son, and Boaz, were par-
takers for the first time, and one brother and one sister
looked on as candidates. In regard to admitting brethren
who have lately been baptized to the Lord's supper, we
have had to make a change in our principiis, and admit
them sooner than was before customarv. The communion

1789. 45

church grows, as does the church of the baptized. This
shows the Lord is with us.

Sunday, 5. After the communion liturgy, Br. David
preached, and in the afternoon, after consideration of the
Scripture-verse : Be strong, all ye people of the land, etc.,
old John Cook was taken into the church, and William
Henry's wife was baptized into Jesus' death with the name
Rachel ; both the one received and she who was baptized
were absolved. This was again a very blessed aflair, and
preached much. The strangers who were present shed
many tears and were mightily moved. A Mohican woman
said afterwards to some sisters that it came hard for her
to go away from here, she would like to be here ; she had
often spoken with her husband about it, that he should go
to the church with her ; she knew for a certainty that there
the right way to life eternal was taught, and she should
like to be saved, but he had no ears therefor, but said she
might go, he had no thought thereof.

Monday, 6. Michael held early service. One of John
Cook's sons, with his wife, who for a year already has been
here off and on [he is the one who last winter burnt the
a b c board of his brother, a youth who is now baptized
and can read, since he could not suffer that the children
should learn any thing] — they, to-day, upon their re-
peated request, got leave to live here. When the assist-
ants spoke with them, the husband said he would not like
to promise much, so as not to speak a lie, for he did not
find in himself the power to keep it, though perhaps the
Saviour would show him mercy, and send him a heart to
live for him ; he saw that many times people came to the
church, who promised much good, how they would pass
their whole lives blessedly in the church, and wished to
live for the Saviour, but before they had experienced or
enjoyed any thing, yes, before they were baptized, they
went away, having merely deceived the brothers, and this
he did not wish to do. His wife, on the other hand, said
that all her friends were dead, except her mother, who was
still alive, not having heard God's word, as she now had
an opportunity to do, which she looked upon as a mercy

46 zeisberger's diary.

from God, who wished to let her feel his grace ; therefore,
she would like to live and die iu the church, and as it fared,
well or ill, she wished to stand by it.

Wednesday, 8. The boy Matthew was buried, three
years old less three months, William's child, so beautiful
a corpse that the brethren could not gaze at it enough. A
Wyandot woman, who had indeed helped plunder us in
Schonbrunn, came here and frequented the services.
Since in her we had a merited case, we wished the Sa-
viour would give her eternal life, punishment for her, re-
venge for the devil.

Saturday, 11. Many Indians from Sandusky, the Miami,
and Gigeyunk arrived, all ver}^ hungry, to buy corn, for
on every hand is famine. In Sandusky they sold their
corn to the Detroit traders, since they always wished to
flee, and many have fled. IsTow for this they must suffer.
All, however, agree about this, that there will be peace.
The Chippewas and Tawas bave spoken very sharply and
earnestly with the western nations and Indians, represent-
ing to them that they were in no condition to continue
the war against the white people ; they should give it up,
if they wished with their children to remain alive ; they
should know that the Chippewas, Tawas, Potawatomies
would not stand by them. This speech brought them to
reflection, and the Chippewas will be masters and attain
their end, so that yet all nations will unite with them.
Among those who came here, were also some who are
strongly inclined to come to the church, but either the
husband or the wife is not resolved, and thus there are al-
ways hinderances and objections. If the husband will
come, the wife will not; at another time the wife would be
glad to be here, and then the husband will not, and if at
last they so far agree as to come to the church, then often
difficulties still arise, merely in holding them together.

Sunday, 12. David preached from the Gospel: Depart
from me for I am a sinful man, 0 Lord, at which sermon
many strangers were present.

Tuesday, 14. David held early service. Indians from
all quarters are all the time coming here, so that the town

1789. 47

was full of strangers, among whom there are always some
who are uneasy and think about coming to the church,
with which thought some are busy for ten years or more,
as, for example, one of Packanke's sons is here and has
spoken much with Samuel about salvation, for it depends
upon this, whether he can make up his mind. The
strangers frequent the services assiduously, and one can
see and observe, here and there, in this one or in that, that
they do not hear in vain. The seed is sown and brings
forth fruit in its own time. Among the heathen the Gos-
pel is certainly not preached in vain, and though it often
appears as though it would bear no fruit, yet the time
comes when it shows itself as God's strength.

Wednesday, 15. Many brethren went off to dig gin-
seng, in order to pay their debts. Here the house of Isaac
and little E-enatus was blocked out.

Friday, 17. From Detroit two white people came here
on their way to Pittsburg, who told us there was such a
famine there, that most of the French were living upon
grass, that neither corn, flour, nor bread were to be had in
the city for money, and that already live children in the set-
tlement had starved to death. There is a common famine
in the whole country, and what was this year planted has
been eaten by the worms, so that the fields stand bald and
bare. We hear the same in a letter from Mr. Askin to
Br. David. He adds that unless they soon get help, he
does not know how they can get on. IsTot long since a
boat went by here on its way to Presque Isle to get flour.
Yesterday it came back by here empty, since people from
Niagara had got there first and taken every thing away,
where there is said to be even greater want of food, so that
they have to kill and eat horses. We now first perceived,
after the event, that the Saviour had wished to spare us
the famine, and had helped us away from there. Were
we still there, we should be with our Indians in extreme
need and misery, greater than ever before, for the heavenly
Father has blessed us here, so that Indians and whites
cannot enough wonder at our fruitful, vigorous fields, and
the white people said there was not in all Detroit so

48 zeisberger's diary.

much and so fine corn to be seen as here. God is here
praised.

Sunday, 19. Many strangers thoughtfully attended the
sermon, which Br. Edwards preached from the text: Ex-
cept your righteousness shall exceed, etc., about the right-
eousness that comes from the bloody merits of Jesus, upon
which we are commanded to dwell, and David held the
congregation meeting from the Scripture- verse : This is his
name whereby he shall be called, the Lord, our Righteous-
ness.

Monday, 20. The white people set out for Pittsburg,
who hired an Indian to go with them as guide, by which
opportunity we wrote to the church. Among them was a
woman, who, as she said, with her father, Mr. Wit, had
lived a couple of years near Bethany, in Carolina, a mile
therefrom, had afterwards with her husband moved to
Holston River, in eastern Tennessee, where her husband
was killed, and she and her sister were taken prisoners by
the Shawanese, among whom she was five years, and at last
was brought to Detroit, and her sister too. A couple of
white people from Bedford passed through on their way
to Detroit, Germans.

Tuesday, 21. David held early service. Samuel, with
Thomas and his daughter, went to Sandusky to get his
daughter Jael's corn, coming back on the 24th.

Thursday 23. English came herein a boat, who in their
boats together are surveying the lake shore from Niagara
as far as Detroit. Old acquaintances, Sajipihillen and
Helena's son and daughter, came here, and rejoiced to see
the church and brethren, especially the daughter, to see
where her parents had lived. Her father, an unbaptized
man, died in Ptttsburg at the hands of the militia.

Friday, 24. The brethren came back from the islands
with ginseng in good quantity, where indeed, there is a
good deal of it, so that a man in a day can get a good half-
bushel of it.

Saturday, 25. Edwards held early service. Louisa,
with her children, arrived from the Miami []^athaniel will
come again in the autumn], who long before our captivity

I

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 49

went away from the church, and wherever we were and
came she always followed, even to Detroit, but from afar.
Thus it is with people ; they cannot make up their minds
to give themselves entirely to the Saviour and to be alto-
gether in the church, and yet they cannot remain away
from us.

Sunday, 26. Michael preached and David held the con-
gregation meeting. Susanna was sick with toothache.
There was quite a large number of strangers here and of
acquaintances. Helena's friends here.

Tuesday, 28. David held early service from the text:
There is no man that hath left home or brethren or sisters
or father or mother, etc., to this effect, that many for the
sake of their friends, who are dead or still alive, and who
either have never heard God's word or have not received
it, would rather be lost than cut loose from them or leave
them. Many strangers were present. William and sev-
eral others went to the islands, many sisters for whortle-
berries.

Wednesday, 29. Michael held early service. French-
men from Sandusky Bay came here to seek aid in their
need, for they had nothing for themselves and their fami-
lies to eat, and they got something. Otherwise many
strangers were here, and new ones are always coming.

Friday, 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1. Still more strangers
from Grigeyunk came here.

Sunday, 2. , David preached from the Epistle, Romans
viii., 12 : Therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the
flesh, etc., and Edwards held the congregation meeting
from the Scripture-verse. From Gigeyunk came Petty
with her husband and children. He is the son of David,
the Mohican, grandson of Abraham, the first to be bap-
tized. Also from there, Johanna's son, Samuel, with his
wife.

Tuesday, Aug. 4. David held early service from the

text: He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in

white raiment ; and I will not blot out his name out of the

book of life. Susanna was to-day and the following days

4

50 ' zeisberger's diary.

again very ill. 'William came from the Erie Islands and
several families, others also came back from Cuyahoga on
the 5th.

Friday, 7. From Gigeynnk, whence new Indians are
always coming here, we learned that old Eva, Israel's sis-
ter, was gone from time. She and her sister have always
longed for the church, but they could not help themselves,
and their friends would not do them the favor. This
spring she sent word here and begged to be brought here,
but it could not be done, and, as we now hear, she died at
that very time. Doubtless the Saviour will take her to
grace.

Sunday, 9. Edwards preached about the unjust stew-
ard, David held the communion quarter-hour, and Michael
the congregation meeting.

Monday, 10. David held early service. The brethren
built a hut for the single brothers. Samuel had on this,
his baptismal day, a love-feast with those who, twenty-
three years before, had been baptized with him and are yet
alive, and with some assistants. They rejoiced in their
election, for which they thanked the Saviour with many
tears that he had kept them in the church and shown
them much goodness. John Cook and William Henry,
two new-comers, whom they had with them, did nothing
but weep.

Wednesday, 12. Abraham preached about the Gospel
to a multitude of strangers, men and women, both how
they had to conduct themselves during their visit here,
and if they wished to live here in a disorderly way, and
could not bear it so long, they should rather go away. He
set forth to them also the salvation the Saviour has won
for all without exception. In the point of order we have
need of an Abraham, who holds eagerly to it, with un-
wearied zeal, day and night.

Thursday, 13. The Saviour made this a day of especial
blessing for the whole church, and particularly for the
church of the communicants, and our Lord and Head
showed himself gracious to his brown flock, especially in
his supper, to which three brethren, namely, Simon, Re-

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 51

becca, and Rahel, this last a single woman, were ad-
mitted for their first enjoyment of it, and two, namely,
William Henry and Charles, father and son, looked on as
candidates. In a common service, when there was a dis-
course about the Scripture-verse of the day : He will bring
me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness,
about the church of Jesus Christ, which he has assembled
by his apostles, and has until now kept together and in-
creased, to which the Saviour has revealed the word about
his sufferings and death, as the only cause and source of
our salvation and redemption, of which he says : The
gates of hell shall not prevail against it, whereby he has
also got together a church from among the heathen, has
imparted and revealed himself to them, to which we also
by grace belong; he reveals himself to us and graciously
calls us his, making us participators in his blood and
wounds, and always brings together more from the world,
to whom he lets his light shine, and reveals himself to
them, so that they first see and find their unblessed and
lost condition, and at the same time their weal and eternal
salvation in Jesus' wounds. Then an adult, named Levi,
was buried by baptism in Jesus' death.

Friday, 14. Br. Edwards held early service about prais-
ing and thanking the Lord for all the goodness and mercy
he has shown us, in having reconciled us to God by his
death. The Indian brethren, with many strangers, men
who were here, went out hunting in common for a couple
of hours, but brought home only one deer.

Saturday, 15. In the early service which Br. David
held from the text : And the servant said. Lord, it is done
as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room, many
strangers listened very attentively, mostly young people.
We see very plainly that if the word of Grod is preached
to Indians it makes them tame. We see a great difference,
and it makes us wonder how the young savage people,
who by nature have frightful self-esteem and pride, when
they come here and hear God's word, become so tractable
and pliant, conducting and behaving themselves in an or-
derly and modest way beyond our expectations. How

52 zeisberger's diary.

have they raved and stormed on the Muskingum, at Gna-
denhiitten, like unreasonable beasts, and if one sees them
now he can hardly believe they were the same men, and
whence comes this ? It is from God, he gives them respect
and reverence for his church.

Sunday, 16. Michael preached, and as it rained hard
all day, there were no other services. Petty, who came
here sevei*al days ago, spoke with us about coming to the
church, asking advice, for she has an unbaptized husband.
We had the assistants speak with both of them, and found
the man not disinclined to come to the church. He was
once formerly on the Huron River, over the lake, to make
us a visit, before he married Petty, and promised then to
come to us again, and he also told the Indians, after he
got home, that he was going to the believers, and wanted
to live with them, but they persuaded him against coming,
telling him he should not do it, but wait, giving him ex-
pectancy of the office of chief, therewith to bind him to
stay with them, of which he must first make himself free,
if he will come to us, which will yet happen. We advised
Petty to go with her husband and wait for him, mean-
while she left a boy here.

Tuesday, 18. Edwards held early service. The stran-
gers, a multitude of whom has been here a long time,
begin to go away again, after eating some of our brethren
quite clean, for there were daily from ten to thirteen per-
sons to be entertained. It is well that the corn is already
quite advanced, so that they find something to eat from
their fields and will not starve. Among the strangers
were also several families of the baptized, with whom we
spoke, reminding them what they had formerly enjoyed
in the church, and encouraging them to seek again eternal
grace. They gave us hope of their again being found
here.

Thursday, 20. David held early service. The brethren
went again to the lake and islands for ginseng. From
Gigeyunk came Polly, the former wife of lame Thomas,
with her child, a little boy, baptized Christian.

Saturday, 22. Michael held early service. Louisa, who

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 53

with her sons was here for a time visiting, went back
again to the Miami Fork. When she took leave of us,
she said she wished as soon as possible to come away from
there, and to come again to us to stay. Really, her sons?
who are grown men, are the cause of her coming to us^
and if she will not leave them, she must be here with
them.

Sunday, 23. David preached about Pharisees and toll-
gatherers. In the afternoon service, the little daughter of
John Thomas and Cathrine, born yesterday, was baptized
into Jesus' death with the name Juliana. Towards even-
ing Wunanktis, who has been very sick for a couple of
days, was buried in Jesus' death by baptism in the presence
of a company of brethren, and named Abel, whereby was
an especially blessed feeling. Before this more than once
he should have been baptized, but as he did not wish it,
it could not happen till now, when he begged for baptism,
for he was of a very modest and bashful character, and prob-
ably, bad not confidence enough in himself to go through
the ceremony of baptism before the whole church, therefore
the Saviour must bring it to pass with him in such a way.
He had a very capable head for learning, and last winter
from his a b c he learned to read, and taught himself to
write without aid, for he often wrote to Br. David of his
heart, which was easier for him than to talk by word of
mouth, since thus he could better express himself.

Monday, 24. Edwards held early service, Samuel, Bill,
Henry, Isaac, and others went out for ginseng.

Tuesday, 25. Michael held early service. From De-
troit, whence two white people came, we learned that the
famine was somewhat lessened, for they had harvested
something, but not enough ; there was little hope. In
Mackinaw a hundred pounds of fiour cost ten pounds. In
^N'iagara many men have starved to death, likewise in De-
troit.

Friday, 28. Michael held early service. Willia'm with
a company of brethren came back from the lake and
islands, who on the lake had been in much danger of go-
ing down, for as they came away from the islands it was

54 zeisberger's diary.

good sailing upon the lake, but when they were half-way
over a strong wind suddenly sprung up, so that they all
thought they should go down, for the waves struck into
their canoes. Once they had to turn about. All said they
had in their need from their hearts called upon the Sa-
viour. The children with them sang verses amid the
great waves, which was their prayer, and all thanked the
Saviour heartily when at night they first came to land.
Towards evening the child Nathan, of unbaptized parents,
not living here — but he was born and baptized here —
seven months and eleven days old, was buried. He was
an attrative child, who, when he was asked, or of his own
accord, already knew how to point out the Saviour's
wounds in his hands and feet, though he could not speak.

Sunday, 30. Br. Edwards preached. Tschuwisch or
Sem, who came here two days ago, attended industriously
the services, and said to the brethren that he thought
much about again coming to the church. We had a love-
feast' with the unmarried brothers, for their feast-day, yes-
terday.

Monday, 31. The widows, nine in number, and one
widower, had for their feast-day to-day a blessed service
and love-feast. The Saviour showed himself gracious to
them and blessed them, of which the tears upon their
cheeks bore witness. One brother, Luke, and one sister,
Susanna, have this year been added to their number.
• Tuesday, Sept. 1. Polly, the former Avife of lame
Thomas, went back to the Miami, after making a visit of
ten days here, but she had" no thought of coming again
to the church. Late in the evening, towards midnight,
William's Martha was delivered of twins, both girls, but
one of them was still-born.

Thursday, 3. In the early service William's child was
baptized with the name Gertrude. The Joachims came
here from the Fort. We heard from them that the breth-
ren who went two months ago to Tschinque ^ to look for

^ See note, p. 345, vol. i.

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 55

ginseng/ had gone about in vain (finding nothing that
was good for any thing ^), and are now on their way home.

Friday, 4. Most of them also arrived.

Sunday, 6. Michael preached and David held the con-
gregation meeting. The assistants spoke with two new
people, Samuel, Johanna's son, and a big boy, Sophia's sis-
ter's son, who had announced their wish to live here.
Both got leave.

Monday, 7. Morning service was early, when we beg-
ged the Saviour's recognition of us and his boody blessing
out of his fulness for this day. In the service for the
married from to-day's text, the Indian, Levi, was married
to the single sister, Rahel. Afterwards was a common
love-feast, at which the Chippewa, Manitto, with his wife
and several others, was present. The brethren were re-
minded of and had impressed upon them our communion
with all churches, since we were one people with all God's
children, having received his word, loving him and be-
lieving in him, which was told us by the church, where-
fore we owe our thanks to him, so that, if we shall then
be perfected, we shall be assembled together around him,
praise and glorify him forever for his great grace and
mercy. The children and young people were also exhorted
not to forfeit righteousness, grace, and salvation by going
their own ways. In conclusion Br. David held a service
from the Scripture-verse : Sow to yourselves in righteous-
ness, reap in mercy ; break up your fallow ground, for it
is time to seek the Lord till he come and rain righteousness

^ Frequent mention of this root has been made in this diary. For
many years now it has been a common object of traffic among the In-
dians. The Encyclopedia Brit, says :

" Ginseng, the Chinese name for Panax quinquefolium, a small plant
of the natural order Araliaciae, found in the northern parts of Asia
and in America. It has a jointed, fleshy, tapered root, which, when
dried, is of yellowish-white color, and has a mucilaginous sweet flavor
somewhat resembling liquorice, accompanied by a slight bitterness. It
is highly prized by the Chinese as a stimulant and restorative, or rather
as a panacea for every ill. . . . Now the Americans carry it direct to
China, which is its only market."

^ The passage in brackets is conjectured.

66 zeisbbrger's diary.

on you. Thy blood-rigliteousness makes us blessed in
time, and will also eternally be the only cause of our well-
being.

Tuesday, 8. David held morning service. Three fami-
lies of white people, with a great troop of children [20],
who came here last evening, and are from Maryland, from
the head of the Potomac, aud were going to Detroit, gave
us much to do, one family wishing to stay here through
the winter, but this we could not permit. By them we had
a letter from Br. Kiefer,^ of July 17. They wanted to
have canoes lent them and people to take them over the
lake, since they could not go by land, but all had nothing
more to eat. They went away,

Wednesday, 9, some by land, but the women and chil-
dren by water, Renatus and Ignatius being their pilots
over the lake. Michael held early service. An Indian,
who had come a very roundabout way from Oswego, by
way of ]Sriagara, to Detroit, and from there by way of
Gigeyunk here, and had already been here some time,
came and begged to be permitted to live here. When we
spoke to the assistants about him, we learned that he him-
self had told them, when first he went to the meetings
and heard, that it was to him thus : " Here will I live ;
from this place I will not go away." He had already
arisen and gone to the table, and wished to beg admission
before the whole church, but had again considered whether
this was right and gave it up. From that time, how-
ever, he has so remained and has not forgotten. After
our rules had been made known to him, to which he sub-
mitted, promising to comport himself thereby, he got per-
mission.

Thursday, 10. In the early service from the text : All
things are possible to him that believeth, Br. David bap-
tized Thomas' little daughter, born yesterday, Ruth, into
Jesus' death, at which ceremony white people were also
present, for it was quite new for them to see Indians lead

^A Moravian missionary, who narrowly escaped massacre at Penn's
Creek, Cumberland Co., Pa., in 1755, and was concealed for two weeks
afterwards by a friendly Indian.

1789. 57

so Christian a life and conduct, for they said they had
lived in the land there among the mountains without ser-
mon or worship of God. One was from Saucon (near
Bethlehem), and was well acquainted in Bethlehem. They
then went to Detroit with Ignatius and lienatus.

Friday, 11. Edwards held early service. By some of
our Indians, who came from their hunting in Cuyahoga,
to whom Mingoes from [NTiagara came, telling them that
there this summer there had been liail-storms and that
hail-stones as big as apples had fallen and done great dam-
age. Something of the sort we have also had here, the
biggest like hickory-nuts, but in no very great abundance.
There, however, the night after, the cold and frost were so
severe that all the corn was frozen and withered after the
sun shone warm, so that men wept and have now^ nothing
to look forward to except starvation, for they had to
slaughter their horses this year, and many died of hunger.

Sunday, 13. David preached about the ten lepers, from
the Gospel, and Michael held the congregation meeting.
Strangers came here again yesterday, who showed a wish
to remain here. We learned from Sandusky that there
they have had hard night-frosts for sometime and that the
tender corn has been injured, while we here have not been
aware of any in our fields. Sicknesses prevail among the
Indians, so that many are dying, and among the cattle,
and especially among the horses, pestilence spreads, so
that they perish in great number, and through the fre-
quent visits of strangers these (sicknesses) are brought
here, so that many have died.

Tuesday, 15. Boaz' brother sent us word to pray for
him, that the Saviour might help him to come to us, that
he might not be held back by the Indians.

Wednesday, 16. Abraham, Samuel, and Stephen went
to Sandusky Bay to get various things, stone, cedar-wood,
etc. From the new settlement over the lake Ignatius and
Renatus returned, whither they had taken the white peo-
ple by water, some twelve miles the other side of the Miami.
They brought news that in Detroit pestilence and sick-

58

nesses prevailed, of which many people died. The Shaw-
anese and Indians at the head of the Miami are said to
have begun their cruelties again and to have burnt two
captives. Ten Indians are also said to have died, of whose
death horse-thieves are the cause, after whom the white
people followed, and thus whom they fell in with must
pay the penalty. The Tawa chief will soon visit us.

Friday, 18. By the Indian, Moses, who came from the
Fort, we learned that a brother^ from Bethlehem was said
to be there, who would like to come to us, and that our
Cook's brother had agreed to bring him out, but we can
hardly believe this, and are in doubt, and having no word
by letter of it, we did nothing.

Saturday, 19. In the early service from the Scripture-
verse : Go up to the mountain and bring wood and build
the house ; and I will take pleasure in it and I will be glo-
rified, saith the Lord, the little daughter of Joachim and
A. Maria, born yesterday, was baptized into Jesus' death
with the name Henrietta. He had gone several days be-
fore to his father in Gigeyunk, from whom he can by no
means get away and whom he cannot give up.

Sunday, 20. Edwards preached from the Gospel : 'No
man can serve two masters. David held the communion
quarter-hour, and Michael the congregation meeting.

Monday, 21. David held early service. The assistants
were told to speak with several girls, likewise to attend to
fencing the grave-yard, at which they made a beginning
to-day, and finally, to answer Pipe, to whom we owe an
answer to his belt, and thereby to take occasion to say to
the chiefs, that since they have abandoned Pettquotting to
us, they should now hold to it, and no other Indians should
settle in our neighborhood, as we have already heard of
several ; that they should bear this in mind, and if it hap-
pens we must go away.

Tuesday, 22. The brethren got done with the grave-
yard, and then the sisters went at once and put it in order.

Friday, 25. David, who became quite ill three days ago,

^ See iinrler Oct. 19, next, p. 62.

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 59

was better again, yet he spoke to the brethren yesterday
and to-day. Very many grow ill, and it is a very sickly
time.

Saturday, 26. The communicants enjoyed the body and
blood of our Lord in the holy sacrament, to which two
sisters were readmitted, one of whom, Jacobina, had gone
from the church, married a savage and brought him to the
church, who has now been baptized, and before her has
come to the Lord's supper. One sister, Rachel, looked on
as candidate.

Sunday, 27. Michael preached after the communion
liturgy. In the afternoon service Samuel, Johanna's son,
born in Friedenshiitten, who lately came here from Gige-
yunk, was taken into the church. This caused emotion in the
whole circle of his friends, who had all been here long
before him, so the last became first and the first last. At
this service the assistant, Samuel, said to his mother and
step-father: "Thou hast always made the excuse and said
thou must think too much about thy son, that thy heart
was ever in Gigeyunk, and that thou hadst no time
to think of the welfare of thine own soul. N^ow thy son
is here, and already farther along than thou, though thou
wast here more than a year before him. E'ow thus art
thou backward and not once a real friend of his." Such
expressions, which mean much to the Indians, cut to the
heart.

Monday, 28. The brethren worked in common at the
school-house, and at the same time to put in order the
house of the sick Thomas. A woman, Mary Elizabeth,
who went away from here some time ago and married a
savage, Paul's son, for she was single, came to Br. David,
begging for readmission to live here. He replied to her:
"Thou hast gone from the church. Then thou wast un-
married, and couldst speak for thyself, but now thou hast
a husband and art not thine own ruler. He must come
and tell if he also is of that mind. We heed not what the
wife says, but what the husband says."

Tuesday, 29. In the early service the dear angels were
thought of, who are sent to serve us and to turn away from

60

us many harms and dangers, for which we ought to thank
the Saviour. Joachim, who two days ago went to Gige-
yunk, came back from there, bringing with him his old
father, Joachim, who rejoiced to see the church again.

Wednesday, 20. A family of seven persons, Renatus'
friend from Sandusky, named Wojanwes, upon their re-
quest and desire, got leave to live here. When he went
from home he said to his brother that he was now going
to Pettquotting, that he did not know whether he should
come back again ; he wanted to go and see what they had
there, for he believed the believing Indians had some good
thing of which they did not know ; so if he should not
come back again, he would know where he was, and might
himself consider what he would do.

[Thus far to Bethlehem.]

Thursday, Oct. 1. Indians came here from the Fort
with liquor, which we indeed took in charge until they
went away, two days after, but they encamped not far off,
having deceived us, so that there was drunkenness, and we
were much plagued by vile people.

Saturday, 3. Loveless, who went to the Fort from De-
troit, arrived, and with him young Isaac Williams, sixty
of whose hogs the Wyandots had killed. He said they
thought of moving away in the spring.

Sunday, 4. Edwards preached. Many Indians came
from the Fort with much brandy, fourteen casks, which
we took in charge till their departure.

Tuesday, 6. Samuel and Charles went with the white
man to the Fort, by which opportunity we sent letters and
our diary to Pittsburg, and wrote also about our things
there, to send them to us. Many Chippewas here.

Thursday, 8. The whisky-people nearly all moved far-
ther away, including a daughter of Cook. David held
morning service. Old Ruth came with her son, Tobias,
and his wife, and her grandson, a child, in order to live
again in the church. They were for the time housed until
they could farther be spoken with.

Friday, 9. We brethren harvested our field, some three
hundred strings of corn, besides the loose corn, and the

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 61

fields have made a rich return, in spite of the fact that the
birds have done much damage, for thus far this year in
flocks of thousands they have covered the fields black.
Every thing has thriven without harm from frost, which
this year has injured nearly all places.

Sunday, 11. Br. David preached from the Gospel about
the great commandment. The assistants spoke with Ruth
and her son, who longed to live again in the church, and
though we know about it, and were acquainted with her
of old, that she is a hard person to get along with, who
would give us much trouble and care, yet we did not wish
to reject her, for she was yet concerned about her salva-
tion and already quite old.

Tuesday, 13. Michael held early service, as yesterday
Br. David. The brethren were all very busy harvesting,
to which the birds force them, which eat up all they find.
Many Chippewas also helped, who wished to earn some
corn, for they do not plant, but live by hunting, in the
summer for the most part upon fish and musk-rats, and
in winter from game in the bush, but yet they like to have
corn when they can get any, but they do not like to plant,
for they are accustomed to move about, and are nowhere
at home.

Wednesday, 14. David held early service. There were
thunder-storms both yesterday and to-day. Frank, who
came from the Fort yesterday, knew nothing about broth-
ers having been there and w^ishing to come hither, nor
had he heard any thing about this. Indians arrived with
whisky.

Thursday, 15. White people from Pittsburg, with cattle,
went through here, on their way to Detroit, likew^ise
others, the Quaker, etc., by water to the same place. We
hoped to get letters by Robbins, who arrived with them,
but they came not, and thus probably we sent for our
things in vain.

Saturday, 17. The white people set out by wafer for
Detroit. David held early service. The brethren were
busy bringing in their corn.

Sunday, 18. Michael preached, strangers being present.

62 zeisberger's diary.

We permitted the brethren to labor in their need to-day,
for there has been much rain, and the corn suffers harm.

Monday, 19. By a family of Mennonites, with four
children, from Maryland, on their way to Detroit, who are
acquainted with the brothers and have attended their
meetings, we got a letter from Br. Sydrick,^ from Grace-
ham, on the Monocacy, of Sept. 19th. The people were
very glad to meet the brothers and brethren, and we
served and helped them as much as we could. We now
found out too who the people were who had been called
brothers from Bethlehem, who had wished to come out to
us, namely, a Bunker, and preacher from Kedstone, Pa., who
had wished to go to Detroit, but whose courage failed him
on account of the difficult journey, and therefore he
turned back.

Wednesda}^ 21. A white man came from Detroit on
his way to Pittsburg, who stayed here several days.

Saturday, 24. This week the brethren have been busy
harvesting, the weather having been tolerably good. We
finished the potato harvest, so that we are done. On the
Miami the nations have again had a meeting and got pres-
ents. The Delawares in Gigeyunk, we hear, are moving
to the Spaniards, with whom many of them already are.
Welandawecken went there not along ago to live. At the
mouth of the Miami the English in Detroit have a plan to
buy a strip of land from the Wyandots, to have a proper
place where they can hold treaties with the nations, to
which the Wyandots are said to have shown themselves
not disinclined.

Sunday, 25. Edwards preached, and in the afternoon
David discoursed to the baptized about stealing. The
brothers came together to take measures about buying
and selling.

Tuesday, 27. Edwards held early service. From De-
troit Mr. Askin sent us word in a writing that he will send

1 Daniel Sydiick, 1727-1790. He came to America in 1750, was as-
sistant minister in several places, and ten years in charge of the church
in Philadelphia, and afterwards in Graceham, Frederick Co., Md.

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 63

his son and buy all the corn which we could do without.
There are also several other traders who want to buy corn,
for in Detroit it w-ill be again a dear time, and among the
Indians we hear from every place that the corn has been
touched with frost. In Sandusky most people have no
harvest, and we hear that many Indians will come here and
pass the winter with us, in order to find something to eat;
thus the supplies of our brethren will be used up, and they
also may then come to want. In the evening Samuel came
from the Fort, but we got neither letters nor any of our
things, which were not yet come. On the Wabash, and in
that country, there was a fight between the whites and In-
dians, in which the latter were worsted and four hundred
were lost, all warriors, whereupon the whites attacked a
town and laid low whatever they found.^ It is now said
they are begging for peace, which before they would not
take, but wanted to fight.

Friday, 30. From Detroit came some white people here
on their way to Pittsburg, two of whom were here sev-
eral days on account of sickness.

Saturday, 31. The whole week, when the weather was
tolerable, for it has rained now more than eight days, the
brethren were busy harvesting their corn.

Sunday, Kov. 1. David preached from the Epistle to
the Ephesians vi, 10 : Finally, my brethren, be strong in
the Lord and in the power of his might, and held the com-
munion quarter-hour. The assistants arranged matters
between Helena and Lydia. In the evening service, which
Br. Michael held, we thought of the church above and
of our communion with the same. In the evening A.
Elizabeth arrived from the Miami, and desired to live here
again. There all the corn is frosted and none of it ripens,
so that now the Indians separate, and each one has to seek
to find something to eat.

Monday, 2. It was a dark morning till towards ten
o'clock, so that in the house nothing could be seen without
a light. Edwards held the early service from the text : I

^1 find no confirmation of Samuel's report.

64

•
will not leave you comfortless, etc. A. Elizabeth came to

Br. David, begging for readmission, but got no answer, for

she was false.

Wednesday, 4. A party of whites came through here
from Detroit on their way to Pittsburg. They were here
a day, and went, Thursday, 5th, farther. David wrote to
Br. Sydrick to Monocacy.

Friday, 6. There came another family of white people
here from Detroit on their way down into the country.
They stayed over Sunday and went farther, from whom
their horses were stolen the first night.

Saturday, 7. After the brethren had been spoken
to the preceding days, we had the holy communion in
the near presence of our Lord, in which the brethren,
William Henry, his wife, Rah el, and their son, Charles,
participated with the church for the first time, and Johanna,
who came to us in the spring from Gigeyunk, was read-
mitted. John Henry and Louisa, Helena's daughter,
looked on as candidates. The assistants have for several
days, and to-day also, labored in speaking with the
brethren, here and there arranging matters among them.
They are our true helpers, and if they must sit and use
up whole days, they become not weary until they have
perfected their work, and we see and learn that the Saviour
is with them, and leaves them in the lurch in nothing.
We thank the Saviour that he gives us such help in them
and through them, which is a great relief for us, for if we
had to do every thing we should not be equal to the task.

Sunday, 8. After the communion liturgy, in which the
brethren were admonished, now that they are going out
for their autumn hunt, and will be scattered in the bush,
to take with them as food what they have received and
enjoyed, and to watch over it as a precious treasure, so
that towards Christmas they may come together again
with joyful and blessed hearts, and lose nothing thereof,
Br. Michael preached, and in the afternoon in the service
the little daughter of Samuel I^anticoke's grandchild, Jael,
was baptized with the name Charlotte. White people were
present at the services, who, the next day.

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 65

Monday, 9, travelled on, getting Isaac as pilot to the
Fort. In the early service from the text: Where two or
three are gathered together in my name, etc., Br. David
told the brethren that now they could attend to their hunt-
ing, that they should indeed take with them the Saviour
as their companion when they were in the bush ; they
should hunt and do all their work walking with him, and
he gave them forty days therefor. Br. Edwards went
down to John Askin, Jr., who came into the river yester-
day with his ship, and will trade with our Indians, buying
corn and cattle.

Wednesday, 11. The assistants made peace between
Lewis and Esther. A. Elizabeth was again received, who
came again to her husband.

Thursday, 12. David held early service. Yesterday and
to-day nearly all the Indians went off hunting. Many
strange Indians were here, who are on their way hunting,
remaining several days. Many who had cattle, left them
herein charge of our Indian brethren through the winter for
pay. Thus it is with Indians ; they like to have cattle,
but as they move about almost the whole year hunting, it
is hard for them, they cannot take care of them. There-
fore many for this reason like to live here, being weary of
wandering about, for they see that our Indians in their man-
ner of life fare better than themselves, and have no lack of
the means of life, and if they come to our town, they find
all sorts of things to buy.

Friday, 13. Br. Edwards, who held the early service,
and Br. Michael Jung went down to Askin's ship to buy
some flour. Several Indians drove hogs there, for which
they took clothing in payment.

Sunday, 15. Br. Edwards preached. There were to-
day, as there have been all the week every day and night
continuously, thunder-storms and rain. Many strangers
have been here lately and are still here, who come for the
sake of food, for among the Indians corn is nowhere to be
found. In the quarter-hour for the married in the even-
ing Charles, William Henry's son, was married to Benigna
l^anticoke, both before unmarried.
5

66 ZEISBERGER S DIARY.

Monday, 16. Still always rain and snow, on which ac-
count there was no early service. Late in the evening
came Susanna Minque here for a visit, who came to see us
the next morning. Some white people from Detroit ar-
rived, who were going to Pittshurg.

Tuesday, 17. David held early service from the text:
Ye shall be witnesses unto me, etc. The weather cleared
up and was very cold.

Wednesday, 18. Edwards held early service.

Thursday, 19. Michael held early service, and then went
down to Askin, who sails to-day in his ship for Detroit.
Susanna Minque spoke with us and asked for advice, what
she could do to come again to the church with her chil-
dren, to whom and to her we spoke plainly and directly.

Friday, 20. David held early service from the Scripture-
verse : I have loved thee w^ith an everlasting love, etc. The
Quaker who traded here came back from Detroit.

Saturday, 21. A boat came from over the lake with
French people, and another below here in the river, to
pass the winter, for our Indians promised to build a house
for him.

Sunday, 22. David preached of the advent of the Sa-
viour for judgment after his advent in the Hesh. There
were snow- squalls all day long.

Tuesday, 24. Various Indians arrived, but all only for
the sake of food and corn. The Frenchmen bought it at a
dollar a bushel, which they take to Detroit, and our In-
dians got clothing therefor, which also they were forced to.

Thursday, 26. David held early service. Text : I seek
not mine own will, but the will of the Father, etc. The
assistants spoke with some strangers, asking what their
plans were, and why they were here and stayed so long, so
that they might not get established here. We heard also
that the Tawa chief, Ekuschuwe, was on the way here, and
soon to be expected.

Friday, 27. Edwards held early service. Text : Behold,
I come quickly, etc., about being ready for his advent,
whereover we have to ask our hearts assiduously.

Saturday, 28. Michael held early service : Thy faith

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 67.

hath saved thee, etc., that the faith, which the Holy Ghost
works, is mighty and strong with those who are spirit-
ually poor.

Sunday, 29. Michael preached from the Epistle about
the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour, who is revealed
in the flesh, which mystery is concealed from the wise and
prudent and revealed to the simple. David held the con-
gregation meeting from the text : This is the work of Grod,
that ye believe in him whom he hath sent. We heard again
the old Chippewa stories, which are again revived and cir-
culated among the brethren.

Monday, 30. Edwards held early service : It is not for
you to know the time or the occasion.

Tuesday, Dec. 1. Michael, from : Blessed are the poor
in spirit, etc. An Indian, Elizabeth's sister, with her chil-
dren, came here visiting, and several others. Anna Eliza-
beth spoke with us, showing her perplexity about the for-
giveness of her sins against the Saviour and the church.

Wednesday, 2. David held early service : ]^o man
knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any
man the Father, save the Son.

Thursday, 3. Edwards held early service : Every tree is
known by his own fruit, etc.

Sunday, 6. Edwards preached from the Gospel about
the advent of the Saviour for judgment, wherefore we
should be ready to receive him with joy, since then the
redemption of believers draws nigh. David held the con-
gregation meeting from the text : Behold, I make all
things new, that our chief care should be that we are re-
new^ed in spirit and put on Christ, be made into new men,
and be born again through his blood ; but that heaven and
earth shall pass away and be no more, this to leave to him,
who after having brought about our redemption by his
blood, went in his majesty to prepare a place for us.
From Gigeyunk came Louisa with Lydia's daughter, an
unbaptized woman, who as a child lived in the church,
and afterwards married a Twightwee Indian, but since she
always longed to come again to the church, she made her-
self free and at last is come hither.

68 zeisberger's diary.

Monday, 7. Louisa came to tell us her wish to live
here. On this occasion we heard that several families of
our Indians in Gigejunk would come to us in the spring,
for instance, Sara, Gideon's former wife, with her chil-
dren, Regina and Philippina. We know from experience
that it is best to act as if we no longer took notice of
them. For years, by every opportunity, we sent them
word and greeting, of which they often made bad use and
were ill-inclined, as if we wanted to entice them to us and
get them here, so that they might fall into the hands of
the white people and be destroyed. Therefore we have
for some time stopped all this, and not once sent them
greeting, but if any one of them has come here, we have
shown him that we would force no one to come to us, if
he were not so disposed of himself, but whoever came in
the poverty of his heart, him we would not refuse. As it
seems, this will have the best effect in making them sooner
thoughtful. David held early service : Inasmuch as ye
have done it, etc.

Tuesday, 8. Michael held early service. John Leeth,
Peter, and David, the Indian, went out with goods — for
Squirrel (a Frenchman) in the bush.

Friday, 11. Various strange Indians have come here
the last few days from their hunting-camps, among them
Boaz' brothers, one of whom came to Br. David, asked
him many things, and among other things, whether in-
deed he would be received and get leave if he wished to
live here. He was told that if he were really in earnest
to be saved and to renounce his heathenish life of sin, at
least willing to be free therefrom, he would not be refused.
He replied that he was unmarried, and having heard that
such were not readily received, he had been cautious
about persisting from fear of rejection ; he was twenty-
eight or nine years old, and had remained single and did
not wish to rnarry ; he had, therefore, doubts about being
received as an unmarried man, or that he would be com-
pelled to marry. Since he was so straightforward and
gave sufficient reason, Br. David told him that he com-
pelled no one to marry against his will, who could give

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 69

good reasons, only he must live in a quiet and orderly-
way and keep away from women. He said farther : '^ Why
has God permitted that his children — he called them his
children — on the Muskingum to be murdered? Why has
he not pitied them and prevented the murder?" Answer :
" God at times grants wicked men their will and lets it
happen. Those who perished on the Muskingum have
lost nothing thereby ; they have heen rescued from much
trouble and sorrow and are now with God, where all is
well forever and would no more come back if they could."
As he had his hunting-hut hardly a day's journey away,
Br. David asked him here for the Christmas holidays.
This pleased him much, and he said he would come here
in eight days with his mother and brother.

Sunday, 13. Br. David preached from the Gospel
about John in prison and Br. Edwards held the congrega-
tion meeting. From elsewhere and from Gigeyunk we
heard that a Delaware messenger was come back from the
Spaniards with news for the Indians conjointly, that
next spring a great treaty would be held with the nations
on the Miami, and from this news it appears as if the
Spanish and French on the Mississippi would appear at
the treaty, who would be the means of bringing about a
stable peace between the nations and the States. We also
learned that two hundred warriors, Twightwees and Shaw-
anese, had gone out against the States, in spite of the
chiefs and captains, after their sending messages to them and
earnestly forbidding them. They would not obey; where-
upon the chiefs at once sent word to the Muskingum, giv-
ing them leave and freedom to do with the warriors what-
ever they would, or to kill them all, if they wished.

Tuesday, 15. The brethren put together corn for the
church love-feasts for the coming year, so also tallow for
lights in the chapel.

Wednesday, 16. The brethren have lately and to-day
in part come home from hunting. William, who has been
away several weeks, met on his way home strange Indians,
who asked him how long it was to Christmas. They
knew how to give him the precise number of days till

70

then, for lately many strangers have always been going to
and fro, who have found out about this.

Friday, 18. The hunters contributed pelts for the com-
mon expenses, such as tea for the love-feasts.

Sunday, 20. Michael preached and David held the con-
gregation meeting. The assistants spoke with Louisa,
Helen's sister, a widow, and with Lydia's daughter, an
unbaptized woman, who as a child lived in the church,
but is now a grown woman. Both are lately come from
Gigeyunk, and upon their request were received to be
dwellers here. At the same time measures were taken
with the assistants to enlarge the chapel, which is be-
come too small and narrow, and to make an addition to
it before the holidays, wherewith also,

Monday, 21, they went at once to work, and Tuesday, 22,
had finished it. Isaac came from the Fort. ]^o letters.

Wednesday, 23. The assistants spoke with Mary Eliza-
beth, Jun., who again got leave to be here, for which she
asked, although she had not been away, but she had been
ordered to go away from here. They also spoke with
John Cook's son and his wife, between whom trouble had
arisen, and reconciled them.

Thursday, 24. We began Christmas with a love-feast,
rejoiced in God, our Saviour, in his holy incarnation and
birth, and brought to him our thank-offerings that the
eternal God had clad himself in our poor flesh and blood
and had made us aware of his boundless love for us, poor,
lost men, for which upon our knees we adored the Infant
Jesus in his manger. At the end candles were given the
children. The many tears of those present were a proof
of the little Jesus' recognition of us, his miserable peo-
ple. A multitude of Indians had come from the bush, so
that, although we had made our chapel a good deal
larger and thought there would be room enough, it was
as if this helped little or not at all, for it was packed full,
and yet all could not get in who wanted to.

Friday, 25. Br. Edwards preached from the text : Unto
us a child is born, unto us a son is given, to a great mul-
titude of strangers. In the second service from the

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 71

Scripture-verse, three were buried in Jesus' death by holy
baptism, with the names Joel, Joseph, and Zipporah, the
last John Cook's wife, by Brs. Edwards, Michael, and
David, whereto the Holy Trinity showed itself mighty, and
whereby strangers as well as inhabitants shed many a tear.
[Joseph's stepmother wished to lead him away in a crafty
manner a few days ago, and said to him he should go a
part of the way with her and show her the way in the
bush, but he answered her : " The way which thou goest,
thou knowest best, but I not."] By the preaching of the
Gospel to the heathen is fulfilled what stands written : Praise
the Lord, all ye heathen, for the savages who also come
hither see the work of God and hear what he has done for
them, praise him therefor and with him adore the Infant
Jesus in the manger, who is God eternal, Father, and
Maker of all things. In the service for the baptized from
the text : Before Abraham was, I am, Anna Elizabeth was
absolved, who several months ago left the church, but
could not bear it, and came back again, and then her
child, with whom she was pregnant when she went away,
was baptized with the name Lucy, two months old.

Saturday, 26. Michael held early service. The breth-
ren, John Leeth, Peter, and others came home.

Sunday, 27. David preached from Gal., iv., 4: But
when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth
his Son, made of a Avoman, and then (David) held the
communion quarter-hour, which he announced for Wednes-
day. Several, yesterday and the day before, expressed
their wish for baptism and reception into the church.

Tuesday, 29- The assistants arranged dissensions be-
tween Charles an.d Benigna.

Wednesday, 30. After the brethren had been spoken
to yesterday, the day before, and to-day, the communi-
cants enjoyed his body and blood in the holy sacrament in
the most blessed way, whereof Louisa, Helen's daughter,
partook for the first time. ]N"icholas and Anna Maria,
Joachim's wife, were readmitted after receiving absolu-
tion. John Cook, and young Joachim, were candidates.
The joy of the brethren over N"icholas, whom the Saviour

72 zeisbbrger's diary.

fully restored again, is not to be described. About a
week before he had spoken with Br. David very openly
and thoroughly, what the reason and occasion had been of
his leaving the church in the year '77, whereto he was led
together with Jacob Gendaskund, who was made chief,
and the former became captain, of all which the well-
known Indian preacher, "Wangomen, of Goschgoschiink,
was cause.

Thursday, 31. In the morning, to the communion lit-
urgy, Nicholas came full of thankfulness of heart, with
eyes full of tears, over the great grace the Saviour had
done him, that he had taken the burden from his heart,
which oppressed him, as he said, had forgiven him all and
again loaded him with grace, so that he said it was as if
something great had come to him so that he was quite
ashamed. An upright, dear old man, whom we love. The
Saviour be praised and adored therefor.

We closed the year with a love-feast. At this was pres-
ent such a number of Delawares and Chippewas that our
chapel was much too small, and many had to stand out-
side. It was well that the weather was mild, for thus far
we have had no snow that has not melted. We found also
in the past year many reasons for bringing praise and
thanks to the Saviour, and to our dear Father in heaven,
for the manifold kindnesses he has done us, and for all the
goodness we have enjoyed from his mild hand outwardly
and inwardly, and for the blessed care and watchfulness
which he has shown for us, for soon after we made our
blessed entrance into the new year we were always hearing
rumors of preparation for war among the Indians; and
when spring opened, and the time for planting drew near,
we were ourselves in doubt whether we could plant here,
but we got directions from our Saviour to make no change,
wherein afterward also we were strengthened by the Tawa
chief, who encouraged us to plant in comfort, which we
did, although many Indians, when they came here and
saw our brethren so industriously at work, asked whether
they expected then to harvest and enjoy any thing of this.

AT NEW SALEM, 1789. 73

They had their time with their lying tales, now they suffer
want, and we can yet share with them.

The numerous and frequent visits of savages through
the summer have not been without fruit. Many have re-
mained affected by the church service, and many have
heard the Gospel of God's plan for salvation, which will
bring forth fruit in its own time. It is and must always
remain to us a great and weighty thing that the Saviour
has opened a door for us and made for us a place in the
Indian land, where the word about his sufferings and
atonement is openly preached, and many will yet hear and
receive it to their eternal good.

We can also thank the Saviour that he again brings to
us, little by little, out of their error, our scattered and dis-
persed former brethren, restores them again and makes them
sharers of the church's grace, and that will be fulfilled in
them : the grayer the sinner the more mightily grace pre-
vails, and God's mercy over them, if they come to the
church.

Brs. Heckewelder and Abraham Steiner made us heart-
ily joyful in May by a visit of eleven days from Bethle-
hem, which was very pleasant for us. They went back
there the 1st of June.

The holidays, Easter, Whitsuntide, Christmas, etc., were
days blessed by the Lord, which have always contributed
somewhat to the brethren.

For all, especially for his recognition of us and his
walking among us, and for what we have already forgot-
ten, we thanked him upon our knees, begged forgiveness
of our transgressions and shortcomings, which we con-
fessed to him, and gave ourselves anew to his care, to the
conduct and oversight of the Holy Ghost, and commended
our affair, which is also his affair and work, and ourselves,
to his grace, so that his holy name by us may become
known and glorified among the heathen to the honor of
God, the Father.

There were baptized this year —

Adults 16

Children 10

*i

74 zeisberger's diary. j

Taken into the church .,... 5 '

Admitted to the Lord's supper 20 j

Married Three couples. I

There have died — j

Adults 5 1

Children 3 I

At present there are living here 34 couples ■

of married people and 2 single persons, i

among whom 6 are unbaptized 70 '

Unmarried men (3 unbaptized) , 10 |

Unmarried women (1 unbaptized) 8 \

Widowers : 3 \

Widows (2 unbaptized) 13 j

Big boys (5 unbaptized) 9 \

Big girls (1 unbaptized) 9 ]

Boys 29 ;:

Girls 33 i

Total 184 ]

69 of whom are communion brethren, 19 more than at I
the close of last year. j|

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 75

CHAPTER X.

1790.
New Salem, on the Huron River, Ohio.

Friday, Jan. 1. Br. Edwards delivered at the usual time
the sermon from the Gospel about the name of Jesus, who
is our Redeemer. In the second service from the Script-
ure-verse: I am the Lord, your God, dwelling in Zion,
about his blessed rule in his church, which he has acquired
by his own blood, whereto from time to time out of heath-
enism he collects his chosen as a reward for his sufferings,
and makes them sharers of his merits and of the salvation
gained for us, by forgiving their sins and washing them
with his blood and giving them power to be God's chil-
dren, who believe in his name, etc. Three were buried in
Jesus' death by the bath of holy baptism, with the names
Benjamin, Anna liosina, and Justine, by Brs. Michael,
Edwards, and David, whereby the Holy Trinity showed it-
self mighty and there was a reverential feeling. After the
baptized had worshipped, received the blessing, and been
led from the chapel, a child was baptized with the name
Mark, the son of Simon and Jacobine. In conclusion the
baptized had a service from the text : Lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world, about the blessed
intercourse and acquaintance with the Saviour, which was
recommended and praised to the brethren, that they should
be earnest for it, which would be for them the most blessed
thing and preserve them, body and soul. At the end they
exchanged the kiss of peace. Many strangers, Chippewas
and Delawares, came to wish us Happy !N'ew Year, in order
to get something, and thus they took home from town
great quantities of bread, corn, and all sorts of things.
This comes about from their custom of so doing with the

76 zeisberger's diary.

French in Detroit. Different brethren had for their bap-
tism-day love-feasts, as also yesterday.

Sunday, 3. Michael preached from the Gospel about
the Saviour's flight into Egypt and of the murder of the
innocents at Bethlehem. David conducted the children's
hour, whom he admonished not to hear in vain the word
about our Saviour's incarnation, passion, and death, for
many others have not the good fortune to hear it, but to
make good use of it. Br. Edwards held the congregation
meeting from the text : N^either pray I for these alone, etc.
The weather was as fine and warm as in spring. We have
yet had no snow, and the sisters brought us flowers from
the bush, which is not usual at this time of year.

Wednesday, 6. Early at morning-prayer we begged
from the Saviour of the heathen his recognition, near
presence, and blessing for the day, thinking also of the
other heathen churches. In the second service the text of
to-day : Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Eather and of the Son and of the Holy
Ghost, was considered and realized, and three were buried
in Jesus' death, through the bath of holy baptism, and
brought to the church, whose names are Verona, Zachaeus,
and James, by Brs. David, Edwards, and Michael. The
first is John Cook's daughter-in-law, whose husband had
always before laid upon her the blame that he could not be
converted, since she had no desire therefor, but when Br.
David spoke with him, telling him his wife would be bap-
tized, and therefore he should like to know his mind about
it, and whether he would not also find it needful to be
washed from sin, he was dumb and could not answer a
word. This will give him occasion to find blame within
himself. The second is the Indian who came here from
Oswego by way of E'iagara, Detroit, and Gigeyunk, naked
and bare, bringing nothing with him except the Indian
hackey,^ otherwise neither blanket nor stockings, neither
shirt nor shoe, neither knife, musket, hatchet, nor kettle.

^In Zeisberger's Delaware Indian Spelling-Book hackey is given
with the meaning, body. The word occurs again under Aug. 24, 1791.

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 77

Afterwards was a love-feast, and then something was said
to the brethren about the history of the day (Epiphany)
and its purpose ; wherefore it is noteworthy, since the wise
men from the East came and worshipped him. In conclu-
sion the baptized had a service and gave thanks with joy-
ful hearts for the blessing this day enjoyed.

Thursday, 7. Michael held early service. We wrote
to-day to Bethlehem. Indians arrived with brandy, which
they willingly, however, gave over to our charge.

Friday, 8. The Quaker went to the Fort, by whom we
sent letters to Bethlehem. The brothers spoke with a big
boy, whom his elder brother brought here, and who wished
to live in the church, and confessed to the brothers he
would like to be saved, therefore wishing to be in the
church, for which he got leave, after they had found out
his elder brother's mind and satisfaction thereover. As a
little boy he had often been in the church, now and then,
on the Muskingum. Then the assistants asked the elder
at last whether he did not think the same also about him-
self and also wished to be saved. He answered : " Yes,
indeed, I think about it, and therefore I am pleased and
let my brother be in the church. Perhaps sometime it
will be my lot also to come to the church, but now I have
many hinderances in the way."

Saturday, 9. Gertrude's daughter and her husband
came here with liquor, which they gave to our charge.
Pemitschischen visited him and they greeted each other.
The stranger observed carefully our town, and the former,
still unbaptized, spoke with him like a brother.

Sunday, 10. Br. Michael preached from the Gospel :
When Jesus was twelve years old. Then the boys had a
blessed service, who were exhorted and admonished to
follow after the boy, Jesus, to take him for model and ex-
ample, and to strive to be as he was, to learn obedience,
thus would they also find grace with God and men. In
the congregation meeting from the text : Except a man be
born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God, two grown girls were taken into the
church.

78 ZEISBERGER S DIARY.

Monday, 11. Several brothers and sisters went to San-
dusky to see Luke's daughter, Pauline, and if possible to
bring her here, whom we heard to be paralytic and to be
wasting away from hunger, and her child too, of which
she had been there delivered. From the cold she must
freeze, having no clothes, of which her disobedience is the
cause, all exhortation and admonition having been, fruit-
less with her. Thus must they suffer for their disobedience,
but when we see them in their misery we must needs have
compassion upon them arid help them. We have had two
or three illustrations of this since we have been here, that
people by their disobedience have put themselves in great
misery, and then again have turned back and taken refuge
in the church. Otherwise would certain strangers, John
Cook's daughter, for instance, be advised to go farther,
for we see they cause discontent here.

Tuesday, 12. A fine snow having fallen, the first also
this winter, many deer were brought to town. The whisky-
people went away.

Wednesday, 13. Strangers were always here, who re-
mained during the winter, having themselves nothing to
eat.

Friday, 15. Pauline, Luke's daughter, was brought here,
sick, with her child, which late in the evening was bap-
tized with the name Gottfried, who that night, the morn-
ing after, died, and was buried on the 17th.

Sunday, 17. David preached about the righteousness
which God has revealed through faith in Jesus Christ,
that we by faith and not on account of our works become
righteous and blessed. In the afternoon the child, Gott-
fried, was buried, on which occasion our young people
were admonished to take it for an example, and to think
what ill results disobedience draws after itself, since, when
they do not wish to be ruled by God's spirit, but rather
give heed to their own spirit, which is worthless, they
are sacrificed, since they will so have it, doing that which
is of no use, and thereby coming outwardly to the great-
est misery.

Tuesday, 19. Different brethren went out to their sugar-

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 79

huts to make preparations, some also hunting; strange In-
dians from the bush came here, who attended the meet-
ings.

Friday, 22. David held early service from the text : I
am the light of the world.

Saturday, 23. Michael held early service : If a man
love me, he will keep my words. A strange Indian, who
has already been here several days, Boaz' brother, came to
Br. David, who asked him if he was going away, and got
for answer that he must go to a feast in the neighborhood,
to which he was invited. Br. David replied that he would
get no good from it; th^ Indians, as he well knew, believed
in the like things and sacrifices which helped them not at
all; they had among themselves nothing of the word of
God, and whence should they know what availed for their
salvation? they were dull of sight and did the works of
Satan and of darkness, and that too willingly. He said he
would not speak against him and dispute about this,
whether it was really true. David answered : " I also not.
My disposition is not to dispute, but I speak the truth. Who
has not the Saviour, who is life, who does not know him,
and is not acquainted with him, he is in darkness, and
does the deeds of darkness and of Satan, and is lost."
He said there were many here who did not so live, that he
saw from their conduct. Answer : " I know that well,
but they are yet right in this, that they wish to live for
the Saviour, and therefore, since they would like to, they
have a Saviour. Thou, however, exaltest thyself, and
thinkest to be better, but thou hast no Saviour, for thou
wantest none, and actest thus still worse, for thou knowest
not the Saviour, who has bought us with his blood, and
by whom we get forgiveness of our sins and life eternal.
Thou lookest merely upon others, but how bad it is within
thyself thou dost not see. Look into thine own heart
and search if thou canst find any thing good, certainly
nothing but filth, and if thou art aware of it, go then to
the Saviour, who has poured out his blood for such for the
forgiveness of sins. Ask him to have mercy upon thee.

80

Thus thou wilt have no time to look upon others, but
enough to do with thyself."

Sunday, 24. Edwards preached, thereupon was the
communion quarter-hour, which was announced to the
brethren for next Saturday. Towards evening was the
burial of the child, Mark, who died yesterday, twenty-
three days old. A woman, baptized Sophia, the only sur-
viving daughter of the late Jacob Gendaskund, for in
Schonbrunn he went from the church, and his whole fam-
ily has died, came here and desired to live in the church,
but her husband, half Shawano and half Tutelee, the
worst mixture of Indians, had no wish, saying he would
not become a believer, nor hear any thing about it. With
him the brothers talked much, and it went so far that they
wanted to separate, and there was trouble that they should
not do this here. Thus also Pipe's son has been here a
considerable time with his wife, who cannot make up his
mind, although his wife, who would like to be in the
church, always urges him, and he can give no excuse for
not making up his mind, save that he has no children, and
perhaps he makes this a reason for leaving her. His wife
replied to him about this : " How comes it that thou now
first thinkest about this, thou hast known it for many
years already, but hast never reproached me until now,
when we are with the believers, with whom I should* like
to remain ?" Thus we usually find it ; if Indians come
here, begin to think about conversion, and wish to be in
the church, then they find so many difficulties of which
they never before had thought, and when, even before
they have lived together quite contentedly, dissension be-
gins, so that they wish to separate, and we have labor to
keep them together, all which is the work of Satan, who
well knows that if he can sow and cause discontent, noth-
ing will come of their conversion.

Monday, 25. Michael held early service from the Script-
ure-verse : The Lord stirred up the spirit of all the rem-
nant of the people : and they came and did work on the
house of the Lord, etc. A woman, related to Pipe, with
her daughter, who have already been here ten days, begged

1790. 81

for the baptism of a sick child, whose mother, the daugh- 1

ter of this old woman, died last summer, and upon her t

sick-bed had much wished to be brought to Pettquotting
to the believers, where she wished to die, and when this i

could not be done, she wished very much that this, her ,

child, might still be brought to the church. Pipe had also
advised them to bring the child to the believers, perhaps
some one there would take it and care for it. The woman
and her daughter promised never to take the child from :

the church, but they said they would themselves like to
live here with it, a proof that Pettquotting preaches more
among the Indians than is known to us, for these people
were unknown to us and strangers, and to our knowledge
have never been here. The child, which was about a year
and a quarter old, and already quite wasted, was baptized
this evening with the name Lea, in the presence of her
grandmother and many brethren, whereby a blessed feel-
ing of the Saviour's recognition prevailed. After the bap-
tism the child's grandmother thanked us repeatedly for
the pity we had for her and her grandchild, and she is
a savage. The Indian brethren present were much af-
fected, and praised God.

Tuesday, 26. In the early service from the text : Go
out into the highways — and compel them to come in, etc.,
the little son of Jacob and Christina, born yesterday
evening, was baptized into Jesus' death with the name
Martin. To the 25th belongs what follows : The brothers,
Samuel and Abraham, remained after the baptism of the
child yet a long time there, talking with the grandmother
and friends of the child. She said that a year ago, after
Pipe came back from the treaty on the Muskingum, he
had once had all his friends and Indians come together,
and had said to them that he knew nothing better in the
world to advise them, which would be most advantageous
for them and their children, than to go to Pettquotting to
the believing Indians, and to be content to live as they
lived. This would be best for them, and they would have
a quiet and good life. Another time he said to them

82 ZEISBERGEIl'S DIARY.

again, when they were together, that they should not look
to him, whoever wished should go to the believers; he
would hinder nobody, and were they his own friends it
would please him so much the more ; to be sure he was
chief, but a poor chief could be helpful to them in nothing ;
they should not depend upon him. He did not see of what
use the chieftainship was to him, and would like to be quite
rid of it. ''Look to Pettquotting ; there is now one who
was a great chief (Gelelemend), with whom I have myself
often taken counsel. He has now made himself free, given
up his chieftainship, and has chosen something better in its
place. Things are now well with him, and he has a right
pleasant life, whose example I will follow." Whereupon
one of the company replied, that he should only make the
beginning, and go before, they would all follow. He an-
swered : " I am getting ready for it. I must first make
myself free, and this cannot be quickly done, but whoever
will go, to him I say : Thou dost well."

Wednesday, 27. The child Lea, baptized day before
yesterday, departed early in the day, who,

Thursday, 28, was buried.

Saturday, 30. After the brethren had been spoken to
for several days, the communicants enjoyed the Lord's
supper in his near presence, where these looked on as
candidates, namely, David, Joachim, and Levi, and one,
Joachim, Sr., who had been without it for eight years,
wandering around in error, was readmitted, to the great
joy of all the brethren. Since he has been here he has
depended upon his own righteousness, and always repre-
sented himself to the brethren as pure, since, as he said,
he had not forgotten the Saviour, nor had he joined in the
heathen ways and customs, but had remained by himself,
and it was hard to make him see that the near walk with
the Saviour and God's peace were lacking to him, until
Br. David said to him: *' But yet thou knowest the Sa-
viour's word when he says : Except ye eat the flesh of the
Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you,
and this thou hast not enjoyed for many years. How
couldst thou remain strong inwardly, when thou hadst to

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 83

do without the nourishment and strength which are given
us in the holy communion, and wherefrom we have life in
our hearts? " Hereupon he burst into tears, and replied:
"Ah ! it was deception. I thought I had something, but
my heart was empty. I thought I had something, but if
then I tried to seize it and sought for it, I found nothing.
It was as if I grasped for a shadow." We have always found
that it is the hardest with those who, have once been as-
sistants and come again to the church, since consciousness
of sin is not so easy for them.

Sunday, 31. After the communion liturgy Br. Michael
preached from the Gospel about Christ's transfiguration.
In the afternoon meeting from to-day's text : If thou
wouldst believe, thou shouldst see the Glory of God, the
son of Renatus, the Mohican, sixteen years old, was bap-
tized with the name John Adam^ and a grown girl, Beata,
Johanna's daughter, was taken into the church, whereby
many strange Indians were present, and very attentive lis-
teners. The reception of children, baptized in the church,
which now happens pleasingly often with us, is a very
necessary thing for our youth, upon which a real blessing
rests, so that we experience great joy in the youth of our
folk. It is no common pleasure, and awakens much praise
and thankfulness to the Saviour, to see such a number of
unmarried people of either sex, grown boys and girls, wlio
have been baptized, taken into the church, and many ad-
mitted to the Lord's supper, and to see how the strength
of the body and blood of Jesus is manifested in them.

Monday, Feb. 1. Edwards held early service. After-
wards there came two messengers from the Tawa chief,
Ekuschuwe, with the following message, for he could not
himself come, as he had much wished, being lame, which
he announced: "Grandfather, a year ago I closed thine
ears, so that thou shouldst not listen to others, who brought
lies to thee, but I told thee thou shouldst wait until thou
shouldst again hear from me. ITow I open thine ears
again, and thou wilt again hear me. I let thee know that
we, Tawas, Chippewas, and Potawatomies, arranged to-
gether in the autumn to sit still, to look after our food and

84

hunting, and not trouble ourselves about the Shawanese,
who alone are out in war. We will let them act. They
may see where finally they will remain. Thereby the na-
tions have likewise thought on their grandfather and the
believers in Pettquotting, and have said: 'Our grand-
father will be glad to hear that we are peacefully dis-
posed,' and they have charged me to inform thee of this,
which now I do. Also Alexander McKee, in Detroit, has
shown his satisfaction at this, that we had resolved to let
thee know this, and has said that thou hadst nothing to
do with war, and lovedst peace and livedst in peace. But
I must tell thee something, grandfather, though I do it
not very willingly, for I see thou art well established where
thou art, but if war should again arise, thou art just in the
way of the warriors, who will make their march through
thy place, when disasters of all sorts can happen to thee,
therefore I should prefer to have thee nearer me, that thou
mayst be out of the way of danger, but I must also tell
thee I am too much in my dotage^ to have thee near
me, for our young people would do thee much harm,
shooting thy cattle and the like. So long, therefore, as it
is well where thou art, and if peace remains, it will not be
needful, but should war arise, it must needs come to this.
I do not therefore, say it shall happen, I announce it only
beforehand. Thou canst think about it. The reason of
my telling thee this is that we have got a message from
the Spanish governor, which wonderfully soui)ds as if he
would come to Detroit next summer, which circumstance
gives us much anxiety. Since I did not quite hear the
message, I can say and mark out nothing certain. As
soon as I hear more of it I will let thee know." 'N. B.
How the message sounded, about which we had doubts.

Tuesday, 2. Michael held early service from the text :
My sheep hear my voice, etc. The brethren made a be-
ginning of going to their sugar-camp. Here the brethren
got corn together for families lately come here to live, who
have planted nothing.

^ The Bethlehem MS. supplies a word here, which in this diary is un-
intelligible.

AT NEW SALEM, 1790.

85

"Wednesday, 3. David held early service. The assist-
ants spoke with John Henry and his wife, likewise with
Renatus' two daughters, Cornelia and Mary Elizabeth,
about their bad conduct, letting them know that we could
no longer have patience with them, and be content merely
to observe them.

Thursday, 4. Gabriel, who has been here a consider-
able time, but has always wished to get away, but could
not, came now to Br. David and announced his wish to
live here altogether, and to remain with the church. He
is deaf^ hears with difficulty, but yet in the meetings under-
stood one word, which went to his heart, namely, that
many times people were not disinclined to be converted,
they are disposed thereto, but wish for a while to do and
to prefer only this or that, lose their time thereover, and
often their eternal weal and salvation.

From the bush came John Leeth and Cook home, who
have been away trading for the Frenchman, Huno. Quite
a large number of strangers caaie to town also.

Friday, 5. By Mcholas, who got in from the Fort late
in the evening, we had letters both of September and of
December of last year, at the same time we learned from a
note of the arrival in Bethlehem of Br. Ettwein with his
company from Europe; with these letters we busied and
refreshed ourselves in the evening.

Saturday, 6. David held early service from the text: I
am the way, the truth, and the life. This afternoon old
Beata departed, after a long illness, right blessedly. Paul-
ine, Cornelius' daughter, gave birth to a son.

Sunday, 7. David delivered the sermon, at which a
goodly number of strangers were present, as also in the
afternoon at the burial of the old widow, Beata, Luke's
mother, who departed yesterday in peace. She was a
widow and among the first of those who came in the year
'68 to the brothers at Groschgoschiink (on the Alleghany
River). She was baptized Jan. 25, '69, in Lawunakhannek
(three miles above Gosch.), and ^N'ov. 3, '71, came to the
enjoyment of the holy communion in Languntouteniink
(on the Beaver River). She walked blessedly so long as

86

she was in t\\e church. In the year '83 she came to iis
again on the Huron Eiver, after the scattering of the In-
dian church, with her son and five grandchildren, and then
in the spring of '86 to Cuyahoga, when from confusion
and pretended fear of the white people she left the church
and was away more than a half-year, though we could ex-
cuse her, from her age and helplessness, that she went with
her family. But when the following spring, in '87, she
came again to the church, it was found she had gone far
from the Saviour, and it was hard with her to become a
conscious sinner, to come to grace and to have a reconciled
heart. Yet the Saviour showed her mercy, that she
learned to know herself as a sinner, who had strayed
from him and lost him from her eyes, and as such she
sought forgiveness from him and found it too. She came
again. May 10, '88, to the enjoyment of the Lord's supper,
and was from that time a blessed heart, passing her days
in the church quite content, attending all the meetings,
though walking was hard and difficult for her. She often
said : " I like to live in the church and for a long time, if
the Saviour will so have it, but if he will have me go to
him I shall go also willingly to him." About a week ago
she lay down ill. When she was asked if she thought she
should die, she answered yes, that she thought so, and
should go quite willingly ; she wanted to go to the Saviour.
Thus she peacefully died, with the blessing of the church.
Many who have always seen and known her reckon her
age about a hundred, but nothing childish was to be ob-
served in her.

Monday, 8. Edwards held early service. The assist-
ants had to-day a day of work all day long with John
Cook's house, wherewith we have always trouble, and in this
may the Saviour be pleased to help us. Gabriel, who came
here last autumn, and has always wished to go away, has
now resolved and asked to live again in the church, for
which he got leave, after both he and his wife, who is
again a communion sister, had been spoken with.

Tuesday, 9. Michael held early service. Then the as-
sistants spoke with old Ruth's son and his wife. Both

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 87

came here last September with her old mother, but went
away and now came back again. He was born in Frie-
denshiitten, aud when a child, baptized. Now he asks
to live in the church, promising to be obedient to the
brothers, whereto they got leave, not only on their per-
sonal account, but ajso for the sake of the old, helpless
woman. Another Indian, Titawachkam's son, came two
days ago out of the bush, from his father's hunting-lodge,
and announced his wish to live with the church. Upon
all sorts of questions, which were put to him, and which
he answered very understandingly, Br. David asked him
whether his father had been made aware that he wished
to live here. He replied in the affirmative, that already a
long time ago and just now when he left him, but that he
had given no answer. He said he did not look to nor
listen to his father, but wished to care for himself and his
own soul. When it was afterwards said to him, he might
well reflect upon it, that he might not afterwards repent
what he had done, since people sometimes came here,
asked to be in the church, promised much and then went
their own way, he answered he had only too long consid-
ered already, for if he had sooner given heed to the re-
quest in his heart, that would not have come upon him,
for which he must now sufler. He had been here at
Christmas, when he heard that people many times had a
call in their hearts and wished also to become believers,
but thought first to attend to this and to that, thereby
losing their time and often their eternal salvation ; he had
first wished to make a prosperous hunt and bring some-
thing for himself, had sunk into a swamp while hunting
in the bush, and had* not only soaked every thing, but had
suffered in his whole body from freezing, from which he
was not yet. well; therefore he wished to delay no longer.
He had no intention of going away from here, if only the
brothers permitted him to be in the church. The assist-
ants made him acquainted with our regulations, and said
to him that we would first seek out a place where he
could be and live, though giving him our permission to

88 zbisberger's diary.

live here. Last year he had been with Col. Morgan^ to
the Spaniards on the Mississippi, coming back from there
last summer.

Wednesday, 10. When we had already been busy two
days with the aid of the assistants in making peace between
Cook's son, who wanted to leave his wife, and her, for she
is now baptized, but could not attain our object, it is to-
day known that he has gone away ; against this we had
nothing, for he had no disposition to live here. Thus it
is if people come to the church only for their friends"
sake, having no inclination for the Saviour ; thence come
war and discontent, so that married people separate, which
before they would not have done, nor have thought of
doing. I^ow also it will become plain with his wife
whether she has a good mind and is upright. We have
longed used patience with the family, arid have always
wished to help them, but could not well see where to take
hold ; now the Saviour will take hold of them and help, to
our consolation. There came again a family and announced
their wish to live here. The brothers had once spoken
with the husband in the winter, on account of his long
stay here, when he answered that he did not intend to
remain, but to go away in the spring, though it might be
otherwise with him. He was advised to agree with his
wife about this, so that if he were spoken to by the assist-
ants, he could give answer.

Friday, 12. At the early service the little son of
Pauline, Cornelius' daughter, born on the 6th Inst., was
baptized John Lewis, after the old man had been spoken

^ " Col. Geo. Morgan, of New Jersey, was sent to New York by a land
company in that State to negotiate the purchase of a large tract of
land in Illinois from the Continental Congress. While there he be-
came acquainted with the inducements Gardaqui (a Spaniard) was of-
fering to emigrants from the United States, and determined to trans-
fer his negotiations from the confederacy to Spain. . . . His
memorial was forwarded to the Spanish court, and a grant of some
twelve to fifteen millions of acres was conceded to him. In the spring
of 1788 Morgan passed down the river," where he founded New Madrid.
Albach's Western Annals, p. 505. Though Zeisberger was writing in
1790, there can be little doubt that by last year he meant 1788.

1790. 89

with, for her husbai>d is unbaptized, so that the child
mi^ht not be taken from the church.

Sunday, 14. Br. Edwards preached at the entrance of
passion-time. In the service for the married, the widow-
ers and widows, from to-day's Scripture-verse, Abraham,
Jun., and Anna Regina, the daughter of Johanna's sister,
Charlotte, were married, after which in the evening the
friends and the assistants had a pleasant love-feast with
the new couple.

Tuesday, 16. Edwards held early service about the
word of God, our daily food and nourishment. We had
to-day a hard day, partly ®n account of Yerona, whose
husband has left her, partly on account of Benign a, who
was in the same way of I'eaving her husband, which was
prevented in time and she was brought back again. Sam-
uel with others went out hunting, but many others to
their sugar-huts.

Wednesday, 17. From much rain the last two days
the river rose so much as to put all our fields under wa-
ter. Samuel, who from the impulse of his heart turned
about and came back, found great disturbance in his
house and family, so that the next morning his two
daughters left the church, who for several days have
given us much trouble, perplexity, and uneasiness. They
came,

Saturday, 20, back again, and kept themselves there in
the neighborhood, finding they had been deceived, but
here they had so gone astray that they dared not come
back, for to Br. David they had behaved too badly and
shamefully.

Thursday, 18. Early service from the text: My Jather
worketh hitherto and I work, about his rule in the church,
for he often puts it in order, making manifest false hearts
and putting liars out of the church, and he purifies it of
all which is useless, and sweeps it away, and this is
fidelity from him.

Sunday, 21. Michael preached and David held the
congregation meeting. Very few brethren had come

90 zeisberger's diary.

home. The ice in the river broke up and it was quite
clear.

Wednesday, 24. From much rain and many thunder-
storms last night, the river rose fast to day and put all
the lowland under water. We had much labor in saving
the cattle, which were in danger of being swept away.

Friday, 26. Edwards held early service, as did David
yesterday. The water this morning had fallen, and dry
land was again to be seen in the fields.

Sunday, 28. David preached from the Gospel about
the Canaanite woman, more strangers almost than breth-
ren being present, for these were in their sugar-camp.
Abraham, who is watchman in the town, preached the
Saviour to the strangers ofteti, telling them he spoke
to them the words of life on this account, that they mi^ht
not hereafter accuse him and us of having said nothing
to them. The Lord's supper was announced to the com-
municants for n6xt Saturday, and there was discourse
about the text : Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,
etc., of which we afterwards heard from different ])rethren
that they had taken notice of it, and some found them-
selves hit. To-day, Benigna, Samuel's daughter, went
away from this neighborhood, for which we were glad, as
she was only a shame and vexation.

Monday, March 1. Edwards held early service, and,

Tuesday 2, some brethren came home from the sugar-
huts, since it rained and there was nothing to be done.

Thursday, 4. Br. David baptized Joachim, Jun.'s, sick
child, somewhat over three years old, into Jesus' death,
with the name of John Jacob.

Friday, 5. The brethren were at home from the bush.
Both yesterday and to-day the brethren were spoken to in
reference to the communion, whereto the Saviour gave
grace so that this time only one remained away.

Saturday, 6. Edwards held early service from the
Scripture-verse. At the Lord's supper, which the com-
municants enjoyed in the evening, young Joachim and
John Henry were partakers for the first time, and Zac-
chaeus, who has here recovered himself, body and soul, for

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 91

he came in the autumn to the church, bare and naked,
bringing nothing in the world save the Indian, was can-
didate, likewise Anna Maria, John Henry's wife. 0, what
does not the Saviour do for sinners ! On such, grace and
boundless mercy are not expended in vain, but to good
purpose, thence has he honor, glory, and thanks.

Sunday, 7. After the communion liturgy Br. Edwards
preached. Thereupon the brethren were dismissed to their
labor in their sugar-camp.

Monday, 8. David held morning service, at the end of
which he gave notice that in three weeks the brethren
should return for the Easter holidays, according to our
reckoning, for we have received neither calendar nor
Scripture-verses, and if we do not reckon right we cannot
help it.

Tuesday^ 9. Michael held early service about the all-
blessed name of Jesus, which the angels plainly announced
to Mary. The weather being milder somewhat, since for
a few days the weather has been as cold as ever in the
winter, most of the brethren went to their sugar-camp.
Petty came here with her children to dwell again with the
church, for she is now free, having no husband.

Thursday, 11. Edwards held morning service. More
and more brethren are ever going off to the sugar-huts.
It snowed yesterday, to-day it was somewhat milder. Out
of the bush we had news from Temsitusiink that a certain
Indian, who was following after our Jacob, seeking his
life, had gone out to look for hin, of which we had sev-
eral times heard, though we had not believed it, and since
Jacob was out in the same neighborhood in which the In-
dian is, we were not without anxiety for him.

Saturday, 13. A messenger came early from the most
distant sugar-huts with the news that Yerona was upon
the point of death. We sent out word to the assistant,
Stephen, to bury her there if she died, and to attend to
her funeral, since it is too far and a bad way to bring her
here.

Sunday, 14. Only a few were present at the sermon,
which Br. David delivered, and they soon went back again.

92 zeisberger's diary.

We liad news of Verona, from whom a messenger came,
that she was yet alive and had recovered her senses, but
was very low, and Pauline, who is in pitiable circum-
stances, was this evening absolved, in the presence of a
company of brethren, upon her request and prayer, at
which all present were moved with compassion in their
hearts, and were aroused to pray to the Saviour for her.

Monday, 15. In the early service, which Br. David held
from the text: I am come that thej^ might have life, and
that they might have it more abundantly, at which Joachim,
Sen., translated for the first time, to the satisfaction of
all present, the child of David and Salome, born last night,
was baptized with the name Anna Margaret.

Tuesday, 16. Both yesterday and to-day there was
much thunder and rain. We observe already that spring
draws nigh, of which war-stories are always the fore-
runners, and so it goes now also. The Indians carry about
with them tales that an Indian war is unavoidable.
Just so it was last year that by their lying stories they
put off their planting-time, so that afterwards what they
planted was frozen, and then they came here in crowds to
us, and eat up our people. Thus Satan plays with the poor
folk, so that outwardly too they have a much plagued?
pitiable life, thereby are in constant fear and, as it were, al-
ways in flight, of which we have to feel our share in one
way or another.

Thursday, 18. The child was buried that was born on
the 15th, Anna Margaret, and died yesterday. From the
most distant sugar-huts, a messenger came in with the
news that Yerona died this morning, and will be buried
there, for it is twenty miles away. It has gone well with
the woman that we were often anxious and not without
much perplexity about her since her baptism, for it was
her lot to pass through difficnlt circumstances. When,
with tears, she begged for baptism, we were not without
hesitation in proposing her for baptism, having doubts
about her husband, that he had no real intention to be con-
verted,' and this afterwards proved true. The Saviour,
however, permitted her baptism at once, and we did it in

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 93

faith and confidence in him, who knows all things best.
She was baptized at the last feast for the conversion of the
heathen, very thankful that the Saviour had forgiven her
her sins and cleansed her with his blood. It was to her a
great thing that she now belonged to God's church, and
she rejoiced thereover, -with tears in her eyes, as often as
she thought of it. After her baptism she got word from
her mother, who was somewhere in the neighborhood of
Pittsburg, to come to her, and not to remain here. She
sent her answer that she was now a believer, and belonged
to the church of the believers, from whence she should
not go away as long as she lived, and if she wished to see
her daughter she must come hither, she would not go to
her. The other thing, and the hardest for her and for us,
was that her husband, one of Cook's sons, went away from
her and left her, although we and the assistants did our
best to keep them together, but all was in vain. She herself
did what she could, for she held him dear. She had no
sound body, and often had here severe fits of illness. About
a week ago, when she was going with the brethren to the
sugar-huts, she came to us and was very cheerful and
lively, but ^ve days ago she had another severe attack, so
that she lay a long time unconscious, yet at last came to
herself, and when she was asked if she thought she should
die, she answered yes, that she believed so, that she went
quite willingly, indeed she begged him to take her to him-
self, where she would be happier, for she had had a bad
time here, her husband had made it hard for her, which
was the truth, and we had pity for her. She was a choice
woman for the church, and a prize for Jesus. She fell
asleep so calmly and peacefully that those present were
hardly aware of it. The assistant, Stephen, cared for her
burial; instead of a coflln, they hollowed out a trough
from a tree, for they had no tools.

Sunday, 21. Br. Michael preached, very few being
present, and they also afterwards went away again.

Tuesday, 23. Early before day Pauline, Luke's daugh-
ter, departed, who had been brought here Jan. 11, from
Sandusky, sick and paralytic. On the 24th her body was

/

94 zeisberger's diary.

buried. She was born in Old Schonbrnnn, July 30, 1772,
and baptized by David Zeisberger, Aug. 2. She grew up
in the church, but after she came to years, was always
dead and unfeeling in heart, and though she saw other
maidens, her companions, precede her and become sharers
of the church's grace, in her could be seen neither life nor
longing; instead of this it could be seen since we have
been here, that she went farther to destruction, and gave
in to sin, and if we spoke with her and admonished her,
then she often wept about it and promised amendment,
but in her it was all in vain and without fruit. About
two years ago she took a husband herself, and since she
was born and brought up in the church, Ave did not like
to send her away, particularly as she also did not wish to
be away from us; we hoped much more that it would be
better with her, but also this w^as of no use. She was
lazy, unwilling to work, but liked to roam about; then,
last summer, she was for weeks among the Chippewas on
the lake, who did not want her, and told our Indians to
come for her, and they did so. She went from place to
place, and was nowhere at home, for here was no abode
for her. In the autumn, therefore, we sent her to San-
dusky to her friends, where, as we heard, she fell into the
hands of a wizard, and was lamed in every limb, so that
she could neither walk nor move. This was known from
there, since an Indian offered to cure her, saying he would
cure her, he himself having brought the sickness upon
her by magic, that she could not get well, and he told the
reasons why, but this cure was not made, since the woman
with whom she lived was too poor. In regard to search-
ing for the truth, whether this is possible or not, we wish
to leave undecided, although we know there are Indians
who practice such arts. This, however, we believe : had
she remained in the church, she would never have in-
curred this trouble. She left the fold and fell into the
teeth of wolves; she had given herself up to Satan and
the pride of the world, and thus the works of Satan had
power over her, so that in the flesh she was chastised, but
in the spirit blessed even yet. Somewhat more than two

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 95

months ago it happened that we thought much ahout her,
though before we had been glad of her departure, and we
wondered where she had gone, that we heard nothing
farther about her. Once we learned by strange Indians
that she lay sick in Sandusky, and was in the greatest
misery, at the same time that she would gladly be here
and be sent for. This was done, and she was brought
hither Jan. 15. Her child, born there after she lay down
sick, was baptized, and soon died. She was herself already
so wasted that no hope of her recovery could be seen, but
she was cheerful and thankful to be again here in the
church. Ten days ago she had Br. David called, to whom
she told her heart, that she was troubled about herself,
would like forgiveness, she had sinned much against the
Saviour and the church, and wished much to be received
a^ain into the church. It could be seen that this came
from her heart, and that she was anxious about herself.
One could not see her without feeling pity. Absolution
was given her in the presence of several brethren by the
laying-on of hands by Sister Susanna, for which she )vas
glad and thankful, and from that time she became another
person, and we saw in her life and feeling from the Sa-
viour, which we had never observed in her before. She
was new-born, like a child. We had to love her, and yet
with compassion. She had now- a heart and confidence in
the brethren, and Br. David, from whom before she ran
away, had to visit her every day once or twice, and if he
did not come, she sent for him, who then sang verses to
her and told her something about the Saviour and death,
for which she longed. She went in confidence in the Sa-
viour as a comforted sinner, who had met great com-
passion, as a prize of the Saviour. This was a child of
our church whom the wolf had already half swallowed,
but must again let her go, wherefore to him above are due
glory, honor, praise, and thanks. Her remains were buried
on the 24th. Her age was seventeen years, seven months,
twenty-three days.

Friday, 26. The brethren came home from the bush
and their sugar-huts. They have this time had a good

96

year for sugar-boiling, and every family has made a good
quantity, from one to two hundred pounds, accordingly
as they had kettles.

Sunday, 28. Edwards preached about the Saviour's
lordly entrance into Jerusalem to his passion, death, and
burial. Thereupon was the communion quarter-hour. The
assistants spoke with Samuel and Polly, who had married
of themselves.

Tuesday, 30. Both yesterday and to-day there was
speaking with the brethren with reference to the com-
munion. "We heard now from a trustworthy Indian, well
acquainted with the matter, the real connection and the
truth, how it was in regard to our coming over the lake
four years ago, and what had been announced and told to
the Indians in regard to us. We had requested the then
commandant and the agent, McKee, to tell the Indians
and nations that we had thoughts of turning back to our
land. This the latter did, but in a bad way, for we our-
selves could not, and dared not, send a message to the In-
dians. He, McKee, told them that we wanted to go back
over the lake, since we could no longer live there, on ac-
count of the Chippewas, who killed our cattle and eat up
our plantations, which was yet not true, nor hud they thus
injured us, nor had any reason so to do. He told them
farther, to keep good lookout in Miami Bay, and if they
saw us arrive there, to stop us and direct us up the Miami,
or if by chance we had already gone by, to bring us back
again. This message the Indians got, but since it was
held back until they were together, and it must so happen
that we were sent over in ships, they did not hear it until
they learned that we were come to Cuyahoga. No one
wanted to say any thing about the message, save that Po-
moacan said they had already once given heed to the En-
glish and done their will on us, and they saw what had
come from it; to bring us back was not advisable, but
they could let us know we were not to go farther, there
being yet no peace, but other Indians had afterwards taken
the liberty to plague us.

Wednesday, 31. Edwards held morning service. The

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 97

communicants had in the evening the washing of feet, in
two divisions, the brothers and the sisters separately,
whereby for the first time the assistants were employed,
for our communion church is already above eighty, namely,
Samuel, William, Martha, and Sophia. Afterwards in the
absolution service, after reading of the history, old Ruth
and Louisa, who have been many years from the church,
were absolved by the laying-on of hands, and three broth-
ers, David, Levi, and Zacchaeus, and one sister, Anna Maria,
were confirmed for the first enjoyment.

Thursday, April 1. In the evening was a reading of
the history of our Saviour's anguish of soul on the
Mount of Olives at his death and captivity, which was
heard with sympathetic hearts. Then the communicants
received his body and blood in the holy sacrament most
blessedly. This the three brothers aforesaid, David, Levi,
and Zacchaeus, and one sister, Anna Maria, enjoyed for the
first time. [The grown girl, Anne, looked on as candidate.]
Louisa and Ruth were readmitted.

Friday, 2. After the communion liturgy in the morn-
ing there was reading of the history, and this was kept up
during the day. This was listened to by the brethren and
those present with the greatest attention. It was as if
they had never heard it before, and the history of all his
sufiering and anguish of soul, of his trial before Pilate and
Herod, of his being mocked, struck, and scourged, of his
head torn by the crown of thorns, qf his condemnation to
death, of his crucifixion, death, and burial, made a deep
and afiecting impression upon our hearts, from which there
is the most blessed food for heart and soul, by which we
were much refreshed and revived. At Jesus' death we
read a liturgy upon our knees of newly translated verses,
as: 0 behold your Saviour wounded — Hanging on the
accursed cross, etc., and. On thy dying look, dear Saviour —
I will fix my eyes forever. Strangers were present.

Item. Titawachkam came here last evening and wanted

to tell tales, but had no success. He spoke with his son

^ and Guschachgis, an unbaptized man. The assistants

lb

98

spoke with Schummis, who, upon her request, got leave to
live here with her three children, two boys and a white girl.

Saturday, 3. There was a love-feast, at which some-
thing was said and sung of the Saviour's rest in the grave,
whereby rest is sanctified to our tabernacles and bodies,
since he lay in the grave for us.

Sunday, 4. We read early a part of the Easter litany
in the chapel, and the other part in our grave-yard, and
begged for eternal communion with the perfected church,
especially with the twelve brethren, who have departed
since last Easter, namely, two brothers, four boys, four
sisters, and two girls. Afterwards the story of the resur-
rection was read, and then Br. Edwards preached. In
the afternoon service two were taken into the church,
namely, Tobias, old Ruth's son, born in Friedenshiitten,
and the grown girl, Elizabeth, William's daughter. Then
the wife of the former was baptized by David Zeisberger
with the name Margaret, Lydia's daughter, a young
widow, with the name Deborah, by Br. Edwards, and
Bill Henry's boy, Christian Gottlieb, by Br. Michael Jung,
into Jesus' death, whereby many tears were shed, espe-
cially by those who were awaiting the same grace. Late
in the evening, towards midnight, Br. David baptized a
child sick unto death, six or seven years old — whose
mother was received here to live two days ago, with two
other children, a white girl and a son already quite
grown — into Jesus' death, with the name George.

Tuesday, 6. David held early service. Then Petty,
who now for three or four years has always been wishing
to come back to the church, but could not succeed, was
received again with her two boys and a girl.

Friday, 9. There was a drunken bout in the neighbor-
hood, of which we had to know somewhat, for drunken
men came here in the night, one of whom had to be
bound, in order to have peace.

Sunday, 11. Michael preached in the forenoon. In
the service for the baptized, afterwards, from the text:
Reach hither thy fingers and behold my hands, and reach
hither thy hand and thrust it into my side, and be not

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 99

faithless, but believing, the brethren who had been bap-
tized and received during the year were mentioned by-
name, and exhorted to make good use of the church's
grace, of which they had become partakers, not to let it
rest there, thinking this was enough, but to strive for yet
more, so that they might grow and increase in grace and
knowledge, and be perfect sharers of the salvation won
for them by his blood, whereby many of the newly-bap-
tized shed tears, five of whom are already communion
brethren. David held the congregation meeting from the
Scripture-verse : The Lord is my portion, etc.

Monday, 12. The assistants marked out new planta-
tions for those who have lately come here to live, and yet
have none. Our town grows so large and full as we have
had nowhere else, so that we wish a chance to lay out
another settlement, only as yet we know not where. We
wait then when and where the Saviour will show us a way
thereto, and make open the doors.

Wednesday, 14. The little boy, baptized on the 4th,
six and a half years old, who died yesterday, was buried.
He came to us in the autumn with his mother, liked to go
to the meetings, and when he was sick, and had not yet
been baptized, he had begged his mother to take him to
the chapel, saying that, perhaps, he should be baptized if
he went to the chapel. His mother promised him, if he
died, to remain with the church, and follow after him.
The brethren went out hunting to ^get something to eat
while they were making fences, and the sisters to dig wild
potatoes.

Thursday, 15. The hunters brought in six deer. From
Paint Creek (Monroe Co., Mich.), came Joshua and Peter
by water, having been kept upon the lake several days by
wind. Several days ago there was a great storm, which
laid all the trees low where they were, when they were
wonderfully and evidently protected from harm, so that
nothing happened to them. In order not to be swept
away by the wind, they crept along the ground, holding
on to the trees, until they could shelter themselves under
the bank of the creek. They could not enough relate

100

how in their need they prayed to the Saviour, from which
can be seen how they at once took refuge with the Sa-
viour, seeking protection and help from him, while, on
the contrary, the savages know of no providence and
refuge.

Sunda}^ 18. David preached about the good Shepherd
who lays down his life for his sheep, and is come to seek
and save the lost. Then was the communion quarter-
hour, in which especial mention was made by name of
those brethren who, during the year, have come to the
Lord^s supper, of whom there are fifteen, and of those re-
admitted after many years, of whom there are seven, and
they were commended to the Saviour and his Spirit to be
lei!t grace ; they were told to cling fast tojhim, the Vine,
as branches receiving from him their daily food, juice, and
strength for living and thriving. Br. Edwards held the
congregation meeting. In the neighborhood wrangling
and strife arose among Tschuwisch's people, who wanted
to kill his son and daughter [who in the night fled hither],
and, as it seems, for this reason that they wish to be in the
church, and he will not let them.

Monday, 19. Michael held early service. Isaac Will-
iams, who lies at the mouth of the river and trades, came
here. The brethren were done with the fence about the
new field, and now every one gets land enough to plant,
and there is yet some left in case yet more should come
here.

Wednesday, *21. Yesterday and to-day the brethren re-
paired the fences. David held morning service about the
new birth.

Thursday, 22. Michael held early service. A woman,
named Peggy, baptized when a child by Brainard ^ in the
Jerseys, upon her request got leave to live here with her
two children.

Thursday, 22. The brethren were done with the com-

^ Loskiel, p. 351, mentions the visit of a Presbyterian minister,
Brainard, to Gnadenhutten in 1749. He had been preaching to the
Indians in New .Jersey, and had baptized some fifty of them. Id., p.
344.

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 101

mon work. Wojanwes, who came here in the autumn with
his family, sick and wretched, having nothing to eat, for
whom we not only built a house, so that he had a dwell-
ing, but whom we had supported with his whole family
during the winter, having collected corn for him, now
went away secretly, when he was cured here, and was be-
come strong, saying nothing to any body, like a cunning
fox, but we had not much confidence in him, and had not
observed in him any longing to be saved. The Saviour
does well by us, in sweeping away what is good for noth-
ing, separating the wheat from the chaff.

Saturday, 24. iTow the war-stories begin again with
might. We learned from Sandusky that a party of
Cherokees from Gigeyunk had come there with thirty
white prisoners and ten scalps, whom they had attacked
in the Ohio on boats and had plundered. A party of
Shawanese is said to be on the way back with prisoners.

Sunday, 25. Edwards preached. Both yesterday and
to-day we and the assistants had work, and were busy in
bringing order among the brethren in regard to the lands
for planting. Also another family, Tschuwisch's daugh-
ter's husband, got leave to live here. They had been here
nearly all winter, or in the neighborhood. They had al-
ways wished to be here, and the wife's father would not
give his consent, and yet he is baptized, but when he
wished to go from this neighborhood, and his daughter
would not go with him, he became angry, so that he
first struck his daughter over the head with a club, then
seized his hatchet and wished to tomahawk her, and
when the mother prevented him, and took the hatchet
from him, he got his musket and wanted to shoot her,
but while he was loading it the woman ran off and came
here by night in fiight, and has since remained here, and
although her parents have sent her word several times to
come to them, she did not go, but said she would not
come to her father as long as she lived. If he had been
drunk this action towards his daughter, according to the
Indian way, would have been pardonable, but as he was
quite sober and in his senses, it is among the Indians some-

102

thing cruel and inhuman. At the bottom, however, lies
hostility to the Saviour and to all goodness.

Monday, 26. The brethren went out for a hunt in com-
mon and the sisters to dig wild-potatoes, for corn begins
to be scarce, and many have really nothing more to eat,
who in the autumn sold too much to the French, who
take it to Detroit, coming here in the autumn and troub-
ling our people, who thus afterwards come to want.

Wednesday, 28. David held early service about the
grace of our time, that we believe in the Saviour and
love him, although we do not see him bodily, but with
the eyes of the heart. Nicholas and David came home
from the bush, having met Wyandots with a drove of
stolen horses, from which they cannot desist. In the
evening was a visible eclipse of the moon, whereat the
Chippewas, a great party of whom is come to the lake
from hunting, made some fifty shots.

Saturday, May 1. David held early service. From
Sandusky we learned that a message had come to Pipe
from Detroit, wherein the Indians were encouraged to
keep quiet, to plant, and not to turn to the Shawanese
and Indians in Gigeyunk, who are only working for their
own harm and downfall, which was for us a good message.

Sunday, 2. Michael preached from the Gospel : But
now I go my way to him that sent me, and David held
the congregation meeting.

Monday, 3. Edwards held early service. The brethren
planted our fields to-day.

Tuesday, 4. David held early service. We learned by
strange Indians that the Quaker with our things was on
his way out from Pittsburg, but had lost a pair of horses,
on which account we sent two men with horses to meet
him and bring him in.

Wednesday, 5. The assistants sent away again the two
girls, Mary Elizabeth and Mary Magdalene, who began
again to run about, telling them to leave our town, since
we had had patience with them too long to our harm.

Friday, 7. Adam, who went day before yesterday to
meet the Quaker, came back. He met him, who is now

1790. 103

on his way hither, and brought us, to our joy, two letters
from Br. Ettwein, one from Herrnhut, of July 8, '89, the
other from Bethlehem of Jan. 10, 1790; likewise one from
Hiibner ^ of Oct. 5th, last year.

Saturday, 8. From Upper Sandusky we had news^hat
the Wyandots had again gone out in a strong party to
murder and steal, so that we do not know what will yet
be, and still we hear they are planting and not thinking
of flight, many coming here for seed-corn. The Quaker
arrived, who wished to bring our things, but they were
not given to him, because Mr. Dibson was not at home,
and thus we have yet none of them.

Sunday, 9. David preached, and then held the com-
munion quarter-hour, which ^was announced for Satur-
urday. There was a conference of assistants about Niga-
nelema, who wishes to live here, but her husband not, who
therefore left her. She was,

Monday, 10, received to live here. She has already for
more than a year wished to be with us, and has been
waiting for her husband, who put her off from time to
time, until at last they quarrelled about it and separated.

[Thus far to Bethlehem.]

Thursday, 13. On Ascension Day Br. Edwards held
early service, and then the baptized had a service from
the text : I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice
and your joy no man taketh from you, whereby the breth-
ren were exhorted to be eager for walking with the Sa-
viour, whom indeed we see not with the eyes of the body,
but we believe in him and love him, and daily to be as-
sured of his promise : I am with you alway.

After reading of the history we adored him upon our
knees, and asked from him his dear and blessed nearness
so long as we must be away from him, and we were con-
scious of his comfort and blessing.

Saturday, 15. Both to-day, and yesterday, and the day

^ John Andrew Hiibner, 1737-1809. He came to America in 1790,
and was pastor of the Bethlehem church. In 1790 he was consecrated
bishop, and then lived at Litiz.

104

before the brethren were spoken to with reference to the
Lord's supper. There came also people to Br. David, telling
their desire to live here, and the cases were very much all
alike. In the first place, a young woman, Quetindis, who
had for the most part grown up in the church, and came here
with her husband two years ago nearly, neither ever hav-
ing had permission to live here, for the husband never de-
sired it. Their child, of which the wife was delivered?
was baptized and died. Her husband had now left her,
and driven her from himself, but after straying about for a
while, she came here again, begging to live in the church.
Another, Cook's son, Verona's husband, left her, after
she was baptized. I^ow he wishes to live here after his
wife's death. A third was the woman's husband, who was
received on the 10th Inst., since she came here with his
permission. He spoke with Br. David for two hours, who
asked especially about his wife, coming to an understand-
ing with him about her, and found that not only had he no
objection to his wife's reception, but that he was glad of
it. After he had finished his talk with Br. David, he was
so affected in soul that he resolved to remain here with his
wife and not to leave her, when before for more than a
year hq had thought of it and reflected, but could never
make up his mind. At the Lord's supper, which the com-
municants enjoyed in the near presence of our dear Lord,
Petty, who came to us this spring, was readmitted, and the
young man, Joseph, and the great girl, Judith, looked on
as candidates.

Sunday, 16. In the communion liturgy the brethren were
greeted from the churches in this land and from Europe,
and they were told that Br. Ettwein had returned from the
synod,^ and had brought to them many hearty greetings
from the churches; thereby was made plain and clear to
them what the synod means ; that the laborers from all
parts and quarters of the world come together to take to
heart the welfare of all churches, and to consider what is
needful to be done in the Saviour's kingdom ; that the Sa-

*This was the twenty-first general synod, held at Herrnhut, in 1789.

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 105

viour's kingdom is no earthly kingdom ; that we do not
concern ourselves about earthly affairs, which are not our
business, for these there were other people; to whom we
cheerfully gave them over, thanking the Saviour therefor,
if under their rule we could have a peaceful, quiet, and
blessed life ; our business was to urge on the Saviour's
work in all parts of the world, this had been laid upon the
brothers by him. It was found necessary to remind them
of this, since often when we received letters it was con-
cluded that affairs of war were treated in them. They
were also told that our town should be called JSTew Salem,^
at the same time also that we expected one or two broth-
ers from Bethlehem with us this summer.

Thereupon Br. Edwards preached. In the afternoon
the assistants had work, upon whom we had put the duty
of speaking with the four new people mentiioned above,
and to take them here to live, and this happened, for
which they were all glad and thankful. The assistants
married the two people, Tobias and Anna Justina.

Tuesday, 18. By the Quaker, who started for Pittsburg
with a couple of Indians, Adam and Charles, we sent let-
ters and our diary to Bethlehem.

Thursday, 20. Joshua went over the lake to sell a
canoe there for provisions, which are scarce with us, and
are always becoming more so. William came from San-
dusky, where he had bought corn for nine dollars, this was
not so much as he could have carried.

Friday, 21. We had again a pleasant occurrence. A
young man, named Christian, Louisa's son — she is a com-
munion sister — who came here a year ago, and was with us
for some time, went off* hunting with Indians, living with
them and white people, and went this spring in the bush to
the Chippewas, where he found a wife, with whom he then
came here, called with his wife upon Br. David, and
wished to live here. When now he wished to come here,
he told his wife he wished to go to Pettquotting to the be-
lievers and beg to live there, whereupon she answered

^ The first time Zeisberger has used the name.

106 zeisberger's diary.

him : " So will I go with thee, for I should also like to
know and learn what good they have and enjoy, and live
as they live." Her parents and friends live in our neigh-
borhood, when at home, and have willingly let her
come hither with her husband. While he was speaking
with Br. David, his wife said to him, he must speak for
her also, for she too wished to live here, and he did so.
Both were to-day spoken to by the assistants, and got
leave to live here. Arrangements were also made that
they might yet plant. We look upon this as a special
providence from the Saviour, for she is the first of the
Chippewa nation who desires to be with us, which is al-
ready enough. If Indians come here and only hear the
Gospel, we do not in the least doubt that it will show
itself as God's strength in their hearts ; this we leave to
the Saviour and to his spirit, who searches and opens
hearts, and may this also happen. Amen.

From Pittsburg a family of white people arrived, who
were moving to Detroit, a part of whom we had to help
thither by water for pay. Among them was an English-
man, their pilot, who is known or lives in Detroit, and
understands Chippewa. He had jeered at a Chippewa in
the neighborhood, struck him, called him a dog, and other-
wise ill-treated him, at which he became angry and was
upon the point of killing the white man, but he did him
no harm, and kept silence. The next day, however, there
came ten or twelve Tawas, who held before him what he
had done, and wanted to have satisfaction from him, but
he could no otherwise excuse himself than by saying he
was joking. There were also Frenchmen there, all were
upon him, and the Tawas said they would take him pris-
oner; to be sure here in the town would do nothing to
him, but if they brought him to the lake they would bind
him and take him to Detroit, where he would get his
deserts. The man gave in and wanted to make up with
the Chippewa, which at first they would not allow, but at
last were persuaded, and they gave them a calf, which
they took with them and drove off.

Sunday, 23. Br. Michael preached about the outpouring

1790. 107

of the Holy Ghost, his gifts and working in the hearts of
believers, especially in convincing men of their lost and
unblessed condition, and in bringing thera to the Saviour,
their Redeemer. In the second service from our Script-
ure-verse : I will heal their backsliding, I will love them
freely, which the Holy Ghost does in us through the
wounds and blood of Jesus, which he applies to our hearts,
a widow, Schummis, by the name Theodora, and then a
child, John Henry's, by the name Sally, were buried. by
baptism in Jesus' death. White people were present, both
at the sermon and the baptism. Then the baptized had a
service, prayed to God, the worthy Holy Ghost, thanked
him for his true care, asked forgiveness when they had
been deaf to his voice and had not listened to it or had in-
deed grieved him ; that he would remain with us, would
daily reveal in our hearts Jesus' wounds and death as the
only ground for our salvation, and would give us under-
standing of the mystery of the Gospel. At the same time
the liturgy to the Holy Ghost was first sung in Indian.

Monday, 24. By a Baptist named Missemer, who had
come through Litiz, we got a letter from Br. Klingsohr.^
By the people we heard the contrary of what those who
went through yesterday told us, namely, that one or two
armies, each of three thousand men, would come out
against the Indians, and that there was nothing in this.
In such wise it often happens that the Indians are made
restless, who are always in fear any way.

Wednesday, 26. Many of our people went out hunting,
to seek for meat, for corn becomes scarce among our
people, and famine is always increasing, as we hear also in
the land generally among the white people.

Saturday, 29. Samuel, who wished to cotfduct to De-
troit two families of whites, came back again with them
from Sandusky Bay, since for several days it has been
stormy upon the lake. The white people, who are in great

^"Rev. John Augustus Klingsohr, a graduate of the University of
Leipsic, who came to America in 1783. He was stationed at Litiz and
at Bethlehem, where he died in 1798." Letter from Bishop de
Schweinitz.

108 zeisberger's diary.

want of food, resolved to turn back to Pittsburg, particu-
larly as it is not safe to travePfarther from here on account
of Indians.

Sunday, 30. David preached about the Holy Trinity
from the Gospel about Mcodemus, about the new birth of
the heart.

Monday, 31. Joshua came back from Detroit, where
he sold his canoe. Many white people there, who had
lived at the mouth of the river, eastwards on the lake, had
fled, leaving everything, on account of the Chippewas, who
killed their cattle and had robbed them. On this account
the authorities have now, in the king's name, bought the
land from the Indians, paid for it, and closed the business
by discharge of cannon from the Fort. Moreover, we
to-day had news that Wojanwes, who, in the spring, went
away from here secretly, with his family, had become sick
again at the mouth of this river, where, from stormy
weather, he had to stay several days^ but at last got
through to Tawa River, where he lived but one day, and
then died, which causes much reflection among our breth-
ren, and also among the savages.

Thursday, June 3. The two families who came out
from Pittsburg to move to Detroit, but found much diffi-
culty and vexation here, on which account they resolved
to turn back, set out to-day from here, accompanied by
Martin, Renatus, and others, who went that way hunting.
They were very poor, having consumed all their substance,
and we had to help them with provisions, so that they
might get through, though here among our people there
is great want.

Sunday, 6. Br. Edwards preached from the text : God
is love. Benigna, Samuel's daughter, who went away from
here some time ago, came now again, since her husband,
with whom she went away, has left her.

Monday, 7. The brethren hoed our fields. Strange In-
dians came here with whisky.

Thursday, 10. Anthony, who several days ago came
here from the bush, went to Sandusky and again came
here, went to the services. We had always heard of him

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 109

that he accused the missionaries of being the cause that
the brethren on the Muskingum must be a sacrifice. With
other Indians he planted in Cuyahoga, as also Chippewas,
where they never left us in peace. He did not let himself
be seen by us. We hear also that Indians have planted on
the Muskingum at Licking Creek.

Friday, 11. An Indian family, that came here from the
Fort with whisky, but would not give it up, caused drunk-
enness in the neighborhood, of which we were also some-
what aware.

Sunday, 13. Michael preached about the great supper,
to which God invites all mankind, but many in various
ways seek to be excused. Thereupon was the children's
hour, and Br. Edwards held the congregation meeting.
From Pittsburg, by Adam, who came from there with our-
things, we had a letter from Hecke welder from Bethle-
hem ; likewise one from Tobias Hirte from Pittsburg. We
had expected brethren, but all hope was vain. From San-
dusky, Pipe sent us the Muskingum treaty, printed, with
a belt, also a message to Pipe about the horse-thieves.

Monday, 14. David held early service from the text :
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, that we through faith gain the victory, which is
our strength. Michael rode out with two horses to meet
Adam. The assistants had labor yesterday and to-day in
speaking to several brethren in regard to Johanette.
Early in the afternoon came Br. Michael with our things,
when we got news from the churches here and from Eu-
rope and letters too, but all of last year.

Wednesday, 16. We had news that difi'erent parties of
Chippewas, chiefly Tawas and Potawatomies, had gone out
for war. These can do much harm. The conjecture is
that their chief business will be horse-stealing.

Thursday, 17. Michael held early service. Him that
overcometh will I make a pillar, etc. Our brethren in-
dustriously brought roots ^ here from down the -creek, of
which they got many loads to town, which they cut thin,

Perhaps the yellow water-lily.

no

zeisbbrger's diary.

dry in the sun, pound and bake bread from, and this is
now their principal food. They made a great mistake last
autumn in selling so much of their corn to the French, on
which account they now suffer. Yet in part they were
eaten out by strangers. Our fields stand fair, blessed by
the Lord, to the astonishment of all men who come here,
and we hear that in Sandusky, Detroit, and elsewhere the
worms have consumed every thing. From Detroit a mes-
sage came to the Indians to be industrious in planting, for
from there they would get no corn.

Sunday, 20. David preached, then held the communion
quarter-hour, in which it was earnestly and precisely said
that there was not harmony among the communion breth-
ren, and that it is against the greatest commandment of
the Saviour that one should cherish in his heart against
another, hatred and bitterness, that such had no advantage
nor blessing from the holy communion, but eat death
therein, and thus would, do better to remain away. In the
congregation meeting towards evening the little son of
Tobias and Margaret, born yesterday, was baptized Chris-
topher.

Monday, 21. Edwards held early service. Wyandots
went through, who looked as if they were going to war,
probably to steal horses.

Wednesday, 23. From Sandusky we learned that the
Indians are much afraid of the white people. This is no
wonder, for they do much harm and are always going to
war, so that they fear the white people will fall upon them.

Thursday, 24. Samuel came back from Sandusky, where
he went yesterday in hope of getting corn there from the
traders, but all this had already been sent to Detroit. Our
people have thus nothing left them except to wait until
their plantations yield them something, which now give
us a good prospect, for the plants stand fine, to the amaze-
ment of every one, in the dry weather, for we have had
no rain for quite two months. Our people industriously
search for roots out of the water, which now are their
only food. Samuel brought from there no good news, for
most people told him it would not be long before the

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. Ill

white people were upon them, but we believe nothing of
all these rumors.

Saturday, 26. At the holy communion, which the com-
municants enjoyed in the near presence of our Lord, Anna,
a grown girl, was a partaker for the first time. Cornelia,
Joachim, and Gottlob looked on as candidates. A sister,
Johanna, came there without having been prevented. She
was in the chapel till the enjoyment of the bread, but had
not received it. Then she went out, which was the occa-
sion that it was manifest that she wished to go to the
Lord's supper with a bitter heart towards a sister, but this
the Saviour prevented in this way.

Sunday, 27. Br. Edwards preached. Afterwards, in
the communion liturgy, one thing and another was called
to mind concerning the communicants at the Lord's sup-
per. We read the journal, Bethlehem report, which we
now had from April of last year. In the afternoon, in
the meeting was the baptism of two adults, namely, Leon-
ard and Jephtha, the former by Br. Edwards, the other by
David Zeisberger. The Saviour does yet pleasant things,
and we observe how wonderfully he does. That the last
came to the church was owing to his wife, who, for more
than a year, had always wished to come to the church, re-
maining here at times many weeks. Since her husband
had no inclination for the church, but saw that his wife
could not be contented, they separated, and his wife came
here with his consent and approval. After the wife was
here, the husband had no rest. He came here, but instead
of going to any one of our Indians, he went to Br. David,
talked out the matter with him for more than two hours,
when he was convinced upon the spot, resolved to come to
the church and to his wife, and now, when it is to-day
just six weeks since he had permission to live here, he has
also been baptized, and his wife, who was the cause of
this, has not yet announced herself for baptism. Thus we
have always to be learning the Saviour's ways with' souls,
that we may injure nothing; thereto may he give us his
blessing.

Monday, 28. From Detroit came back several German

112 zeisberger's diary.

people, who went there in the spring with cattle, pleasant,
agreeable people, by whom we wrote to Bethlehem.

Wednesday, 30. Samuel, with several Indian brothers,
went with a French trader in a boat to Detroit to get corn,
for want becomes ever greater, and our people have noth-
ing to eat.

Thursday, July 1. From Detroit we had an answer
from Squire Askin, that the commandant there would
take care that traders brought no more rum here, and
that those who had settled so near us should go away.
As we hear from the traders themselves, there has been a
thorough investigation of all those who trade here. From
Gigeyunk old Anna Margaret came here to stay, sick and
half-dead, who said she had longingly desired to be here,
and had always said that could she only come here, she
should be willing to die among the believers ; now that
the Saviour had so far helped her, she was very cheerful
and could not be thankful enough therefor. The Dela-
wares who lived there have all moved off', and were now
on the way to the Spaniards, having planted nothing.
Several of our Indians are still there, and such as do not
wish to go with them thither, would come to us here, yes,
it was said they would soon also send us another mes-
sage, and what will that be ? It is easy to guess, they will
want to call us thither.

Friday, 2. Ten Chippewa warriors came from San-
dusky Bay to the French trader below here, who wanted
to go to war, but were stopped, for the French trader,
having just come from Detroit, could tell them that all
Indians were told to keep still, to hunt, and not to go to
war. These ten warriors came,

Saturday, 3, up here, and wished, after the manner of
warriors, to dance from house to house here in the town,
in order to get something. We sent them back forth-
with, telling them, if they were hungry and had nothing
to eat, they should look for roots in the creek below here,
as we did, whereupon they went away. Indians who have
already been here several days and had concealed in the
bush several casks of whisky, we sent away, that we

/

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 113

might have no unpleasantness with the warriors, who, if
they knew of it, would not rest till they found it. We
hear from Detroit that the States have given up and
exchanged to the English all the posts and forts upon the
lakes.

Sunday, 4. Michael preached, and David held the con-
gregation meeting. We read the Bethlehem report of
January of last year. Our Chippewa woman, whom peo-
ple of her nation have several times already advised not
to remain here, came and complained, saying a Chippewa
had again said to her yesterday to go away from here, it
was not well for her to stay here, she must die here, and
at the longest would live till autumn, if she stayed here.
She said, however, she liked to he here, and it pleased
her. We said to her not to concern herself about all these
tales, no harm would happen to her here, her life stood in
no man's power, and this the Saviour alone, who is God
over all, held in his hands and to him she belonged, having
been redeemed with his blood ; the man who told her she
would die, was a liar, and had not so much power as a
croaking frog. The woman has somewhat to endure from
her countrymen, but if she only bears it and holds out,
something good can come from it. Another Chippewa,
who was here yesterday, and again went home, and is al-
most entirely blind, said to one of our people, who brought
him on the way home, that in the autumn he also wished
to come here to live. Manitto, on the other hand, who
wished to live with us in the beginning, when we came
here, still remains in the neighborhood, where he lives and
is our friend, coming often to the meetings, for he under-
stands Delaware somewhat, but he fears his nation and
friends, who, nevertheless, since he is not with us, call
him a Gendowa.^ It is not easy to come with the Gospel
among the Chippewas, for they are fortified against it

^ Here a Bethlehem MS., in English, uses the expression " Su-nday-
Indian." In Zeisberger's Indian Spelling-book, Sunday is Gendowen
in Delaware, and from this is derived Gendowen ke, on Sunday.
8

114 zeisberger's diary.

with^ bulwarks and redoubts, which the Saviour alone
must break through and open.

Tuesday, 6. Michael held early service, that it is a
blessing to suffer for the Saviour and his cause, etc. As
only Abraham of the assistants was at home, there has
been much to do to-day, for instance to speak with Sarah
about her daughter, with Peggy, Ignatius, and his friends,
etc.

Wednesday, 7. David held early service. Edwards and
Michael went down to Squirrel, who told them to send a
message to the Tawa chief.

Thursday, 8. Edwards held early service. Abraham
with several brothers went down to the Chippewas, by
whom they sent a message to the cbief, Ekuschuwe, wherein
they reminded him of his promise, when he sent word to
us here, namely, that no one should injure us or do us
harm, but that now, since the Chippewas and Tawas on
Sandusky Lake were beginning to shoot our cattle, and
that such might no longer be done, he should send a
message to them to desist, and in the future to do the
like no more. To this the Chippewas here near by had
advised us, and had themselves exposed their people who
had done it. We learned likewise that a message was
come from Detroit to the Chippewas and Tawas, that
they should keep still and go not at all to War, which also,
as we heard, had been commanded these nations, especially
the Shawanese, Twightwees, and Cherokees, who had also
promised to observe it, and thus improvement is to be
hoped for. The Twightwees have replied to their father:
" I have not done it of mine own accord, thou hast ordered
me.

Friday, 9. A Frenchman, who has for a wife an Indian
woman, our Rachel's sister, wanders about in the bush, and
is nowhere at home, came here and wished to establish
himself here, but we ordered him to leave our town, tell-
ing him we did not suffer such people to be here. We
did this for this reason, having trustworthy information
from many Indians that they had recently killed and rob-
bed a trader on the Muskingum.

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 115

Saturday, 10. Brs. Samuel, Stephen, and others, came
back from Detroit with some flour and corn for sufferers.

Sunday, 11. David preached from the Epistle: Know
ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ were baptized into his death? Then the children's
hour, and Br. Edwards held the congregation meeting.

Friday, 13. Most of our people went out hunting.
Many strange Indians are here, who seek where they may
find something to eat, for everywhere among them are
famine and want.

Thursday, 15. After a long drouth, for it has not rained
for longer than two mouths, we had a twelve-hours' rain,
which has revived every thing, and helped our corn and
crops betimes. When we have already for many days
been plagued by wandering women, and could not get rid
of them, and saw no outcome, for they were nothing but
harm, it happened to-day, all at once, that they went away
over the lake, we helping them in this.

Friday, 16. Moses and Levi also went over the lake,
likewise bad timber, and thus at once we were rid of our
care, but the latter came back again.

Sunday, 18. Edwards preached and David had an hour
of song instead of the congregation meeting. We read
from the church journal the Memorabilia of the U. A. C.
of last year, and Br. John's biography. (De Watteville.)

Tuesday, 20. Quetindis was delivered of a son.

Wednesday, 21. After the early service, which Br. Ed-
wards held, the assistants spoke with a number of girls,
who have not behaved well. Then the old, sick widow,
Anna Margaret, who came to the church from Gigeyunk
on the 11th Inst., was absolved in the presence of a num-
ber of brethren, amid a blessed feeling of the Saviour's
nearness. For this she had much entreated, that we
should do her this favor before she died, while she was
yet in her senses and was not speechless, for speech was
hard for her. By iTicholas, who came back from the
Fort, we had a letter from Br. Hiibner from Litiz of May
31st, from which we learned the dangerous condition of

116

Br. Ettwein's health, as likewise Br. Sydriek's^ death,
and that we have to expect here Br. Sensemann and his
wife by way of Monocasy and Hagerstown.

Saturday, 24. To-day and for several days very many
strange Indians have been with us, for this is the time
when the work in their fields is ended and the corn is
hilled. Then they either go hunting or wander about in
other towns until their corn can be eaten or is already
ripe.

Sunday, 25. Michael preached and David held the con-
gregation meeting. We read the news of the U. A. C.
from January of last year to April. This morning Rah el,
Levi's wife, was delivered of a daughter. We spoke with
the Frenchman who settled near here last autumn, and
we earnestly ordered him to go away, and no longer to
remain here, for there is disorder there.

Tuesday, 27. The assistants spoke with Abraham's daugh-
ter's husband, a Mohican, who had told his wish to live
here, and they heard him, and since we found he was in earn-
est, besides that his wife had always for years been think-
ing of coming again to the church, he was advised to ac-
commodate liimself to her circumstances, and as she had
planted in Sandusky, to harvest her fields, to make him-
self quite free, so that hereafter they might be out of all
need and trouble, and could be quiet here, and this they
promised to do.

Wednesday, 28. David held early service. Zephath's
house blocked out. Anna Regina went from the church.

Thursday, 29. Edwards held early service. The as-
sistants investigated Adam's affairs with ITicholas. He
learned that Sir Johnson in Detroit is to confer with the
nations.

Friday, 30. From Detroit, whence traders came, we
learned again as trustworthy new^s, as we had already heard
several times, that the English w^ould again take possession
of the land this side th.e lake, in accordance with an agree-

^ 8ee beiore p. G2.

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. . 117

ment with the States, and that Sir Johnson, who is now in
Detroit, is busy making a stable peace with the nations.

Sunday, Aug. 1. David preached, and thereupon was
the communion quarter-hour, when the brethren were
told that this time we put off the Lord's supper until the
13th of this month. In the sermon he baptized the little
daughter, Maria Barbara, of Levi and Rahel. From
Pittsburg came the Quaker, Mr. Parke, who trades here,
but we got no letters from the church. From the journal
we read a part of Br. Laaterbach's life.

Tuesday, 3. We had again disagreeable circumstances,
namely, Anna Eegina, who went away from the church,
led away Deborah also, and both went to-day from this
neighborhood.

Thursday, 5. The brothers made fences along the creek,
from the plantations, on account of cattle. Many strange
Indians came here of all sorts, bad material, too. From
Sandusky we learned that two negroes, who went through
from Detroit, had killed five Wyandots in the bush, where
the}' met. From the Miami came the old widow Gertrude,
with her two grandchildren, Levi and Frederica, to remain,
by whom we heard that there were several of ours who
wish to come.

Saturday, 7. David held early service. Text : N'o man
can serve two masters, etc.

Sunday, 8. Since we had yesterday a message from
Manitto, who notified us to drive away from his house and
plantations bad women and rascals, we sent there the as-
sistants, who bade them go out of this neighborhood and
to leave it, and this they did. Among them were Samuel's
two daughters, who caused much trouble, raged like devils
against God and the church, and so blasphemed that one's
hair stood on end. Br. Edwards preached, and David held
the communion quarter-hour, of which he gave notice for
the 13th. We read the journal somewhat, and finished it
to-day.

Monday, 9. Early, through Chippewas, we had news
that a messenger from Ekuschuwe was on his way with a
message for us, who would be here to-morrow. We learned

118 .

also that the Chippewas had killed four Shawanese and a
Cherokee on the Miami. This happened, it is said, to pun-
ish them for not wishing to keep peace. The assistants
spoke with Tulpenejundam and his wife, who, upon their
request, which they had already long expressed, got leave
to live here. The like was given to the old widow Ger-
trude, and to her granddaughter Frederica.

Tuesday, 10. Christian and his brother came out of the
bush home, who had met Anthony, lying sick, quite alone,
and blind besides, with whom they stayed until Indians
came, who cared for him. He had been here four days
before, and lay sick, but hardly was he a little better when
he went away, without intimating that he wanted any
thing, though the brothers often visited him. IS'ow we
hear he would like to come here, but is no longer able,
and will hardly recover. When he was here he seemed
quite dead in heart, was yet twice at the meetings. More-
over, they met many Indians, and in one place nearly
fifty, out hunting. This was Pemitschischen, an unbap-
tized man, and Jacob. They were asked whether they
came from Pettquotting, and when they answered them
yes, they would have it that they should say something to
them. The first, an unbaptized man, said he could tell
them nothing, for he was not yet a believer, but only lived
there, but the one with him was baptized there as a child,
and perhaps he could say something to them, but he also
did not know much, for he has not been in the church for
many years. They said then there must be something and
an especial case with us ; it was certainly the truth that
was taught here ; some said they knew it was nothing but
the truth, and they maintained it. They said : *' For so
many years we believed we should find something good
among the Indians, but there is none to be found, save in
Pettquotting; there is some good of which, however, we
knew nothing." Many said they would soon come here
to visit us.

Wednesday, 11. Edwards held early service. Ger-
trude's grandson, Levi, who had taken Deborah to wife,
who several days ago was led astray and went away, came

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 119

with her too, both asking for reception, whom we took
upon trial, to see how they would conduct themselves.
On the other hand, the assistant, Luke, on account of his
scandalous behaviour, and the trouble he had given, was
put out of the assistants' conference, and likewise from the
Lord's supper, and thus also Sarah JSTanticoke.

Friday, 13, was a day of blessing for the communicants
especially, but the others also did not go away empty, but
had their share. Something was told them about this re-
markable day in all our churches for the glory of Jesus,
that we also have been made partakers from grace of the
blessing which has since rested on his church. Thereupon,
in his near presence, we had the holy communion, of
which one, namely, Gottlob, was a partaker for the first
time, and Theodora, a widow, looked on as candidate.
Besides a messenger came here from Ekuschuwe, who let
us know that there would soon be a treaty on Tawa River,
to which also two or more of our Indians should come,
where they would then learn why he had so long closed
their ears, for he would make every thing clear and plain
to them ; they should hold themselves ready for this,
which, however, would probably take place towards au-
tumn. Both the message and string were likewise from
Alexander McKee, in Detroit. Joel, whom his father had
deceived, wishing to get him away from the church by
guile, came now and showed his sorrow that he had let
himself be blinded. His father sent him word that if he
would come to him he would give him a gun, and he did
so too when he went thither, but when he did not wish to
stay there they took it away from him, and Joel said to
him that not for the gun could he or would he remain
with him, that he could not leave the church, he might
then keep his gun, and so he left him and came hither.

Saturday, 14. Edwards held early service. The Chip-
pewa messenger went away, but took the Chippewa
woman. Christian's wife, w^ith him, and thus our hope of
them has failed.

Sunday, 15. Michael preached, and then was the com-

120

munion liturgy, and towards evening we had thunder-
storms, so that there could be no congregation meeting.

Monday, 16. Three Wyandots passed through here
with six stolen horses, which had gone through here a few
days ago.

Tuesday, 17. Fow at last we have heard something
trustworthy about Johnson's labor among the Indians,
namely, to excite them to war against the Spaniards. So
far as we learn, the Tawa chief is opposed, and will not
give his consent thereto, and will gladly, therefore, have
our Indians on his side, so as to be strong and able to
stand in opposition, as has been made known to us by a
good friend, a Chippewa.

Thursday, 19. Michael held early service. The breth-
ren were told that we should hereafter have our daily serv-
ices in the evening, for in the morning the brethren must
take care of their plantations, wherewith,

Friday, 20, a beginning was made.

Sunday, 22. David preached. Mingoes, among whom
were our Cook's friends, came from l^iagara. In the
neighborhood of Cuyahoga, in a storm, they had suffered
shipwreck, saving themselves with great difficulty upon
the rocks. They brought news, which we had also heard
from Detroit, that Congress gave back again to the In-
dians all the land on the west side of the Ohio, and that
two of their chiefs had therefore been summoned by Con-
gress, who are gone there, where it will be made known
to them.

Wednesday, 25. We had a letter by an Indian from
Br. Sensemann, from Graceham, in Maryland, by way of
Redstone and Pittsburg, which gives us news of his pro-
posed journey to us. We likewise heard lying tales of
armies to come out, by which our Indian brethren were
alarmed for a while, but which we do not believe.

Thursday, 26. From the Miami John Cook's father
came here, a very old man, for hi§ son is already old, and
can no longer go hunting. He said he had for a long
time wished to be here, and rejoiced now to have attained
his purpose, for he wanted to end his course here among

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 121

the believers, and also to become a believer. God help
him thereto !

Friday, 27. The old widow, Anna Margaret, who died
in peace yesterday, was laid to rest. She was baptized in
Lichtenau, May 28, 1778, where one of her children was
baptized and died. She came to the Lord's supper l^ov.
7, of the same year, had received grace from the Saviour,
and experienced it in her heart, but was not true, and did
not use it well, which was the reason of her taking her
way at once to the savages in the Shawanese towns when
the Indian church was scattered, and of being away from
the church more than eight years. Her elder sister, Eva,
who also went away with her, went from time about a
year ago, in Grigeyunk, who had very much longed to
come again to the church, but their friends would help
neither of them to this. Anna Margaret longed for the
church, and at last her daughter, an utterly bad person,
brought her here. Thus she came, July 1, last month,
sick and weak, saying at once that she had long wished
to be here, and since the Saviour had fulfilled hev wish
and longing, she was willing to close her course in this
life in the church, and this soon happened, for her time
was short. She was cheerful and thankful to be again in
the church, yet one thing was wanting to her, namely, the
assurance that the Saviour had forgiven her all her trans-
gressions, and was reconciled to her. This the Saviour
vouchsafed her ; she believed it, was blessed, and waited
from this time forward longingly for her departure. She
made also arrangements with her daughter, a half-white,
in the presence of some assistants, that she should remain
in the church and with her sister Rachel. Two days ago
she said finally that she had always been w^ishing and
hoping that her daughter, Dorothy, would come while she
was yet alive, for she had promised her to come to the
church, but that she could not wait so long, it was too long
before she came; she gave up seeing her now, and wished
to go to the Saviour, that was the place where she longed
to be and which she had been waiting for. She often
asked the sisters who came to her to sing verses to her,

122 zeisberger's diary.

and thej did so. She departed blessedly, free from all
which is upon earth, and went to a better home than she
had had here.

Sunday, 29. Edwards preached from the Gospel about
the good Samaritan and David held the congregation
meeting in the evening from the Scripture-verse. There
came here Wyandots, among them some horse-thieves,
whom the white people had followed after, and in the Tus-
carawas were thought to have overtaken and killed one of
them, for he did not come back to them, and they had to
abandon their stolen horses.

Monday, 30. A Wyandot chief from over the lake, who
came from hunting, called upon Br. David. He was for
some time a hostage at Fort Harmar, now Marietta ; had
a pass from Gov. St. Clair, which he showed to Br. David.

Tuesday, 31. Fourteen widows and two widowers had
a pleasant love-feast and then a blessed service for their
festival to-day, to whom the Saviour showed himself gra-
cious and blessed them from his bloody plenty. Besides
strange Indians came here, the well-known Titawachkam,
with others, for a visit.

Wednesday, Sept. 1. From over the lake came Moses,
who went away some time ago, bringing word to Ignatius'
friends to go to the treaty on Tawa River.

Thursday, 2. Edwards held the evening service from
the Scripture-verse and text : They shall look upon me
whom they have pierced, and then shall appear the sign
of the Son of man in heaven.

Saturday, 4. From Detroit came fourteen prisoners,
who are taking to Pittsburg by Wyandots, whom we
helped on their way with provisions. There came through
here from Sakunk (mouth of Beaver River, Pa.) a mes-
senger to the Wyandots and Pipe, to tell them they should
deliver up with the messenger the horses which had lately
been stolen, and if they should do this they could live
safely in their towns, and that the army would not come
near them, which was now in movement to hunt out
thieves and murderers.

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 123

Sunday, 5. Michael preached and David held the con-
gregation meeting.

Tuesday, 7. The married people celebrated their festi-
val with grace and blessing. The Saviour showed him-
self gracious to them and let his cheerful face shine over
them. Early was a morning service, then their festival
service from to-day's text: But that on the good ground
are they, which having heard the word keep it and bring
forth fruit. In the afternoon was a love-feast for all in-
habitants, and in the evening Br. Michael held the congre-
gation meeting from to-day's Scripture-verse.

Wednesday, 8. The assistants spoke with Moses, with
whom, still having hope, we have yet f\irther patience,
and, therefore take him upon trial ; likewise with Abra-
ham, Jun., and with his wife, Anna Rosina. Edwards
held the evening service.

Thursday, 9. They spoke with Cook's father, who asked
for leave to live here, which he received with the hearty
wish that it might redound to his eternal life in the
church. He has been this summer a year in coming to us
from Gigeyunk. After he had gone about a hundred
miles winter overtook him and he remained there. In the
spring he continued his journey hither, coming at last to
Sandusky, where he rested a few days, and then from
there in four days got here, which is a usual day's jour-
ney. His provisions for the four days were a little In-
dian loaf of bread, which a man who is not very hungry
could eat at once. At night he lay under a tree without
fire, for he could make none, and he was more than glad
when God helped him hither, and he said that here he
wished to end his life among the believers. It is exactly
as if a snail proposed to make a journey of a hundred or
more miles, for which, to be sure time is required, but yet
it attains its purpose.

Saturday, 11. The brothers spoke with Renatus, the
younger, about his plantation, concerning which a dispute
had arisen between him and 3imelia. Susanna, who be-
came sick already on the 7th Inst., was very bad.

Sunday, 12. David preached from Galatians, v., 16 :

124 zeisberger's diary.

Walk in the spirit, etc. A message came from the Tawa
chief that three or four of our Indians should be present
at the treaty on the Miami, whereto the nations were now
asserablino^. We took counsel therefore with the assist-
ants, that Samuel and William should go there, but first
of all have an interwiew with the chief, and if it seemed
advisable, to speak with him about another settlement, to
hear what he said to this, and to make to him our propo-
sition. From Temsitasunk, a creek which falls into the
Walhonding, came back John Cook's step-son, Gottlob,
whither he went three days ago with his mother, to visit
her sick brother, who lay there sick unto death. He sent
Gottlob back to tell us that he had been here in the
spring, had had a call to the church, but had wished to
make a good hunting and then to come here and tell us
his mind and wish. On this account he had left his two
boys here, who likewise would be the pledge that he
wished to come to the church, but now he had wasted his
time through his disobedience, and must, perhaps, die
there in the bush, for he could not again get well, but yet
he wished to commend himself to the consideration of the
brethren, to commit himself to them whatever they should
say to him and advise him.

Tuesday, 14. We sent Bill Henry with Leonard to the
sick Indian, to speak with him, and to see whether
they might possibly bring him here as he had longed.
Here Br. Edwards was also very ill, and Susanna was not
yet better.

Thursday, 16. The brothers, William, Samuel, Zach-
ary, and Lewis, set out for the Miami, where the nations
have an assembly, to which they were asked. We labor-
ers strengthened and refreshed our thirsty hearts on
the body and blood of our Lord in the holy sacrament.
From Sandusky returned the messenger to the Wy-
andots, mentioned on the 4th of this month, with three
prisoners on their way to Pittsburg, whom we had to
provide with food. Theynvaited a couple of days here
for a third prisoner, who was yet to be brought from the*
bush. Among our brethren fever and ague prevail, by

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 125

which Sister Susanna and Br. Edwards have been afflicted
more than a week.

Saturday, 18. The brothers went away to the Miami to
the treaty. Here we had labor with Jephtha, who for sev-
eral days has not been quite in his right mind, whom the
brothers must examine. He was let blood, more than
three quarts; whereupon he fell asleep, had a good sweat,
and came to himself somewhat.

Sunday, 19. Michael preached about the youth at Nain ;
then was the communion quarter-hour, notice of which
was given for next Saturday.

Monday, 20. From Detroit traders came here, who
wanted some Indians to help them build a house, but we
could not and would not grant them this, for they had rum.

Wednesday, 22. Many brethren lay sick of fever and
ague. Frenchmen came here by water from Detroit to
trade, established themselves below us on the creek and
built a town.

Friday, 24. Both yesterday and to-day the brethren
were spoken to in regard to the communion, for which the
Saviour gave grace, for we thought that many of them
would remain away, but no one remained away, and we
enjoyed it,

Saturday, 25, in his near presence, with hungry and
thirsty hearts, to our indescribable blessing. There were
many sick and weak in body still, among whom were Sis-
ter Susanna and Br. Edwards, but no one would avoid it
or miss it. The widow, Theodora, and the two girls, Ju-
liana and Judith, were for the first time partakers at the
communion.

Sunday, 26. The four brothers came early back from
the Miami and received also their share in the holy com-
munion. They made their journey quite in vain, and
found they had been deceived by a false message and that
no one had called them. The agent, Capt. McKee, said
to them it did not occur to him to invite them to the
treaty; he had summoned only horse-thieves and mur-
derers, to tell them to desist from their evil ways. If he
had any thing to say to us, he should not send wampum,

126 zeisberger's diary.

but a writing, for they had ministers who would read it
to them, for they could at once all come together and hear.
The Wyandot, Abraham Kuhn,^ said: "It did not occur
to us to invite you with thieves and murderers ; we know
you are not such; we will not liken you with them."
They did not meet with the Tawa chief, Ekuschuwe, and
so could not speak with him. The brothers met Pipe
there, whom they greeted. He said to them, among other
things, that he and the W3^andots had given Pettquotting
to the believing Indians to inhabit; they should now hold
on to it and not give it from their hands, nor let it go, nor
be driven from it. He said farther that he was sad as
often as he thought of it, and did not like to think of it,
that he had treated us so badly and roughly upon the
Muskingum, but that he was not the cause of it, the En-
glish in Detroit htid forced him and the Wyandots to it.
To the Indians who were there, presents had been made,
but our brethren got neither presents nor any thing to cat.
Then said Abraham Kuhn to them quite freely: "If you
go stealing horses and murdering, then you will get pres-
ents, too, but since you do not thus, you get nothing, for
only thieves and murderers get presents."

Early was the communion liturgy, and then Br. Michael
preached. In the congregation meeting was the reception
of two persons, namely. Christian and Matthew, who as
children had been baptized in the church, but for twelve
years and longer had wandered about with their mother in
error, and last year came again to the church.

Tuesday, 28. The assistants went down to the lake to
the creek, where a trader from Detroit was come with
more than ten barrels of rum, who builds a house there,
to speak with him, and to bid him leave our neighborhood
with his rum, but they accomplished little or nothing, for,
as we hear, a new commandant^ is come, who, as he said,
permits the traders to bring as much rum among the In-

^ Written also Coon. He was the Wyandot war-chief from Lower
Sandusky, a white captive, adopted by the Indians.
'Maj. D. W. Smith, as we learn, under Nov. 14th, next.

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 127

dians as they please, for this is the best trade, and other-
wise the traders could not stand, but must break; seeing
that the States can sell their goods much cheaper to the
Indians than they, most business passes over to Pittsburg.
Since this is so, and we have from that quarter no help to
expect, we must turn to Pipe and the Wjandots, and if
nothing can be done with them, the next best thing will
be to vacate Pettquotting and abandon it to the traders,
for since we live here on the lake, where they can come
by water in boats and transports, and since they know
that here is so large a town, the like of which is not to be
found among the Indians, the traders come here in crowds,
and cause us nothing but trouble and disorder/

Wednesday, 29. A party of brethren went to bring in
the sick Indian, who has been on the way hither since the
14th of this month, and now is not far off, for he cannot
sit upon a horse, but must be carried in a litter. When
they reached him, however, he was already dead, but the
next day they brought in his corpse here, where he was
buried. Shortly before he had spoken with his sister, Zip-
porah, saying he had much longed to come to the believ-
ers and to die there, but he knew he could not now ac-
complish it; his whole thought and longing had so been,
but if it pleased God that he should no longer come here,
he would resign himself to this. He exhorted his sister
and friends to remain in the church to the last, and when
he had ceased speaking he died.

Friday, Oct. 1. Early before day a son was born to Is-
rael, which, in the evening meeting, was baptized with the
name Lewis.

Sunday, 3. Early came Mr. Parke from Pittsburg, as
express, who brought us letters from Br. Sensemann and
his wife and from the church, at the same time also the
news that they were at the Fort and waited to be sent for,
for which we made immediate preparations. This Parke
was upon the point of setting out for Detroit with some
goods and cattle, but he gave all this up, and hastened
hither to bring us news. Br. David preached, after which
the greetings from the church here and in Europe were

128 zeisberger's diary.

delivered to the baptized and received ; also a letter from
Br. Ettwein to the Indian church was read, to the great
joy and encouragement of the brethren.

Monday, 4. The brothers set out with Mr. Parke for
Pittsburg. David, who was yesterday indisposed, was
better to-day. We sent letters to Bethlehem.

Wednesday, 6. The brethren harvested our plantations,
as they have themselves been busy doing for more than a
week. Every thing has done well and finely, nothing
lost. The French from Detroit, however, begin again to
wheedle our Indians out of their corn, come here with
apples to exchange for it, and thus this week one of them
has taken from here a great boat's load. This was the
cause of the famine this summer among our brethren, for
they had exchanged every thing, the apples enticing them,
for which they gave every thing.

Saturday, 9. Wyandots, who had taken prisoners to
Pittsburg, came back from there, bringing news that the
militia kept good watch on all roads, and that not long
before four Indians, who stole horses, died. The Indians
had themselves found one lying in the bush, who was mor-
tally wounded and could not get away. He begged them
to help him off for he could again recover, but instead of
this they struck him dead.

Sunday, 10. Michael preached and David held the con-
gregation meeting. From the Miami, where the nations
hold an assembly and council, came back one of our un-
baptized Indians, who had been invited there by his uncle.
He had heard what occurred after our Indians came away,
for he got there afterwards. There were Shawanese and
Twightwees there, and one of the former arose, threw his
belt high up before all the nations, and was so headstrong
as to summon them all to rise at once and go to war against
the States; they should make a campaign this autumn
and then rest until spring, and then begin anew. After a
pause a chief of the Maschko^ nation, from the south,

^"The Wawiachtanos and Twightwees are found between the rivers
Scioto and Wabash, also the Kickapoos, Moschkos, and Tuckashaws,

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 129

arose and said that he had not come there to hear any-
thing of the sort, but would have been glad to bear some-
thing good ; he could give him no answer, for he was but
one man, but he wished to take his words home, perhaps
he would get an answer after a year, but he could not
promise him when ; whereupon he rolled together the belt
and threw it at the feet of the Shawano, saying : " Thou
and the Twightwees may go to war alone ; of all the na-
tions here assembled, none will help you." This was, in
short, the purport of his speech, for which he was praised
by Pipe and the Wyandots, wbo thereupon, one after the
other, arose and threw the war-belt at the feet of the
Shawano. N'o greater insult can be done one than to
throw at his feet his belt with his proposition.

Tuesday, 12. The brothers were busy harvesting their
[fields, but rainy weather hindered them much, but we have
a good, plentiful harvest, and all has thriven well.

Thursday, 14. From Detroit, whence Squirrel came
back, we heard wonderful news, that they are preparing
for defence, raising soldiers, and the like ; but what it
means time must teach us, as though they expected trouble
from the part of the Indians. It was said that traders
'had gone to the Wabash with goods, from whom every
thing had been taken away by the Indians.

Friday, 15. Already for eight days it has rained every-
day, which hinders the brethren much in their harvest,
and the corn suffers damage.

Sunday, 17. David preached about the wedding-gar-
[ment, Christ's blood, and righteousness, wherewith we are
[clad, our sins covered, and we are sunk into the sea of
[■mercy, if we come to the Saviour sinful, naked, and bare.
iBr. Michael held the congregation meeting. Sister Su-
[sanna was able to go to the chapel again, the first time in
[&ye weeks, so also Br. Edwards. Squirrel arrived, who

[on both sides of the Wabash, though at some distance one from an-
i other."

Loskiel's Mission History. Germ. Ed., p .4. Loskiel is supposed to
[have had his information from Zeisberger.

130 zeisberger's diary.

came from Detroit several days ago, who told us the rea-
son the traders brought rum to the river was that a new
commandant was come, who knew nothing about us ;
we must pay our respects to him and lay before him our
complaints, then the matter would be remedied.

Monday, 18. The Indian brothers built a house for Br.
Sensemann and his wife, which they finished Thursday of
this week.

Thursday, 21. We got the first news and information
about the army ^ which marched into the Indian land, that
the Miami towns near Gigeyunk are all destroyed, burnt
down, and all their corn ruined, but that all the Indians
got away, leaving every thing in the lurch. They had also
burnt the goods of the Detroit traders, and were build-
ing a fort in the old Shawanese towns.

Friday, 22. In the evening in the marriage service
Christian, Louisa's son, and the single woman, Johanette,
Helen's daughter, were married. French came again into
the river with rum and cider, to whom Abraham went and
made known our rights, that they should here sell noth-
ing of the kind.

Saturday, 23. Below here on the lake died the Chip-
pewa Manitto, and at the same time his Longus.^ They
asked help from us about his burial, which we could not
give on account of the Chippew^as, who are drinking about
there. Along the shore of the lake there are said to be

^ This army was under the command of Gen. Harmar, and the whole
expedition is sometimes named " Harmar's defeat." Hist, of the Back-
woods, p. 289. A writer in Indian Antiquities, vol. ii, p. 179, protests
against this appellation. Perkins, in his Western Annals, p. 344, says:
' The army as a whole effected all that the popular expectations of
Clark in 1782 and of Scott and Williamson in 1791 did; we mean the
annihilation of towns and corn, and was by Harmar and St. Clair con-
sidered very successful; but in reality, in the view of the Indians, it was
an utter failure and defeat."

2 This word, Longus, has occurred three times before, and may be
found in vol. i., pp. 342, 408, 413, where the meaning, messenger, would
be suitable, but if this conjecture be correct, the coincidence of Ma-
nitto's and his messenger's death in the present passage is at least
curious.

I

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 131

many Indians sick. With us the sickness is nearly over,
and it now goes among the Chippewas. ISTot long ago
they laughed at us that we had so many sick, no one of
them being sick. It is said that Manitto three days in
succession had diarrhoea and vomiting, which could not be
stopped. Of his last hours we have learned that he repeat-
edly said he wished to be a believer, for it probably occurred
to him what he had heard here, and he remained thereby
to the last. Squirrel said to him : " Thou sayest that now
indeed, since thou seest thou must die, but if thou shouldst
again become well, thou wouldst again forget it." The
Frenchman baptized him, soon after which he departed.
Since Joshua, who was also there at work, must make a
coffin for him and see how the Tawas placed him in the
ground, we will give the following . account : He was
painted red, clothed in new clothes in the best way, hung
with much silver about the head, neck, and arms, then
at last he was wrapped in a new shroud and placed in
his coffin. Upon one side of his head lay apples, and
upon the other onions. In the middle at his side were
his tobacco-pouch, fire-tongs, pipe, and knife, his hunting-
bag and powder-horn, furnished with powder and lead,
upon the other a great wheat loaf. At his feet were the
kettle, hatchet, bowl, spoon, and shoes, and thus was he
buried. The Frenchman, who baptized him, placed in
his hands a crucifix for his burial. His other property
was divided among those who helped at his burial. In
the evening service the little daughter of Samuel and
Sarah, born this morning before day, was baptized with
the name Mercy.

Sunday, 24. Br. Edwards preached and Michael held
the congregation meeting. We learned from Sandusky
that our Cook's father, who had come here a long way
from Gigeyunk, asked leave to live here, which he ob-
tained, but who soon afterwards went back again, when he
came to Sandusky fell sick, and is dead. He had brought
here his doctor's tools, a tortoise-shell taken from the ani-
mal, wherein little stones are placed, which they rattle be-
fore the patient, and at the same time dance, sing, and

132 zeisberger's diary.

mumble. When he was told that he must cease from this
and put it away, if he wished to live here and become a
believer, he promised so to do, went at once and carried
away the tortoise-shell in front of the town, and thus ad-
dressed it, saying : " !N"ow will I speak myself free from thee.
I have served thee long enough, and am become old.
From this time forth I will begin another life, and thou
canst now go and seek another abode where it pleaseth
thee." He put down his tortoise-shell and went away.
The next day he went there again and found it still there.
He took it and brought it home. Upon being asked why
he brought it back, having wished to put it away, he re-
plied that it did not wish to leave him ; he had taken it
away, and when he came there again it still lay in the
very same spot, therefore he had taken it to himself again.
"With such silly things Satan holds people captive, since
they believe in them.

Sophia visited a sick woman in the neighborhood, who,
for two years, has wished to come to the church, and was
still of this mind, but her husband had no inclination for
this. She advised the woman to have patience, and to
wait for her husband ; she comforted her that if her dis-
position was from her heart, the Saviour would yet in the
end help her to accomplish it.

Wednesday, 27. We got our second intelligence about
the army, that they had come to Gigeyunk eight thousand^
men strong, and that, six days before, there had been a skir-
mish in which three hundred of the whites were said to
have fallen, that the army was surrounded and hemmed in
by the Indians, and as soon as any one let himself be seen,
he was shot down ; that all hastened there in the hope of
blotting them all out. The news sounded frightful, that
is, in Indian, but we cannot and must not believe every
thing, for many lies are told. The Detroit traders had all
gone away before the army came, having burnt their houses
and forts. We committed ourselves to the Saviour for pro-

^ " The total force of the expedition consisted of fourteen hundred
and fifty-three men." Albach's West. Annals, p. 546.

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 133

tection. May he, in his grace, think of his inheritance out
of the heathen. They were told to keep still, not to go
far away hunting. A scalp was sent to the Sanduskians,
and they were asked to the fight.

Friday, 29. Still more traders come to this river from
Detroit, and all bring rum. It must first become very bad
that we may have reason and ground enough to make
complaint, and as soon as we have a chance to meet the
Tawa chief, we shall do something in the matter. Since
the traders still come here in such number from Detroit,
it is a sign that they fear nothing here ; another reason is
that they cannot go up the Miami on account of the army.

Sunday, 31. Michael preached. A sick Mohican woman
of the neighborhood here, who has been here already a
couple of years, has attended our meetings and would
always have liked to be in the church, but was held back
by her husband, who has no inclination thereto, was now
so sick that others, and she herself, had doubts of her re-
covery. The sisters had often visited her, to whom she
showed her longing, and whom she asked to bring her
here to us, where then she would willingly go from time.
So to-day she was brought here in a canoe by the sisters,
with the consent of her husband, who said that neither he
nor his friends could be helpful to her in any thing she
sought and desired ; he was glad we wished to take charge
of her, but he would himself never leave her as long as
she lived. After she was here, David and Susanna (Mr.
and Mrs. Zeisberger) visited her, to whom she said she
was thankfully glad to be here, but that this was not all
she wished ; one thing was still lacking to her, namely,
forgiveness of her sins and cleansing with the Saviour's
blood. She was asked whether she believed that that
alone could help, satisfy, save, and quiet her, whether she
believed that the Saviour had died for her sins and had
poured out his blood for the forgiveness of her sins. She
answered : " Yes, I believe that, and therein put my whole
faith and trust." As she was very weak, and we saw that
the end was near, she was also baptized this evening with
the name Mariane, and this Br. David told to the brethren

134 zeisberger's diary.

in the congregation meeting. A widow, the wife of the
Indian brought here dead, got leave to live here with four
children, after the assistants had first spoken with her.

Monday, Nov. 1. As we were distressed in such troub-
lous times about Br. Sensemann and his wife, who re-
mained out beyond their time, and as we had an inkling,
too, that the Chippewas and Tawas, many of whom were
down at the lake, would fall upon and plunder Mr. Parke,
who came out with them, and was driving cattle too, we
sent a couple of Indian brethren to meet them, either to
bring them in, or, if they were yet far away and the other
side of the Cuyahoga, to warn them and tell them to do
as they held it best, either to turn about or to continue
their journey. We conferred with the assistants, whether
we could not send a speech to the Chippewas to do no
harm to Parke, since he had been of service to us, and
was now coming out with Br. Sensemann and his wife,
but they had no disposition for this, and as we saw this,
we sent him word to turn about. While we were still
deliberating about this, however, there came a white man
from Detroit, with an Indian, to get the cattle. They
went on with the brethren to meet the party, and thus
were we helped in our need and perplexity.

Of the army we got somewhat more exact news, and
that it is not in such danger as had been said, namely,
that the advance troops had been attacked as they came
to Gigeyunk ; but they had cut their way through and
pitched their camp in the town, which the Indians had
burnt; that the Indians had brought away their wives
and children, and that the men remained there, and many
times made an assault, but, as soon as they were fired upon,
they ran off, not standing firm. In the evening service
we called to mind our communion with the church above,
in the blessed hope of sometime with it kissing his
wounds, and we sang the song, Jerusalem.

Tuesday, 2. Early before day died Mariane, who was
baptized day before yesterday, thankful, joyful and blessed.
She had believed, had given herself to the Saviour, and
depended upon his blood and merits alone. Thus again

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 135

is a brand saved from the fire, for which praise and honor
are due the Saviour. Her remains were buried this even-
ing, for it was high time. Her things were divided
among the sisters who had taken care of her.

Wednesday, 3. From the Miami a Chippewa came as
messenger, bringing news from the army that six days
ago there had been a fight with the Indians, they could
not muster more than two hundred men, did not stand,
but ran away ; it was said twenty Indians and one hun-
dred whites were killed, besides the wounded ; after the
fight it was said farther, that the whites had burned down
the town, of which they had taken possession, and where
was much corn, that they had laid waste every thing, and
had moved away to the head of the Scioto, where they
had built a fort, and whither they came unmolested ; ^ that
the Indians had left Gigeyunk and gone down the Miami
to the Fork, where they were now altogether, but where
they must eat up one another, which famine would cause.

Saturday, 6. By a Chippewa messenger, who went
back to the Miami to Ekuschuwe, we sent to the old chief
a message with a piece of tobacco and a string, and re-
minded him that he had told us, if we had to suffer incon-
venience from any one, whoever he might be, to let him
know it; that the traders now brought much rum here,
whereby we were much disquieted, that he would know how
this was to be helped. Here belongs the interview of Squir-
rel, who gave occasion for the message, with the chief in our
behalf. This Frenchman, who has lived here many years?
and as long as we have been here, has always shown him-
self our friend, who also stands in good relation and ac-

^Oct. 13th Col. John Hardin was sent with nearly seven hundred
men to surprise the Indians, but found their towns deserted. The
main army, under Gen'l Harmar, joined Hardin's force on the 17th,
and the villages and their contents were destroyed, among them
several thousand bushels of corn. The further operations of this
army were far from successful, and they had begun their homeward
march, when Harmar, at Hardin's request, sent back about four hun-
dred men to surprise the enemy. Owing to lack of co-operation on
the part of the troops, many men were lost. See note on p. 130.

136 zeisberger's diary.

quaintance with the Tawa chief, has spoken with him in
our behalf, that since so many traders are here, and the
rum-business is driven so hard, to our harm and preju-
dice, whereby we are made uneasy and are annoyed, and
although it might be that he had his own advantage in
the business, he had spoken for the existence and need of
the Indian church. Upon this the Tawa chief replied,
that he would like to have something immediately from
us to push the matter, which gave occasion to the mes-
sage. The Tawa chief had farther expressed himself in
speech about our existence and outcome, if another In-
dian war should break out, which was now quite proba-
ble, and it was not known to which side it might turn ; he
had been considering within himself how he should act
in such case, if it should really come to a war. The be-
lieving Indians, he said, could not remain in Pettquotting,
and he saw, at the same time, the impossibility of his
taking them away, it was too hard, it seemed impossible
to help us ; therefore he had resolved within himself, if
things came to such a pass, as he feared, to ask the com-
mandant in Detroit for help, and to say to him : '' Thou
art strong enough. I know it is not impossible for thee,
if only thou wilt. Thou hast ships, and canst bring them all
away together at once and take them to a safe place,
where they will be out of danger of being swallowed."

Sunday, 7. David preached, and Edwards held the con-
gregation meeting from the Scripture-verse : Thousand
thousands ministered unto him. By a blind alarm and
lies which arose from misunderstanding, when a Chippewa
messenger came from the Miami, our people were for a
time very much alarmed, but were quieted upon our find-
ing out there was nothing in the thing.

Monday, 8. Although five weeks have passed since we
sent brethren to Pittsburg to bring here Br. Sensemann
and his wife, and eight days ago we sent two messengers
to see and to get news where they were, but no one came
back, and when we were not a little anxious about them,
and had many reflections,

Tuesday, 9, early in the afternoon we were freed from

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 137

our doubts all at once, for the Sensemanns came to us here
well and fortunate, to the hearty joy of ourselves and of all
the Indian brethren. Old and young ran out and greeted
them, the children heard shouting, and ran out to meet
them. At the evening service the brethren v^ere greeted
from the church, and the Saviour was thanked from the
heart for watching over their brethren and bringing them
to us. Early before this Br. Jung went down to the lake
and conducted the burial of an English trader who died
there yesterday, and requested this before his departure.

Wednesday, 10. In the evening service Br. David bap-
tized the little son of Lewis and Esther, born yesterday,
into Jesus' death, Caleb.

Thursday, 11. John Leeth, who, in Cuyahoga, came
again to the church from Pittsburg, and since then, with
his family, has lived with us, but who in these troublous
times does not think it safe here for his wife and children,
went away from here to-day, with our blessing, for Pitts-
burg, to go from there farther to the church, according to
circumstances and opportunity, which we have already
long wished for him — to succeed in his purpose.

Saturday, 13. In the forenoon, in the service for the
baptized, the brethren were told of this important day,
about our Saviours office of Elder, and about his blessed
rule in the church, at the end of which Gertrude was ab-
solved. In the evening the communicants enjoyed his
body and blood in the holy sacrament.

Sunday, 14. Early the communion liturgy, then Michael
preached and Br. Sensemann held the congregation meet-
ing from the Scripture-verse. From Detroit we had a let-
ter from the commandant, Maj. D. W. Smith, in which he
told US, that so far as we were said to have trouble with
the traders in regard to the rum-business, we should only
let liim know, for what had happened had been without
his knowledge. This letter Br. David answered at once.

Wednesday, 17. A white woman, named Mary, of John
Harris' family, from the Susquehanna, who, as a little girl,
in the first war (1763 ?), was captured, and since then had
been around among the Indians, Shawanese, Chippewas,

138 zeisberger's diary.

and in Detroit, came with French people to this neighbor-
hood a year ago, and has often been to us and gone
away again. She sent word to us and begged us, since
she lay sick unto death, to have compassion upon her, and
to help her hither, where she would like to die, and we did
so. After she was brought here, she had Br. David called,
whom before she had many times visited, and upon being
asked what her wish and disposition were, she replied, that
Jesus Christ might pity her, receive her through his grace,
and forgive her her sins. Whether then she knew and be-
lieved she was a sinner, and whether she believed that the
Saviour had died for sinners, and poured out his blood for
the remission of sins ? She answered, very intelligently : " I
am a great sinner, this I know, I am lost unless the Sa-
viour have compassion upon me, therefore this is my only
desire, the forgiveness of my sins. I gladly believe that the
Saviour died for me and has redeemed me with his blood,
I have to do with his grace and mercy, this is my greatest
anxiety, wish, and desire." Br. David gave her absolution
in the name of Jesus Christ, whereupon she was much com-
forted, and on the morning of the 18th early she peacefully
died. Her remains were buried on the 19th.

Thursday, 18. We began again to hold our daily serv-
ices in the morning.

Friday, 19. A party of brethren went down and de-
stroyed a French trader's house, who two years ago had
settled not far away, and whom we could not get to go
away. Since now, however, he had died in Detroit, and
the house was vacant, we took it away before other people
should be in it. It was the resort of an utterly bad set,
to our damage and prejudice.

Sunday, 21. Br. Sensemann preached about faith in the
only-born Son of God, whereby alone through faith and
not for our good works we are saved and win life eternal.
David held the congregation meeting from the Scripture-
verse : Vow and pay unto the Lord your God ; let all
that be round about him, etc. We read the journal.

Monday, 22. Michael held early service. Kow we again
have trouble about Mr. Parke, who has begun to trade

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 139

from Pittsburg here. We had already heard before now
he came here that the Tawas were watching to kill him.
Of this, to be sure, since he was here, we had heard noth-
ing, but had yet warned him and advised him not to re-
main here for the present, since we could not protect him
against a plundering crowd. To-day Squirrel came quite
early and told us they were quite determined to kill him ;
whereupon four Tawas also soon came after him, with
whom the Indian brethren spoke, reminding them that
their chief had placed us here, and had admonished all
his people to put nothing in our way and not to injure us;
therefore they should not befoul our town with blood, and
should they do so, they drove us away from here. We
showed them also his strings and belts, to which, however,
they answered that their chief had himself gone to war,
much rather would they be blamed for not doing it. After
handling Parke somewhat roughly and taking from him
two pieces of linen, they went away, but they said this
was not satisfaction enough ; they would yet tomahawk
him. We then begged Parke to go away, and could
hardly persuade him to it. In such times it is not fit that
traders from the States should be here. They cause us
nothing but trouble and perplexity, and they are not sure
of their lives. Moreover they make pretensions to be pro-
tected by us, when we only put ourselves in danger on
their account. Hitherto he has given no heed to our
statements and warnings, but now he saw the danger be-
fore his eyes and got out of the way secretly for Detroit,
by way of Sandusky. In Detroit he thinks he shall get
help.

Tuesday, 23. Edwards held morning service.

Wednesday, 24. The Indian brothers got ready for
their autumn hunt. From the Miami came back the mes-
senger, a Chippewa, by whom we had sent a message to
the Tawa chief, but he told us he had delivered and made
over this message, and that the chief was in Detroit, where
in a short time we should hear from him, what sort of suc-
cess he had against the rum-business here in our neighbor-
hood. Of disquiet from war he knew nothing ; likewise

140

about the army. All is quiet and the Indians go hunting.
We recalled the occurrence upon the Mahony (1755).

Sunday, 28. Br. David preached at the entrance into
Advent time, exhorting the brethren to school their hearts
and to be ready to go to meet God, our Creator and Sa-
viour, with joy, and to stand in expectation and readiness
for what he would bring us go5d and blessed, of which
also the congregation meeting treated, which Br. Sense-
mann conducted.

Monday, 29. Edwards held early service. To-day most
of the brethren went out for their autumn hunt, and only
the old remained at home.

Tuesday, 30. David held the early service in Indian
from the Scripture-verse.

Thursday, Dec. 2. Now all at once we got rid of our
unpleasant neighbors, the traders, who were troublesome
to us with their rum-business, who could not be induced,
by all our representations, to move away from here, for
two of them are dead ; from the third his rum was taken
by the Indians with force, and thereupon he hurried away
also, and the other two, still there, are not troublesome to
us, but are our friends.

Sunday, 5. From Gigeyunk we got news that misfor-
tune came upon some of our brethren too, and that sev-
eral of them were killed ; for instance, Philippina, with
her son, Adolphus, his wife and I^athaniel, Gottlieb's son.
They always thought themselves safer there than here
with us. Here the word applies : Whoever shall seek to'
save his life shall lose it. Generally more Indians have
died than was at first asserted. Mr. Robbins, who came
from Sandusky, on his way to Pittsburg, brought un-
pleasant news from every side, that the whites are making
ready for war, and that fifty men are already prepared to
go out; that through the last expedition, which turned out
disastrously, they have become only the more bitter. We
also heard the old story warmed up again about Br. David's
writing to the Fort. This aroused in us the sigh : Help
thy people, Lord Jesus Christ! Br. Edwards preached
and David held the congregation meeting, about the hope

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 141

and trust we have in the Saviour in all the needs of the
earth and in dangers, if only we hold fast to him.

Wednesday, 8. Mr. Robbins, who came here a couple
of days ago, went away to Pittsburg, whom an Indian
brother accompanied more than half-way. We should have
liked to write to the church by this occasion, but were too
uneasy to venture it, since the old story has again shown
itself, that we conduct a secret correspondence with Pitts-
burg, besides the white people cannot be trusted.

Thursday, 9. Br. Edwards held early service about the
safety, rest, and peace, believers in Jesus enjoy in his holy
wounds.

We had trustworthy news that the Delawares on the
Miami during these disturbances have made themselves
prominent and have shown themselves our opponents, of
which, to be sure, we had already heard several times, but
had not believed, namely : In Gigeyunk, after the meeting
with the army was entirely over, the Indians held a coun-
cil, whereby we were especially spoken of and the believ-
ing Indians were mentioned, that none of them had come
to the light and helped, but only sat there and sent news
to the States of what went on among the Indians. The
captains had already resolved to come here with their
power and to take us prisoners with the threat of killing
the teachers, since they could do with the Indians what
they would. In this they had one of our Indians for their
aim, namely, Samuel Nanticoke, who, as they said, was a
head-man among them, and whom they must put out of
the way. This his own brother, who was present, heard,
and he said to them : " I say to you if you do that, I shall
not keep still regarding it. I shall also do something. If
you wish to go there, you may go, but I will go with you,
and some one of you shall lie there dead before you lay
hands on my brother. You have already once robbed my
brother and the believing Indians, and despoiled them of
house and goods. You have a mind to do that again,
since you know they have again got a little property to-
gether. You wish to rob and steal, this brings you to this
thought, but when you should fight, about which you are

142 zeisberger's diary.

ever boasting and making great promises, you run away."
The chiefs who had not been present, but had heard of
what he said to the Indians, had him called before them,
stated to him what he was reported to have said, and
asked him if it were so. He replied that it was the truth,
he had said it and said it yet ; he did not wish to prevent
their doing what they wished, but he wanted to do what
he wished. Thereupon the chiefs said it did not come
from them, they had not made the plan, but the captains
among themselves, and they told them to desist from their
scheme, for the Tawa chief, Ekuschuwe, had us in his
arms and would care for us. They let this content them,
but said that if he said nothing to us, they would come
and tell us something. This was to us the foreboding for
another pilgrimage, but whither ? This the Saviour knows,
but not we. The world, which yet is great, and contains
land enough, will soon be too small for them, a little hand-
ful of believing Indians, who are on this account reviled
and despised, of whom the world is unworthy, because
they believe in Jesus Christ.

Friday, 10. In our conference we laborers considered what,
for the use and advantage of the Indian church, we had
most necessary to accomplish, and we were directed by the
Saviour to take thought about increasing the number of
assistants, which we did at once, and for the present ap-
pointed three brothers and three sisters, namely, Joshua,
Bill Henry, Thomas, and Sophia, Martha, Salome.

Sunday, 12. Michael preached from the Gospel of John
in prison. In the children's hour, which Br. Sensemann
conducted, he baptized Eleonora,the little daughter of Br.
Boaz and his wife Abigail, born on the 5th of this month.
Br. David held the congregation meeting. From Pitts-
burg came the white man. Walker, who went there from
Detroit some time ago, with an Indian and a negro. He
went to meet Parke, but had missed him, and now he took
his cattle to Detroit, which was pleasing to us. They had
yet learned nothing in Pittsburg about the army and its
doings.

Tuesday, 15. The brethren began to come home from

1790. 143

their autumn hunt. The white- man went away to Detroit i

with Parke's cattle.

Friday, 17. The brethren contributed corn for the love-
feasts of the year to come.

Sunday, 19. Br. Sensemann preached about this, that
God in this last time, through his son, had spoken to us
lost men, and had invited sinners to repentance, forgive-
ness of sins, to receive life and salvation, all which were
won for us by his incarnation and bitter death. Br. Da-
vid held the communion quarter-hour, inviting thereto
the poor and needy. Edwards held the congregation
meeting.

Monday, 20. Michael held early service. • Polly gave
birth to a son before her time. Most of our people were
come home from hunting, having generally done very
well, except David, who nearly broke his leg, and had
been kept in by it the whole time. From Little Beaver
Creek Abel came back, where he had left his father sick,
who had accompanied John Leeth.

Tuesday, 21. By William, who, while hunting, had met
Pipe's brother and other Indians, we learned that both the
first and the Wyandots are much cast down, and have
given up longer advising peace and holding to it, saying :
" What can we do ? We are but two, and all other nations
are for war. We must expect to have the nations fall
upon us, if we do not agree with them." And so it is, too.
They will, therefore, in the spring, all go away from there,
and if this happens we also cannot and dare not remain.
We await, therefore, what the chief Ekuschuwe will say
to us and advise us.

Thursday, 23. Polly's son, born on the 20th, was bap-
tized Nathan in her house.

Friday, 24. To-day, yesterday, and the day before, the
brethren were spoken to by the Zeisbergers and Sense-
manns.

We began Christmas with a love-feast, rejoiced in the
incarnation and birth of God, our Saviour, in a stall and
manger, who brought peace into the world, and was called
Jesus, because he saves us. We adored him and asked him

144 zeisbbrger's diary.

to make plain to us this great, all-surpassing wonder in
the hearts of us all. In conclusion, little lights, wax-
tapers, were given to the children, whereupon all joyfully
went home.

Saturday, 25. Br. Sensemann preached about the mes-
sage of the angels to the shepherds about the birth of the
Saviour, which was announced to the poor. In the after-
noon service, Peggy, a woman from the Jerseys, baptized
when a child by Mr. Brainard, was taken into the church.
In the evening the communicants received his body as he
came from his mother Mary, and his holy blood, with hun-
gry and thirsty souls in the holy sacrament, to which the
widow Gertrude was again admitted, likewise Tobias, who
escaped the hands of the murderers on the Muskingum.

Sunday, 26. After the communion liturgy Br. Michael
preached and David then conducted the children's hour,
whom he exhorted to love the Infant in the manger, who
for us was born a man, with all their might, and to give to
him their poor, sinful hearts. The conference of assist-
ants, with whom we had a meeting, was enlarged and
strengthened by two brothers, Joshua and William Henry,
and three sisters, Sophia, Martha, and Salome, to whom
their office and duty were explained and recommended at
length, to provide for good order in the church. Abel
and Charles went to Little Beaver Creek to get the sick
Thomas.

Monday, 27. David held early service. A daughter
was born to Tulpe.

Tuesday, 28. Sensemann held early service. Edwards
held the congregation meeting.

Thursday, 30. Edwards held early service. From the
Miami strangers were here, among others, the son of
Joseph Snowshoe, who lived for a long time in the Broth-
ers' home, in Bethlehem. He had never yet heard any
thing about the brothers nor the Saviour. The assistants
came together. They were charged to speak with Sam-
uel's daughter, who has again come here, but they got
from her no answer.

Friday, 31. Towards midnight we assembled for the

1

AT NEW SALEM, 1790. 145

close of the year, beginning with a love-feast. This year
also we found much reason, and were moved, to bring
to our good Lord honor, much praise, and thankfulness
for all the grace, kindnesses, goodness, and faithfulness
he has shown us, bodily and spiritually. In outward mat-
ters our dear heavenly Father has cared for us and be-
stowed upon us what was needful, and in our inward life
our dear Lord has held us by his wounds, and has daily
fed our hearts with his sufferings, and kept us in inter-
course with him. He has given blessing and success to
the preaching of the Gospel, so that many strangers have
heard it, not without fruit. The daily words of the apos-
tles and prophets, given through the Holy Grhost, and
written for our instruction, exhortation, and comfort,
were our daily food and nourishment, by which our hearts
have been refreshed and revived. May he be pleased to
give us more.

And what a kindness it is he has shown us, that amidst
all the unrest among the Indians he has let us enjoy peace
and rest, so that we have experienced little or no disquiet,
for through the whole year robbing, stealing, and murder-
ing on the part of the Indians have not ceased, and when
in the autumn an army came to Gigeyunk, we remained
in peace and undisturbed, except that we afterwards had
to hear many threats from Indians ill-disposed towards
us, but this is nothing new, we are accustomed to it.

To be sure we have at present no distinct prospect that
we shall have peace and quiet, for all the information we
get from abroad is announcement of an Indian war, and
so much the more now that an army has been to Gige-
yunk, whereby the Indians are the more embittered, but
I we commit ourselves to the eye and guard of Israel,
and we pray the more earnestly: God, give peace in thy
land, and we trust in him and believe he will care for our
welfare and good, be a refuge for his church in time of
need, and find for us a free city, as thus far he has always
done. Sometimes it falls upon us. to think: Why must
[we yet be among a wicked, murdering people. All the
10

146 zeisbeuger's diary.

Indians who live to tlie eastward, of whom there are not a
few, have peace, why then can we not have things as
good? Yes, if we did not know that we have not our-
selves chosen this place, but, much more, have planned to
get away from it, we should have reproach and must
blame ourselves, that up to the present time we have not
come to rest. Since then we thus know that we have not
established ourselves here of our own accord, but have
been compelled against our will, we look upon it already
as guidance on the part of the Saviour, who must have his
own reasons therefor, that we must now be here in the
midst of dark heathendom, among people the most bent on
murder, that will hear nothing of peace. So must we
comfort ourselves herewith, and think: Perhaps it is for
this reason, the Saviour will break through darkness with
the light of the Gospel, and use as an instrument for this
his poor, weak, little Indian church. If this be so, he will
requite us with strength therefor. Moreover, we put be-
fore us in advance, that towards spring again a storm will
hover over us, and that we have to await a visit from hos-
tile Indians, of which we have information — so far as the
Saviour in his grace does not turn it from us. We
thanked him humbly for all the mercy and kindness
shown to us outwardly and inwardly, asked forgiveness
of all our faults, and committed ourselves farther anew to
the protection of our heavenly Father, to the mercy of
our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and to the care of the Holy
Ghost. Besides we called to mind the arrival of Br.
Sensemann and his wife at the mission on the 9th of
November.

Adults have been baptized 14

Children 16

Taken into the church 9

Gone from the church 3

Admitted to the Lord's supper, which we

have had nine times 10

Married • Five couples.

Died, adults 6

" children 5

AT NEW SALEM, 1790.

The inhabitants of I^ew Salem are —

Married, 38 couples , 76

Single men 9

Single women 6

Widowers, 7 ; widows, 17 24

Great boys, 13 ; great girls, 9 22

Boys 37

Little girls : 38

Total 212

28 more persons than at the end of last year.

147

148 zeisberger's diary.

CHAPTER XI.

1791.
New Salem, on tHE Huron River, Ohio — At the Mouth of the Dk-

TROIT RlVKR.

Saturday, Jan. 1. Edwards preached. Br. Senseraann
held the service for the baptized, from the Scripture-
verse, and David held the congregation meeting from the
text. Many Chippewas came here, not to listen, but to
beg. Several brethren had for their baptismal day a love-
feast together, preaching and thanking God with heart
and mouth for their salvation, and they recalled and re-
newed the grace received at baptism..

Sunday, 2. Br. David preached from Tit., iii., 4, that
God's goodness and mercy towards poor, fallen mankind
were revealed in his beloved Son, who won for us by his
blood, eternal redemption, forgiveness of our sins, ever-
lasting weal and salvation.

Tuesday, 4. In our conference with the assistants we
arranged that Samuel with Stephen and Joshua should go
to the Tawa chief over the lake, to converse with him,
and to find out how circumstances there were, and what
we had to expect, for two days ago we heard very bad,
dangerous news on the part of the ill-disposed Indians,
of their wicked designs against us, of which and of other
things we wanted much to hear the certain foundation
and the truth. This gave occasion for a thorough con-
sideration of our affairs with the chiefs, since our assist-
ants had set Pipe too much aside, though we had often
reminded them, and now they must themselves recognize
their mistake. It was therefore resolved first to send a
message to Pipe, since we had first received his belt, but the
Tawa chief came afterwards. A Mohawk Indian woman,
Mary Montour, sister of Cathrine, and of the former An-

AT NEW SALEM, 1791. 149

drew Montour/ who came here not long ago, upon her re-
quest and desire, got leave to be a dweller here. She
knows too how to speak many languages, for example,
Mohawk, her mother-tongue, Wyandot, Ottawa, Chip-
pewa, Shawano, Delaware, English, and French. Her sis-
ter, Cathrine,. and several of her friends, live not far from
Niagara over the lake, and we have already many times
heard that she would like to be here, for John Cook, her
son, is here. The Saviour grant that they may thrive in
the church, and if more should come, we must think about
laying out a Mingo town. This Mary, when a child, was
baptized by a Catholic priest in Philadelphia.

Wednesday, 5. Daniel Tschitquieche was spoken to,
who does not belong here, but is still always here, off and
on, and has not behaved properly. He was advised to go
away from here, whereupon he came to reflection and
asked the assistant brethren to give him good advice.
They therefore advised him first to come to an agreement
with his wife, what they sought in the world, and then
to come to them to tell their mind, and this he promised
to do. His wife, who had gone away to her friends, came
back to-day luckily. From the bush came also Anthony
for a visit here, and several others, who first intended to
celebrate Christmas here. From Detroit we had a letter
from the commandant, wherein he mentions the receipt
of Br. Zeisberger's letter, a copy of which he had sent to
his excellency, the Governor,^ whose answer he was ex-
pecting.

Thursday, 6. We celebrated blessedly Epiphany, and
the heathen's Saviour graciously made himself known to
us and let his friendly face shine over us. At morning

^ Andrew Montour was the son of an Iroquois chief by his French
wife, Madame Montour. He had been a warm friend of Zinzendorf
and of Spangenberg. In De Schweinitz' Life of Zeisberger, p. 112, is an
amusing description of Montour's costume. On the same page it is
said that Madame Montour " believed Bethlehem, the Saviour's birth-
place, to be in France and his crucifiers to have been Englishmen,"
I having so been taught among the French Indians,
■^At this time Lord Dorchester, formerly Sir Guy Carlton.

150

prayer we asked for his presence and h.\& blessing for this
day to be plentifully shown us, and to let his grace pre-
vail. In the second service from the text : Thou wast
slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of
every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, two
were incorporated into his church by the .bath of holy
baptism, and buried in Jesus' death in holy baptism, one
a woman, by the name, Anna Sophia, by Br. David, and a
man by the name, I^icodemus, by Br. Sensemann. This
was the first baptism during these holidays, though we
had many subjects for it, but they fell away, whereover
we had all manner of thoughts and considered what
might be the cause, which time will teach. Yes, we
thought, if it does not forbode bad times, we will be com-
forted. At the love-feast in the afternoon we praised the
Lord for the mercy he has shown the heathen, and we
thought of the churches among the heathen. In the ser-
vice for the baptized, which Br. Sensemann held from the
Scripture-verse : Taste and see that the Lord is good, he
gave absolution to Andrew in the name of Jesus Christ,
wherewith we ended the day, blessedly, joyfully, and
thankfully.

Saturday, 8. The brethren, Samuel, Stephen, and
Joshua, went on business concerning the church to Pipe,
to commend the same to him, and to provide for the good
of the Indian church. Four days ago we had proposed to
the assistants to send an embassy to the Tawa chief, but
after mature deliberation, we found it best and most prof-
itable to send the same to Pipe, and indeed for this rea-
son. Pipe was the first, after we came back from over the
lake, to send us a message with a belt, and to invite us to
Pettquotting, which belt, indeed, we did not regularly
answer, but yet received and kept until we should get
farther intelligence. After we were come to Pettquot-
ting, we were also settled and established here by the
Wyandot chief and last by the Ottawa chief. The as-
sistants thus arranged the message : they bound the three
chiefs together with a three-fold string of wampum, and
sent this to Pipe, with the following words : "Friend, it

' AT NEW SALEM, 1791. 151

is doubtless in thy memory that the three former Dela-
ware chiefs, !N"etawatwes, Packanke, and Weldpachtschie-
chen, afterwards Israel, invited us from the Susquehanna
to the Alleghany, and established us with our teachers on
the Muskingum, at the same time telling us we should
there continue our worship of God undisturbed, and no
one should hinder us or be troublesome to us, and this we
so found after we came there. IN'ot long afterwards, Net-
awatwes moved with his people to Goschachgiink, and left
to us the whole country from Gekelemukpechiink,^ to
make a place for us, so that we could extend and alone
live there. It was not long before J^etawatwes invited us
and desired we would also lay out a place (Lichtenau)
near Goschachgiink, that his people might have more op-
portunity to hear the word of God, and this also was
done. They stood in friendship and good accord with the
three chiefs of the Delaware nation, as is known to thee.
A great storm, however, which came upon us, was the
cause that we were all driven apart and dispersed ; our al-
liance and good friendship were rent and destroyed, and
we believing Indians were driven over the lake. Five
years later, after we had come back to this side the lake,
first of all, we have again heard thy voice in Cuyahoga,
where thou didst send us this belt [which was raised up],
with the words : ' My friends, ye believing Indians, ye wan-
der about from one place to another, over the lake to the
Chippewas, and now to Cuyahoga, of all which I know
nothing. It is not yet time for you to go to the Mus-
kingum. Here in Pettquotting is a place made ready for
you. Come here then and live in peace, l^o one shall
disturb you here, still less injure you.' We were glad
when we heard thy voice again from afar, and it soon oc-
curred to us that thou wouldst call to mind the friendship ! i
which we had had one for the other, and that thou hadst I
not yet forgotten it. We obeyed thy voice, came to Pett-
quotting, and after we were settled there, we had assur-

^In the outskirts of the present Newcomerstown, Tuscarawas Co.,
Ohio.

152

ances from the "Wyandot chief and at last also from the Tawa
chief [here three strings of wampum, one after the other,
were raised up and shown to both these chiefs], which
have strengthened thy words. While we have been in
Pettqiiotting, we have enjoyed quiet and'peace, for which
we are grateful and thankful to you." ISTow follows the
especial message to the three chiefs: "My friends, it
seems, however, as if a storm would again arise, and the
peace we have enjoyed for a short time would be dis-
turbed, for we hear much that is bad, therefore we wish
herewith to call ourselves to your minds for your thought
and deliberation, how in the. future we can best and most
fittingly remain in quiet. This we give over and leave to
your wise consideration." Whereupon, a three-fold string
was given. We found the message necessary, also, for
this reason, to make ourselves secure from a mob.

Sunday, 9. Br. Edwards preached, and afterwards the
big boys had their service from their text: I would have
you wise unto that which is good and simple concerning
evil. From the bush, whence Indians came, we heard
nothing but bad news, that the disposition to go to war is
always growing among the Delawares, and that a party of
twenty or more wished to attack the block-house, all
which are bad tokens. One of our baptized, named
Daniel, who married a Shawano wife, and has three chil-
dren, came here some time ago, asked for leave to live
here, whereabout they were spoken to by the assistants,
and got permission.

Tuesday, 11. Br. Sensemann began the school again
with the children and young people, which was a new
encouragement to them, for which they have long waited.

Wednesday, 12. Samuel returned with the two brothers
from Sandusky, where they were so lucky as to meet with
Pipe, and to deliver our message, which was also well re-
ceived. He promised to confer with the Wyandot and
Tawa chiefs about our affairs, to consider our welfare, and
as soon as possible to send us their answer and resolution.
He said to the brethren, however, that they should by no
means think that perhaps in the spring we could still re-

AT NEW SALEM, 1791. 153

main here, of this there was no possibility, for no one
would remain in Sandusky either; we should therefore be
prepared soon for departure, since we were hard to move ;
before that time we should learn whither the march would
be, and where we could be in the future. Of this we had
had an inkling for some time that we must soon again
take the pilgrim's staff, after dwelling here for four years.
We dare not think about this, we should be so anxious
about going away, for we are very hard to be started.
The assistants now made a little calculation, and found
they would have to make forty canoes, besides those we
already have ; this would be a fleet of from fifty to sixty.
Of all this the murdering people are the cause, who can-
not rest. The Delawares and Wyandots are all drawing
together along the Miami, besides the Delawares from the
Spanish county, go there, and those who have been driven
away, so that in the neighborhood no place can be found
for us, and according to every appearance we must go
back again over the lake. At the service the hymn was
translated : Lord, uphold me day by day — Shed a light
upon my way, etc., and make known thy might. Lord
Jesus Christ.

Thursday, 13. David held early service.

Friday, 14. Michael held early service. The assistants
had to intervene and settle matters between Renatus and
a strange Indian, old matters. From Detroit came a
French blacksmith, to work for the Indians, and as they
have to make many canoes and have not axes enough, we
allowed him to be here thus long and to work.

Sunday, 16. Br. Sensemann preached from the text:
There is one God and one mediator between God and
men, etc. In the afternoon a party of brethren went to
Sandusky Island to get the French blacksmith. We read
the news of the U. A. C.

Wednesday, 19. Sensemann held early service. Differ-
ent Indians went hunting for a few days.

Thursday, 20. Mr. Elliot came here from Detroit in a
sledge, with a captain besides and a Wyandot interpreter,
Isaac Williams, Jun. They had been to Sandusky with

154 zeisberger's diary.

Col. McKee, whence they came here to visit. This was
pleasant to us and came very apropos, for we lived in un-
certainty, and could not learn to what we had to look and
whereon to't-ely, for we had learned that we could not stay
here, an Indian war being probable, of which Elliot, how-
ever, knew nothing. So we charged him to lay the mat-
ter before the agent, McKee, that he should speak with
the Tawa chief, Ekuschuwe, to find out how circumstances
were and whether an Indian war was to be feared, and if
it were, as we had heard that the Indians were all going
away from Sandusky, for then we too could not remain,
they should be thoughtful for our safety and consult to-
gether where a place was to be found, so that we might
not dwell among savages, which would be our ruin. This
he not only promised to do, but gave us hope that if we
had to withdraw from here we should also be supported
by the English government and be helped with ships to
make the change of place, but should there be nothing in
the matter to cause anxiety and danger, and could we stay
here undisturbed, he would soon let us know. Late in
the evening Br. Sensemann baptized Daniel's sick child,
John.

Friday, 21. They went away early to Detroit, and El-
liot, who is a person of consideration, and was very active
in our captivity on the Muskingum, was now in every
way friendly and showed himself altogether eager to be
of service to us. We had a conference with the assist-
ants. They were charged to speak with Helen and
Lydia, a couple of bad women, and to look to the right,
and as Br. David had already spoken with them and
broken the ice, it was so much the easier to make peace.

Saturday, 22. From Little Beaver Creek Thomas came
home, where he has lain sick nearly two months and is
not yet quite well. He related, with tears, that when the
sickness was at its height, for three days and nights he
could think of nothing, not even of the Saviour, and had
also no feeling in his heart [for probably he was not quite
by himself], until on the fourth day, when he came to him-
self and prayed to the Saviour : " Dear Saviour, how is it

1791. 155

with me; hast thou rejected me? Ah, throw me not
aside, though I am a poor, sinful man, and if my time
here is out, so take me to thyself and reject me not. Thou
hast redeemed me with thy blood, in which alone I have
my comfort." Upon this he became aware of a voice in
his heart, which said to him : " Thou art not forsaken nor
rejected. The Saviour has thee in his hand ; only hold fast
to him. He is and remains thy Saviour." Whereupon he
was comforted and at peace with the Saviour. We heard
also that below Little Beaver Creek five white people had
been killed by Indians. These are nothing but messengers
of an Indian war. We have also information that 4:he In-
dians have wished to attack and plunder the block-house.

Sunday, 23. Michael preached and David held the con-
gregation meeting. We read the journal. We learned
from the Chippewas that their remote nations would also
in the spring move out against the States, and wished to
destroy Detroit.

Monday, 24. David held morning service. We learned
by Indians from Detroit that Pipe had given our speech
to the Wyandot chief, who delivered it to Col. McKee,
now returned to Detroit, to give it to the Tawa chief, and
that Pipe advised .him to reach a speedy, resolution,
whither the believing Indians could be moved in safety.
The matter thus goes through the right channel and comes
to the right hands.

Tuesday, 25. We heard that three Wyandots, one Del-
aware, and one Shawano, who went to war, had been
killed.

Wednesday, 26. Michael held early service. After
school the assistants had to arrange matters between Will-
iam and Thomas. Several strangers were advised to go
away from here, since they make nothing but trouble. So
deceitful are the Indians, often when they come here they
speak well, giving out they wish to be converted and to
hear about Jesus, whereby they then get opportunity to
stay here, knowing this, that such people will not soon be
sent away. Under this pretext they begin after a while,
when they have become a little known, secretly to live a

!l

156 zeisberger's diary.

sinful life and to follow harlotry, when we at times must
use severity, and can hardly get rid of such people.

Saturday, 29. Anthony, who was here for a time, and
always accuses the brothers of b(^ng the cause of the death
of the Indians in Gnadenhiitten, who is now quite blind
and at the same time a cripple, and will doubtless have
avenged himself enough, has no disposition to be converted,
and went with his brother, Moses, an avowed murderer, to
his home in the bush, which is his element, and during the
winter lay sick unto death.

Sunday, 30. Br. David preached and Sensemann con-
ducted'the communion quarter-hour, announcing it for next
Saturday. We read to-day the conclusion of Br. Layriz'^
life. Mons. Huno^ came here and said now himself there
would be war.

Monday, 31. Michael held early service. This morn-
ing died the child, John, baptized on the 20th of this month.

Tuesday, Feb. 1. After the early service, which Br.
Sensemann held, he attended the burial of the child John,
who died yesterday. We have already for some time
wondered what was the reason of our hearing nothing
farther from Ekuschuwe, for he promised us if any thing
occurred among the Indians, to let us know, so that we
could conduct ourselves accordingly, especially that we
have not a word from him in these critical circumstances.
We have now come upon a trace, where the stoppage is
and what the ground for it is, and that some one else, and
not Ekuschuwe, is the cause. Mr. Parke came back from
Detroit, who was in danger here some time ago and had
to flee, after being privileged to trade and placed out of
danger therein. The general impression there is that an
Indian war will occur.

Wednesday, 2. A Mohican Indian, Joshua's friend, who
came here several weeks ago from over the lake, and is

^ " Paul Eugene Layritz was a distinguished scholar, writer, and
bishop of the Moravian church in Germany, vrho died at Herrnhut in
Saxony, in 1788." — Letter from Bishop de Schweinitz.

■^ The French trader who lived at the mouth of the river.

AT NEW SALEM, 1791. 157

now resolved to remain' with the church, was spoken to hy
the assistants, and got leave therefor. He is the son of
Joseph Snowshoe, who lived for a long time in the Broth-
ers' house in Bethlehem.

Friday, 4. Yesterday and to-day there was speaking
with reference to the Lord's supper. The brethren paid
their debts to Parke in corn.

Saturday, 5. In the near presence of our Lord we had
his holy supper.

Sunday, 6. Br. Sensemann preached and David held
the congregation meeting. It was very wet and dirty
weather. We read the journal of the U. A. C. of the
Synod.

Monday, 7. After the early service, held by Br. Ed-
wards from the text : He that hath an ear, etc., the breth-
ren were admonished to attend to their labor, and though
we could yet fix upon nothing certain, yet we knew thus
much that we had to make ourselves ready ; secondly, not
to behave foolishly and sell all their corn, but to bear in
mind that they would need the means of life nvherever
they went, so that hereafter another time they would not
have to buy so dear and put themselves in poverty. The
assistants had to speak with Mr. Parke, and were very
straightforward and earnest.

Tuesday, 8. Michael held early service. We got news

from Sandusky that the Delawares were back from the

Muskingum, with four prisoners and ten scalps, and had

faken much booty. The assistants arranged between Mco-

iemus and his wife.

Friday, 11. About fifty brothers, young people, went

Paint Creek ^ to make canoes. We learned by an In-
lian from Pittsburg that there the Indians come and go,
md trade, and that all is quiet there, and the Indians
lad nothing to be alarmed at. We awaited therefore long-
igly for news from over the lake. Strange women gave

^Probably the creek in Monroe Co., Mich., sq often referred to
lough it seems a long distance.

158 zbisberger's diary.

out that we should be told to live over the lake on the
deep creek, a day's journey this side of Detroit.

Sunday, 13. Br. Edwards preached. After this Samuel
went to those making canoes, to look after things. The
sisters went to their sugar-huts.

Monday, 14. From the Miami, the seat of war, came
Tatkenos here with another Indian, bringing a message,
but as the brethren were not at home, we sent out, and at
least had Samuel called, who,

Tuesday, 15, came in, and we heard his words, which
came straight from the assembled council of hell, and were
thus: "My friends, we hereby make you aware and cer-
tain that ye can no longer abide in Pettquotting. Make
yourselves ready for departure, and in two months' time
something will be told you ; then ye will hear exactly, but
if ye refuse to arise ye will see and suffer the same as upon
the Muskingum," whereupon a string was given. We an-
swered with his own string : " My friends, we have received
your words, that we should prepare and make ready for
departure. We are busy 'at this all the time, and already
at the work which goes on well. We are also not in
doubt, but know what we do, and are in a good wa}^ We
have made over our affairs to the chiefs, who consider our
welfare and consult for us, from whom we are every day
expecting a resolution. We thank you, meantime, for
your admonition and encouragement." Whereupon, we
gave him back his string. Had we kept this, we should
have taken upon ourselves no little trouble, plague, and
vexation. Their sending us a message came from this,
that they had heard nothing of our message to Pipe and
others, and it was well. We thanked the Saviour for giv-
ing us the idea of doing this betimes, whereby their scheme
is brought to nought, for they had evil in their thoughts.
We heard that all Monseys and Delawares from the Alle-
ghany had this spring all been summoned, that is, for the
war.

Thursday, 17.' We congratulated Susanna (Mrs. Zeis-
berger) in a love-feast upon her forty-eighth birthday,
and wished her the Saviour's nearness and aid, to

AT NEW SALEM, 1791. 159

strengthen her in the future, body and soul, and abun-
dantly to bless her.

Sunday, 20. From Paint Creek, where the brethren are
making canoes, several came home. Michael preached.
It was colder than it has been this winter. From the bush
we heard that the Indians are going in strong numbers to
the war. Also a couple, and Levi, got leave to live here.

Friday, 25. Frenchmen, who came here two days ago
to buy corn, went away. During the whole week our
town was quite empty, the brothers making canoes, and
the sisters, for the most part, being in their sugar-camp.

Sunday, 27. David preached from the Gospel about the
sower. Thaw and rain set in, the river rose. Most of the
brethren who have been busy at canoe-making came home;
they have twenty ready, wherewith for the present we wish
to stop, until we see farther whether we can man so many
as we now have, thirty odd canoes, to go over the lake.

Monday, 28. Sensemann held morning service. The
river was so high from rain that much land went under
water, together with the cattle. It was lucky for us that
our young people were at home, who worked nearly all
night in rescuing the cattle from the water, so that none
were lost. Many stood in the water, and in the morning
were frozen into the ice, until they could be helped out
of it.

Wednesday, March 2. Edwards held early service.
Most of the brethren went to Paint Creek to bring into
the water the canoes they had made. From the bush came
Jacob home, who had been out hunting since last autumn
in bad company.

Friday, 4. By a senseless alarm, which arose from this,
that the brethren came from Paint Creek, where they had
launched their canoes, and were seen before they got to
town, the brethren were frightened, the report being that
white people had come, whereupon they all ran from town
and jled until they became aware of their mistake, and
were gkd it was only such a report. The stolen horses,
which wicked Indians, always wishing to bring mist'or-

160

tune upon us, brought here, caused this fear among our
brethren.

Sunday, 6. Br. Sensemann delivered the sermon, at
which different brethren were present, and David held the
congregation meeting. Some Tawas from over the lake ar-
rived on their way to war to get a prisoner. This is the
Indian custom ; if the son or daughter of a man or woman
dies naturally, or in any other way, they give to a captain
a black belt of wampum, with the desire that he will go
out and bring back a prisoner in the place of the dead.
He gets together a company, goes out, and if he obtains a
prisoner he shaves and paints his head, so that he looks
like no white man, and he hangs this same belt about his
neck, which is a token that he is to remain alive, and
when he comes to the proper place he is delivered to the
one who gave the belt, and taken into the family in place
of the child. Such was the business of these warriors,
who had with them such a belt.

Monday, 7. Michael held early service. Since our river
and lake will be open and traversable so far as ice is con-
cerned, we resolved in our conference that Br. Edwards
with some Indian brothers should go to Detroit, make
our compliments to the government, and in person seek
for help, likewise, as we could find out nothing, to learn
what was resolved upon about us in regard to our future
abode.

With an Indian, our Boaz' half-brother, we had a
pleasing and unusual occurrence. He came here some
two years ago, and wished to live in the church, but he
was then advised to get his wife, and if she was of the
same mind, to ask again. This he did, but could not per-
suade his wife to come to the church, whereupon he gave
up for a time his notion of coming to the church, believ-
ing he would not be received, but he left his wife and
took another in hope that she would be of his mind. As
often as he came to our town, however, which he fre-
quently did, he was shy and never said any thing farther
about living here, but yet had inwardly no peace, as can
be seen from what follows. His sister was here last year

AT NEW SALEM, 1791. 161

for a time, who also wished very much to be in the church,
but her husband, a Mingo, not. She went to Sandusky,
fell sick, begged her mother to take her to Pettquotting,
where she would willingly die, and hoped in peace to go
from time. Her mother, however, could not bring her,
and there was no hope besides. An Indian offered her
his rifle, to pay the doctor, if she would be doctored, but
she refused it, not wishing to be doctored, but told them
if they wished to do her a service of love, to send a mes-
senger to Pettquotting, and merely make known that
she lay at the point of death, so that the believing In-
dians might think of her with the Saviour and pray for
her. This indeed was promised, but was not done. This,
her brother, was present at her death, and heard how she
admonished her mother and friends to be thinking of
Pettquotting and looking thither, for that was the place
where the way to eternal life was to be found. This im-
pressed his heart, and awakened again his yearning for
the church, which he could not forget. Unrest followed
him wherever he went, in the bush, hunting, or at home,
which he could not conceal from his wife, telling her
what he lacked, namely, rest for his heart; but when he
told her he wanted to come to the church, and wished to
know what she thought about it, and whether she would
not also become a believer, she would hear nothing of it.
To get rid of this restlessness of his heart, he resolved at
last to make himself free from every thing and to come
to Pettquotting, and the evening before he told his wife
of it, and she replied he might go, but she would not go
with him. To his mother he sent all of his silver orna-
ments, for he was rich, and then he came here, and in-
deed first to Br. David, whom he knew. To him he im-
mediately told why he was come, namely, to be with the
church. Br. David sent him to speak with some one of
the assistants, which he did, talking with Samuel till
midnight. At first, indeed, we' did not wish to receive
him, and advised him to bring his wife, or even another
one who would be of his mind. Upon this he began to
11

162 zeisberger's diary.

weep bitterly, begging us to have mercy on liim, for in
this way he would never come to the church, knowing
that he would in vain exert himself and miss his time, as
his sister had done, which so moved us to compassion
that we could no longer refuse him, but received him,
thinking, if he is one chosen, the Saviour will help him
farther. This was such comfort to him and awakened
such joy and thankfulness that he came to Br. David to
express the same. Who then urges people to the church
in such times of war ? We set before him every thing,
and that we should not remain here, but he replied that
he had thought about all this.

Tuesday, 8. At the morning service Br. David baptized
the little son of Br. Simon and his wife, Jacobina, born
yesterday, with the name Solomon. We got news that
a war-party was come back from the settlements, passing
by not far from here, who had done much damage, hav-
ing murdered more than ten men, and bringing away
several prisoners, whom they killed not far from here.

Saturday, 12. Br. Edwards went away with four In-
dian brothers for Detroit. Br. David had written an
account of our circumstances and position both to the
commandant and to Col. McKee. We wished Br. Ed-
wards good success for the best interests of the mission.

Sunday, 13. Br. David preached in Indian. From the
sugar-camp we got news that Jacob, Job, and Jonas had
the small-pox [measles], which the first had probably got
in the bush from Indians who had it. We arranged that
they should remain out in the bush and be cared for, and
that none of them should come to town, and that no one
should go thither.

Tuesday, 15. John Cook's son, Henry, complained
about his unblessed condition, that he could not come to
rest and be rid of his longing. He was told that he must
still be loving sin, which was the reason he could not be
helped, for, if he knew and felt that he was a man un-
blessed and lost in sin, but yet would like to be helped,
and would only give himself up to the Saviour, sinful as
he was, he would soon be helped. He admitted that this

AT NEW SALEM, 1791. 163

was the truth, and that he was himself the cause of his
unblessed condition.

Thursday, 17. There was heavy rain, with thunder
and lightning, from which the water so rose that all our
fields were overflowed, and the next day we could go
about everywhere in canoes. For this reason, also, our
cattle came into trouble and the brethren had work in
saving them. Samuel came from Paint Creek by water
with several canoes they had made and brought laden
with grind-stones, ordered in Detroit. On the lake they
bad very stormy weather, a wild sea. The waves so
struck into the canoes that they had always to be bail-
ing out.

Friday, 18. Many brethren came home from the bush
and the sugar-huts, and for this time had done with that
work, in order to make ready for going away, having yet
much to do in preparing the corn to take with them.

Sunday, 20. Michael preached. In the afternoon the
assistants had labor in speaking. The wife of the Indian
mentioned under the 7th of this month, came here with
her grandmother, and as the assistants were now at home,
they summoned them both and asked the old woman
whether she wished to leave her grandchild with her hus-
band, who now lived here. She was willing, whereupon
they asked the wife also, who was found willing to remain
fwith her husband. Thus was the Indian at once helped,
to his comfort and joy, and we were not brought to
shame in our hope, for it is much easier and better to
receive unmarried persons, of which we have many ex-
amples, than the married, who separate one from an-
other. The assistants were advised to get the canoes here.

Monday, 21. Br. Sensemann held morning service,
after which all the young men were requested to bring
the canoes here from Paint Creek, for which they
made ready. N"ow the measles got to town, which the
brethren had brought here from the sugar-huts. We put
one family in a hut in the fields, who already had them,
but before night they broke out in two other families, so
that there was no hope of making head against them.

164 zeisberger's diary.

Several days ago the brethren were advised — the sisters
to get ready and to have the corn prepared for departure,
and the brothers not to go far from home in hunting, so
as always to be at hand if necessary. Two, however, one
baptized Nicholas, and the other, unbaptized, proposed to
go away hunting for ten or fourteen days. They had
gone hardly a mile when the unbaptized Indian was
thrown from his horse and broke his rifle, whereby he
was put out of condition for hunting. Nicholas advised
him to go home, have his rifle repaired, and come back
again, saying he would meanwhile wait for him. The un-
baptized man answered : " I see well enough that we are
not in the right way, and therefore is my rifle broken.
"We were told not to go far away hunting, and we act
contrary to the order. I have long enough followed my
own head, but on this account I came to the church, not
to live for myself, but for the Saviour, and in accordance
with his word, therefore I will turn about and not come
again, for something yet "v^orse might happen to me."
Nicholas remained fast by his purpose. They separated,
and he went on to carry out his plan, but he had not gone
far, before the bottom fell out of his powder-horn, and he
lost all his powder, not having a grain left. Now he had
to give up his hunting, and also go home. We saw from
this his disobedience and waywardness, which foretold us
something bad of him ; we had already observed in him
that he opposed the regulations in the church, and acted
contrary to them; the worst of this is that he seeks to
lead others astray, innocent souls, although we always
have an eye upon him, and have thus far found that he
has no following.

Tuesday, 22. David held morning service. The young
brethren, more than twenty, went to Paint Creek to get
all the canoes hither, so as to have them ready.

Thursday, 24. They came back, having had very windy
weather on the lake and their canoes half-full of water, thrown
in by the waves. Three Indians came from Great Beaver
Creek, bringing news that they had there been attacked by
the militia, while they were drunk, where some Indians

AT NEW SALEM, 1791. 165

died, among them Matthew, Cornelius' son, and an unbap-
tized man, who had lived here. The former came over the
lake to us on Huron River, stayed awhile and again went
his own way. He came also- here, often remained some
time with us, so that at first we had hope he would yet
bethink himself, but though we often spoke with him and
set before him the danger in which he already stood, for
he might die or be killed in the bush, and he was admon-
ished to think of the eternal welfare of his soul, all was
yet fruitless, he never disclosed what hindered him or held
him back. Last autumn he went away from here for the
last time, and is now dead. He was a man who had no
desire to live among the savages. He would have liked
to live in the church, but thereby to go his own way, and
such there are always.

Friday, 25. In the morning service mention was made
of this important day (Annunciation), when our Lord and
God came into the flesh, who through his great sufi^erings
and bitter death has redeemed us from death and everlast-
ing damnation, for which we thanked him with humble
hearts. From Detroit came back Br. Edwards, bringing
us an answer both from the agent McKee and from the
commandant. When Br. Edwards got there and delivered
our letter, both took our circumstances into consideration,
and as the Ottawa chief had done nothing in our afiairs,
though they had given them over to him and to the
Wyandot chief to reach a resolution as soon as possible,
the commandant and Col. McKee were inclined to provide
us with a place of abode ad interim, until the answer from
the Governor and Superintendent- General of Canada ar-
rived, and also to help us with ships for our transporta-
tion. But after an express had come in from Magara,
while Br. Edwards was there, they came to the following
resolution about us : We should remain a year and plant ;
•meanwhile they would get an answer, and our matters
would be cleared up, when we could at once move to our
land, build, and not perform useless labor ; they did not
suspect that the Free States would undertake any thing
against the Indians, at least they knew nothing of it, and

166

had no news of it. As for the Indian nations he, McKee,
would do his best for us, that they should not, be trouble-
some. "We were glad and thankful for the good inclina-
tion and explanation of th« government, but since Br.
Edwards' departure circumstances had become much
worse, for, not to mention the occurrence on Beaver Creek,
where ^ve, or six, or more Indians died at the hands of the
militia, we have also had news, of which indeed we have
not the necessary certainty, that several Indian families,
ofl* hunting on the Tuscarawas, have either been captured
or killed, for no one knows where they have gone and
stayed. We saw beforehand and had examples quite
lately how the warriors, when they have done a murder-
ous deed, first hasten hither with their prisoners and scalps
and put our brethren in fear and danger of the militia, ^ow
we already know quite well the disposition and inclina-
tion of our Indian brethren, that they would like to be out
of the way, not feeling safe here, nor thinking themselves
so. Now that Br. Edwards was come back, all looked
with longing and awaited to hear from us something cer-
tain, whether we stay or go. Since now we had joyfulness in
consulting the Saviour, being now bound to nothing and
unhindered, we did so and got from him the answer: "In
God's name break up from here. The Lord is with you."
This was to us a real comfort, for which we thanked him
with one accord, and now we could confidently go to
work. We at once informed the assistants what sort of
news and direction we had from Detroit, at the same time
also of our own thoughts and disposition in regard to this,
and that we held it best, in spite of this, to break up from
here and to go over the lake so soon as we could possibly
be ready for this, but that also Br. Edwards, with some
Indian brothers, must on this account again go to Detroit,
to make announcement of this, so that they might send
ships to Sandusky Bay, whither meanwhile, with the thirty-
odd canoes we now have, we would bring our goods and
property, since there the harbor is good for ships to run
into. This met with the full approbation of our assistants,
and also of all the Indian brethren, to whom it was soon

I

1791. 167

made known, whereupon all were very joyful, instead of
being sorry, to leave their dwellings and fields.

Sunday, 27. Br. Sensemann preached and Br. Edwards
held the congregation meeting. David wrote to Detroit
and to Bethlehem to give our brethren speedy news.

Monday, 28. After early service, held by Br. Michael,
Br. Edwards started for Detroit, with four Indian broth-
ers, commended to God's mercy.

Tuesday, 29. From Tuscarawas and Sakunk (at the
mouth of Beaver River, Pa.) Indians came here, who cor-
roborated the news received several days ago about Beaver
Creek. Our brethren were fearful and wanted to get
away from here, the sooner the better, not feeling them-
selves safe from the militia, and this caused commotion
and uproar; but we encouraged them, saying that we had
yet no reason to be anxious, nothing bad would over-
take us.

Thursday, 31. We made the beginning of sending our
goods and corn to Sandusky Bay, and some remained
there to watch over them. From Lower Sandusky yes-
terday there came here a widow, with her grandchild, a
girl, the sister of Akerlemann, and asked for leave to live
with the church, and received it, after the assistants had
spoken with her. From Ekuschuwe we learned secretly
that he suspected us of having a secret understanding
with the Virginians, and therefore had not thought that
we feared any danger from them and so had no concern
about us. In part too he has been vexed with us that
none of us went to him, which indeed we often mentioned
and strove for, but it was not done. He will now, how-
ever, be convinced of his error, and see that though he
and they will not help us and set to work, we shall still
be helped. Luke came and apologized.

Friday, April 1. David held morning service. Sixteen
warriors, Wyandots and Mingoes, came here with, one
prisoner, a boy, who, not far above Pittsburg, had mur-
dered twelve white men.^ They were here two nights, and

In a little book, entitled "A Narrative of the Sufferings of Massy

168

told how they had deceived the people, who first gave
them something to eat. The captain was the same w'ho
had taken Br. David prisoner on the Muskingum.

Saturday, 2. Sensemann held early service. Many
strange Indians came here, who, at this time of our de-
parture, made us much trouble and hindered us. The first
party, who had brought the things to Sandusky Bay, but
had been much hindered by wind, came back from there.
Esther, Anthony's wife, was delivered of a daughter.

Sunday, 3. The white brethren sent our things away,
and many brethren went, bag and baggage, in canoes to
Sandusky. The Frenchmen here lent us three great
boats, which did us good service. The warriors went
away to Sandusky.

Monday, 4. In the morning service Br. David baptized
Anna Cathrine, the little daughter of Anthony and Es-
ther, born day before yesterday, into Jesus' death. The
brethren continued to go to Sandusky Bay with their
things, and all were in movement. In this we laborers
had our full share of work among the great number of
people, in helping the widows and the old to get ofl". In
this we were often forced to cry out : 0 Lord, help ! for
one's head could hardly bear every thing.

Tuesday, 5. Sensemann held early service from the
Scripture-verse : 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations ; praise
him, all ye people. He, with his wife, went away in the

Harbison," etc., Pittsburg, 1826, on p. 13, is to be found, perhaps, an
account of this transaction: "On the night of the 22d of March
(1791), seven Indians came into the house of Mr, Abraham Russ in a
friendly manner, leaving their rifles at the door (a well-known token
of Indian friendship), and solicited their supper. When they had
supped, one of the savages went and placed himself against the door,
to prevent any of the family from escaping, while the rest, with their
instruments of death (the tomahawk), began an indiscriminate mur-
der of the inhabitants of the house. They succeeded in their diabol-
ical project so far as to tomahawk and scalp four men, old Mrs. Russ
and six children. Mrs. Dary, daughter of old Mrs. Russ, stood and
endured the appalling and heart-rending sight of an Indian taking
her own child, of eighteen months old, and knocking its brains out
against the head of her (Mrs. Dary's) mother."

DEPART,URE FOR DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 169

afternoon for Sandusky Bay in the boat, with all our
household-goods and provisions, where already a number
of brethren had gone and encamped, but Br. Zeisberger
and his wife still remained behind with those in the town.
Among those encamped near the lake below, the measles
prevail, more than before in the town, all having them,
even those who have already before had them.

Wednesday, 6. Sister Anna Sensemann came up here
from the lake, since from contrary winds and the rough-
ne^ of the lake they could not get on, but she went back
thither in the evening, wbither canoes are all the time
going with loads. By strange Indians from Sandusky, a
multitude of whom came here, we learned that all the In-
dians there are coming together below the Falls and wish
to remain there ; that the Wyandot chief was summoned
to the Muskingum and had gone there too, but others
said he had gone to tbe war [Pipe to the Miami]. Mean-
time, since some strange Indians hold it needless for us to
move away, they cause among our brethren different in-
clinations. Some are for going, but others for remain-
ing. It is, however, quite a different thing with us and
with the savages, who can load their possessions upon
their backs, and go whither they will, as soon as danger
is nigh, but our Indians cannot do that, unless they aban-
don every thing. Therefore we must use forethought in
our matters, ere it is too late, and not remain here at hap-
hazard.

Thursday, 7. Br. David baptized the sick child of un-
baptized parents, Tschakeleunos, with the name Mark.
The white brethren were now in four places, Br. Edwards
on his journey to and from Detroit, Michael at Sandusky
Bay, Br. Sensemann and his wife at the lake, and Zeis-
berger in Salem, Pettquotting.

Friday, 8. After the early service, which Br. David
held, he charged the male and female assistants, some of
hom were still here, to speak with the wife of tbe slain
Matthew, who had come to the Zeisbergers and said she
^-wished to live in the church. Already more than two
^■years ago she had asked this, but since her husband had

I

170

ZEISBERGER S DIARY.

no perfect inclination thereto, we could not receive her
nor grant her this, though on this account she still always
stayed here, and would never go away. ]^ow that her
husband is dead, and she is always of the same mind, and
asked for this, we could not and would not longer refuse
her. After the assistants had found out about her rela-
tives among the savages, and whether any opposition was
to be feared from them, they gave her leave to go with
us, whither we should go, whereupon she was comforted,
glad, and thankful, and showed this by her tears.

A perfectly strange Indian from the Wabash and that
country, who had gone to the Miami, where he heard
about Pettquotting, that believing Indians lived there,
had prepared to come hither to see'and to hear. When
he was not far from here, he met Indians who had come
from here, and who said that we had already all gone
away, and that no one was here, whereupon he turned
about, but another Indian on horseback overtook him,
and told him, on being asked, that we were still here. He
came here yesterday and wished to hear something, par-
ticularly to find out why there were preaching here and
God's worship, and what sort of a thing that was, for as
yet he knew nothing at all of it, and was a dull, blind In-
dian. The assistant, William, went to him, and set before
him, in the Indian way, the condition of mankind, by na-
ture disinherited and lost, into which they had come by
the fall, and said that therefore God himself, in his great
mercy, had come down from heaven into the flesh, taking
a body such as we have, and had informed us how we
could be saved and attain to life eternal, which we had
lost, that he was finally tortured, being struck and
wounded in every part for our sins, was crucified, when he
poured out all his blood, and had therewith redeemed us
from eternal death and the power of the devil, building
for us the way to life eternal ; that he arose from the dead
and now lives eternally, and whoever believes in him and
calls to him, he will be saved. " See," said William, " that
is what is preached here, sung, and prayed. We wish to
be saved. We believe it to be the truth, and since we so

DEPARTURE FOR DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 171

believe it, v^e are here already blessed, and whatever In-
dian comes hither, and will hear and receive the words of
salvation, he is welcome, but whoever does not receive
them, he will be forever lost." The Indian in the first
place, after the manner of Indians, was always putting in
an answer, but at last became quite still and listened, sit-
ting a long time in very deep thought. He went also to
the meetings.

Saturday, 9. We got news that warriors had gone by
not far from here, having a white prisoner, also that In-
dians have again been killed, so that no hope will be left
of a truce. From the mouth of the river, where our
brethren are, some of them sick with the measles and
others encamped on account of contrary winds, we learned
that Br. Sensemann and his wife were already come to
Sandusky Bay.

Sunday, 10. Br. Zeisberger delivered the farewell ser-
mon here from the text in to-day's Grospel : Yerily, ver-
ily, I say unto you, if a man keep my saying, he shall
never see death. Several brethren came up from the lake
from the mouth of the river, and there were also strangers
present. He said, among other things, that the word of
God about our eternal salvation and redemption, that is,
that God came into the fiesh, suffered death for our sins,
and becoming a sacrifice and pouring out his blood,
thereby reconciled us to God, and won for us and brought
back to us life eternal ; that we now through faith in
him have been made righteous and saved ; this had been
daily preached and made known in this place for four
years, and to as many as had received it and believed it
n their hearts, it had shown itself to be the truth and
God's strength, and they were witnesses for it, and all who
had made use of it were blessed ; but this would now cease,
and in the future no word of God would here be preached ;
we, however, who had received it, believed it and entered
into enjoyment thereof, would take it with us in our
hearts, and our Lord and Saviour, to whom we belonged
^^and who recognized us as his own, would go with us
^■wherever we went, and where we settled, there he would

I

172 zeisberger's diary.

again dwell and walk with us, as he here had done. In
conclusion, we thanked him filially for all the goodness,
bodily and spiritual, we had enjoyed from him in this
place, asked his recognition of us and his farther dwelling
among us wherever we should be, to comfort us with his
blessed nearness, and to refresh our hearts that we might
shine and appear as a light amidst dark heathenism, for
the blessing and rescue of many blind heathen. We
sang : Attend me, Lord, in all my ways, etc. We ended
with the blessing of the church. Then the bell was taken
down from the meeting-house and carried away. In the
afternoon, several brethren went away to Sandusky Bay.
Of the strangers here some went off to war, a token that
this ceased to be a place of the church, and they sang
their war-song.

Monday, 11. From up the lake we heard that Chip-
pewas who came from Cuyahoga brought news that they
had seen thirty m.en, militia, at the mouth of the Cuya-
hoga, at which news all our people went away over the
Sandusky.

Tuesday, 12. A party of Chippewas came up from the
lake, to whom Parke, who has bought up all the corn
here we cannot take with us, and the cattle also, had
to give a hog at their request. A number of brothers
and sisters came from Sandusky with canoes to help on
those who remained behind, to get the cattle, and to take
Br. Zeisberger and his wife.

Thursday, 14. The Zeisbergers, with some brethren
who were yet in town, went away, leaving it to the sav-
ages, a multitude of whom was there, but as the lake
was too rough they had to encamp at the mouth of the
river, where many of the sick were still, and wait for
a good wind. Abraham, who had to go back again to
our town, came again in the evening, bringing news that
from Pipe's town, whence Indians had come, all the men had
gone to war and that the militia had been noticed a good
day's journey from our town, and this moved the warriors
to seek them out. Abraham said it was no longer a town
of believers, for as soon as we left it, playing and shouting

JOURNEY TO DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 173 j

began, which was now the regular thing there. Many j

Ottawas and Chippewas were encamped at the lake, who |

were all going over and waiting for a good wind. Those 1

who went out some time ago to get a prisoner, came back
empty, having accomplished nothing. They are poor war-
riors. The Delawares, Wyandots, and Shawanese are the
most eager for war. In the evening we had a meeting in
camp : I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the
name of the Lord.

Saturday, 16. As there was a favorable east wind, we
set out at daybreak for Sandusky, Br. Zeisberger and his
wife being the first to start, but the others had not yet
loaded (their canoes). Though the wind was not strong,
the lake was quite rough, and the waves were high, the
wind coming from the open sea, and the Zeisbergers were
very sea-sick, but after they had come a part of the way
the wind, changing to the north, became too strong and
the waves too high, so that they had to land, and they did
this not without danger, for near land it is always more
dangerous than far out. The waves filled their canoe, but
without other harm, they came fortunately to land and
encamped on the shore, where they had ever before their
eyes the foaming, raging lake. In the afternoon they had
the joy of seeing two of their brethren, who had been
to Detroit with Br. Edwards, and were going to Pett-
quotting. From them they heard that not only Br. Ed-
wards had come back well, but that when they left San-
dusky a ship had come there for us and run in, but as we
had no letters we could learn nothing circumstantially.

Sunday, 17. Capt. Elliot came with Capt. La Mot also
to our camp to Br. David, on their way from Pettquotting
to Sandusky, where they had arrived yesterday, from
whom we first found out how affairs prospered over the
lake. McKee had arranged with the Wyandots and the
Tawa chief that we could plant and settle either on the east
or the west side, or on both sides of Detroit River, where
we were best pleased, where there are many old fields, but
no fences. As to the ship which has come to get our pro-
visions, this is to be said : Having no answer from head-

174 zeisberger's diary.

quarters, they could not send a royal ship for us without
leave. Thus it came about that Br. Edwards had to hire
a merchant-ship from Mr. Askin, in accordance with the
resolution we had come to, for our help, one that could
carry fourteen or fifteen hundred bushels of corn, so that
our heavy baggage could all be carried. We heard also
that there is hope that the troubles between the States and
the Indian nations will come to an end. The English, on
their side, will arrange their boundaries at a meeting of
the nations, and if this happens, it will aid the States to
settle their boundaries with the consent of the Indians.
As many are yet behind in Pettquotting, and on account
of the wind, cannot get away, Br. David spoke with Elliot
about sending the ship there to take them in, so that we
might soon get away, and this he promised to do if he
could. Br. David informed Abraham, who had come to
camp from Pettquotting, how our circumstances were,
that he might tell them there, whence we heard much that
was unpleasant.

Sunday, 18. We had yet heard nothing of Br. Sense-
mann and his wife. Br. David wrote to them, since he
could not go on with his company on account of the wind,
in case they should not meet, and the ship could not wait
so long, that the Sensemanns and Br. Michael Jung, with
some Indians, should depart, we others would follow after
them in canoes when the weather permitted. In the after-
noon, however, the wind went down, and it was quite
calm, and the Zeisbergers got to Sandusky Bay in the
evening, to the common joy, and now they were again
together. They had already made a good beginning of
loading the ship, which lay at anchor some two miles ofi
in the bay, the water being too shallow for her to come
nearer. When the Zeisbergers were on the point of going
away, a messenger came with the news that Joachim's
little daughter, Henrietta, had died of the measles in Pett-
quotting ; they ordered that the body should be brought
to Sandusky Bay and buried there.

Tuesday, 19. Early in the morning came Capts. Elliot
and La Mot, and the captain of the ship, the Sagina [so it

lb

JOURNEY TO DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 175

was called], to our camp. They first bought a canoe and
went away to-day to the Miami, where McKee is holding
a treaty with the nations and where also he will speak
with them in our behalf. The three captains were very
friendly and ready to aid us. McKee, Elliot, and La Mot
have plantations near together, on which there are houses,
and they offered them to us and our Indians to plant and
make use of as we pleased, and the Wyandots then offered
us their land and many old fields on the west side of the
river, but all for a year only. Thus .must all serve us,
English, French, and Indians. Such things the Saviour
brings to pass, who can do all he will in heaven and on
earth. In Detroit there is common joy that we are coming
there again, and every one wishes to be of use to us. Our
people got every thing aboard to-day, making a full cargo.
Br. Sensemann and his wife, and Br. Jung, with Samuel's
family, also went on board, to go to Pettquotting as soon
as the wind changed, when they will take in every thing,
and then sail straight for Detroit. In the afternoon was
the burial of Henrietta, Joachim's child.

Wednesday, 20. Our brethren were to-day busy in
bringing over their cattle. The ship tried to get out, but
could not, and anchored again. She ran aground, but by
help of the anchor got off again.

Thursday, 21. Early when we got up we saw the ship
a mile out in the lake, lying at anchor. She had run out
at night with a good, but weak wind. At noon our breth-
ren had got their corn from Pettquotting aboard, where-
upon the ship sailed for Detroit, getting at night a favor-
able south wind. Our people were busy as long as the
wind and waves permitted, in bringing over their cattle.
A multitude of Chippewas, who are encamped at the lake,
came into our camp, likewise French and English trad-
ers. In the afternoon was the burial of Mark, son of
Tschakeleunos, born April 7th. In the evening was a
meeting and consideration of our Saviour's anguish of
soul and deadly trouble on account of our sins, which
also the Saviour, in to-day's word for our comfort, prom-

176 zeisberger's diary.

ised to write in our hearts and minds, how much we have
cost him..

Friday, 22. The whole day has been very windy, and as
we are encamped near the lake, on account of the noise
and roaring of the waves we could have no service, and
had to celebrate Good Friday silently, and silently to
think how our Lord and Saviour had suffered and endured
in order to win for us salvation and life eternal. In the
evening the storm was so severe, lasting till after midnight,
that we were anxious about our Indian brethren, who are
encamped along the lake in the bush, lest they might be
hurt by falling trees, but the Saviour guarded them, and
had his angels sing: They shall uninjured be, etc., as we
called upon him.

Saturday, 23. The weather being calm to-day, the cat-
tle were all brought over the river. From Pipe a messen-
ger came with a message from the Chippewas beyond
Mackinaw, of this purport: "Grandfather, we let thee
know that we are coming in great numbers, and wish to
visit the Virginians. Thou must think nothing of it, if we
eat up thy provisions and cattle, of whatever sort they may
be. Thou must not think that any thing is thine own.
If we come, we eat up every thing, for we are so hungry
we must eat up one another." Pipe sent us this message
as a warning, for he conjectured we were still in Pett-
quotting. They said in this that they would make their
march by way of Pettquotting, where they thought to
find us. It is, therefore, well that we are out of the way.
Pipe sent us word in regard to this, to send our cattle
away.

Sunday, 24. Br. Edwards preached from the Scripture-
verse of last year. Then was the burial of the child,
I^athaniel, that died yesterday. In our little grave-yard
here at Sandusky Bay we read the Easter litany, asking
eternal communion with the brethren who have died dur-
ing the year, of whom there were three adults and ^ve
children. We were then busy with the assistants in ar-
ranging our passage by water, that all who had no canoes
should be helped to get over. In this matter each of the

JOURNEY TO DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 177

assistants had his own work, and to-day every thing was
arranged, in case we got a favorable wind, to depart.
Hereby we came upon much that was unpleasant, about
drunkenness, to which our young people have been led.
An English trader filled the whole neighborhood with
rum.

Monday, 25. We intended to depart, and were fully

prepared for this, but partly the wind was unfavorable,

and partly there were other hinderances, so that we did not

et off. We had much trouble with drunkenness and dis-

ress about our young folk. A trader from Detroit causes

s great harm and ill.

Tuesday, 26. Early before day died old Elizabeth, a

idow, right blessedly. Her remains were buried in the

vening, and thus we left behind us here a little grave-

ard, where four of our people rest, so long have we had to

ait here in camp.

Wednesday, 27. Early in the morning at last we broke

ip from here, with the Scripture- verse : He shall give his

ngels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways, and

his he did also to-day with us, that no one came to harm,

hen we saw several canoes coming, tossed by the waves

o that it was a frightful sight. Br. Zeisberger and his

ife made the beginning. We sailed with a good wind

om the west out of the bay, and along the lake west-

ards. Towards ten o'clock the wind changed to the

orth-east, and the lake became so roagh that we had to

nd, hoping it would go down, bat it was'soon so strong

hat we had to unload and draw up on land all oar canoes,

f which some thirty came here, it being a rocky shore, in

brder not to be wrecked by the high waves, which, like

hills, came rolling in. All was done with pleasure and

ood will. The assistants took hold and encouraged the

oung people, so that it was a pleasure to look on. In

travelling we have an easy time with Indians, for they

help one another when needful. Meanwhile some canoes

remained behind to avoid this, and now could not come to

us. There are also some, for instance. Cook's family, and

k

I ti

178 zeisberger's diary.

others perhaps, of whom we do not know what they will
do. also Helen and Louisa.

Thursday, 28. The wind remained as it was yesterday,
and we had to encamp. The young people went out
hunting. A couple of sisters overtook Petty by land, who
was said to have gone to Isaac in a canoe, but he re-
mained behind.

Friday, 29. We broke up our camp, and our fleet made
the lake quite lively. We passed Rocky Point, and to-
wards evening came up with the brethren who had driven
the cattle along the lake, where we encamped together,
but had in the evening, and nearly the whole night, thun-
der and rain. Here where a great creek (Portage Creek)
falls into the lake, it is about a mile from the portage,
about two miles (long), into Sandusky Lake, where strange
Indians lay, who wished to come to us over the lake.

Saturday, 30. After helping the cattle over the creek,
which is deep, in the canoes, we continued our inarch.
The lake was pleasant for travelling, and as smooth as
glass. In the evening we encamped on a s^ndy shore,
which lies very low;. Locust Point, from locust-timber
growing there, and the waves go over it if the lake is wild.
In the evening an east wind sprang up, and we had to
draw the canoes ashore.

Sunday, May 1. At noon, when the weather was still,
we set out with a favorable wind, the Zeisbergers and Br.
Edwards being the foremost, and came in the evening to
Miami Bay, Cedar Point, where the brethren, who had quite
outsailed them, and lost them from view, had all run into a
good harbor, and the canoes, like bees, all came fluttering
thither upon the waves, having left a good piece of the
way behind them, for which, in the evening, we thanked
the Lord in our camp, who had thus far so well helped us,
that all had gone so well. The east wind continued, but
the night was so stormy that we,

Monday, 2, must encamp, since from here we have to go
far over the bay, and must wait for calm weather. Here
we lay in the bay, the entrance to the place where the
treaties with the nations are held, and, secondly, it is the

JOURNEY TO DETKOri RIVER, 1791. 179

entrance to that nest of hell, Gigeyunk (Ft. Wayne). lu
the evening we had an hour of song, singing, among^ other
things: Day nor night, never let us hold our peace — In his
blood-bought congregation never shall his praises cease.

Tuesday, 3. We left the bay early and came first to
Stony Point (Monroe Co., Mich.), where we passed the
night on land again.

Wednesday, 4. We broke up early and set out in calm
weather, and after going a piece of the way, got a good
wind, but this became very strong and the waves ran very
high. We made straight for the mouth of Detroit River.
In the strong wind our fleet was scattered, which stretched
out several miles in length and breadth. Some held their
course to the islands in the mouth of the river, which is
six miles wide, and sought shelter, others made the first
best firm land, but shipped much water in their canoes,
each one striving to save himself as well as he could. The
settlers and inhabitants looked at us and doubted about
our all landing, for it seemed frightful on account of the
high sea, but all got fortunately to land without harm, to
the wonder of all, for which we praised the Lord and
thanked him from our hearts, who had brought us all for-
tunately to land. Old Abraham said he had already given
up, and thought indeed he should be buried in the lake.
Here, when we landed, we met Br. Sensemann, his wife,
and Michael Jung, with some Indian brethren, who saw
us coming, and prayed for us. The others who had been
separated from us in the storm came, some the next day,
others not till three days afterward. We rejoiced together
and thanked the Saviour, who had again brought us to-
gether. The Sensemanns, who had sailed from Sandusky
with a good wind April 21, got into the river here the
same evening at ten o'clock, and came to anchor. They
found a house, which belongs to Capt. Elliot, where they
took shelter, and the next day they unloaded the ship and
stored every thing in the house, for which they got belp
from the inhabitants, so that in one day the ship was un-

^ From a Bethlehem MS.

180 zeisberger's diary.

loaded, and also sailed for Detroit. We examined the
country and encamped with the Indian brethren for the
most part on McKee's plantation, where no one lived, for
it had been vacated for us, where there is much cleared
land for planting. I^ext to this is Elliot's plantation, where
also we got much cleared land and a house to live in.^

Thursday, 5. We considered together how we could
most suitably arrange ourselves. The Zeisbergers, with
Br. Michael Jung, took the house on McKee's land, and
the Sensemanns, with Br. Edwards, the house on Elliot's
land, so that they have between them the Indian brethren,
who are all encamped upon the former plantation. We spoke
with the assistants and charged them to point out and dis-
tribute the fields to the brethren, and this was in part done
to-day. We found that they would all have cleared land
for planting, though some of it was|hard to work, and yet
this is easier than if they had first to clear the land, for
which it is already too late. In the evening we had a
meeting in the open air, and Br. David reminded the
brethren of our last meeting in Pettquotting, and that now
here also the word of Jesus' death would dwell among us
itnd our hearts have food therefrom.

Friday, 6. The brethren were busy putting up huts on
McKee's land, for which they found in abundance timber
and material on the islands over against us. There live
here only a few white settlers beyond Elliot's farm, near
us. He came to day with McKee's son and two of-
ficers from Detroit, who remained here on the 7th, point-
ing out to us how far we had to go and could make use of
the cleared land. We found, since we had all of McKee's

^ " This little settlement, which they called the Warte, or the Watch-
Tower, stood in full view of the lake. Opposite to it, on the American
side of the river, was a Wyandot village. A few Canadian farmers
lived in the vicinity, among them a stewart of Elliot, with a number of
negroes." — De Schweinitz' Life of Zeisberger, p. 624. It will have been
noticed that Zeisberger seldom calls the Indian towns he founded by
name, but rather makes use of the river on which they were placed
to designate them. For instance he writes, I think, but twice the
name of the town they have just 'left. New Salem.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791.

181

land, that with Elliot's we should have enough for us all
for planting. He and the officers were very friendly, and
showed their satisfaction at our being here. The house of
the Frenchman, La Mot, was too far away for us, and had
we been willing to be separated, his land was overgrown
with old turf, not good for Indians to plant, besides it was
not fenced, and so we could make no use of it.

Sunday, 8. Capt. Elliot sailed alway early in his bark
for the Miami, where Col. McKee is, treating with the In-
dians, and it is said he will pass a couple of months there.
Br. Jung preached about the good Shepherd, when some
whites and blacks were present. Some of the assistants
went over to the Wyandot towns, whither they were in-
vited. When they got there, they were j&rst entertained
with food in the best way, and every one exerted himself
to be kind -to them. Then it was made known to them
in the council-house that their chiefs had resolved about
us, to propose to us two places where we could dwell and
plant, namely, on the great ^ river, the old towns, or up
the deep creek,^ where we liked best. Here they men-
tioned one inconvenience, namely, that they had many
cattle, which would do us harm, if we did not make good
fences; now, however, it was come to this, that they
heard the Wyandots from Sandusky were all coming over,
since the Virginians were already on the way and upon
the Scioto, coming here ; so they had resolved to offer
them the old towns, which then we could not have.
What was most pleasing to us, was their saying, that if we
lived near them, they would have the opportunity of at-
tending our meetings, for they never heard the word of
God and yet were baptized,, and if they wished to hear
any thing, they had to make a long journey to Detroit to
the church. The brethren heard them, thanked them for
their kindness, and told them then we had waited so long
for an answer and got none that we had asked their father

^What streams are meant by the "great river" and the "deep
creek," I have been unable to determine, but they seem, from the next
sentence, to have been tributaries of Detroit River, Deep creek has
been mentioned before, p. 158.

182

to help U8, who had given us cleared, fenced land to cul-
tivate this year, so that this year we needed nothing
farther. Had we waited for their answer, we should still
he in Pettquotting, having the journey before us, when
now it is time for planting, and would still have had to
clear land, so that it is well we were earnestly thoughtful
in this betimes, the sooner the better, about coming over
the lake. Yet soon more about this in the future. In
the evening Br. David held the meeting from the Scrip-
ture-verse.

Monday, 9. We saw now that the message we received
in Sandusky Bay, when we were warned against the
Chippewas, was true, which then we had not believed,
but yet had wished to lose no time in getting away.
Sixty or seventy Chippewas, from Saginaw, were over the
river, who were going to war against the States, and a
party of fifty was still in Detroit, who had destroyed
every thing where they had gone, and taken from the
settlers all they found and shot their cattle. A party of
them met Thomas, who was on his way back and arrived
to-day, who had to give them a couple of bushels of corn.
The time was well-chosen for our escaping their hands, for
had they met us on the way, we should have paid dear for
it. I^ow we see that it was high time for us to hasten from
Pettquotting, and the Saviour has directed our journey, so
conducting us that we have indeed good reason to praise
him therefor, and to thank him, especially for this, that
he has himself so brought it about that we are upon the
east and not upon the west side of Detroit River, where
the warriors make their way, so that we are free from all
trouble and danger, and being upon McKee's and Elliot's
land, who are agents, we find protection from the wild peo-
ple in case we should be troubled by them, but they do not
easily come over to the east side, for their road to the
Miami lies on the west side. Our Lord and Saviour again
lets us see how he is master to help, to protect his folk,
and if danger be nigh, to lead them away and rescue
them. Let all churches praise and thank him, for he is
worthy, and we are but a small number therefor. 0, a

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 183

true and veritable Saviour ! In Pettquotting he promised
to be with us. He has kept his word, and will further
keep it. Amen.

Wednesday, 11. The brethren went to fence-making
about a piece of land, cleared, but unfenced, and in part
to make repairs. David held evening service from the
Scripture-verse.

Friday, 13. We had the joy of hearing from Joshua,
that the brethren who went with the cattle by land, were
now successfully come to the other side of the river, while
we had lately heard that on Tawa River, where a war-
party is assembled, they had been stopped and their cattle
shot, and we could hardly keep our brethren from going
there to see how the matter was. I^ow we hear that all
is not true, but that fifty Potawatomies met them, who
wished to do so, but the brethren conceived the good idea
of giving them the public bull, with which they were
content, and thus none of the brethren has individually
lost any thing, so that we can thank the Saviour for this,
too, that this labor has been so well and fortunately ac-
complished without loss.

They met the Tawa chief and spoke with him, who was
very glad that their father, the English government, had
received us and given us land, and he was still more glad
that we are on the east side of the river, out of the way
of the warriors' march, for many more warriors go against
the States than in former wars, so that it will be a more
active war than ever before. On the Tawa River some of
our Indians friends wished to persuade them to stay. A
Wyandot captain gave Joshua and Bill Henry a string of
wampum, with words for us, that the Miami River stood
open to us and we should come and select a place for
dwelling, that pleased us, for it was their land both sides
of the river; but of this in these critical times of prepara-
tions for war we took no notice.

Saturday, 14. Most of the brethren went over the river
to get the cattle over, but found trouble there, for rum
had been brought there, wherewith many of our people
got drunk, and to-day only a few head were brought over.

184

Sunday, 15. As most were busy with the cattle, since
many warriors were come, and they were in danger, we had
to postpone the sermon and to work to get the cattle out
of the way as soon as might he. This forenoon a ship
sailed by to Detroit from Fort Erie. The captain, who
knew us, greeted us. In the evening Br. Sensemann held
the congregation meeting.

Monday, 16. We were aware that a disagreement must
have arisen among our people, but this, from our knowing
it in time, was hindered and brought to an end. The or-
igin of this was that some Wyandot women had wheedled
some of our people to build upon the west side, where, as
they said, they would have much liner and better land, the
land on this side being already old and hard to work. And^
secondly, it was hard for them to get their cattle over, the
mouth being six miles wide. They had not reflected that
on the west side they might lose all from the warriors,
and the Wyandots may well have had their own interest
in this. If now, when May is* half over, we must clear
land, make fences, and so on, we can not expect to harvest
anything. Why have they not let us know this before
now we are come here ? We appeared early enough be-
fore them and asked [but, perhaps, the Saviour has so ar-
ranged and resolved], but we got no answer. David held
evening service.

Tuesday, 17. We brought all the cattle over the river
by boat, and though this was a weary work, and often by
windy weather not to be done, yet every thing went off
well. In the evening Br. David addressed the brethren.

Wednesday, 18. ITow the brethren had nothing so
needful as to care for their fields, at which they went
earnestly. The ranger captain, Colvill, gave our Indians
a field, where eight or more families could plant, good
land and fenced, which we received with thanks, and thus
are we helped in many ways. An old widow, named
Rosina, quite lame, who has often and long lived in the
church and often again left it, who some time ago came
from Grigeyunk to this country and awaited our arrival,
having heard that we should come here — she got leave at

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791.

185

her request and entreaty to live in the church. Michael
held evening service.

Friday, 20. We heard that some, for instance, Jacob,
with his family, who remained behind in Sandusky, but
on their way here had come as far as Tawa River, could
come no farther on account of warriors, so that McKee
advised them to go aside into the bush until the way was
safe to travel. Thus are many behind ; the families of
Cook and of Boaz, Helen, Louisa, Petty, and Tulpe, an
unbaptized man, of whom we have not the least idea
where they are. It is said that the Americans are on the
march. Here among us a new trouble has broken out
among the dogs, some of which have gone mad and in-
jured the cattle. In Sandusky already we were forced to
shoot some, for the Chippewa dogs had infected ours.
Since then we have been aware of nothing, until now it
breaks out afresh. Our brethren are not yet done with
the measles either, which have broken out anew since we
came here.

Saturday, 21. Jacob arrived with his family, who were
hindered on Tawa River by the warriors, and on account
of the cattle they had with them they could come no far-
ther until the warriors had gone, who have all gone to the
war. Some who are yet behind are coming by water, as
we hear, whom we had already given up. Two ships went
by for Fort Erie, and one up this morning, the Saginaw,
our ship. Our fields were planted.

Sunday. 22. David preached about the promised Com-
forter, who would comfort the world in its troubles. Sev-
eral whites were present.

Monday, 23. Hard rain. Our town was overflowed
with water, on which account our brethren had to tear
down the huts they had built and rebuild them nearer the
river's bank.

Wednesday, 25. After the brethren were done with
fencing they earnestly set about planting. We heard this
morning that a hundred warriors went by yesterday on

I the west side of the river on their way to war, of which
we had known nothing. We are always seeing more and
I

/

186

more how safely the Saviour has led us and taken us away
from the present troubles of the earth by establishing us
on this side of the river. This forenoon Boaz also with
his family came to us. The others, such as Cook's fam-
ily, Helen, Louisa, Petty, Tulpe, and Tschakeleunos, the
latter a short time ago having permission to live with us,
are all on Tawa Eiver, and plant there, but have nothing
hut trouble, living in fear, for they know not what will
happen to them, of which their corruption is the cause,
bad intentions being at the foundation. David held early
service.

Friday, 27. We got news that the traders are all flee-
ing from the Miami, for the Americans advance, and it is
said they were on the Hockhocking, that is, in Assiiniink.
Our brethren were very busy planting, in which they are
yet much hindered by rainy weather, for as soon as rain
falls, the ground is at once too wet.

Sunday, 29. At the sermon, which Br. Sensemann de-
livered, and which we had to have in the open air on ac-
count of the much needful work, especially in planting,
many blacks [negroes] and also whites were present. Some
Baptists, among them John Missemer,^ the preacher, who
have held meetings on the lake seven or eight miles from
here, came back from there and called on us. They were
very friendly and cordial, invited us to attend their meetings,
and told us in what place it would be held a week hence,
and where they would, have the breaking of bread in two
weeks. We did not accept the invitation on account of
our Indians, and could not also make plain to them our
reason. On account of rain we could have no evening
meeting.

Tuesday, 31. Samuel, who with several others went to
Detroit yesterday, came back to-day, bringing news that
the Chippewas had done much damage in the settlements
they passed through, in some places having shot all
the swine. The inhabitants are generally anxious, for if

^ See before, page 107.

MOUTH OF^DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 187

the Indians should get the worse in the battle, as they
think they will, they will have to suffer.

Thursday, June 2. It rained all day, and we could have
no meeting.

Saturday, 4. As this was the King's birthday, we
heard here, though we are eighteen miles from Detroit,
the cannon .fired very plainly, at the same time a ship
was launched there.

Sunday, 5. Capt. Elliot arrived very early in a boat
from the Miami, when we heard that about four thou-
sand Indians, more or less, are assembled there, many of
whom were in the war, and that a strong army of militia
was by this time expected in Gigeyunk, not, however, au-
thorized by Congress, which would rather make peace
with the nations. At the sermon by Br. Michael Jung
several whites of the neighborhood were present. After
this the matter of building a meeting-house was brought
before the minds of the brethren and given to their con-
sideration. They were reminded that they had heard in
the farewell sermon in Pettquotting that wherever we
went we should take God's word with us. This we had
done, God's word dwelt with us, but the meeting-house
we could not take with us, and therefore they should think
about building one.

"Wednesday, 8. To our unexpected and no common joy
we had letters from Bethlehem and Litiz, together with
the Scripture-verses and texts for this year, and some
church journals, wherewith we were much refreshed and
revived. These letters came with a packet by way of Ni-
agara from Sandusky from the^Secretary of War to the
commandant in Detroit, whence forwarded to us, we got
it this evening. This was the way it was, otherwise they
might well have remained over a year in Pittsburg. Chip-
pewa warriors came in here, who went about our town
singing and begging, but they soon took themselves off.

Thursday, 9. Though we have now escaped the trouble
and anxiety which stood over us, and threatened us in
, Pettquotting, yet it seems in spite of our being in safety

It

188 zeisberger's diary.

shall not yet remain altogether undisturbed, and we learn
now, and that now comes to light of which we have already
long had a presentiment, namely : we got to-day a message
from that nest of hell on the Miami (Gigeyunk) that our
Indians should come there, where now the warriors were
assembling and should help fight for their land against the
Americans, ^ow becomes evident what they propose for
us. They wish to disturb and utterly destroy the Indian
church. They come with threats and say that if we do
not go to the war they will come and root us out. For
weak minds this is a very hard trial. They wish to force
us to embrace, again heathenism, saying we should put
aside Christianity until the war is over; then we can again
live according to God's command and will,- and think
thereof, for now there is no time for this, but for fighting.
Thus the Scripture- verse of the day : I have hallowed this
house which thou hast built to put my name there forever.
Friday, 10. Since Brs. Sensemann, Edwards, and Michael
were gone to Detroit, Br. David had a long conference and
talk with the assistant brothers, when we took up and
considered the message received yesterday, whereover the
Indian brothers were no little troubled. They said it
would have among our young people no good effect, but
cause disturbance, and something must be done in the mat-
ter, or they, the assistants, would be blamed if things should
not come out well. They thought that in some measure
the message must be complied with, unless we wished to
incur danger, for it was threatened, in case we refused and
sent none of our people thither, that all would be taken
from us. We have never experienced any thing like this as
long as there has been an Indian church. , These are evil
times. Br. David gave to the assistants his views, namely:
that it would be best to be steadfast and let come what-
ever they would do to us; besides to hope for the help of
the Lord, who would not abandon us, but in one way or
another aid us ; since, however, we knew that many
among our brethren had not good sense and were not
strong in faith, and on account of their weakness we must
yet do something to quiet the church, so that they might

1791. 189

not fall upon the idea of helping themselves, and to make

themselves safe, fall into sin, (he thought) that some of the

assistants should go thither to get information about the

truth of the message and to see what was to be done. But

when they told him that not old people, but young, were

required, Br. David replied that he and we would not and

could not do this, send young people thither, which was

nothing else than sending them into fire and into war,

when we should soon hear that the war-song was sung in

>ur town, and before permitting that he would rather die

than live. We separated without reaching a decision.

'owards evening Capt. Elliot came from Detroit, as if

mmnioned, with whom Br. David took occasion to speak

18 soon as he landed, especially about this message, who

^ave us excellent information whence the message came,

lamely, from the wicked Delawares, out of that nest of

lell, Gigeyunk, whence we are always treated with enmity,

,nd that it was not at all needful for our Indians to be

listressed about this, and even if none of them went there,

they would not on this account suffer ill; we must not

ihink that if the Indians should do us harm, the govern-

lent would merely look on, no, they would interfere. He

bssured our Indians that for twenty years they had lived

[n no place where they were so safe and quiet as here.

'his and yet more that he said was made known to our

>eople in the evening and explained to them with a good

md desired effect, and their minds were again, so to speak,

•evived, and thus will the Saviour help us out of this need

too, to his glory.

We had farther trustworthy information that the man
who (carried) our letters, written to the church, some in
Pettquotting, others in Detroit, had been taken prisoner
by the Indians near Presque Isle, and taken to Detroit,
where, however, he was released, since he had gone with
the approval of the government, so that our letters yet get
through, to be sure not to the Susquehanna, but to Pitts-
burg, as we conjecture. Here the affair with Cornplanter
Ihould be mentioned for June 11.
Saturday, 11. Br. Sensemann and others came back
I

190 zbisberger's diary.

from tlie Fort. A war-party from Retrenche River
(Thames) arrived, who have friends here.

Sunday, 12. Br. Edwards preached and Sensemann
held the congregation meeting, both treating of the gifts
imparted to us by God, the worthy Holy Ghost, who is
sent to us by the Father, who sanctifies us, cleanses us
from sin, and makes us sharers of the salvation, won for us
by Jesus Christ. In the afternoon we laborers had another
conference, considering what in these evil times, when
Satan is abroad, seeking to do harm among us, we should
do to withstand him and avoid loss, for the message among
many of our young people has had a bad effect and caused
evil, so that many long to go to war, especially when now
a war-party was encamped here, who this evening wished
to dance their war-dance on the shore, but this we would
not allow, telling them to desist from this until they came
to their like in their own towns. However, we gave them
something to eat, and they went away the morning after
for the Miami, and at their departure struck up their war-
song. With them went Ska, an unbaptized man. We re-
solved, since we had to do something for our young peo-
ple's sake, to send a couple of assistants to the chiefs, and
to remind them of our covenant with them, which we
made with them in Gekelemukpechilnk, having made
known to them our way of life, that we went not to war.
As we did not quite know and could not find out whether
the speech came from the nations or from the vile Dela-
wares, we could come to no determination.

Monday, 13. After the brethren had got timber for the
meeting-house, they went to work to-day to build it,
thirty-two feet long and twenty-four wide. We observed
that in Cuyahoga and Pettquotting, when we wanted to put
up the meeting-house, disturbance always came from fright-
ful stories, and so it is now here too, so that for two days
the brethren have shown no desire and earnestness about
it, and we had to encourage them that it might merely go
on. David held evening service.

Tuesday, 14. By young McKee, who arrived to-night
from the Miami, we heard that the American army had

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 191

already got to the Miami towns/ and had a skirmish with
the Indians three days ago, that the army is five thousand
men strong, and has cannon. We heard at the same time
that the Indians are much dissatisfied with us, in that our
Indians do not come and help defend their land, and a
French captain, La Mot, spoke very sharply about this to
our Indians, and so alarmed them that they wanted to go
at once to the army. We saw and knew no better plan
than to say to them, that if any one wanted to go, he
might; but we did not bid him, and he went upon his
own responsibility ; if they came to harm they could not
blame us. In part, too, they feared the threats of the In-
dians, that if they did not appear they would be stripped
of all their goods and possessions. Should we forbid
them, then all blame would come upon us, and it would be
said : " The teachers do not let us go, we wish it," as was
the case on the Muskingum. We declared to them, how-
ever, that if they stood fast and let come what would,
whatever the result might be, we would suffer with them
and help bear what came over us ; we would not leave them
alone and would do for them what we could. Since we
saw that some young people were getting ready to go, we
sent the two assistants, William and Thomas, to the Miami
to the chiefs, for which they had received instructions two
days before, to speak with them, and if possible to declare
to them that in the beginning, immediately upon our ar-
rival from the Susquehanna, we had made known to them
that we had nothing to do with war, so far as they would
have ears to hear, now that they had weapons in their
hands. So to-day ten young people went away there with-
out asking us and without orders, among them some who
never had a gun, and most of them went from curiosity to
see and hear something new. This was sad, but we could
not alter it. We commended the matter to the Saviour,
and awaited what farther would come out of it. Already,

^I do not find upon what M'Kee's report was based, unless he refers
to Gen. Chas. Scott's expedition against the Wabash towns, which had
left the Ohio River, May 23d, reference to which is made under July
8th following

192

several years ago, the nations labored to form a union, so
that all having a brown skin should help defend their land.
This also so far succeeded that all called Indian, had to ap-
pear thereby, until it came to battle, but who will not then
stand fast and runs away, no one can hold him, much less
force him, as has been shown hitherto. It has never hap-
pened in former wars that' the nations have been so united
as at present, and for this very reason it is a hard time for
our Indian church, such as has never been before. Had
we remained in Pettquotting we could well have expected
something of the sort that our Indians would be summoned
to the war, but here, and particularly on English ground
and soil, we had yet hoped to be spared this. Here the
Saviour must help. He will lind ways and means we know
not. I wrote, I think, two years ago :^ The Indian church
must have at least one nation in the Indian land to receive
it, and in such cases to stand by it and take it to its arms*
This the Delaware nation did, among whom for a short
time we enjoyed peace and protection. With this, how-
ever, it is in all probability over, since they have fallen out
among themselves. Pipe is indeed our friend, does for us
what he can, but he has little authority. The other Del-
aware chiefs are not well disposed towards us. And we
cannot be quite sure about Ekuschuwe. Apparently he is
our friend, but he has given himself little trouble about
our moving away from Pettquotting, nor has he made any
exertion. Whether the reason is this, that he has had to
bear and suffer much on our account for taking our part
and defending us against our adversaries, and now draws
back from this, we cannot be quite sure.

Friday, 17. McKee's son and Capt. La Mot, who came
from Detroit, asked us for a couple of Indians to help
them go with their boat to the Miami, which was granted
them.

Saturday, 17. Our meeting-house was so far done that,

Sunday, 19, Trinity Sunday, we could have the first

sermon in it, where we first read something, the first part

1 See before p. 29.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 193

of the church litany, at which were present whites and
blacks from the neighborhood. In the afternoon we la-
borers read the church journal. We had already yester-
day heard through Mingoes and to-day by Chippewas,
who came from the Miami, got certain news that the
army had come as far as the head of the Miami, had de-
stroyed a couple of Twightwee towns, whereby fifty In-
dians are said to have perished, and was back again, so
that they have not come into that place on the Miami,
where the Indians had assembled and were awaiting them;
that the Chippewas from the Michilimackinac towns, etc.,

hence over a hundred had gone to the strife, had gone
in full numbers back home, there being a famine among
ihem. This was interesting news for us, for from this we
jhall breathe again, and be freed from our trouble and
mxiety, and our Indians will no more be summoned to
the war. But, although the army is back again, the In-
lians do not cease on this account, but they go out stronger
for murdering. Br. Sensemann held the evening service
from the text.

Tuesday, 21. Br. David held the evening service from
^he text : Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased,
>tc., and then the communion quarter-hour, wherein, earn-
estly and directly, he spoke of the transgressions and sins
^hich have lately been committed here, and admonished
the brethren to cease doing evil, to seek forgiveness from
the Saviour. He gave notice of the communion for next
Saturday for such as had a communion- heart. The meet-
ing-house was to-day chinked, doors and benches made,
and the bell put in place.

Wednesday, 22, and Thursday, 23. Brs. Zeisberger and
Sensemann and their wives spoke with the brethren, for
there was much to be settled, and many must remain
away from the Lord's supper.

Saturday, 25. We had again the first communion since

we had it in Pettquotting. Our number was small, for

many remained away, who in the. intervening time have

--made themselves unworthy of it, and have lost it. Much

194 zeisberger's diary.

also that was hid came to light. Those who enjoyed it,
of whom there were forty odd, he blessed unspeakably.

Sunday, 26. After the communion liturgy, Br. Sense-
mann preached, after which we laborers heard the church
journal read. A woman, baptized in Tbuppekiink, when
a great girl, with the name Marian e, who, since the dis-
turbance, had lapsed into error, came here two days ago
with her unbaptized husband and two children, request-
ing to be again in the church. She related how for three
years she had longingly endeavored and desired to come
to the church, but had been hindered by her husband, who
had no such wish, and put her off from one time to
another. She had resolved by herself that if she once
had the good fortune to come to the church, she would
not leave it as long as she lived. The assistants spoke
with her husband, but found he had no inclination for the
church, which indeed he did not speak right out, but he
cheerfully left his wife and children here, and set the time
in the autumn when he would again come to her. He
wished first to speak with his friends and take counsel,
but this the brethren did not allow him, for nothing would
have come from it. He said afterwards to his wife, since
he feared he might not keep his word, that he had indeed
put the time as late as autumn, but he might come sooner.
The assistants told him then, that so long they would be-
lieve of him that he would come, but if he did not come
then, they should believe he would not come, but had
abandoned his wife. So to-day he went away to the
Miami, and his wife stays here with her children.

Tuesday, 28. By Charles, who came with McKee's
boat from the Miami, we learned that William, Thomas,
and the others were still there, waiting for the chiefs who
are summoned there, and that there is hope of our affair
having a good termination, that McKee, Pipe, and the
Mingoes had advised them not to go farther, we having
thought they would have to go up to Gigeyunk, all
which is a fine token of a good ending. In the after-
noon Capt. Elliot arrived in his boat from Detroit.

Wednesday, 29. Elliot, who went back to Detroit, gave

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVEll, 1791. 195

US news that McKee would now give his whole attention
[it is now his chief business] to bringing the nations to
incline their ears to peace, that they should propose what
they asked and desired. We heard at the same time that
the Chippewas from Mackinaw are going in good numbers
home, others to the war.

Thursday, 30. Samuel and young Renatus' daughter
went from the church. The former has not belonged to
us for a long time, and has twice already been sent away,
but had not gone.

Saturday, July 2. In the morning service, which Br.
David held, notice was given to make the disorders cease,
which have lately been occurring among us.

Sunday, 8. Michael preached and Edwards held the
congregation meeting. Whites and blacks attended the
services.

Tuesday, 5. The assistants spoke with a party of sis-

ers who have been living in hatred and strife, and brought

bout peace, but Peggy out of perversity left the church.

A Mohican, a near relative of our people, who visited

here yesterday, and to-day went to Detroit, capsized in

the waveft, for it was rough. The Indian and his wife,

who swam some four miles, came to land, but his child

nd brother drowned. Those who escaped, to w^hose as-

istance our people in the neighborhood went and whom

they saved, came then thither. At the same time we got

ews that Frank, Helen's son, who was coming back from

he war, was drowned in the Ohio. He was much in the

hurch, off and on, in Pettquotting, and had a call to

ome to the church, but opposed it. He was Helen's idol,

or on his account she now remains away from the church,

eing unable to leave him.

Wednesday, 6. We had the pleasure of seeing that

illiam and Thomas with all the others, who of their

own accord had gone thither, came to us from the Miami

fortunately and without harm. When they came there,

they learned at once that the army had gone back, and

Is all was over, they were no longer required. As long
s they were there, they had encamped apart by them-
I

196

selves, and McKee during this time supplied them with
food. Our speech had been well received. The pleasant-
est thing to us was that the matter for which especially
they went there, had a good result, namely, since they
had sent our Indians the hatchet and summoned them to
the war, the Delaware chiefs Pipe, the Big-Cat,^ and Ted-
pachxit, not only excused themselves, but showed their
displeasure that it had happened, and said that the Mon-
seys had inconsiderately sent the message to us, which the
nations had sent to the Delaware nation, adding to it
many lies and wicked threats, of which they knew noth-
ing, having no part therein ; they well knew that we had
nothing to do with war, and did not concern ourselves
about it, did no man harm, and liked to live in peace with
every one ; there were enough of their own people to go
to the war without us, who in comparison with them were
but a handful, and therefore they would have been glad
to spare us. We had something else, from which we had
more good to enjoy than they, of which he, the speaker,
the Big-Cat, wished himself to have a share. This was
so far good, and we were thankful to the Saviour for it,
but now something hard followed, the speaker sayiog
that last winter they had received a message from us of
this purport, that they should consider where we should
turn now in this unquiet time, when \var and bloodshed
were near, and had already begun, where we could be
quiet and undisturbed ; this message of ours was handed
and given over for consideration to the Tawa chief, and
they admitted it was a mistake that we got no answer
within a fit time, and had therefore settled on English
land and soil. Upon this discourse he drew out a string
of wampum, and said : " My friends, hear ye now my
words. The land there up the Miami has been given to
us [the Delawares] to enjoy, thither we invite you too.
Come and look at the country, seek out yourselves a place

^ Among the witnesses to the treaty between the Shawanese and the
United States, Jan. 31, 1786, appears the name of Big-Cat. In the
Am. Pioneers, vol. 1, p. 54, is an affecting speech of his when his
adopted (white) son leaves him ; there he is called Whingery Pooshies.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 197

where ye are best pleased, there ye shall live quietly and I

no man shall disturb your worship of God, nor your man- '

ner of life." That was a white string, to which a black ■;

one from the Tawa chief was added with the words :
'^ G-randfather, and ye believing Indians, I learned from
you in the spring that ye wished to go over the lake,
since ye no longer thought it safe to be in Pettquotting.
Then I thought ye would use your former abode on
Huron (Clinton) River. I then heard farther that ye were
on the way, but when I expected you on Huron River, I
heard all at once that ye were come to the other side and
'had there settled. ITow arise and go thither, and if ye
wish to live there I will send your teachers home and tell
(them they have themselves foolish people enough among
'the whites, to whom they must preach." With this
speech of the Tawa chief the Delawares were not con-
tent, but they could not change it nor recall it, and said
therefore to the Indian brothers to tell the assistants to
speak as soon as possible with the Wyandots opposite us,
and then soon to send an answer to them, the Delawares,
fwhereupon the Tawa chief's speech would be brought to
naught.

The Chippewa chief met Thomas and asked him what
^he was doing there, whether he came to hear or was going
[into the war. Thomas replied : " How canst thou ask what
my business here is? Have ye not sent us the hatchet?
That is why I am come." The chief said : " We have not
sent it to you, but said something to the Delaware nation."
lis message, too, was nothing but politeness and craft on
the part of the chiefs to deceive us and catch us with lies.

'hus we cannot use caution enough, nor too much care,
in finding them out. In the first place, a short time ago,
Y sent us the hatchet to frighten us, of which, however,
:hey pretended to know nothing. Then they now come

4th an invitation to the Miami, after they believed they

lave frightened us, and think now the more easily to have

[reached their end, that from fear we shall at once say yea

'to this; and to give their affair strength, and to make it

necessary, they add a speech from the Tawa chief, which

11^

198 zeisberger's diary.

is, indeed, not from him, but probably invented, so that we
may have nothing to do with him. The Delawares would
much like to have us with them and in their power. They
themselves know and see very well that on the Miami
there is no place for us, that we should have to dwell among
savages, where we should be devoured, body and soul,
for it is all thickly settled with Indians, and therefore all
intelligent people, whites and Indians, have advised us
against going thither, for there have hitherto been two
chief reasons why we could not settle there — 1st, because
the seat of war is there ; 2d, because there is no place for
us there. Before this they were always anxious for fear
we might go to the Americans or to the Muskingum, the
contrary of which they saw to their satisfaction, but now
they are suspicious, thinking we shall give ourselves to
the English, for there is already among them an outcry
about this, that we have settled down on the English
side, of which they are themselves the cause, for we first
gave them notice in time, and asked them, but got no an-
swer. We wondered what the Delawares, several years
ago, were seeking among the Spaniards, we believed they
went out of the way of war, but now it is plain what work
they had in hand. They have labored for this since the
last war, and have also been aided by the whites in this,
that all Indian nations should unite, stand together, and
hold fast by one another. Among the northern nations,
as appearances show, this has been done. They work for
this now among the southern nations, and, as we hear,
with good success. This is the work of the Delawares, and
the object of their living there. They made peace among
those who were at war, and labored for unity, that all who
have a brown skin should hold together to maintain and
defend their land against the white people.

Friday, 8. Last night Capt. Elliot came in his bark
from the Miami, and with him Joseph Brant and. the
deputies of the nations, on their way to Canada, there to
be present at the negotiations for peace between the na-
tions and the States, wherein the English will be the in-
termediaries. As we hear, at this treaty, which has already

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 199

been going on two months, and was interrupted for a time
by the army, the nations have resolved on and fixed a
line, and, as we hear, the Muskingum shall be the line, but
not farther below, nor also* above. If now the States are
satisfied with this, they will make peace, if not, the war
will then really begin. We heard farther, that it is true
enough that an army was out from Kentucky, which, how-
ever, was not ordered by Congress, that it had destroyed a
Wahweeahtenon^ town, had killed twelve men, among
them an old chief, whom they treated barbarously and
worse than the Indians ; and had taken prisoners thirty
women and children ; that the Indians followed them on
their return, but made no attack on account of the
prisoners.

Sunday, 10. Br. Edwards preached about the lost sheep ;
that the Saviour came to seek and save the lost; that
there is joy in heaven over a sinner that repents. Since
Brs. William and Thomas had been told, who brought the
last message from the Miami, that our assistants should
speak with the Wyandots before they gave an answer,
they went over there to-day, having made the appoint-
ment and been told that this day towards evening they
would be together, and they so found them. As they
were assembled in the council-house [those too who lived
near Detroit had been called], after the customary intro-
ductory speech of the following import in short : '^ Uncle,
it is clear and pleasing to us that God has given us and
appointed this day, when we see one another face to
face by the council-fire and can address one another, so
that we can speak right out together the thoughts of our
hearts, which now we will do and tell thee nothing else
than the truth, and we expect the same from thee, uncle."
Samuel, who was spokesman, thereupon began and made
known to the Wyandot chiefs the origin of the Indian
church, that before the former war they had lived in Penn-

* This word is in part conjectured. TJiis expedition was made by-
volunteers, under command of Gen'l Chas. Scott. Wahweeahtenon
was on the Wabash River, in Indiana. Albach's West. Annals, p. 561.
The expedition was ordered by Congress.

200

sylvania where in that war they had been protected by
the government there against wicked people, and when
peace was made had been allowed to return to their
friends. They had then lived above Wajomik [Wyoming,
Pa.], whence, nineteen years ago now, they had been in-
vited by the chiefs, together with their teachers, to the
Ohio, and had first lived in Kaskaskunk,^ and soon after-
wards in Thuppekiink, on the Muskingum, where they
had been placed by the chiefs, that there, quiet and undis-
turbed, they should have their worship of God, which also
they found as long as we lived there. Eight years ago
last autumn we were taken to Sandusky, afterwards lived
four years on Huron River (Michigan), and had then gone
back again over the lake. In Cuyahoga we had received
an invitation from Pipe to move to Pettquotting, where
we were afterwards placed and established by our uncle,
the Wyandots, and lastly by Ekuschuwe, there to dwell.
He had himself afterwards visited us and many times sent
us messages, of which the strings and belts were shown
and laid out. He had stopped our ears, so that we should
give heed to no man, and never again unstopped them.
This spring, while it was yet almost winter, we got a mes-
sage from Pipe, letting us know we could not remain nor
plant there, as restless times were probable. We had,
therefore, sent a message to Pipe and the Wyandot and the
Tawa chiefs, begging them to consider where farther we
could find in quiet and security an abiding place, and ask-
ing for a speedy answer, but we had received none, on
which account their father had granted us night-quarters^
till we should find out where we were to live. Since we
were here, we had sent us, not long ago, a string of wam-
pum, with a piece of tobacco, when the hatchet was sent
us, though every one was well aware that we had noth-
ing to do with war. At the same time we had been threat-
ened, in case of refusal, of being stripped of all our goods

^ A Monsey Indian town in Lawrence Co., Pa.
^i. e., a temporary abode.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791.

201

and possessions. We had not thought, when we carae
into this land, that there would be thoughts of our taking
up the hatchet, but the chiefs had told us that we should
keep up our worship of God and trouble ourselves about
nothing but our maintenance. We had now from Tawa
River, from the Delaware chiefs, a message inviting us
there ; also a bad one from Ekuschuwe, who will place us
on Huron River and then send away our teachers, and he
stopped our ears and has not yet tinstopped them. Thus
we have no ears for his speech. They said to them finally
that we got all sorts of messages, but in them no mention
was made of what in the first place we had arranged with
the chiefs and wherein we came to agreement. This had
quite passed over into forgetfulness. We had received the
word of God ; to that we would hold fast so long as we
lived. We had renounced heathenish life and ways, and
strove to live according to God's will. The Wyandot
chiefs said then that they had never heard this ; it was
pleasant to them at last to bear their cousins. They could
not at once give an answer to so many weighty matters;
they would think them over and give an answer at the
earliest day.

Monday, 11. The assistants spoke with Andrew, Schel-
lachpis and Ska, held before them their sinful life, and
told them that they could not in this way be in the church.
Tuesday, 12. Several Indian brethren, among them
Samuel and Abraham, went to Detroit, the sisters with
baskets and brooms, for now here they can again sell such
things. A ship, the !N'ancy, with the deputies of the
Indian nations, and some soldiers also, went by on its way
to Fort Erie.

Thursday, 14. The brethren came back from the settle-
ment. A Chippewa woman had killed a man, whereupon
she was put to death, and both were buried in the same
grave. We have already heard more of the like, and more
has come to our knowledge, for this is the Chippewa' law.
Thus six Indians came here within a few days, four were
drowned and two were slain ; of the first, the bodies of

I two, a woman and a child, have been found.
I

202 zeisberger's diari.

Saturday, 16. The assistant, Samuel, who returned from
Detroit, had spoken there with Ekuschuwe, who told him
he sent us word in Pettquotting, if he heard any thing cer-
tain that concerned us he would let us know ; he had
stopped our ears, and told us if we heard any thing from
him, and others told us any thing from him, for example :
" Ekuschuwe has said so and so," or, " This he lets you
know," believe it not, nor give heed to it, though I myself
say it. Hitherto I have had nothing to say to you ; thus
things remain as they were. But I am now going to Mich-
ilimackinac to confer with the chiefs there, and ere I come
back, I expect also the deputies of the nations back from
Canada ; then I shall have something to say to you, be it
good or bad. This is proof enough that the last speech
which we had with the Delawares was not from him, but
invented by them to deceive us. Ekuschuwe's brother-in-
law afterwards said to Samuel alone that he could not
hitherto tell us any thing, for he wished first to wait for
what news the deputies would bring, and whether it
should be peace or war, but yet he had heard something,
that the Tawa chief intended to settle us on the straits,
between Lakes St. Clair and Huron, on the east side, by a
creek, where the land is good and there are said to be
walnut-bottoms and good hunting.

Sunday, 17, was for us a hard day. There came a heavy
storm over us, for there was drinking in the neighborhood,
so that our people also were led astray, which brought
upon us much trouble, for as it is harvest time there is
among the white people nothing but drunkenness.

Monday, 18. A ship, the Dunmore,^ from Ft. Erie, with
many passengers and soldiers, went by. Joshua went out
to them, eight or nine miles into the lake.

Tuesday, 19. Elliot, who came from the Fort yesterday,
asked for some of our people to help in the harvest, which

^Spencer, in his " Indian Captivity," mentions the Dunmore, an old
vessel of six guns, as anchored in front of Detroit in 1793. De Peyster,
in his book, already referred to, in a poem entitled " Red River," says,
" While frost-bound, the Dunmore, the Gage, and Endeavour." See
vol. 1, p. 33.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 203

was granted under the condition that they should be kept
sober, for Simon Girty has caused trouble in the neighbor-
hood among us, by making our Indians drunk, and he has
paid them in rum.

Thursday, 21. After early service we got the assistants
together, spoke with them about the disorderly life in the
church, and charged them to assemble the church, to speak
\7ith them and to learn whether they wished to cease doing
ill, and we told them outright that we neither could nor
would have any thing to do with such a people, that loved
sin and persisted in drinking; they should admonish them
to repent, to feel sorry and suffer for their transgressions,
to see whether, perhaps, God would be gracious to them
and forgive their sins; they should speak with each one
apart and each should declare whether he wished to live
for the Saviour or not, and whoever wished to live after
the lusts of the flesh, to him the door stood open for de-
parture. This was done to-day. Firsts they assembled
the brothers and then the sisters and spoke with them,
saying that if they persisted in leading so disorderly a life
the teachers would leave them and let them live according
to their own devices and lusts of the flesh. This had such
a wholesome effect that nearly the whole church wept;
sorrow and sadness fiU'ed their hearts ; they were fright-
ened at themselves and each one acknowledged himself
guilty, both those who had sinned and those in whom
there had been no outbreak. It was a day of repentance
for the whole church, and many came with tears and ex-
pressed their sorrow, both about themselves and about all
and sought comfort. Some said they had never in their
lives had so hard a day as to-day. They had grieved him
and he in turn had grieved them, and this was directly for
their salvation. Now indeed it was not our thought, far
from it, to abandon them, for the greater number was yet
innocent, but we wished to teach them to maintain order
in the church, and hereby we reached our purpose. ' We
had trouble and sadness over them, but were again com-
forted about them. We waited then until all had been
spoken to, and each one had declared that he would be obe-

I 1

204 zeisberger's diary.

dient and submit to the rules of the church. Then we as-
sembled the church on the 23d, and showed them that
they all had wandered from the right way ; that even they
who had not sinned were just as guilty as they who had
sinned, in that they looked on with indifferent hearts and
gave in. The brethren were reminded to be obedient to
the teachers and assistants and to give heed to them, for
if they did not listen to the assistants, they also did not
listen to us, and if they did not listen to us it was all over
with them. They were in general admonished to main-
tain order in the church, to renew their covenant with the
Saviour, to live for him and for the glory of his name,
and to be obedient to his word, therein to be of one mind ;
and if this were their intention, we would remain with
them, shunning neither trial nor danger, as we hitherto
had stood by them in all kinds of trouble. For a time
we had had much sorrow over them, but now that we again
saw them sorry for this, we were comforted about them,
for it was a grace from the Saviour and a repentance for
their salvation. We then knelt with the church, and
asked our dear Lord for forgiveness of all our trangres-
sions, for the mercy of his look, for his acknowledgment
of us, and for the enjoyment of his peace.

Saturday, 23. Br. David had a letter from Gottlob, on
the Miami, whence Amelia came. A royal and a mer-
chant ship from Ft. Erie went by. The merchant ships
have orders not to go through the lake without a royal
ship which has cannon.

Sunday, 24. Br. David preached from the Gospel, that
the Saviour, from the beginning of the world since the
fall of man, had revealed himself to mankind by signs
and wonders, until at last he came himself and revealed
himself by a supreme wonder in becoming man, suffering
death, pouring out his blood and reconciling us to God,
which now has since been preached in all the world, and
in thinking about which, we have enough to do, and this
is a blessed occupation. Michael held the congregation
meeting. Sensemann, who consulted the Indians on this

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791.

205

account and submitted to their treatment, lay ill from his
trouble with his chest.

Monday, 25. David held early service. In a ship which
sailed for Ft. Erie, several Tawas went to Montreal to
seek aid there from the government against the American
States, having heard that a stronger army than ever before
is in movement to invade the Indian land.

Thursday, 28. David held early service from the Script-
ure-verse. Some went into the harvest to earn something,
others for whortleberries. Many got work here from Elliot
and Oolville. We heard that the Americans are busy
building boats in Presque Isle.

Friday, 29. Edwards held early service. From the
Miami came back David and Jacob, who went there with
Elliot several days agOj bringing news that an army had
advanced to the fork of the Miami and had surrounded
an Indian town ; that another army advanced upon Gige-
yunk, and a third fell upon the Wabash, and that the In-
dians were everywhere in flight; that the Americans were
making boats in the Cuyahoga and at Presque Isle, and
that among the Indians all is alarm.

Sunday, 31. Michael preached from the Epistle to the
Romans, vi., 3 : Know ye not that so many of us as were
baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death ?
From the Miami came a swarm of Indians in flight, to get
out of the way of the army expected there. Elliot, who
also came from there, thought we should send them all
back again ; they should now fight, for they were always
wishing to go to war; but we replied that to do this was
neither in our power nor in that of our Indians.

Tuesday, Aug. 2. Still more Indians, among them quite
a strong party of Nanticokes, arrived. Though it is not
usual for Indians to come here, yet they now come here in
crowds because we are here, and the shore is full of them,
but we notice no hunger for (rod's word, but only for
bodily. food, for they are now busied with other matters,
war and anxiety for food, for the little which they planted
on the Miami the warriors consume, who are constantly
there, before it is yet mature for eating. The assistants

206

married a couple of young people, Charles and Theodora's
daughter. An English officer, who came with Elliot,
asked Joshua why he and they did not go to war. He an-
swered that they did not go to war and had never yet done
so, that they did no man harm, loving all men, Indians,
English, French, Americans, and whoever he was, and they
tried and made effort to live at peace with every one.
Whereupon the officer gave him a wicked answer, saying:
" Ye will soon be compelled to go to war, and if ye will not
so do a crown will be put upon your heads with the toma-
hawk." Joshua said : " That must be a very bad man."

Friday, 5. Edwards held early service. Elliot went in
his boat to the Miami, and with him Jacob.

Saturday, 6. David held early service from the text.
Soon after this, the little child, Lewis, somewhat over four
months old, died, Joshua's grandchild.

Sunday, 7. Br. Sensemann preached from .... to
which a German preacher saw his way, and which he at-
tended. Br. David conducted the communion quarter-
hour and gave notice of the Lord's supper for the 13th, and
towards evening attended the burial of the little Lewis, at
which whites and blacks were likewise present.

Monday, 8. By a ship from Ft. Erie we got news that
a strong army, in which were many i^ew Englanders, was
marching for the Miami. The deputies and Brant, who
went to Canada, have sent back word that all the Indians
should come together to receive them. Michael held early
service. Sabina gave birth to a daughter, which,

Tuesday, 9, in the early service from the Scripture-
verse : And all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had
sworn with all their hearts, etc., was baptized by David
Zeisberger, and named Willhelmina.

Wednesday, 10. We wrote to Bethlehem.

Saturday, 13. Michael held early service. A royal ship
that came from Ft. Erie sailed for Detroit, in which came
Willcock, who in the spring had taken our letters, bring-
ing with him the German preacher's wife from the States.
In the evening sixty-four brethren received the sacra-
ment of the body and blood of the Lord in his near pres-

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791.

207

ence, at which the brethren were told something of the
importance^ of this day, and Luke was readmitted.

Sunday, 14. The sermon by Br. Michael Jung was at-
tended by Germans from Grose Isle, and English of this
neighborhood. As the inhabitants here long as little for
the word of God as the heathen do, perhaps they will be
induced by Indians to become eager for it, for they live
like heathen. If then the Indian church should be
placed as a light to these so-called Christains, and be an
example and blessing to them, so much the more must we
be content to encamp here for a while.

[So far to Bethlehem.]

Wednesday, 17. Brs. David, •Sensemann, and Michael
Jung went to Detroit on business, returning on the 19th.
They there settled with Mr. Askin about the ship-hire of
last spring, and sent a packet of letters and the diary to
Bethlehem by way of Montreal and J^ew York. They
also made a visit to Maj. Smith, the commandant, by
whom they were very kindly received. He told them
that they had not yet received a letter from Quebec about
us, but expected it by the first ship. They had also an
opportunity to make the acquaintance of Judge Powell,
who lives on the east side not far from Huron^ church,
with whom they talked much about the Brothers' church,
their missions, the beginning and growth of them, all
which was to him quite new, but pleasant to hear, since
he had yet never had so much information about this,
how it happened that we had settled at the mouth of the
river, where we were now waiting to see what farther
would be done with us. He spoke likewise about this,
that we with our Indians should not live among whites,
nor be surrounded by them. It was becoming and right
that the government should give land to us and our In-

^See vol. 1, p. 199.

^ Conjectured. " The Huron village lay east of the river a short dis-
tance below Detroit. A missionary of the order of Carthusian Friars,
by permission of the Bishop of Canada, resided there." Carver's Trav-
els, p. 92. " Coming round the point at Huron church." Hist. Sketches
of Mich., p. 35.

208 zeisberger's diary.

dians, and this would happen too, for which he made no
unreasonable proposition, namely (a tract on Huron
Streights — Beth. MS.). We told him that if our Indians
lived under and were received by the government, they
should not be required nor encouraged to go to war,
which would be the destruction of our mission, and if we
were willing to agree to that, our mission was at an end.
He thought it over and said it was true. About the Act
of Parliament concerning the brothers, that they were
free from bearing arms, he was not aware of this, and
would not quite believe it, but would yet examine his
books. He asked us to visit him as often as our way lay
thither.

Saturday, 20. After the early service was the burial of
Eleonora, who died yesterday, child of Boaz and Abigail.
Sunday, 21. David preached and Michael held the con-
gregation meeting. In the evening died John Henry's and
Anna Maria's child, Sally. A boat-load of warriors went
by for the Miami. A couple of white people, who live
above here on the river, came and wished to buy horses,
whom our Bill Henry recognized as having been among
the militia, who at night in Pittsburg fell upon and mur-
dered the Indians, and also helped murder our Indians in
Gnadenhlttten. We took them to breakfast.

Monday, 22. Lydia died of slow consumption quite
blessedly.

Tuesday, 23. After the early service by Br. David, the
child of John Henry and Anna Maria, that died day
before yesterday, Sally, was buried, and then Br. Sense-
mann baptized a sickly child of Mcodemus and an un-
baptized mother into the death of Jesus, with the name.
Lea.

Wednesday, 25. After the early service from the Script-
ure-verse : I shall give peace in the land, and ye shall lie
down, and none shall make you afraid, the remains of Sis-
ter Lydia, who died day before yesterday, were brought
to rest amidst a great concourse. She was baptized Dec.
26, 1766, in Friedenshiitten (on the Susquehanna), came
to the Ohio with the church in the year '72, and also to

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 209

the Muskingum and Gnadenhiiten to live, where, Jan. 10,
'73, she was married to the Mohican, Gabriel. She there
became a partaker of the holy communion, March 9, '76,
and went a blessed way in the church. When the In-
dian church was taken to Sandusky, in the year '82, and
robbed of its teachers, she went to Gigeyunk, where she
remained till '89, when she once came to Sandusky, and
her sister, Helen, brought her with her children to l^ew
Salem, but at first she was shy and undecided about re-
maining with the church. The grace of the Saviour,
however, and the general feeling gained her heart. She
was swept on by them so that she gave herself anew to
the Saviour to be his property, and wept for mercy and
forgiveness, which too the Saviour soon gave her, and she
again became a communicant. Her husband, who once
came to Salem from the war, and showed inclination to
be again in the church and with his wife, got leave for
this. She did it from obedience, and received him again,
but it was soon seen that he could not be in the church,
and we had to let him go again, but she remained stead-
fast, though very helpless, weak, and sick, and obliged to
live in poverty. This spring, when we left Pettquotting,
and her two sisters, Helen and Louisa, again went from
the church, and followed their own way, she remained,
firmly resolved to go with the church wherever it went.
She was therefore helped to come hither, but was for the
most part sick, wasted away little by little, and at last
was quite bed-ridden, and it could be seen that her
departure drew nigh, but she was composed and re-
Jsigned to the Saviour's will. The last communion,
Aug. 13, which she received upon her sick bed, was es-
pecially impressive and blessed to her. She so expressed
[herself and said that the Saviour's body and blood had so
worked in her that she feit it in her whole hackey (body ^).
Her two children she commended to the church, and said
jthat as she had no friends there, she would beg all the
[brothers and sisters to care for them, that they might not

^ See before, p. 76.

14

210 zeisberger's diary.

be taken from the church, and this, too, was promised her.
Day before yesterday, on the 22d, she had Br. Zeisberger
and his wife called, who had often visited her, and asked
them to bless her for her departure, saying she feared she
might not longer be in possession of her senses, that she
TDelieved the Saviour would soon take her to himself. This
was done, the blessing was given her by Sister Zeisberger
in a sweet liturgy, several brethren being present, whereby
she folded her hands and a blessed peace of God prevailed.
In the evening we appointed to watch with her among sev-
eral others a sister. When she saw her she at once seized
her hand and said : " Forgive me, sister, for many times
we have had something against each other, whereby love
was hurt. I have given every thing up to the Saviour. I
love thee and have nothing against thee. I depart in peace
to the Saviour." Hardly had she done speaking when her
soul took flight and she went to her Redeemer, in whom
she believed, leaving behind a deep impression in the
hearts of all present.

Thursday, 25. Br. Michael held the early service
from the Scripture-verse : But the more they afflicted
them, the more they multiplied, and the text : If they have
persecuted me they will also persecute you. We had to-day
a hard day, on account of a circumstance which concerned
our Indians. One of our neighbors, Colvill, in the spring
gave our Indians land to plant two miles from here. We
did not quite approve of it, fearing it might cause unpleas-
antness, but he said to our Indians much that was good
and fair, and they let themselves be deceived. Now, from
eight to fourteen days ago, a hog got into their fields and
did much damage. They gave notice of this to the man
to whom it belonged, but he replied that it did not belong
to any one here, and our people were advised to shoot it,
which they did, but as soon as allwas done, this same Col-
vill knew at once that it belonged to Elliot, and sought
most earnestly to blacken our Indians with him. This
went so far that they threatened to arrest the participants
and bring them into court, yes, they should be hanged.
Br. Sensemann spoke in the morning with Elliot, who came

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 211

last evening from the Miami, and sought also to show him
the truth in the matter, but in vain. He got a rough and
hard answer, and they then decided that the perpetrators
should be apprehended. Br. David then got a letter
wherein all their threats were contained, and we were or-
dered to go away from here without knowing whither.
Br. David took now occasion to speak with Elliot alone,
and found so far acceptance that the matter was put aside
and stopped. He saw very well himself that he could ac-
complish nothing under the law, but Br. David admon-
ished the brethren and young people,

Friday, 26, so long as we are here, to behave in an or-
derly and peaceful way towards the people, and to give
them no occasion to complain about us. We see, however,
already what the results are if we live among white peo-
ple. They hire our people to work for them and will not
pay them. They drive their cattle into the Indian fields,
which have utterly eaten out some as bare as a tennis-
court, and if they wish to complain about this, they get
no hearing and no justice; we must have patience and
endure.

Saturday, 27. Elliot with his followers went to Detroit.

Sunday, 28. Br. Sensemann preached from the Gospel :
Jesus wept over Jerusalem, about the tears of Jesus, and
David held the congregation meeting. We laborers had a
conference, and considered our present situation with our
Indian brethren, and whether we had any thing to care for
and to do, but we found it well yet to wait, for we were, in
part, of the mind that it would be well, in the autumn, to
move elsewhere with a portion of our brethren, for many
reasons. Peggy, who from perversity went away from us
several weeks ago, came again and asked for reception,
promising amendment. Among the Indians without, we
heard that sickness prevails more than with us, where, for
the most part, only our children are attacked.

Monday, 29. Michel held early service. With the un-
married brothers we had a pleasing love-feast for their
festival, we wish them much happiness and the Saviour's
bloody blessing for their work in the Indian church. A

212 zeisberger's diary.

child was born to Tobias and Anna Justina. In the
evening died the child, Lea, IS'icodemus' daughter, which,

Wednesday, 31, after the early service by Sensemann,
was buried. We heard from without again much about
war and war-cries, so that we have from this not only
much anxiety and care, but think : How will it go with us,
and what will the end be ? But we have here also our own
perplexity with our neighbors and our Indians, so much
occurring that makes trouble, for if the white people's
cattle are killed and stolen by strange Indians, all this is
attributed to our Indians, and they are accused of it, for
they say and give out that such things never happened
before, and this may well be true, but Indians did not so
easily come here before we were here, since now all sorts
of bad company come hither, who do damage at the cost
of our Indians, who must pay therefor.

Thursday, Sept. 1. In the early service, from the
Scripture-verse : And God saw every thing that he had
made, and, behold, it was very good, and the text : Except
a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God,
the little daughter of Tobias and Anna Justina, born on
the 29th Ult., was baptized with the name Kebecca. In-
dians arrived from the Miami, from whom we heard that
few Indians were there, and did not know whether and
when an army would come, where yet the Indians will al-
ways be called together for a fight.

Saturday, 3. Br. Edwards held early service. Three
ships from Ft. Erie came to anchor here, and wait for a
good wind. By them we had news that the Russians had
taken Constantinople.^

Sunday, 4. Br. Edwards preached about the Pharisees
and tax-gatherers. Then Br. David Zeisberger held the
communion quarter-hour, of which he gave notice for
Saturday, and invited the poor and thirsty.

Wednesday, 7. The married brethren celebrated their

^The Russians under Gen'l Suwaroff took the fortress of Jsmael Dec.
22, 1790, and the road to Constantinople was thus open to them, but
the jealousies of other powers hindered the Russians in the accomplish-
ment of their design.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791.

213

festival in the near presence of our dear Lord, and his
recognition of us filled our hearts with comfort and joy,
and this awakened thankfulness and praise to our dear
Lord. We recall very often that he promised us, when
we had directions from him in Pettquotting, that he would
be with us. We must confess and say : He keeps his word
gladly, for he is truly with us, has already helped us through
many difiiculties and much trouble, and will farther do so.
We firmly believe this and depend upon him. Br. David
held morning prayer, and asked in the name of the church
for his nearness and his blessing for us this day. Br.
Sensemann held the festival service of the married, and
Br. David the love-feast. He announced that this was the
smallest part of the heathen church.

Thursday, 8, and Friday, 9. Brs. Zeisberger and Sense-
mann, and their wives, spoke with the brethren in regard
to the Lord's supper, to which speaking our dear Lord gave
his blessing, so that we again find cause to thank him.

Saturday, 10. The communicants enjoyed the body
and blood of the Lord in the holy communion, in the most
blessed way, and he blessed us unspeakably in the enjoy-
ment of this holy sacrament. Ten brethren, who had not
partaken of it here in this place, had again this mercy.
The Saviour brings all again to the blessed fold and to
salvation. He heals what has suifered harm, and cures
what is weak and sick. Br. Sensemann conducted the
Lord's supper, to whom Mr. Dolson has sent his two chil-
dren to school.

Sunday, 11. After the communion liturgy, which Br.
David read, Br. Michael preached. In the afternoon we
had the "first baptism here of adults, among them a white
girl, who, when a child, had been taken in the last war by
the Indians, and given to our Theodora in place of a
child, before she came to us. Since she asked for bap-
tism, and we could not find out whether, when a child,,
[she had been baptized, having reason to doubt about such
a baptism, as she was from a neighborhood on the frontier
where there are few inhabitants, and where there were
only a couple of houses, far away from the settlement, we

214 zeisbekger's diary.

concluded and thought : It is better at all events that she
should be twice baptized than that she should live in
doubt about her baptism all her life. Thus, at her request,
with the approval of the Saviour, she was baptized by
David Zeisberger into Jesus' death, receiving the name of
Anna Charity, and another by Br. Edwards, with the name
Henrietta, at which blessed ceremony whites and blacks
from tlie neigborhood were present. Sensemann took to
his bed sick.

Monday, 12. Br. Edwards held the early service about the
light that has come into the world and shines upon all
men. The Wyandots upon the west side, over opposite
us, sent a messenger here with a piece of tobacco, painte<f
red, and made known to us that some of their warriors
had captured two prisoners from the Ohio on Tawa River,
where they had been examined, questioned, and then
killed. These had confessed that an army,^ two thousand
men strong, was on its way out, but they could not tell
where it would make its inroad. Our Indians were re-
quired to hold themselves ready, so that if the army
should march this way they would be prepared to meet it,
which was then told them. We listened to the message,
but gave no reply, answering it with silence. Our Samuel's
brother, an Indian captain, who attends all the councils of
the chiefs, without whose advice the chiefs neither do any
thing nor deliberate, who then knows about every thing,
visited us lately. He is a !N'anticoke, but our friend, who
told our Samuel and gave him insight of what the chiefs
of .the nations at the Tawa River treaty deliberated and
considered together about the believing Indians. He said
that there had been present the Wyandots, Chippewas,
Ottawas, Potawatomies, Mingoes, Delawares, and also a
chief of the Wawiachtanos^ — from seven nations. In the
council the well-known Jos. Brant, a Mohawk, made a
speech to the chiefs about the believing Indians, of the fol-
lowing import : " Why should we wish to compel them to go

*Then preparing under Gen. St. Clair at Ft. Washington (Cincin-
nati).
'-'Seebefore, p. 128.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 215

to war? They have quite a different object; they have
something other than wq have to think of, and of this we
know nothing. They have the word of God. About this
they have to think. By this they wish to live and act. Why
should we take them from it? Let them be, and disturb
them not. They have chosen the right way and the best for
us all ; yes, it were to be wished that we would all together
make this our chief matter and concern. In Pettquotting
already they sent us a message, asking us to care for them
and be thoughtful to show them a place where they could
be safe and out of the way of the present war, where they
could hold their worship of God free and undisturbed, but
up to this time they have had no answer. Come now, let
us stir ourselves, and think about this. It is certainly
time. Seek out a place for them somewhere near, but
away from us, not here among us, where they can be by
themselves alone. The time may come when we shall our-
selves be in such need that we shall not know where to
bring to safety our wives and children. If then the be-
lieving Indians have once a place where they live con-
stantly and safely, we in .time of need can take ref-
uge with them, and if not quite with them, they can
grant us, or our wives and children, a place near
them, where they can support themselves by planting."
This speech has Brant made to the chiefs, but when
he was here with us he gave no hint of it, but yet told our
Indians they had done well in choosing to remain here.
The Saviour at times summons men in the world, if it be
needful, who must prophesy and speak the best for his
people and cause, and give good advice. More heed is
given to such than if a brother spoke. InTow we have been
told from every quarter that the nations have thought of
placing us on the river, between Lakes St. Clair and Hu-
ron. We, on our part, wait with patience how the Saviour
will do with us, and we depend upon hina alone. Thus far
we have been quite inactive in the afiair. Towards even-
ing the child, born Aug. 29, and baptized Sept. 1, Rebecca,
was buried, having died yesterday. On this occasion it
was said to the brethren, this being the fifth child that ha?

216 zeisberger's diary.

died here, that the parents were especially grieved when
the Saviour took their children to himself; it was not well
in them to misunderstand'this nor to take it ill. They
must not on this account be discontented with the Saviour.
They should think that their children belong to him, that
he can take better care of them than I or we, and he seals
them from all sin and need of earth ; what he does is right
and well ; we had also the comfort and certain hope, if
we remained with Jesus, of seeing them with him where
we shall all be assembled sometime, shall rejoice with
them, thank and praise him for his grace and mercy eter-
nally.

Tuesday, 13. Michael held the early service. Last
night there was a greater storm than we have had since
we have been here, so that it seemed as if no house would
remain standing, and the lake roared like thunder. We
thought of the ships upon the lake, for day before yester-
day twenty sailed by for Ft. Erie. The river became very
high from the wind, and to-night, with a west wind, it fell
five feet.

Thursday, 15. After the early service, held by Br. Mi-
chael, sixteen brothers went to Grose Isle^ hunting. They
thought that some fifty deer would be on the island, for
last winter they went there on the ice, and as the river
broke up soon after, they were left there. This island is
inhabited, but it is very great and mostly a wilderness.
Other brethren went a day's journey eastward on the lake
to make canoes, so as to buy clothing for the winter.

Friday, 16. The Ottawa chief, Ekuschuwe, arrived
from the Miami, by whom we learned that a couple of
wliite people had come as messengers from Pittsburg, with
letters for Detroit. The messengers reported that it was
said an army, two thousand men strong, was coming out
against the Indians, but it was not known where the inva-
sion would be made. The chief will insist upon it that
their father shall help them or ? This evening died

'A large island in the lower part of Detroit River.
2 Here a blank, made purposely in the original.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. . 217

Gertrude, daughter of William and Martha. Br. Sense-
mann's sickness, from which he has suffered thfe whole
week, grows worse all the time. It began with an injury
upon the breast, and when he was better of this and quite
cured, he got the diarrhoea, after which came a severe
fever, so that it seems doubtful whether he will recover.

Saturday, 17. Towards evening little Gertrude was
buried. By Wenginund, who came here sick from the
Miami, we learned that nearly all the Indians there are
sick and every day two or three are buried, and how can
or shall they go to war and who shall fight ?

Sunday, 18. David preached from Gal. iii., about the
blessing of Abraham, who by faith was justified and received
the promise that in him the heathen should be blessed, and
Br. Edwards held the congregation meeting from the
Scripture- verse : With joy also say to the heathen, etc.
Br. Sensemann's illness to-day seemed to be less, this- being
the ninth day.

Wednesday, 21. David held early service. After this
the assistants were directed to send away some strange
Indians, who do not belong here, but have already been
here two weeks, for last night they had a drunken bout.
Among them was an old woman who wished to take away
with her by force an unbaptized grown girl, who lived with
us and was nearly related to her. The girl, who did not
want to go with her, got out of the .way, taking refuge
with the Zeisbergers until the woman was away, where she
refrained from looking for her, and thus she escaped her
(hands. From Capt. Elliot, wlio came from Detroit, we
learned that they had news that a strong army from the
[States was on the march out against the Indians.

Thursday, 22. Edwards held early service. This even-
ling the assistant, William, died right blessedly, after a
[tiresome illness. His remains were,

Saturday, 24, committed to the earth, for which we
jcalled in the absent brethren. In his youth he was much
[with the late Sir William Johnson, and, as he understood
[English, his interpreter at the treaties, was honored by the
[Indians and regarded by the whites as a man of conse-

218 zeisberger's diary.

quence. He came about the year 1770 to Friedenshiitten,
but being unmarried and desiring to be in the church, he
was advised to get a wife, and then to ask again. This he
did and came again, when he got permission, with his wife,
his present widow, who was from the Jerseys, to live in the
church. He at once, upon his admission to the church,
formed the resolution to live all his life in the church and
to say good night to the world, Indian councils, the chiefs
and their affairs, and kept it to the end. He was baptized
Jan. 6, 1771, by Br. Schmick,in Friedenshiitten, and came
to the enjoyment of the Lord's supper December 21 of the
same year. In the year '72 he came to the Ohio, and in-
deed to Schonbrunn on the Muskingum, where he soon
became interpreter, for which he had fine talent, and came
into the body of assistants. When he preached to the
savages and praised to them the Saviour he had a fine gift
of making them understand plainly, after the Indian way
and manner of speech, what served for their salvation, and
his speech found admittance with them, for he was loved
and re'spected by them, as in the church he was loved by
all, and his intercourse with the brethren was upright,
straightforward, and for their blessing and edification. As
often as we had to treat with the chiefs about the common
affairs, when we always made use of him, we could depend
upon this, that our purpose would be accomplished, for
herein he had more than others a successful hand. He
considered well what he had to accomplish. He knew the
manners and customs of the chiefs, and the Saviour was
with him. The last labor of the sort in which he was en-
gaged was to take back the hatchet, sent to our Indians from
Gigeyunk, and summoning them to war and fighting. He
did not want to do this, but yet he did it from obedience,
for he was not well, and the matter was unpleasant to him.
And in this also he was fortunate, so that since that time
we have had no farther trouble about this. He came here
from there sick, and was hardly able from weakness to give
account of his journey and what he had done. He said to
Samuel, who was also sick: "We cannot know which of
us two will first come to the Saviour, thou or I. If thou

1791. 219

goest first, be assured that I shall remain with the Saviour ;
if I go before thee, do thou likewise, so that there we may
see each other again." For some time he went to the
chapel, but soon had to take to his bed. The sickness so
seized upon him, he so lost all his strength that we had
doubts about his recovery. Once the sickness seemed to
break, his whole appearance seemed to be better, as indeed
it really was, for he had no pain, and though he gained
somewhat he was always weaker, and his legs could no
longer carry him, though he always said that nothing was
the matter with him, he would yet be well, as we also
hoped. Day before yesterday, towards evening, Br. Zeis-
berger was called to him, who soon saw that his end was
near. Upon being asked if he thought he should soon go
to the Saviour, he replied that he knew not and could not
determine. Br. David said to him : " He will soon come
for thee, and thou art near thine end." He answered:
"With my whole heart if it pleaseth him. There is nothing
more to hold me here." He asked still after some brethren
he would like to see, but who were not here, and as soon
as he had been blessed for his departure he fell asleep
calmly and blessedly, quite conscious to his last breath.

Sunday, 25. Michael preached, and in the afternoon
meeting Br. David baptized the little son of Nicodemus
and Henrietta into Jesus' death with the name of Matthew.
Two ships came to anchor here yesterday, and waited to-day
for a good wind ; from one of them the captain visited us, who
knew us, and, to our no common joy and pleasure, brought
us letters from Bethlehem, which came by way of 'New
York and Montreal. From these we learn to our comfort
that our letters of April had been duly received. All this
was told the brethren for their participation, and the
church was greeted from our dear churches. The ships
brought artillery, stores, and much ammunition.

Monday, 26. Br. David held early service. This even-
ing another ship went by for Detroit, in which was Mrs.
^ Dolson, to whom and also to the captain, who called out
greeting to us, we sent aboard some refreshment in the

220

come, as they came from the lake. Br. Sensemann had
so far recovered from his illness that he could go out
again. Everywhere in the whole settlement and in De-
troit, likewise among the Indians, it is a sickly time, and,
as we hear, in many houses all are down sick.

Wednesday, 28. Warriors came here, going to the war.
We heard that all Cornplanter's^ young people had left
him and gone to the Miami to take part in the war.

Thursday, 29. In the early service we thought of and
mentioned the dear angels, and we thanked the Saviour
for their service and watchful care, which so often and in
many circumstances we have been especially aware of and
have experienced. The warriors, who came here yester-
day, went,

Friday, 30, away, taking with them a baptized youth,
before we were aware of it. Thus a d people come here
merely to do harm among our people. At first when they
come, they talk well until they have attained their pur-
pose and have accomplished their wishes.

Sunday, Oct. 2. Br. Sensemann, for the first time
since he was sick, preached, from the Gospel — l^o man can
serve two masters. Three ships went by for Ft. Erie, one
of which came to anchor here, in which also Col. McKee
came here for the first time, since we are here, for since
spring he has been at Tawa River. Br. David made him
a visit, and on this occasion said to him that we wished to
have patience until spring to stay here, but we desired to
get away then, for we must live with our Indians alone,
not so near white people, for if any harm were done them
by savages, our Indians were charged with this ; if wolves
destroyed sheep or hogs, our Indians' dogs wera blamed ;
on the other hand, we could not live among nor near the
savages, for they corrupted our young people, killed our
cattle, and we were plagued with drunkenness and steal-
ing, and had to suffer all sorts of trouble from them, and
therefore it was better we should live somewhere apart by
ourselves. He understood it all, and said it was the

^ Who labored for peace wiili the Americans.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791.

221

truth, that he was aware of it and well understood our
circumstances, and had always been hoping to get an
answer this autumn about our affairs. We learned also
from him that there was ground for the report, and that
they had trustworthy news, that an army was coming out
this autumn, and was now soon expected.

Wednesday, 5. Many of our people went into the new
settlement eastward on the lake, to help the settlers har-
vest their corn. They were invited, for they came hither
and asked us for them, and in this way our Indians can
earn corn, for some of them planted very little; others,
or, rather, the men, make canoes, and thereby earn food
|, and clothing.

Saturday, 8. For several days we harvest our j&elds.
There is indeed no comparison with Pettquotting, but we
are thankful for what we had not expected. The Zeis-
bergers got their house ready for winter, and made their
arrangements, for hitherto we had always hope of getting
away from here this autumn, if not all of us, yet, per-
haps, half. The Indian brethren were also busy harvest-
ing their corn.

Sunday, 9. We gave Br. Sensemann our good wishes
for his birthday. Br. David preached and Br. Sensemann
held the congregation meeting.

Monday, 10. Michael held early service. There arose
trouble again between our neighbor and* our Indians, who
had planted something in his field, and he wanted to have
it taken away. He came here about our Indians, and
wishes to use us to plague and enrage them, but we must
needs be upon our guard to go the middle way, so that our
brethren shall not lose heart in us, and our church thereby
suffer.

Tuesday, 11. David held early service. At the Script-
ure-verse : When ye were but few, even a few and
strangers in it, and when they went from nation to na-
tion, and from one kingdom to another people, he suffered
no man to do them wrong, it was mentioned that we were
in like circumstances, had here no place and abode of our

town, and knew not whither, but that we had not been for-
I

222 zeisberger's diary.

gotten nor forsaken by our Lord, and had no reason to
doubt also that he would care for us, protect us, and help
us through ; only our greatest anxiety should be to re-
main with him, to live for his honor, not to forget the
kindnesses he had done us, to be thankful to him therefor,
and to commend ourselves farther to his care.

Thursday, 13. Brs. David, Sensemann, and Michael
went on business to Detroit, where we likewise by the last
ships sent letters to Bethlehem by way of Montreal. Be-
fore we went away from there, two ships from Ft. Erie
came in, and on one of them also the deputies of the na-
tions back from Quebec. What news they brought, we
could not find out, except thus much we heard, that the
nations would keep quiet if the States left them alone
and sent no army out, but as Jos. Brandt had not yet
arrived by land, all were waiting to hear from him exact
and trustworthy news. Anna Rosina gave birth to a
son.

Saturday, 15. The brothers came to-day, with a
strong, favorable wind, in three hours from Detroit back
home.

Sunday, 16. Michael preached, David conducted the
communion quarter-hour, of which he gave notice for
Saturday, and Br. Sensemann held the congregation meet-
ing. Some of the deputies came here on their way to the
Miami. In Quebec they had seen and spoken with a
royal English and a French prince, before whom they laid
their request and complaints. He listened to them, and
promised to take these with him to England, to lay them
before his father, the king, to which they should hope for
an answer in the spring ; they wished to make as boun-
daries of their land, the Cuyahoga and the Muskingum as
far as the Ohio, and if they obtain this they will make
peace with the Americans, if they will keep peace with the
nations and send no army into their land.

Monday, 17. The deputies went away to the Miami, to
whom we had to lend a couple of canoes to go in.

Wednesday, 19. At the early service Br. Sensemann
baptized the little son of young Abraham and Anna Ros-

I

1791. 223

ina, born on the 13th Inst., into Jesus' death, with the
name Jonas. A ship, that took in ballast here in front of
our house, and went to Fort Erie, took our letters. We
went on board.

Saturday, 22. The brethren having for several days
been spoken to, the communicants had the most blessed
enjoyment of the body and blood of the Lord in his sup-
per. Mary Magdalene partook for the first time in this
place, whose husband had falsely accused her, but whose
innocence now came to light.

Sunday, 23. In the communion liturgy the brethren
were exhorted to thankfulness towards the Saviour for the
blessing received and enjoyed, to make good use of the
strength of the food, and to do their work in intercourse
with the Saviour, which he would bless, to think about
our weak and sick, who had to do without the commun-
ion, to pray for them and to seek to make them whole
again. Br. Edwards preached, Sensemann held the con-
gregation meeting. On account of contrary winds, the
commodore came to anchor here, in his ship that carries
twelve guns, and is on its way to Fort Erie.

Monday, 24. David held early service from the text :
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so
must the Son of Man be lifted up.

Tuesday, 25. Several went hunting, the sisters for nuts
and chestnuts, others built houses for the winter. Care
was also had for the widows, that they should find protec-
tion in the. winter, for we can imagine that in this climate
the winter will be severe.

Wednesday, 26. We had news that the American army,^
five thousand strong, was come to Gigeyunk, where, as is
reported, they build a fort, that few Indians were there,
but most of them scattered hunting. Last year the Shaw-
anese boasted that they alone had beaten the army. This

^ "After the completion of Ft. Hamilton, the troops moved on.forty-
four miles further, and on the 12th of October commenced Ft. Jeffer-
son, about six miles south of the town of Greenville, Darke Co., Ohio."
Albach's Western Annals, p. 578. The. army left Ft. Jefferson twelve

I days later.
I

224 zeisberger's diary.

vexed the other nations, and therefore they now wished
to let the Shawanese fight alone, and said they should now
convince themselves that alone they were able to beat the
army.

Saturday, 29. Edwards held early service. Hearing
that rum was sold in the neighborhood, Brs. Edwards and
Michael went and warned the people, saying that so far as
they sold the Indians rum, they would bring complaint
against them before the authorities; we must keep the
law, and according to this they had to expect a punish-
ment which would not be slight. They promised not to
do so in the future, and begged us to spare them this time.
A ship from Fort Erie went by.

Sunday, 30. David preached and Michael held the con-
gregation meeting.

Tuesday, ^ov. 1. At early service we called to mind
our communion with the church above, in the blessed hope
of being sometime there present, of being incorporated
therein, where the Lord is the Light and God the Head,
with the redness of five wounds.

Wednesday, 2. Cold weather came on with snow-
squalls, 80 that we had to put off' the meeting.

Thursday, 3. Michael held early service. Our dear, old
Abraham, the trusty, aged assistant in the church, de-
parted this evening, after a sickness of fourteen days, into
eternal rest, wherefor he had longed.

Saturday, 5. His remains were brought to rest this after-
noon. He came in the year 1765, at the very beginning,
when the Indian church went from the barracks in Phila-
delphia to Fried en shiitten on the Susquehanna, to the
church, where two years before, upon Br. David Zeisber-
ger's visit, he had heard the word of life for salvation, an
impression from which, always abode with him, and he
could not forget it, as he said himself often. He was bap-
tized Dec. 25 of the same year, by David Zeisberger ; by
the grace of the Saviour, which pervaded his heart, he
made himself free altogether from Indian superstition and
ideas, and gave himself entirely to the Saviour. This he
proved in his own life, and the fruit of his belief was that

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 225

he remained through his whole life to the very end true to
the church, and he is therefore a rare example. He was
formerly one of the greatest drunkards and fighters, so
that all had to flee before him, though, on the contrary,
after his baptism, he was a foe to this. He had put ofl' the
old man with his works and had put on Christ, who lived*
in him. In the year '68 it was laid upon him to go to the
Ohio with Brs. David Zeisberger and Sensemann, to found
a mission there. He undertook this with joy, and there
during all opposition, amidst reproach and persecution
from the savages, he freely acknowledged Christ and
praised him as the Redeemer and only Saviour of the
heathen. He often ended his speeches made to the sav-
ages with these words : " ^ow, my friends, I have told you
how ye will be happy and can attain to eternal life, and
how ye shall do to get that. I have also told you what ye
have to expect in case ye do not receive it. I have spoken
every thing which one must know who wishes to be saved.
It is dear to me and a comfort to have had this opportu-
nity of saying this to you, so that ye cannot on that day
I accuse me, and say : ' We were with the believers, but they
told us nothing of this.' " He held the office of overseer
in the church, which for many years, day and night, un-
weariedl}^, in perfect fidelity, he cared for. He insisted
upon the rules, and was sorry to his heart when they
were violated, when then at times he showed himself very
earnest against disorders and punished them, but if one
was a conscious sinner, confessed his failings and repented,
he could weep with him, and this from his heart. He was
in Sept., 1772, a widower for the first time, and married
Jan. 16, 1774, the widow Anna; was in Sept., '83, again a
widower, and was united in Feb., 1784, with the widow,
Martha, his present widow. He went through much with
the Indian church, sufiPeringmuch hardship and unpleasant-
ness. His teachers, whom he certainly loved, were his sup-
port, and he was comforted, if only he had them near him,
though from without matters seemed never so dangerous.
Since we came here we have lately observed in him that he
15

k

226 zeisberger's diary.

was weary and did not perform the duties of his office with
his usual activity, but loved solitude more than before, until
he was called, for he was sickly also. Two weeks ago
to-day he enjoyed the communion with the church, in the
chapel, to his great blessing, but soon after, he took a
severe cold, which much exhausted him, and left him not
•to the end. When he was asked whether he thought he
should depart, he replied that he did not know, but if it
were the Saviour's will it was well for him and he should
go to him with joy as a poor sinner; he had nothing good
to show, but only his grace and bloody righteousness ; that
during his illness he still found much, about which he con-
sidered with the Saviour, seeking forgiveness from him,
and he had comforted him, and now he only waited for
him to come to get him. He was conscious to his last
breath, and when the blessing of the Lord had been im-
parted to him, he gave thanks, and said: "^Now, I am
glad," and quietly departed at the age of seventy 3^ears.
We have had but one Abraham, and at present have none
at alL We shall miss him, but we do not begrudge him
his blessed fate to rest upon Jesus' wounds, and we thank
him for lending him to us so many years. May he be
pleased farther to think of us, to send us more such true
laborers, supplying them with grace, courage, and strength
for his praise. Amen. A Frenchman asked to marry one
of our girls, but we refused him. •

Sunday, 6. Br. Sensemann preached about the words :
Come, for all things are now ready. We had a conference
about our future movements and place of abode, in which,
however, we reached no conclusion, and all is still in dark-
ness, but we had nothing now to ask the Saviour.

Monday, 7. Michael held early service. On a ship
which goes to Ft. Erie and ran aground here, getting off
by help of the anchor, a couple of deserters from the army
of the States were sent to Canada, after first having been
examined ; they had confessed that the army, which But-
ler commanded, was five thousand men strong, and had
eighteen cannon, and had come as far as Woapikannikunk,
on White River, which falls into the Wabash, but they

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791.

227

I

did not know whither it would go} The Chippewas and
Tawas, however, give themselves no concern about this,
but go off hunting, and say the Shawanese, who were al-
ways wishing to have war, may now alone fight with the
army, they would take no part therein.

Wednesday, 9. At early service Br. David baptized
into Jesus' death, with the name, Anna Benigna, the little
daughter of Ignatius and Christina, born yesterday. Some
brethren came back from the east settlement, where they
have helped the people in the autumn harvest and have
earned some corn. Every one wishes to get the work of
our Indians, a help and benefit for them and for both sides.

Thursday, 10. Br. Sensemann held the early service,
which was attended by some white people from the east
settlement, from the text : If any man thirst, let him
come unto me and drink.

Saturday,. 12. 8ome white people came back from De-
troit, who live on the lake, below us, and remained over
night here. They brought news that on Tuesday, the 8th
Inst., a battle occurred between the army and the Indians,
but they could give us no certain information as to which
side won, but that the Indians had captured several can-
non and that Gen. Butler was said to be killed, which is
not to be believed ; that here on Tuesday on the lake they
had heard cannon; that the battle must then have been
this side of Gigeyunk.^ We looked for the Scripture-
verse of the 8th, being much interested, which reads : God
had brought the counsel of our enemies to nought, and
the text: In your patience possess ye^your souls.

Sunday, 13. Br. Michael preached, and then the breth-
ren had a service in reference to this noteworthy day. By
occasion of the text : I am the good Shepherd, something
was brought to the brethren's mind about the object and
circumstances of the day fifty years ago, that the Saviour,

. ^Gen'l Butler was in St. Clair's army, which did not go to White
River. Probably reference is made to earlier expeditions of the s'ame
year. See p. 191.

2 The battle was fought Nov. 4, south of Gigeyunk, considerably
more than a hundred miles from the lake. General Butler was killed.

228 zeisberger's diary.

since the time when he himself undertook to lead his
flocks and to feed them, had especially made himself
known to his church in all parts of the world, hlessed and
increased it, which blessing had extended to the heathen
also, so that he had now got together many churches from
the heathen, and given them increase, so that they praised
and honored his name, and brought him thank-offerings
for having told them of his martyr-form and for his revela-
tion, which also in his mercy he had done for us poor
sufferers, who were indeed common, poor, sinful men, full
of faults and offenses, but yet he has revealed himself to
us, upholds us, protects us, and watches over us in every
need and trouble, in all the temptations of Satan, for
which we should be grateful and thankful. We asked
absolution for our sins and shortcomings, we commended
ourselves anew to his grace to provide for his poor, de-
spised Indian church in all circumstances, vowed to him
new fidelity and obedience, and were comforted by him
and aware of his peace.

Tuesday, 15. By a ship which came to anchor here, in
which Capt. Elliot, Assistant of Indian Affairs, came, we
heard the affecting news that the army of the States had
again been beaten in Gigeyunk, that twelve hundred men
were killed, and that they had lost two-thirds of their
cannon, namely, six and two cannon,^ that two generals
had fallen, but how many Indians is not reported. May
God in his mercy look upon us and help us through
these evil times, may he wish to do it, the trustworthy
and true, amen, and not bring to shame our hope in him.

Wednesday, 16. Michael held early service. We heard
more accurate news about the battle of Gigeyunk. We

2 The MS. first writes 8 cannon, then substitutes 6 tor 8, and inserts
two cannon. '• Six or eight pieces of artillery fell into their hands,"
says a letter quoted in Drake's Book of Indians, v. 75. The Indians
claimed to have captured seven guns. " The killed and missing num-
bered thirty-seven officers and five hundred and ninety-three privates;
the wounded, thirty-one officers and two hundred and fifty-two pri-
vates."— St. Clair Papers, Vol. 1, p. 176. The Indians reported a loss
of only sixty-five, but it was probably greater. — Chronicles of Border
Warfare, p. 299.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 229

had hoped that not the whole army was beaten, but only
a part thereof, but it becomes plain that the whole army,
with cannon, cattle, horses, tents, provisions, and ammuni-
tion, in short, all has been lost. Gen'l Butler with twelve
hundred men killed, and the rest pursued, so that but
few of them will get home.

Saturday, 19. From the Miami came a party of Mon-
sey warriors back, who had been present in the battle, all
of whom contirmed what has already been told about it,
and they said farther that they had made great booty, and
that a strong party of Indians was following the fleeing,
that women with children were taken also, who, in part,
fell into the hands of the Indians. With these warriors
came Nicholas also, who not long ago went to the Miami
on business.

Sunday, 20. Br. David, who for a week has not been
very well, was better again, and preached. This evening
he baptized a sick child, eight years old, son of I^icholas
and Johanna, who asked for baptism, with the name Ben-
jamin, and an hour after he died. With some of our In-
dians, who came by water from Detroit, came also Mrs.
Dolson, to visit her two children, who are at school here
with Br. Sensemann.

Monday, 21. A ship, the Kancy, ran in here from Ft.
Erie, wherein Mrs. Dolson went, on the 22d, to Detroit.
Gichteteno, who lost his way while hunting, and ran about
in the bush for nine days, as far as the Retrenche River,
came home.

Wednesday, 23. Early, about nine o'clock, Br. Sense-
mann conducted the burial of the boy, Benjamin, who was
baptized three days ago, and soon after died. He was
naturally a lively, active lad, but in him nothing bad or
false was ever seen, but he always seemed in good disposi-
tion. His parents, who some time ago went to the Miami
on business, took him with them. They now relate' of .him
that he did not like to be there, and often said to them :

i" Let us go home. I can 't bear to be with the savages."
Three days before he came here he got a headache, and
said to his mother: " Let us ffo home. I don't like to die
I

230 zeisberger's diary.

among savages, for I shall never again be \f ell, and for-
giveness of my sins is necessary, and therefore I want to
go home to our teachers ; perhaps I can still be cleansed by
the Saviour's blood. And thou, mother, needest forgive-
ness," [for a time it was not well in her heart], '^ seek and
strive therefor, so that we may see each other again by
the Saviour, for before that thou wilt not see me again."
This impressed the mother. He was brought here, three
days ago, sick, baptized the same day, and an hour after
died. As a corpse he was beautiful, much more so than
when living, so that the brethren looked at him with
pleasure.

From Mr. Parke, who came here, we learned still more
details about the battle, that Butler, Duncan, Gibson, Wil-
son, our acquaintance, and perhaps also Gen. St. Clair,
were killed, that many women were brought in from the
army, that thus the States, and especially white people, had
never suffered such total overthrow from Indians ^s this.
Perhaps for our good, for if it had fallen upon the Indians,
apparently we should have to suffer for it, since our peo-
ple had not helped, though they were not summoned to
the battle.

Thursday, 24. By the Scripture-verses of yesterday and
to-day, which we particularly applied to ourselves and the
critical circumstances in which we are placed, namely,
yesterday it read: Is the Lord's hand waxed short? He
knows a thousand ways of rescuing from need, and to-
day : This day is a day of good tidings. When God's
hour strikes for relieving — Help breaks forth amazingly —
And to shame our anxious j'grieving — It comes unexpect-
edly. We were in trouble from not knowing nor seeing
the future before us, how, and in what way, we could, even
in some degree, come to rest, for at present we see nothing
before us, as indeed all the time since we are come here, all
is hid from us. It is not, indeed, for our own persons that
we have the least anxiety, but whither we shall go with
our Indian church, which we would like to hide from the
wicked, which is a stone of stumbling to Satan, who seeks
to ruin it, and uses all his craft to bring it to nought. If

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 231

this is so, we find great comfort that we are not forgotten
by our dear Lord, and by his and our dear Father in
heaven ; we seize new hope and courage that when his
hour comes he will help us through with might and
show himself in his majesty, so that we shall have reason
enough to praise and glorify him. Yes, amen, but if only
it were not so far away from us, for the time seems long
to VIS !

Friday, 25. There was a severe storm last night, which
unroofed our houses, and took the sand from the shore
into the air and far in upon the land. During it a ship
from Ft. Erie came to anchor here in the bay.

Saturday, 26. Most of the brethren who have been
away hunting and at work came home.

Sunday, 27. Br. Edwards preached on this the first
Sunday in Advent, and admonished the brethren to pre-
pare their hearts and to be ready to regard with joyful
souls our d^r Lord and Saviour, his incarnation and
birth, in blessed expectation of all the good he will bring
us, and of his blessing us. Br. David conducted the com-
munion quarter-hour, and gave notice of it for next Satur-
day. The assistants spoke with Andrew, who asked for
readmission, likewise with Nicodemus and his wife, recon-
ciling them.

Monday, 28. At the early service Br. David baptized,
with the name Elias, into Jesus' death, the little son of
Andrew and Anna Paulina, born I^ov. 26th, day before
yesterday. Then the assistants, spoke with Peggy, to
whom they gave notice that she cannot be in the church,
having herself lost her share and right in the church.

Thursday, Dec. 1. Brs. Zeisberger and Sensemann and
their wives spoke with the brethren in reference to the
communion. The two last ships came back from Ft. Erie,
and sailed by with a good wind for Detroit.

Friday, 2. "We had a visit from Capt. Elliot and an
American lieutenant, who was captured in the last battle,
and is from Lower Maryland. John Henry brought us,
from Grosse Isle, a package of letters and papers from
Bethlehem, together with the Scripture-verses and texts

282

for the coming year, which Mr. McComb sent to us, to our
no common joy; probably they came^ in his ship a few
days ago. The latest letters were of Sept. last ; the journals,
1st the Bethlehem Diary, from Oct., '90 to Aug., '91,
inclusive, and the Weekly Journal of the U. A. C, from
July 18, 1790, to June 4, 1791, inclusive. We learn from
them that our letters, etc., of Aug. and Oct. were not yet
come.

Br. David spoke with Capt. Elliot, and said to him :
that since we lived here in so public a place, and
should like to be more by ourselves, we should therefore,
next spring, like to settle and cultivate according to our
desire ; he proposed again, as he had done last spring, that
the government should lend us a tract of land, by which
it would suffer no loss, but would be a gainer by the culti-
vation and improvement of their land, which was now a
wilderness. He asked Elliot to propose this to Col.
McKee. He replied that the best advice which he and
Col. McKee could give us was this : we shouM seek out a
suitable place and settle on it, no one would drive us from
it. He meant to say that it was neglect on the part of the
government that no answer was come, for also Lord Dor-
chester had gone from Quebec to England.

Saturday, 8. We had the holy communion, whereby
two brothers, Mcodemus and Leonard, and Sister Hen-
rietta were spectators.

Sunday, 4. After the communion liturgy Br. Sense-
mann preached about the coming of our Lord for judg-
ment, which is pleasing for believers to hear, but frightful
for unbelievers.

Monday, 5. David held early service. We laborers
had a conference, and considered, since our night-quarters
here come soon to an end, and are already past, that the
assistants and we would like to know whither we have to
turn, if we move farther; about which we looked to our
dear Lord, and asked him, who pointed us to seek a place
to the northward for our Indian church, since it is also
proposed to us to go eastward.

Tuesday, 6. Several brothers went away hunting until

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 233

Christmas, but hunting here is of little consequence, and
little to be earned by it for our brethren ; on the other
hand, they can earn more by working for the settlers,
which they do, and the inhabitants like to have our In-
dians work for them.

Friday, 9. At the Scripture- verse : I know him that
he will command his children and his household after
him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do jus-
tice and judgment, Br. Zeisberger said it were heartily to
be wished that the Saviour could give us the same witness
not only that we walked in his ways, lived according to
his word and for the honor of his name, but that we
sought to bring up our children also in confession of Jesus
Christ and in love toward him, so that they might be par-
takers in the salvation won for us by his blood, which
would sometime be required of the parents, and then also
that our dwellings and houses might be God's temples,
where he might be magnified and glorified by our life and
daily walk; thus would the blessing of Abraham come
upon us abundantly.

Sunday, 11. Br. Michael preached. As few brethren
were at home, being away and in the bush, there were no
other services. We spoke with some young people, for
instance, Joseph, who repented of the indifierent life he
has lately been living, whom we encouraged to turn
again to the Saviour, who receives sinners, and then with
others.

Tuesday, 13. From the eastward settlement on the
lake came some white people, Germans and English, who
stayed here a couple of days and attended our meetings.
They had come to grief upon the lake, their boat having
been buried in ice on account of high wind. Some of
them set out on the 14th by land for Detroit, the others
borrowed a canoe here, and likewise set out thither. A
German's wife is from Lanin's family in Yorktown [and
was baptized by the brothers], where also her husTiand
lived for a time.. They complained about their pastor,
who is a German from the States, with whom they made
an agreement for preaching, but since they could not pay

284 zeisberger's diary.

enough, being poor, he gave the matter up, though they
had built him a house and done other services for him,
and besides this, they said, he was a hard drinker.

Wednesday, 14. Elliot came from Detroit. Edwards
held early service. Samuel came home from the bush.
He and Bill Henry had looked for sugar-places and had
found them, too, though the way to them [seven or eight
miles] is all swamp and water, for such is the country
here.

Saturday, 17. Zeisberger held early service. In the
afternoon the old widow, Gertrude, died right blessedly.

Sunday, 18. Br. Zeisberger preached about the joy of
believers in the Lord, our Saviour, who became man that
he might be a sacrifice for us, and thus has reconciled us
with God. In the afternoon was the burial of the widow,
Gertrude, who died yesterday. She came in Languntou-
teuiink,^ in the autumn of 1770, to the church from Gek-
elemukpechiink, where she had heard of the Indian
church, and had a great impulse to belong thereto, but
since she dared tell none of her friends of this, for fear
she would not be allowed to go, she came secretly upon
the way with her daughter, giving out she was going for
.chestnuts, and came to the church, earnestly asking for
admission, which also she got. Her daughter turned
back and never came to the church. Jan. 20, '71, she was
baptized in Languntouteniink,^ but, after her baptism,
things were not so easy with her, until she learned to ap-
proach the Saviour with her trouble, and to hold fast to
him, who receives sinners and saves them. So soon as
she found the trace and this was clear in her heart, she
was happy and content. Soon after her baptism a letter
came, which a counsellor in Gekelemukpechiink had had
written by a trader to the missionaries in hard terms,
namely, they should deliver back to him his friend to
come home, or he would himself come and get her, and
then things would not go ofi:' well. Br.. David Zeisberger,
who then made a visit there and preached, took the letter

^ Friedeiisstadt, on Beaver River, Pa.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RlVEK, 1791. 235

with him, read it out openly, and answered that we had
neither called the person to us, nor after she had come to
us of her own accord, had we had reason to send her
away. The Indians were a free people and not slaves.
We receive whoever asks. The person was now bap-
tized, rightly belonged with us, and so much the less could
we send her away. Qpon this explanation, the then chief,
Netawatwes, showed his displeasure at the hard express-
ions in the letter, and our Gertrude could remain quiet and
blessedly pass her time in the church, which she did well
use, too. In Languntout. Jan. 11, 1772, she came to enjoy-
ment of the holy communion, and was a blessed widow in
the church, over whom we could be glad. She loved the
whole church, and was loved by them. She was amiable
and meek in manner, cheerful and thankful, and recog-
nized all the grace and mercy the Saviour showed her.
In the spring of the year 1782, when the Indian church
was scattered and by the war robbed of its teachers, she
went among the savages, and when it was assembled
again on Huron River, she was ready and upon her way
to the church, but was held back by her friends, who told
her she should wait awhile, and promised to help her and
bring her to us, but this never happened, until last year,
'90, she tore herself away, abandoned her plantation, and
came to us Aug. 5th. She was readmitted Dec. 25, there-
after, to the Lord's supper, and was glad and thankful that
the Saviour had again helped her to the church, and she
was again the blessed widow we had known before. She
had satisfaction not in this alone that she was in the
church, a partaker of its grace, but her heart must live
in the Saviour, and she must have and feel in her heart
the peace of God. Her two grandchildren, whom she
brought to the church, went away again, from whom she
had to be altogether separated, for they had no mind for
conversion. Last spring she came here in the ship-, and
often thanked the Saviour and the brothers that she had
had so pleasant and swift a journey. At the Lord's sup-
per, two weeks ago, she was present, sinner-like happy,
and outwardly quite cheerful, but afterwards began to

236 zeisberger's diary.

grow sick, though we did not think she would die, until
three days ago there was a change in her, and we saw
that she approached her end. She was reconciled to the
Saviour's will, and she went in faith and reliance on
Jesus' merits to her rest, with the blessing of the church.

Monday, 19. Michael held early service. With the as-
sistants and chapel-servants, we had a pleasing love-feast,
in which it was called to their memory what their duties
are and what belongs to an assistant, namely, to lead a
good life, to govern his house well, and to bring up his
children well; likewise the chapel-servants were told
what their duty is. And since now two of this class, not
long ago, William and Abraham, had been called home by
our dear Lord, and we were thinking about an increase of
their number, two couples of brethren were chosen and
appointed assistants, Ignatius and Christina, Peter and
Magdalene. The Saviour showed himself content there-
with, to our comfort and thankfulness, and the peace of
Grod prevailed in the company, which now consists of
seven brothers and six sisters. Samuel and Bathsheba,
the widow, are still of the old. The others are all newly
chosen. Their names are the following: Samuel, Ste-
phen, Bill Henry [al. Gelelemend], Joshua, Ignatius, and
Peter, and Sisters Bathsheba, Sophia, Salome, Martha,
Christina, and Magdalene.

Wednesday, 21. In the early service, which Br. Ed-
wards held, he brought to the recollection of the brethren
Thomas, who knew his Lord and God by the marks of
the nails, and said that we indeed could not have the
privilege of seeing him with our bodily eyes, but that we
are saved by faith according to the word of the Saviour,
and we have certain hope after this life of seeing him with
his wounds, face to face, as Thomas did.

Saturday, 24. We began Christmas with a love-feast.
We sang and considered the incarnation and birth of our
Saviour, the Infant Jesus, in the manger, praised him with
mouth and heart, rejoicing in God, our Saviour, who
came down to us from the throne and majesty of his
Father, saved the world from its sins, brought peace upon

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 237

earth, and is called Jesus, the Saviour. Therefor, and
that he has let us know this, has revealed himself as the
Saviour of the heathen, and through his Spirit has en-
lightened our dark hearts, we brought him our filial
thank-oftering, with the prayer that he would never let it
leave our hearts, how much our redemption had cost him.
At the end we gave wax candles to the children and
young people, whereupon they all went home, cheerful
and rejoicing in the Infant Jesus.

Sunday, 25. In the forenoon Br. Michael Jung preached.
Elliot was present at the sermon. In the meeting in
the afternoon, which Br. Sensemann held, he baptized an
unmarried man, !N'ackquames, into Jesus' death, with the
name Bartholomew. Br. David, who is quite unwell, has
been unable to go out for several days.

Tuesday, 27. ITow at last it comes to light who the
thieves are, who have shot the swine of the white people
in the neighborhood, with which they always wished to
charge our Indians, and though we indeed well knew that
they were innocent in the matter, for such a thing could
not possibly happen without its becoming known among
so many men, although an individual wished to keep it
secret, and thus we could be comforted in this affair, yet
we could not make the people so believe. Kow it comes
out that Frenchmen in the neighborhood and settlement
have carried on this business a long time through the
summer, and the Saviour has brought to light the inno-
cence of our Indians. These wretches had worked hard
at the cost of eur Indians, knowing tliat they would be
accused of it and not themselves.

Friday, 30. Though for some time the river has been
closed and covered with ice, yet in milder weather it has
all gone off, so that boats go to Detroit.

Saturday, 31. We made the end of the year in the
night-watch, Br. Sensemann conducting the services with
a love-feast. Br. David, from sickness, could not be pres-
ent. We recalled thankfully the kindnesses, care, and
oversight of our dear Lord and Father in heaven, which
have been with us this year and through the summer. He

238 zeisberger's diary.

has watched over us, has held over us his mighty hand of
grace, and has led us the way we should go. That he has
been with us, in spite of all our transgressions and short-
comings, has graciously recognized us as his people, his
possession, has blessed us and daily given us much good
to enjoy, for this we filially thanked our dear Lord,
asked forgiveness of our faults, and commended ourselves
farther to his grace, to show himself as our Shepherd, so
that his name through us may be made known, glorified
and praised. For entrance into the new year the blessing
of the Lord was sung and imparted to the church.

Other things about this year in the Indian church are
noteworthy and deserve to be mentioned for the praise and
glory of our dear Lord, so that the churches may have
occasion to unite with us in praising the Lord and in
glorifying him in all places, for this he deserves.

We made a blessed and joyous entrance into the past
year with praising and thanking the Lord for all the good-
ness he had shown us, for his care, kindness and faithful-
ness, wl'iich had watched over us, and we committed our-
selves farther to his gracious oversight, to be thoughtful
in all circumstances for the welfare and success of the
church, which also we have richly experienced. Since we
saw that an Indian war would break out, and we had also
secret news that the Delaware's in Gigeyunk were seeking
for reasons and an excuse to mishandle and. plunder us, as
we could afterwards plainly gather from a message they
sent us, soon after the new year we sent word to the chiefs
and brought ourselves to their attention, to think about
this, where we could be concealed during war-times from
storms. But when, after long waiting, we got no answer,
the reason of which we are not yet able to understand, we
turned to the English government and begged them, in
case of need, to grant us night-quarters, for which, also,
they were willing. On April 14, then, we left Salem, where
for four years we had enjoyed much goodness and blessed-
ness, and came here May 4, all well, without harm or loss.
We saw after we were here how apparently the hand of
the Lord led us, so that we got out of the way of the war-

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1791. 239

riors, who shortly thereafter came in strong parties from the
Chippewa land, marching towards the Miami, and had no
trouble from them, wherefor also we were thankful to the
Saviour from our hearts. But afterwards other weather came
upon us ; we had yet to learn something of the trials of war.
We twice had messages from Gigeyu-nk, and our Indians
were sunimoned to come to the battle and to help fight, but
both times the Saviour so arranged it that the message
came too late, and we were spared. The first time it made
the greatest disturbance among our young people, this
being a new trial, such as we had not had before. The
second effort had little effect. Thus in many a way and
manner the Indian church is tried and purified, and what
have we yet here to go through ? Meanwhile these cir-
cumstances and the war have again given opportunity and
occasion, that many, not wholly in sj^mpathy with us, for
the most part those anbaptized, who had leave to live in
the church, have left us and gone their own way. Of the
baptized are Cook's family and the three widows, Helen,
Louisa, and Petty, with their children, these three now
for the second time having leftjthe church. The saddest
is that the children, already grown up, in whom we have
more joy and hope than in all the old, who have learned
something in school, too, were led to perdition.

If now we look only at the troubles and the unpleasant-
ness we have had to experience here, we cannot but thank
the Saviour, who has thereby redeemed us and freed us
from yet greater need, danger, and hardship. We cannot,
without horror and amazement, think of what we should
have had to suffer in Pettquotting ; had there been a pos-
sibility of staying there we should have been, as it were,
in hell, should at once have been given over to the Satanic
warrior-folk, who would not have spared us, while here we
have remained protected from all and have heard little of
war-stories. And, although at present we are still living al-
ways in uncertainty, and have no abode, yet we hold to the
name of the Lord, trust in him, look to him, who led us
here and will farther lead us, so that we shall praise him
therefor. We have held here our daily meetings, have Jet

240 zeisbbrger's diary.

the word of Christ live plentifully among us, have had
baptisms and communions, and the most comforting and
blessed thing, for which we heartily thank the Saviour, is
that he has shown himself to his Indian church with all its
shortcomings. We .wish, indeed, always more and more
that all were better. Our best, most steadfast, and experi-
enced men, one after the other, the Saviour calls home to
their rest, as this summer two of our assistants. What he
does is right and well done. This we believe also, that he
will fill their places, equipping others for them with spirit
and grace.

We have had the pleasure also here, three times, of get-
ting letters and papers, likewise the Scripture- verses and
texts for the coming year, which we have never before
received so early.

Baptized this year, five adults and twelve children ;
total, 17. Died, five adults and eleven children, who are
buried in three places, one in Pettquotting, four at San-
dusky Bay, and eleven here; total, 16. 158 persons are at
present living with us, 54 less than at the end of last year.

MOUTH OF DETKOIT RIVER, 1792. 241

M

CHAPTER XII.

1792.
At the Mouth of Detroit River — Fairfield on the Thames, Ontario.

Sunday, Jan, 1. Br. Edwards preached, and then Br.
Sensemann held the service for the baptized. The breth-
ren and children came to give us New Year's greetings.

Monday, 2. Conference with the assistants, who made
peace between Theodora's daughter and Charles, with good
success.

Tuesday, 3. Br. David Zeisberger, who for five days
has been ill with colic, so far recovered as to be able to
confer with the assistants, from whom we heard how they
were disposed in regard to our moving from here in the
spring. We saw and found that they were not inclined
to- have any thing farther to do with the chiefs, nor to
ask them for any thing, but to depend upon the English
government, for they gave us no answer if we did look to
them. . They thought also that if we dwelt on Indian
land we should have little quiet, for they would always
have much to say to us, and would wish to force us into
the war, which, on English ground and soil, we should
not so much have to fear, for there they would have noth-
ing to say to us. Thus we found it needful in the first
place to confer with McKee about this, to hear what he
will advise us, and whether he will accept our proposition.
That the chiefs have given us no answer, we can readily
pardon them, for they do not themselves know where to
place us. On the south side of the lake there is no liv-
ing for us during the war, and upon this side the Chippe-
was also have not much land near, and this they need
themselves. On the Miami, where every thing is held by
warlike people, they see themselves that there is no place
16

242 zeisbbrger's diary.

for us, though they have no objection to our being among
them, only they have not the assurance to propose it to
us, knowing we shall not accept. What should we do
there? How could we live in the midst of warriors, who
are every day going out and in with shouts and songs?
We should be swallowed and devoured. Therefore we
do not wish to trouble the chiefs, we might be working
for our own harm, and compel them to place us some-
where to our ruin. They have now also no time to con-
cern themselves with other affairs than war, and if they
will only leave us alone, we can be content. We must
seek to get along with the Saviour's help, whose hand is
not too short to help, and who has many thousand ways
of rescuing from trouble.

Wednesday, 4. We got news that the Indians had
taken a fort on the Ohio, or in that neighborhood, and
killed forty men, that two Indians at the fork of the Mi-
ami were said to have been slain and scalped, the blame for
which is given to the Wawiachtanos,^ of whom twenty men
came out with the army and fought desperately, but most
of them were killed, and two were taken prisoners. One
of them was taken to Detroit to be burnt alive, but the
commandant set him free.

Friday, 6. The Saviour made an especially blessed day
(Epiphany). He showed himself right gracious and per-
ceptible to his Indian church. At morning prayer we asked
him to pour his blessing abundantly over us, to let his
friendly face shine over us, and in all our meetings to' let
his near and mighty presence prevail. In the second
service, after a discourse upon to-day's text : He is pre-
pared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the
Gentiles, Br. David baptized a single woman with the
name Justina, Br. Michael Jung, a single man, or wid-
ower, with the name Amos, and Br. Sensemann, a child,
Mark, into Jesus' death. In the afternoon was a love-
feast, at which something was said and related about the
history of the day, of the three wise men from the East;

^ See before, page 128.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1792.

243

that immediately upon the Saviour's birth, heathen came
and worshipped him, and brought him gifts, that they had
then already announced themselves, and vrished to have
part also in God's salvation, for he is a Saviour of all
men, and thus of the heathen, too. As it was very cold
we ended with the blessing of the church. The brethren
were quite aroused. The peace of God and his near pres-
ence refreshed and made glad their hearts, so that they
heartily rejoiced in the Lord. The brethren who have
this as their baptismal day, of whom there are thirteen,
came together in a love-feast in the evening, rejoiced in
their election, and renewed their baptismal covenant and
grace.

Saturday, 7. The river and lake froze so far as could
be seen.

Sunday, 8. Br. Sensemann preached about this, that
the Saviour, from his childhood to manhood, had left au
example to ns all, great and small, that we should follow
his footsteps. David held the communion quarter-hour,
and gave notice of the Lord's supper for next Saturday.
The body of assistants married a couple of single people,
Leonard and Johauetta.

Monday, 9. David held early service from the Scripture-
verse : And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Judge Powell came back from the farthest settlement on
the lake in a sledge. He called upon us, and we had a talk
with him about our moving away from here in the spring,
and told him our plans, namely : That the government
should permit us to live at the extreme bounds of their
land until we had better information and outlook ; that
this would do them no harm, but be of use to them, since
their land would be improved and cultivated, if we lived
on it a few years ; we should not look upon it as our own
property, but as soon as we got rest from the present war,
we would give it up to them again gladly. Inasmuch as
we had been comforted in the spring by the thought of
getting our own land, and letters about this had been
written to Canada, but no answer had been received, and
since now before spring nothing could be done in the mat-

244 zeisberger's diary.

ter, the time being too short, we knew no other and better
plan to propose than this. He approved the plan, for he
saw himself that no better outcome was to be had. He
advised us, therefore, to lay it before McKee in writing,
who would bring it before the board. We heard from him
that by an Act of Parliament this had been named a sepa-
rate government, beginning on the 31st of last December,
that this might very well be the reason why, in regard to
us, no answer had been given,. since also Lord Dorchester
has gone to England.

Tuesday, 10. From the Miami we learned, by Indians,
that many Indians there are dying, that Petty is dead,
that many Indians wish to flee to us, since two Indians
have been killed and scalped, and there are fears of an In-
dian war among the nations themselves.

Thursday, 13. Yesterday and to-day there was speak-
ing with reference to the Lord's supper, to which the Sa-
viour gave his blessing.

Saturday, 14. We had the supper of our Lord in his
near presence, Br. Sensemann read the liturgy, Zeisberger
serving among the sisters, the single brothers among the
brethren.

Sunday, 15. After the communion liturgy, read by
David, was the sermon by Br. Michael. Brs. David and
Sensemann went to speak with McKee, who came last
evening from the Fort, but had already set out for the
Miami with his company, where a meeting of the Indians
is said to be, and something to be again afoot. ^ Soon
afterward there came a message, with a piece of tobacco
painted red, to our Indians, in these words, that they
should arise and repair to the Miami, where the Indians
were now assembling for an expedition; they should not
think that they alone could sit so quiet, and see others
go to war for them. The message, as we conjectured,
was especially from a Shawano captain, who was now in
Detroit, and had there been made general, and as soon as
the messenger had delivered it, he made off. Thus it is
here. The minds of whites and Indians are filled with
war. We have hardly had two blessed days in succession

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1792. 245

with our brethren, and have strengthened and refreshed
ourselves with them in the holy communion, when war
must again disturb us. God help us, look into this, and
soon free us from all our need.

Tuesday, 17. We had a talk with the assistant broth-
ers, seeking why it was that we were now troubled with
such messages, which before had never come to us, and
the like had not been asked of us. The asssistants
thought they had made a mistake the year before in re-
gard to their conduct with the chiefs, in having addressed
themselves at once to Pipe, the Wyandot chief, and
the Tawa chief. Thereby this was now come, that none
of the three wished to do or undertake any thing, each
shunning the others, and thus we were left by them, but
every one sought to perplex and torment us, and in par-
ticular the Shawanese, who were yet nothing to us. They
thought, however, that if we committed the matter to
Pipe, who understands us, and is a reasonable man, he
would treat of the matter with the other nations, and there
would be a cessation of so many messages to us, and we
could refer them to our chief.

Wednesday, 18. Early before day Sabina, David's wife,
was brought to bed with a son. There was a snow-squall
and no early service.

Thursday, 19. David held early service from the text :
He [the Father] has given him the heathen for his inher-
itance. The female assistants were charged to speak with
two sisters.

Saturday, 21. Samuel and Stephen went to the Fort on
business to get wampum.

Sunday, 22. David preached. Samuel came from the
'ort, having bought wampum there, into whose hands,
among other things, came a belt, which he bought, and
which they had given last summer to the Wyandots with
Pipe's speech to us, not to keep, but to give back again, but
which they had squandered for drink. From this we see
plainly enough that they had no regard for o^r discourse, and
that it is useless to say any thing farther to them. By this
circumstance when we conversed seriously with the assist-

246

ants about our affairs with the chiefs and our former
negotiations with them, we found out, and came upon the
ground, and behind the whole mystery, of what they had
secretly contrived among themselves when we were still in
Pettquotting, even before this war broke out, namely : If a
war should again break out they would so long torment
the believing Indians about going to war until they were
weary and would submit, and if they accomplished nothing
hereby they would then put their teachers out of the way,
when they would have to submit again to become
heathen. Pipe and the Big-Cat^ indeed had not agreed
with them, and the former had answered them that before
this he had been guilty of excess towards the believers, and
had reaped no honor thereby ; he would never again make
an attack on them, and would have no part in this. That
they had something like this in view and still have it, is
corroborated by a message from Gigeyunk to us last year
in Pettquotting, towards the end of winter, when they
threatened to ill-treat us again as they had done on the
Muskingum. Now last summer the Big-Cat had said to
Thomas that the plan was not yet laid aside, that he did
not see also how their project would be in vain, unless the
English interfered. We can see now more and more that
it is an appointment of the Saviour's that we have been
received here upon English ground and soil, for this can
bring their wicked schemes to nought. We turned to the
chiefs last year and begged them to care for us and appoint
us a place where we could dwell apart and in peace. Up
to the present time we have received no answer, and yet as
soon as we came here commotion began, and enough was
said about our having settled upon English and not upon
Indian land. For this they are themselves to blame ; we
had asked it of them, but got no hearing. We know very
well that they would like to see us on the Miami, in the
midst of them, surrounded by warriors on every side, and
if we were there we have no doubt they would begin and
carry through J;heir project. Their secret plans are made

See ante p. 196.

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1792. 247

plain of destroying and rooting out the Indian church ;
they should again relapse into heathenism. Yes, here they
have to do with another man, who is called Jesus Christ,
the Lord of hosts, and there is no other Grod beside. When
they shall have brought him down from his throne, then
first will the outlook for us be bad.

Monday, 23. The assistants came together and consid-
ered what they could and would say to the chiefs, and
while they were deliberating they became all together of
one mind to say nothing farther to them, since all they
said and promised to us was lies and deceit, for their minds
are busy and filled with war, and we, it is to be hoped,
shall dwell for the present not upon their land. For when
formerly we lived on Huron River (Michigan), we had
nothing to do with them until we again came to their land.
This was strange ; at the very time they were together and
considering about this, we laborers were then also together,
having the same matter under consideration, and we
wished that our assistants and brethren would let the chiefs
alone for the- present, who help us not at all, but strive to
do us harm, and now they were done with their considera-
tion and had put them all aside.

Tuesday, 24. In the early service Br. Sensemann bap-
tized into Jesus' death, Benjamin, the little son of David
and Salome, born on the 18th Inst.

Saturday, 28. Mr. Dolson came from Detroit with his
wife for a visit, and remained over Sunday. In the even-
ing was the betrothal of Joseph and Beata, Ignatius'
daughter, both single people.

Sunday, 29. Br. Michael Jung preached from to-day's
Scripture-verse: How beautiful upon the mountains are
the feet, etc. In the evening, during the matrimonial
.service, the new couple, Joseph and Beata, were married.

Tuesday, 31. Yesterday and to-day the weather was
itormy, and there was snow, which the wind from the
lake drove in clouds to the land. The brethren, how-
fever, got wood for us. We sent off letters to Detroit
)y the express, by way of Niagara, Montreal, etc., for
Bethlehem.

248 zeisberger's diary.

Friday, Feb. 3. Sensemann held morning service. The
whole month there has been severe cold and windy, snowy
weather, so that we had to omit the meetings for two
days, we live so far apart, but mild, thawing weather
sets in.

Sunday, 5. Sensemann preached. Few brethren are
at home. They are away making preparations for sugar-
boiling. Charles, whom we had sent yesterday with a
letter for McKee to the Fort, in regard to our plans for
moving away in the spring, came back, and was near
having been very unfortunate in going over the ice. A
man who wanted to go on with Elliot's horses and sledge
had promised to go with him and did so. In the middle
of the river they broke in. The horses drowned, though
many men came to their help, but the men saved their
lives. We thanked the Saviour that Charles had not come
to harm, he having turned aside the calamity. Every
year many men and cattle also are drowned, for they put
themselves too much in danger on the ice. McKee sent
word to us that he had now much to do, for the express
for l^iagara must be sent off', and he could not therefore
answer at once, but would do so soon.

Monday, 6. Most of the brethren went off to the bush
to make preparations for sugar-boiling.

Wednesday, 8. In the evening died the child which
came into the world sick, Jan. 18, and was baptized on
the 24th, Benjamin, son of David and Salome, which,

Friday, 10, was buried. There was a bad prospect for
the recovery of the mother of the child, but now she gets
better. Sisters went with baskets and brooms into the
settlement to sell them for food.

Saturday, 11. Michael held early service. Parke, who
came from the River Retrenche (Thames), told us it was
a fine, pleasant country, that the land was good, and that
it was an excellent place for us.

Sunday, 12. David preached from the Gospel about
the sower, and a few brethren were present.

Monday, 13. Edwards held early service. Some breth-
ren went with baskets into the settlement to trade for

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1792.

249

corn, whence yesterday Christiana came back, bringing
news that McKee was again going to the Miami, from
where Elliot was gone to the battle-field.

Wednesday, 15. David held early service about the
Word, which then in Bethlehem came into our flesh. We
learned that a couple of messengers from the States were
come to the Miami with the news that it was said that
next summer an army would again come out.

Saturday, 18. The brethren were at home from the
bush.

Sunday, 19. Edwards preached, Esto mihi Sunday,^
when the Saviour entered upon his journey to Jerusalem
to his passion, which he told his disciples, but they could
not understand it. Br. Sensemann held the communion
quarter-hour.

Tuesday, 21. David held early service from the text:
He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. The
assistants spoke with the boy, Michael, and sent him
away, since he only runs about and is disobedient, likewise
with his sister, Anna Sabina.

Friday, 24. Yesterday and to-day was speaking, to
which the Saviour gave his blessing.

Saturday, 25. As McKee had come from Detroit, the
brothers, Zeisberger and Sensemann, went to him and
spoke to him about our moving away from here in the
spring, to hear what sort of propositions he would make
us. He advised us to seek out a place on the Retrenche
River, pleasing to us, and to give him notice of this, then
he would take measures with the Chippewas about it, and
make the matter right. He said they would all go away
from there any way farther westward. In the evening
the communicants had the Lord's supper in his blessed
presence.

Sunday, 26. After the communion liturgy, read by
Zeisberger, was a sermon by Br. Sensemann. In the
afternoon we charged the assistants to consider about

^ Quinquagesima Sunday is hereby indicated, Esto mihi being the
first words of the Introit for that day. In the same way the first
Sunday in Lent is called Invocavit, as is seen under Feb. 14, 1796.

250

sending some brethren to the Eetrenche River, to get in-
formation and select a settlement for us, where we could
move as soon as the weather permitted in the spring, and
who should soon learn this.

Monday, 27. Zeisberger held early service. The as-
sistants worked to-day in regulating their business about
Retrenche River. They also sent away Johanetta, who
was wicked and disobedient, and had left her husband.

Tuesday, 28. Edwards held morning service. Then
the Indian, Samuel, with five young Indian brethren, set
out for Retrenche River, to learn about the country, to
examine the land, to seek out and determine upon a place
where we can settle next spring, after they had first been
prepared and instructed by us. As there was now severe
winter weather, and the snow more than knee-deep, we
had left it to them whether they would wait until the snow
went off, but they thought best to go at once, for when
a thaw sets in, it would be hard to get on from water.

Wednesday, 29. The assistants spoke with Moses and
his wife. Both' begged for readmission, for which they
got leave upon probation. They came hither some time
ago from the wilderness, where they had wandered about
in error longer than a year.

Thursday, March 1. The brothers came back again,
who had gone away to get information. After passing
Detroit, they had met a man, Hasle by name, who came
by land from Montreal, and told them he had spoken with
the governor in our behalf, who would come here when
the lake opened, when our business about the land would
be put in order; that he had letters for Col. McKee,
wherein every thing was set forth, and which would soon
be told us; their going there would thus have little object
and be of no use, as it was already quite well settled where
we should dwell, and this was why they turned back.
"We heard also that the Monseys there, many of whom
were here visiting last summer, had already made ready
for us a place a day's journey from their town. These
Monseys came from l!^iagara some years ago and remained
there. As the weather was mild, the cold lessening, which

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1792. 251

has lasted for two months without interruption, nearly all
the brethren flew away to-day to the sugar-huts, and the
town was quite deserted. A woman with two daughters,
Zacchaeus' mother, came here. She was here a long-time
last summer, but went to none of the meetings, and did
not wish to hear any thing about the Saviour. [N'ow she
says she would like to hear and to be converted.

Sunday, 4. Zeisberger preached about the healing of
body and soul through the blood of Christ, from whom
we have to seek and to find healing and cleansing from
sin. Most of our brethren were away, dispersed in dif-
ferent places, only a few being at home.

Tuesday, 6. Mr. Parke came from the west side over
the bay, partly on the ice, partly by water. Senseraann
spoke with Hasle.

Thursday, 8. We had fine spring weather. Kiver and
lake were open, and now we hear a new kind of music,
the roaring of the lake.

Friday, 9. Rain, the first this year.

Sunday, 11. Br. Sensemann preached from the text :
Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.
For this some of the brethren had come in from the bush,
and soon went back again.

Wednesday, 14. As a boat was going to Detroit, Br.
Sensemann went in her to make arrangements with the
agent about our departure, and to appoint time and
place.

Friday, 16. He came back, having met on the way
there Judge Powell, who compelled him to remain over
night with him, which he did, with whom among other
matters he spoke also about the Act of Parliament, concern-
ing the brothers, nothing of which, he said, he could find
in his books. When now Br. Sensemann helped him,
giving him the year and date, he at last found it in one of
his books quite in full, for which he was as glad as if some
one had made him a great gift, saying he ^would now
give every man who wished it a copy. He spoke in De-
troit with the agent, McKee, about our moving farther
this spring, as being the real object of his journey thither,

252 zeisberger's diary.

and told him that we knew a place on the River Re-
trenche, which the Indians living there recommended to
ns, and that they expected us; if, then, he had nothing
against it, we thought of settling there, if only he would
make arrangements with the Chippewas, so that hereafter
we might have no trouble about it. He answered that
we should so do ; for the rest he would have care, and do
his best for us. He said farther that Sir Johnson had
also written to him about us, and told him that our busi-
ness about land was now in the governor's hands, who,
when he came, could make it right. This was for us a
pleasant message, with which to-day's Scripture-verse
agreed beautifully. It read : In returning and rest shall
ye be saved. Trials must and will befall — But with hum-
ble faith to see — Love inscribed upon them all — This is
happiness for me.

Sunday, 18.' At the sermon, by Br. Edwards, some
brothers and brethren were present, to whom afterwards,
through the assistants, we gave notice that we had now
the certainty of moving to the Retrenche River as soon as
we could, and that we should break up from here soon
after the Easter holidays, for which the brethren should
prepare.

Thursday, 22. The Sensemanns had, on the birthday
of their little son, Henry, an anniversary love-feast.
Bill Henry came from the sugar-camp, and had a dispute
with a white man about his step-daughter, Anna Sophia.

Friday, 23. Elliot, who came from Detroit, told us that
the commandant would lend us a great boat or transport
for the River Retrenche.

Sunday, 25. Br. Zeisberger preached from to-day's
text: The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the
world, in view of this important day (Annunciation), that
God, our Creator, had come into the flesh, had taken upon
himself human nature, that through his passion and death,
and through the outpouring of his blood, he might bring to
pass eternal redemption, that we, through his Son, Jesus
Christ, are reconciled with God, and through him have
the grace that God lives in us and we in him, and all this

MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER, 1792. 253

by belief in his Son. Afterward the brethren again went
to their sugar-huts and to their canoe-work, for the
greater part must make canoes for their journey.

Tuesday, 27. Several sisters went to the settlement
to get food. They got it, too, and came home on the
29th.

Friday, 30. We had a visit from Elliot, two ship-
captains, and other gentlemen. They pitied our Indians
that they were short of provisions, and some said it was no
more than right if the government helped and supported
them. They were very polite and friendly. Thus we
must bear witness that most of the inhabitants in Detroit
and in the country have shown themselves good friends to
us, even our wicked neighbor is changed, has become our
friend, and has employed our Indians nearly the whole
winter.

Saturday, 31. Yesterday and to-day the brethren came
home from all places, having ended their sugar-making,
at which the brothers have also made canoes for their
journey, and came home with them, joyful and content,
for the holidays.

Sunday, April 1. Br. Sensemann preached about the
Saviour's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem to his death
of atonement for the whole human race, and Br. Zeisber-
ger conducted the communion service. He told the breth-
ren that this might well be the last communion here, and
as we did not know how soon we could have it again, they
should make right good use of it, strengthen themselves
in the body and blood of the Lord in the holy sacrament.
Br. Edwards went to McKee, who arrived yesterday on his
way to the Miami, and took measures with him about our
departure. He told him that he was going this spring to
Canada, in the first ship, that Sir Johnson was going to
England ; if then we had letters to send, he would safely
take charge of them. Br. Samuel went with a couple of
brothers over the bay to visit our Wyandot, who lies' sick
unto death. He had sent here, begging the brethren to
think of him, for he should not live, and his time here was
nearly at an end.

254 zeisberger's diary.

Monday, 2. Samuel went to Detroit, and took there
with him Dolson's two children.

Tuesday 3, and Wednesday, 4. There was speaking
preparatory for the Lord's supper. We had then,

Thursday, 5, the most blessed enjoyment of the body
and blood of the Lord in the holy communion, in the
night when he was betrayed. Three brothers, I^icodemus,
Leonard, and Joseph, and Sister Henrietta were partakers
for the first time. First the history of this memorable
day of our Saviour's atonemer^t and agony on the Mount
of Olives and of his captivity was read.

Friday, 6. Early was the communion liturgy, then the
whole day was passed in reading the history of our Lord
and Saviour's passion and suffering from head to foot, to
the deep impress of our hearts. At Jesus' death we fell
down and sang: 0 behold your Saviour wounded — Hang-
ing on the accursed cross, etc. There hangs the Saviour
of mankind — His visage marred, his head reclined. He
let us especially and blessedly feel what great good lies in
his passion.

A brother, Adam, who for some time had sinned grossly
against the church, and followed his own lusts, although
he had not openly been put away from the church, but
yet saw that he was out of its communion, could no longer
bear it, and with tears begged for forgiveness, which was
first given him by the assistants and then by all the breth-
ren, to his great comfort and refreshment, all the brethren
assuring him of this with the kiss of peace.

Saturday, 7. A love-feast in the afternoon, and Quiet ^
Sabbath.

Sunday, 8. Early in our chapel we read the Easter
litany, and asked for eternal communion with the five
brethren and eight children who had died since last
Easter. Br. Sensemann preached about the triumphant
resurrection of our martyred Lord and Saviour for our
justification. In the afternoon Br. Edwards went to De-
troit to get a transport for our removal. We got news that

* From Christ's rest in the grave.

JOURNEY TO RETRENCHE RIVER, 1792. 255

three thousand Americans, from Kentucky, were come to
the Miami towns, and that still more were expected.

Monday, 9. The brethren were told in the early service
to hold themselves ready to set out in three days. Br.
Edwards, who yesterday went to Detroit, came back, bring-
ing a transport for our removal. The sick Wyandot, who
is in the last stages of consumption, was, at his request,
brought here by his mother and brother, and begged to be
permitted to remain with us, saying he would move with
us, and would like to die in the church.

[So far the diary sent to Bethlehem.]

Wednesday, 11. Edwards held early service. All were
very busy preparing for departure and the assistants with
making a division of the brethren, who should go by land
with the cattle, and who by water, and they saw that all were
helped. We laborers had for Br. Zeisberger's 72d birth-
day a love-feast, and wished him much good and pleasant-
ness, and God's blessing for all his acts and plans, that the
Saviour might strengthen him therefor, body and soul.

Thursday, 12. We assembled early for the last time
here in our chapel, and after consideration of to-day's
Scripture-verse: All flesh shall know that I the Lord am
thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty one of Jacob,
we thanked him after the collect in the Scripture-verse
with heart, mouth, and hands for^all the goodness he has
shown us here, committed ourselves farther to his grace,
to show himself henceforth among us as our Saviour and
Shepherd, to be with us, and upon the way we shall go to
be our protection and advice. The low rabble was sent
away. Then the canoes were at once laden, and towards
noon we went away, we whites making the start, and
sailed with a good wind, but after we had gone half way
this changed, so that we had to land upon Fighting Island^
and remain over night. 'Nine canoes followed us here and
stayed by us. Br. Michael Jung, who could not bear wind
and cold, went with the brethren by land, whom we did
not see again till we were at Retrenche.

^ In the river, six miles below Detroit.

256

Friday, 13. In tlie forenoon we came to Detroit, ar-
ranged our matters with the commandant, McKee, and
Askin, and got ready for farther travel.

Saturday, 14. The wind was contrary and we had to
lie to.

Sunday, 15. We started with a favorable wind, the ship
captain. Mills, accompanying us in his hunting-boat a part
of the way, taking leave, and turning back again. Several
Indian brethren went with us, but could not keep up, for
we sailed very fast, and on account of the high waves they
had to land and encamp. In the afternoon, when we
came into Lake St. Clair, the wind blowing hard, our mast
broke and went overboard with sail and all. This was the
first accident and it detained us a couple of hours, until
we could rig another sail, and then we sailed on very fast
till evening, when the wind shifted to the west, and in the
darkness we came to the mouth of the Retrenche. As our
boatmen, whom we had hired, either could not see the
channel or did not know it well, we were in great danger
of shipwreck, for we came into shallow water, and first
ran into a tree lying in the water, but got away from it
without damage, save that the waves came much over the
boat, and we were wet through. Soon, however, we stuck
fast, and now in the storm and cold we had to pass the
night upon the rough lake, the waves all the time going
over us, and we wished it were day, for the wind blew
from the north-west and was very cold.

Sunday, 16. We saw the land, but could not go to it,
yet we were aware that Chippewas lay there, whom we
signaled to come aboard, which they did, and we sent the
sisters ashore at once. Then we hired a couple of canoes
from the Chippewas and unloaded our boat until we had
her again afloat, and then came into the river, went then
some distance, and stayed over night near a vacant house.

Tuesday, 17. We came to Sally Hand,^ where were a
hun.dred bushels of corn we had bought in Detroit for our

i"A colony composed of English, German, and French settlers." De
Schweinitz' Life of Zeisberger, p. 631.

JOURNEY TO RETRENCHE RIVER, 1792.

257

Indians, who had nothing to eat, and we had to take it in
this place. On this account the Zeisbergers remained here,
and waited for our Indians, but the Sensemanns and Br.
Edwards,

Wednesday, 18, went on with the boat as far as they
could get in the strong current. Here we were in the set-
tlement, lodged with a Mr. Row, who was last year steers-
man upon the ship that brought us from Sandusky. All
the inhabitants here were very friendly to us, and were
glad we were to be their neighbors, though we go far up
the river.

Wednesday, 19. The Zeisbergers visited in the neigh-
borhood those who invited them, most of whom knew us.
In the evening Joshua arrived with his family, who set

Ji&ut the same day we did, and had waited for a time, that

She wind might lessen, so that at last they got into the

^iver.

.^ Friday, 20, was very windy. We could expect none of
our people.

Saturday, 21. Br. Michael Jung came with the breth-
sn who had travelled by land with the cattle, when we
learned that the brethren are still all encamped near De-
troit, and from windy weather cannot get away. We
must have patience. Meantime those with us were very
busy earning something by their work, so that they got
food. We met here old Wetterhold,^ who came over here
two years ago from the States, from whom we learned
that the militia had a mind to come to Pettquotting, and
wished to choose him captain.

Sunday, 22. In the forenoon Br. David preached from
the Scripture-verse : All flesh is grass, etc. Many people
from the neighborhood were present, but the men are
ashamed to hear God's word, and keep away. The people
here are like heathen, who say : '' That may very well be
good for the whites, but not for us," and the whites are

^The only person of this name whom I find mentioned is said to
have been murdered in 1763. De Schweinitz' Life of Zeisberger, p.
278.

17

258

zeisberger's diary.

the same. In the afternoon a whole war-party came
through here. They went among the inhahitants from
house to house, dancing their beggar-dance, when they do
not go away till they get something.

Monday, 23. Most of our Indians arrived. The wind
had hindered them for days from travelling upon the lake.
We began at once to distribute the corn. Wfe heard
indeed of many bad things that had occurred.

Tuesday, 24. Still more came, but there are yet three
canoes behind.

Wednesday, 25. We all went away together, and came,
towards evening, to Br. Sensemann's camp, above the
fork at the end of the settlement, and further on no white
people live. Thus far they had come with the great boat,
but had to stop here, the current being too swift, and to
unload, that from here in canoes we may come to our
appointed place. We held a conference here, and re-
solved, inasmuch as Bro. Sensemann had put up a good
hut, and was under roof, that Br. Zeisberger should go
on with the canoes to the end of the journey, and then
send back canoes enough to bring Sensemann and Ed-
wards with their baggage, which we held best. The in-
habitants whom we addressed were everywhere very
friendly and serviceable, and if we wished to buy bread
or any provisions, they would take no pay, but preferred
giving them to us, for they thought it mean to take pay
from us. On the way we often had rain. The man who
lives there was a well-read man in history.

Thursday, 26. The weather being dull and seeming
rainy, we let the young people go out hunting, for all
were meat-hungry.

Friday, 27. Zeisberger went away with the Indian
brethren in some twenty canoes, coming at noon to the
rapids, and in the afternoon had to advance against a
strong current and very deep. We had to help get over
those who had gone by land with the cattle. Along the
river there is abundance of good and fine land, only in
the spring it is flooded. We encamped betimes on a
height, where we all came together. We were now again

ON THE THAMES, 1792.

259

ill the bush, our own masters, and could do as we pleased.
Here we saw the son carrying his old father out of and
into the canoe. In the evening there was in camp a
supper of turtles, taken on the way, to which all were
asked.

Saturday, 28. In the forenoon we had to go through
rough water, but in the afternoon it was better. Several
sisters went for cranberries, and came to us in camp at
night. We did not get a sight of those who went by
land with the cattle to-day, but we saw their camp. We
found out and saw that in the spring the river rises
twenty feet or more, therefore all the bottoms are covered.
Some canoes, being weak, stayed back.

Sunday, 29. We had to get by some bad places, and
help the cattle get over the river again, when some would
have drowned, had we not come to their aid with the
canoes. Here again, after many years, we found an oil-
spring on the bank of the creek, but the water being high,
we could get none, for the stream swept it away at once.
We encamped at night above a French trader's house,
which, however, was vacant.

Monday, 30. As it rained in the morning, Br. Zeisber-
ger went with a number of Indian brethren to see the
great bend, which is six or seven miles in extent, but at
the start hardly a half-mile over. They came back at
noon, and as the weather had cleared we went on around
the bend and encamped. To-day we examined two places,
but found no site for a town.

Tuesday, May 1. In the forenoon we visited the coun-
try farther up and found enough good planting-land,
though wild, but no place for a town, since the places
either go under water or are very high hills on the river.
Finding now no fit place for a settlement, we resolved to
turn back and to take the first best. We halted hear the
trader's house, and Samuel and others went by land down
the creek, but came back in the evening, after finding a
place. As for fields there are enough, but town-sites are
rare. In the evening a meeting.

Wednesday, 2. We went yet a bit of the way down

260 zeisberger's diary.

and took possession of a height, examined it well, and
to-day staked out our town, and each one was busy getting
his hut ready. The brethren prepared to go for Br. Sense-
mann. We had meeting in the evening.

Thursday, 3. In the forenoon the town-lots were dis-
tributed, and each one took possession. The brethren
went away to get Sensemann. Those who remained looked
about for fields and where it would be easiest to clear.

Friday, 4. Some began to clear land in the bottom,
others prepared to build houses. Strange Indians from
the Mousey town came down, who told us we should have
gone farther up, where there was a good place for us to
dwell, but this was too near them. We blessed the sisters
for their festival to-day in the church. Nicholas and An-
drew, who were not with us when we set out from the
mouth on the lake, arrived, bringing news that Jacob,
Joachim, Renatus, and Zachary would not come here, but
remain in the lower settlement, having been wheedled by
Callwell.^

Saturday, 5. The Sensemanns came with Br. Edwards,
and now we were again all together. Thomas and Renatus
came in sick. In the evening Br, Sensemann held the
meeting from the text.

Sunday, 6. Michael preached. The brethren were ex-
horted to give their attention to planting. The brethren
looked farther around for fields, and found, somewhat far-
ther down the creek, a better and more suitable town-site,
which,

Monday, 7, we visited, and found better, on account of
the plantations, which we shall then have above and below
us on both sides of the river, where we can be in the
.midst. We resolved, therefore, to move thither, though
we have done much work at the first place, upon which
we all turned our backs. In the evening David conducted
the meeting.

Tuesday, 8. Most of the brethren moved to the new
place. We remained behind until the next morning the

^ Probably the man who has hitherto been called Colvill.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 261

canoes should come and get us, for it is about three miles
down the creek. When we came there this morning the
brethren had already built a hut for us, so that we might
be under a roof. We heard early this morning that
Thomas was dead, w^ho even yesterday got into a canoe
without help, and said he wanted yet to see the new place.
We got news that eight thousand Americans had taken
possession of the Miami, but nothing exact and trust-
worthy, save that they insisted upon this, that they would
not give up the land ; the Indians had brought in from
them a couple of scalps. We can make out this much,
that peace is not to be thought of. They had killed six
messengers,^ who had been sent out.

Thursday, 10. In the forenoon was Thomas' burial, for
which purpose we had found and laid out a beautiful
grave-yard upon a little height, and as it is sandy ground
we are not forced, as was necessary in other places, to bury
the dead in water. Br. Zeisberger on this occasion deliv-
ered an earnest discourse to the brethren, bow necessary it
is to remain with the Saviour, and not to go aside our own
way, for no man knows bow soon he may be called. Aker-
lemann came to us again, also anotber family, Ignatius'
brother's, from the" Miami, to live with us; moreover, a
woman, his sister, who last year had leave to live with us,
but when we moved stayed behind. She now insisted
upon this. Upon our building-place the timber was cut
down, which caused great confusion, the logs lying in
every direction, for it is all hard wood. The brothers were
busy dividing the fields, for which these great bottoms are
needed, but it is such rich land as we have nowhere had,
being like a dung-heap, and very easily cleared. In the
evening Br. Sensemann held a meeting in the open air.

Friday, 11. We sowed garden seeds. All the brethren
were industrious and busy in clearing land. Br. Edwards

1 '< -^Y. Freeman, Maj. Trueman, and Col. Hardin, who were dispatched
from Fort Washington on different routes, in the spring of 1792, with
fiags of truce and presents, were all murdered by the Indians." St,
Clair Papers, Vol. I., p. 182.

262 zeisberger's diary.

held the evening meeting, and then we had a hard thun-
der-storm.

Saturday, 12. The assistants spoke with Ignatius'
brother and his family, and received them to live here,
also the aforesaid woman with her grandson. The breth-
ren were busy, partly planting, partly building.

Sunday, 13. David preached in the forenoon, and
Sensemann held evening service.

Monday, 14. The brethren went altogether and cleared
our plantation, which they finished to-day. Edwards held
the evening meeting.

Tuesday, 15, and Wednesday, 16. The brethren cleared,
each for himself, built huts in town, and all had enough to
do. Michael held evening service.

Thursday, 17. In the forenoon of Ascension Day, Br.
Zeisberger held a service from the text, wherein the brethren
were admonished to be eager to walk with the Saviour, at
home and abroad, during their work, and at all times, for
he is with us when we think of him. We have been hin-
dered by rain, which we have had for three days. The
creek rises fast, and we have been much put back in our
work.

Friday, 18. The brethren were busy clearing land, for
which they show real zeal, the land pleasing them, being
the right sort for Indians, such as they like to have.

Saturday, 19. They planted our three fields, which they
had cleared for us, two acres perhaps. This morning and
yesterday we had frosts, and it was quite cold, as is usual
here when the wind comes from the north. We see that
we have come here at the right time. Edwards held the
evening meeting.

Sunday, 20. In the forenoon Br. Sensemann preached
from the Gospel : Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of Truth,
is come, he will guide you into all truth, who will conduct
the poor, anxious hearts, troubled about their salvation, to
the source of salvation, the wounds of Jesus, and who will
make us, in time and in eternity, sharers of the goods of
salvation, won for us. David held the congregation meet-

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 263

ing from the Scripture-verse : I will lift up mine hand to
the Gentiles.

Monday, 21. The brethren went on with their planting,
for which they have shown great zeal, for they have hope
that their labor will be well rewarded. Certainly this year
more than a hundred acres will be cleared and planted.
The hundred bushels of corn are of unspeakable use to
them.

Wednesday, 23. Chippewas and* a G-achnawage^ In-
dians came through here by water. Few Indians come ex-
cept such as come by water, for the way by land if far off.
Brothers who came back from the Mousey towns, and had
seen the conntry along the creek, have no where found a
better nor so good a place for a town as we have here.
Without doubt it is the best place for us on the creek.
The Mousey town, they say, is no fine place, where the
Indians, on account of swamp and marsh, are scattered
about, and have to live in a couple of huts here and
there.

Saturday, 26. This week in part we planted, in part
made preparations for buildiiig houses. On account of
other many and necessary works, we had to be content to
live in huts under the green trees, until after the planting
we could make us better dwellings. The insects, mosqui-
toes and flies, were in vast numbers, and we were much
incommoded by them, day and night. Some deer and a
bear were brought to town, but the brethren took little
time for hunting, having other and more pressing work.

Sunday, 27. Br. Zeisberger delivered the Whitsunday
sermon about the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, which all
members of Jesus Christ received, and not only then re-
ceived it, but still do receive it, and are taught by him and
led here in all ways, and who yet holds them in the only
right faith in Jesus Christ, etc. In conclusion we sang
from the liturgy to the Holy Ghost, and sounded praise

^ In the Life of Heckewelder, p. ] 35, is found : "A number of Coch-
nowago Indians, from La Chine, above Montreal." Probably Zeisber-
ger designates the same tribe.

264

zeisberger's diary.

v\

and thanks to him witli mouth and heart for his true care.
Sensemann held the congregation meeting.

Monday, 28. The brethren, this week, went on clear-
ing land and planting. We have had a few hot days,
whereon followed thunder and rain, and then there were
frosts this week, which shows a colder climate than we are
accustomed to.

Wednesday, 30. A daughter was born to John and
Amelia Henry. Their houses were blocked out for the
Zeisbergers and Sensemanns, for which they hired In-
dians.

Saturday, June 2. A couple of Chippewas came about
here with two pieces of tobacco to be sent to the Mousey
and Chippewa towns, and to tell them to hold themselves
ready for marching to meet the Americans, who were
again in movement. A party of Mohawks went by for
the war, whom, it is said, more will follow.

Sunday, -3. Trinity Sunday. Br. Sensemann preached
about the new birth, without which no man can see the
kingdom of God, nor come therein. Then he bap-
tized into Jesus' death, with the name Rebecca, the child
born May 30. From the Mousey town some brethren
came back, who had bought corn there, and this is another
mercy, that they can get it there. Thus the heavenly
Father always cares for us. The hundred bushels we
bought and distributed among them, were of great use to
them, for they have been able to clear the land and plant,
which is a great help, and now they can sooner and better
look about for corn, and not lose time for planting, in
which they show industry, having cleared and planted
much land. Michael held the congregation meeting.

Monday, 4. The need for food increasing, for the
hundred bushels were used up, which we bought for them,
several brethren went to the Mousey town to buy corn,
after finishing planting. From there a canoe, Wijan's,^
came here with corn. There is a stir among our young
people. We heard that some wanted to go with the war-

*See under Aug.-4 next.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 265

riors, who are soon expected to go through here from the
Monsey town, which we labor to prevent.

Wednesday, 6. There was rain both yesterday and to-
day. We could therefore have no services, which we have
to hold in the open air, until the pressing work is somewhat
over, and we can build a meeting-house. Meanwhile the
assistants have the duty of speaking with some brethren,
and to look to the right here and there. Fences were
made in the upper and in the lower field.

Saturday, 9. Edwards held the evening service. In-
dian brethren came back from the Monsey town with
corn. The Zeisbergers' house was roofed and the Sense-
man ns' almost. From the hard rains the river rose very
much, so that it is generally very muddy. It is therefore
a fine thing that we have a good spring near by, back of
the town.

Sunday, 10. Br. Edwards preached from the Gospel
about the rich man, and showed how necessary it is that
here in the world we should concern ourselves principally,
and above all things, to have part in the kingdom of
God and his righteousness. Michael held the congrega-
tion meeting.

Monday, 11. At last the war-party came from the
Monsey town down the river, of which we have already
heard for some time, and from which we awaited new
trouble, which was not long in coming, for they came with
a war-cry, encamped on our bank, and in the evening had
a war-dance. The captain of the party delivered a speech
to his people in the evening, admonishing them to behave
towards us in an orderly, respectful way, for we were
their friends. We heard, however, the next morning, that
he told them after the dance, that four were going with
them from this place, but he did not name them, and we
hoped things would not go so far. He told our people,
some of whom liked to listen to him, that they would
soon get a summons to come to the war. If some
would now go with him, he would speak for us, so that
we might get no further annoyance, for then he could
say there were so many of us with him. We held our

266

evening meeting, undisturbed, from the Scripture-verse :
The Lord will go before you and the God of Israel will be
your rereward.

Tuesday, 12. They remained here, towards noon going
in procession through the town with their begging-dance,
and although they committed no excesses, and did no
harm, it was yet as if Satan had moved in among us.
We had to have patience, and could change nothing in
the thing. Meanwhile we spoke with such of our people
as we knew to be weak, warning them and admonishing
them to be on their guard, and not to let themselves be
cajoled, asking also the assistants to speak with this one
and with that. But to our great sorrow we had to see,

Wednesday, 13, ten of our young people go from here
with the warriors, among whom were some boys, and for
the most part bad subjects, with whom we had hitherto
been troubled, and whom we had to endure. What made
us saddest was that I^icholas and David were the chief
men in the band, who had led others astray, the former
secretly, the latter, however, more openly, with whom Br.
David himself spoke, seeking to persuade him to turn
aside from his undertaking, but it was in vain. It was
easier for us after they left the town, though we bore it
in sorrow. The captain said indeed that it was uncertain
whether it would come to a battle or war, but they were
summoned merely to be at hand, if there should be need.
Yesterday, the Scripture-verse read : It is he that sitteth
upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof
are as grasshoppers, and to-day it was : I will contend
with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy
children. Boaz had a talk yesterday with one of the war-
party, saying : " No one is great and mighty save God,
who is above us all and has created all. We are all
like a little worm, if it be tapped with the finger it is no
more," etc.

Thursday, 14. A Chippewa came here up the river,
bringing us a packet of letters and journals of the last
and the present year, Oct. and March, which Mr. Askin
sent us, whereby we were quite revived and refreshed

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 267

after the sorrow we had gone through about our people,
though we attach ourselves the more trustfully to those
who remain, for Satan has swept them, separating the
chaff from the wheat.

Saturday, 16. The Zeisbergers and Sensemanns moved
into their new houses, built for the time being, destined
to be stables finally, when we have opportunity and time
to build dwellings. Michael held evening service.

Sunday, 17. Michael preached. We read the Bethle-
hem journal. The assistants met with the brethren to
remind them of divers things, about keeping . Sunday,
about the discipline of the children, who carry about bows
and arrows, etc. Br. Joseph's^ letter, which we received
in the packet, was read to the brethren, in place of the
evening service, which they listened to with attention for
the blessing of their hearts, of which we had many a proof
and token.

Tuesday, 19. Yesterday the brethren hoed our planta-
tion, and to-day they fished, for which they had made a
bound,^ but they caught few or none, for they had made
a mistake.

Thursday, 21. Some of our people, Renatus for in-
stance, went to the Mousey town for corn, where there is
plenty to be had at a dollar a bushel, from there came,

Friday, 22, Lohachkes, the Mousey chief, for a visit
here, who had already visited us last year. Edwards held
the meeting.

Saturday, 23. After long continued dry weather, we
got a fine, much desired rain. We planted vegetables.
Sensemann held evening service.

Sunday, 24. Sensemann preached. David was quite
unwell. Michael held evening service.

Monday, 25. Lohachkes, the chief, went home. He
attended no meetings, though he always gave out he
wished to become a believer. We always see that it is
very hard with them to be converted. They make, a fine

^Augustus Grottlieb Spangenburg. See vol. i., p. 443.
2 This word in the MS. is in English. Perhaps the same thing is
meant as in Vol. I., p. 190.

268

zeisbergbr's diary.

outward show, but secretly they strive to do harm in the
church. This man sent word by the warriors to our
Leonard, for he is his uncle, and had him told he should
go to the war with them. Leonard replied to them
that before this he had been a warrior, but had put aside
this business of war, and thought never to take it up
again ; his friends should not fancy that they had power
over him to command him, in this he would not listen
to them.

Tuesday, 26. By Lidians from the Fort we learned
that now.no war or expedition is planned, but that there
is a truce and a hope of peace, that our people also will
come again as they went away, and we look and watch
for what will come from this. Ekuschuwe is said to have
told our IsTicholas that we could not remain here, since
the nations had promised to make over to the English all
the land from Grand River to Lake Ontario, and if there
should be peace, as they hoped, we could go again over
the lake, bat he knows not what we know, that we have
nothing to do with the nations, but with the English.
The governor is expected in Detroit in a couple of months.
From the mouth of the river at Lake Erie, Rahel came
and took away her children, whom she and her mother
had left with our brethren, when we moved in the spring.
Jacob and Christiana, both Joachims, and Eenatus, the
Mohican, Zachary, and Susannna with her children, re-
mained there and have planted.

"Wednesday, 27. The strange Indians set out on their
way home. They attended our meetings, and were very
friendly. Michael held evening meeting.

Thursday, 28. Samuel, Stephen, and Ignatius went to
Detroit. David wrote to James Conner,^ Sensemann to
Detroit.

Saturday, 30. There was great heat this week and dry
weather, so that the brethren could hill their corn only
mornings and evenings, for in the heat it does harm.
Sensemann held evening service from the text : In whom

^ Probably the son of Richard Conner.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 269

are hid all the treasures of wisdom. The brethren built
a great shed to hold the meetings in, two rods square.

Sunday, July 1. Br. Zeisberger preached from the
words of Jesus : For a good tree bringeth not forth cor-
rupt fruit, neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good
fruit. Luke vi. We read the church journal out of the
weekly of the U. A. C. In hearing how the work of the
Lord thrives in blessing in other places, we have to feel
shame that it goes so slowly with us, and instead of in-
creasing, that we now decrease and become fewer, so that
we might many times become discouraged. May the Sa-
viour help us and put new life into our church ! Among
the savages no trace of hunger for God's word can be
found, but all their aims and efforts are bent on war, and
those who come here are content with this, that they are
here. Michael held evening meeting.

Monday, 2. Mr. Parke came from Detroit with corn,
salt, and some goods for our Indians, of all which things
they have great want. We heard that there would be no
war, but a truce, so that they hope for peace, but yet
war-parties are always at times going out; but that,
among the Indians, there was great want of food, so that,
on the Miami and in that neighborhood, a handful of
corn costs a dollar; that the nations are coming together
for a council, whereto our people also, who have lately
gone thither, are present, as we hear, or are hunting.

Wednesday, 4. Five Mohicans,^ who live among the
Oneidas in the territory of the States, came here and re-
mained over night. They had a message from Congress
for the Indians and proposals for peace, on which account,
they have appointed a place for a meeting, where they
will speak together and satisfy them. One of them was
in Bethlehem this year, where he was w^ell pleased, and
he praised much the conduct of the brothers towards the
Indians. They said they had no idea so far in the Indian
land of meeting with Indians who had God's, word
among them, and they exhorted our people to stand fast

1 See Albach's Annals of the West, pp. 596, 597.

'If

270 zeisberger's diary.

thereby. Being in haste on account of their commission,
they continued,

Thursday, 5, their journey by water, and said they hoped
to have opportunity on their way back to stay longer with
us, to speak with the missionaries and to become better
acquainted with us. At the same time they wished to see
their land near Gigeyunk, which the nations gave them
several years ago, the same to which our Mark always
made pretensions and thought of taking possession of.

Friday, 6. Samuel, Stephen, and others came back
from the Fort. During their stay there warriors came
with scalps, but were not well received nor welcomed, and
the Chippewas and Tawas were tired of going to war,
saying whoever had a mind thereto might carry on war,
but they wished no more to do with it.

Saturday, 7. The brethren made preparations to build
a meeting-house for the time being, till we see farther and
have time to build a proper one on the common lot in
front.

Sunday, 8. Br. Sensemann preached and Zeisberger
held the congregation meeting.

Monday, 9. All the brethren went to work on the

meeting-house and kept at it all the week, and Thursday,

\ 12, we had the first service in it from the text : Which

/ was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and

all the peoples.

Wednesday, 11. Chippewas, who lately went out with
the warriors, came back and said the Monseys were all
returning; there was no war, and that our people were
gone to Pettquotting hunting.

Thursday, 12, and Friday, 13. Strangers came here
froni the Mousey town, remained a couple of days and
went down to the settlement, some of whom attended our
meetings. Our meeting-house was quite ready, with
doors and benches, and the bell was hung up.

Sunday, 15. Edwards preached. Br. Zeisberger then
conducted the communion quarter-hour, speaking earn-
estly about the backslidings and transgressions which had
occurred among the brethren, and pointing out to them

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 271

how weak in faith they were. He admonished them not
to lose their trust and confidence in the Saviour, but with
all their wretchedness to draw nigh him, who will heal
and comfort them. He gave notice of the Lord's supper
for the 18th Inst. Sensemann held the congregation
meeting.

Monday, 16, and Tuesday, 17. The brethren were
spoken to.

Wednesday, 18. We had with the whole church a love-
feast for paying our thanks that we again had a meeting-
house, where we could hear God's word in regular way.
At the end of the day the communicants had the most
blessed enjoyment of the body and blood, of the Lord in
the holy sacrament, which was the first communion in this
place. Our dear Lord blessed us indescribably, gave us
the comfort of his grace and to feel in our hearts the
forgiveness of our transgressions, committed since spring
and the last communion. This gave new life among the
brethren, and only two of those at home did not partake.

Thursday, 19. Br. Sensemann read in the morning the
thanksgiving liturgy, admonishing the brethren to keep
in their hearts the goodness and blessedness the Saviour
had let them feel.

Friday, 20. At the Scripture-verse : Eejoice ye with
Jerusalem and be glad with her all ye that love her, Br.
Zeisberger said to the brethren, since from want of food
they were compelled to go into the settlement to the white
people to support themselves and theirs by labor in the
harvest until their corn was ripe, that as long as we live
in the world we are many tim.es forced to have to do with
the children of this world, but that we should not share
in the deeds of the flesh; that a heart that loves the Sa-
viour should depend on him and the church, should hasten
as soon as the work was done to its home again and to
the church, and rejoice to be in its own element as soon as
possible, for in the world there is no pleasure to be- found
for us, for whoever finds pleasure in the things of the
world and has inclination thereto, he is no true member of
the church of Jesus. The assistants were authorized to

I*
II

272

marry Abel and Salamis, who are disposed therefor, and
this was done to-day.

Of our often-mentioned Wyandot, the son of the chief
who lived on the east side of Detroit, but is now dead, who
was always our friend, but died since we went to Pett-
quotting, of this, his son, we heard that he was always
longing to come to us. .In the spring he wished to follow
us, but since he could not of himself, for he is incurably
sick and his brother has left him, this did not happen.
The priests were already much about him, and asked him
why he would leave them, fall away from his faith, and
turn elsewhere. Hereupon he replied to them that for
many years he had been with them, had been baptized by
them, and heard them, but it was all like empty straw ; he
had found nothing with them which gave his heart rest
and for which he especially sought, and this he had found
among the believers, who had to move about from one
place to another, being so much persecuted ; that he had
tasted something that did his heart good, and for this he
wished to seek farther. We find, however, that he is
, much entangled with worldly affairs,
■'^-^^t-'^ Saturday, 21. Very many, yes, most of our brethren,
went into the settlement to the harvest.

Sunday, 22. Br. Zeisberger preached.

Tuesday, 24. From the south side of the lake, from
Walnut Bottoms, in the neighborhood of Presque Isle,
Monsey Indians went through here with a message, as they
said, for Pipe and the Indians. They told us they had
seen in Pittsburg and spoken with one of our brothers
from Bethlehem, who would have liked to come out here.
We conjectured it must have been John Leeth, for from
Bethlehem no one would venture out through the Indian
land. Moreover, at present, as regards war, the country
is pretty quiet. McKee is not yet returned from Quebec,
nor is the governor arrived.

Wednesday, 25. At the evening meeting, conducted by
Br. Sensemann, were present Monsey Indians, who came
to-day from the Monsey town on their way to the Fort.
They remained therefore over night here, merely to attend a

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 273

meeting. The man who was in the company said he had
never yet heard any thing, but had always believed we had
something good, and knew the right way for reaching
eternal life. Brothers and sisters conversed mach with
the people, and announced to them God's salvation, which
Jesus Christ won for us by great suffering and bitter death.
The man said he had retained three words in the meeting
and had them yet in his heart, and this he related to all
the brothers whom he met on his way down.

Thursday, 26. David held evening service from the
Scripture-verse : Strengthen ye the weak hands and con-
firm the feeble knees, and showed how that must happen,
namely, by approaching the source of salvation and fol-
lowing the Saviour's word, which he proclaimed in the
temple at Jerusalem : If any man thirst let him come unto
me and take the water of life freely.

Saturday, 28. Chippewas brought venison and ex-
changed it with our people for corn, milk, and butter, for
none of our hunters are yet at home.

Sunday, 29. Br. Seusemann preached about false
prophets.

Monday, 30. One of the Mohican Indians arrived, men-
tion of whom is made under the 5th Inst., from whom we
learned that McKee is returned from Quebec; about the
governor's arrival we heard nothing; that our people who
went from here with the warriors have all gone to Pett-
quotting hunting; that the captain of the same company
lay sick in the Fort, and that few Indians were at home
on the Miami, but that all were away hunting. They are
now waiting for Brant, what sort of news he will bring
from Congress, and they hope for peace.

Tuesday, 31. When we had had no rain, sufficient to wet
the ground through, for more than two months, the
heavenly Father sent us a rainy day. In May and June
the insects, mosquitoes and 'flies, were very troublesome,
but now are quite gone since we have cleared a little
about us, and there is no comparison with what we had to
endure last year on the lake, when it Avas an old settle-
18

274 zeisberger's diary.

ment and all cleared. We have here the linest springs, so
cold as hardly to be drinkable.

Wednesday, Aug. 1. Some of our people came home,
who had helped harvest in the settlement, for instance,
Joshua, Adam, with their families, having earned corn
and flour.

Saturday, 4. We had a peculiar circumstance. The
Monsey captain, Wijan by name, who, in June 12, or 13,
went through here to the war, went as far as the Fort,
where he fell sick and turned about, was brought here sick
day before yesterday. On the way he bade his people has-
ten and merely to bring him to us, for he had no longing
for home. In the spring, when we came here, he had al-
ready wished to come to us, but said to his wife at last
that they would plant once more, and come in the autumn.
After this he got a message to go to the war, and he went,
and with him also our people. We thought at the time
that he had persuaded our people thereto, but now we
found that he was not to blame, but our people them-
selves, who were glad to have such a chance. On the way
to us they wished to doctor him, but he would not permit
it, saying he wished nothing except to get to us. When
they came with him to our bounds, at the lowest planta-
tion, without his knowledge and will, his people sent
away in the night a couple of messengers to bring two In-
dian doctors, who came to-day from the Monsey town
here, but said they would have nothing to do with him,
but they left him to us, seeing he could not live. We con-
sidered together what we should and could do in this ex-
traordinary case, and, after t?ioroughly considering all the
circumstances, we agreed and held it best and most profit-
able to baptize him. This was done in the presence of
the strangers and of our brethren, on the bank of the river
in their camp, and Br. David baptized him in the name of
the Holy Trinity, with the name Jacob, after an address to
the strangers and the brethren. The Saviour showed him-
self gracious, and he filled the hearts of the brethren with
comfort, joy, thankfulness, and good assurance that a
brand was saved from the burning. He died the night

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 275

after, was in his senses but speechless when he was
brought hither.

Sunday, 5. Br. Michael preached from the words: Go
ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them, etc.
The strangers were present. Towards evening was the
burial of Jacob, baptized yesterday, at which also the stran-
gers were present and took good notice of every thing, but
the wife, who already appeared in her widow's garb, and
sat near the coffin, at, the head of the corpse, went away
into the bush during the burial. '

Monday, 6. The strangers set out on their way home
after seeing the captain buried here, and they gave the
death-cry as they departed, for they had a scalp.

Wednesday's. Yesterday and to-day the brethren got
home from the settlement, where they have earned some-
thing to eat until now soon they can live from their
planting.

Thursday, 9.. From the mouth of Detroit River came
jack Esther and Polly, and with them Christiana Sche-
>osh, who, with her husband and some others, had .re-
mained there in the spring and planted, for they were yet
making canoes. We found she had not yet gone so far as
to leave the church, and in the autumn she will come to us,
and likewise the others. We heard that a message and
string were on their way from the the Tawa chief, to tell
us there would be peace, and that we could go back again
to Pettquotting, which land he had given the believers to
[.dwell in. All are waiting for the Governor and Brant,
Lud hope for peace.

Friday, 10. To a family of Ohippewas, who brought
venison here to sell, Boaz spoke, preaching to them God's
salvation, which the Saviour has won for all Indians by
his blood, and which is the only way to eternal life. He
said they listened attentively. In the communion quarter-
tour, Br. David gave notice of the Lord's supper for the
.3th Inst., for the brethren, whom we could expect, were
all here.

Sunday, 12. Br. Edwards preached, and David held

276

the congregation meeting from the Scripture- verse : I am
sought of them that asked not for me.

Monday, 13. The brethren having been spoken with
for several days lately, the noteworthiness of the day was
first explained to them in a service, and they were re-
minded that they, by the preaching of the Gospel, which
the brothers brought to them, and which they had re-
ceived and believed, had by grace been incorporated in the
church of Jesus Christ by holy baptism, and were now
members of Jesus' body, and were one people with all be-
lievers upon the whole earth, that we, therefore, with the
church, prayed the Saviour that communion might be
among them, whereto we are called for the communion of
the saints. "We then kneeled, begging forgiveness of our
shortcomings, and the rich comfort of his grace, of which
we were assured by him, and were kindly looked upon.
In conclusion of this commemorated day the communi-
cants enjoyed his body and blood in the holy sacrament,
which Br. Sensemann conducted, Christiana enjoyed it
with us, and Anna Charity was a candidate.

Tuesday, 14. Early was the liturgy. Strange Indians
came here, who attended our meetings.

Wednesday, 15. The strangers went away to the Monsey
town, whither also went Theodora, to visit her sick husband.

Friday, 17. Brant's son went through here vvith six
Mohawks with peace-propositions from Congress to the
nations, who are now assembling upon the Miami. Brant
could not himself come, being ill, but will soon follow.
They stayed here a couple of hours and then went on.
We had to lend them a canoe to go in, and now it will be
decided whether the nations will accept the propositions.
Christiana came back again, and will come to us as soon as
possible. We sent by her a letter to Mr. Askiii to be for-
warded to Bethlehem. Esther and Polly went with her
to get their things.

Sunday, 19. Br. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel
about the Pharisees and tax-gatherers, and Br. Sense-
mann held the congregation meeting.

Monday, 20. Brothers went out hunting, Samuel, Bill

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 277

Henry, and others. Some went to the upper town for
corn. They came,

Friday, 24, back from there, where we heard there had
been a severe frost, and that some fields were quite ruined.
May our dear Father in heaven yet give us a good har-
vest, for our corn is very backward ! We very well see
that we are farther north, for the nights are very cool,
^es, cold, though it is now dog-days.

Upon Sister Sensemann's birthday, we had a pleasant
love-feast, and we wished her much good and happiness,
grace and blessing for her calling and business. The
brethren were busy building, as many as were at home.
We also made our buildings ready, Brs. Sensemann and
Zeisberger their ad interim houses, designed for stables,
for they cannot get farther on this year.

Sunday, 26. Br. Sensemann preached, and David held
the congregation meeting.

Monday, 27. From the mouth of Detroit River Jo-
hanna came back, and with her, Anna Justina, daughter
of Anna Maria, to remain. She remained behind with
her mother in the spring, who will also soon come with
her husband, Joachim. Andrew also came again, who
lately went away with the warriors, when we heard that
the others, who went with him, were hunting in Pett-
quotting, and would soon come also. There was very
rainy weather.

Wednesday, 29. We had with the unmarried brothers

pleasant love-feast for their festival, wishing and asking
for them to enjoy much good and happiness from our dear
Lord. The assistants spoke with Anna Justina and re-
ceived her again.

/rhursday, 30. The assistants were directed and in-
structed to speak with Andrew, to hear from him why he
is come back, and to set before him his conduct in the
church, but also to learn whether he intends to change
and to become obedient; if not, to tell him he 'cannot
remain in the church, and this they gave him to con-
sider.

Saturday, Sept. 1. Yesterday and to-day, and indeed

278 zeisberger's diary.

all the week, we made our dwellings ready for winter ; the
Indians were busy building. Br. Edwards held service
from the text : The bridegroom.

Sunday, 2. Michael preached from to-day's Gospel
about the foremost commandment. Br. Zeisberger con-
ducted the children's hour, wherein he had much to say
in regard to their conduct.

Wednesday, 5. Mcholas and the boy, Michael, came
back, also Esther and Polly, who had accompanied Chris-
tiana. By them we had a letter from Schweinitz and
Reichel from IsTazareth,^ dated July 9, last.

Friday, 7. We had a blessed day with the married
brethren upon their festival, at which the Saviour showed
himself very gracious,4et his friendly face shine over us and
made us aware of his peace. Br. Sensemann held morn-
ing prayer and the love-feast. Br. Zeisberger conducted
the festival service from to-day's text : He nourisheth
and cherisheth the church. We labourers strengthened
and refreshed ourselves at the end of the day with the
body and blood of our Lord in the holy sacrament.

Saturday, 8. The assistants spoke with Nicholas, plac-
ing before him his wayward walk in the church for some
time, and now the cause of the same. He confessed and ac-
knowledged his transgressions, and begged for forgiveness.
We found that he had been vexed and made confused,
and upon this his bad conduct bad arisen. As we could
not but have compassion with him, we helped him right
again and received him anew. By him we got to-day
the message from Ekuschuwe, of which we had already
heard, and which he himself had from him. First and
foremost he told us that he had news that seven chiefs
at the west, that is, seven nations, had united to work for
peace, who had sent him a pipe of peace ; as he was
quite well convinced of the truth of this message, he
wished to let his grandfather know it, that is, us. J^ow
follows the message proper : '^ Grandfather, and ye be-
lieving Indians, I have given you Pettquotting and that

^ Seven miles north-west of Easton, Pa.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792.

279

country to dwell in. This was indeed interrupted by the
war. Ye had to retire for a time, but I abide by my
word, and shall not change. Since now I believe quite
certainly that as the nations assemble on the Miami peace
will be concluded, I tell you beforehand, make ready
to move again to Pettquotting, into your town, and to take
possession of it. Thus shall I do too, and get ready, and
then go to live not far from Sandusky Bay, where I shall be
near you, and since I shall soon be coming back from the
council, I will come myself and bring you farther news,
which will be trustworthy." A string. The Scripture-
verse to-day, when we had a message about peace read :
Fear not for thou shalt not be ashamed ; neither be thou
confounded for thou shalt not be put to shame. When
God's hour strikes for relieving —Help breaks forth amaz-
ingly.

Sunday, 9. Br. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel
about the ten lepers. Br. Edwards held the congregation
meeting from the Scripture- verse : Of the increase of his
government and peace there shall be no end.

Monday, 10. The assistants spoke with Johanna,
Nicholas' wife, who went from him and did not continue.
She had transgressed by wicked discourse.

Tuesday, 11. We spoke with the boy Michael. He
asked forgiveness of his disobedience, that he had followed
his own way and gone from us. He begged to be re-
ceived again and his request was granted. This morning
'obias was released from trouble and died. His remains
were buried,

Wednesday, 12. He was, when a youth, April 8, 1787,
baptized in Cuyahoga, and came to the holy communion
March 7, 1789. His father was the assistant, Tobias, who
perished in Gnadenhiitten. He was a pleasant youth, of
whom we always had good hope. He walked a fine way,
and the Saviour showed in him much grace. He learned
to read well, and had always much pleasure therein, but
he came from his heart and lost his guileless and blessed
feeling. This went so far that when his brother, Michael,
perished on Beaver Creek, which he took much to heart,

280 zeisberger's diary.

he wished to take revenge and go to the war, but yet suf-
fered himself to be held therefrom by admonition and to
abandon his plan, but we were always in fear it might yet
go so far with him. The election of grace, however, pre-
vailed with him ; the Saviour was pleased to watch over
him and to secure him from temptation. In the winter
last year, while out hunting, he took a severe cold, be-
coming so lame that he could not walk, and had always
to lie down. In his sickness, which was tedious, he al-
ways had a book lying near him, written or printed, and
passed much of his time reading and writing. Several
days before his death, which was hastened by convulsions,
he said he had always hoped to get well, but that now he
gave up all hope, he wished the Saviour might blessedly
take him to himself and forgive him aU. Of this he was
assured before his death by the laying on of hands, and
he died happy. To-day young Joachim came up from
the lake for a visit, with whom Br. Zeisberger spoke, re-
minding him of the grace the Saviour had shown in him,
and encouraged him again to draw near him and to renew
his covenant of grace. He was very much depressed, but
said he would come to us in the autumn.

To-day the news came in that three of our people,
namely, David, his brother, Samuel, and Jacob, Christina's
husband, in company with savages from Pettquotting
where they were hunting, had gone to the war, but chiefly
to steal horses, that the white people set after them and
had killed three of the band, and that two of these are
our Indians, namely, David, the leader-astray, and his
brother, Samuel. If this be true they have received their
dues, for not only had we done our best to turn them from
their resolution, but the chiefs also had forbidden them,
and yet they have done it. Meanwhile we await farther
news.

Sunday, 16. Br. Edwards preached and Br. Zeisberger
held the communion service, inviting thereto the poor and
thirsty. The assistants spoke with Tobias, Ruth's son,
who also went away with the company of warriors, but
yet had no mind to go to the war, but to go hunting, who

f

281

nowjsame begging us to receive him again, which indeed
we did, but yet gave him not at once a complete answer,
but only upon probation. The three, namely, David, Sam-
uel, and Jacob, with whom he was hunting, had been gone
ten days to the war, when he came away hither, but he
could say nothing more of them except that they wished
to go above Wiliink (Wheeling) over the river.

±uesday, 18. A white man, Julin by name, came back
with John Henry from Magara [as likewise yesterday one
went through here, whom we helped with provisions].
They came away from there three weeks ago. We heard
that the governor gives good encouragement that the land
shall be settled and inhabited.

Wednesday, 19. Joseph came to us again, who went
away with the warriors and was in Pettquottiug hunting.

Friday, 21. There was speaking with reference to the
Lord's supper. The assistants spoke with Joseph, who
had heard nothing farther of his companions till he came
to Detroit River, and just the same as already told, with
the addition only that the whole party, ten in number,
perished. He asked permission to be in the church and
promised obedience. For two nights, last night and
to-night, we had hard frosts, which have much injured
our corn, that was not all ripe. We made a mistake in
planting corn from Pettquottiug, when we should have
planted that grown here, which ripens sooner.

Saturday, 22. The communicants, in the near presence
of our Lord, had the blessed enjoyment of his body and
blood in the holy communion. One brother, Mcodemus,
was readmitted, and a sister, Anna Charity, was present
for the first time. A couple of Chippewas, who came
from Detroit, brought us, shortly before communion, a
packet of letters from Bethlehem, of May 3, and Jan.
1, last.

Sunday, 23. There was early the thanksgiving liturgy,
and then Br. Sensemaun preached. In the afternoon the
assistants labored in speaking with the brethren, Ignatius
and Joshua, about Joseph's marriage. Br. David held
evening service from the text : Christ is our life. Dolson

282

zeisberger's diary.

had told us in a letter that he would like to build a bouse
here and trade, about which we talked together and which
We would by no means permit.

Monday, 24. Br. Edwards held early service, and then
the assistants came together and reconciled Joseph and
his wife, who had fallen out, and brought them together.

Tuesday, 25. Samuel and Stephen went to the Fort.
Michael held early service.

Wednesday, 26. David held early service.

Thursday, 27. Sensemann held early "service. We cut
all the corn in our fields, which was still in the milk, on
account of the night-frosts, and put it in shocks. The
Indians have learned by experience, if frost comes too
soon, the corn not being ripe, that if they treat it in this
way it becomes ripe and hard.

Saturday, 29. Michael held early service about the
work of the holy angels, which they joyfully perform for
believers, for which, as well as for other kindnesses, we
should thank the Saviour especially. At noon came the
Mohawk, Brant, with some forty men of his people,
through here on his way to the Miami. He said that the
nations were laboring for peace, but that he had heard
that the Shawanese and Twightwees would not receive
peace ; that Congress was unwilling to give up the land
on the west side of the Ohio, having already bought it
and paid for it twice, and if this were not enough they
had rather pay for it again than to let it go ; that they
had promised the land on the Muskingum to the believing
Indians, and therefore also could not let it go. He ad-
mitted himself that the nations could not justly claim the
land, having been paid for it; if he came to the Miami
and found the nations disinclined for peace, he should
straightway turn back home.

Sunday, 30. Br. Michael preached, and as the brethren
had very necessary labor in their harvest we let them make
use of the time and good weather.

Monday, Oct. 1. The Scripture-verse : Lord, thou wilt
ordain peace for us, we wished with our whole hearts soon

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 288

to see fulfilled, and on this account sent many a sigh to
our dear Father in heaven.

Thursday, 4. To-day and for several days Chippewas
have been going through here to their winter-hunt, where
they remain out till spring. Among them was a family
that had with them a lame Indian, whom they could not
take by land, and they asked to leave him here with us,
and also that from time to time we should give him some-
what to eat, that he might remain alive. The man in the
family promised also to do what he could and to bring
him meat from the hunt during the winter as often as
possible. This request we granted gladly and thought:
"Who knows ? Perhaps the Saviour sends them to us and
gives us an opportunity to do them good. This was told
the brethren, and they were urged to impart to them
bodily and spiritual food. They were told, however, that
we should much prefer to have them with us in town,
where they would be at hand if they needed any thing.

Saturday, 6. Mingoes went through here for Detroit,
who bought a canoe from our people.

Sunday, 7. Br. Edwards preached. The assistants
spoke with Andrew, who showed sorrow for his bad life
and conduct. He begged for forgiveness and readmission,
which were granted him so long as he should behave ac-
cording to his promise. In the evening Samuel and
Stephen came back from Detroit. We have not yet heard
what the nations have determined in council, for they are
now just assembling.

Monday, 8. Mr. Dolson came here from Detroit with
goods for our Indians. The Chippewas encamped here
asked to bury a child of theirs that had died. In the
evening they danced the death-dance. David had held
early service from the text.

Wednesday, 10. Dolson returned home, having sold all
he brought. Our brethren were busy at their harvest.
Early frosts have much injured our corn by freezing it.

[So far the Diary sent to Bethlehem.]

Sunday, 14. Br. Sensemann preached and Michael held
the congregation meeting. We wrote to Bethlehem.

284 zeisberger's diary.

Tuesday, 16. Brs. Sensemann and Michael went to the
Fort. Samuel went to the lower settlement.

Thursday, 18. Chippewas came here, who were going
hunting. Zeisberger held early service in Indian also.

Friday, 19. Our brethren were busy harvesting, but the
yield has been little, there being damage from frost. In the
forenoon Samuel came back, Anthony also. We heard
nothing of David and Jacob.

Sunday, 21. David preached about the wedding-gar-
ment.

Monday, 22. Some went for their autumn-hunt. • To
the Chippewas encamped here, who have nothing to eat,
we gave corn, etc.

Tuesday, 23. Mr. Parke came, and returned,

Wednesday, 24, home.

Thursday, 25. Brs. Sensemann and Jung came back
from Detroit. The former had there visited the command-
.ant, England,^ who was glad to speak with some one of us.
He inquired about our condition and the progress of our
settlement, how far up the river we lived, and said it was
a pity we were so far away, and he thought we should
have done better if we had selected a place nearer Detroit.
It was pleasant for us to hear this, for we had been rather
afraid we might be too near the settlement of the white
people. He asked farther how many Indian families were
with us, and said a township would not be too much for
us, that is, nine miles square, and we should have it on
both sides the river, for the river divides the townships,
which are surveyed below us on both sides. He is presi-
dent of the Land Board, and said farther that if the Gov-
ernor came here next spring he would help us carry out
our affairs ; as often as any one of us came to Detroit, he
should call upon him. During the last war he was with
Gen. Gage in Bethlehem, and also in the Wachau (in IN".
Carolina). The ships were all away and no letters had
come for us. Ekuschuwe had Joshua called to him and
said to him when he came : " I have something to tell you.

^Col. Richard England, of 24th Regiment.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 285

but I cannot now, for I have drunk something, but come?
to me to-morrow." This he did, and the other said to him
he wished to tell us that at the council on the Miami
nothing had been determined upon, except that next
spring there would be a treaty in Kaskaskia, and then
P^eace would be concluded ; many were now gone to the
war, but yet there should be peace.

Friday, 26. The assistants spoke with Anthony, who
said he was going to leave the church, because he so much
liked hunting.

Saturday, 27. Abraham absolved.

Sunday, 28. Michael preached. David held the com-
jmunion service. Chippewas went through hunting. ^N'ich-
olas came up from the lake. We had a house and farm
conference.

Wednesday, 31. Christiana came here to stay, with all
her things and children, likewise also Zacchaeus, who has
wandered about during the summer. We suspect that her
husband, Jacob, and David, and the rest are yet alive, who
were thought to have perished.

Thursday, Kov. 1. In the early service we brought to
mind our communion with the church above, and wished
that each member of the church might make fast his call
and election and let himself be prepared to be found
worthy there, to belong and be admitted to the same.

Afterwards was the burial of Abraham, which Zeisberger
conducted, who died in peace day before yesterday in the
evening. He was born in Friedenshiitten March 16, 1769,
and baptized on the 19th by John Jacob Schmick. He was
admitted to the church in Pettquotting May 11, '88, and
came to the Lord's supper March 7, 1789. He was mar-
ried Feb. 14, 1790, to the single woman Anna Rosina. By
nature he was a quiet man, of whom we had good hope,
and he went a blessed way. For some time, however, he
abstained of his own accord from the Lord's supper, was
sickly also, and the death of his grandfather, Abraham,
touched him to the heart, and he said many times that he
no longer wished to be here, and would rather die. Sev-
eral days before his death, he sent for Br. Zeisberger, with

286 zeisberger's diary.

•whom he talked over the whole matter, saying he should
die, that nothing more held him here; he desir.ed but one
thing, namely, that the brothers and the Saviour would
forgive him all ; he had himself wasted much time when
he might have been saved, and this he was sorry for.
This was granted him. He was absolved, waited with
longing for the Saviour soon to take him, begged the
brothers, who watched with him, to sing verses to him,
which they did, and so he fell asleep unobserved in their
presence, without giving a token of himself. His course
through this time lasted twenty-three years, seven months,
and nineteen days. He left behind him his widow and
one child, Jonas. From the Mousey town came back
brothers who had helped in the harvest and earned corn,
likewise the old chief, Lokachkes.

Friday, 2. The assistants were charged to care for the
young widow's support, thereby witness was borne against
superstition ; to speak with Zacchaeus, who asked for read-
mission and made good promises.

Saturday, 3. We had the holy communion, which
Sensemann conducted, and Zeisberger served. French
traders came here, also Mingoes, Brant's people, who went
up the river.

Sunday, 4. David read the liturgy and held the congre-
gation meeting. Edwards preached.

Monday, 5. Samuel went to the Mousey town. Adam
and Ignatius went up the creek to help the French work.
Zachary with his family came to us. A doctor of med-
icine came here from iJ^iagara on his journey to Detroit,
and stayed overnight. Christiana and Cathrine came back
from the Mousey town.

Tuesday, 6. Michael held early service. We got in our
turnips and corn. This morning before day Christiana gave
birth to a daughter.

Thursday, 8. In the early service, which Sensemann
held, he baptized Christiana's little daughter, born two days
ago, on the 6th, with the name Mary. Our men all went
away to-day for the autumn hunt. In the evening came
Joseph Brant back from the Miami with his suite of Mo-

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 287

hawks, and remained over night, when we heard that the
treaty would be held in the spring at Sandusky, and thus
that nothing is now arranged and concluded about war
or peace, but that three hundred warriors are away to
make incursions into the States.

Sunday, 11. Br. Zeisberger .preached in Indian, and at
I the 'end read something from the church-litany.
!■■. Monday, 11. Gottlieb held an hour of singing.
^B Tuesday, 13. Br. Zeisberger held the service in Indian
^Bforthe Elder's Day from the text : The bishop of our souls,
^Band in conclusion he commended us in prayer to our
^■Elder's grace anew, asked forgiveness of our faults and
^B shortcomings and wherever we were guilty; also that he
I would blessedly lead and conduct us under the staff of his
rule, to which we wished to be subject and obedient ever
more and more, and begged for his peace.

Wednesday, 14. Samuel came back from the Monsey
town. The brethren looked about for sugar-places, which
they have here just at hand, as convenient as we have any-
w^herc had.

Thursday, 15. The old and the young Joachim arrived ;
also Renatus with his family and Peggy with her children,
Zachary's family. Salome, Israel's wife, gave birth to a
daughter.

Friday, 16. Peggy came to see us, asking for admission
and promising amendment. We spoke with her plainly
and earnestly.

Sunday, 18. Sensemann preached, and in the afternoon
service, which Br. Zeisberger held, he baptized the little
daughter of Br. Israel and Salome, born on the 15th Inst.,
with the name Eleonora. The w^hites had a conference
about the brethren now come, who remained behind in the
spring.

Monday, 19. As many of the assistants as were at
home spoke with Renatus and his wife, who said to be
sure that they were come to be in the church, but could
not say whether their whole thought was to live for the
Saviour. They spoke also with the Joachims and with
Peggy, of whom we have hope they will find themselves

288 zeisberger's diary.

again. Their remaining behind was folly. They have
thereby come to misery, outwardly and inwardly.

Tuesday, 20. From the Miami three of the Mohicans
came back, who went through here some time ago as mes-
sengers from Congress, with propositions for peace to the
nations, but they had no 'answer or resolutions except
that in the spring a meeting would be held at Sandusky.
These Mohicans said they had not been pleased among the
Indians on the Miami. There was nothing to be heard
there but war-shouts, drinking, dancing, playing, etc.
They said to this chief that he would probably look about,
find out how many Indians lived there, and report to Con-
gress, to which he replied that it was unnecessary; Con-
gress knew long before how many of them there were;
they made it known themselves every year, for when they
went to the treaty with the English to get gifts, they were
asked how many there were of them, and each chief or
captain delivered as many little sticks as there were per-
sons, from which the number of Indians could at once be
known ; the Americans and the English were brothers,
lived together in peace, and whatever one heard and knew
he told the other. To this they had nothing to reply.
The Mohicans set out on their way home, leaving here
one sick man till he should be better.

Wednesday, 21. Edwards held early service. The as-
sistants spoke with Zachary and his wife. They declared
themselves sinful, gave themselves all the blame of their
unblessed life during the summer, and took courage anew
for drawing near the Saviour. Indians from the Mou-
sey town, here over night, set out forj the Fort, also Lo-
kachkes.

Thursday, 22. Sensemann held early service. It snowed
quite the whole day.

Sunday, 25. Michael preached. The assistants spoke
with Martha about forbidden medicine. We learned
that a Mousey woman had stolen and taken away our
swine.

Monday, 26. Sensemann held early service. David
had a long conversation with Johanna about her and her

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 289

daughter, and had to speak with others the whole fore-
noon.

Thursday, 29. David held early service from the
Scripture-verse, about the veil by which men are covered
by nature, so that they cannot see the clear light, which
veil, the Saviour, upon Mt. Golgotha, has torn and taken
away.

Friday, 30. Sensemann held early service. From the

I sick Mohican we learned that the Indians have all left
Stockbridge (in Massachusetts), and now live with the
Oneidas, who have given them land, that Samuel, also
from Pachgatgoch (near Kent, in Conn.), lived there, and
it was reported that the Indians from the Jerseys will
also move thither. They have an Indian preacher, who
studied in college. We killed our hogs.

Sunday, Dec. 2. On the first Sunday in Advent, Br.
Zeisberger preached about the coming of our Lord into
our poor flesh and blood, and Br. Edwards held the congre-
gation meeting from the text of the day.

Monday, 3. Sensemann held early service. We charged
the assistants to speak with Sabina about her daugh-
ter's marriage, etc. The brethren who were at home set
about making a road to the settlement. Towards evening
warriors arrived with the death-hallow. They were of
Brant's people, coming from the war with a scalp. Three
hundred warriors from the Miami had gone against a fort^
on the Ohio, where they attacked a convoy not far from
the fort, captured and killed five men and lost two. They
took many horses and much booty.

"Wednesday, 5. The warriors went away.
Friday, 7. French traders came here, stayed over night,
and went up the river. They had much rum with them,
on which account we forbade them to sell any here, and
they obeyed.

Saturday, 8. Monseys came here drunk, from up stream,
who had been at the Fort, where they received presents,

^ Probably the attack made Nov. 6, '92, near Fort St. Clair (Eaton, 0,),
where the Americans lost six men and many horses.

19

290 zeisberger's diary.

and they encamped below our town. We spoke with their
head-man, asking him to keep his people in order, that
they might cause no trouble here, which he promised to
do and did.

Sunday, 9. Br. Edwards preached.

Monday, 10. Michael held early service.

Tuesday, 11. Sensemann held early service. Several
came back home from hunting.

Wednesday, 12. David held early service from the
text: God was manifest in the flesh. The Mohican who
remained behind sick, went with another of his nation up
to the Mousey town. Joshua, with whom he was, spoke
much with him while he was here, and told him it was
not enough to be baptized, to hear preaching, to be able
to read the Bible, and to arrange one's life like the white
people, but it depended chiefly upon this, if a man sought
to be saved, to get from the Saviour forgiveness of his
sins, and to get from God a new life in his heart, which
we cannot do of ourselves, nor deserve in any way, but
must call upon him for it, who gives us it from grace.

Thursday, 13. Bill Henry came home from hunting,
who told Br. David that his son once came from hunting
and said to him that he had come across two bucks with
their horns interlocked, but that he looked very anxious,
His father, who understood, asked him if he thought much
about it or was in fear. He said yes, whereupon the father
said he cared nothing for it, and no longer believed such
things, as he did formerly, took his gun, went with him
and shot the buck that was still alive, for the other was
already dead. The Indians have the superstition that he
who comes across a pair of bucks with their antlers inter-
locked, will not live very long, on which account the
son would not shoot him.

Friday, 14. Michael held early service. It snowed, and
for several days the river has run with ice, so as not to be
travelled upon.

Saturday, 15. The Indian brethren came home from
making the road to the settlement, but they are not yet
done with it.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 291

Sunday, 16. Br. Sensemann preached. It was cold,
snowy weather, wherefore there was no other service.

Tuesday, 18. Br. David held the early service, and
then the communion service. As the brothers had for the
greater part come home, and a part would yet come, he
gave notice of the Lord's supper for next Saturday, and
he mentioned much whereby the brethren, by the deceit
of Satan, who would like to deprive them of the commun-
ion, could lose this, and thus hereafter be not better, but
worse.

Wednesday, 19. In the conference of assistants, Judith
was spoken of, who last year went away from us, and now
came again. We spoke with her, and told her we would
observe her for a while, whether she would behave accord-
ing to her promise. Mention was especially made of the
conduct of the children and the bad oversight of the pa-
rents, wherefore, in the evening, the assistants got the pa-
rents together, talked to them and admonished them to
take more regard for their children's welfare, to speak
with them, and not to let them follow their own will and
be Satan's prey, which admonition bore good fruit.

Friday, 21. The assistants spoke with James, who
again wished to live here, and got leave so to do.

Saturday, 22. After having spoken to the brethren
during the preceding days we had the holy communion in
the near presence of our dear Lord, which Br. Zeisberger
conducted. Sensemann served among the sisters, David
and Edwards among the brothers.

Sunday, 23. Michael preached. Zeisberger conducted
the children's hour, to whom he made a speech of exhorta-
tion, and Sensemann the congregation meeting. Peggy,
a sinner, came, and with tears asked forgiveness of her sin.
In the evening Frenchmen came here with rum, who stayed
over night. They were forbidden to sell any here.

Monday, 24. David held early service from the Script-
ure-verse : The name of the Lord shall be feared. In the
evening we had a blessed Christmas-watch, which we be-
gan with a love-feast. We thanked our God, who became
man, fop his holy incarnation and birth, sang the little

292 zeisberger's diary.

Jesus in the manger, adored him, and vowed to him to
give anew our poor hearts to him, since we have nothing
else, and asked him to look kindly upon us, and to bless
lis, which he did abundantly. In conclusion, wax candles
were distributed among the children.

Tuesday, 25. Br. Sensemann preached from the Gospel
about the shepherds to whom the angel brought word of
the Saviour's birth. Among other things the translator
said that the Infant Jesus had lain, or had to lie, in the
manger, upon hay or straw left by the cattle. In the
evening could be heard in the houses here and there
-Christmas- verses and songs sung. The brethren were all
much interested and the Infant Jesus showed himself
gracious and friendly among us and made himself known
to us. To him be honor, thanks and praise!

Wednesday, 26. All the brethren went out to cut tim-
ber, to square it, and to split it into boards for a new
school-house, with which labor they were to-day nearly
done, and brought some here on sledges. To the young
people it was joyful news, they went to work gladly, say-
ing: *'Nowis there hope of our again having school."
They were,

Saturday, 29, busy with blocking out even to the roof.
Chippewas sent here to ask when ISTew Year would be,
for they wanted to come here to beg according to their
custom, but we sent back word that we had ourselves lit-
tle to eat, and many among us nothing at all.

Sunday, 30. Br. Zeisberger preached from the Epistle:
But when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth
his son, made of a woman, etc., and Br. Michael held the
congregation meeting.

Monday, 81. At the end of the year we came together,
about midnight, to a love-feast, and brought to our dear
Lord our filial thanks and praise-offerings for all the kind-
nesses shown us through this year in body and soul, for
his recognition of us, poor and wretched creatures, though
instead of making glad his heart, we had so often grieved
him, causing him labor and care by our sins, so that he
always found that to correct which we had put wrong,

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1792. 293

and this he did faithfully according to his endless pity,
so that in the end Satan cannot boast, as if he had at-
tained his purpose, but he must feel shame and see that
he has gained nothing. We see plainly that he does not
sleep, but is always awake, to cause harm among believers.
The savages he can let go, about whom he does not much
trouble himself, for them he has in his power anyway;
but he is most concerned about the believing Indians,
lest they slip from his hands. Therefore we must learn
from the Saviour to use patience and long-suffering towards
our brethren, and seek to aid such as have strayed from
the right way. We asked our merciful Lord for absolu-
tion from all our faults and sins, for his farther recognition
of us, for his blessing upon all our deeds and plans, and
we vowed to him new fidelity and obedience. In conclu-
sion, the blessing of the Lord ^vas imparted to the church,
and therewith we passed over into the new year.

We still find cause to praise the Saviour; we came here
in May and chose this place for a settlement, and accord-
ing to appearances, and so far as the country on this river
is known to us, it is the best and fittest for us in all re-
spects, for we find every thing here which is requisite. It was
a perfect wilderness, and the building-site thickly grown
with heavy timber, and now already nearly thirty good
houses stand here, among them many dressed block-houses.
More than a hundred acres of land have been cleared and
planted, and every one who comes here wonders" how the
much labor they see with their eyes could have been per-
formed. Indeed, without the help and aid of the Saviour,
all could not have been done. He has given us health,
has imparted his blessing to our work, and has been with
us. That by early frosts our corn was injured in the au-
tumn, and much of it frozen, is a great calamity for us,
but it has not come upon us alone, but upon the whole
land, upon Indians and white people, and it will cause
scarcity. On account of war we had again disturbance,
which caused us for some time much care and. anxiety,
but at the end all has come to nought, just as among the
brethren, at the outset all these things appeared danger-

294

ons and frightful. Those of our people who let them-
selves be led astray, come again, one after the other,
ashamed and humble, and beg for forgiveness.

As for our settlement, we have from the beginning
looked upon it as nothing certain and permanent, but
thought if we could stay here a couple of years, safe and
hidden from the excesses of Satan and the savages, we
should attain our end and be thankful to the Saviour
therefor; and nothing farther has occurred in this matter.
We have, however, so much news, that the Governor has
sent orders to the commandant not to have any more land
surveyed, nor to give out what is already surveyed, for a
good distance from our town, until he has himself spoken
with the missionaries, in order not to lessen our settlement,
and the commandant, who is president of the Land Board,
told us we should have our land surveyed on both sides
the river as we shall wish ; this is also well enough known
among the white people, who have so said to our Indians.

From strangers we have had no increase. In the spring
two families came here to live, for which they had leave,
but they went away again, and the heads thereof died
soon after. Our people who in the spring remained on
the lake below, have all come to us this autumn, except
Susanna and her children, who are yet there. We have
observed that the white people do much harm among our
people, and were the cause of their staying there. Satan
and the children of the world, white, black, brown, make
attempts upon our people, and seek to lead them astray,
while other savages are quiet towards them.

Baptized this year were 3 adults and 5 children. Ad-
mitted to the holy communion, 5.

One couple married. 5 have died, among them 1 child.
There are in all 151 inhabitants here, among them two
uubaptized adults.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1798. 295

CHAPTER XIII.
1793.

Fairfield, on the Thames, Ontario.

Tuesday, Jan. 1. Br. Michael preached about the name
of Jesus, who is called Saviour, in that he saves his people
from their sins. Br. Zeisberger conducted the children's
hour and Sensemann the service for the baptized. He ex-
horted the brethren to give themselves anew to the Sa-
viour as his property alone ; to let themselves be led, ruled,
and made ready by his spirit for the praise and joy of our
beloved Lord. There have lately been strangers present,
who have attended the services, and to-day many came
down here from the upper town.

Friday, 4, Sabina, Thomas' widow, brought forth a
daughter.

Saturday, 5. Mr. Parke came here. We heard there
was a poor prospect for peace ; that the nations made a
point of having the Ohio the boundary of their land, which
causes us much care and anxiety.

Sunday, 6. We celebrated a blessed feast for the con-
version of the heathen (Epiphany), and the Saviour of the
heathen showed himself gracious and apparent to us and
made us aware of his presence in all our services. Br. Zeis-
berger conducted morning prayer. Sensemann preached
from the Gospel about the three wise men from the east,
to whom the star appeared, which they followed till they
found the Child. In the afternoon was a love-feast, at
which Br. Zeisberger presided, and in the concluding
service he baptized into Jesus' death, with the name Lea,
the child born day before yesterday. The brethren were
much aroused, touched, and overcome by the mercy and
presence of the heathen's Saviour, so that they gave them-
selves again to him, renewed their baptismal covenant,

296 zeisderger's diary.

and, as it were, lived afresh. Many who were drowsy
awakened, took courage again to draw near to him, and
sought forgiveness and rest for their souls. We observed
also that among strangers there was movement to be seen,
and we have hope that from the Mousey town the Sa-
viour will also yet get together people for the reward of
his suffering.

Monday, 7. Michael held early service. The brothers
went to work on the school-house, already under roof, to
complete it.

Tuesday, 8. Edwards held early service from the
Scripture-verse: Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O
Lord, have we waited for thee ; that if we wait for Jesus,
he will send us the power, for his glory, to enter into his
kingdom.

Wednesday, 9. Mr. Parke went back, and with him
some of our brethren to the settlement to get corn. A
family of strangers, who were here during the holidays
and till now, went home. The man thinks of moving
here in the spring, on which account he has. here several
times spoken with his wife and asked her whether she
was willing, and she will be glad to come to us.

Thursday, 10. Several brethren went to the Mousey
town. Here the Indian brethren had quite finished the
school-house. Moses came, asking for readmission to
live here.

Sunday, 13. Br. Edwards preached, Sensemann con-
ducted the children's hou^, and David held the congrega-
tion meeting. \

Monday, 14. Samuel and several others went for corn
up to the Mousey town, and the brethren came back
from the settlement, having, however, got but little, for the
settlers are new beginners, and have themselves but little.

Tuesday, 15. Some went bear-hunting, others to the
Mousey town for corn. Thus far the winter has been
very mild. The snow which has fallen is for the most
part melted, for it thaws every day and freezes at night.

Wednesday, 16. Michael held early service, who for
several days had been kept indoors by trouble with his

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 297

leg. The assistants spoke with Tobias, reminding him of
his promise, and showing him he did not behave accord-
ingly. Br. David had already said to him that in this way
he could not be here, and this so unsettled him that
he could not sleep at night. He acknowledged and con-
fessed, begging forgiveness; wherefore we still had pa-
tience with him.

Thursday, 17. Zeisberger held early service. French
traders came here and remained over night, who last
autumn built a house twenty miles above us, and trade
there.

Saturday, 19. Samuel and other brethren came back
from the Monsey town with corn. He had preached the
Saviour to the Indians there and had devout hearers.
When he came away Indians called out to him two miles
from town. He asked what they wanted. They asked if
he would not soon come back again, for they had heard that
he preached the night before in town, and wished him
soon to come back again, for they also wanted to hear
something. They met there white people from Niagara,
who had been sent out to examine the land. They had
orders also from the Governor to look at our town and the
country about it, but as they had a long journey and their
time was used up, they had to give up for the present
going farther than they were.

Ohl David, who lives there, an old lost sheep, since our
captivity, whom the brethren often visited last summer
and talked with, sent his greetings to Br. David and the
message, that where he was he had nothing for his heart,
all was dead and lifeless; that next spring he wished to
come here to the church, but as he was old and helpless —
though he can still very well take care of himself — he
begged the brothers to be so good as to help him in this.

Sunday, 20. Br. Zeisberger preached from the Epistle,
Rom., xii., 7, about a godly walk, especially about broth-
erly love, which is the fruit of the spirit that dwells in the
children of God. As there was line spring-like weather,
which the brethren wished to make use of, we dismissed
them, and visited some brethren in the neis^hborhood.

298 zeisberger's diary.

Wednesday, 23. The assistants spoke with Joseph, re-
minding him of his promise in baptism, and showing him
that his walk was not in accordance therewith. He prom-
ised to give himself anew to the Saviour and to be obedient.

Thursday, 24. Br. Zeisberger had a long conversation
with Tobias, who called upon him. He led him to the
acknowledgment of his wretchedness and thus with it to
approach the Physician of our souls, who would free him
therefrom, heal, and cure him. Different brethren went
to the Mousey town for corn.

Sunday, 27. Michael preached. Sensemann held the
communion quarter-hour, giving notice of it for Saturday.
An Indian came here from the Mousey town, bringing
news to friends here that old Lokachkes was near dying,
whom our brethren would have liked to bring to the
Saviour on the cross, if they could, but he would not, when
he was here not long ago.

Monday, 28. ^N'icodemus went to see him, pointed out
to him the Saviour, who receives and saves sinners, and
who alone can save all those who in their perplexity call
upon him. The former came,

Wednesday, 30, home from there. His uncle expressed
his thanks that the brothers, the teachers, had thought of
him, but the next day he had forgotten what had been
said to him, and N'icodemus had to sa}^ it all over again to
him, and he answered: "Ah, if Grod would only be
gracious to me, and take me just as I am ! "

Friday, Feb. 1. To-day and yesterday there was speaking
with reference to the Lord's supper. Samuel's daughters,
who came here and began to make trouble on every hand,
we sent away.

Saturday, 2. We had the holy communion, which Br.
Sensemann directed, whereby the near presence of God
mightily showed itself.

Sunday, 3. Br. Zeisberger read the liturgy. Br. Sense-
mann preached. The assistants met with the brothers to
see about paying the common debt.

Monday, 4. Many went to the Mousey town to get
corn. From Niagara Mr. Caldwell went through here, on

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 299

his way to Detroit, where he lives. We heard somewhat
about the affecting circumstances in France,^ and that there
would be peace between the Indian nations and the States,
which we heartily desire.

Wednesday, 6. David came here, having been away
since last summer.

Thursday, 7. An express, with a couple of Indians, went
through here for Niagara.

Sunday, 10. Br. Edwards preached at the approach of
passion-time, about the Saviour's entrance into Jerusalem
to his suffering. The assistants, who had come home from
the sugar-huts, spoke with David to learn whence and
wherefore he was come. They heard from him that he
would like again to be in the church, to which, however,
they gave no reply. In a service for the married, the wid-
ower, Luke, was married to the single woman, Cornelia,
which marriage has been long in making.

Monday, 11. Michael held early service. The assist-
ants sent Tobias away, with whom for several years we
have had much patience on account of Ruth, his old
mother, who yet needs help, but as he caused harm to the
church, we could no longer suffer him, and he went forth
to-day.

Wednesday, 13. Our people were busy in the sugar-
huts. French traders were here over night.

Friday, 15. A white man arrived, who brought us news
that the Governor^ was coming over land fl'om Niagara,
and had passed the night not far from here.

Saturday, 16. He arrived in the forenoon with some
eight Mohawks and six English captains, but stayed only
a couple of hours, and then continued his journey to De-
troit. He looked at every thing, went into our meeting-
house and the school-house, where we had fires in two
chimneys; we entertained them at breakfast as well as we

^ Probably the imprisonment of the royal family in the Temple, and
the preceding circumstances.

^ John Graves Simcoe, the first governor of Upper Canada, now On-
tario, which had been made into a separate province, 1791. Seep. 244,

300 zeisberger's diary.

could, and it tasted right good to them. He had nothing
to remark against our settling here, but said that our
town stood on Chippewa land, for on the north side of the
river the land has not been bous^ht farther than eisrht or
ten miles from here; on the other hand, upon the south
side, the river is the boundary up above the Mousey town,
and thus towards IS'iagara ; the Chippewas would not drive
us away; it had been arranged with them that they should
let us live here, and upon the south side we could have as
much land from the government as we should consider
needful. lie said, however, that no one could be or act
in the land as a minister without taking the oath of alle-
giance to the king. We showed him the Brothers' Act of
Parliament,^ and replied that none of us missionaries had
either renounced our allegiance to the king or sworn it to
the States, whereupon indeed he said that, this being so,
the Act of Parliament was still in force with us, but he
wished that our principal correspondence should be with
England, and that we should get from them our instruc-
tions, tlirections, and books, for they wished to have as
little to do with the States as possible. We replied that
this, our mission, was begun under the direction of the
church and its bishops in Bethlehem, and had now been
conducted more than fifty years, whence we every year
received our books, as he expressed it, and. writings, and
if any thing also was sent to us from Europe, it first went to
our bishops in Bethlehem, and through them to us; there-
fore it would be hard for us if the correspondence with our
mother should be broken off". He said his meaning was
not that we should not correspond at all with Bethlehem,
but that our chief correspondence should go directly to
England.

Sunday, 17. Br. Zeisberger preached. As 'there was
-G-iiQ, spring weather, we dismissed the brethren to their
sugar-huts. At a love-feast we congratulated Sister Su-
sanna upon her birthday.

^See De Schweinitz' Life of Zeisberger, p. 154. Among other mat-
ters, a "solemn affirmation'' could be made instead of an oath.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 301

Monday, 18. Tobias, who came here again, asked ear-
nestly for pardon and readmission, that we might have
patience with him, saying he had-; indeed thought that he
would go far away, but he could not, and from pure unrest
of heart he was come again to make trial. Towards even-
ing we heard cannon fired in Detroit, from which we could
infer that the Governor was arrived there. A sledffe-
party from the settlement went out to meet them as far up

ithe river as they could, which had hastened the time of
their journey.
Tuesday, 19. Many of our people went to the settle-
ment to earn food by work. On the other hand, others
went,
Thursday, 21, up to the Monsey town for corn, for many
are quite out of it, the autumn frost having done much
damage.

Saturday, 23. In the morning after nine o'clock we
heard cannon discharged' in Detroit, from which we could
conclude that the Grovcrnor was setting out on his way
back. Yet it is reckoned forty miles to the lake from
here over land, and by water much more, fifty at least,
and then thirty miles over Lake St. Clair to Detroit, which
we have lying west-south-west from us. Frenchmen came
here with rum and remained over night. We took charge
of it till they went farther the next morning.

Sunday, 24. Michael preached, and then the brethren
returned to their sugar-camp. We spoke with several
brethren.

Monday, 25. In the afternoon came back his excellency
the Governor from Detroit with his suite, and passed the
night with tis. He examined very carefully the bank of
the river and the country, which pleased him. After they
had dined we gave him an address in the name of the mis-
sionaries, which he well and graciously received. We took
this opportunity to speak farther with him, since before
his time was too short.

1st. About our correspondence, that it would be hard
and long for us if we could not send our reports directly
to Bethlehem, but to England, whence they must first

302 zeisberger's diary.

write to Bethlehem and get an answer before giving us a
resohitiou about a thing. He perceived this, and replied
that it was not positivel;5j forbidden to write to the States,
but an Act of Parliament had been passed that from His
Britannic Majesty's lands no intercourse on the part of the
aristocracy and the clergy, especially of the bishops, should
be held with the States which we could report home, and
they could themselves ask farther about this in London.
When we heard this we were concerned, for we had no
letter last autumn, and have had none since, that perchance
they are lost.

2d. About the land whereon we live, he had informed
himself more carefully, and found that it was included in
the purchase, that the government was well disposed
towards us, and would give us land in consideration of our
having suflered great losses, but he thought that a town-
ship, fronting on the river, took away from them too much
land, since they intended to settle it thickly, and we could
not make use of so much land. We told him that on the
Muskingum we had three towns, but during the war
had much decreased in number, for a third part had been
murdered, another third scattered among the savages, and
a third now remained therefrom [which indeed was not un-
known to him, as he gave us to understand], but that we
hope, especially if there should be peace, to grow again.
The conclusion was that if the land should be surveyed
and laid out, and it should be found necessary, one of us
should be called to jN^iagara and there we should be well
considered and advised. We asked farther if a deed for
the land would be given, and when he said yes, we said at
once we should like to have it made out in the name of
the Society's trustees in England, which he not only ap-
proved, having nothing to say against it, but was pleased
with.

3d. We said to him that our Indians did not go to war,
that we taught them according to the Scripture to live at
peace with all men, as for as possible, for experience had
shown us that if they went to war our mission was ruined
and our labor vain. This he agreed to and confirmed, but

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793.

said that on this very account the Indians were not well-
disposed to our Indians, as also some of the whites in
Detroit, which is well known to us, and we know the per-
sons, too, who do not approve our principles.

Tuesday, 26. In the morning we spoke farther with

I him, setting before him the want of our Indians in the
necessaries of life, that this had not come from laziness, as
is usually the case with Indians, but that failure of the
crops and early frosts in the autumn were the causes of it,
and we asked him, if it were possible, to come to their aid.
Last year in the spring we had bought them at our own
cost a hundred bushels of corn, and thus put them in con-
dition to clear their land and to X)lant, but from failure of
the crops they were now in the same circumstances. When
he found difficulty, and could not of himself do this, and
we had proposed to him that if we could have advanced
to us two hundred bushels of corn, we would return it as*
soon as we could, he was disposed for this, and said, 3^es,
this he would and could do, and at once ordered his com-
missary to draw an order upon the commandant in Detroit
to deliver us so much from the king's store so soon as we
could take it away. His excel lenc}^ asked to attend our
worship and early service. It so happened that most of the
brethren were at home, and he came with his officers, took
good notice of every thing, especially of the brethren's
singing, which pleased him well. Afterwards he bade us,
when the Indians came together again, to express to them
his satisfaction at their devout worship, and to say to them
that he had been much edified to see Indians woi^shipping
God so devoutly and humbly ; they should continue there-
in, to grow and increase to God's glory and as an example
to other Indians. Then he went to the Zeisbergers house,
where he was alone, wrote an answer to our address, and
gave it to us with these words, that he hoped to have oc-
casion to show his favor and inclination towards us more
by deeds than by what was therein expressed. He took
leave of us in a friendly and polite way, and continued his
journey towards E'iagara.

304 zeisberger's diary.

This afternoon died our dear Cornelius, old and full of
years, right blessedly. His remains were,

Wednesday, 27, committed to the earth. He was bap-
tized by a Lutheran pastor in Walbeck, in Jersey, and
thoroughly aroused, but as he afterwards went to the Sus-
quehanna and Wajomik (Wyoming, Pa.), and had no far-
ther instruction, he remained as he was until in the year
'65 the church came to Friedenshiitten, where he came to
it, and has so remained steadfast to the end. He was
taken into the church Jan. 6, '68, and was admitted to the
holy communion May 30, '67. In 1772 he went with the
Indian church to the Muskingum, where he became a na-
tional assistant. He showed by word of mouth and by
his conduct that he believed in Jesus Christ and in his
bloody merits; he was a comfort and edification to the
brethren, and did not cease, so long as weakness and age
did not prevent, to exhort and encourage them to remain
with the Saviour, who gives so much that is good and lets
those enjoy it who hunger and thirst therefor. He loved
and was beloved, and his testimony and word found ac-
cess among the brethren, being confirmed by his cbnduct.
When, after the dispersion, he came again to the church
on Huron River (Michigan), he was very humble and like
a repentant sinner, and said as he came: "I come very
poor and wretched, for happy I am not, but take me just
as I am. I will give myself anew to the Saviour. Per-
haps he will be gracious to me and send rne a joyful
heart." This too the Saviour did for him, so that he
could rejoice in God, his Saviour. In the year '86 or '87
he lost his sight, so that he was quite blind, and as he had
been busy and industrious all his life and never willingly
idle, so did he when he was blind, and worked as much
as he could. Since last autumn he has had noticeably less
strength. On the 2d of this month he was present at the
Lord's supper in the chapel, and from that time it could
be seen that his mortal life was near its end. He was
old and tired of living and often longed to go to the Sa-
viour, for which he was waiting. Sickness was not the
occasion of this, for he felt no pain, but weakness. Many

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 305

of the brethren believed, as he said himself, that he was
over a hundred years old. He fell asleep quietly and hap-
pily amid the blessing of the church.

Friday, March 1. We had a sad occurrence. Three
white people, who had accompanied the Governor, with
horses, came back and went through here. One of them
met Samuel not far from town, who was coming from the
sugar-camp, and who owed him a small sum. He followed
him and struck him, so that he broke ^ his arm and suf-
fered great pain. As they passed the night in the sugar-
huts, we sent some Indians out about midnight, who
brought him in, so that he could see what he had done,
and upon inquiring why, he could give no reason except
that he had drunk too much, and asked us not to com-
plain of him in the Fort; promised also to help Samuel,
so far as lay in his power, that he should get well again,
and so we let him go.

Sunday, 3. Br. Zeisberger preached in Indian, and
most of the brethren were present. As many Indian
brothers were at home, they set about putting SamueFs
arm right, since hitherto all they had done had been in
vain, and were lucky enough to bring it right again, and
he was freed from pain, whereover all the brethren thank-
fully rejoiced and went back comforted to their sugar-
camp.

Monday, 4. In the evening Tobias and Abel came home
from the Frenchman's drunk, causing disorder. The
former had to be bound. The day after,

Tuesday, 5, the assistants came together, sent him away,
and informed his mother, Ruth, that if she could not do
without her son, she must go with him, but she bethought
herself and begged them yet to have patience with her.

Thursday, 7. As we had a severe thunder-storm two
days ago, whereupon there followed yesterday the finest
spring-weather, and the sugar-trees ran strong day and
night, so that the brethren could hardly attend to them,

^ Probably a dislocation.

20

306 zeisberger's diary.

so now cold, snowy weather sets in, the like of which we
have not had this winter. Frenchmen came here with
rum, and remained over night, of which we took charge.

Sunday, 10. Br. Sensemann preached from the Script-
ure-verse : He was wounded for our transgressions; he
was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our
peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.
Then the brethren went to their sugar-huts, having much
labor before them.

Tuesday, 12. The ice in the river broke up. The ex-
press from Niagara came back, who met the Governor not
far from home.

Thursday, 14. Young Daniel Dolson came here. The
brethren in the sugar-camp had much labor. They say
that in no place where they have been have the sugar-
trees run so strong.

Saturday, 16. For two days it has rained. The river
rises very high.

Sunday, 17. Br. Zeisberger preached from Heb., ix.,
about the perfect sacrifice of Jesus for our sins and those
of the whole world, whereby alone we are justified in
faith, and saved. Whoever does not receive it or despises
it, is lost. Thereupon the brethren went away again to
their sugar-camp, where they have much work before
them, for the trees run strong.

Tuesday, 19. The river has so been rising for several
days that it has overflowed the lowland and many fields.
The brethren were busy in the sugar-camp.

Friday, 22. Tobias came from the Monsey town, bring-
ing a wife with him, as we had advised, since we could
not concern ourselves about his marriage. She came to
ask for reception. She is a person who has already long
wished to be with us, and said she would like to hear how
she should and could be saved, but that she was dull and
stupid, and knew not how to do any thing.

Saturday, 23. Adam came from the Monsey town with
a request from old David there that the brothers would
help him come to the church, as he was old and helpless.

Sunday, 24. Br. Edwards preached, Br. Zeisberger read

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 307

the communion service, of which he gave the brethren no-
tice, and read to them what the apostle Paul wrote to the
church about it, I. Cor., xi., 23. The assistants spoke with
the woman who lately came, and heard her. They told
her our laws, how she would have to live if she wished to
be in the church, and received her; at the same time also
with Tobias, with whom, upon his ceaseless entreaty, we
were willing again to make trial. We learned to-day that
Jacob, Christiana's husband, had taken a Tawa wife in
Pettquotting, and thus we cannot expect that he will come
to us. Thus it is if one goes his own way apart from the
church, little by little he gets so far away that he is quite
ready for perdition.

Tuesday, 26. Br. Zeisberger and his wife spoke with
the brethren, and found in their hearts tokens of the grace
and working of God's spirit.

Wednesday, 27. The communicants, in two divisions,
had the washing of feet, whereof the history was read, and,

Thursday, 28, after the history had first been read in a
public meeting, the communicants had the Lord's supper
in the night of his betrayal. Leonard and Johannette were
readmitted.

Friday, 29. We began the day with the reading and
consideration of the passion-history of our Lord and Sa-
viour, and, at the consideration of his many sufferings and
sorrows for us, many tears were given him from shame
and humiliation that God should have taken upon him-
self and endured our punishment, and have reconciled us
to God by his perfect sacrifice upon the cross, and have
discharged our debt and done away with our sins. This
made us sigh in heart : •' Take us altogether to be thine
own, a recompense for thy woes ! "

Saturday, 30. We kept Quiet Sabbath, and had a love-
feast in the afternoon, singing: In the tomb the Saviour
lay, etc.

Sunday, 31. Early in the morning we prayed, partly in
our chapel, partly in the grave-yard, the Easter litany,
thinking at the proper place of those who had departed
since last year, five brothers, whose bodies are buried here.

!

308 zeisberger's diary.

Then Br. Michael Jung preached about the glorious resur-
rection of our Lord for our justification. In a service
which followed this, held by Br. Sensemann, he baptized
the old widow, Akerlemann, Boaz' mother, with the name
Erdmuth, into the death of Jesus. And in the service for
the baptized, which Br. Zeisberger held, he absolved John
Thomas in the name of Jesus Christ; he had laid before
Br. Zeisberger, in a written letter, the state of his heart
and his repentance for his transgressions, and brought it
himself, but for tears could say nothing. Both the service
for the baptized, which three white people attended, and
also this, were especially blessed by the Lord.

Monday, April 1. The brethren went all again to their
sugar-camp, after first having contributed sugar for the
love-feasts, 170 pounds. Nicholas and young Joachim,
with their families, who had already separated themselves
from the others in the sugar-camp — of them we heard
they were making ready to go from the church — Br.
Zeisberger had a straightforward talk with them, but they
did not follow his advice.

Tuesday, 2. Some went to the Monsey town for corn.
Tobias' wife's mother came from there, who thanked the
Zeisbergers that her daughter had leave to live in the
church. The brethren ended sugar-making. Many hun-
dred pounds have been made, by which they have paid their
debts and bought corn and provisions. In no place yet
where we have been has the yield been so great.

Thursday, 4. Christiana, Renatus, and several others,
went down to the lake to get their corn, and others to the
settlement for provisions, Samuel, etc.

Sunday, 7. Sensemann preached. We wrote to Beth-
lehem.

Tuesday, 9. Brs. Sensemann and Michael went to the
Fort on business with the commandant, at the same time,
if possible, to forward our letters to Bethlehem.

Thursday, 11. Boaz, who said he was going hunting,
was asked who went with him. He replied: ''l^o one,
except the dear Saviour. Boaz and the Saviour go to-
gether. I hear always that in all places he is with us, and

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 309

I believe it, and when I am alone in the bush I talk with
him, as if my eyes saw him." The whites had a love-
feast on Br. Zeisberger's seventy-third birthday.

Friday, 12. Johanna visited the Zeisbergers, with
whom they had a long and thorough conversation, for she
had wished to leave the church for the sake of her wicked
daughter, and as we saw she could not part from her
daughter, we did not wish to persuade her to stay, but left
it to her to consider.

Sunday, 14. Br. Edwards preached about the good
Shepherd who knows his sheep and calls them by name,
and who know him, hearing and understanding his voice.

Monday, 15. Br. Zeisberger held early service. Jo-
hanna and Anna Mary came and begged again to be per-
mitted to remain anew in the church. No one had sent
them away, but they had themselves wished to go. The
latter's daughter has married a savage, and as he has re-
solved to live in the church, we wish to make a trial with
him. He said he could not now promise to live as did
the believers, knowing nothing of them, how it was among
us, and he had never heard any thing either, but if we
would have patience with him he would make a trial.
This we promised him and bade them come together to
town.

Wednesday, 17. Bill Henry came last Evening from the
settlement, and as he had there been overcome with
drink, in despair he wished to go away from us. We
sent Joshua after him, who overtook him seven miles
from here and brought him back again, when Br. Zeis-
berger helped him right^again, and said to him that this
was not the right way, but if he was sorry, he should
turn to the Saviour and seek forgiveness from him.

Thursday, 18, Br. Sensemann, and Friday, 19, Br.
Michael, came back from Detroit with the Indian brothers,
Peter and Adam. The former had accomplished with the
commandant,^ that we should get here the two hundred
bushels of corn from a French trader, for which he

^ Col. Richard England.

310 zeisberger's diary.

brought back an order, and thus we shall not have the
trouble of bringing it from Detroit, a long journey and
dangerous for canoes upon the lake. The commandant was
very friendly. Br. Sensemann must dine with him. He
asked many questions about the church, for he had been
in Bethlehem, and he said that whenever any of us came
to Detroit we should visit him. At his request we put in
a memorial about the land we should get, he being presi-
dent of the Land Board, so as to submit something to
him, which he well approved.

Saturday, 20. David held early service. This week we
sowed our garden vegetables. The Indian brethren were
busy getting their fields ready, and clearing land also.

Sunday, 21. At the sermon, which Br. Zeisberger
preached, white people were present, a man with his wife,
and her sister, devout hearers. Michael held the congre-
gation meeting.

Tuesday, 23. The French trader brought us the above-
mentioned corn, as much as he had, and promised to de-
liver the rest. We gave him a receipt, and thus our
brethren were helped for the year, so that they could
plant.

Thursday, 25. Mr. Dolson came here with a couple of
white people, and remained over night. lie told us he
had sent our letters by way of Montreal in the first ship
to 'New York. From the mouth of the river on lake Erie
came back Christiana, Peggy, and others, who had brought
the corn they left there, and had with them Susanna and
her children. She came the next day and asked for ad-
mission, for we had told her to l^ave us, when we came
away from there. The assistants spoke with her,

Saturday, 27, and received her again, to her great com-
fort and thankfulness.

Sunday, 28. Michael preached. In the afternoon the
assistants had to speak with Renatus and the wife he had
taken, also with Joseph on account of bad conduct, and
his wife.

Monday, 29. Early Anna Elizabeth was delivered of a
daughter. From the settlement Mr. Parke came here

FAIRFIELD, ON TFIE THAMES, 1793. 311

with goods, flour, and cofm, to trade with the Indians.
He brought the Indians seed-corn and potatoes for plant-
ing. He will settle next to our township, when the town-
ship adjacent to us has been surveyed. He went,

Thursday, May 2, away with a heavy lading of pelts
and sugar, over 1500 pounds, having had a good trade, so
that one must w^onder where he comes from. We also
reckoned and settled with him.

Saturday, 4. Br. Sensemann held early service about
the love of Christ, which enters, masters, and overcomes
the heart, so that we love him in return and hate all that
is called sin in the world and is displeasing to him. The
surveyor arrived in his boat and encamped with his peo-
ple by the river, in order first to survey the township below
us, all of which has not yet been surveyed, and then to
measure off our land, especially all in one piece, and not
to lay it out in lots. Therefore he must first see how the
river runs.

Sunday, 5. Br. Sensemann preached, and the surveyor,
McI^Teff, with his people, was present. Then the com-
munion service, of which Br. Zeisberger gave notice for
next Saturday, and in the congregation meeting towards
night he baptized the little daughter of Zachary and Eliz-
abeth, born on the 29th of last month, with the name
Margaret. Johannette was delivered of a son.

Tuesday, 7. After the surveyor had first examined the
country, he laid out to-day the third township below us,
and found that the boundaries of it would fall a mile and
a half from here. As this is too near, it will be lessened,
and some lots in the upper part be made over to us [a lot
is three hundred acres], so that we shall have room. It is
found that we have the best and greatest piece of land, in
one body, upon the river.

Wednesday, 8. In the early service Br. Sensemann
baptized the little son of Leonard and Johannette, born
on the 5th Inst., with the name, George. Abigail was de-
livered of a daughter. The surveyor surveyed our town
in order to make a draught of it, and then went with his
people farther up the river.

312 zeisberger's diary.

Thursday, 9. Ascension Day. We prayed to our dear
Lord, who for us is ascended into heaven, after fulfilling the
work of our redemption, there also to prepare a place for
us, so that we may be with him forever ; until then we
begged to enjoy daily his unseen presence.

Friday, 10. A Frenchman, who came up here with rum,
caused us great anguish and perplexity, for some bad peo-
ple of ours drank and made an uproar in town.

Saturday, 11. After the brethren had been spoken to,
the communicants enjoyed the body and blood of the Lord
in the holy sacrament, at which Br. Sensemann presided.

Sunday, 12. After the communion liturgy, in which
Br. Zeisberger called upon the communion-church to op-
pose with united hearts the evil spirit, by whom some were
so possessed that they openly and wantonly sinned, and no
longer had respect for the church ; that they should ask the
Saviour to be pleased to stand by us and quench the evil
spirit. Br. Edwards preached and in the congregation
meeting, which Br. Sensemann held, he baptized the little
daughter of Boaz and Abigail, who was born on the 3d
Inst., with the name, Marianne.

Monday, 13. The assistants spoke with David, An-
drew, and Joseph about their wanton behavior, and or-
dered them to leave ouf-4owu, and this they promised
to do.

Wednesday, 15. The surveyor, MclSTeff, who had been
up as far as the Monsey town, came back, having partly
surveyed the country, partly examined it, in order to es-
tablish the bounds of our township, about which, however,
he must first confer with the commandant, president of the
Land Board. He said he had found our township to be
the best on the river, containing the most good land, that
is, the greatest bottoms.

Thursday, 16. The Mohawk, Brant, got here early with
eight or more canoes of his people, but did not stay long,
for they were in a hurry to get to the treaty on the Miami.
They brought news that the Americans had come with
boats to Presque Isle by the portage, but with what object
they knew not, that they had crossed the lake by Long

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793.

313

Point, where it is only thirty miles wide, and had gone
back again. Both yesterday and to-day in the morning
there were frosts, so that much was frozen.

Friday, 17. Monseys from the upper town went through
here on their way to the treaty.

Sunday, 19. Br. Sensemann 'preached about the out-
pouring of the Holy Ghost, and in the afternoon Br. David
held a service for the communion brethren. We brought
to God, the worthy Holy Ghost, our thank-ofieriiigs for
his faithful care, and gave ourselves over to his guidance
and direction, and vowed to him fidelity and obedience.

Monday, 20. Tobias' wife's mother came here, wishing
to take away her daughter, who did not care to go, on
which account we had trouble for a time, which at last
ended well.

Wednesday, 22. The Frenchman brought the rest of
the corn which was yet lacking to make up the two hun-
dred bushels. Joseph was sent away.

Friday, 24. Brs. Sensemann and Michael went to the
settlement to get provisions and flour for us. The breth-
ren made a fish-dam here and got so many that the whole
town for a time had enough to eat and more.

Sunday, 26. Br. Zeisberger preached about this on
Trinity Sunday, that the Holy Trinity has brought about
the work of our redemption in that the Son of God has
reconciled us to God by his blood, and that we now are
with him in grace and have communion with him. In the
afternoon there was a conference with the assistants. We
spoke in their presence with some people, for instance,
Abel and Sabina, who, by their disobedience, had incurred
want and trouble, and now sought help and advice from
us to make good their faults. Brs. Sensemann and Michael
came back from the settlement with provisions. The as-
sistants spoke with Boaz.

Tuesday, 28. Br. Sensemann held the early service, as
did Michael yesterday. Eainy weather both days.. We
planted vegetables, tobacco.

Wednesday, 29. Tobias' wife's mother and her sister
came here and called upon the Zeisbergers. He preached

314 zeisberger's diary.

the Saviour to them and pointed out to them the way to
him. They listened attentively, and when they went away
they said, one to the other: " To-day we have heard what
we had never heard before." They are not unfit for the
kingdom of God.

Friday, 31. To-day Tobias at last went away from the
church, whom we have often sent away, with his wife, a
savage woman, for "here it was too narrow for him.

Saturday, June 1. David held early service. Six canoes,
with Mohawks, Brant's people, went through here to the
treaty. They stayed here a couple of hours and were fed.

Sunday, 2. Michael preached. In the afternoon our
statutes and church-ordinances were made known to all
the inhabitants, and the brethren were admonished to obey
them, so that they might not only have the name of
Christian Indians, but might show it by their behaviour.
If, however, these ordinances did not please them^ or were
too severe, the door was always open for them to go, yes,
he who had no mind so to live would do better to go and
not to plague himself in vain, for the land was given to
the Christian Indians alone to live on, and not to the sav-
ages.

Wednesday, 5. The brethren hoed our and the common
plantations, for which they had shot a couple of bucks.
Thus the brethren did throughout the week, and helped
hoe one field after the other, and thus the sick and weak
are assisted.

Friday, 7. A little house was built for old Joachim,
whom the brethren honor and love. Besides, he has served
the church in translating, and is respected for his fidelity.

Sunday, 9. Michael preached. David held the children's
hour, then there was a conference of assistants.

Monday, 10. The brethren built a house for Christiana,
whose husband left her over a year ago, and lives by hunt-
ing near Pettquotting.

Wednesday, 12. After the early service, which Michael
held, there was a conference of assistants. They spoke
with Renatus, the Mohican, and his wife, and reconciled
them ; also with Tobias' wife's mother, a savage, advising

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 315

her to take her daughter away with her, who came here
yesterday with her husband, for they cannot stay here, and
this she promised to do.

Saturday, 15. We had the unexpected pleasure of
seeing Br. Heckewelder^ among us [by way of Niagara to
Detroit]. By him we were heartily refreshed, by letters
and papers, both from. Europe and ^Bethlehem, and with
the Scripture-verses also. We had received nothing for
longer than a year. On his way he had found some pack-
ets here and there, and had brought them with him, so
that we were comforted and revived, for we had believed
that correspondence betw^een the States and this govern-
ment here had been stopped, and our letters lost.

Sunday, 16. Br. Heckewelder preached about this, that
the Saviour came to seek and save the lost. Sensemann
read the communion service, of which he gave the breth-
ren noti(ai(e for next Saturday. We laborers were refreshed
by reading the letters and journals received. Br. Edwards
beld the congregation meeting.

Monday, 17. Br. Heckewelder held early service from
the Scripture-verse : Declare his glory among the heathen :
His marvellous works among all nations.

Tuesday, 18. Some white people came over-land from
Magara, who think of settling on this river, to look at
the country.

Thursday, 20. Mohawks arrived from Niagara and
went to Sandusky to the treaty. The head-man asked our
Indians if they were not going to the treaty, and whether
Brant and the others had not admitted them, to which
they replied, no. "So then I will not bid you go, un-
less you want to go."-

^ Mr. Heckewelder had come west with the American Commissioners
to treat with the Indians. In his journal of June loth, he writes:
"From here (Daniel Dolson's) I proceeded on horseback, taking one
of the brethren along as guide, and arrived at our station at six p. m. ;
finding all our white and Indian brethren and sisters busy at work in
their corn-fields and clearings. . . . The Moravian town is situ-
ated on the bank of the river. The houses, about thirty in number,
are principally of logs."

316 ' zeisberger's diary.

Saturday, 22. We had in the near presence of our Lord
the holy communion, at which Zeisberger presided.

Sunday, 23. Brs. Sensemann and John Heckewelder,
with some Indian brethren, set out early for Detroit, the
former to go from there by ship to Niagara to the Gov-
ernor, who, is expecting some one of us, and the second
on business, to the treaty at Sandusky. We accompanied
them with our blessing and hearty good wishes. Br. Ed-
wards preached. Zeisberger read the liturgy and held the
congregation meeting.

Tuesday, 25. By some Mohawk Indians and a negro of
Brant's who came from the Miami, we learned that the
Indians were still on the Miami, upon the point of going
to Sandusky, but that many who had come had gone back
home again. David held early service.

[Tlius far to Bethlehem.]

Wednesday, 26. Edw^ards held early service about the
light that enlightens all, which is the Saviour himself.

Thursday, 27. Michael held early service. The Indian
Peter's hive of bees, which he brought here from Pett-
quotting, swarmed to-day for the second time. There are
none here in the bush in the whole neighborhood.

l^ote. Br. Joseph Spang(enberg's) death not to be for-
gotten.

Friday, 28. From Detroit came back Samuel and the
brethren w^io had accompanied Brs. Sensemann and
Heckewelder, from whom we learned that Sensemann, the
very morning after their arrival, went by ship to Niagara,
but that in regard to the treaty to be held matters looked
dubious, and that many lies had been spread abroad to
hinder it. The six Quakers,^ to whose ears the need and

^ These six Quakers were Wm. Savery, John Parrish, John Elliot,
and Jacob Lindley, from Pennsylvania; Joseph Moore and Wm.
Hartshorne, from New Jersey. They accompanied the American
Peace-Commissioners. " The Quakers were rejoiced to see some of
our Indian brethren (in Detroit), and finding, upon inquiry, that they
were almost in a starving condition, resolved to give $100 to their
chief, which was accordingly laid out in provisions and forwarded to
them; and the Indian congregation afterwards sent their benefactors

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 317

want of our Indians had come, and who had themselves
spoken with our Indians, took compassion upon them, and
gave Dolsen an order for a hundred dollars' worth of pro-
visions for them at their cost, a part of which they hrought
thence with them, with a written message to the Indian
church, which hereby follows, and was communicated to
the church.

Sunda}^ 30. Br. Michael preached, and towards even-
ing Br. Zeisberger held the congregation meeting. After-
wards, in the marriage service, two couples were married,
namely, the unmarried Bartholomew and the unmarried
Justina, and John Adam and the unmarried Anna Sophia,
by Brs. Zeisberger and Edwards. From the lower settle-
ment Mr. Parke came here on business with the Indians.

Monday, July 1. Br. Edwards held early service from
the Scripture-verse : Whither thou goest I will go, and
where thou lodgest I will lodge. The brethren divided
among themselves the provisions, so much as they had
brought, which they got from the Quakers.

Tuesday, 2. Michael held early service. The assist-
ants spoke with Johanna about her daughter's conduct;
that she should think about keeping her elsewhere, but
should herself get rid of her, who has no inclination
either to live in the church or to be converted, but loves
the world and heathenism. Many went away to-day to
the settlement to earn something by working. Mr. Parke
also went back.

Thursday, 4. Indians, from the Mousey town, came
through here on their way to the Fort, and we heard that
the Indians would all go thither, having nothing to eat
and having drunk up all their property.

Friday, 5. Salome, David's wife, became suddenly so
ill that her death was expected. She had inward convul-
sions, and all remedies failed. Among other things was
given her a vermifuge, whereupon she passed an extraor-
dinary strange sort of worm, such as is found in horses,

a letter of thanks, written by Mr. Zeisberger." Life of Heckewelder,
pp. 130, 182. Our MS. does not contain the Quakers' message.

318

wherefrom so many die in this country, and then she grew
better.

Saturday, 6. We sent an express with a packet of let-
ters into the settlement to Parke, who is going to Detroit,
to take to Br. Ileckewelder. "We sent at the same time
an answer and our thanks, in the name of the Christian
Indians, to the Quakers, for their gift of one hundred
dollars to our Indians. Br. Michael held early service.

Sunday, 7. Br. Zeisberger preached from the Epistle :
Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into
Jesus Christ were baptized into hia death! We read the
Bethlehem journal of December last, January and February.

Tuesday, 9. Many of our Indians went to the settle-
ment to work. Those who were at home cleared land for
sowing turnips and made hay.

Thursday, 11. A Shawano from below came up here
for a visit ; also froni the same place Tobias, with his wife
and her mother.

Sunday, 14. Michael preached about the perfect giving
up of the heart to the Saviour. Br. Zeisberger held the
congregation meeting from the day's text: I have given
them thy word and the world hath hated them, for they
are not of the world.

Monday, 15. Brs. Samuel, Stephen, and others went
up the river in two canoes to get the corn the Quakers
gave. A Shawano, who has been here several days, went
up to the Monsey town, who said here the agent sent the
Indians to the war, and it looks as if there would be no
treaty.

Wednesday, 17. By brethren, who came from the set-
tlement, we learned not much that was good about our
people there in the harvest, also that the commissioners
were not yet come to the treaty. We live in an anxious
time of expectation.

Thursday, 18. Samuel and the brethren came back,
bringing nineteen bushels of corn ; they could get no more,
yet this was something for those at home, so that they get
food.

Saturday, 20. Br. Edwards held early service, as did

1793.

319

Br. Michael yesterday. Joshua came from the settlement,
when we learned from Detroit that there would be no
treaty, and that Brant with his people was again gone
home.

Sunday, 21. Zeisberger preached from the Epistle,
Rom., viii., 12, about the blessed walk with Christ Jesus,
which is the fruit of the Spirit. Michael held the congre-
gation meeting. Samuel and Stephen went to Detroit, to
bring Br. Sensemann here, whom we expect there from
Niagara.

Monday, 22. From Detroit, by a Mohawk, David
Kenedy, and soon afterward by an Indian, we had letters
from Br. Heckewelder, from which we saw that Brant and
fifty chiefs of different nations had gone from the Miami
to Niagara, to speak with the commissioners there, and to
ask them beforehand if they have full power to give up
the land as far as the Ohio, if not, then to prepare to go
home again without coming to a treaty.

Wednesday, 24. By Mohawks, who passed through here,
we learned that a ship from Ft. Erie had come to Detroit
on which Brant came, and that he had gone to the Miami,
that the honorable commissioners would not go to the
Miami, a token that there w^ill be no treaty.

Saturday, 27. The brethren at home made fences over
the river. French traders came here and went up the
river.

Sunday, 28. Edwards preached. William Henry and
his family came here from the settlement, where they had
been working. The brethren at home resolved among
themselves to build a house for the Zeisbergers this week.
The laborers read the journal, the celebration of the Jubi-
lee^ in Bethlehem in June last year.

Monday, 29. The Indian brethren went in a body to
cut timber for the Zeisbergers' house, which they accom-
plished on the 30th, and on the 31st made preparations to
bring in the blocks. Ignatius arrived with his family.

^The church ia Bethlehem having been organized fifty years before,
1742.

820

Thursday, Aug. 1. Br. Edwards held early service
about this, that through Jesus Christ we must enter into
eternal life, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
The brethren brought in timber.

Friday, 2. Br. Sensemann arrived early, well, and safe
from Magara. He got there at just the right time, for the
council was sitting, to which he submitted our plans and
reasons, whereupon it was concluded and established that
we should have land six miles in length, fronting on the
river on both sides; how many miles inland could not be
determined, since the boundary line of the purchased land
had not yet been run on the north side. We have gained
thus much, that the white people who settle thickly on the
river cannot press close upon us. He was also there pres-
ent at the meeting of the chiefs of the nations with the
commissioners, and while hitherto there has been little
hope of a treaty, much less of peace, yet there is now some
likelihood for it, since the chiefs spoke to the commis-
sioners and invited them to the treaty, who, moreover,
came at the same time with Br. Sensemann from Ft. Erie.
Farther about this matter, especially about his journey,
can be seen in his report. Br. Heckewelder, who has been
in Detroit for some time, is now with the commissioners
at the mouth of the river, at the Watch-Tower [Warte^].

Saturday, 3. David held early service. The speech of
the nations to the commissioners and their reply were
made known to the brethren.

Sunday, 4. Br. Sensemann preached and Zeisberger
held the congregation meeting.

Monday, 5. Br. Michael held early service. To-day
the brethren finished blocking out the Zeisbergers' house
and began to work at Sensemann's. One of our neighbors,
an Englishman, came here on business, bringing with him
an unmarried woman, his wife's sister, who stayed a couple
of days with the Sensemanns.

Thursday, 8. Our people, who have been away, came

^ This is, I think, the first time Zeisberger has so named the site of
his former settlement, at the mouth of Detroit River.

I

i

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 321

home one after the other, for at home now they find some-
thing to eat, but most of them come not without having
suffered great harm in their hearts, which is ever grievous
to us.

Friday, 9. We got a letter from Br. Heckewelder from the
Watch-Tower, wherein he says that he and the commis-
sioners are still detained there, and that although they had
been invited to a treaty, and had come there from Niagara
and were waiting, there was yet doubt whether there would
be a treaty.

Sunday, 11. Br. Edwards preached. We read the
church journal, and had a conference with the assistants.
There was a communion quarter-hour, and Br. Zeisberger
spoke earnestly about the needfulness and use of the
Lord's supper, of which he gave the brethren notice for
the 13th.

Monday, 12. The Indian brethren continued working
on Brs. Zeisberger's and Sensemann's houses in the mid-
dle of the town.

Tuesday, 13. After the brethren had been spoken to
yesterday and to-day, which brought about a fundamental
examination, the communicants enjoyed the body and
blood of the Lord in the holy communion. He blessed us
perceptibly, so that it could be observed in the brethren
that they had experienced something out of the usual
course of things. Boaz was readmitted, but many stayed
away.

Thursday, 15. A party of Monsey Indians, who came
from Tawa River, said that nothing had yet been done in
regard to a treaty ; the English would like to have the
land north of the Ohio, and should this happen there
would soon be peace. This was hitherto a mystery, but
now no longer so.

Saturday, 17. Zeisberger held early service. Andrew
came here again, who was sent away several weeks ago.

Sunday, 18. Zeisberger preached from the Epistle., Cor.
ii., about this, that the ground of our salvation is the Holy
Spirit's work of grace, that we are made fit therefor, and
21

322 zeisberger's diary.

every thing was sent us from grace, since naturally we
can think nothing good. In the afternoon there was a
conference of assistants and reading of the European
news. The assistants spoke with Andrew and Samuel;
the latter had heen absent longer than a year, and also
with the widow, Sabina. We got word from Ileckewelder
that probably there will be no treaty, and that they think
soon of going back home.

Monday, 19. To-day Zeisberger's house was roofed,
and on the 20th Sensemann's.

Wednesday, 21. Edwards held early service, and,

Thursday, 22, Zeisberger. Mr. Parke arrived, remained
over night, and went on the next morning to Niagara.
We got nothing trustworthy about the treaty.

Saturday, 24. Michael held early service from the day's
text: Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and
spoke very earnestly about the words : Thou hast kept my
word and hast not denied my name. He reminded the
brethren how often this had happened, that they had not
regarded his word and had denied him.

Sunday, 25. Sensemann preached, and Zeisberger held
the congregation meeting from the Scripture-verse and
text: For thou art my lamp, 0 Lord, etc., and neither do
men light a candle and put it under a bushel, that we
should walk in the light and be a light to the world, that
it shall see our good works and glorify our Father in
heaven, and this is the fruit of the Spirit.

Tuesday, 27. Br. Edwards held early service about the
Lord's prayer to our Father in heaven, which he taught
us, and which contains all we have to ask from him for
ourselves and for others.

Thursday, 29. Zeisberger held early service from the
Scripture-verse: Ye shall be holy: for I, the Lord, your
God, am holy, that we have our consecration from the
wounds of Jesus, who consecrated himself for us, expiated
and abolished our sins. With the unmarried brothers we
had a love-feast, and wished them much kindness from
our dear Lord.

Saturday, 31. To-day and lately Mohawks have come,

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 323

E rant's people, from the Miami on their way home, all
saying there would be no peace, since the Shawanese,
Twightwees, and some Delawares do not wish to accept
peace. Thus it is, as it ever has been, some wish it much,
others, on the other hand, do not. A woman of the lower
settlement, who is from Philadelphia, is here, and had
spoken with the Quakers. She brought from them a let-'
ter of recommendation to the missionaries, but we could
by no means admit her.

Sunday, Sept. 1. Michael preached, Zeisberger held
the congregation meeting. More Indians came from the
Miami.

Tuesday, 3. Yesterday and to-day came nearly a hun-
dred Indians, Mohawks, Gachnawage, Chippewas, Mo-
hicans, and remained over night. We had a chance to
hear all truthfully,^ how things had gone, and what was
the main reason of there being no treaty, and that no
peace could be made. The nations were divided, but the ma-
jority was for peace, and the last message to the commis-
sioners was given in a hidden way, of which but very few
knew. As they saw, from the last answer of the commis-
sioners, that they, namely, those who were for peace, had
been deceived and betrayed, they broke up, each going
to his own home, and they said at their departure, to the
Shawanese, Wyandots, and Twightwees [for they were

^The American commissioners sent from the mouth of Detroit River.
Aug. 16, 1793, their final answer:

" To the chiefs and warriors of the Indian nations, assembled at the
foot of the Maumee Rapids:

"Brothers: We have just received your answer to our speech which
we delivered to your deputies at this place. You say it was inter-
preted to all your nations; and we presume it was well understood.
We therein explicitly declared to you that it was now impossible to
make the River Ohio the boundary between your lands and the lands
of the United States; your answer amounts to a declaration that you
will agree to no other boundary than the Ohio. The negotiation is
therefore at an end. We sincerely regret that peace is not the result,
but knowing the upright and liberal views of the United States^ which,
so far as you gave us an opportunity, we have explained to you, we
trust that impartial judges will not attribute the continuance of the
war to them." Quoted in Albach's Annals of the West, p. 631.

324 zeisberger's diary.

the three who wished to have war], that they should soon
do what they had in raind, hold themselves brave, and
show themselves men, but they wanted to go home and
leave them alone. This means: " Ye may now fight alone,
and see how ye come out." Here also we will give an In-
dian story, which Capt. Pipe brought to the memory of
the Mohican captain, Henry, who was here, and had told
it himself, namely, to him Capt. Pipe said : " Thou hast
brought me the Shawano who was a blind, little boy, and
hast given him to me, with these words : ' Have pity upon
this child, that it may remain alive, he can yet bring thee
water, and, when he is larger, can now and then shoot a
squirrel for thee, and do little services.' Out of compas-
sion I adopted him as my grandchild, for he was forsaken
and thrown away, and I kept him near me. He was al-
ways with me, and I brought him up, but when he grew
and waxed greater, he began to be disobedient, and, al-
though I admonished and punished him, he always kept
on doing ill, yes, he did always worse, so that in the end
he would give heed neither to me, who brought him up,
nor to any one else, and now it has gone so far that he
obeys no man, but his aim and endeavor are only to do evil.
Therefore I believe God made him not, but the devil."

Friday, 6. Yesterday and to-day more Indians have
come, among them some Onondagas, acquaintances of Br.
Zeisberger, who then, when he was in Onondaga, were
young people, in part boys, but were now quite old men,
but they knew him well, and were quite attached to him.
However, they no longer live in Onandaga, where there
are now only twelve or thirteen families, but over the lake
at Buffalo Creek, not far from Ft. Erie. We treated them
well and furnished them provisions for the way. They
complained that they had got little in Detroit, not belong-
ing to the war-party. We gave them a canoe to take their
sick in. They said there would yet be peace, they had
been betrayed, and knew nothing of the last speech to the
commissioners. 1

Saturday, 7. The Indians, Mingoes, all went away,
after taking leave in a friendly manner. We had a day of

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 325

blessing with our people. Br. Seiisemann held raorning
prayer, Br. Zeisberger the first service from the text, and
conducted the love-feast. Here he brought to mind with
the Scriptu re- verse : The people shall dwell alone, etc.,
that we had wandered about for many years, having no
abiding place, but that the Saviour had held his handover
ns; when once it seemed that the church would be utterly
blotted out, he had assembled and re-established it, merci-
fully thought about us, as he had thought upon IN'oah in
>the ark, and had now given us an abode, whence we could
[not be driven. The quiet, which the Saviour sent us, we
'should now make good use of, be thankful to him for it,
go and edify ourselves, and increase and grow in grace to
the honor of God, the Father. Of his recognition of us
and of the grace he let prevail among us in our services,
we got yet many a token and witness, which we heard
[from the brethren in the evening, who came and opened
their hearts to us, many with tears for their falling away
from the Saviour. We laborers had the Lord's supper,
and bound ourselves to new fidelity.

Sunday, 8. Br. Edwards preached from the Gospel : llTo
man can serve two masters, etc. We spent the afternoon
with the assistants, who afterwards had to speak with
brethren to reconcile them and make peace among them,
whereto the Saviour gave his blessing, so that all was ar-
ranged in peace and love. They spoke also with some
who have been drinking here, who humbly confessed, and
asked pardon. So they had,

Monday, 9, still to be speaking with some young people,
for instance, Michael, Paul, and others.

Tuesday, 10. Stephen and several others went to De-
troit to buy apples. A Wonpano^ Indian from Montreal,
who came here sick from the Miami, and did not go away
with his companions, remained here. He was to-day very
low and died in the evening. Some hours before his death

^"In some of his unpublished notes Mr. Heckewelder identifies the
Wampanos, who lived in Connecticut, along the shore of Long Island
Sound, and whose council-fire was where New Haven now stands, as
Mohegans." Brinton's The Lenape, etc., p. 21,

326 zeisberger's diary.

he talked with Joshua, and said it was so with him that
he wished to live altogether with lis, and if he got well not
to go home. He was buried Wednesday, 11.

Saturday, 14. Sensemann held early service. This week
the brethren began gradually to harvest their corn, which
this 3'ear has all thriven as well as was to be wished.

Sunday, 15. Br. David preached and Br. Michael held
the congregation meeting from the text : Ye are the salt
of the earth, etc.

Tuesday, 17. Stephen and others came back from De-
troit. The first brought us communion wine from there.

Wednesday, 18. Chippewas came and encamped here
for several days, since they thus support themselves from
our fields. Though we gave them food, they stocked them-
selves with provisions for their journey.

Friday, 20. This morning before daybreak died little
Rebecca, the daughter of the Indian, John Henry, fifteen
months fifteen days old. Another daughter of Nicodcmus
and lienrietta came into the world still-born. Both were
buried on the 22d.

Sunday, 22. Br. Sensemann preached, Zeisberger held
the communion quarter-hour, giving notice of it for next
Saturday, and attended towards evening the burial of the
two dead children, two wee corpses.

Monday, 23. Michael held early service. The brothers
built huts for the widows, Amelia and Susanna. A white
man from Lake Erie came here and stayed over night. He
got his horse here, which a Chippewa had sold to our
Joshua.

Thursday, 26. Michael held early service. The breth-
ren harvested our fields for us. This year we have a good,
rich harvest. Every thing, thanks be to God, has thriven,
our corn as good and perfect as possible; nothing has been
injured by frost. We have learned that here always, if it
be a leap-year, the frosts ^ always come earlier than is other-
wise usual.

Friday, 27. Zeisberger held early service. He and the

* Hence the failure of the corn crop the year before.

i

•1

1

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 327

Sensemanns spoke with the brethren about the Lord's
supper.

Saturday, 28. Br. Sensemanu held early service, and in
the evening the communicants had the sacrament of the
body and blood of the Lord, who blessed us unspeakably.
Anna Sophia, a young sister, and half-white, looked on as
candidate, and thereby shed many tears. Br. Zeisberger
presided.

Sunday, 29. Br. Sensemann read the thanksgiving lit-
urgy, and Michael preached. Tobias, with his wife, whom
he married in the Monsey town, came here last evening,
and asked for readmission. The assistants spoke with them
and received them upon probation. They spoke also with
Peggy, against whom charges had been made, but she
cleared herself.

Thursday, Oct. 3. Indians came here from the Monsey
town. Our people found hardly half a mile from town on
the bank of the creek a salt-spring, of which no one knew,
at a place where the bank is so steop that cattle could not
get to it, otherwise it would have been found before.

Saturday, 5. During the week the brethren were busy
harvesting their fields, which yield richly this year.

Sunday, 6. Zeisberger preached from the Epistle about
putting oft' the old man and putting on the new man who
is patterned after God. In the afternoon was a conference
of assistants. They spoke with Jacob, and asked what
his intention was, but he was not resolved to stay here;
also with Michael, who promised obedience.

Monday, 7. In the forenoon departed blind Ephriam,
after a short illness of a few days, whose remains were
buried on the 8th.

Wednesday, 9. Early in the morning the brethren
brouo:ht in our corn. We consrratulated Br. Sensemann
by a home love-feast upon his forty-ninth birthday, wish-
ing him, and asking for him, the Saviour's blessing for all
his doings in his service.

Saturday, 12. Michael held early service. A couple of
white people, John Cornwall, came here. They will set-
tle below us. Samuel, who with Stephen went to Detroit

328 zeisberger's diary.

on the 7th Inst., came back from there. All were this
week busy in the harvest.

Sunday, 13. Br. Sensemann preached from the text:
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear
my voice and open the door, I will come to him and will
sup with him and he with me. David held the congrega-
tion meeting and spoke about the Scripture- verse.

Monday, 14. The brethren covered the school-house
with clapboards. Jacob went away according to his cus-
tom. Edwards held early service after having been kept
in-door ten days by his bad leg.^

Tuesday, 15. Mr. Parke came here, and another, too,
Willcox.

Thursday, 17. To-day and yesterday Parke disposed of
most of his wares to our Indians, and with five of them
set out for Niagara to get cattle.

Friday, 18. Br. Edwards held eai^ly service. The Zeis-
bergers moved into their new house facing the street.

Sunday, 20. Edwards preached from the Gospel. As
the brethren found it very necessary to get in their corn,
we let them attend to it in the afternoon, and there came
in an immense quantity, for the whole town was busy and
lively, and so also was it,

Monday, 21, kept up, after Br. Zeisberger held early
service.

Thursday, 24. Br. Zeisberger baptized Susanna's sick
child, with the name, Jonas, who died the following liight.
This morning Salamis was delivered of a daughter.

Friday, 25. There was unpleasantness among the sis-
ter-assistants in town.

Saturday, 26. After the early service was the burial of
the child, Jonas, who died yesterday. There was harvest-
ing all the week, and the brethren were very busy ; all has
thriven well and gives a rich return.

Sunday, 27. Br. Sensemann preached from Peter's
words : Ye know ye were not redeemed with corruptible
things, as silver and gold; but with the' precious blood of

^ Conjectured in part.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 329

Christ, etc., and then baptized, with the name, Louisa, the
little daughter of Abel and Salamis, born on the 24th.

Wednesday, 30. Zeisberger held early service. A
white man came here from Detroit, who left Philadelphia
seven weeks ago, when the honorable commissioners ar-
rived there. Christiana came home from the settlement
below us, where she had left her sick husband, who had
been thrown from his horse and had broken two ribs. For
him this is a nota bene, for he wanted to go back to Pett-
quotting.

Thursday, 31. French traders came up the river in two
boats. The Sensemanns moved into their new house.

Saturday, I^ov. 2. A number of sisters went down to
the settlement for apples. This week we got in all our
field crops. The weather was raw and cold, but again be-
came mild, so that there was a thunder-storm.

Sunday, 3. Michael preached from the Epistle : Mark
them which walk so, etc., and Zeisberger held the congre-
gation meeting.

Tuesday, 5. Yesterday and to-day nearly all our In-
dians went away hunting to get skins for shoes, for the
hunt brings in little, and our Indians must rely on
farming.

Wednesday, 6. From the many rains of the last few
days the river has I'isen very high. The wolves begin to
kill our young cattle, from which hitherto we have been
free.

Thursday, 7. Chippewas arrived, who are going up the
river hunting. They remained over night, but came to no
meeting.

Sunday, 10. Br. Zeisberger preached, and strange In-
dians were present to hear. Sensemann held the early
service, inviting the poor and thirsty to refresh themselves
upon the body and blood of the Lord. Young Dolson
came here from the settlement, by whom we heard that
the Detroiters are in fear from the States, and think an
invasion probable ; that the commandant has issued a
proclamation, and ordered the militia to hold themselves
ready in case of an attack, and if this should come he

330

zeisberqer's diary.

will burn down the town, since otherwise he cannot de-
fend the fort. They feared Gen. Wayne, whom they ex-
pected with a strong army, but whence they got this news
is unknown to us.

Wednesday, 13. In the morning we appeared before
our dear Lord, the She[)herd of his sheep, and, guihy
creatures, brought to him, our Elder, honor and humble
thanks for his faithful care and attention, that he daily
feeds our hearts upon his meritorious sufferings and death,
and daily gives us much good to enjoy. We asked for-
giveness of our shortcomings, faults, and transgressions,
and though we had not always observed his commands and
rules, which he has given to his church, begged him still
to have his house and dwell with us and to walk with ua.
He made himself known to us, and gave us the comfort
that he will so do. We heard to-day through John Henry,
the Indian, who came back from the settlement, and who
well understands English, that Gen. Wayne had come
from the States with an army into the Indian land,^ and
in the very place where formerly the battle occurred there
had been a conflict with the Indians, in which the latter
were defeated, losing one hundred and thirty men killed,
and many prisoners and wounded ; that they made two
attacks, but the last time had taken flight, whereupon the
army had fortified its position.

Saturday, 16. After the brethren had been spoken to
for several days, whereto the Saviour gave his blessing, so
that much was put an end to and made right, we had a
blessed communion under the gracious recognition of our
dear Lord ; at this one brother, John Thomas, was re-
admitted. Sensemann conducted it.

Sunday, 17. In the morning Br. Zeisberger read the
liturgy and Br. Sensemann preached. From a Chippewa
we heard this much, that a great army was coming out,
but that the Indians had no disposition to fight.

Monday, 18. Zeisberger held morning prayer, and by
occasion of the text: And into whatever house ye enter

^ Thus far the report was true.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 331

first say, Peace be unto this house, said that we should
not be ashamed of bearing witness about Jesus' death and
atonement and of what he thereby had done for our souls ;
that we should not bury our talent like that unprofitable
servant from whom w^as taken what he had and thrown
away. The brethren contributed corn for poor old breth-
ren and for the church, which they do joyfully and with
willing hearts.

Tuesday, 19. Michael held early service. Samuel and
Stephen went up to the Mousey town to get old David,
who wishes to come to us. The sisters boiled sugar, for
the weather was mild, with a south wind.

Friday, 22. A white man from the settlement came
here and stayed overnight. We heard from him that the
Indians had fallen upon a convoy with provisions in the
States and plundered it, but one seldom hears the truth.^
The sisters made a good amount of sugar this week.

Sunday, 24. Br. Edwards preached from the Gospel
about the coming of the Saviour for judgment, and Br.
Sensemann held the congregation meeting.

Tuesday, 26. Br. Sensemann went down to the settle-
ment, returning,

Thursday, 28. He brought news that Gen. Wayne was
already come with an army as far as the forks of the Mi-
ami ; that the Indians skirmished with them certainly, but
had no real disposition to fight; that McKee had sent
from the Miami to the commandant for troops to help
him, but that he had replied that he had no troops to
send him, and moreover had no orders therefor; the In-
dians had had a good opportunity to make peace ; favor-
able oflers had been made them, but they had not ac-
cepted them, and now they must fight it out, for they had
themselves so chosen. The fighting Indians are said to
be no more than five hundred men, for the Chippewas,
Ottawas, Potawatomies, and Mingoes will not help them.

^ This occurred about seven miles north of Ft. St. Clair, twenty wag-
ons of grain and one with other supplies being captured, with the loss
of fifteen men, Oct. 1 7.

332 ZEISBERGER*S DIARY.

Sunday, Dec. 1. Br. Michael preached the first Sunday
in Advent, and exhorted the brethren joyfully to look for-
ward to the coming of our Lord into the flesh, who is
born to bless and save the world. Br. Sensemann held
the congregation meeting. We heard to-day that war is
again desired and the hatchet sharpened against the States,
so as to be in order in the spring, but whether all will
take it remains to be seen.

Tuesday, 3. The assistant, Samuel, who returned from
the Monsey town, brought thence old David to stay here,
who, since our dispersion, that is, more than eleven years,
has wandered about among the savages and in error.
Samuel pointed out to several there God's salvation ; to
some not without fruit and blessing, who received it hum-
bly, among them a blind man, who liked to listen, and
some wished to come here at Christmas for a visit. A
couple of old men, however, put themselves forward to
dispute with Samuel and to say something to him, ex-
pecting he could not answer them, but when they found
that Samuel was more than equal to them, they applauded
him and said : " Thou art right. We believe thou speak-
est the truth," but merely that he might leave them in
peace.

Thursday, 5. Many of our people came from the set-
tlement home, most of them defiled. A party of Chippe-
was robbed a trader on this river of his rum, and they
came to blows, so that the people had to flee.

Friday, 6. We learned from some of our people, who
came from the Fort, that the army of the States was on
the Miami, but that there had yet been no battle, that the
agent had retired to an island, but would soon leave the
place. It was reported among our people that they would
soon get a message to appear there, and even if they would
not fight, they should yet be there. What will come from
this, time must teach. We shall not get through without
trouble. The Shawanese send to the Chippewas one mes-
sage after the other to come and help them fight, but get
for answer that they should themselves fight, and be strong
like men.

f

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 333

Saturday, 7. It rained all day. Mr. Matthew Dolson
came here from Detroit with goods for our Indians, for
which he takes in payment corn and skins. We heard hy
this occasion that the plague^ is said to be in Philadelphia,
and already ten thousand men have died of it, among
whom was Col. Pickering,^ one of the commissioners here
in Detroit in the summer. The army,^ we now correctly
hear, was at the place where the battle took place before,
where they are intrenched.

Sunday, 8. Zeisberger preached. It snowed, and there
was no other service. Dolson's boat arrived. We had
sent Indians to meet him, to help get it up in the high
water. There came also a gentleman to see this country
and our town, who is from Chester Co., below Philadel-
phia. He has travelled much about the country, and
lived several years in Kentucky, whence upon request, he
had undertaken in this neighborhood to release a girl who
had been captured by the Indians, and to bring her back
to her friends. In this the commandant in Detroit prom-
ised to help him wherever possible. The army is only six
miles this side of Ft. Jefferson.*

Monday, 9. Br. Sensemann held early service, which
Mr. Dolson and the gentleman, Isaac Taylor, attended.
To the latter it was something quite strange and unusual
to see Indians so devout and attentive, and he wondered
not a little at it. lie is a man who takes notice of all he
hears and sees, and makes observations upon it. For ex-
ample, he measured Niagara Falls, for he is a surveyor,
and found tbeir height 205^ feet. He has been far up the

^The epidemic of yellow fever lasted from August to November in
Philadelphia, and five thousand people are said to have died of it.

2 The report of Pickering's death was false. July 4th, 1823, he was
the reader of the Declaration of Independence in Salem, Mass., where
he died in 1829, in advanced old age.

'Gen. Wayne was at Ft. Greenville, Ohio. Just before Christmas a
detachment buried the remains of those slain in St. Clair's defeat.

*Six miles south of the town of Greenville, Danby Co., Ohio.— Al-
bach's Western Annals, p. 578.

^American 162 ft., Canadian 149 ft., really.

y

334

ZEI5BERGER S DIARY.

* 1

Mississippi, and gives information that all these lakes have
their source in Lake Bourbon/ which flows into Lake of
the Woods, also put of the same lake is a discharge into
Hudson's Bay. He knew also about the Welch Indians,^
that they live up the Missouri River five hundred miles,
and that tbey are a warlike people, and very numerous.
Old David visited us. He was humble and like a re-
pentant sinner.

Tuesday, 10. Michael held early service. Yesterday
and to-day it has been here like a yearly market. Mr.
Dolson displayed his goods and the whole town traded,
buying from him for cattle, corn, and skins,

Friday, 13. Mr. Dolson sent away yesterday his boat
and a couple of canoes, laden with corn, etc., for the drift-
ice begins to run strong, and to-day he departed. From
the upper town an Indian family came here for a visit
during the holidays, as they had promised Samuel when
he was up there for a visit.

Sunday, 15. Sensemann preached from the text: The
poor have the Gospel preached to them. Afterwards was
the service for all baptized, in which Br. Zeisberger ear-
nestly discoursed about the disorders, wrangling, and strife
among the women, to cease therefrom, and the assistants

^This was probably the French name of Lake Winnipeg, Nelson
River being called Bourbon, a fort on a small island between Cedar
Lake and Mud Lake being named Ft. Bourbon. Of course it is the
Lake of the Woods that flows into Lake Winnipeg. Carver in his trav-
els, Dublin, 1779, p. 101, says: "Lake Bourbon is composed of the
waters of the Bourbon River. This lake is about 80 miles in length,
north and south, and is nearly circular. Its latitude is between 52°
and 54° north." Edward Umfreville in his Present State of Hudson's
Bay, p. 146, writes: "I passed the winters of 1784-5-6-7 on a large
river which empties itself by many branches into that lake, which is
laid down in maps by the name of Lake Bourbon. This lake was im-
properly so called by the French when in possession of Canada, but its
real name is Cedar Lake, and it is thus named by the Indians on ac-
count of that kind of wood being found thereon."

Harmon in his Journal, published in Andover, 1820, says that Lake
Bourbon lies nearly north-west from Encampment Island, in " Little
Lake Winipick."

2 The Mandans.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793. 335

were publicly charged to investigate, to establish peace
and unity, and to send off a couple of whores, who had
long ago been told to go, but who came back again. This
they did, and peace and unity were again established by
God's help and blessing.

Tuesday, 17. To the strange Indian, already men-
tioned as Samuel's visitor, he preached God's help for our
eternal salvation over half the night, setting perfectly be-
fore him the way to happiness, so that now it is only a
question of his accepting it, for many Indians like first to
hear every thing it depends upon, with which they are
content and go their own way.

Thursday, 19. Sensemann held early service. The In-
dian brothers began to cut timber to-day for a meeting-
house. Tobias' wife came and begged for baptism, as she
has often done. She is concerned about her salvation and
perplexed, whom we referred to the Saviour, the Physi-
cian of our souls.

Saturda}^ 21. Br. Edwards held early service from the
text : Reach hither thy finger and behold rny hands ; and
reach liither thy hand and thrust it into my side ; and be
not faithless, but believing, and said that no one shouhl
be content merely with hearing, but that each one should
make a trial with his own heart, and speak out to the
Saviour its circumstances, and become acquainted with
him.

Sunday, 22. Edwards preached from the Epistle : Re-
joice in the Lord alway. Then Zeisberger held the com-
munion quarter-hour, and a conference of assistants.
Mingoes came from Detroit, who went to Montreal, where
they live. We heard that the nations no longer wish to
carry on the war, unless the English help them.

Tuesday, 24. In the evening we assembled for the
Christmas festival, which we began with a love-feast, sing-
ing the little Jesus in his manger and in the stall. After
reading of the history, Br. Sensemann discoursed about the
text: Before Abraham was I am, whereupon kneeling, we
brought him our filial, sinfal thanks and praise for his
great condescension that he, the eternal God, put on our

336

poor flesh and blood, by his blood redeemed us from fu-
ture wrath, and by his sacrifice of expiation brought us
into grace with God. At the end tapers were given the
children, and at the same time they were told why, and
all went joyfully home.

Wednesday, 25. Br. Michael preached in the forenoon
from the Gospel : Behold, I bring you good tidings of
great joy, and in the afternoon service from the text :
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,
but to minister, etc., a woman was baptized by Br. Zeis-
berger, and a grown boy by Br. Sensemann, into Jesus'
death, the former with the name, Anna Helena, the other
Benjamin, and one Anna Susanna was taken into the
church. This meeting, as also the night-watch yester-
day and the sermon to-day, was attended by strangers,
who were here for a visit. Many tears were shed. It was
a joy for us to see and hear that God's spirit was busy
among our people, for many came and acknowledged
with tears their transgressions against the Saviour, seek-
ing forgiveness and comfort.

Saturday, 28. For several days the brethren have been
spoken to, and to-day we had the holy communion, at
which old Erdmuth looked on as candidate. It was cel-
ebrated in the Zeisbergers' house on account of their ill-
ness. A malady extends about the whole country, and
few remain free from it. To-day arrived Mr. Parke from
Niagara.

Sunday, 29. Br. Sensemann read the liturgy and Mi-
chael preached. Mr. Parke started for home.

Tuesday, 31. For the close of the year we came to-
gether towards midnight for a love-feast, bringing to our
good Lord our proper, filial thanks for all the grace, good-
ness, and faithfulness shown us this year, for all the bene-
fits enjoyed without and within. We asked forgiveness
of our faults, that instead of giving him joy we had so
often grieved him, but that he would continue to walk
among us, to comfort and make us glad by his dear near-
ness and presence; and that he would not cease to impart

L

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1793.

337

his blessing to all our acts and plans. This we did and
prayed for upon our knees, and thereto we said, araen,
yes it shall be, so that, comforted and joyful, we passed
over into the new year.

There live here now 159 Indian souls, eight more than
at the close of last year.
22

338

CHAPTER XIV.

1794.
Fairfield, on the Thames, Ontario.

Wednesday, Jan. 1. Br. Sensemann preached, and in
the afternoon held the service for the baptized, in which, at
his request, absolution was given to old David, and besides
he was admitted to the church, which gave the brethren
much joy. Br. Zeisberger, who has been ill and indis-
posed for a week, had to stay in-door. Many strangers
were here during the holidays, and attended the services.
The brethren, who had this for their baptismal day, of
whom there were eight, had a love-feast together, and
sang so that the place resounded therewith. Chippewas
went about the place begging, according to their custom.
An old man said : " We are poor men. We know nothing
of that which ye know."

Friday, 3. Strangers from the upper town, who have
been here during the holidays, went home again. It is to
be hoped that many have not heard in vain.

Sunday, 5. Br. Edwards preached, and Michael held
the congregation meeting.

Monday, 6. Br. Zeisberger again, for the first time,
held morning prayer early, recommended to the Saviour
of the heathen his Indian church, especially on this day
(Epiphany) for his blessing, to our dear heavenly Father
for his protection and oversight, and to the Holy Ghost
for his fostering care. We thought also of the other
churches among the heathen in N^orth and South America,
and of all churches among the heathen, and commended
them all to his grace and blessing. In the sermon from
to-day's Gospel, about the three wise men from the East,
who came to adore him and brought him gifts, Br. Sense-
mann baptized into Jesus' death, with the name, Rebecca,

!■

p

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 339

the little daughter of Luke and Cornelia, born on the let
Inst. In the next service, for the baptized, absolution was
given to Susanna by the Zeisbergers, after he had first dis-
coursed about to-day's Scripture-verse: For the eyes of
the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth. In
the afternoon was a love-feast, at which something was
said of the call and work of the brothers amono: the
heathen, whereon the Saviour put his blessing, so that it
went among thousands, and we are but a fraction thereof,
but that we should not forget to be thankful to him that
he has made known to us God's scheme for salvation,
which we should highly and worthily esteem. This was
an especial day of blessing, and there remained but few
who were not mightily seized by God's spirit, which
awakened in us, joy, praise, and thankfulness.

Tuesday, 7. The surveyor came from Detroit, Mr.
Mc^N'otf, to survey our township. In the river he lost ten
of his people, soldiers, who broke through the ice and
were drowned. We heard, too, that Elliot died in De-
troit.^

Wednesday, 8. Michael held early service from the
day's text : I am the good Shepherd, etc., and towards
evening died the child, Rebecca, born on the 1st Inst., who
was buried on the 10th.

Thursday, 9. David held early service. The surveyor
with liis people surveyed to-day our township below as far
as the town. He has orders from the Governor to give us
six lots from the adjacent township, and to bid those who
have already settled on them to go away, so that thus
our town comes quite in the middle of the township. A
township has twenty-five lots, but ours thirty-two, since
it lies on both sides of the river, namely, sixteen on each
6ide.

Sunday, 12. Zeisberger preached from the words of the
Saviour: Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's
business? and Sensemann conducted the children's hour.

Ibusi
*Butterfield, in his Crawford's Campaign, p. 178, says that Elliot
took part in the War of 1812, but probably died soon afterward.
I

340

zeisberger's diary.

Levi, who had remained behind in Pettquotting, when we
came away, now came again, asking for reception. The
assistants spoke with him and gave him leave, for which
he was glad and thankful.

Tuesday, 14. Since yesterday the surveyor finished sur-
veying the upper part of our township, Br. Sensemann went
with some Indian brethren up there, and blazed the line
on both sides the river. There are thus above us, up the
river, nine lots, and below us eight, and the lot whereon
our town stands, he has also given, so that in all eighteen
lots on each side of the river are ours, that is, thirty-six.
On the north side of the river we are probably the last on
the purchased land. The assistant, Samuel, went up to
the Monsey town.

Thursday, 16. The weather being now fine, a part of the
brethren went to their sugar-huts to make preparations
and others hunting. At home we had to speak with Br.
Zacchaeus and his wife, as daily happens.

Saturday, 18. We gave notice to a German, who set-
tled in the autumn not far from us, and had built a house,
that his lot stood in our township, and that he must go to
some other place; this the surveyor bade us do. An In-
dian from the Monsey town came and said that sickness
prevailed among them, on which account they wanted to
make a sacrifice, so that the sickness might lessen ; for
this he wished to get rum and have an Indian from us as
intrepreter, but this was refused, and he was told that we
had nothing to do with their sacrifices, which besides would
be of no help to them.

Sunday, 19. Br. Sensemann preached, and the aforesaid
white man was present. In the evening we were dis-
turbed by strangers drunk, who came out of the settle-
ment with some of our Indians, and had enticed our peo-
ple too, but they went away in the evening.

Wednesday, 22. In the early service, which Br. Sense-
mann held, he baptized into Jesus' death, with the name,
Lydia, the little daughter of John Henry and Anna
Maria, born on the 19th Inst. The surveyor, McJS'eff,

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794.

341

came back, who had laid out two townships on the south
of the river above us. With his people he went,

Thursday, 23, back to Detroit. Our people again set
about cutting timber for the meeting-house. Oui* brothers
blazed the lower line of the township. We had to let
Levi go, who was received again on the 12th, for not be-
having in accordance with his promise.

Sunday, 26. Michael preached. We then had many
visits from the brethren, with whom we had much to say.

Monday, 27. After early service mention was made of
the visiting by the young people in different houses. They
were asked to put an end to it, for harm comes therefrom.

Tuesday, 28. Chippewas, who have been encamped
near by for more than a month already, wanted to boil
sugar here, and as it seemed, drove our brethren away
from there. We had them spoken with and awaited the
outcome. The reason we do not wish to have them for
neighbors is that they get drunk as often as they have a
chance.

Friday, 31. A white man from l!Tiagara passed through
here, and from Brant's town, in the same neighborhood,
some Indians, as messengers for Detroit, to give notice
there that now in the winter there can be no treaty with
the Indians, but in the spring; yet not, as before, on the
Miami, but the Chippewas wish to have it in Mackinavv,
for on the Miami no peace can be made. Mr. Dolson
came from Detroit, on business affairs with our Indians.

Saturday, Feb. 1. The child, Lydia, baptized on the 22d
Ult., died very suddenly. A dream which the mother had
the day before. Frenchmen who came here with rum, and
remained over night, were themselves taken in charge
until they went farther.

Sunday, 2. Br. Sensemann preached. Mr. Dolson went
back early. It is an advantage for us that the Detroiters
cannot come here in sledges, for the river from its strong
current does not freeze over, otherwise we should be all
^_^ the time overrun with all sorts of people. Lewis' Esther
^H was delivered of a son.

t

342 zeisberger's diary.

MoDclay, 3. Samuel and many brethren went to the set-
tlement, most of them to get kettles for sugar-boiling.

Tuesday, 4. In the early service, which Br. Zeisberger
held, from the text : The Son of Man hath power on earth
to forgive sins, he baptized into Jesus' death, with the
name, Abraham, the little son of Lewis and Esther, born
day before yesterday.

Thursday, 6. Sensemann held early service. We had
a conference with the assistants about marriage circum-
stances.

Friday, 7. From the settlement near Detroit seven Bap-
tists came here, Germans, on business, and from Detroit
an express, Hasle, on his way to Niagara. By him Sense-
mann sent a letter to Bethlehem. With him went also a
German to Pittsburg, but we dared send no letter by him.
We had news to the efi'ect that the Delawares, Wyandots,
Twightwees, and Shawanese had gone to the Americans
at the fort^ where the battle was, to make peace, but now
we hear that they went thither to get by exchange two
Shawanese prisoners, whom the Americans had taken.

Sunday, 9. Br. Edwards preached, whereupon Br. Zeis-
berger held the communion quarter-hour, giving notice
thereof for next Saturday. Then we had a blessed love-
feast with the assistants and chapel-servants, to whom was
brought to mind and explained what their duty and busi-
ness should be, above all things to lead good lives and to
go before the others with a good example, to seek to avoid
harm in the church, and at times to give notice if any
thing will not rightly come about, so that it may be bet-
tered. Adam was added to the number of assistants. Bill
Henry, who is an assistant, was, with his wife, chosen to
to serve, Stephen and Adam to attend strangers, also as
overseers of the children and young people in town ;
Joshua, together with Samuel, to look after outward mat-
ters in labor, especially among the brethren, as likewise

^ Probably at Ft. Recovery, built on the site of St. Clair's defeat,
Darke Co.. O.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794.

343

Sophia, his wife, together with Magdalene, among the
sisters.

Monday, 10. Instead of the morning service, the above
was made known to the church, and one thing and another
were said about order in the town. One sister, Sabina,
Adam's wife, had been chosen,'with her husband, to be an
assistant, but she could not at once resolve to say yes, for
she knew what the assistants had many times to endure
from the disobedience of others, and that they must put
up with much when judgment was pronounced upon them.
She heard a word yesterday in the communion service
which brought her upon the right way, so that she re-
flected : " I gave myself up to the Saviour in my baptism
to be his, never to say no if he would have any thing from
me. He has made me a partaker of his flesh and blood in
the holy communion. I have become a chapel-servant, and
he has blessedly held me therein and let me enjoy much
goodness. Shall I now begin to refuse to do something
for him in his church, whose life was not too dear for him
to give up to death for me? E'o, that I will not do ; I will
be and remain his, body and soul." Thus she was added
to the assistants.

Wednesday, 12. The assistants put together in marriage
the widower, Amos, and Mary Elizabeth, whom for sev-
eral years, once and again, we have sent away, but she
could not stay away from us, but ever came back, and. so
we will make another trial, for no one will stay away from
us who has once been with us.

Saturday, 15. After the brethren had been lately spoken
with, we had the holy communion in the near presence of
our dear Lord.

Sunday, 16. Br. Michael preached — but Zeisberger first
read the liturgy — about the laborers in the vineyard.

Monday, 17. Joseph, who was sent away last year, came
again to-day from Pettquotting, by whom we heard all
sorts of things, for example, that the Delawares, Twight-
wees, Shawanos, etc., had gone to the Americans to the
fort to treat about peace.

Tuesday, 18. Early before day AbeFs house took fire,

344 zeisberger's diary.

which was not discovered till it was all in flames, and no
longer to be extinguished, though there were men enough
there, but they could only look on and take care for the
nearest houses on each side. The greatest loss this family
has suffered is twenty bushels of corn. We consider this
no matter of chance, for he was disobedient, acting con-
trary to the rules of the church, and kept a bad house,
where the young people met in the evening, contrary to
orders, and did no good.

Wednesday, 19. Samuel went up to the Monsey town. A
woman from there, Moses' mother, who already wished to
come to the church in Friedenshiitten, but was hindered
by her husband, who had no such thoughts, now said,
being a widow, that she had always a call to come to the
church, and thought of coming to us, being distressed
about her salvation.

Friday, 21. By occasion of Br. Zeisberger's informing
himself from Bill Henry about certain circumstances in
Lichtenau, he now learned that E'etawatwes had really
wished to establish the brothers and their teachers among
the Indians, and had left this as his last will to Bill Henry

and ^ to carry out, but that White Eyes had always

labored to bring in English ministers to establish their re-
ligion, but had been able to accomplish nothing.

Saturday, 22. A fine snow having fallen, though the
weather was very cold, yesterday and to-day the brothers and
sisters brought in timber for the meeting-house on sledges,
getting done to-day. We now intend to build a reg-
ular meeting-house, such as we had, for example, in Schon-
brunn, since which time we have got along with Indian
houses. From the settlement a couple of white people
came here, one of whom offered to build a mill for us, hav-
ing heard that we had a good mill-site on our land, but we
told him that for the present we had no thought of build-
ing any. At the same time he offered to be our miller.

Sunday, 23. Br. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel
about the sower, and white people from the settlement

^The name is not given, but should probably be White Eyes.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 845

were present. It was very raw weather, with snow and
icy frost.

Monday, 24. French traders from above went through
our settlement for rum, to whom we said they should not
come with it to our town when they camq hack, hut go
straight by, and this they promised to do. The two assist-
ants and stranger-servers, Stephen and Adam, labored with
people who do not live here, and bade them go away — a bad
set.

Tuesday, 25. Samuel, with Zacchaeus and Michael, came
back from the Monsey town.

Thursday, 27. In the early service Br. Zeisberger said
something about the fire on the 18th of this month, and
advised the brethren to assist the afflicted family by a con-
tribution of corn, that they might not sufi'er too great need,
and this was done to-day.

Sunday, March 2. Br. Sensemann preached at the en-
trance to passion-time, and admonished the brethren to
feed their hearts constantly upon Jesus' death and suffer-
ings, since so bitterly he had gained won and for us, our
eternal welfare. In the afternoon the assistants spoke
with Joseph and his wife and her friends, to bring them
again together.

Monday, 3. From Zonesschio (near Geneseo, N. Y.)
came here ]!!Tathan Allen, with a doctor besides, on their
journey to Detroit, the former with a message from Con-
gress to the nations, which he had to deliver to McKee, at
the same time also to examine the country. He said he
had it in mind to settle on the river, for he was entitled to
have two thousand acres of land. He had all sorts of
projects, wanted to put his children in school with us, to
settle them on our land, and to be helpful to us in all
kinds of ways, for instance, to build school-houses and
meeting-houses, mills, for which we gave him no hope that
it would happen, but told him that in our mission it was
a fixed rule to admit no white people. He told us he had
been in Bethlehem last year with the Mingoes, who went
to Philadelphia, and he praised their good reception and

346

treatment there, also the children's singing. They set out
the next day,

Tuesday, 4, upon their journey to Detroit, and we gave
them an Indian and a horse to go with them as far as the
settlement.

Wednesday, 5. Mr. Parke came here with two other
white people on business with our Indians; one of these
was a man who for four years had traded on Lake Supe-
rior and the rivers flowing into Hudson's Bay. He said
the Chippewas were very numerous there, those here were
nothing in comparison. A pound of tobacco at Ft. Mary,*
on Lake Superior, costs twenty shillings, as it is sold
among white people, but of course the Indians must pay
more. A blanket or stroud sells for five great beaver
skins.

Friday, 7. An Indian came here two days ago, the
uncle of Anna Helen, whom he strongly attacks and
wishes to persuade to go away with him, but he must
take her away by craft. He first made her all sorts of in-
quiries; how it was with her and how she felt since her
baptism. She replied: "Better and more blessed than
ever when I was with you. I wish only that ye had ex-
perience of it, but I pity you for your blindness and that
ye know not how ye may be saved." He answered : " I
also know what is good." Answer : " If thou knowest,
why dost thou it not?" He said: " The way thou goest
I will not go, for thou wilt be sold, led away, and put to
death. Thy teachers, who betray thee, make indeed pre-
tense of goodness, but thou wilt have a bad end." She
replied : *' I shall be saved; therefore am I here, and if I
get salvation I have enough here, and how it shall be with
me after this life I leave to the Saviour, to whom I belong,
and who is Lord over life and death." He said : " If thy
teachers have so good a thing, why do they not preach it-
to the other Indians ?" Answer : " If any one is inter-
ested in this and would like to hear, he can come hither.
Ye live not far away, but ye might not listen, and when

^ Probably Saulte de St. Marie.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 347

ye at times come here ye go not even once to the meet-
ings, and every one is welcome to go there." She came
to the Zeisbergers and complained of her trouble, for she
was afraid of his taking her away by force. We sent a
couple of the assistants to him, who asked him what his
business here was and why he was come, but this he did
not like to say, making all kinds of evasions, and would
enter into no conversation with them, whereupon he soon
lade oft" and away.

Sunday, 9. Br. Michael preached from the Gospel:
Jesus was tempted, and white people w^ere present. In
the afternoon was a conference of assistants, who were
charged to speak with two families from the Mousey town,
who had come here and wished to live here. This they
did, and after explaining to them our rules [they got
leave], to which they agreed. One of them said, when
our rules were made known to him, how they had to be-
have and what they had to observe : "All this does not
frighten me; if only the Saviour is merciful to me and
has pity upon me, through his help I will observe all that."
The woman, however, who was here before her husband,
and had brought him, said : " I am quite stupid and know
nothing, not even what one should speak and say, who
would like to live here and become a believer; but how I
shall do, thereof I know nothing." She was told that she
would hear this every day in the meetings. Another was
a half-Mingo, who had often been here, and now came
away from his friends, many of whom wished to come
here. Late in the evening came the aforesaid Allen back
from Detroit, bringing news that there would be no peace
with the Indians.

Monday, 10. Allen set forth on his way to Niagara,
having hired an Indian and a horse for as far as the Mou-
sey town. At Detroit he bought a farm, and will move
there this spring.

Tuesday, 11. As the weather yesterday and to-day was
fine and spring-like, our Indian brethren went for the most
part to their sugar-huts. In the evening the express
came back from Niagara, and with him Judge Powell's

348 zeisberger's diary.

son and a white couple, and stayed over night. We heard
the news of the beheading of the Queen of France; also
that the States were required to unite in the war either
with England or with France. We have regard for this,
in which our mission is concerned, and we pray : " Take
us to thy grace. Be good against all harm," for in this
way there can be no peace.

Wednesday, 12. Parke went farther to the Monsey
town and our people to the sugar-huts, leaving the town
empty.

Thursday, 13. Anna Helen went away to her mother.

Saturday, 15. The ice broke up in the river. At the
beginning of this month was the severest cold of the win-
ter, the thermometer standing at 19,^ and to-day already
at 70.

Sunday, 16. Br. Zeisberger preached. The brethren
were mostly at home. Then the corn for the family lately
come was collected, who had nothing to eat. Thus it
commonly is with Indians when they first come to us.
They are poor in body and soul, bringing nothing with
them save their bodies, so that it can well be said that
they run away from the devil bare and naked and flee to
the church.

Tuesday, 18. The river ran strong with ice, coming
from far up, and has risen very high.

Wednesday, 19. Mr. Parke came back from the Monsey
town and set out for home.

Thursday, 20. A white man arrived from Niagara and
went to Detroit.

Saturday, 22. Samuel came by water from the settle-
ment and most of the brethren from their sugar-hats,
there being little or nothing to do there. This year there
is a poor sugar-harvest, such as we have never had, for first
it was furiously cold, and then all at once came such warm
weather that it was soon over.

Sunday, 23. Br. Sensemann preached, and our neigh-

* Perhaps 19° is meant.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 349

bor, Bach, and another were present. Br. David held the
congregation meeting.

Tuesday, 25. For the feast of the Incarnation of our
Saviour we had a service, at which all the brethren were
present, and at consideration of our Saviour's becoming
man our eyes became moist for thankfulness for the
boundless love of God towards us, in sending us his only
Son, so that through him we might have life eternal.

Thursday, 27. A white man arrived, sent by the com-
mandant to ask whether we would let him have a lot upon
our land, but we absolutely declined, writing to the com-
mandant that we could not and would not do this.

Friday, 28. Samuel went up to the Mousey town about
his business.

Saturday, 29. Most of the brethren came home, having
done with making sugar, which has yielded little this
year, and the most any one made was not over a hundred
pounds.

Sunday, 30. Edwards preached, and in the afternoon
the assistants had labor in investigating lies, which to our
comfort were so found.

Monday, 31.* Towards evening his excellency. Gov.
Simcoe arrived with a suite of officers and soldiers, and
with eight Mohawks, from N'iagara by water, and re-
mained over night. He at once asked for our school-
house as a lodging, for it was cold and during the day
had snowed, but he was much pleased when Br. Sense-
mann offered his house, where he then lodged together
with his officers, two of whom had been here with him last
year. Our sisters entertained them. The soldiers lay
close by in the school-house, but the Mohawks were di-
vided between two Indian houses, whom also our Indian
brethren abundantly supplied with food. He was glad to
see so many houses built since he was here, also that our
Indians had cleared much land, and he praised their in-
dustry and labor. Still more, he wondered at seeing in
the place such a great pile of timber, and when he learned
that it was destined for a meeting-house, and also that the
Indian brothers and sisters had brought it in on sledges

350 zeisberger's diary.

without horses, he said : " Would that I could have seen
this."

Tuesday, April 1. After friendly leave-taking he set
out for Detroit with four canoes.

Wednesday, 2. Samuel came back from the Monsey
town.

Saturday, 5. An Indian, who came last winter from
Osy^^ego to the Monsey town, our Abigail's father, and
who came here for a visit day before yesterday, said to
Joshua that he had often heard of us from other Indians?
but nothing good; he was therefore come himself to see
and to hear, and now he found that all was not true
which he had heard, but he believed we had something
good, and the right thing, of which he and the other In-
dians knew nothing. lie said : " I care nothing for what
I hear, but I speak of what I have seen with my own
eyes." He added that the Mohawks in Niagara, Brant's
people, had also meetings, wished to be Christians, that
they had been baptized also, but that no difference was
to be seen between them and the savage Indians; they got
drunk, they stabbed one another dead with knives, they
went to war and did as the savages also; of all this
nothing was to be seen among us; these were Indians
from whose faces something good shone out, and there-
fore he believed that among us something good must be
found ; he believed there was a God who had made every
thing, and had many times already thought about this,
and wished to know what he would have him do, that
would please him, for he sought something good for the
present and for the future life, and this he had never yet
found. Joshua praised to him the great love of God
towards us, poor men, who came into the world and be-
came man, such as ourselves, and who came to save sin-
ners. He told him he would hear daily in our meetings
what he sought^ where he and all who came and wished
to hear, were welcome. He was pleased at hearing this,
reflected, and said that now he wished to go to the meet-
ings, and this he did too.

In the evening, when it was already dark, we learned

i

1794. 351

that a trader was in camp on the other side of the river,
who went up the river and had rum to sell. We sent
[some assistants there to get information, who brought the
rum to town and took charge of it until he went away, so
that there might be no drinking. The man at tirst de-
fended himself, but he had to give in, but was afterwards
glad when he heard he would get it again untouched.

Sunday, 6. Michael preached, whites and Frenchmen
bei'ng present.

Monday, 7. The brethren fenced in the grave-yard and
were done with it.

Tuesday, 8. Frenchman in two boats and canoes came
here, stayed over night, and went to Detroit. By a letter
from the settlement we learned that there would be war
between England and the States.

Wednesday, 9. The brethren in several canoes took
corn down to Dolson. An unbaptized Indian, a Tutelee,
who lived with us when a boy, and is now sick, sent a
request to us to come for him. He was brought here to-
day and had trust in the Saviour that he would have mercy
upon him before his death, wash away his sins with his
blood, and make him happy.

Friday, 11. At a love-feast with our home-church we
heartily congratulated Br. Zeisberger upon his seventy-
fourth birthday, and wished the Saviour to strengthen him,
body and soul, and guard him in his service.

Saturday, 12. By Indian brethren, who came from the
settlement, we heard that the honorable Governor had
gone with officers and soldiers to the Miami, there to lay
out a fort.^

Sunday, 13. Br. Sensemann preached about the Saviour's
entrance into Jerusalem for his passion, and Br. Zeis-
berger held the communion-service. He urged the breth-

^ " But the conduct of England in sending, as she did, Governor
Simcoe in the month of April, 1794, to the rapids of the Maumee, then
within the acknowledged territories of the United States, to erect a
fort, was the strongest assurance that could have been given to the
north-western tribes that she would espouse their quarrel." Albach's
Annals of the West, p. 634.

352 zeisberger's diary.

ren to give up their hearts, and especially in these days,
to feed upon Jesus' sufierings, and gave notice of the
Lord's supper for Thursday. The assistants spoke with
some people, Andrew and Pauline, Nicodemus and Theo-
dora, Pauline, Amelia's daughter, Abel, etc.

Wednesday, 16. After speaking to the brethren yes-
terday and the day before, the communicants had the
washing of feet, whereby the history thereof was read,
and our dear Lord let his presence very perceptibly be per-
ceived, purifying and washing away from us all dust and
stain, and comforting our hearts in all their shortcomings
and transgressions. Old David had the mercy of being
present after many years, and to be a partaker of the body
and blood of Jesus in the holy communion. Also, the
widow, Sabina, was readmitted.

Thursday, 17. In the evening was read the account of
our Saviour's agony and bloody sweat upon the Mount of
Olives and of his captivity, at hearing which our hearts
broke out into tears for thankfulness and love towards
our dear Lord. Thereupon the communicants enjoyed
his body, for us given over to death, and his blood,
with hearts full of shame and humility. Sensemann con-
ducted it.

Friday, 18. After the thanksgiving-liturgy, was read
the story in four parts of the great martyrdom of our Sa-
viour, in consideration of which we passed the day. This
the brethren listened to eagerly and attentively, and the
Spirit of God was thereby very busy, making plain in
our hearts the sufferings of our God. At the death of
Jesus we recited the liturgy upon our knees, and at the
opening of his side was sung : Lamb of God, thy precious
blood — Healing wounds and bitter death ; and 0 sacred
head, now wounded, etc. At the end of the blessed day:
Be with him my members dead — Be his sepulchre my bed.
A messenger went by to-day to summon the Lidians to
the war. Our Indians said they had to-day no time to
hear him, whereupon he went his way.

Saturday, 19. Great Sabbath, was a love-feast, at which
Sensemann^ presided, when we thankfully called to mind

4

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 353

and comforted ourselves with the thought that for us our
dear Saviour had lain in the grave and sanctified our
place of rest, so that we shall follow him and in his time
be like him.

Sunday, 20. Early at daybreak we assembled in the
chapel, and after the brethren had been greeted with the
words : The Lord is arisen, we read the greater part of the
Easter litany, it being rainy weather, and the last part in
the grave-yard, praying for eternal communion with the
brother and the four children who had died since last
Easter. Thereupon was a reading about the resurrection
of our Lord, and in the sermon, which Br. Sensemann
preached, he baptized into Jesus' death a grown girl with
the name, Deborah. In the service for the baptized in the
afternoon, which Br. Zeisberger conducted, there were
absolved by the laying-on of hands two sisters, Cathrine
and Anna Maria, Joachim's wife, and one brother, David,
the younger. Both this and the baptismal service were
accompanied by the near presence of God, and the breth-
ren were overwhelmed with blessing. During the day he
has shown himself especially gracious to his Indian
church, small as it is, and indeed no one has remained
unblessed. To him be praise, glory, and honor!

Tuesday, 22. Mr. Parke, who came with the boat, went
away, with about a thousand bushels of corn he bought
here, to Detroit, and Mr. Dplson has taken away quite as
much.

Wednesday, 23. Our people were busy in the fields,
making preparations for planting.

Thursday, 24. Abigail's father went to get his things,
and will come again. His words :

Saturday, 26. The Indian brothers who had taken corn
down came^back. We got news that very soon we must
expect warriors, who go to the Miami against the States,
when we may again await trouble.

Sunday, 27. Michael preached. Zeisberger held the
congregation meeting. With the assistants we had a con-
ference about regulating the plantations and about the
23

354 zeisberger's diary.

warriors whom we have to expect, to prevent evil, so that
they may cause do damage here. We heard threats again
that if our Indians did not go to the war, they would
come and shoot all our cattle ; whoever defended himself,
to him the like would be done, and we should not be
treated so mercifully as upon the Muskingum. It is the
old story, to which we are wonted.

Wednesday, 30. Michael held early service. The
brethren are this week very busy in their fields, and begin
to plant, which they do this year earlier than is usual. \

Thursday, May 1. We learned from Detroit that on
the Miami a fort^ had been planned, that the Governor is
gone back to Niagara by way of Pettquotting and Cuya-
hoga.

Sunday, 4. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel about
the good Shepherd, and Sensemann held the congregation
meeting. A couple of Chippewas brought here two strings
of wampum and three pieces of tobacco, one of these for
our Indians, the others to be taken elsewhere, with the
words : " All the Indians should assemble at the Miami to
go to war against the States or their troops, no one should
stay behind, and if a wife was unwilling to let her hus-
band go, she should go with him, so that he remain not
back." This again caused much reflection, trouble, and
perplexity among our brethren, who said : " How often
have we explained publicly and in a straightforward man-
ner to the chiefs and Indians that we wish to have nothing
to do with war, how many messages, belts, and strings of
wampum have we sent to them, but all in vain ? They do
not leave us in peace, they are always making attempts
upon us. What can or shall we do farther, that we may
have rest from the wicked world ? We can think of noth-
ing farther. We are at the end." We toM them we
thought it best to^listen to such messages and to consider
them, that they were sent not alone to us, but to all In-
dians, and thus we too must hear them, but that they

^ See note, p. 351

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 355

should be quiet in the matter, and they could yet do what
they wished and what their hearts told them; such events
we must reckon among those of which the Saviour has
said to us : In the world ye shall have tribulation, from
which he has not set us free, but we must suffer and feel
somewhat also of the trouble of the world; but that he
had told us we should be comforted, for he had overcome
the world; we should therefore look to him alone in the
confidence of faith ; he would help us to get through and
not abandon us. This gave the brethren courage, and to be
rid of the piece of tobacco they resolved that the assist-
ant, Samuel, who approved, should go with the message
to the Mousey town, and explain, in our name, that we
had nothing to do with war, as was known to all nations;
this also your father well knows, to whom ye can tell it
likewise, and to send the tobacco back. We indeed told
them that if the matter were ours we would throw it into
the lire, but this they feared to do.

Tuesday, 6. Samuel with other brothers went to the
Monsey town, a part by land, a part by water, to bring
down here for pay the corn which traders had bought
there, and when they get it down to the settlement on
this river they receive two shillings a bushel. A Mingo
woman, with three children, came here from the Miami
sick, her people and friends, as she said, having all died
there, leaving her alone. We gave them food and provis-
ions, for they had nothing at all. The brethren planted
our fields to-day together, and also the common field.

Saturday, 10. This week the brethren were mostly
done planting.

Sunday, 11. Br. Edwards preached about the peace
and hope of believers, sinners for whom expiation has been
made by Christ's blood, of sometime seeing with their bod-
ily eyes the Saviour, in whom they have here believed.
Some white people were here visiting Br. Sensemann
conducted the children's hour.

Tuesday, 18. Samuel with the brothers came back
from the Monsey town, in six canoes, with corn for Dol-
son. He spoke there with the chief people, saying we

356 zeisbbrger's diary.

had got a piece of tobacco to come to the war, but that we
had nothing to do with it, and concerned not ourselves
about it. He told them also the reason why, that we no
longer lived as before, but, since it was pleasing to God,
liked to live in peace with every one. He wished to give
them the tobacco to take with them thither where it came
from, but they wished to have a string of wampum be-
sides, to show something from us, and thus it remains until
they come down here.

Wednesday, 14. Jacob, John Henry, Michael, and Jos-
eph went over the lake, each on his own business. Six
Mohawks, Mohicans, messengers from Brant to Detroit,
were here over night. From them we learned that eifbrts
are still making for peace, that an ambassador from Con-
gress has been in l^iagara, bringing yew propositions,
which, however, were not accepted, and that he then wrote
back to Congress, for whose answer they were now wait-
ing. Upon this it now depends whether there shall be
peace or whether a new war shall begin, for which all
preparations are made.

Saturday, 17. A war-party of Chippewas on their way
to the Miami, whither they are summoned, arrived and m
encamped on the river-bank. The brethren brought them
food in abundance, tobacco also. When they had eaten,
they made ready for their beggar-dance, according to their
custom, when they dance from house to house, until some-
thing is given them. They smear themselves over the
whole body with white clay and in the face with black, so
that they are ugly, yea, frightful, to look at. Some assist-
ants went to them and told them we should be glad to
have them omit this, they would make our children uneasy
and anxious; if they wanted any thing, they should just
tell us, and if we could, we would give it them without
their dancing. Hereupon they asked for a hog, which
they got, and thus they gave up their dance, but only for
to-day ; in the evening they had their dance in their camp.

Sunday, 18. Br. Sensemann preached from the Gospel:
I go unto him that sent me. The Chippewa warriors as-
sembled in bands and listened quietly, but in the evening,

i

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 357

after the services were over, they set about their beggar-
dance through the whole town, from house to hou>se, and
the next morning.at daybreak went away. An unbaptized
Indian, who had already leave to live here, a half-Mingo,
went with them. We heard also that a great multitude
of Chippewas from the upper lakes was come to Detroit,
and that more were arriving daily, but what they intend
to do no one knows. These circumstances among the
weaker hearts of our brethren arouse again a certain fear
that the savage Indians are coming to destroy the church,
to drive away their teachers, or to kill them together with
themselves, because they go not to the war. Therefore we
do not cease, privately and in the services, industriously to
exhort them to rely upon the Saviour, to abide by him and
his promise: Because thou hast kept the word of my
patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of tempta-
tion, that they should believe they were a people pur-
chased with' his dear blood, and that he will not forsake
them, but rejoice over them, if he sees their faith.

Monday, 19. A company of Monsey warriors, thirty
men, arrived. They had hardly encamped below the town,
when they also came and danced their beggar-dance
through the whole town. They remained here the follow-
ing day, causing us and the assistants much concern and
anxiety, since they wished to take with them some one
from here, especially Mcholas. Thereupon we said we
would send no one, that we might have no blame if they
were unsuccessful and came to harm; whoever wished
might go. The tobacco, which they would not take with
them, we said to them we would ourselves bring where it
belonged. Moses' child, that was brought here sick and
quite wasted away, at the request of its parents, was
to-day baptized with the name, Sara, and died half an
hour after, as if it had only waited for this, for at the bap-
tism it was quite lively.

Wednesday, 21. Early the warriors again danced their
beggar-dance, and there was again trouble. There were
some warriors who had lost relatives in the war, when
Broadhead (in 1779) had made a campaign up the AUe-

358 zeisbbrger's diary.

gbany, who accused Br. Bill Henry of being the one who
did it, but he is innocent, and it is uncertain whether the
man was an Indian or a white, but since he took part in
the' campaign and was a captain, he is held responsible for
it. In order to be rid of them this time he had to give
them an ox [and day before yesterday he gave them a hog],
until the matter is arranged. When these ceremonies were
over, there was the burial of the child, Sara, who died yes-
terday. Many strangers were present at this.

Thursday, 22. In the forenoon the warriors went away
with a war-cry, and fired oft' all their guns, after having
caused us trouble and anxiety enough, mostly about our
people, to whom the temptation is great. Indeed, upright,
faithful hearts let not themselves so easily be persuaded,
but there are ever weak spiints, who have little experience
of the Saviour in their hearts, who are the most set upon,
being easily recognized, and they must submit to it. Thus,
three of our baptized people and three unbaptized, one of
them quite an old man, who came to us in the spring, went
away with them, whom we told not to come back here
again. Then followed great stillness in town, and our
King of Peace, to whom we are so gladly subject, came
again to his rule.

Saturday, 24. Dr. Freeman, a man from the States,
came here, whom our Indians brought from the settlement
here to take charge of a sister and of a girl, who have
chronic troubles and vomitings, to whom he gave medi-
cine.

Sunday, 25. Michael preached about this, how we
should address and pray to our dear Father in the name
of Jesus Christ, which the Holy Ghost teaches us, and dis-
poses of our prayer and of the answer so that we hear it.
Br. Sensemann held the communion quarter-hour, and the
assistants had labor. Dr. Freeman went home.

Monday, 26. By a Chippewa Indian, who came back
from the Fort, we heard that the warriors are all coming
back, also that all the Chippewas from the upper lakes are
going home. Although we cannot learn the cause, nor
the connection of events, it was comforting news for us,

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 359

and gave us hope that circumstances would change to the
better.

Wednesday, 28. Senseraann held early service from the
Scripture-verse about this, that the Saviour had reconciled
us to God by his blood, and made us willing to serve and
capable of serving him in holiness and righteousness. To-
day the brethren hoed our fields and the common fields.

Thursday, 29. On Ascension Day Br. Zeisberger early
held service, and discoursed from the text : It is expedient
for you that I go away. He said that when our dear
Lord and Saviour had brought about our redemption and
made atonement for us ^y his blood and death, and when
after his resurrection he had been forty days here below,
and through his apostles had left behind him what was
needful for us, he had ascended into heaven, sits now at
the right hand of God with his wounds and makes inter-
cessions for us. He admonished the brethren to be eager
for walking with the Saviour, whom indeed we see not,
but who is not far from each one of us. In conclusion we
prayed to him and read the liturgy upon our knees from
the English version.

Saturday, 31. We had in the near presence of our dear
Lord the holy communion, whereby Anna Sophia was a
partaker for the first time and young Sophia came again.
David Zeisberger administered it.

Sunday, June 1. David read the liturgy, Edwards
preached, and Sensemann held the congregation meeting.

Tuesday, 3. From Detroit came Nicholas, who went
thither to show himself, all Indians having been sum-
moned there, but McKee told him he could go home
again, for they had no need of us. Thus was the trouble
over for this time. Meanwhile these events have caused
much harm among our people, and it is a wonder that
any remain. We heard that they wish to besiege the
Americans' fort.^

Friday, 6. By Mr. Parke we got from Detroit a packet,
containing a letter and the Scripture-verses and texts

^ Ft. Recovery, on the site of St. Clair's defeat.

860 zeisberger's diary.

for this year, together with a writing from Br. EttweiD.
The letter is dated Oct. 20th last. We heard that the
Indians had fallen upon and beaten a convoy with pro-
visions, killing forty men,^ that in the fort the Americans
suft'ered from want of food, and that the Indians had cut
off all access to them.

Sunday, 8. The sermon, at which a couple of our
nearest neighbors from the settlement were present, was
delivered by Br. Sensemann about the office and work of
God, the Holy Ghost, who punishes the world for its un-
belief, but especially how he is busy in the hearts of his
believers, comforting, leading, conducting, and blessing
them, body and soul. In the afternoon, at a love-feast,
we brought to him praise and thanks, and sang to him songs
of praise for his faithful care of us, poor wretches. After
a discourse from the text : Now he which stablisheth us
with you in Christ is God, — and given the earnest of the
Spirit in our hearts, who is given us for aid and help, the
grown girl, Elizabeth, daughter of Adam and Sophia, was
admitted to the church. Towards evening an express
came from Detroit on his way to ]Jiagara to the Governor,
to whom we had to give an Indian from here as escort, at
the request of the commandant, which we did. By him
we learned, for only four days ago he came from the
Miami, that the army of the States had left the fort and
was marching in full numbers to the Miami; a party of
Indians had attacked a party of light cavalry and killed
thirty men, but had to take flight, with loss of four
Indians.

Wednesday, 11. White people came through here from
Niagara with cattle for Detroit.

Thursday, 12. Anna Helen, who went away some
time ago, and indeed from her husband, having herself
taken another, came and begged to live again in the
church, but we could not comply with her request. An-
thony's Esther was delivered of a daughter.

Friday, 13. She (Anna Helen) came again and asked

^I find no corroboration of this report.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 361

leave to live here, but we could not grant her request, for
we could not perceive that it would be well. There came
Indian women back from the Fort, who told us much
about a fight, that Pachgantschihillas^ was dead.

Saturday, 14. Samuel came back from the Fort, from
whom we heard the real truth about the fight that oc-
curred, namely, eighteen whites and thirty-one Indians
were killed, also that one hundred Chippewas had come
from the upper lakes, who had been summoned. They
said, however, that they could not remain long from home ;
that they had themselves war with the Indians back of
them, who had fallen upon them this spring and killed
many. The chief said to the commandant and agent,
that they set on the Indians and the States, one against
the other, like two dogs, and that they merely looked on
and did nothing; their father had deceived them, who
had sent word to them, that if they came to Detroit, they
would find there only women, children, and old men, for
all that could go, had gone to the war, and now he saw the
redcoats idly going about town ; he could not stay long
there, but must soon go home.

Sunday, 15. Zeisberger preached about the regenera-
tion of the heart, that the Holy Trinity has contrived and
brought about the redemption of mankind by Jesus Christ,
through whose blood we are cleansed of sin and born again.
The assistants had to speak with Luke and Mary Eliza-
beth. Mr. Parke arrived.

Tuesday, 17. Mr. Parke went home.

Thursday, 19. The brethren hilled our corn early, and
then the whole day was rainy. Late in the evening Israel
came from the Fort, who got here without a blanket even,
on account of Chippewas, and had to leave his .gun and
all in the lurch, for, as he said, they were after his life, and
they fell upon him as he was passing by.

Friday, 20. Anna Sophia was delivered of a son.

Saturday, 21. By a Chippewa Indian from Detroit we
heard many lies, whereby our Indian brethren were made

^ A Delaware captain. The report of his death was false.

362 zeisberger's diary.

fearful, for he said that the Delawares and those who were
always for war, and would not accept peace, would be
fallen upon. "We learned also that commissioners from
the States were again come to Detroit. We got our
hay in.

Sunday, 22. Br. Michael preached from the Gospel
about the rich man. In the afternoon service from to-
day's Scripture- verse, Br. Zeisberger baptized two children,
the one born on the 12th Inst, with the name, Lydia, the
other, born day before yesterday, with the name, Lewis.
Then there was a conference of assistants, considering
about Anna Helen and Israel.

Monday, 23. Motey, Anna Helen's mother, came to
Samuel late at night and related her perplexity, that she
had a call to the church, but on account of her children
and friends could not make up her mind ; that yet she did
not know how long she should live, yea, not even whether
she should be alive the next morning. Samuel told her
she was her own mistress. She could do as she thought
best; she should think of her soul's salvation, and not be
held therefrom by her friends, who could not help her,
but she might be lost with them.

Wednesday, 25. Bartholomew came back by way of
Detroit from l^iagara, whither he went by water on the
8th Inst, with an express as escort. The Governor asked
him if he was one of the Moravian Indians, and when
he said yes, offered him a glass of rum, but he declined,
saying he could not drink it. We learned that all was
quiet, nothing to be heard about war.

Saturday, 28. We learned that the Indian captain who
had urged on the warriors against our Indians, and told
them not to go away from Samuel's house until he prom-
ised that at least three should go from here to the war,
likewise if they saw cattle near Bill Henry's house and
knew they belonged to him, to shoot them — that when he
got to the Miami soon died. And if others had not
stopped him, he would have been a real torment to us.

Sunday 29. Sensemann preached about the great feast,
whereto Jesus by his servants bids mankind who, how-

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 363

ever, always know how to excuse themselves. The assist-
ants considered about the building of the meeting-house.
Zeisberger held the congregation meeting.

Tuesday, July 1. After the brethren had taken away
yesterday the old meeting-house, and put it up in another
place, as it was in the way, to-day the ground was made
ready for the new. We assembled on the ground about
it, and after some verses and a short discourse, Br. Zeis-
berger made a fervent prayer to our dear Lord, entreating
for his recognition, for his blessing and presence ; that as
often as we should assemble there we might be fed upon
the words of his death and passion, and that to all those
who came from far and near to hear, it should be shown
in them as God's strength. Besides we commended our-
selves to the protection and guard of our dear Father and
of the dear angels, that his blessing should accompany
our labor. Thereupon the work was at once begun in
comfort and cheerfulness.

Wednesday, 2. From I^iagara came a white man and
a half-breed here, and told us that Brant had gone to
Walnut Bottoms^ to bid the white people go away from
there, and that Allen was on his way hither.

Friday, 4. By way of I^iagara and Detroit we got let-
ters of April 29th last from Bethlehem and European news,
to our great joy.

Sunday, 6. Br. Edwards preached. In the communion
quarter-hour, which Br. Zeisberger conducted, giving no-
tice thereof, he greeted the brethren from the churches,
and assured th^m that they were lovingly remembered by
them. Br. Sensemann held the congregation meeting
from the Scripture-verse: The Lord is slow to anger and
of great power. We refreshed ourselves by reading the
papers received.

Wednesday, 9. An express w^ent through from Detroit,
giving news that Indians and whites had attacked the
fort, but had accomplished nothing, and that some twenty

^ Near Presque Isle. See before p. 272.

364

Indians perished, and one Frenchman also. We were busy
to-day blocking out the new meeting-house.

Friday, 11. Indians came from the Miami, last from
Detroit, by whom we heard that Pipe was dead.^ Here-
the Indian brothers cut the first block of planks from wild-
cherry timber, and all are eager to learn how. The Indian
brothers set about plank-splitting. The surveyor, McNeff,
sent us from Detroit the draught of our township. In the
evening Br. Zeisberger baptized the sick Indian, the
Tutelee, who was brought here April 5th, sick with con-
sumption, into Jesus' death with the name, Clemens.

Saturday, 12. Chippewa warriors came back from the
Miami very hungry, having nothing to eat. The breth-
ren brought them food and gave them also provisions for
their journey. They confirmed the news about the fight ^
with the Americans, but that thirty Indians had fallen, in-
stead of twenty ; how many whites, they knew not, ex-
cept one. As they lost a man, a scalp was given them in
his place, which they brought with them. In the evening
the communicants enjoyed the body and blood of the Lord
in the holy sacrament. Joachim was again a partaker,
and Sensemann conducted it.

Sunday, 13. Br. Zeisberger read early the thanksgiving-
liturgy, and thereupon preached from the Gospel: Be ye
therefore merciful as your Father also is merciful, apply-
ing it to the brethren. Our neighbor Bach was present.
We read the Bethlehem journal.

Wednesday, 16. Another war-part}^ of Chippewas ar-
rived who had been in the fight. They ^ve news that
forty Indians had died, and that the Chippewas from the
upper lakes had lost most heavily, that the Americans had
with them Tuckashaw^ Indians, two of whom were killed.

^ According to Butterfield, Crawford's Campaign, p. 172, Pipe died a
few days before Aug. 20th, the date of Wayne's victory.

^ Here and also under Wednesday, 7, reference is made to a skirmish
under the Wiills of Ft. Recovery, where several hundred Indians fell
upon one hundred and forty American soldiers. The fight was severe,
but the Indians were repelled.

^See before p. 128.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 365

Saturday, 19. Warriors came back from the Monsey
town.

Sunday, 20. Br. Sensemann preached ; Zeisberger held
the congregation meeting. Chippewa warriors came back.
We read the Bethlehem journal.

Monday, 21. Chippewas arrived. In the morning before
daybreak died, right blessedly, Clemens, baptized on the
11th Inst.

Tuesday, 22. He was buried after the early service, Br.
Sensemann conducting the funeral. He came with his
mother to Huron River (Michigan) in 1784 to the church,
when a boy, and when she died, in the spring of 1791, on
her way from 'Ne\Y Salem to Detroit, in Sandusky, he
showed her much faithfulness during her sickness, and was
thoughtful for her, but in his heart little life or feeling
could be observed, though he had once applied for bap-
tism. At the Watch-Tower he went aw^y with the war-
riors, and then came with them to the river to the Monsey
town, where he got the consumption, of which his mother
had died, and when he wasted away more and more and
could not recover, he sent to us and begged us to bring
him here, which was done April 9 last, but his wife, by
whom he had a child, left him, coming not with him. He
still hoped for recovery, but when he saw that his strength
was ever getting less and less, he turned to the Saviour, gave
himself entirely to his will, came of his own accord and
asked for baptism, saying it was his only care to be cleansed
from his sins by Jesus' blood, and then to go to him. This
mercy he obtained on the 11th Inst, on his bed of sickness,
in the presence of a number of brethren, amidst a blessed,
gracious feeling of the presence of our Lord. The grace
the Saviour did showed itself mighty in his heart. He
was now quite comforted that he was in grace with God,
that his sins were forgiven, and he found joy in soon coming
to the Saviour. He spoke now of nothing but his death
and that he should soon see him. " There is in the world,"
he said, " nothing more to keep me. There is no pleasure
for me. My joy is the Saviour, who has forgiven my sins,
adopted me as his child and saved me, for now I feel quite

366 zeisberger's diary.

differently from what I felt before. ITow I have no fear
of him, but I love him dearly." To a young brother who
visited him he said : "We were always good comrades to-
gether, loved each other too, but now we are brothers and
love the Saviour above all, and hold each other dearer
than before." Last night when brothers watched with
him he entertained them with talk about death, how he
rejoiced to see brothers and brethren who are with the Sa-
viour, whom he called by name. After midnight, when he
heard the cocks crow, he said : " !N"ow the Saviour comes
for me, now I shall go," turned himself over, folded his
hands, and died qaietly and happily as a sinner redeemed
by Jesus' blood.

Thursday, 24. Br. Sensemann went down to the set-
tlement on business, returning on the 26th. AnnaHelen,
who went to the Monsey town to bring here her cattle and
children, brought back her mother to stay. Some white
people visited us and examined our place.

Friday, 25. Warriors came, Abel also. We are ever
hearing more about the loss of the Indians in the fight.
One hundred and thirty were killed in the battle, and
many who were wounded have since died. The Indians
stabbed the sentinel in the Fort. There is some secret
excitement among the Indians.

Sunday, 27. Michael preached. A party of men and
women came here from the settlement, fifteen miles from
here, to see our place. Sensemann held the congregation
meeting.

Monday, 28. Brethren went to the settlement. Motey
announced her wish to live here. She had a long discus-
sion with her friends about it, who told her she would
here perish with the believers, for they would all be put
to death. This comes from the fact that the Indians on
the Miami are considering about taking us away into cap-
tivity.

Tuesday, 29. More warriors came back, Monseys. All
agree that the Indians have lost many men ; also that tlie

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 367

Delawares on the Miami are planning to call us away from
here. We shall await the time.

Thursday, 31. Sensemann held early service. Mr. Al-
len, who was here in the winter, came here by boat by way
of Detroit to settle forty miles up the river. He stayed
over night and went on the next day.

Friday, Aug. 1. Joshua and many brethren came up
from the lake, where they got meadow-grass. We were
now compelled to send Israel away, and he went to-day.
For some time the weather has been very hot and dry, so
that many vegetables and fruits have wilted. The dry
earth longs for rain and we likewise, for the corn begins
to wither. The thermometer for several days has been at
96°, which it never was before.

Sunday, 3. Br. Edwards preached. Michael held the
congregation meeting. We took counsel with the assist-
ants about building houses for a couple of widows and
their children, that they might at once have a place for
their corn, for now the brethren have time for this, there
being no pressing work. We read the journal. Towards
evening we got a much desired rain.

Monday, 4. White people went through here for De-
troit with cattle, who have begun a settlement forty or
fifty miles up this river, thirty families strong, having
lately come over from Europe. The land will be very
thickly settled, and grows perceptibly. We should have
gained nothing then if we had settled as far again up the
river. A child, whose parents are strangers, left here by
them, fell into the water and was taken out for dead, giv-
ing no token that life was in him. They brought him to
a house, covered the body warmly, when, after half an
hour, it began to get breath, and after a good quantity of
water and slime had come out of his mouth he was well
again.

Tuesday, 5. Mr. Parke arrived, who in the spring gave
us hope he would go to the States and visit Bethlehem,
for whom we have been waiting, thinking to send. letters
by him, but now he does not do this, and we are disap-
pointed. Israel came back again, as he gave out, because

368

lie does not dare to go anywhere alone. Sensemann began
the children's school again.

Thursday, 7. Michael held early service. The assist-
ants spoke with Israel, who gave as reason for his return
that he did not dare to go anywhere alone. It thus ap-
pears that he has no good conscience, and must conse-
quently be afraid of the Chippewas.

Friday, 8. Zeisberger held early service. It rained
all day.

Sunday, 10. Sensemann preached. Zeisberger held the
communion quarter-hour and the congregation meeting.
We got news by an express going to ^N'iagara that uneasi-
ness prevailed ; that Gen. Wayne was come as far as the
fork of the Miami, where they were building a fort.^ It
is said the Indians flee, leaving the fields in the lurch.

Tuesday, 12. By Indians from Detroit we heard that
the Indians are again summoned to go to war, and this
will again make disturbance among us. Some brought
rum, of which, of course, we took charge.

Wednesday, 13. The brethren have lately been spoken
to, and the communicants enjoyed in the near presence of
our dear Lord his body and blood in the sacrament of the
holy communion, whereby he blessed us unspeakably.

From the upper towns Indians came. A Mohican, the
son of Joseph (Snow-shoe),^ who had lived in the Broth-
ers' house in Bethlehem, came here several days ago, and
said of his own accord that his wife, who had been away
from him more than two years, had also come to him here ;
that here they had been reconciled and were of accord
in wishing to live here and become believers. Grod
strengthen them in their intention ! It seems they belong
to us.

Thursday, 14. A Mousey captain, the near friend of
Anna Helen and her mother, after taking much pains
to persuade them and to turn them from the church,
since they have been here, when he saw that he could do

^ Ft. Defiance.

^ See before, p. 144.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 369

nothing with them, and that they were firmly resolved to
remain with the church, said to them at last : " Now I see
ye remain thereby, and it is your full intention to stay
with the believers, I have nothing farther to say against
it. I am glad that ye are so disposed. Oue thing, how-
ever, I will say to you, hold fast to your resolution, by
no means ever go away from the church, wherefrom ye
will be unhappy. Ye see yourselves how it is with those
who leave the church. They are worse than the savages,
and are unholy men, therefore I exhort you, remain fast
with the church." This was his last advice to them. He
left them and went home.

[Thus far to Bethlehem.]

Friday, 15. Samuel went with Boaz to Detroit about
Bill Henry's affair, to bring to rest that of which he was
accused, that he had killed an Indian, the friend of the
Monseys here above us.

Sunday, 17. Michael preached and Zeisberger held the
congregation meeting. Anna Helen's mother, Motey,
was spoken with by the assistants, and as she has numer-
ous relatives who yearly make sacrifices, thereby to be pro-
tected from sickness and misfortune, she was told if she
came to the church and wished to enjoy a blessed and
pleasant life, she must keep away therefrom, and from all
heathenish life and works, and if her friends made sac-
rifices and came to invite her thereto, she should always
bear in mind that she no longer believed in them, but in
the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, with a sacrifice for us
all, had done enough, and nothing farther was needed, yea,
it was a horror to God.

Monday, 18. Br. Edwards held early service. After
this Brs. Sensemann and Jung set out for Detroit, whom
many brethren, going to the settlement, followed. An
express for ]S"iagara went through.

Tuesday, 19. Zeisberger held early service. White

people from the new settlement fifty miles above us went

to Detroit. Chippewas brought meat here to exchange for

corn and produce of the fields. A Chippewa messenger

24

370 zeisberger's diary.

brought a string of wampum, together with a pipe filled
with tobacco for all the Indians up the river, with the
words: " My friends, as soon as ye have taken a couple of
whiffs of tobacco, arise, for the Americans are near to
take your land. Come, I will go with you against them
and send them back again." This message we had to
send farther, for the messenger had only come thus far,
not having hurried, for he had been -G.Ye days in coming
from Detroit, the Chippewas not liking to go to war.

Wednesday, 20. Allen came here from his settlement,
and remained over night with some of his people.

Thursday, 21. Mr. Allen was at the .early service,
which Br. Zeisberger held. In the afternoon came back
Brs. Sensemann and Jung, having done nothing, not hav-
ing been quite to the mouth of the river, for as soon as
they came to the settlement, they heard and saw that all
was in great confusion and alarm, for Gen'l Wayne, with
his army, was already at the Miami, and so, too, they
heard, was it in Detroit, the gates being fast shut and no
free passage. The shops are closed, the merchants have
gone to the Miami against the foe, and all the militia and
men in the country must go thither. In such critical cir-
cumstances, seeing certainly that they would not accom-
plish their purpose, if they went on, they turned about
again. We heard also that the militia and Indians from
Niagara have all gone thither by water.

Friday, 22. We learned that Gen'l Wayne had broken
up at the Miami Fork and marched down the river, and
had posted himself.^

Sunday, 24. Zeisberger preached. For Sister Sense-
mann's birthday we had together at home a blessed love-
feast, and forgot the wretched and burdensome life,
wherein we now are, and know not what to ask from the
Saviour, but will leave it entirely to him, and say: Lord,
thy will be done, for never yet has he neglected any thing
in his government, but in his grace thinks of us. Br.
Michael held the congregation meeting. How good it is

^At Ft. Deposit.

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 871

that we are here so quiet, out of the way of the trouble
that harasses this land, as little children, who are care-
fully protected on earth. I know not where we could
have found such a place.

Monday, 25. Edwards held early service from the
Scripture-verse: I, even I, am he who comforteth you;
who art thou that thus shouldst be afraid of a man that
shall die ? The Indians went to work at the meeting-
house, upon which, for a while, they had ceased working,
and as they were eating, there came an express through
here for l^iagara to the Governor, who, with his troops
on his way to Detroit, is expected, and will also march
through here. We heard that Wayne was posted in sight
of the English fort. An express soon after came back
from I^iagara, who said there had been a skirmish, and
that many French and Indians had been killed. This
was the first of three hundred Indians, who knew noth-
ing of the Americans, and attacked them at once. Wayne
then offered the Indians peace, but they dared accept
none. The Indians and French are always urged to at-
tack Wayne, but have no courage.

Tuesday, 26. The warriors came down here from
above, encamping somewhat apart from the town, where
they had their war-dance and ceremonies, of which we
took little notice. Otherwise they were quite orderly and
caused no further disturbance, except that, as usually,
they held their beggar-dance, though we had abundantly
provided them with food. They must have a hog. They
remained,

Wednesday, 27, and early on Thursday, 28, went away.
A couple of hours later Joseph followed them secretly
with John and James, without saying any thing about it
to any one. To-day also many Chippewas went down by
here.

Friday, 29. Br. Edwards held the early service. We con-
gratulated the unmarried brothers upon their festival-day
to-day at a love-feast, having hearty sympathy with them,
and we blessed them, to pass all their days with the In-

372 zeisberger's diary.

dian church joyfully and with pleasure, for we now live in
critical times, and cannot know what awaits us.

Sunday, 31. Sensemann preached from the Gospel
about Pharisees and tax-gatherers, and Michael held the
congregation meeting.

Monday, Sept. 1. We got news again about a fight be-
tween Wayne and the Indiansj wherein the latter lost
many. Wayne has gone by the fort, and on E-eeson River ^
has attacked a party of Indians, who were killed to a
man.

Tuesday, 2. By an express from Detroit for Magara
we learned that there had been a fight in sight of the En-
glish fort on the Miami, in which again many Indians
were killed, and thirty men of the Americans, who re-
mained masters of the field and buried the dead, but the
Indians afterwards opened the graves to see how many
were killed, but found they had themselves lost more ;
that soon after the battle the army had again marched
back, but for what reason is not known ; that before the
English fort they spoke with them, saying they were go-
ing back from lack of supplies.^ The Scripture- verse to-
day was : Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have
called thee by thy name, thou art mine.

Wednesday, 3. Mr. Allen, who came last evening from
Detroit, and remained over night, set oat for home to-
day. Chippewa warriors, on their way home, said that
Ekuschuwe had been mortally wounded in the head and
body, that the Indians were angry with McKee, and said
he was the cause of the death of so many Indians; also
that not a single Shawano was in the fight, though they
were always instigating the Indians to go to war.

^ Raisin River, Michigan, but Wayne did not go there.

2 This battle, at the Rapids of the Maumee, was fought Aug. 20, 1794.
The Americans are said to have been less than a thousand, the Indians
double this number. The savages soon fled, and the battle ended in
sight of the British fort. The American loss in killed was thirty-nine,
the Indian at least eighty. After remaining a few days near the Brit-
ish fort, Gen'l Wayne returned to Ft. Defiance. Burnet's Notes,
Chap. VIII.

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 373

Saturday, 6. The brethren worked at the meeting-
bouse this week. Mousey warriors carae back, who, how-
ever, had been no farther than Detroit. Mohawks came
from Brant's town,^ on their way to the war, and remained
over night. They asked some of our Indians why they
did not go to the war. They answered : "We do not go
to the war, for it stands not in Holy Writ that believers
shall go to war; in olden times it indeed happened, but in
the new time no longer, for then it ceased." They said it
stood in their book that they should go to war; this was
the English Book of Common Prayer, with some heads
from the Old and the l^ew Testament. They further said
they had heard the ministers would not let them go to
war. Answer : " The Indians are free people. Who
wants to go, can go. It is true they are not ordered to go,
but whoever goes, goes upon his own responsibility; war
was not for believers."

Sunday, 7. Zeisberger held morning prayer, entreating
the Lord for his blessing and presence this day, and for his
recognition of us in all our services. Then Br. Sensemann
held the festival services (for the married), Michael preached,
and Zeisberger conducted the love-feast. The peace of
God was in all services, and his near presence could be
traced, his comforting nearness.

Monday, 8. Edwards held early service. More war-
riors arrived, going home, but stayed over night here, and,

Tuesday, 9, went farther.

Wednesday, 10. Zeisberger held early service from the
text: That good thing which was committed unto thee,
keep by the Holy Ghost. 0, Lord, protect from strange
doctrines,^ etc., and said he did not doubt but that the
brethren believed they had the true ground and proper in-
struction for salvation, that they would seek no other
way to salvation than that they had heard, only many in-
different persons were opposed. The thing was to them an
old story, and it was a great loss to such that they did

^Probably at or near the present Brantford, on Grand River, On-
tario.

^ This last sentence is from the collect.

374 zeisberger's diary.

not stand in full enjoyment thereof. At noon came Brant
with a company of Mohawks from Grand River (Ontario).
They saluted the town with a salvo from their guns, and
were answered in like manner. They stayed here a good
while, and then set out on their way to the Miami through
Detroit. Brant said he went to the war unwillingly, but
he was compelled, and must go, for war was contrived
merely for this, to exterminate the Indians, and our In-
dians did well and right in not going to war. He
bought a canoe for his sick and weak. Among these
Mohawks was a half-breed, who understood German well.
He told us he had heard that in our town there was no
drinking, dancing, playing, whoring allowed, whether it was
so. We replied yes, for he who wishes to live in such sins
cannot be here. "Yes," said he, " that is perfectly right,
and so should it be with us also. These Mohawks were
also Christians, went to Church, and had a school-house,
but with all this, drinking and whoring were in full swing.
At times they got together in the school-house, played,
danced, and drank, and had already smashed nearly all the
windows, and thus they live, no better than the savage In-
dians." Such Christianity, he thought, was not pleasing
to God. After the uproar was now somewhat over, Brs.
Sensemann and Michael Jung went to Detroit, together
with other affairs, to forward a packet to England. Many
brethren went to the settlement.

Thursday, 11. There came about sixty warriors from
Brant's town, encamping a little out of to^n, where food
was taken them. They behaved in so quiet and orderly
a way that nothing savage or unbecoming was seen or
heard the whole night, the Monseys here making much
more uproar, and being quite unrestrained. Their captain
with a party of his people attended early service, held by
Br. Edwards, Thursday, 11, listening devoutly, and then
quietly withdrew.

Sunday, 14. Br. Edwards preached. Zeisberger held
the congregation meeting. Chippewas went through here,
who related that McKee was gone to Niagara, and that
he and Bawbee did not dare go to the Fort. We heard

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 375

also that the Indians had fled from the Miami, part of
them to Detroit for the deep creek,^ where they bade us
live, a part to the Spaniards, among them some of our
people.

Monday, 15. The brethren went out hunting to get
meat for those working on the meeting-house. On the
16th, they brought in three deer and several turkeys. In
the bush they came upon a woman from the northern
nations almost dead from hunger, whom they brought
with them.

Wednesday, 17. Still more Mohawks arrived on their
way to the Miami, likewise Chippewas, all of whom we
fed. To-day the brethren began to make sledges.

Thursday, 18. Two families of Chippewas, who had
been here and were going hunting, came to ask for corn
for the hunt to take with them. They said they had
been summoned to the war, and had gone ; that their cat-
tle had eaten up all their corn in the fields; they had
spoken to McKee, but got nothing ; they had asked him
for an order on the believing Indians here for corn, but
since he refused this, too, they now begged us themselves
for support. This we gave them, each family contribut-
ing a basket full of corn on the cob. Their women also
helped ours in the harvest, thereby earning some corn.

Friday, 19. From the settlement came Peter Skank,
with another white man, and they stayed over night.

Saturday, 20. Israel and Paul arrived.

Sunday, 21. David preached and held the communion-
service, of which he gave notice for next Saturday. The
assistants spoke with Israel and Paul; neither had dis-
position to be in the church.

Monday, 22. Brs. Sensemann and Jung came back from
Detroit, whence they sent our letters to England and Beth-
lehem, and besides attended to many affairs. I^. B. — Br.
Sensemann baptized two children in the settlement here.
In regard to the army from the States, matters were now
quiet, for it is gone back to the nearest fort, but is again

^ See ante, p. 158.

376 zeisberger's diary.

expected. The Delawares are going to the Mississippi
from suspicion. They say they lose their land any way,
whether the States win or not, either through them or the
English, and their young people besides, and thus it is bet-
ter for them to leave their land and go away, not to men-
tion having nothing to eat, and the danger of starving
here, for all their fields are laid waste. For this they now
blame their father (the English), who is the cause of all
their calamity, for they dared not make peace. Their loss
in men is greater than was at first reported. White men,
also, who were in the battle, perished.

Tuesday, 23. Polly was delivered of a son.

Wednesday, 24. By Indians from Detroit we learned
that Gen'l Wayne had again oiFered the nations peace, if
they would have it. In these circumstances we now see
how well and blessedly the Lord has led us at the right
time, taking us away from the troubles of the world, and
making us secure here before the disquiet began, for
which we cannot be thankful enough. As little children
we are carefully watched upon earth. Some time ago
we heard that the Delawares had held a council on the
Miami about calling us away from here, and now they
must themselves be fugitives and have no settled place or
abode.

Friday, 26. Cathrine was delivered of a daughter.

Saturday, 27. In the early service Br. Zeisberger bap-
tized, with the name, Nathaniel, the little son of Samuel
and Polly, born the 23d Inst. We have lately heard that
some of the Indians who fled to the Mississippi, would
come hither to call away their friends; this seems now
more probable, for Sabina's sister, who came here the
other day, will now make preparation and take with her
the grown daughter of the former. The communicants
celebrated the Lord's supper in his dear nearness. An-
drew also came back to-day.

Sunday, 28. Br. Zeisberger read the communion lit-
nrgy, reminding the brethren to be thankful for the bless-
ing enjoyed, carefully to guard it, and then to think of
the sick and weak and to pray for them, that the Saviour

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 377

and his Spirit may bless them by making them sharers of
the like blessing. Br. Michael preached from the Gospel :
1^0 man can serve two masters, etc., and in the afternoon
service, which Br. Sensemann conducted, he baptized into
Jesus' death, with the name, Gertrude, the little daughter
of Br. John Thomas and his wife, Cathrine, born two
days ago.

Monday, 29. In the early service, which Br. Zeisberger
held, the dear angels were mentioned, whom and the
Saviour we have to thank for their service given to be-
lievers, in that they turn from us many a misfortune and
danger. Moreover, we had news to-day that the Indians
now wish to make peace with the States, seeing now that
if they longer carry on war they must go to destruc-
tion. It happens also that the agent is away, having gone
to Montreal. Tliey no longer ask their father whether
they shall or not, but it is reported that they will adopt
Congress as their father.

Wednesday, Oct. 1. Chippewas, who were encamped
here, and drummed, all went off hunting, a pleasant event
for us. Our people were industrious about the meeting-
house. To-day they finished the roof and also the little
tower, and the bell was hung up. The sisters, for their
part, are busy harvesting.

Thursday, 2. , A white man arrived from E^iagara, with
a couple of Indians, going to the war. We heard by him
that the Governor had gone by ship with McKee to the
Miami.

Sunday, 5. Br. Sensemann preached. A couple of
Chippewa families, who have been in camp here for many
days, went away hunting. The reason of their being here
so long w^as that they much wanted to marry some of our
young women to their sons, and they asked our Indians
for their young women, but no hope was given them.

Tuesday, 7. The brethren worked at the meeting-house
and laid the lower floor. The assistants spoke wdth
Andrew's brothers and sisters.

Thursday, 9. We congratulated Br. Sensemann upon
his fiftieth birthday and blessed him. To-day came from

378

the Miami John Henry and Jacob, Christiana's husband,
John Cook's son. Among the Indians matters seem very
confused, some wish to make peace, others not. They
have got together and must be supported. The Delawares
have their eyes upon us. They are not pleased that we
are here, and they wish to call us away, but know not
themselves whither. They would like to have Bill Henry
for chief.^

Saturday, 11. Yesterday and to-day the brethren har-
vested our fields. Frenchmen went through with rum,
whom a party from here followed and got drunk.

Sunday, 12. Zeisberger spoke earnestly about certain
people w^ho cause disorder and disturbance in town, and
said it was better they went away and lived after their
wicked thoughts, for they would have in the church a hard
life, and hereafter everlasting damnation.

Monday, 13. The brethren went earnestly to work upon
the meeting-house to get it done this week, and all were
busy, sisters as well as brothers.

Wednesday, 15. Chippewa and Delaware Indians ar-
rived from the Miami. There are general disturbances
among the Indians and want of unity. The Delawares
fully intend to leave this part of America, and to flee to
the south and N'ew Spain, but are not all agreed about
this, but some go away secretly and come here. They
have spoken the truth straight out to their father, namely :
" Thou hast always hitherto urged us to go to war against
the States. We have followed thee to our great loss.
Look at the graves on the Miami, look farther on, where
the bones of the young folk lie, on whom the beasts have
fed. Thou art the cause of their death. Thou hast al-
ways preached to us and said: * Behold, the States are
taking away your land. Be brave, act like men. Let not
your land be taken from you. Fight for your land.' But
now we have got at the truth. The States have struck
thee to the ground and overcome thee. Therefore hast thou

^ It will be remembered that he was the grandson of Netawatwes,
and before his conversion was called Gelelemend. See Vol. 1, p. 419.

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 379

given them our land in order to have peace from them,
but thou tellest us to fight for it, so that we may all be
blotted out. See, this is the truth. Thou urgest us to
war, but sittest still thyself, and mayest not raise thy hand.
So hast thou deceived us for many years. Therefore will
we up and away. Thou mayest carry on war alone. We
will no longer be deceived by thee."

Saturday, 18. Our new meeting-house was done, so that,

Sunday, 19, we dedicated it to the Lord in the first
service, which Br. Zeisberger held, and asked him in a
prayer from the heart for his presence and recognition,
that as often as we assemble there in his name to hear his
sweet Gospel he would lend us his blessing, yes, if strangers
came to hear, that they might not go away empty ; also
that he would give grace to his servants to bear witness of
his death and atonement for all men, with the strength of
God, that it may accomplish that for which he sent it. Br.
Sensemann preached from the text : In all places where I
record my name I will come unto thee and I will bless
thee. In the afternoon was a love-feast, which Zeisberger
conducted. He thanked the brethren for their industry
and good-will in the work, whereby none was injured. In
conclusion Michael held the service from the Scripture-
verse : Turn us again, 0 Lord God of hosts, cause thy
face to shine and we shall be saved. Tlius we had joy,
and ended with the blessing of the church. Several
strangers were also here, who all attended the services, and
not in vain, as they expressed themselves.

Monday, 20. The brethren brought our corn in from
the fields.

Tuesday, 21. Sensemann held early service. Mr.
Parke came here from Detroit with goods for our Indians.
To our joy he brought us letters from Bethlehem of Feb.
9 and Sept. 6 last, with the Scripture-verses and texts for
the half of next year, '95. ' From the Miami came many
Mohawks, of Brant's people, who stayed here over night,
with a couple of whites, who said war would soon break out
between England and the States, which was told to the

380 zbisberger's diary.

Indians also, that they might prepare and set out anew for
the war.

Thursday, 23. Yesterday and to-day Mr. Parke gave
out his goods, for Avhich he takes corn in payment next
spring. Most of the brethren went hunting. White peo-
ple and Mingoes from Niagara were present at the early
service, which Zeisberger held, and again went homeward.

Friday, 24. Early in the morning we had the first snow
of this autumn. A runaway negro from Detroit C9,me
here, whom Mr. Parke, who went thither to-day, took back
with him.

Sunday, 26. Br. Edwards preached. There came also
strange Indians from the Miami, where now they are scat-
tered, and each man must see where he will stay, for they
are restless and disposed for flight, having nothing to live
on, and yet when they wish to come to us they have to
steal away, for the others forbid them, and thus perhaps
some will be gained for the Saviour. Sabina was deliv-
ered of a son.

Monday, 27. The brethren were busy getting in their
corn-harvest, and so continued through the week.

, Tuesday, 28. Brethren off hunting. With Joachim,
who did the same, David spoke, asking him how it was
that nothing would succeed with him. He replied that
the war was the reason.

Thursday, 30. In the early service, which Br. Sense-
mann held, he baptized into Jesus' death, with the name
of Adolphus, the little son of Adam and Sabina, born the
26th.

■ Saturday, 'Nov, 1. In the early service, held by Br.
Zeisberger, our communion with the church above was
brought to mind, to which we have been chosen from grace
to belong.

Sunday, 2. Zeisberger preached about the wedding-
garment, Christ's blood and righteousness, wherewith our
nakedness and sins are covered. The Indian and assist-
ant. Bill Henry, sent word to the Delaware chief, Chink-
pussis, who had invited him to come to be their chief:
" Thou knowest very well what kind of a will our chief,

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 381

ITetawatwes, left. He said to us shortly before his death :
* I have received the word of God, and it is my earnest
will and wish that our young people and 'children should
follow it, and thus we can become a fortunate people.
ITow, however, I am going from you, for I shall not live
longer. ' I therefore leave it to you to admonish our young
folk to receive the word of God, which will be preached
us, to live in accordance with it, and to give heed to the
teachers, and thus it will be well with them.' See, this
has our chief told us in his last will. Had we followed
his advice, perchance we should not have been where we
now are. We are ourselves the cause that the believing
Indians, with their teachers, have had to wander about for
80 many years and suffer so much. It does not please you
that we are here, and ye wish to have us away from here,
and ye are they who have driven us hither. If thou
wouldst like to see me and to come to me, it will please
me, but I shall not go where thou art. We learn that the
Six i^ations have taken off' from the Delaware nation the
woman's garment, and wish to make them men again ;
have thrown the garment among the bushes, and whoever
wishes to put it on shall die. This has reference to the
creatures who are in it. This is because the Delawares
wish to go away and forsake their land." ^

Wednesday, 5. A trader came here from Detroit, who
wished to pass the winter here, buying and selling, and
when we would not permit him, he wanted to build a
house near by to stay in, but as this would have much
worse results, we took him into town until he shall dispose
of his goods, and then he can go again.

Friday, 7. Yesterday and to-day was hard work in
speaking, for there was much to be made clear, but the
Saviour graciously helped us, so that none remained away.

Saturday, 8. The communicants had the most blessed
enjoyment of the body and blood of the Lord in the holy
communion, which we received with true hearts, contrite
sinners as we were.

See under June 15, 1795.

382

Sunday, 9. Br. Michael preached from the Epistle : Be
strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. There
was then a conference of assistants about the bad behavior
of Widow Sabina and her children. Br. Zeisberger held
the congregation meeting. Whites were present at the
services.

Tuesday, 11. The trader, Mackenzie, went to Detroit.
He said to one of our Indians, when for the first time he
came to our meeting and heard, that just so he thought :
" Yes, that is really a religion. I believe as they preach
here." Mr. Allen came here from Detroit, stayed two
nights, and went home in his boat, fifty miles up the river.

Thursday, 13. In the early service we brought to our
High Priest and Elder praise and thanks for all the fidel-
ity, goodness, and mercy vouchsafed us and for his blessed
government in the church, bought by his dear blood, whidi
he has assembled from among the heathen, and like the
good shepherd feeds upon the pastures of his sufl'ering.
We begged forgiveness of our sins and faults, and com-
mended ourselves in the future to his grace, oversight, and
faithful care.

Saturday, 15. Yesterday and to-day many Indians
came here, who were without plans and in flight, know-
ing not whither to turn, for their fields and dwellings are
laid waste and they have nothing to live on, who are in
the greatest poverty too. Those who come here, we feed
and support as long as they stay, having hope that the Sa-
viour will get some as the reward for his woes.

Sunday, 16. Sensemann preached, strangers being pres-
ent. As we had now received the letters we had expected,
we laborers chose a name for our place and township,
namely, Fairfield, that is, Schonfeld.

Tuesday, 18. The brethren cut some wood for us. Most
of the brothers went away for the autumn-hunt.

Wednesday, 19. The trader, Mackenzie, who came back
from Detroit yesterday, spoke with us, and wished to live
here with us, concerned, as he said, for his salvation. But
we told him we could receive no white people, we had not
come here on their account, but for the Indians, to bring

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 383

them to a. knowledge of Christ Jesus, our Saviour. If
white people wished to hear the Gospel for their salvation,
they would everywhere find opportunity therefor, but not
the Indians. He promised to conform to all our rules and
regulations, and to claim nothing more than the Indians.
Br. Zeisberger refused him decidedly, advising him to give
up all thought of living here, for we could not permit
him this, and if we did so, more would soon come to in-
sinuate themselves among us, and at last drive us from our
town. Several have already tried this here. Mohawks
went through with two American prisoners.

Friday, 21. White people came from Niagara with
cattle, and passed the night. We learned there would be
peace both abroad and here with the Indians.

Saturday, 22. A man was here over night, who came
down with a raft of timber, though drift-ice is already
running.

Sunday, 23. Zeisberger preached and Edwards held the
congregation meeting from the Scripture- verse.

Monday, 24. Sensemann began school again.

Tuesday, 25. Strange Indians from the Miami came
here, who now do nothing but drift about in search of
Something to live on, as many have already come here,
land are still here.

Thursday, 27. From the settlement here on the river
^e learned by our Indians, who came from there, that at
[the fork below us, some thirty miles, a fort will be built, a
[piece of land which they propose to lay out as a town.

Saturday, 29. Zeisberger held early service. The ser-
^vants arranged some matters about the chapel, a lock,
(window-shutters, and on the turret a covering against rain.
|!For a month it has been very cold, with much snow,
[which all went off with a south wind and rain, and the
[weather was warm.

Sunday, 30. First in Advent. Br. Sensemann preached

[about the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour, which we

'look forward to with joyful minds, and have to dispose

our hearts to receive him with love; to this sermon came

two white people from the settlement. In the evening

384 zeisberger's diary.

Mr. Parke arrived, who went back the next day. We
heard that there would be peace, that commissioners were
coming over from England, and that next spring the
boundaries would be settled with the States.

Wednesday, Dec. 3. Fresh snow having fallen, the
brothers went out hunting. Christiana came back from a
visit to her husband.

Thursday, 4. To John Henry was born a son, and,

Friday, 5, to Mcodemus, a daughter.

Sunday, 7. Br. Edwards preached about the end of the
world, when great and awful things would happen ; we
should therefore follow the Saviour's advice, be watchful,
and pray to escape from all the trouble, and to be able to
rejoice in his coming. In the afternoon meeting the son
born to John Henry, on the 4th, was baptized by Br.
Zeisberger," with the name, William.

Monday, 8. In the early service Br. Sensemann bap-
tized into Jesus' death, with the name, Anna Salome, the
little daughter born to I^icodemus on the 5th.

Wednesday, 10. Jacob came and knows not what he
will, nor whither to go, for it is not well with him in the
church.

Saturday, 13. As we had very fine weather this week,
after having had last month nothing but snow and rain,
one after the other, the brethren made a good quantity of
the finest sugar.

Sunday, 14. Michael preached, strangers being present.
Zeisberger held the communion quarter-hour, giving no-
tice of it for next Saturday.

Monday, 15. The brethren contributed corn to pay the
common debts. Mr. Dolson came here from Detroit to re-
ceive corn.

Wednesday, 17. A dozen brothers helped our neigh-
bor, Tiefsler, block out a house, whom we earnestly ad-
vised to keep our Indians sober, since on such occasions
there is much drinking, and he kept them sober.

Friday, 19. There was speaking to the brethren yes-
terday and to-day with reference to the communion, but
since,

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 385

Saturday, 20, such bad and rainy weather came on,
the communion had to be postponed until,

Sunday, 21, when Br. Zeisberger at the usual time
preached about the joy of the children of God in their
Lord and Saviour, who became flesh and our brother. At
the communion the widow, Erdmuth, and Cornelia, Luke's
wife, were partakers for the first time. Br. Sensemann
conducted it. ^

Monday, 22. Br. Zeisberger read the liturgy early.
The brethren then cut wood for us.

Tuesday, 23. An Indian with his wife and child fled
here some time ago from the Miami to be out of the way
of war. They have lived in the neighborhood, and have
diligently attended the meetings. They made known
their wish to live here. The man said : "I know indeed
nothing. I am ignorant and stupid. I know indeed that
there is a God who has made me and all, but I am not
acquainted with him, nor do I know where he is, but if
only I knew what he would have me do, I should like to
do every thing to please him. It is a comfort to me that
with you I can hear what I shall do to be saved, and
therefore my prayer and request are, to be permitted to
live with you, and since I now know that my wife is of
the same mind, I speak to tell you of my desire." She is
daughter of the Boaz who perished in Schonbrunn, a
dearly beloved brother. Both are unbaptized, and it was
the more pleasing to us that one of his children came
again to the church, inasmuch as the mother had taken
them all away from the church. Leave was given them
by the assistants to live with us, and a place shown them
where they could be.

In the evening there was a general council in which many
matters were brought forward, about giving up unseemly
things in the church whence no good arose, for example,
1st, when'labor is to be done in common, that some with-
draw from it and do not lift their hands, thereby showing
how their hearts are; 2d, that servants and assistants are
appointed in the church, who have to provide for good
25*

386

order, with whom the brethren should not be angry,
giving unseemly answers and words, if they are admon-
ished of something, for it is done for their good and that
of the church ; 3d, that now in the winter-time, when the
brethren have fires night and day, they should be carefuJ
and keep the chimneys clean, for we had an example
last winter of a house burning down ; 4th, about the drura-
mings amongtour young people, to stop them ; 5th, to put
an end to the children and young people's running about
and begging at Christmas and I^ew Year, which had crept
in unobserved, and to employ such great days to better
service, all which had the result wished for.

Wednesday, 24. The assistants spoke with Levi, who
came here with his wife likewise in the autumn, and now
wished to be a resident here. He has been absent from
the church since its dispersion (in 1781), when he was still
unmarried, and his wife has not been baptized. They got
leave to live here.

Christmas Eve, which we began with a love-feast, we
sang the Infant Jesus with glad and thankful hearts, re-
joiced in his holy birth, that to us a Saviour was born,
who brought us peace and reconciled us to God by his blood
and death. That he has taught us when we lived in blind-
ness and were far from God, and that we now stand in
grace with God through our Saviour, Jesus Christ, for
this we thanked him, adored him, and glorified his holy
name upon our knees. At the end we gave the children
wax candles. Many strangers being present, our chapel
was as full. as it would hold, for they come here eagerly
for holidays. Among others, some Chippewas also came
here, who asked permission to come at Christmas, which
we gladly granted them. When, however, the strangers'
servant came to them, bringing them answer, and saw them
painted, plumes upon their lieads, and all kinds of adorn-
ment hung about them,^he said to them : " Yes, ye can go
to the chapel, but not until ye have washed yourselves and
taken all that stuff off, for none of us goes in such gear to
the meetings." They replied : " 0 yes ; that we shall be
glad to do," and they did it at once, and in the chapel

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 387

were very attentive and devout, kneeling with us and
adoring the Infant Jesus, though ignorant, and not very
well understanding Delaware.

Thursday, 25. In the forenoon Br. Sensemann delivered
the sermon, at which several white people were present.
Among them was a woman who, when food was offered
her, said that she and her husband, who, however, was not
present, had made a vow, which they wished to keep as
long as they lived, namely, at the Christmas holidays, Kew
Year's Day, and Easter to fast, which they promised when
at sea near destruction. They are Germans. Br. Michael
held a children's service in the afternoon, and Zeisber-
ger one for the baptized. These holidays, too, were ac-
companied by the Lord's presence and blessing, of which
we had sufficient evidence. The name of the Lord be
praised !

Sunday, 28. Michael preached. A couple of white
married people brought their child here for baptism, which
Br. Sensemann attended to. We passed the afternoon
with the assistants, to bring about peace ill Eenatus' house,
and this was brought about, but first of all to bring back
unity among the assistants themselves, for many things
had occurred, and to this the Saviour gave his blessing.
"We left it to them, after we had first expressed our feel-
ings and wishes, to talk it out together, and after this was
done and all had come to an understanding, of their own
accord, they collectively told us that they were reconciled
one to another, and came to fulfil and confirm their recon-
ciliation in our presence, when, after a short address, we
kissed them, as they also kissed one another, sang a
couple of verses with them, and dismissed them in peace.
This was a short matter, accompanied with the tears of
the brethren and the peace of God, who perceptibly
came down to us, so that we laborers were abundantly
comforted.

Tuesday, 30. A party of Chippewas ,was here, not,
however, to hear God's word, but to go about begging
on ISTew Year's Day, a custom they learned from the
French. The brother of the Indian mentioned on the 23d

388 zeisberger's diary.

of this month visited him, and said he had somewhat to
say to him. He replied: " Speak, then," but as he was
not alone, but in Stephen's home, where he lived, he did
not wish to speak, and said he must be alone with him^
and had him called to him by himself. Then he said he
had come to get him, for their relatives had a work to do,
to arrange a murder committed by himself upon his wife,
and to propitiate the oftended party and get together
wampum for him, whereby he must also be. He an-
swered : " I a mnow a dweller here with the believers, and
this because I wish to be saved and not to be lost. I pro-
nounce myself free from you, and will hereafter have
nothing to do with your ways. Ye can do and live as ye
will. I will do as I will and be saved." His brother re-
plied: "Thus thou wilt not live long, if thou abstainest
from our old customs and sacrifices and pronouncest thy-
self free therefrom, which we perform to turn from us
calamity, so that we may live long." The reply was : " I
seek not temporal but eternal life, which none but Grod
can give. We must all die, but if I attain to life eternal,
I have no fear of death." And thus they parted. This is
the Indian way of managing. First, they use craft, and
if they accomplish nothing by this, they threaten, for the
words : " Thou wilt not live long," means much with
them, and is equivalent to : " Thou wilt lose thy life by
witchcraft," of which the Indians are much afraid.

Wednesday, 31. We ended the year with a love-feast,
which Br. Sensemann conducted, remembered the mani-
fold benefits we have this year enjoyed from the mild
hand of our dear heavenly Father, for outwardly he has
richly blessed us and cared for our maintenance, and in-
wardly he has made us daily participants of the salvation
won for us by his only beloved Son, our Saviour ; that also
he has sent us outward peace, when last summer till late
in the autumn there was great disturbance among the
whites and Indians, and the last suffered sore, for they lost
more than ever hitherto, so that they like not to speak
of it, and whites in Detroit, who were present in the bat-
tle, say that if the Americans had wished, not a man

t

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1794. 889

would have escaped, but they spared them. Thus has he
watched over us and protected us as his children. He has
let the angels sing: They shall be unharmed. And when
the Indians were summoned to the field, as were also the
whites, he so turned events that our Indians remained un-
injured, either by Indians or by whites, and we were left
in peace, save that some young people from curiosity went
out to see the battle, which one nearly paid for by his
life, whereby he came to great anxiety and turned about;
that we by the help and blessing of the Saviour have again
a regular meeting-house, when for many years we have
made use of huts — for all this and yet more we brought him
our filial and deserved thanks, asked forgiveness also of our
transgressions and shortcomings, and that in the future he
would be pleased to continue to make his grace prevail
among us, to feed our hearts with the word of his merits
and passion, to make us fruitful plants for the glory of his
majestic name. There were many strange Indians pres-
ent, Chippewas, too, and the chapel was quite full.

Baptized this year, 2 adults and 11 children.

Admitted to the church, 1.

Admitted to the communion, 3.

Died, 1 adult and 3 children.

At present there are living in Fairfield 165 Indian souls,
six more than last year.

390 zeisberger's diary.

CHAPTER XV.

1795.
Fairfield, on the Thames, Ontario.

Thursday, Jan. 1. Br. Edwards preached, and then
Br. Zeisberger held the service for the baptized from to-
day's text: I am come that they might have life, and that
they might have it more abundantly. He admonished the
brethren to make their calling and election sure, and to
let themselves be made full partakers of Jesus' merits, to
renew their covenant of baptism, and whoever has fallen
back should begin to give himself anew to the Saviour,
to be his, body and soul, and thus on his part he would
let none suffer from want of his blessing. Different breth-
ren celebrated the day of their baptism with love-feasts,
singing and encouraging one another.

Sunday, 4. Zeisberger preached, and Sensemann held
the congregation meeting. Then we had to speak with
brethren. The assistants were authorized to marry a
couple of unmarried people, and so did.

Monday, 5. The Indian, Atschelis, came to Br. Zeis-
berger, and talked to him, when it came out that he had
an idol he is unwilling to give up, it has cost him so
much — thirty dollars.

Tuesday, 6. Early at morning-prayer, Br. Zeisberger
asked for us the Saviour's presence and blessing, as the
Saviour of the heathen, to bless us from his bloody fulness,
to let his friendly face shine over us, who have nothing to
give him but our poor hearts, who disclosed to him our
souls with our many failings and transgressions, and asked
for his peace. In the service for the baptized, which Br.
Sensemann held from the Scripture-verse: Ye shall be
unto me a kingdom of priests and an holy nation, a sister,
Beata, was taken into the church. In the afternoon at

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 391

the love-feast somewhat was said about God's promise
made to the heathen and announced by the prophets ; that
it is quite false, when the Indians say that the preaching
and promulgation of the Gospel are not for them, but for
the white people ; and then the history was read. In the
evening we had a lovely hour of song, and ended with
the blessing of the church. The heathen's Saviour showed
himself gracious very perceptibly to us, and the peace of
God and his Spirit prevailed among us and made the day
one of marked blessedness for every heart in particular.
We could say : " We see with our seeing eyes that the
Lord is with us."

Thursday, 8. From Detroit came an express, a French-
man with a couple of Tawas, who are going to INTiagara
with letters from the commandant, and Indian messages
accompanied with wampum, the Frenchman, who knows
all the Indians on the Miami, having distributed provis-
ions to thcTQ, which they get weekly to live upon, for they
have lost every thing, told us that they wanted to come
here to live with us, among whom were the counsellors,
Chinquipoussis^ and Petrilind; that the former said the
Indians would not take his advice, nor give heed to him, but
wished for his destruction, and therefore he wished to turn
to the believers and associate himself with them. [We
have never heard of either, that he was opposed to the
brothers] ; the Indians lived wretchedly, and he had never
so seen them, that of late forty-two had died, many days,
two, three, or more.

At the same time came an Indian from Niagara on his
way to Detroit, bringing news that in Zonnesschio the
States had held a treaty with the Six Nations, and now
there would be peace ; that the States will now give up
the land as far as the Ohio, which news we also heard
from Detroit.

Saturday, 10. Yesterday and to-day the brethren paid
Mr. Parke in corn for their debts of last autumn for win-
ter-clothing. The brethren paid Mr. Parke the common

^ Probably the same person who was mentioned before, p. 380.

392 zbisberger's diary.

debt, for which they contributed corn, seven dollars
worth.

Sunday, 11. Sensemann preached, and Zeisberger held
a children's service for the boys' festival. Mackenzie came
back from Detroit, whom we refused to let live with us,
who now wishes to take a lot or two along our upper
line, and will live thereon.

Monday 12. The thermometer stood half a degree
above zero, the coldest day.

Tuesday, 13. There was a conference of assistants, who
were charged to investigate Tobias' case, and so did.

Wednesday, 14. White people from l^iagara and from
the settlement below came here.

Thursday, 15. Mr. Parke has been receiving corn for
several days. We had to speak with him about much,
about ill reports of us we had heard of from him.

Sunday, 18. Michael preached, Zeisberger held the
congregation meeting. Mr. Parke, who has been here
the whole week, went back home. To-day was the cold-
est of the winter, the thermometer standing at 1°.

Monday, 19. The same.

Tuesday, 20. Still cold. The thermometer at one above
zero. In the night Abel and Joseph came drunk to town.

Wednesday, 21. Thermometer at 8°. An Indian,
Simeon's brother, who a long time since, even in the au-
tumn, came here, and has since remained, diligently at-
tending the meetings, was at his request spoken to by
the assistants, and received here to live, after first an-
nouncing his desire to Br. Zeisberger. Another, a wo-
man, who was here with her husband and omitted no
meeting, also wished to live here, but her husband did not
so wish, and came to no meeting, and at last persuaded
her to go with him just to the settlement, where he
weaned her from the customs here.

Thursday, 22. Zeisberger held the early service from
the text. Br. Sensemann went down to the settlement.

Friday, 23. Edwards held early service. Mohawks
from Brant's town went through for Detroit. They
brought us one of their books, sent by Brant. It is the

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 393

English book of Common Prayer, in which Mark's Gos-
pel ^ and some chapters from the Old Testament are trans-
lated into their tongue, and printed in 1768 in Loudon.

Sunday, 25. Zeisberger preached from the words :
Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean, and Jesus'
answer : I will ; be thou clean. Br. Michael held the
congregation meeting from the text: I thank thee, 0
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid
these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed
them nnto babes. Br. Sensemann came back from the
settlement, where he baptized three children and had other
affairs.

Monday, 26. Samuel went to the Fort.

Wednesday, 28. The brethren got wood for us and
brought it in. Levi, who went to Detroit, came back,
bringing here his three children.

Thursday, 29. A thaw, with rain began after the month
of very severe weather.

Sunday, Feb. 1. Sensemann preached from the text
and Scripture-verse : Neither know we what to do ; but
our eyes are upon thee. Zeisberger held the communion
service from the text : My sheep hear my voice.

Monday, 2. Samuel came back from Detroit. The
Shawanese now begin to expostulate with their father
(i. e. the English), saying : " For ten years now hast thou
been saying that if we made peace with the States we
should be unlucky ; we should fall into great poverty.
Thou hast not even let the commissioners come to us,
who came to make peace, so that we could speak with
them. Thou hast barred their way to us, and the last thou
didst write to them we have not asked thee to write, for
we told thee to write quite otherwise. Thou hast betrayed
and deceived us. What hath it availed us to have been so
long obedient to thee ? This we have. With our wives
and children we suffer hunger and want, living in the
direst poverty, and we shall yet all perish. Therefore will
we no longer give heed to thee, but to the Americans,'and

^ Very likely translated by Brant himself.

394 zeisberger's diary.

seek to make peace." This happened in Detroit; where-
upon they arose and went away. All this, however, was
in vain. They dared not make peace. McKee, however,
set out after them the next day to the Miami.

Friday, 6. To Frenchmen, who have carried rum
through here all winter, we said, if they did not stop this,
and it was forbidden, they would see that we would
smash their casks, and then they could go and complain.
Yesterday and to-day was speaking with reference to the
communion.

Saturday, 7. We had a blessed communion, when our
dear Lord. blessed us unspeakably in the enjoyment of his
body and blood in the holy sacrament. John Henry was
readmitted and Lewis and Zacchaeus were again partakers,
who for a time had been cut otf from it. Zeisberger ad-
ministered it.

Sunday, 8. Sensemann read the liturgy. Edwards
preached. A Wyandot woman, whose brother would
have liked to be in the church, but could not be from sick-
ness and inability to help himself, and his friends did not
help him — she said that her brother spoke about this to
the last, and had borne witness to them that among the
believers was preached the true and saving word of God.
Therefore the woman wanted to attend a meeting, and
this she did,

Monday, 9, and in hearing, shed many tears. Probably
her brother's last words occurred to her.

Wednesday, 11. Mackenzie came from Detroit. Mo-
hawks, and also an express from there for Niagara, came
through here. The Mohawks said the Indians were much
divided, some being for peace, others not ; they trust nei-
ther the English nor the States. In a letter from the sur-
veyor to Br. Sensemann it was mentioned that the gov-
ernment was disposed to buy from the Indians the land
above us on the north side of the river. An express
from Niagara came back, with whom seventeen Indians
from Oswego Lake came to the Mousey town, whence the
Indians came to this neighborhood.

Thursday, 12. Boaz asked a Chippewa whether he did

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 395

not want to go to the meetings and hear something about
God. He replied that he was too poor for this, unable to
pay the pastor so much ; the white people paid their wise
men much money for preaching to them and supported
them; that they could do it, being rich, but he was poor
and could not do it. Boaz answered him: " But here
thou canst hear for nothing how to be happy and blessed
forever. We get our preaching for nothing, and pay not
therefor, and all who come are welcome to hear, for it is
for all." It was, however, only an excuse of his.

Sunday, 15. Br. Michael preached the sermon at the
entrance into passion-time. He exhorted the brethren to
feed their hearts on Jesus' wounds, and to enter into con-
sideration of them, whereby they could withstand the
solicitations of Satan and of sin. Sensemann held an hour
of singing.

Monday, 16. Zeisberger held early service from the
text: I am the good Shepherd, etc. This morning the
thermometer was again a — 1°. Kathan Allen came here
on his way to Detroit.

Tuesday, 17. Sensemann held early service about this,
that the strength of God is shown most majestically in
those who are themselves poor and weak. We congratu-
lated Sister Susanna upon her birthday at a love-feast.

Wednesday, 18. Michael held early service from the
text: As Moses in the wilderness, etc.. From the settle-
ment came a white man. Many cattle are dying among
the settlers, but as yet we have lost none. Chippewas
begged for corn, the man in the family being lame from
having cut his leg, and we gave it them.

Saturday, 21. Sensemann held early service. French-
men went by with rum, who, after we had warned them
and told them that if they came into town again with rum
they would see their casks broken up, now go around the
town, and do not come in.

Sunday, 22. Sensemann preached from the Gospel:
When Jesus was tempted of the devil, that his tempta-
tions are serviceable to us, and whoever now holds fast to
him in faith must not give in, but he can conquer. We

396 zeisberger's diary.

learned to-day, by Indians who came from the Miami,
that John Cook died some time ago in Pettquotting, who
was always thinking of coming back to us again, also
Peter Sapan and old Helena are nearly dead, or quite so.
We heard also that the Indians are going in large num-
ber to the Americans, and the head-man of the Shawanese
goes also.

Wednesday, 25. Many Chippewas came together in
this neighborhood for an entertainment, at the end of
which is usually hard drinking, when almost always there
is a murder, and the French, who are very busy in such
affairs, sent them rum enough.

Thursday, 26. Some white people passed the night
here. It has been colder than before this winter, the
thermometer standing this morning at — 6°. In the even-
ing the Chippewas had their dance, not far away.

Friday, 27. The Chippewa chief came here, upon whose
land we lived on Huron River, who informed our Indians
that the nations had arranged together and decided to
make peace with the States, that they were now making
this known to all Indians, to be present at the Miami
Fork, near the American Fort, and whoever did not ap-
pear, namely, chiefs, captains, or deputies, would be
looked upon as a foe of the Americans and friend of their
father. We gave the chief six fathoms of white wampum
as a contribution for peace, and thus they cannot say that
we have contributed nothing therefor, and for this he
gave us an opportunity himself. The page is turned, and
the Indians are all very much prejudiced and incensed
against their father, so that their agent is not safe, this
we heard both from Indians and whites. E'ow may God
prevent the sword from coming to this country, though it
has long needed it, and it would be righteous punishment.

Saturday, 28. The chief with his people set out for
Saginaw, where he lives, whence, immediately after his ar-
rival there, he will go to the Americans.

Sunday, March 1. Br. Zeisberger preached, some Chip-
pewas being present. In the afternoon, to our great joy,
we got letters from Bethlehem of Dec. 3d last. Sense-

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 397

mann held the congregation meeting. Frenchmen went
through with rum, and caused drinking.

Monday, 2. A somewhat aged Chippewa, with whom
already, several years ago, Boaz had talked,^ and found he
had inclination to hear God's word, came here lately, went
constantly to the meetings, and talked with Joshua, at
whose house he lodged, laying before him his whole heart,
as well as he could; namely, that he believed that God
came from heaven into the world, whom indeed he did not
know, but would yet like to have for a friend and learn
to know; he knew and believed that the Chippewas were
poor, blind men, and all their feasts and sacrifices helped
them not a bit, and of God they knew nothing at all. He
believed that he heard here from his grandfather the
words of eternal life, on which account he would like to
be and to remain with his grandfather [the Chippewas call
the Delawares their grandfather, and the latter call them
grandchildren].^ He wished now to go and make known
to his daughters and friends what he purposed, who lived
half a day's journey from here, and in a few days come
back and speak his mind, when we should hear him.
"When he went away to-day he gave us his hand, sought for
Joshua, whom he found with the assembled assistants, to
all of whom he gave his hand, and said he would soon come
again. His son, who is with him, understands Monsey
very well. This evening, after he had gone, two Chip-
pewas came, of those who last winter encamped on our
land, and since the cattle had eaten up their fields, they
got their subsistence among us, for we collected corn for
them several times. They said that the old Chippewa
came to their camp and made known to them his resolu-
tion to live here with his grandfather, so as to hear the
words of life and learn to know God ; for they, the Chip-
pewas, were poor people, and knew nothing of the good
which their grandfather knew, namely, after this life, life
eternal. Both the Chippewas said that no one replied to

^See before p. 275.

^And most of the believing Indians were Delawares.

398 zeisberger's diary.

the old man, but all were amazed at what he said ; that
one of the two said at last: '' If the old man gets leave to
live with our grandfather, perhaps, I also can be received,
but I have nothing to give that I shall be received; I will
go hunting, and by spring I can catch a good number of
raccoons, etc., which I will bring to the minister that he
may speak to me about God." The other said he would
do the same. The Indian brothers told them they must
not think they had to pay an}^ thing for this. It was
preached to the Indians for nothing, and all was told them
necessary for salvation. With the French priests it was
indeed so, but with us not. Indians, of whatever nation
they were, could here have the word of God for nothing,
and they were indeed most welcome to hear it.

Tuesday, 3. David, who continued his former work of
seduction in the church, after having been received again
last year, was told to leave our place, likewise his brother,
Samuel, and to-day Sabina was advised to seek an abode
elsewhere, on account of her wicked children, whose part
she takes.

Wednesday, 4. Zeisberger held early service. The
weather being fine, the brethren went to their sugar-huts.

Thursday, 5. This morning before day, little Lewis
died, John Adam's son, and was buried Friday, the 6th,
early. Whites from the settlement came here and passed
the night.

Saturday, 7. Jacob, Christiana's husband, came back
here from the winter-hunt. Many lies were brought here
by Chippewas.

Sunday, 8. Michael preached. The weather was again
very cold. The brethren went to the sugar-huts.

Monday, 9. At the sugar-huts David and his company
drank and behaved vilely. The old Chippewa came back
again, but since all are now in the sugar-huts, he went
away to stay with his sister until sugar-making should be
over, and we could give him farther advice.

Thursday, 12. By an express from IlTiagara we got
news that the posts on the lakes would be made over to
the States and evacuated by the English in fourteen or

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 399

fifteen months. What the Lord of all lords will, and
what he has resolved, that must happen in spite of all
opposition.

Sunday, 25. The brethren were present at the sermon
by Br. Sensemann, and some strangers.

Tuesday, 17. Chippewas came here to beg something
to eat, for what they get by hunting they waste in drink-
ing, and then beg for food. They brought lying stories
among our people that the teachers, one and all, would be
killed.

Thursday, 19. The old Chippewa came visiting, and as
almost no Indian was at home, he came to us and was very
friendly. We gave him tobacco and some corn, for his
people were all away hunting and he had nothing to eat.

Sunday, 22. Br. Zeisberger preached about the perfect
sacrifice of Jesus, whereby we are reconciled to God and
now stand in grace with him by faith in his dear son, that
therefore all sacrifices made by men to accomplish some-
thing are a horror to God, since they despise the sacrifice
of Jesus. Strangers were present.

Monday, 23. On account of the rain that fell last night
the river broke up, when before there has been continued
cold.

Wednesday, 25. We had the first thunder-storm of
this spring, whereupon the river rose very much, and the
days after there was cold weather again. Sugar-making
again this year goes on poorly, from the bad weather.

Sunday, 29. Michael preached from to-day's Gospel
about the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem to his passion,
when he became a sacrifice for the sins of the world and
a curse for us.^ Then Br. Zeisberger held the service for
the communion brethren, whom he reminded that our
dear Saviour, before his passion, was yet thoughtful for
his children, and left to them as a legacy and memorial
spiritual food and drink, his body and blood, which we
enjoy in the holy communion, which the brethren should
now sufiiciently prize and thankfully enjoy, for the

^Gal.,iii.. 13.

400 zeisberger's diary.

strengthening of their faith. Sabina came and confessed
her fault, in cleaving so closely to her children, especially
to Abel. We had told her some time ago that with her
children she could not be in the church, since she took
their part, and maintained evil in her house.

Tuesday, 31. The Zeisbergers and Sensemanns spoke
with the brethren in reference to the Lord's supper, whom
we found repentant and distressed over their short-
comings.

Wednesday, April 1. The communion brethren came
home from their sugar-huts. In the evening we had the
washing of feet, the story about which was read.

Thursday, 2. After the reading of the history had oc-
curred in the presence of all, we had with the communi-
cants the so blessed enjoyment of his body and blood in
the holy sacrament. Two sisters, Sara I^anticoke and
Christina, who had long been excluded, were readmitted.

Friday, 3, we passed in the reading and consideration
of the great martyr-story of our God and Saviour in all
his sufferings, body and soul, from head to foot ; how for
us he was tortured, buffeted, smitten, and martyred even
unto death upon the cross, gaining and meriting for us
grace and salvation from God. At the death of Jesus we
read the liturgy, kneeling, and at the opening of Jesus'
side was sung the song of praise : For ever here my rest
shall be, — Close to thy pierced side ; — This all my hope
and all my plea, — For me the Saviour died.

Saturday, 4. At noon was a love-feast, at which some-
thing was said about his rest in the grave, whereby he has
hallowed our graves, so that now we can rest in our
graves until he awakens us.

Sunday, 5. Early in the morning we read the Easter
litany, in part in the chapel, and in part in the grave-
yard, which the brethren had decorated yesterday. At
the proper place we were mindful of one brother, Clemens
by name, and four children, who have died since last
Easter, and we asked for everlasting communion with the
perfected church of the just. Afterwards the history of
the resurrection was read, whereupon Br. Sensemann

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 401

preached. lu the afternoon a number of the brethren,
who keep this as their day of baptism, had a love-feast
together, singing, praising the Lord, and exhorting one
another. But as the brethren had had much delay and
loss in sugar-making, we dismissed them to their labor, for
it comes but once in the year and the time must be made
use of, and, as at this very time the trees were running
stroeg, we wished to let the brethren have the Sabbath
free, so as not to lose too much, but this they would not,
but wished to celebrate the great day when Jesus rested
from his passion, to his honor, from love and gratitude
towards him.

Tuesday, 7. Chippewas came here to buy corn for
sugar. An express from Detroit for Magara went through.
We learned that the States had asked the Indian
nations to a treaty on June 1st, but where, we could not
find out.

Wednesday, 8. From the trader, Mackenzie, who came
here, we heard that his uncle ^ had made a journey
by land to the north-west as far as the sea, being two
years about it, and is now come to Detroit. He took
with him Indians from one nation to another, and he
thinks he came to the sea [where he made many marks
on the trees] northwards from California, for he met with
much ice. The distant Indians had never seen a white
man, were clad in skins, had bows and arrows as weap-

^ This was the famous Sir Alexander Mackenzie, a native of Scot-
land. Ilis second journey to the North Pacific is here referred to. He
reached the sea in July, 1 793. It must be borne in mind that California
was, a century ago, a very indefinite geographical term. Capt. Cook
was killed in February, 1779, but as the Esquimaux' " eight or ten win-
ters " in the following extract is rather vague, Zeisberger may have
been correct in his supposition. In June, 1793, Mackenzie writes:
" The Esquimaux informed them that they saw large canoes full of
white men to the westward eight or ten winters ago, from whom they
obtained iron in exchange for leather." In July, 1793, he observes:
" We saw great numbers of the animals we had taken for sea-otters,
but I am now disposed to think that a great part of them at least.must
have been seals."
26

402 zeisberger's diary.

ons for the chase, and for cooking-ware earthen pots,
which they made themselves. As rarities, among other
things, he had otter-skins, whose hody without the tail
is six feet long and black, which the Indians gave him.
The Indians who live along the sea told him that a few
years ago they had seen a great machine going on the
sea. Perhaps it was Capt. Cook sailing along the coast.

Thursday, 9. After thunder-storms severe cold and frost
set in again.

Friday, 10. Our Indians helped Mackenzie block out a
house on his lot, which they finished Saturday, 11th. A
boat with Frenchmen arrived, who got the corn they had
bought here. For Br. Zeisberger's birthday (the 75th) we
had a pleasant love-feast at home.

Sunday, 12. Mackenzie and Bach were present at the
sermon, which Br. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel :
He showed unto them his hands and his side. Then
were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.

Tuesday, 14. White people from down the river, and
others from Niagara arrived. For the Monsey Indians who
have lived near Brant's town, a district of land here above
has been surveyed, where now they are all coming to-
gether, but life is wretched there on account of hard
drinking there prevailing.

Friday, 17. Our brethren begin to come in and attend
to sugar-making, about which they have been very busy
this week, with much better success than last year. The
old Chippewa came again, but said nothing about living
here, but he begged something to eat.

Sunday, 19. Br. Michael preached and Br. Zeisberger
held a service for the communion brethren from to-day's
text : I am the vine, ye are the branches, mentioning the
sisters this year admitted to the Lord's supper, Anna
Sophia, Erdmuth, and Cornelia. We wished that they
as branches would cling fast to him, the Vine, and would
thus find their daily strength and food.

Sunday, 20. The Indian brothers got a dozen canoes
into the water, which they have lately made near here,
but still more elsewhere, most of them of walnut wood.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 403

Tuesday, 21. The Indian brethren went with ten ca-
noes laden with corn down the river. This the traders
had bought. Many strange Indians from above came
down here, also Chippewas, who encamped here for several
days.

Wednesday, 22. Agnes, eleven years old, died very
gladly.

Friday, 24. Her remains were buried, strangers and
Chippewas being present.

Sunday, 26. Br. Edwards preached and Zeisberger held
the congregation meeting. The brothers wished to speak
with the old Chippewa, but, from misunderstanding, noth-
ing came of it.

Sunday, 27. We got Mackenzie for interpreter when
we conversed with him, and said we had heard he would
like to live with us ; was this so ? and when he affirmed
this, we said to him that whoever of the Indians wished
to hear Grod's word, to become acquainted with him and
be saved, to him the door was open ; only whoever wished
to live with us must refrain from drinking, whoring, and
stealing, and renounce heathenism. Whereupon he re-
plied that he wanted to do this, but he wished to speak
only for himself personally ; if perchance his son or his
friends wished to come hither, they must speak for them-
selves, he could not speak for them. And when we far-
ther asked him how he intended to support himself here,
and he wanted to plant, we told him we would help him
therein, and also to a dwelling. We all gave him our
hands and permission to live with us.

Wednesday, 29. Mr. Dolson came here to get his corn,
and,

Thursday, 30, went away again.

Friday, May 1. A boat arrived which took in corn.
Several assistants spoke with Chippewas, encamped on the
river-bank, and told them they must not dance and drum
here ; that we had no pleasure therein. They replied that
they did it to please a woman, who had a bad arm, and
then they thought we liked it. They stopped it after
this.

404

ZBISBERGER S DIARY.

Saturday, 2. For a poor English family, which is mov-
ing up the river, at their request, Br. Sensemann baptized
two children. Br. Zeisberger spoke earnestly with Joshua
about his bad behaviour, who thereupon went away with-
out saying why or whither, but at night he came again.

Sunday, 3. Br. David preached in Indian from to-day's
Gospel. Sensemann held the children's service, Bill Henry
translating.

Monday, 4. Zeisberger held early service in Indian.
There arrived still more Chippewas, for whom those already
here, because they had a man sick, killed a dog and made
a feast of it, so that the patient should recover, at the
same time singing and drumming. It can be seen that
these Indians live in the midst of dark heathenism, care
to know nothing, and are buried in superstition to the
neck.

Tuesday, 5. Sensemann held early service, old Joachim
translating. We had much to set right among the breth-
ren, on account of lies told, but the Saviour helped us, so
that all came right and for the best.

Wednesday, 6. Michael held early service. The old
Chippewa gave notice that he was going to the Fort. We
shall perceive now what will happen to him and whether
he can get rid of his friends, who besides have already tried
to dissuade him. Frenchmen came here on business, who
are worse than the Chippewas and cause more evil.

Thursday, 7. The Chippewas who have been here
moved away, and the old man with them. Mr. Parke
came here from below to get his corn.

Friday, 8. The sheriff, constable, and others, from
Niagara, who had arrested a couple here in the settlement,
went back. We heard it was certain the forts would be • i
made over to the States. The brethren planted our fields.

Sunday, 10. Sensemann preached and Zeisberger held
the communion service, speaking and bearing witness
against the slanders among the brethren, whereby they
cause harm and are an injury to themselves.

Monday, 11. Christina was delivered of a daughter.

Tuesday, 12. Mr. Parke and many of our people went

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 405

down with corn, likewise some strangers, who have lived
here through the winter, went away. Upon the planta-
tion there was drinking.

Wednesday, 13. Sensemann baptized Christina's daugh-
ter, Agnes.

Thursday, 14. Ascension Day. We had a service from
the text: Lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of
the world. We had a melancholy feeling about many of
the brethren who do ill against the Lord. But he blessed
us, assembled in his name, with his nearness and recogni-
tion.

Friday, 15. There arrived Philippina, a widow, a sheep
who has wandered in error since our captivity, to remain
here. She had long desired to come to us, but could not,
being herself unable to manage a canoe, and kept back by
her son. When once she was already on the way and
wished to leave him, he followed her and persuaded her
yet to remain away, promising to bring her hither as soon
as peace should be made, but soon afterwards he was killed
by Indians in a drunken brawl, whereupon she found a
woman, who came with her and helped her hither. She
was glad and very thankful to the Saviour for helping her
again to the church. She was very kind to the teachers
in their captivity when they suffered need and hunger,
sharing with them the little she had, and this we can not
forget. Once when she came to Sandusky she charged
her husband in our presence to think of his teachers as
often as he shot any thing, and to share with them, and
this he did, and when she came back she inquired whether
he had kept his word.

Saturday, 16. After the brethren had been spoken to,
we had, like repentant sinners, the Lord's supper, from
which many remained absent, some from drinking, others
from quarrelling. Our dear Lord blessed us in the holy
sacrament very comfortingly.

Sunday, 17. Sensemann read the liturgy early. Michael
preached. From the settlement came for a visit Baker, to
see the place and the meeting-house. Strange Indians also
arrived.

406 zeisberger's diary.

Monday, 18. Br. Sensemann went with a couple of In-
dians to the Fort, for many purposes, and with the letters
for Bethlehem.

Tuesday, 19. Mr. Parke arrived. The brethren were
much hindered in planting by rainy weather and water.

Wednesday, 20. Johanna went to her rest. Her re-
mains,

Friday, 22, were buried. She was baptized in Friedens-
hiitten by Br. Schmick, Sept. 11, 1768, came in the year
'72 to Gnadenhiitten on the Muskiugum, in which place
she was admitted to the Lord's supper, Oct. 29, '74, and
where her husband died, Sept. 20, 1778. Still a widow
when the Indian church was dispersed at Sandusky, in the
year '82, she went among the savages, until, in the spring
of 1788, she came back to the church in Pettquotting with
her second husband, Nicholas, and soon also was re-
admitted to the Lord's supper, happy, content, and thank-
ful that she was again in the church. This, however, did
not last long, for, on account of her children, especially
her daughter, who grew up, on whom her heart hung, and
who had desires for the world, she fell away and lost her
communion-privileges, and as her daughter did not stay in
the church, nor could she be there, she herself was not
altogether in the church, but always of disposition to leave
it, though she was sickly. The hidden hand of the Lord
held her, however, so that it came to nothing, till she was
so weak, having the consumption, that she could do noth-
ing more. For two weeks it could be seen that she was
Hearing the end, of which she was herself aware. There-
fore she had Br. David Zeisberger called, acknowledged
and confessed that for her daughter's sake she had wasted
her time, but said that now she wished to be quite free
from her, asking only that the brethren and the Saviour
would forgive her all, whom she had often grieved. On
the 20th, day before yesterday, she received absolution in
the presence of several brethren, for which she repeatedly
gave thanks, saying, to the brethren who visited her after-
wards : " I^ow it is well with me. I have gained content-
ment." To the inquiry: " Has the Saviour also forgiven

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 407

thee ? " she replied : " Yes, he has forgiven me. My heart
feels it and tells me so." Thus she departed a few hours
after. She was a person about whom we were often anx-
ious and in despair, but we have also been comforted
over her.

Saturday, 23. A Chippewa chief came here with a mes-
sage of a singular sort.^

Sunday, 24. Zeisberger preached the Whitsunday ser-
mon, and then held a service for the baptized, bringing to
God, the Holy Ghost, praise and thanks for his unwearied
fidelity and care. We begged forgiveness of all our fail-
ings and disobedience, when we had given no heed to his
admonition and voice, vowed to him anew obedience, and
commended ourselves again to him that he would remain
with us and not be weary in making us ready for the
glory of him who had redeemed us by his dear blood.

Tuesday, 26. Beata, Joseph's, wife was delivered of a
son.

Wednesday, 27. By occasion of the Scripture-verse :
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit
within you, Br. Zeisberger said to the brethren that they
had received the Spirit of Truth, who lead them to all
truth, if they wished to give him good obedience and to ob-
serve his voice, who would hold them in the truth and the
right and not leave them in darkness, for a lying spirit
was gone forth to lead astray and to sift those who were
of impure and false heart — they should be upon their
guard that Satan, who is the father of lies, should not en-
snare them with his lies and lead them away from the
the truth, for hours come when those who are righteous
become known. At noon Br. Sensemann came back from
the Fort. With him came a German from the States,
named Frederick Weinland, to see the country, if not to
settle here. The papers which Br. Sensemann brought
with him confirm the news about the surrender of the
forts to the States, and about a good understanding with
England.

^ We are not told this mysterious message.

408

Thursday, 28. Young Joachim with his wife left the
church, also an unbaptized family, Atschelis',^ who have
been here through the winter, moreover a woman with
several Indians, who have encamped here the whole
spring, and have done no good among our Indians. We
observe that when we advise people to go away from us,
they do not go and will not, and then the Saviour takes
occasion, and many times sweeps away and removes from
us, without our help, impure, yes, shameful people. Every
spring since we have been here, Joachim has wished to
leave the church, but now he had so offended that at
last he was ready.

Friday, 29. Hearing, from strange Indians, who are
moving from this neighborhood, all sorts of stories, that
we could not remain here, since it would be unsafe,
whereby with many of our Indians disquiet arose, which
indeed we looked upon as lies the wicked Indians had
brought, and we had paid no attention to them, we began,
notwithstanding, to be thoughtful about this, for it is the
Indian custom, when any thing bad is doing, or propositions
for war are made, to call away their friends in a secret
way, and so it appears here also to be the case, though we
do not see in what way any such thing could happen, unless
the Indians have some secret designs against the govern-
ment, for we have observed somewhat of this in the Chip-
pewas.

Sunday, 31. Trinity Sunday, Sensemann preached, and
in the afternoon service Br. Zeisberger baptized, with the
name, Ephraim, the child born on the 26th of this
month.

[Thus far sent to Bethlehem.]

Monday, June, 1. When we wished to deliver the corn,
which the government advanced to us two years ago, and
which we had stored together, we found that it would in-
jure our farming, so that we could not then deliver it. We
therefore resolved to deliver it next year, on which ac-
count we wrote to the commandant. Soon after we heard

^ See page 390, under Jan. 5th last.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 409

that the transport the commandant had sent to get it, had
been wrecked on the lake.

Wednesday, 3. We heard that Atschelis' child, born
here a couple of months ago, had died here at the mouth of
the river.

Saturday, 6. By the above-mentioned Weinland, who
to-day set out from here down into the States, we sent a
packet to Bethlehem.

Sunday, 7. Two of our neighbors from the settlement
were present as hearers of Br. Michael's sermon.

Monday, 8. From Detroit, Allen came back, and many
with him. There all is quiet, and few Indians are to be
seen, having all gone to the States. The brethren hoed
our plantations.

Wednesday, 10. Strange Indians came here. Johanna's
daughter, who has not been here since her mother's death,
arrived, and when she heard what her mother had said to
her children before her death, bidding them remain with
the church, she said : " Now I will do that. I will receive
the word." She came also and asked for readmission,
promising henceforth to cease from her sinful life, and to
give herself to the Saviour. Her mother was the cause of
her falling into a bad life, and so we could have compas-
sion with her, and seek her rescue.

Thursday, 11. Ignatius went to Detroit, and with him
Mrs. Kessler.

Saturday, 13. Zeisberger held early service. For sev-
eral days, off and on, there has been rainy weather, so that
the brethren have been hindered in their field-work.

Sunday, 14. Br. Edwards preached from the Gospel
about the great feast, to which the Saviour, through his
servants, invites all mankind. Adam had a fraternal talk
with us, and confessed his sins.

Monday, 15. Capt. Brant came through here with his
suite in six canoes, encouraged us, and went on to the
treaty in the States. That the Six ISTations had now made
the Delawares men is correct, and the ceremonies, usual
thereby, have been performed. They had, among' other
ceremonies, shorn an Indian's head, leaving only a little

410 zeisberger's diary.

hair at the top, adorned him with white feathers, as the
warriors are accustomed to do, and painted him. They
left him no clothing, except a breech-clout, and put a war
beetle into his hands, and then presented him to the Dela-
wares with these words :^ "Cousin, beforetimes we put
on thee a woman's garment; hung at thy side a calabash,
with oil to anoint thy head ; put into thy hand a grubbing
axe and a pestle, to plant corn and to grind it, together
with other house-gear, and told thee to support thyself by
agriculture, together with thy children, and to trouble
thyself about nothing else, l^ow we cut in two the band
wherewith the garment is bound, and throw it among
these thick, dark bushes, whence no man shall bring it
again or he must die. Thou art thus no longer in thy
former form, but thy form is like this Indian's, whom we
now present to thee, that thou may est see who thou now
art, and instead of grubbing axe and corn-pestle we put
into thy hand a war-beetle and feathers upon thy head.
Thou goest about now like a man." Thus they have made
the Delaware nation not only into men, but into warriors.
What this means and forbodes time must teach, more
about which hereafter. Afterwards they have conferred
together and reached the conclusion: "Peace shall be
made. What use have we for the deadly musket in our
house ? We have no use for it, except we use it against
our uncles,^ who have already often deserved it of us."

Tuesday, 16. Sensemann held early service. Some On-
ondagas,^ acquaintances of Zeisberger, went through to
join Brant; whether they go to the treaty they know not
themselves.

Thursday, 18. Still more Indians went through, Mon-
seys, from above.

Friday, 19. David held early service. We heard many

^ Daniel G. Brinton, in The Lenape and their Legends, Philadelphia,
1885, has exhaustively treated upon the subject of the Lenape (Dela-
wares) as women, in Chap. V., p. 109. All authorities on the subject
will there be found quoted.

^ That is, the Iroquois, who. had made them into women.

^ Into whose tribe Zeisberger had been adopted in 1745.

ON THE THAMES, 1795. 411

lyin^ rumors, which the Indians hatch out, that the In-
dians here are entrapped by the white people, and will
not be let go until they have all been sold as slaves.

Sunday, 21. Sensemann preached about the prodigal
son, and Zeisberger conducted the communion quarter-
hour, notice of which he gave to the brethren.

Monday, 22. The brethren hilled our corn-fields.

Tuesday, 23. White people came here with all sorts of
things to sell. Some also went through here to look for
land farther up.

Wednesday, 24. By occasion of to-day's text : Let lit-
tle children come unto me, etc., Br. Zeisberger reminded
the brethren to be more thoughtful about bringing up
their children, to speak with them at home, to tell them
the great history that God became man, reconciled us to
God by his blood and has bought us, and to sing with
them songs of praise; thus should we have joy in them
and pleasure in living with them, for by the conduct of
the children can be estimated the position of the parents,
how they stand in their hearts.

Friday, 26. Mr. Parke came here and went back home
the next morning. We got in our hay. Speaking with
the brethren in regard to the Lord's supper. One said,
when spoken with, that while hoeing corn lately he had
shed many tears for his shortcomings and faults,- and kept
on hoeing.

Saturday, 27. The dear Saviour blessed us in the en-
joyment of his body and blood in the holy sacrament
very mercifully, and let us have the joy of again having
as fellow-partakers those who had long been absent, such
as the elder Sabina, Joshua, John Henry, and others.
Sensemann conducted it.

Sunday, 28. Early, Zeisberger read the liturgy, and ex-
horted the brethren to bring the Lord praise and thanks
for the goodness and kindness he had shown us for the
blessed enjoyment, to be glad in him alway and reckon
all else as dross. To the sermon, which Br. Michael de-
livered, praying for the king and the authorities of the
land, some white people from the settlement had come.

412 zeisberger's diary.

In the service for the baptized, in the afternoon, the widow,
Philippina, was absolved by the laying on of hands by the
Zeisbergers, and admitted to the church, whereby she shed
many tears and made us and the brethren glad.

Wednesday, July 1. White people went through with
horses for I^iagara, one of whom did nothing but joke
about the conversion of the Indians, saying not a single
one among them was converted. Others went through by
water, who caused drinking here.

Thursday, 2. Joseph came from Pettquotting, where he
has been hunting, and where all the houses save two have
been burnt down. The Indians are all going to the
treaty, and the Wyandots, it is said, wish to have a fort
built by the States in Sandusky for their safety, for which
seventy men are promised them. On the other hand,
Cornplanter's^ people have murdered people and taken
prisoners on Beaver Creek. Horse-stealing still goes on,
though peace is labored for.

Friday, 3. White people on their way up the river by
water were here over night. The Indian sisters have this
week gone industriously for whortleberries.

Sunday, 5. At the sermon preached by Br. Sensemann
white people from the settlement were present.

Tuesday, 7. The assistant, Samuel, spoke with two
families, Leonard's and Bartholomew's, where there was
dissension among the women, and made peace, and thus it
is often hard, each one holding his own opinion right.

Wednesday, 8. Indians came here from the Monsey town,
where they hunger, having nothing to eat, for they have
consumed every thing in drink.

Thursday, 9. Our old Chippewa came again who went
hunting.

Saturday, 11. A boat with white people went through
for Detroit.

Sunday, 12. Zeisberger preached, our neighbors being

^ A Seneca chief friendly to the States, and this rumor was probably-
false.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 413

present. We had to speak with Joshua's family and set
them right.

Tuesday, 14. Some brethren went to Huron River,
above Lake St. Clair. Here the brothers built a hut for
Bathsheba. From John Bininger^ and his father, Br. Zeis-
iberger had a letter from Kenty Bay (Quinte).

Wednesday, 15. Yesterday and to-day Mohawks,
'Brant's people, went through, coming back from the
Wyandot village, who, like these, do not go to the treaty,
and it seems as if there was discord among the nations,
which may make trouble in the negotiations for peace.

Thursday, 16. The Indian brothers went to make a
deer-fence^ from here to the lake, from which they expect
much advantage and good hunting.

Friday, 17. Brant came back with his suite, and set
forth on his way home.. Since the Wyandots, who
live near Detroit, do not go to the treaty, he did not
go, but he still thinks there will be peace. Meanwhile
the merchants in Detroit buy up fallow land around De-
troit from the Chippewas for the States. The old Chip-
pewa came here again begging, others also, but we could
not help them, for our own people have nothing.

Sunday, 19. Br. Edwards preached. We had to speak
with Joshua and his family, and to investigate an extraor-
dinary circumstance. Br. Zeisberger held the congrega-
tion meeting.

Tuesday, 21. Strange Indians arrived, and among them
Kegina, who had been baptized, whose head is already
white. They caused uproar and drinking. The Indian
brothers again set about their deer-fence.

Wednesday, 22. Dwellings were got ready for Philippina
and Bathsheba. For several days the weather has been
hot, the thermometer at 92°, and after quite dry weather

^"Within a few miles of Kingston we passed the Bay of Cante. Here
a number of Mohawks lived. They have a schoolmaster, a Mr. John
Bininger, son of Abraham Bininger." — Life of Heckewelder, p. 137.

^A picture of a deer-fence is given in some editions of Drake's Book
of Indians after Book I.

414 zeisbbrger's diary.

we got a thunder-storm and hard rain, which refreshed the
ground and made it fruitful.

Thursday, 23. On account of the great heat the breth-
ren came home from fence-making. They went about
seven miles.

Friday, 24. French traders came here and passed the
night, whom we earnestly charged to sell no rum here,
and they complied.

Sunday, 26. Br. Michael preached, and Br. Zeisberger
held a service for the married brethren, reminding them
of their old customs, to abstain therefrom.

Monday, 27. Sensemann held early service. Chippe-
was came here begging, to whom we gave some corn, for
as they do not live from planting, but from hunting and
fishing, they often suffer bitter hunger.

Wednesday, 29. Many went down to the settlement,
and here was building.

Thursday, 30. Went away, Jacob and several others,
Sophia also, with her daughter and son, she with the view
of leaving her husband, and thus the church also. The
reason of this was hitherto concealed from us, but is now
clear enough, a circumstance which among the Indians
has never before occurred, and has given us much consid-
eration and anxiety, for we could not gainsay the truth.^

Saturday, Aug. 1. Sensemann held morning service.
Mr. Parke arrived, and in the evening Allen's brother and
also another, with whom Parke went to ]N"iagara. We
gave them an Indian as guide, and they went away the
next morning.

Sunday, 2. Br. Sensemann went away early to the
settlement to attend a wedding, and Br. Zeisberger deliv-
ered the sermon, at which a couple of white people was
present.

Tuesday, 4. Br. Sensemann came back from the settle-
ment, and from the same place young Sophia and Johan-
netta. Br. Sensemann had seen many of our people there

^ Here again we are told nothing farther.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 415

I in the harvest, and had told the white peopfe not to give
them strong drink. Samuel went down.
Wednesday, 5, and Thursday, 6. Many strange Indians
came here from above, went up and down the town, and
sought something to eat, for they had nothing, and there-
fore they go among the white peaple. They went away
the next day.

Friday, 7. Samuel and others came from the settle-
ment.

Sunday, 9. Sensemann preached from the Gospel :
Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Br. Zeisberger held the com-
munion quarter-hour, and in the evening the congregation
meeting.

Monday, 10. The young people went away in a body,
hunting, to get meat. Samuel, the assistant, and several
brethren, had a pleasant love-feast on their day of baptism,
rejoicing together over their election with thankfulness to
the Saviour, who has thus far kept them with him and in
the church, and let them enjoy so much goodness.

Wednesday, 12. Both yesterday and to-day the breth-
ren were spoken to, and thereby through the Saviour's
grace much was taken out of the way.

Thursday, 13. From Detroit came a couple of gentle-
people, who were from Montreal, and were going back
there, and they passed the night here. In the evening,
under the blessed recognition of our dear Lord, we had
the holy communion, of which the Indian, Mcholas, was
again a partaker, who for several years had been shut out
therefrom, until now, when his wife had died.

Friday, 14. Zeisberger read the liturgy. The gentle-
people, whom we had to help with a pair of horses and au
Indian, as guide, set out for Magara.

Sunday, 16. Edwards preached and Sensemann held
the congregation meeting.

Since it concerns our mission, we will not leave unmen-
tioned, now that we have obtained information and cer-
tainty in the matter, that in the spring we often. heard
through the Chippewas and Delawares that we should not
be safe here and so could not remain, which, among some

416 zeisberger's diary.

brethren, caused fear and anxiety, on which account, in
the spring, all the unbaptized who lived here, and one
baptized family, went away. It is not over yet, but still
infects our weaker souls, who expect it. It was a mystery
to us, and we could not learn its cause, for if we asked for
reasons, the reply was either: " The English will hem in
the Indians on this river and not let them go till they have
sold them all for slaves," or : " The Mohawks and Chip-
pewas would come and clear us all away." We held both
these answers for lies, though the latter, without our
knowledge, came somewhat near the truth, namely, it has
already been said that the Six Nations, and especially the
Mohawks on the English territory, have not only made
the Delaware ISTation into men, but into warriors, to en-
courage them to continue war against the States and take
it up anew, so that if they reached their end and the Dela-
wares began war anew against the States, they would
accuse them to the States, and say : '^ These are they
who are fractious and will not have peace. Let us
all fall upon them and root them out." That this was
their purpose is to be seen from what follows : The Mo-
hawks have thereupon, for the third time, sent to the
Chippewas a finger's length from a war-belt fathoms long,
and offered them the Delaware ISTation, or permitted them
to make broth thereof.^ This, indeed, they kept secret, but
since the nations are now assembled in the States it came
to light, for which they wished to make Brant answer
when he should come, as the author of it, but when he
heard, of this on the Miami, that they were waiting for
him, he did not go to the treaty, as he had intended, to-
wards which he had gone thus far.

E'ow it is to be hoped the whole plan is come to nought,
but had they attained their end, or should it yet be done,
misfortune would overtake our mission, even should it not
be the first object of attack, for only a finger is named,
and all the propositions of the Indians are sent abroad so
obscurely that their meaning can only be conjectured.

*See this expression, Vol. 1, p. 25.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 417

Probably the matter will come up at the present treaty, as
far as it is understood, or can it not be so understood?
Satan, the contriver of this, will stir up war against the
nation, in order, that the little band of believing Indians
shall be made away with at the same time, but in this the
Saviour will not let him succeed.

Monday, 17. Zeisberger held early service from the
text: It is not the will of your father which is in heaven
that, one of these little ones should perish, and said he had
sufficiently shown us this in giving us his dearly beloved
Son, who, by his bitter passion and death, had gained for
us eternal redemption and life.

Wednesday, 19. Michael held early service from the
Scripture-verse : I will appoint a place for my people Israel
and will plant them. Some brethren went out hunting,
and the sisters for whortleberries, which they dry and
keep. An Indian in the Monsey town has had a vision
and revelation that the world will last four years more,
and then be destroyed.

Thursday, 20. Joseph came back, who went away with
Sophia. Br. Zeisberger spoke with him, and admonished
him not always to wish to serve two masters, to let his
everlasting salvation be the main thing of his care, and
this he promised to do.

Saturday, 22. By some young people, who came from
Pettquotting, where they had been hunting, we learned
that the nations have concluded peace with the States,^
but it seems as if among the Indians themselves strife and
quarrels would arise, for, as we have already said, the Mo-
hawks have already sent three war-belts to the Chippe-
was, to urge them to war against the Delawares, which
they at the treaty delivered to the States, and when the
Mohawks learned this they became very angry and threat-

1 This treaty was conducted at Greenville, Ohio, in the months of
June and July, 1795, concluded July 30th, engrossed and signed Aug.
3d, and finally acted upon Aug. 7th. " It was laid before the Senate
Dec. 9th, and ratified Dec. 22d. So closed the old Indian wars of the
West." Albach's Annals of the West, p. 661.

27

418 zeisberger's diary.

ened the Delawares with death. This is the reason why
all the Delawares wish to go away from this neighborhood
and move over the lakes, and thus it will not pass over us
without trouble.

Sunday, 23. Michael preached. Sophia, with her
daughters, came here, but encamped on the plantations.

Wednesday, 26. Strange Indians, who came up here
from below, and have already been here a couple of days,
began to get drunk in the night, so that we had to send
them away. In the settlement on Lake Erie three whites
have been murdered by Chippewas and plundered, for
which one of them is in prison.

Thursday, 27. Mr. Allen arrived, who had been pres-
ent at the treaty with the Indians, from whom we learned
that this is over and that peace has been made, to which
indeed they were not forced, but as they found themselves
too weak and helpless to continue the war with the States,
they have chosen to make peace, but to this the Mohawks
from Canada have not come. We likewise heard that the
Delawares assembled on the Wabash after the treaty was
over, and took counsel about moving to the Illinois, to es-
tablish themselves and to die there.

Friday, 28. By a couple of gentle-people, who came
from I^^iagara, we got into our hands a printed copy of the
treaty of peace and commerce between the States and
England.

Saturday, 29. Inasmuch as we had last night drinking
here in town, caused by strange Indians, who came from
Detroit, wherein many of our people were involved, and
caused disturbance, we had the brothers and sisters come
together, and made preparations for hindering it in the
future, for we had to await yet more of the same, and
they were all found willing to aid in the matter. We had
a love-feast with the unmarried brothers at their house.

Sunday, 30. Br. Sensemann preached, and in the after-
noon Br. Zeisberger held a service for all who had been
baptized, fr6m the Scripture-verse : I will for their sakes
remember the covenant of their ancestors, in that I might
be their God ; I am the Lord, and said that the Saviour,

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 419

more than fifty years ago, had called them from heathen-
ism and chosen them to he his people, and had made a
covenant with them, and they with him, which he had
kept to the present hour, protecting them from all out-
ward and inward dangers to the present time, though
many times it had seemed as if they would all he scattered,
and the Saviour's work among them brought to naught,
and so it had been to the present day, and since the Sa-
viour had made us a place where we have peace and quiet
from without, the foe, to whom the Indian church was an
especial hate, sought to disturb them in their blessed en-
joyment and to cause trouble in the church, for which
purpose he made use of some people among us, who let
themselves serve as tools of Satan to seduce others and to
cause harm and vexation in the church. He exhorted
them, therefore, to stand fast, to oppose Satan and his fol-
lowing, and not to suffer disorder and the wicked to get
the upper hand. The Saviour, who is with us, would help
us and save us from such people, whom, moreover, we had
already sent away, but they would not go, wishing to make
trouble here.

Monday, 31. The strangers, who have caused us harm
and anxiety, moved away. An Indian, Waniken, who
has been known to us many years, went around the street
in drunkenness, called to our Indians, and said they did
not own a foot of laud here, for the land on which they
lived belonged to David (Zeisberger), who would make
himself rich from it. l^o answer was given him, and he
went away.

Wednesday, Sept. 2. A Mingo Indian, from the Cayuga
nation, came here from the late treaty, who told us that
the Indians had indeed made peace with the States, but
that even while the treaty was going ; on ^ve families had
been murdered on the west side of the Ohio, and every
thing had been burnt. Of this Brant's people were sus-
pected, for they came not to the treaty.

Friday, 4. The Indians in the Mousey town, who live up
the river, wish to go away from there, a part of them
this autumn and a part next spring, and move over the

420 zeisberger's diary.

lake. They labor also to get our Indians away from here,
saying it would be sad here and impossible to stay here ;
it were better for them to get out of the way, where they
could live in safety.

Saturday, 5. We got a letter from Br. Wollin from Lon-
don, with news of some things sent to us, but which we
have not yet received.

Sunday, 6. Br. Zeisberger preached from the Epistle
about the works of the flesh, which he named and set forth
to them.

Monday, 7. At morning prayer Br. Sensemann com-
mended our little band of Indians to our dear Lord's
grace, and in particular to bless the married brethren on
this their festival, to let his friendly face shine over them,
and to enliven them with new mercy. In the second serv-
ice the instruction for the married brethren from the
heathen was plainly read to them. We find and perceive
that they are yet much lacking in knowledge and compre-
hension of this, and have no proper conception of matri-
mony, but the Saviour will help us by his grace that they
advance therein. For this we depend upon him. In the
afternoon was a love-feast for the whole church. We
could still rejoice at his recognition of us, in the firm
hope that he would still farther show himself gracious
among us, and form us according to his mind and heart.
We laborers strengthened ourselves with the body and
blood of our Saviour in the holy sacrament, and bound
ourselves together in new fidelity, unity, and love.

Tuesday, 8. Michael held early service. Chippewas
came here with meat, which they sold to our brethren.
From Sophia we had bad accounts again.

Thursday, 10. Zeisberger held early service from the
text : Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Our old Chippewa came again with meat, whom Boaz
asked whether he was not yet ready to be converted.
Our brethren were busy on their plantations, beginning to
get ready for harvest.

Saturday, 12. John Askin came from Niagara on his
way home, whom we had to help towards Detroit with

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 421

horses, whither he set out the next day. We heard that
the treaty with England had been signed by the States.

Sunday, 13. Michael* preached from the Gospel: 'No
man can serve two masters, etc., and Zeisberger held the
congregation meeting from the Scripture- verse : The Lord
did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because you
were more in number than any people, but because the
Lord loved you.

Monday, 14. Sensemann held early service. The In-
dian brothers made fences to keep the cattle in. We
mowed our after-grass.

Wednesday, 16. Abel came here again, who was sent
away some time ago on account of his bad conduct and
disobedience.

Thursday, 17. By way of Detroit Br. Sensemann had
a letter from Lancaster from Br. Rein eke, from which we
learned the death of Sister Marshall,^ in the Wachau, and
of Mrs. Werning in Bethlehem.

Saturday, 19. This week the brethren have been busy
harvesting their fields.

Sunday, 20. Sensemann preached from the Gospel about
the youth in l^ain, and Zeisberger held the communion
quarter-hour about steadfastness in clinging to the Saviour,
the Vine, as his branches. The assistants spoke with Jo-
hanetta and Leonard, who had quarrelled, but they could
accomplish nothing.

Tuesday, 22. A couple of white people arrived from
Niagara, and remained over night.

Thursday, 24, and Friday, 25. There was speaking to
the brethren with reference to the communion. By In-
dians from the Miami we heard that the Delawares who
wished to go farther south came back again, for the na-
tions there will not suffer them, for they exterminate their
game, wherever they come ; on this account they have
already lost nine men while hunting.

1 She was the wife of Frederick de Marshall, who was at the head
of the Southern District of the American Church. Mrs. de Marshall
was Elizabeth Hedwig, daughter of Abraham von Schweinitz. She
died at Salem, N. C, March 22, 1795.

422

Saturday, 26. At the holy communion, which we cele-
brated in the near presence of our Saviour and with his
recognition of us, two brethren were readmitted, namely,
the widow, Philippina, who has been absent from it four-
teen years — in G-nadenhiitten on the Muskingum — and
John Thomas.

Sunday, 27. Br. Zeisberger read the liturgy, and Br.
Edwards preached. Zeisberger held the congregation
meeting, and spoke about our young people and boys
playing, that instead of this they should rather do some-
thing useful, and not give themselves up to idleness, from
which comes nothing but ill. It had the desired effect.

Tuesday, 29. In the early service Br. Zeisberger brought
to the remembrance of the brethren the dear angels, whom
the Saviour sends to turn from us much evil and danger,
and who are ever busy among his believers, which we
should recognize with thankfulness towards the Saviour.
Our young people went out in a body hunting, to get meat
for the harvesting of their teachers' fields. They came
back home the next day with four deer.

Thursday, Oct. 1. They went to work in a body, and
were done harvesting for us on the 3d.

Friday, 2. White people arrive almost daily. The road
to ^NTiagara is much used, for it costs much by water over
the lake. On the 3d were twenty such, one of whom asked
to be married.

Sunday, 4. Sensemann preached. It rained all day
long, aad so there was no other service.

Tuesday, 6. Early there was the burial of the child,
"William, who died yesterday, John Henry's boy, nine
months and two days old. Zeisberger conducted it.

Wednesday, 7. Br. Sensemann, who went down to the
settlement day before yesterday, where he married a
couple, came back.

Saturday, 10. Our brethren were busy with the harvest
all the week. Strange Indians arrived, but not to hear.

Sunday, 11. Zeisberger preached about the conduct of
believers, that it is not enough to bear the name and be

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 423

looked upon as such, but to show it by conduct, and
thereby to glorify God.

Monday, 12. After the early service, which Br. Sense-
man n held, he went on business to Detroit with Samuel
and Bartholomew.

Thursday, 15. There was severe wind, which began
with a thunder-storm, and lasted the whole day. It un-
roofed^ houses, and in the fields much damaged the corn,
and in the bush around the town made great devastation,
yet no one was injured, though many of those on the
plantations were near suffering.

Friday, 16. There was early the burial of the grown
girl, Deborah, who died day before yesterday, daughter of
Renatus, the Mohican. She had been sick for some time,
and full of ulcers, so that all remedies were of no avail,
but she wasted quite away. When we visited her she al-
ways showed a wish to go to the Saviour. She was bap-
tized last year at Easter, April 20. Since that time she
has always grown weaker and weaker, but in her heart
content. She said to her mother, when she was awaiting
death, not to weep for her, she was glad to go to the Saviour,
and wished to live no longer. She often asked the sisters
who were with her to sing verses to her, and they did so.
She departed in peace with the blessing of the church.

Sunday, 18. Michael preached, and as it has been rainy
the whole week, so that the river was unusually high, and
the corn of several brethren was under water, they helped
one another to save it, whereby all were busy who were
able, and so they continued to do the next day, for the
water was all the time rising. Since we have been here
we have never had so wet and stormy an autumn as the
present.

Tuesday, 20. There being many chestnuts, which the
wind has lately shaken down, most of the sisters went out
to gather them, bringing home great quantities of them,
which are very useful in their house-keeping.

Thursday, 22. Br. Sensemann came back from Detroit,
having been much hindered on the lake by rain and
storm. We had hoped for letters from Bethlehem by the

424 . zeisberger's diary.

last ships, but in vain. Meanwhile, our things from Lon-
don arrived in good order while he was there. He learned
in Detroit that Weinland, by whom, in June, we sent let-
ters and the diary to Bethlehem; had had trouble among
the Wyandots, who took every thing away from him, our
letters included, but yet afterwards he got them again.
With him came Mr. Askin's clerk, to whom we had to
give an Indian as guide to Grand River. Old Erdmuth,
to whom the Chippewas, when they come here, always go,
since she understands their speech, came and complained
that the Chippewas had stolen her kettle, spoons, etc., and
had gone away. She asked what she should do. Answer :
She should follow after them, and seek to get the things
again. She asked farther whether she should still hold
them dear, and give them to eat when they came to her.
Answer: 0, yes, she should still hold them dear, and do
them good, but she should tell them she was glad to give
them food when they came, only they should not steal.
She replied that she would do so.

Saturday, 24. Sensemann held early service. We heard
from the Mousey town that in the high water their corn-
fields had been quite overflowed, and had been much in-
jured, and that in the storm a child had been killed by a
tree.

Sunday, 25. Edwards preached and Zeisberger held
the communion service, to which he invited the brethren,
as poor and needy creatures, to the enjoyment of the body
and blood of Jesus, so that they might think of his death,
and not let it leave their minds how much our redemption
had cost him, which is the best safeguard against the
wiles of Satan.

Monday, 26. Zeisberger spoke with Bartholomew and
his wife, Justina, and reconciled them.

Tuesday, 27. Early, Br. Sensemann attended the burial
of the ^child, I^athaniel, who died yesterday, after being
here below, thirteen months and three days. Our neigh-
bor, Kessler, ploughed for some Indians, and sowed wheat
for them, as Bill Henry and his sons had worked in the
harvest above us this summer. The weather being fine, the

L

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 425

brethren were very busy getting in from the fields our corn
and their own. We have again a good harvest, and a
burden of corn. The heavenly Father has blessed us.
Br. Zeisberger has spoken lately several times with [N'ich-
olas, who has now fully resolved to give himself up to the
Saviour, holding fast to him and the church.

Friday, 30. Yesterday and to-day there was speaking
with the brethren with reference to the Lord's supper,
which,

Saturday, 31, in the near presence of our dear Lord, and
with his gracious recognition of us, we celebrated. [Br.
Sensemann sowed wheat, likewise Michael.] To him who
filled our hearts with comfort and joy we brought,

Sunday, l^ov. 1, our filial thanks, honor, and worship.
Amen. Then Br. Sensemann preached.

Monday, 2. We called to mind our communion with
the church, which is with him, and we stand in expecta-
tion of being incorporated therein sometime, and to be
then near him forever.

Thursday, 5. French and Indian traders arrived from
Detroit, who went up the river with goods, but every
thing is unusually dear. Our brethren, especially the sis-
ters, nearly all went out to gather chestnuts, of which
there are many, this year especially, and also walnuts
in the bush, very useful to the Indians in their house-
keeping.

Sunday, 8. Br. Michael preached, and towards evening
in a meeting took place the marriage of the widower,
Mcholas, with the widow, Martha, formerly William's
wife. They were betrothed several days ago. From
Grand River came back Joshua with Mr. Askin's clerk,
whom he had escorted thither and back. He visited there
his sister, a Mohican woman, named Ruth, who was bap-
tized by the brothers, and has lived in Bethlehem, and she
has not yet forgotten what she enjoyed there ; she wonild
have liked to visit us, but is now too old and helpless,
but she has charged Joshua to take her grandchildren to
the church when he hears that she has passed froni time.

Monday, 9. Michael went early with a couple of In-

426

dian brothers down the river to get our things, which
have come from England, if they have got there, other-
wise to go to Detroit.

Tuesday, 10. Joshua, over whom comes one trouble
after another, in spite of all our pains and admonitions,
went away to-day in his cojifusion, and left every thing
as it was. This causes us much concern, but we were
still more amazed when, two days after,

Thursday, 12, he came back. Samuel, to whom he
went, received him out of pity. We advised him to go
off hunting for a time, and this he did.

Friday, 13. We came before our Elder and High Priest
of his churches, presented ourselves to him as a poor, sin-
ful little band, but yet brought to him upon our knees our
thanks and adoration for. his long-suffering, patience, and
mercy, for his recognition of us with all our faults and short-
comings, asked for his gracious absolution and farther
proof of his mercy to us, and vowed to him anew submis-
sion, obedience, and fidelity.

Br. Michael Jung came early from the settlement with
the things sent us from England. Upon examination,
however, we found that not a little had been stolen, which
happened at the portages, and is also not uncommon. All
inquiry is in vain, and much less is any reimbursement to
be hoped for.

Sunday, 15. Br. Zeisberger preached. As it rained
hard, and few were at home anyway, being away hunting,
there was no other service.

Tuesday, 17. From Magara, or rather from the States
by way of Fort Erie, came white people here with cattle,
who the next day went on to Detroit.

Wednesday, 18. Strange Indians arrived from the
Miami. They came regularly to the meetings, but this is
much, for most of those who come here, do nothing of the
sort* and care not to hear. ]S"ow that there is again peace,
may Grod let a living wind blow among them, so that they
may turn to him, who now are dead in their sin.

Saturday, 21. The Indian, Adam, came to Br. Zeisber-
ger and told him he was thinking of leaving the church,

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 427

for he saw he was of no use here. Zeisberger took occa-
sion to show him the reason of his unpleasant life and of
his shortcomings in regard to the Saviour and the church,
yes, to the teachers also, namely, his pride which has
tripped him and brought him down. He spoke plainly
with him, and told him all he thought of him, but, at the
same time, that on this account he did not reject him, but
to show him that he bad reason enough to bend before the
Saviour and become a repentant sinner ; if he did this, he
would be to him the same gracious and merciful Saviour
as at first. He complained about the hardness of his heart,
about his distrust of the Saviour, and want of faith, for
which he had no heart, but before he went away it could
be seen plainly that his heart was breaking.

Sunday, 22. Edwards preached. Renatus, the Mo-
hican, was absolved.

Monday, 23. Elizabeth was delivefed of a son.

Tuesday, 24. Mr. Askin's clerk arrived from Detroit
with goods to sell for corn, to be delivered in the spring.
Sabina, Adam's wife, who has transgressed with her
wicked speeches, began to acknowledge her fault and be-
come repentant.

Thursday, 26. The hunters for tbe most part came
home. Their hunting was of little value.

Friday, 27. Early before day Renatus, tbe Mohican,
died, whose remains were buried,

Saturday, 28. Renatus was baptized in Gnadenhiitten
on the Mahony (Pa.), Sept. 28, 1749, by Br. Cammerhoff.^
In the first Indian war, in '63, on account of a murder

^John Christoph Frederick Cammerhoff was born near Magde-
burg, July 28, 1721. In 1738 he entered the University of Jena, where
he became acquainted with Count Christian Zinzendorf and his tutor,
John Nitschmann, by whom his natural inclination to a religious life
was much fostered. He was married in July, 1746, consecrated bishop
in September of the same year, in London, and sailed for America
soon afterward. Here he was Bishop Spangenberg's assistant. In the
spring of 1750 he went to Onondaga, having Zeisberger as companion
and intrepreter. He died at Bethlehem, in 1751, at the early age of
thirty. DeSchweinitz' Some of the Fathers of the Am. Moravian Church.

428 zeisbbrger's diary.

committed by the savages, he was accused and imprisoned
until he was set free by a jury chosen for him. He then
went with the Indian church to Friedenshiitten on the
Susquehanna, where he married, his first wife being dead,
but he left this wife, went from the church, and wandered
about among the savages, until, in 1783, he came with his
family to the church on Huron River, and also remained.
For a time he walked a beautiful way, was blessed and
content, a partaker also of the holy communion, but he
misused his time, so that he was not quite glad of the
grace of being in the church, although he well knew from
experience that nowhere else would he be so well, and there-
fore he never longed for another place. He understood
very well discoursing how one should live and be in the
church, nor was there much to blame in his conduct, only
we could always have wished that he had more life and
feeling in his heart. ♦ It was observed that he still busied
himself with Indian ways and superstitions, which he had
learned among the savages, and did not quite free himself
therefrom, but for two years there has not been so much
of this. Already for a year he had been sickly. It be-
came always more evident that he was nearing the end.
He could no longer work. A short time ago he was still
of much use to his son in hunting, and wanted to go with
him, but he was so bad that he had to take to his bed,
when he said himself that this time he should die. Six
days ago he called Brs. Zeisberger and Sensemann, whose
forgiveness he asked for all in which he had grieved them,
likewise that of the whole church. He confessed himself
a sinner, giving himself the whole blame of his repeatedly
unblessed position in the church. He was forgiven and
absolved, whereupon his heart was easy and trustful in
the Saviour, but he soon became speechless, and so re-
mained till his death. He was an example of God's pa-
tience and mercy, who bore with him, attended to him,
and helped him.

White people with boats came up the river, who needed
help. Joshua wrote a letter to us. Allen came from the
States, bringing us no letters.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 429

Sunday, 29. First in Advent. Michael preached about
the coming of our Lord into the flesh. In the afternoon
service Br. Sensemann baptized, with the name, Jeremy,
the little son of Tobias and Elizabeth, born the 23d
Inst.

Monday, 30. We advised the Indian, Joshua, whose
wife had left him and remained near by, where she
thought of passing the winter, to go to her and to remain
until they were reconciled, if this were possible ; and if this
did happen, and they wanted to be in the church, they
could come and ask.

Thursday, Dec. 3. As hardly any traders have come
here this year to trade, and the one who was here lately
could by no means supply the wants of our Indians, differ-
ent ones went down the river to the lake to get clothing
for the winter.

Saturday, 5. Strange Indians came here, who attended
the meetings also, a rare thing here, for they come here
seldom, still seldomer to the meetings.

Sunday, 6. Sensemann preached and Zeisberger con-
ducted the communion quarter-hour, notice of which he
gave to the brethren for Saturday. From the neighbor-
hood came Mrs. Kessler for a visit. We learned to-day,
by people from the States, that the plague prevails again,
not only in Philadelphia but also in the country, and this
may be the reason of our getting no letters.

Monday, 7. Bill Henry and others came with wheat
and corn they have had ground, from the mill, seven miles
from here.

Thursday, 10. In the early service Br. Zeisberger spoke
from to-day's text, about God's gift, who gave us his only
beloved Son, that through him we should have eternal
life and salvation. White people went through for
Niagara.

Friday, 11. Yesterday and to-day there was speaking
to the brethren. An express from JSiagara for Detroit,
with a couple of Mohawks went through. We learned
rom these that the plague is not in Philadelphia, but in

430 ZEISBEBiJER's DIARY.

New York/ at the same time also that France has war
with the States.

Saturday, 12. A girl, fourteen years old, who from
bleeding at the nose was much reduced and very weak,
had the brothers called to her, and said to them that per-
haps she should not get well, and as she reflected that she
had not been obedient to the brothers, her teachers, and
had often grieved them, she asked them therefore to for-
give her all, for she could not go from time in peace other-
wise. We told her we would do this gladl}^ bat she should
also call upon the dear Saviour and beg his forgiveness,
who would not bring her to shame, much less repulse her,
for she belonged to him, having bee*D bought by his dear
blood. By this she was much comforted, and said after-
wards that she no longer feared death. Since the flowing
of blood could be checked by none of the means employed,
we tried letting a little blood from a vein, and this had
the result wished for. She slept the night after and be-
came well. In the evening the communicants had the
most blessed enjoyment of the body and blood of the
Lord in the holy communion, which Br. Sensemann con-
ducted.

Sunday, 13. Zeisberger read the liturgy and preached
about this, that the Saviour, even to the present day,
makes the blind see and those dead in sin alive ; on this
account he came into the world to seek the lost and save
all who from their hearts believe this.

Monday, 14. Since we heard of old Sophia that she
had become of another mind and will again turn about,
we sent to her two assistants, Bill Henry and Stephen, to
listen to her, whereupon the assistants together,

Wednesday, 16, went to her again to talk the whole
matter out with her, and after she had become reconciled
to her husband, they permitted her to come to town
again. The assistants also spoke with Luke and his

^ " In 1795 it (yellow fever) again made its appearance about the first
of August (in New York), and raged with violence the remainder of
the season, carrying off seven hundred and thirty-five of the citizens,'
—Mary L. Booth's Bist. of City of New York, p. 612.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 431

wife. Some people, disposed to be Baptists, came through
here from Lake Erie, who offered to take letters for us,
it being their intention to travel into the country below.

Saturday, 19. A neighbor, Kessler, came here and ac-
cused our Indians of theft, just as last summer many
times he had accused them of much trouble which had be-
fallen him, that they were the cause of it. As we had al-
ways found, and it came to light, that they were guiltless,
so now we could not but affirm their innocence. Sophia
was brought here to town with her corn, goods, and prop-
erty by the brethren, when Joshua's house, which for a
time had been vacant, was again occupied. They both,

Sunday, 20, came to us to express their thankfulness,
that they were again out of error and in the church. We
wished and advised them to acknowledge to the Saviour
their transgressions, to seek forgiveness, to confess their
guilt, so that they might better employ their time than
hitherto. Br. Edwards preached.

Monday, 21. At the early service Br. Sensemann
preached about not seeing and yet believing, which is the
blessedness of our time ; hereafter the time will come to
see him in whom we have believed. Samuel and Joshua
went to the mill.

Wednesday, 23. An express with a couple of Mohawks,
who lately, on the 11th Inst., went through here on their
way from I^iagara to Detroit, came back. We learned
from them that the government has received orders to lay
out a fort at the mouth of Detroit River on the east side,
which shows that Detroit will be transferred to the States
next summer, as is reported.

Thursday, 24. Two Germans went through here early
for Long Point, and as one of them thought of travelling
into the States, either to Lancaster or Bethlehem, we gave
him letters. We began Christmas with a love-feast and
with praising and thanking the Infant Jesus in his manger
for his holy incarnation and birth, which brought peace to
the world, who is called Jesus, because he saves. Two
Frenchmen, who are passing the winter for trading, a
day's journey from here, came here expressly for Christ-

432

mas, and asked to be permitted to attend our celebration
of it, whereby they were very attentive, and said after-
ward they had never imagined they should see such
devotion and respect from Indians in the worship of God.

Friday, 25. Br. Michael delivered the sermon, at which
the Frenchmen w^ere present. Sensemann held the chil-
dren's hour and Zeisberger the service for the baptized,
in which one sister, Polly, was taken into the church, who,
at the request of her mother, in the year '82, was baptized
in Sandusky, when she was eleven years old, but she was
now unwilling that this baptism should stand for the bap-
tism of an adult, saying she had then no longing in her
heart, but her mother would so have it, since we were
then taken from them, and she feared she might die un-
baptized ; now, however, she felt that something was
lacking, namely, being a member of the church and a
partaker of grace. When this was granted her, it be-
came a real blessing, and there was a blessed feeling
thereby.

Sunday, 27. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel about
Simeon, who in the temple took the Child, Jesus, into his
arms, and joyfully praised God for having seen his salva-
tion. A party of Chippewas was here, but they came for
no other reason than to beg.

Monday, 28. The Chippewas went away, after getting
that for which they came. The assistants spoke with
Lewis, who began to trade here, and thereby fell into a bad
course of life, and they reached a good result.

Thursday, 31. We ended the year with a love-feast,
praising and thanking the Lord for all the kindnesses and
goodness he had shown us in body and in spirit through
the year, for our dear Father had blessed us outwardly by
providing daily what was needful for our wants and. sup-
port, which we thankfully acknowledged to have received
from his mild hand as our dear heavenly Father. We
thanked our dear Saviour and Lord that he daily let us
find food and pasture for our hearts and souls, and like
the good Shepherd has fed us upon his merits and passion,
as his flock. We thanked God, the Holy Ghost, for bis

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1795. 433

faithful care, who has held us with Jesus Christ by faith
in his name. We confessed ourselves before him as sin-
ners, and acknowledged our faults and digressions from
him, having often been no honor to him, but a shame, and
many among us had sinned against him and the church.
We recognized it as a mercy from the Saviour that he had
made known and brought to light every concealment,
which was worthless and dishonorable to him, which was
dissolved by the light and put aside, which shows that he
dwells among us and will put all evil away from us. We
acknowledged also our faults in regard to the assistants.
We begged with repentant hearts forgiveness of all our
sins and transgressions, and he gave us the comfort in our
hearts that he heard our entreaty and had granted our re-
quests for the sake of his bloody merits. In conclusion,
the blessing was imparted to the church.

Baptized this year, three children. Admitted to the
church, two. Married, one couple. Died, four adults and
three children.

In Fairfield there now live 158 Indian souls, great and
small, seven less than last year.
28

434

CHAPTER XVI.

1796.
Fairfield, on the Thames, Ontario.

Friday, Jan. 1. Br. Sensemann preached and Br. Zeis-
berger held the service for the baptized, in which, after a
discourse about the Scripture-verse : I am the Lord that
healeth thee, a brother, Zachary, and a sister, Peggy, re-
ceived, kneeling, absolution in the name of the Saviour,
which ceremony was attended with his near presence.
Many came and bewailed their turning-away from the Sa-
viour. Different brothers and sisters celebrated their day
of baptism with a love-feast, to which they generally in-
vited guests, called to mind God's mercy towards them,
and thanked him for their call and election. Chippewas,
who came here for the purpose, went about town begging,
and late in the evening came yet more of them.

Sunday, 3. Br. Edwards preached from the Gospel
about the Saviour's flight into Egypt. A Chippewa, who
claimed to be a chief, and came here to beg, spoke ill
against our Indians, but was softened when he was granted
that for which he came, and went away contented.

Wednesday, 6. At morning prayer Zeisberger asked
for tbe presence and blessing of our dear Lord, which he
vouchsafed to impart to us in full measure for the day.
Thereupon Sensemann held the service for the baptized,
in which a grown girl, Mary, was taken into the church.
At the love-feast the story was read and attentively lis-
tened to, and something was said. We ended with a
blessed hour of song and the blessing of the church.

Saturday, 9. The weather being fine, the brethren have
lateJy made sugar. The (Indian) brothers went out to
cut timber for a better school-house.

Sunday, 10. Michael preached and Zeisberger held the

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 435

congregation meeting. A couple from the neighborhood
came here and had their child baptized. Now the Indian,
Joseph, at last went away, who is a slave of sin, and that
willingly. Old Sophia came and disclosed her heart, be-
gan to confess her faults and error, and to become a re-
pentant sinner, wherein she had been wanting.

Wednesday, 13. Mr. Dolson came here from Detroit,
and stayed a couple of days. It is now known that in
the spring the States will take possession of Detroit, for
which preparation has been made of late by laying out a
fort on the east side of the river.

Friday, 15. Mr. Dolson went up the river to the upper
settlement. Here sugar was boiled, the weather being
fine, and the brethren paid their debts with corn.

Sunday, 17. David preached and Sensemann held the
communion quarter-hour, notice of which he gave to the
brethren for Saturday.

Monday, 18. Dolson came back, bringing with him a
white man. He received payment for his debts, and,

Wednesday, 20, returned home. The brethren contrib-
uted to pay the common debt, among other things, to pay
for a calf, killed by a felled tree, which caused complaint
among the brethren. The river froze.

Friday, 22. Yesterday and to-day, a little snow having
fallen, they brought in the school-house timber.

Saturday, 23. After the brethren had been spoken to
for several days lately the communicants received the body
of the Lord, given up to death for us, and his blood shed
for us, in the holy sacrament. Ignatius was again pres-
ent. Zeisberger administered it.

Sunday, 24. Br. Sensemann read the liturgy and
preached. The assistants spoke with Abel, with whom
lately Zeisberger has held a searching correspondence and
exchange of letters concerning the condition of his heart,
and this had the result desired, and, it is to be hoped, will
redound to his eternal welfare, for he has disclosed his
heart completely, which he can better do in writing than
by word of mouth. Thus several of our young people can
better express themselves in writing than by speaking, and

436 zeisberger's diary.

all this in Indian. They often come, bringing the letter
themselves, sit down and get their answer by word of
mouth.

Tuesday, 26. Martha, Nicholas, Peggy, and others
went to the Miami, the first to get her cattle, which her
sister had taken last spring. The brethren brought us
wood.

Wednesday, 27. The thermometer to-day marked a
degree below zero, colder than it had before been this win-
ter. Chippewas arrived who had rum with them. We
told them if they abstained from this as long as they were
here, they could stay here ; if not, they must go farther.
They promised not to drink here, stayed and kept their
word, but afterward they said to Boaz, who is their inter-
preter when they come here, that the Wyandots and Mo-
hawks were indeed Christians, as we are, but they drink
their fill as often as they get a chance, like other Indians ;
why then was it not so here ? Answer : Because it is a sin
to get drunk, from which arise all sorts of ill, whoring,
murder, and slaughter, which they knew well enough
themselves and saw among them, therefore it was not per-
mitted among us. The Chippewas have more witchcraft
and jugglery than other nations. For example, they say
that at a festival they have all manner of sport, an otter-
skin goes about the fire and their pouches give out a sound
of their own accord ; snake-skins, which they have about
their necks, show life, and so on. Boaz, who has seen all
this, says Satan must have his share therein.

Saturday, 30. A merchant, with a couple of French-
men from Detroit, was here over night, and then went
away in the morning.

Sunday, 31. Michael preached, and in the afternoon
service Br. Sensemann baptized Abel's child, lately born,
with the name, Maria Cathrine.

Monday, Feb. 1. We learned from Indians that Indiana
from Gigeyunk (Ft. Wayne) had stolen horses in the
States, whom the owners followed as far as their town,
found their horses there, and spoke with the head-man
about helping them get their horses again. He spoke with

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 437

those who had them, and told them they should give them
up, but they did not wish to, and the men had to go home
without them. However, they soon came back again to
the town with a stronger force, unexpectedly, when the
head-man, with all the Indians who were there, took to
flight, and left in the lurch all they had. Thereupon they
took away their horses, all the cattle they found, and all
house-utensils, plundered the town, and then went away,
having, however, hurt no one personally.

Wednesday, 3. Yesterday and to-day white people ar-
rived. Our people began to go to their sugar-places.

Saturday, 6. Br. Sensemann went down to the settle-
ment. The express from Magara went through, Barthol-
omew with him.

Sunday, 7. Edwards preached. A white man arrived.

Tuesday, 9. Sensemann came back from the settlement,
where he baptized several children.

Friday, 12. Adam visited us, whom Br. Zeisberger
showed the reason of his transgressions, advising him to
become a repentant sinner, and to draw near the Physician
of his soul.

Sunday, 14. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel, In-
vocavit,^ about the seductions of Satan, who blinds with
his lies the Indians, whose king he is, and holds them in
his power ; that he seeks especially to entice the believers
from Christ and to lead them to destruction ; that we
therefore, according to his word and advice, should hold
fast to him, who will overcome Satan, whereby we shall
escape his seductions and be made safe through Christ.

Monday, 15. A I^ew Englander came here for a visit to
see the ministers and their Indians, to attend the meet-
ings, and to hear what is here preached. He stayed a
couple of days.

Tuesday, 16. The brethren prepared for sugar-making,
which will now begin as soon as the weather is mild.

Friday, 19. A white couple from the settlement came

^ See before, p. 249.

438 zeisberger's diary.

here to get Br. Sensemann to attend a wedding, whence he
came back the day after.

Saturday, 20. Michael went to the settlement, seven
miles away, to deliver a sermon which had been requested.

Sunday, 21. Br. Sensemann preached and Zeisberger
held the congregation meeting. Michael returned from
the settlement, where he had preached, seven miles from
here, having a fine audience. He was asked also to come
again. Here Martha came with her cattle from the
Miami, who, in the spring, without our knowledge, when
Joachim and her sister went away from here, causing
trouble and anxiety, had sent with them her cattle and
household goods, to which she was induced by lies, for
she was secretly informed we would all move away from
here, only it was not yet made known. On this account
she sent her property with them, thinking to get away
then more easily. She has often been sorry for this, that
she behaved so foolishly, and had not once made inquiries
of us. All arises from the secret plotting of the Mohawks.
Meanwhile Martha was the cause that the Joachims have
turned about and come with her to the church, for when
she reached them they both wept from shame and joy, and
said if only they knew they would again be received and
not sent away, they would like to go again to the church,
for they were not well where they were, having an un-
pleasant life. Martha told them they had not been sent
away, they had left of their own accord, and if they
would like to be again in the church and conduct them-
selves by its rules, no one would send them away, and
this gave them courage to come again.

Monday, 22. Our young people, who go to school, and
are so set upon it that they make it their chief business,
and prefer it to every thing, got together, and went and
cut wood for Br. Sensemann at his sugar-hut, so that he
might not be hindered by work from keeping school.
Many of them can write a good English hand, better than
many clerks with the merchants in Detroit.

Thursday, 25. For a week it had been quite cold, but

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 489

I now mild weather begins, and the brethren go to their
Bugar-places to get ready for work.
Saturday, 27. There was rain, and the snow went off.
Sunday, 28. Michael preached, and then the brethren
were dismissed to their work.

Monday, 29. Zeisberger held early service; to him
came Joseph, very angry that his house had been torn
down from mischief.

Tuesday, March 1. We learned that matters are not
very peaceful among the Indians, for the Shawanese had
killed a Chippewa counsellor, whereover the Chippewas
were very angry, and the Senecas had followed a party of
Potawatomies, who had stolen horses, until they came to
a little Delaware town, where they killed all, for the trace
led them there, and they thought they had caught the
thieves. Meantime McKee invited the Shawanese to come
over here and settle in this country. A lawyer from the
States, who bought land in Detroit, went through here
back home, to whom we gave an Indian as guide, whom
he paid.

J'riday, 4. Allen went through here to the States. The
weather was cold, and nothing to be done in sugar-
making.

Saturday, 5. Sensemann held early service. Elizabeth,
Adam's daughter, died.

Sunday, 6. Edwards preached. Christiana was deliv-
ered of a daughter. A man came here from the settle-
ment, who wished to build a mill on our land, to prepare
every thing for it himself and to have a share in it, but we
declined. We heard of great disorders in England.^

Monday, 7. Br. Zeisberger attended the funeral of the
maiden, Elizabeth, Adam's daughter, who died day before
yesterday. She was seventeen years old less two months.
Eor two years she had the palsy and could not walk. She
was born in Schonbrunn, May 5, 1779, baptized on the
13th, by Zeisberger, and admitted to the church here June

^Probably the attack of the London mob upon the carriage of
George III., Oct. 29, 1795, and the riots before and after this event.

440 zeisberger's diary.

8, 1794. She was sympathetic in heart, and distinguished
herself beyond others of her age. She was eager to be
saved, and was much pleased when any one visited her
and spoke to her about the Saviour. She was, therefore,
always glad to see sisters with her, and longed to be with
the Saviour, and often said she had no longer any pleasure
in the world. For a week before her death she thought
over every thing wherein she had vexed any one, and
had made it up. When she was near death she said to
her mother : " ItTow I am going to the Saviour, now I leave
thee," thus she departed, after first having received the
blessing of the church.

Thursday, 10. Yesterday and to-day white people came
here, who passed the night.

Sunday, 13. Zeisberger preached about the perfect sac-
rifice of Jesus for the sins of the whole world. We passed
the afternoon in speaking to some brethren.

Monday, 14. The river broke up, which has been frozen
up to date, and only two hours before people crossed it.

Tuesday, 15. Thunder, with rain, and the next night
snow.

Friday, 18. During the whole week was cold weather
with snow, and thus little to be done in sugar-making.

Sunday, 20. Sensemann preached at the entrance into
Passion Week, and Zeisberger held the service' for the
communion brethren, admonishing them to value this
great good and worthily to enjoy it.

Tuesday, 22. Yesterday and to-day the Zeisbergers
spoke with the brethren, and found them prepared for the
holidays, and in expectation of the great good.

Wednesday, 23. The communicants had the washing of
feet, after receiving absolution, and,

Thursday, 24, after the story for the day had first been
read, the communicants had the Lord's supper, to which a
brother, Zachary, and a sister, E-uth, were readmitted, and
Polly was a candidate.

Friday, 25. During the whole day was a reading of the
history, in four parts, of the great martyrdom of our Lord,
which the brethren eagerly listened to, and with touched

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 441

hearts, and this could be read upon their faces, and the
spirit of God was thereby shown, of which we heard and
saw proof among those of whom it was not expected, so
that we were comforted and thankful to the Saviour. At
his death we read the litany, and also at the piercing of his
side. Mr. Dolson came with his son, and attended some
meetings.

Saturday, 26. At noon was a love-feast, when we sang
Jesus' body in the grave with entirely new songs and
verses, which to the brethren were very impressive and
affecting.

Sunday, 27. We early prayed the Easter litany, a part in
the chapel, and then we went to the grave-yard, and thought
of the three adult brethren and the two children who
had died since last Easter, and we prayed for eternal com-
munion with the church above. Then followed the read-
ing of the story of the resurrection, and during the ser-
mon, which Br. Sensemann delivered, he baptized into
Jesus' death, with the name, Rebecca, the little daughter
of Jacob and Christiana, born on the 6th Inst., and then
we dismissed the brethren to their sugar-huts. A person
who was told it would be better for her to go elsewhere,
for she did not get along well in the church, said : " I am
always hearing that the Saviour receives sinners, and I am
one ; therefore I do not give this up, and I will not leave
the church."

Monday, 28. Some brethren went down to the settle-
ment with corn. Here the brethren found, when they went
back to their sugar-huts, that the Chippewas, during the
holidays, had stolen every thing in them, who now roam
about, knowing that the brethren are now all at home,
and they steal whatever they find. The brethren con-
tributed sugar for the love-feasts.

Thursday, 31. White people came up the river, who
spoke with us, likewise yesterday, some on their way to
Niagara, and spoke with Br. Sensemann in the sugar-
camp, where our brethren are all now very busy.

Friday, April 1. Frenchman loaded corn here, and
went with it to Detroit.

442 zbisberger's diary.

Sunday, 3. At the sermon, by Br. Michael, were present
our brethren and Kessler from the neighborhood. He
had a dispute with Bill Henry about a tree for a canoe,
which the latter had cut before the land was surveyed, but
yet it was not upon the man's land, and he had no right
to it, but, to have peace, we advised Bill Henry to give
up the tree, and he was willing. And thus then there is
much trouble with the white people. They come, borrow
canoes from the Indians, promising to pay for them, then
lose them and do not pay for them, for they do with the
Indians what they will, knowing there is no law for In-
dians.

Tuesday, 5. Nearly all the men went down the river
with corn.

Thursday, 7. An Indian, Beata's husband, came and
asked leave to live here.

Friday, 8. The brethren ended sugar-making, which
has this year been profitable, but they have already sold
much of it.

Saturday, 9. Anna Sophia was delivered of a daugh-
ter.

Sunday, 10. During the sermon by Br. Zeisberger he
baptized, with the name, Levi, the little son of Boaz and
Abigail, born on the 5th Inst. Br. Michael went early to
the next township and preached to the people assembled
there, and in the afternoon came back home.

Monday, 11. Br. Sensemann came back from the lower
settlement, where he preached yesterday, and baptized
eleven children. The people live like Indians, hear no
word of God, and have little longing therefor.

Tuesday, 12. Askin's clerk came here from Detroit,
and to our no common joy brought us letters from Beth-
lehem, which came by way of Montreal, of July 10 and 17
of last year. Here there were sixteen canoes with Chip -
pewas, who came down from upstream and encamped here
several days. One night there was outcry among them,
for there were some who wandered around in the bush,
trying to kill one of those encamped here. They were

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 443

k

^^■seen by those in the camp one night and shot at. The
w^m Chippewas warned our Indians not to go out of town at
^^B night, so that they might not come to harm.
^^B Wednesday, 13. Ten canoes went away with corn for
^^■Mr. Askin. The assistants spoke with David, John, and
^^■Beata, together with her unbaptized husband, who wants
'^Hto live here.

^W Thursday, 14. Br. Sensemann, after holding early serv-
ice, set out for Detroit with Askin's clerk, who had a good
transport in the river. We said to some Chippewas, who
are encamped here upon the river-bank, and in the even-
ing begin to drum, that if they wished to have their camp
here, they must give up the like, or, if they could not do
this, they should pitch their camp elsewhere, and so they
gave it up.

Sunday, 17. Br. Edwards preached, and in the after-
noon service Br. Zeisberger baptized into Jesus' death,
with the name, Keturah, the little daughter of John Adams
and Anna Sophia, born on the 9th Inst. Chippewas were
present, both at the service and at the baptism.

Monday, 18. Br. Zeisberger baptized, in the presence
of the assistants, Beata's sick daughter, a half-Chippewa,
with the name. Patience. Many Chippewas were en-
camped here, who are now leaving this river, having sold
the land. At the early service Br. Zeisberger told the
brethren that since during the past winter all sorts of
people had come here, whom we did not like to send away
as long as the winter lasted, but as it was now spring, we
wished to rid our town of people who did not belong to
us and had no disposition to be converted, that now each
one of these would be spoken with, likewise those who
lived in the church, but did not behave in accordance
with our regulations. This was done, and this evening
the assistants made a beginning. This discourse of Br.
Zeisberger had a thoroughly good effect, for strangers and
inhabitants during the whole week came and asked either
for pardon or for reception.

Tuesday, 19. The Chippewas went away to their home

444 zeisberger's diary.

on the next river northwards, Sneycarty.^ Our people
sowed much wheat.

Thursday, 21. As there were many fish, which at this
time of the year come up the river, our people, both chil-
dren and the old, caught a great quantity of them. The
sisters began work on the plantations.

Friday, 22. Br. Sensemaun came back from the Fort,
where the soldiers are evacuating Detroit and going to the
east side of the river.

Saturday, 23. The assistants were almost done speak-
ing, and there was a great awakening among our people.
We thought we should be rid of some with whom we have
had much trouble, but none wished to go away. Not
only strangers who do not belong to us, but also in-
habitants, asked pardon and admission, promising amend-
ment. Satan and the world try in every way to seduce
our people. A couple of savages had led astray a couple
of our young women and married them. We wished to
be rid of them, but as the savages asked for admission, we
made then a trial with them, for if Satan's wicked schemes
have such result that they are brought to naught, and good
arises from them, and more are rescued, we can rejoice,
and this will be his greatest vexation to Satan.

Sunday, 24. Br. Sensemann preached and Zeisberger
held the congregation meeting. Br. Michael Jung preached
to the people in the settlement, whence he came home.
The assistants had still to speak.

Wednesday, 27. A Chippewa captain came here and
made a speech with a string of wampum, stating that they
had arranged to sell all their land in this neighborhood to
the English, etc. In conclusion he begged for corn, which
he got.

Thursday, 28. The Indian brothers came back, having

^ " There is no river Snycarty, but that is the name of one of the
channels forming the northern delta of Lake St. Clair. The true and
original name was, in French, Le Cheval Ecarte, and this was easily
metamorphosed by Englishmen into Snycarty. Snycarty Channel is
the name appearing on some maps. The Lake Survey map gives the
true name." Letter from Hon. James V. Campbell, of Detroit.

FAIKFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 445

delivered the corn at the mouth of the river, and taken a
receipt. We are glad to be done with this matter at last.
We heard that Brant's secret plot against the Delawares
makes a stir. When he saw that it had become known,
he sent to the Six Nations and had them told that they
were accused of having delivered man's flesh [meaning
Delaware man's flesh] to make broth of; they should con-
sider who had spread this evil report, and the matter could
be again set right. The Six Nations made an investiga-
tion among themselves to find out the instigator, and as
they found nothing of the sort among themselves, so it is
settled upon Brant that he is the instigator of it, and as
his conscience is not clear in the matter, he has sent a sol-
emn embassy to the Chippewas, and asked them to take
the matter into consideration and to make it straight.
They have referred him to the Six Nations to find out the
cause of this, but he cannot accept this, knowing well
enough that they hold him responsible.

Friday, 29. Many Monseys from above, on their way
to Detroit, encamped here a couple of days. There were
cold snow-squalls, after we had had a week of fine, dry
spring-like weather.

Sunday, May 1. Michael preached and Sensemann con-
ducted the communion quarter-hour. We passed the
whole afternoon with the assistants, whom we charged
to speak with the brethren and people, for as it is spring
and planting-time, we wish to sweep away at once what
does not belong to us, and what knows not why it is here,
may leave. None, however, are found who wish to go
from the church, but they ask for patience.

Tuesday, 3. A hat-maker from the settlement came
here with hats to sell, almost all of which he disposed of.
The brethren were busy in the fields.

Thursday, May 5. Ascension Day. We prayed to our
dear Lord in the liturgy, and asked for his walking with
us, and his unseen, but not unfelt, nearness, to hold us to
him in faith till we have sight.

Saturday, 7. The brethren planted our fields in the
forenoon. At the Lord's supper, which the communicants

446 zeisberger's diary.

enjoyed under the blessed recognition of our dear Lord,
Polly was a partaker for the first time, and three sisters
were readmitted, Christiana, Anna Elizabeth, and Anna
Pauline, who had been shut out for several years — since
Pettquotting. This awakened much interest among the
brethren.

Sunday, 8. Early was the liturgy, whereupon Br. Ed-
wards preached. Thankful to our dear Saviour, we re-
called to-day that it is four years since we came here.
Who would have thought that in so short a time out of a
wilderness such a pleasant place would be, and that so
much would have been done?

Tuesday, 10. Our Indian brethren were hard at work
planting. An Indian, who had rum with him, and lay
here, did not go away until he had caused us trouble.

Thursday, 12. The assistants were charged to speak
with some, and we sent Nancy away.

Friday, 13. Sophia was delivered of a son, and Satur-
day, 14, Elizabeth of a daughter.

Sunday, 15. Before the sermon, which Br. Sensemann
delivered, the hymn was sung in Indian : Come Holy
Ghost, come Lord, our God, and so we made known God,
the worthy Holy Ghost, as our Teacher, Guide, and Com-
forter upon the way of our salvation, and in conclusion he
baptized into Jesus' death with the name, Arnold, the lit-
tle boy born on the 13th, and with the name, Frederica,
the little girl. Afteward Br. Zeisberger held a service for
the baptized, and sang with them at the end the song of
praise to the Holy Ghost in adoration. Some brethren
celebrated their day of baptism with a love-feast.

Monday, 16. When the brothers were hunting in a body,
unluckily, Peter was shot by a boy through the leg, whom
in the evening they brought home on a litter, suffering
great pain.

Tuesday, 17. The Indian trader, Tuppenitsches, went
away, who has encamped here several days. He had much
rum with him, but gave us no trouble.

Wednesday, 18. We learned by a white man that the

IS

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 447

Americans lie on Reeson River,^ and are awaiting to take
possession of Detroit — not true.

Thursday, 19. A white couple came here to be mar-
ried by Br. Sensemann. Mohawks from Detroit were
here over night.

Sunday, 22. Trinity Sunday. Br. Zeisberger preached
from the Gospel about the new birth, which the Holy Trin-
ity won for us through Christ. Br. Michael preached in
the neighborhood to a fine audience.

Tuesday, 24. Samuel, the assistant, went with a couple
of brothers to Oswege^ to see a woman, who was ac-
quainted with him, and several times, more than a year
ago, had sent word to him, and begged him to take her
away and bring her to the church, not being able to come
alone. She had sent word that she not only very much
wished to be in the church, but that she had already, in
Schechschiquaniink (near Shesequin, Pa.), twice heard
God's word, and had not yet forgotten it, and wished to
hear more.

Wednesday, 25. The hat-maker, Chotes, came here to
sell hats.

Saturday, 28. The brethren were busy in their fields.

Sunday, 29. As it rained hard, and poured all the fore-
noon, there was no sermon, until in the afternoon Michael
held the congregation meeting from the text.

Tuesday, 31. Indians from the Monsey town came here.
They wish to have there a great festival, since all their
fields went under water last year and their corn was
ruined. Therefore, they wish to have a sacrificial feast, so
that such calamity may be turned from them. The ap-
parition of a boy has given occasion for this, who re-
proached them for having omitted to do this, and admon-
ished them soon to make it good.

Wednesday, June 1. White people from the settlement
came here for seed-corn, their own, which they planted,
not having come up.

^ Raisin River, Michigan.
^Oswego, N. Y., probably.

448

Friday, 3. From G-rand River, or Swege, Samuel came
back, after making a useless journey, for the woman whom
he wished to bring hither had already planted. The Six
IsTations had a meeting there to confer about the death of
the Cayuga chief, T'gaaju,^ and choosing another.

Saturday, 4. A man named Francis Glaser came here
from the States, by way of Bethlehem, who brought us
letters of March last, to our joy.

Sunday, 5. Br. Sensemann preached about the great
supper, and then went into the settlement to marry a
couple. Edwards held the congregation meeting.

Monday, 6. A house was put up for Joachim, Sr.
Salome, Joshua's daughter, was sent away.

Tuesday, 7. Sabina took her daughter, Mary, to the
settlement, to have her cured, at a woman's house there.

Friday, 10. The brethren hoed our plantations.

Saturday, 11. A pair of expresses for Niagara passed
the night here. They brought news that Gen. Wayne
was on the march for Detroit, and already at the fork of
the Miami. A captain, with six light cavalry, were the
fore-runners to announce him.

Sunday, 12. In the sermon, which Br. Zeisberger deliv-
ered about the lost sheep, he baptized the little son of
Leonard and Johanetta, born on the 8th Inst., into Jesus'
death, with the name, Cornelius. Thereupon Br. Sense-
mann held the communion service. Br. Michael came
back from the settlement, where he had preached. Here
the assistants had to speak and to admonish.

Monday, 13. In the early service, from the Scripture-
verse, which Br. Zeisberger held, much was said about
the gadding about of the young people and of the old at
night, whence evil arose ; the children should be well
washed and combed when they came to the chapel, and not
appear so bare, and the good effect of this was to be seen
the next few days, when they were all dressed. Sense-
mann went to the settlement. From Detroit Indians came
here, who stayed over night, with whom Salome went.

^Tgaaju is spoken of as a village in De Schweinitz' Life of Zeisberger.

J

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 449

Tuesday, 14. Salome and Sophia, Joshua's daughters,
went to the Mousey town. Sensemann returned from
the settlement.

Thursday, 16, and Friday, 17. We spoke with the
brethren, whom we found hungry and longing for Jesus'
body and blood in the holy sacrament.

Saturday, 18. As Indians yesterday arrived from De-
troit, who had rum with them, the assistants went to them
to take it in charge, but they hid it, and said they had
but little, and this they would not give up. Afterward,
in the night, they caused drunkenness, but yet very quietly.
The communicants strengthened themselves with the body
and blood of the Lord in his supper, which Sensemann
conducted.

Sunday, 19. David read the liturgy. Michael preached.
Zeisberger held the congregation meeting from the text :
Watch ye therefore : for ye know not when the master of
the house cometh.

Tuesday, 21. A white man arrived, whom our Indians
suspected of stealing a canoe here from the plantation,
but it was found that a strange Indian had sold it to him,
who gave out that he belonged here, and the poor man
had to pay for the canoe a second time.

Thursday, 23. Yesterday and to-day many of our breth-
ren went to Detroit, whence we heard that the Indians, es-
pecially the Shawanese, had behaved badly, yes, hostilely,
towards the messengers of the States, and had danced the
war-dance, so that they deemed it prudent to turn back to
the army, and the commandant gave them a guard for
protection.

Friday, 24. After the early service, Br. Sensemann
conducted the funeral of the still-born daughter of John
Henry and Anna Maria. Sensemann, who had been to
the next township, came back, bringing a letter from John
Bininger, who corresponds with us from Kenty Bay, on
Lake Ontario, who is an awakened man, according to his
letter, and seeks the good.

Sunday, 26. Edwards preached here, and in the settle-
ment Michael Jung.
29

450 zeisberger's diary.

Monday, 27. We advised a strange Indian, of whom
we had made trial, without success, to go away. We
made hay.

Wednesday, 29. A tailor, whom we had sent for to
make us needful clothing, came yesterday, took our meas-
ure, and went home again. By Indians from Detroit we
heard that the troops of the States, ^ve hundred men,
were come to the Fort on the Miami, where daily yet
more were coming ; that it is not true that the Indians
are hostile to them.

Saturday, July 2. Our Indians came back from the
Fort, by whom we had bad news about the assistant,
Samuel, who is said to have got drunk, which cut us to
the heart.

Sunday, 3. Br. Sensemann preached and Zeisberger
held the congregation meeting. We spoke with some
brethren, who were lacking in love one for another, and
reconciled them.

Monday, 4. The brethren hilled our corn.

Tuesday, 5. Edwards held early service from the Script-
ure-verse.

Wednesday, 6. In the early service, which Br. Zeis-
berger held from the text: Whosoever shall confess me
before men, etc., he admonished the brethren, when they
came among the savages, not to meddle in their works,
but under all circumstances to conduct themselves as chil-
dren of God, and to show that they are not of the world,
but believe in the Saviour. The brethren gave heed to
this, for we heard afterwards that they talked much to-
gether about it.

Friday, 8. Some of the Monseys, who live above us on
the river here, came back from Detroit, having strong
drink with them, whom we forbade to sell any of it here,
either to strangers or to the inhabitants, for in this matter
we cannot be too cautious. Often when they have made
fine promises, they do not keep them, and cause us vexa-
tion. They are always on the alert to do us harm, and
often they go not away until they have accomplished their

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 451

purpose, and then they go quietly away, well knowing
that they have not done right.

Sunday, 10. Zeisberger preached from the text, Rom.
vi. 19: For as ye have yielded your members servants to
uncleanliness and to iniquity unto iniquity, so now yield
your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. At
this a white man was present. Samuel came back from
Pettquotting with five Indian brothers, where they had
got whetstones, and where now all the houses are burnt
down. They saw only a couple of Indians there.

Monday, 11. A woman in the settlement, who had can-
cer, sent word to our Indians and asked them to take her
for treatment, which one of our Indians undertook to do.
Other white people, who were going up the river and were
too heavily laden, hired a canoe and a man to help them
along, and yet another hired an Indian to accompany
him to Grand River, by whom we sent a letter to Bethle-
hem, by way of Pittsburg.

Wednesday, 13. We heard that the States are expected
every day to enter Detroit. The Indians, Wyandots, Del-
awares, Tawas, Chippewas, are all hunting in the territory
of the States in the Tuscarawas, on Sugar Creek, and
near White Eyes' town. At the last two places many
have planted, and traders go to and fro. Merchants in
Detroit have bad trade, for the Indians all trade with the
States.

Tuesday, 15. By white people from the settlement, who
went through here on their way to Grand River, we
heard that the troops of the States, with beating of drums
and discharge of cannon, made their entry into Detroit a
week ago and took possession of it, which had also been
heard here in the settlement ; ^ also that Gov. Simcoe has
gone to England.

^ A detachment of American troops, consisting of sixty-five men,
under the command of Capt. Moses Porter, took possession of the
evacuated fort at Detroit about the 12th of July. In September, Win-
throp Sargent, Secretary of the North-western Territory, proceeded to
Detroit, and organized the county of Wayne and established the civil
authority in that. quarter. Albach's Annals of the West, p. 734.

452

Saturday, 16. We sowed turnips.

Sunday, 17. Br. Michael preached from the Epistle,
that we are bound not to live according to the will of the
flesh, which brings death, having been redeemed from
slavery by the blood of Jesus Christ and set free, adopted
as children of God and heirs of life eternal.

Monday, 18. Samuel went with his family down to the
lake, whom others followed the succeeding days, some to
get meadow-grass, others to earn somewhat among the
white people.

Tuesday, 19. At the text in the early service, which
Br. Edwards held : What things soever ye desire when ye
pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them,
some of the brethren were impressed that their prayers
were not of the right kind.

Friday, 22. At the text : The foxes have holes, and the
birds of the air have nests ; but the Son of Man hath not
where to lay his head, the frightful pride was mentioned,
which men, and especially the blind heathen, have natu-
rally, so that they oppose their Creator, who for our sake
so humbled himself that he had nothing of his own in the
world, whereby he has left us an example and model for
following him, and he says : Learn of me, for I am meek
and lowly in heart, which is the exact opposite of Satan's
works and ways among the children of unbelief, and this
yet prevails with many brethren, who cannot leave their
sinful state, and without this they are still in danger of
falling.

Sunday, 24. Br. Edwards preached about disobedience
of the Saviour and his word, whereby we often come to
trouble and hardship. Br. Michael, who had preached in
the next township, came back from there.
■ Monday, 25. Several of our people went down to the
lake. Sensemann, for the second time, had strong fever.

Tuesday, 26. From Niagara, people went through here
with cattle, moving to the river, from whom we heard that
we have been disappointed, for we wished to send a packet
of letters to Bethlehem by a man, Schafer, but he has
changed his mind and will not go.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 453

Thursday, 28. Mcholas came back from Swege (Oswego),
bringing news that every thing is peaceful among the In-
dians, that they go to Tioga ^ and Wajomik^ among the
white people, to and fro.

Friday, 29. Strange Indians, on their way down, brought
meat here to sell to our people.

Sunday, 31. Sensemann preached from the Gospel:
Jesus wept over Jerusalem, as he is now sad over men
who will not receive his grace, and who, of their own will,
go to eternal destruction.

Tuesday, Aug. 2. We began to reap. The brethren
came back from the settlement, where the whites have
themselves hard work to live, and they are waiting for the
harvest, for many of our people are out of corn.

Thursday, 4. More came back from the settlement, and it
is not without profit that they have suffered and come home
like timorous pigeons and are ashamed of their wicked
conduct, and thus was it now the case with some. It
makes us sorry that they do themselves harm and cause
the Saviour and us trouble, for the Indians are of this
sort, etc.

Saturday, 6. Frenchmen, on their way up the river on
business, were here over night. We heard that in the settle-
ment one of the cattle had been shot, of which they were
inclined to accuse our Indians, but we knew that to-day
only Adam had gone down, but without having with him
gun or knife. Yesterday he and his wife sold an ox to a
man, which he took away in the night and hid in the
bush, but in the morning said it had run back home, and
in this way wanted to steal away from the Indians and
cheat them, but they searched for it and found it, tied in
the bush.

Sunday, 7. Br. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel
about the Pharisees and tax-gatherers, and said, although
he should not think there was any one among them who
considered himself righteous, for each one would have
nothing good to show, knowing that they had been
heathen, but if they carefully reflected they could find

1 Tioga, in Bradford Co., Pa. "Wajomik, Wyoming.

454 zeisbergek's diary.

that they did think themselves righteous, for example, if
they had done wrong, instead of becoming repentant sin-
ners, they looked about upon others to see if they were
not worse than themselves, and forgot themselves, seeking
to recognize their own righteousness, and the Saviour
came to call sinners, for the righteous need not his help;
in short, the humble and those of contrite heart were in
grace with God.

Monday, 8. A house that stood near the chapel was
moved, in place of which comes the new school-house.

Tuesday, 9. Indians came here, who were going to
Brant with a scalp. Indians from the south had killed a
party of Shawanese. They were followed and one of them
taken, and now Brant shall advise what is to be done,
whether they shall have war with the nation or not.
There is something of concern in this, they do not speak
right out. It is still, as it appears, the Mohawk plot
against the Delaware nation, and this was a Delaware
scalp.

Thursday, 11. We finished reaping. The crop has
thriven and yielded well.

Friday, 12. We spoke with the brethren with refer-
ence to the next communion, and found them longing for
the great good, which to them is beyond every thing in
the world.. With some there was much to be set right.

Saturday, 13. In the near presence of our dear Lord we
had his holy supper in communion with our beloved
church, and he blessed us by the enjoyment of his body and
blood, so that hearts and eyes overflowed from joy and
thankfulness. This time only one stayed away.

Sunday, 14. After the thanksgiving liturgy Br. Sense-
mann preached, at which were present two of our neigh-
bors from the nearest township, one of whom was Francis
Cornwall, from Connecticut government, in whose house
Br. Michael Jung has preached every other week; a man
who loves the good and arouses his neighbors to hear
the preaching of the Grospel. If there is no sermon he
reads something to them. He came here to visit us and
to get acquainted with us.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE. THAMES, 1796. 455

Monday, 15. The assistants spoke with some sisters and
made peace among them, but two would not.

Wednesday, 17. Chippewas brought meat here to sell
for corn and other things. David held early service from
;he text : It is not the will of your father which is in
Leaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Thursday, 18. Sensemann held early service. Some
[ndians went to the mill with grain.

Sunday, 21. Edwards preached here and Zeisberger
leld the congregation meeting. Michael, who came from
the settlement, where he had preached, brought a packet
of the weekly journal of the U. A. C, together with the
Scripture- verses and texts for the present year and a letter
from Br. Gregor,^ to our hearty joy, which Br. Wollin sent
us, of March 28 last year, and from Br. Wollin of Aug. 11.

Tuesday, 23. Our Indians were very busy cutting their
summer wheat and bringing it into their barns, the like of
which has never been seen in any of the places were we
have been, and all are following the example and wish to
raise wheat, but yet do not give up raising corn, without
which they could not well live.

Wednesday, 24. On Sister Anna Sensemann's fiftieth
birthday we laborers had a pleasant love-feast, and our
hearts blessed her.

Friday, 26. We charged the assistants to investigate a
report among our people in regard to gadding about at
night, and to oppose the lies that are told. The savage
Indians tell many lies about our assistants, accusing them
of all kinds of sin. They can lie in the most shameful
way.

Sunday, 28. Michael preached and Sensemann held the
congregation meeting. The assistants spoke with Zac-
chaeus and Susanna. The Mohawks came back from
Brant's town, who went through here on the 9th Inst., with
still more, nine in number. They stayed here over night.
They are earnestly working to kindle war again, saying

^Christian Gregor was a distinguished bishop and hymnologist of
the Moravian Church in Germany, who visited America in 1770, and
died at Herrnhut in 1801.— Letter from Bishop de Schweinitz.

456 zeisberger's diary.

quite openly that there should be a new war with the
States, and they seek to arouse the Canada Indians.

Tuesday, 30. With Indians from Miami Bay came
Abigail, daughter of the late Abraham, to remain. In
Pettquotting she came to us with her unbaptized husband,
and both had leave to live with us, but first they wished
to harvest their fields. However, as her husband had no
disposition for the church, they did not come. Two years
ago he died in battle, and she being now free and having
a call to the church, let her fields go and came here. The
assistants spoke with old Sophia about her corrupt daugh-
ter, who, however, showed herself very obstreperous to the
assistants.

Thursday, Sept. 1. A number of strange Indians, who
had come from Detroit and encamped here a couple of
days, went home.

Friday, 2. The assistants spoke with Abigail, lately
come, to whom they gave leave to live here. At a service
in the evening we discoursed about sicknesses and how
the savages deal with them, it being reported that such a
one was bewitched, and a doctor must come and cure him ;
that the doctors, however, were liars and deceivers, but
that they believed in the Saviour, and should hold all such
things folly, and have no faith in them ; no one could in-
jure them in life and health without the will of our dear
Father in heaven, for the Saviour's words were nothing but
truth when he says : IS'ot one hair shall fall from the head
of any of you without the will of your Father in heaven.
Br. Zeisberger told them that he had no fear of Indian
witchcraft hurting him, and still he was only a man like
themselves ; he granted that if they believed in it, it could
hurt them, but they had only themselves to blame if they
believed in lies, and not in the Saviour ; they should be-
lieve that he alone had death and life in his hands, and they
should not let themselves be again deceived by heathenism.
We have always found it needful to be on our guard that
Indian superstition shall not crop out and be again estab-
lished when we have peace from without.

Sunday, 4. David preached from the Gospel : ^o man

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 457

can serve two masters, etc., and said, there were many who
would indeed like to be saved and live for the Saviour, but
would also like to hold somewhat to heathenism, and this
was trying to serve two masters, and as men usually care
only for their body in the world, but were not concerned
about their soul, the Saviour says: Take no thought for
your life what ye shall eat and drink, nor wherewithal ye
shall be clothed. Since, however, there were others who
were lazy and did not wish to work, this was as bad and
wicked as the other, for idleness was the source of much
evil ; we had examples enough that such could not thrive
in the church as long as they persisted therein. Edwards
held the congregation meeting.

Wednesday, 7. The married brethren had a blessed feast,
to whom the Saviour showed himself very gracious, and this
extended over the wbole flock, and he blessed us from his
fulness. Br. Sensemann held morning prayer, asking for
his presence and blessing. Br. Zeisberger then delivered
the festival discourse from the text : This is a great mys-
tery; but I speak concerning Christ and the church, and
at the love-feast in the afternoon all the inhabitants were
present. In the evening Br. Sensemann conducted a
pleasant singing-hour, and ended with the blessing of the
church.

[So far sent to Bethlehem.]

Thursday, 8. Samuel went to Detroit with Stephen on
business, but first the assistants spoke with Abel.

Sunday, 11. Michael delivered the sermon, at which
Cornwell was present with a couple of his neighbors and
their wives, and as he was going to 'New York State we
put in his charge a packet of letters to be forwarded to
Bethlehem by way of New York.

Tuesday, 13. The Indians went hunting and brought
home meat.

"Wednesday, 14. Work was begun upon the school-house,
which will stand near the chapel, where a site has been va-
cated and the ground made ready.

Thursday, 15. Polly was delivered of a son.

Saturday, 17. Samuel and Stephen came from Detroit

458

and brought window-glass and nails for the school-house,
which is already blocked out as far as the roof. There are
said to be there 1500 Indians of all nations, who draw
their rations every day, and our Indians drew them, too,
which has never happened before. Boaz brought a sick
Chippewa home.

Sunday, 18. Sensemann preached here and Michael in
the settlement. Zeisberger conducted the communion
quarter-hour, giving notice of it for Saturday.

Wednesday, 21. Sensemann, who held early service,
baptized with the name, Paul, the son of Samuel and Polly,
born on the 15th.

Thursday, 22. We had with the assistants to make in-
vestigation among the brethren about heathenish doctor-
ing, about which we had to use earnestness and severity,
for if that gets footing here, murder and deadly fights
will arise.

Friday, 23. Both yesterday and to-day the Zeisbergers
and Sensemanns spoke with the brethren about the com-
munion.

Saturday, 24. At the Lord's supper, which we enjoyed
under his blessed recognition, Zacchaeus was again a par-
taker, after having been excluded for a long time.

Sunday, 25. Br. Edwards preached. Zeisberger read
the liturgy and held the congregation meeting. We had
to take measures with the assistants about building the
school-house ; to stop work on it for a time, there being so
much other work at hand.

Tuesday, 27. Yesterday and to-day most of the sisters
went to Detroit to sell baskets in exchange for apples.

Thursday, 29. Chippewas and Monseys, some of whom
go hunting, others to Detroit, encamped here several days.
In the early service Br. Edwards mentioned the dear an-
gels who are constantly near us. We sowed our winter
grain.

Friday, 30. We ended the month with praise and
thanks to the Lord, who is God over all and our Redeemer,
that he has happily led us through this summer, and has
outwardly protected us from sickness, though we hear

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 459

II

^■that in the settlement, among the white people, very many-
are down with it.
I Sunday, Oct. 2. Zeisberger preached about the forgive-

ness of sins, so necessary for all men, for we are all sin-
ners, and where there is forgiveness of sins there are also
life and salvation. Michael preached in the next town-
ship, and Br. Sensemann in the afternoon, with the sisters,
visited a couple of our nearest neighbors, where they were
welcome.

Monday, 3. We harvested our potatoes and pumpkins.

Wednesday, 5. The Indians began to be industrious in
harvesting their fields. This is a year quite apart by itself,
so long as we have been here. It was a late spring, a cool
summer, and early autumn. There were early frosts,
which have kept on, but since we made good use of plant-
ing-time, the corn ripened in good season. With game,
too, it has been unusual. Raccoons, squirrels, bears,
wolves, and wild turkeys came in great number, and did-
great harm to the fields, here indeed not so much, for the
Indians scared them away, but among the white people
they ruined whole fields. Besides all sorts of vermin came
from the south, tried to get over the river, and were
drowned, whole heaps of which could be seen.

Saturday, 8. Both yesterday and to-day our brethren
came back from the settlement, bringing canoes full of
apples, which they paid for with baskets.

In the early service Br. Edwards discoursed about dis-
obedience and opposition to God, the Holy Ghost, what sad
results it would have, if he should turn from us, for man
would become the prey of Satan and the slave of sin more
than ever before, which made a deep impression upon Br.
Nicholas. He came and laid bare his heart, saying this was
just the case with him, for he had not given obedience to
God's Spirit, and thus was come to great wretchedness,
and knew not how to get help. He was directed to the
Saviour, who never repels a sinner, to get courage and to
trust in him, where alone he could find help and comfort.
It is a comfort to us when we see that they have ears to
hear.

460 zbisbeb.(5er's diary.

Sunday, 9. Michael preached, and Sensemann held the
congregation meeting, on whose 52d birthday we had a
pleasant love-feast at home.

Monday, 10. The brethren went out hunting, to get
meat for our corn-harvest.

Tuesday, 11. They came home with three bears and
two deer.

Wednesday, 12. Br. Sensemann started early for De-
troit. Bill Henry spoke with us about his son, who was
sent away for bad conduct, and as he said it grieved him,
and we told him that so it often was, not with us alone,
but that it happened also in the church,^ and parents had
to send away their children. He replied that this was not
so dangerous as here with us, for they were yet under law,
if they were not in the church, but here they were sent
out to heathenism, where they met not only their spiritual
but their bodily death, for among the Indians nobody was"
sure of his life ; that thus they were always in danger of
being lost. In this we had to approve what he said, and
for this reason we often endure with people, especially
with our children, as long as we can, seeing that they
would be given over to Satan as his prize.

Saturday, 15. This week the brethren harvested our corn.

Sunday, 16. Br. Edwards preached. The weather be-
ing rainy, there were no further services.

Tuesday, 18. Michael went to mill with wheat. The
brethren were very busy harvesting their corn.

Wednesday, 19. Again many strangers came here,
which has not happened for some time.

Saturday, 22. The chief men from the Mousey town
came here, and went down to the lake to McKee, who is
now there, since the States have occupied Detroit, to ask
for his advice and help, for the Chippewas wish to have
them away from here, and are always telling them it is not
their land, they should go to their own land. Just so they
did with us when we lived on Huron Eiver, but this they
cannot now do with us, for we do not live on their land.

i. e., as distinguished from a mission station.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 461

Br. SensemanQ came back from Detroit, where, among
other things, he spoke with Gen. Wayne, who invited him
to dinner, and, besides other matters, inquired about our
mission and its progess, and he had a very friendly conver-
sation with him. When Gen. Wayne marched in with his
troops, the English commandant went away with the gar-
rison by water, and, when Wayne got to the city, the En-
glish commandant discharged his cannon from the ship,
and was saluted in return, in like manner, from guns
great and small, whereupon the new owners moved in,
with music, undisturbed. In the settlement the inhabit-
ants wanted to choose Br. Sensemann to the Assembly,
but he declined.

Sunday, 23. Br. Sensemann preached, and Zeisberger
held the congregation meeting. Michael preached in the
settlement, where he took occasion to speak directly and
plainly to his hearers, from his heart, whereby he was
right well. -

Monday, 24. Br. Edwards held early service from the
text : Obey them that have the rule over you. Some
Frenchmen went through here by water, who looked at
our meeting-house and had it shown them. We began to
get in our turnips.

Wednesday, 26. The surveyor came and stayed over
night, on his way up the river to survey land. He knew
about Bethlehem and the places round about it.

Saturday, 29. The brethren were busy the whole week
harvesting their corn. Our dear heavenly Father has
again blessed us by giving us a good harvest. In the
summer the storm had prostrated the corn completely, and
it looked as if it would yield little, but, contrary to our ex-
pectation, that which was down turned out as well as that
which stood, and became perfectly ripe. The squirrels
also have not done so much damage here as in the settle-
ment, where they have laid waste whole fields.

Sunday, 30. Michael preached, and David held the con-
gregation meeting, both treating of the Apostle Paul, who
could know nothing higher or greater than the cross of
Christ.

462 zeisberger's diary.

Monday, 31. Br. Sensemann went down to the settle-
ment, whence,

Tuesday, !N"ov. 1, he came back. The brethren brought
in our corn yesterday and to-day. It was already very
cold. The early service treated of communion with the
church above.

Thursday, 3. An express from [N'iagara went through
to Detroit, bringing news that an attack upon Canada was
expected from the French, who were in the St. Lawrence
River, with seven or nine ships, and had captured New-
foundland.

Sunday, 6. Zeisberger preached about the communion
with God we have through Christ, God having given us his
dearly beloved Son, who gained us every good. Sensemann
conducted the communion quarter-hour, and then we had
to speak with the assistants, to whom we gave work to do.

Monday, 7. Edwards held early service. Sensemann
went to the mill. We sent a couple of the assistants to
Chippewas, who were in camp on our plantation, to ad-
monish them not to have a dance here. This they prom-
ised, and they soon wished to go awaiy. A canoe over-
turned, laden with corn, but as it was bound with cord it
swam on the water, when they put it right again, and
nothing was lost.

Wednesday, 9. Many Chippewas came and encamped
for several days on the shore.

Thursday, 10. Sensemann came from the settlement
and brought news that Parke had died in N'ew York, who
used to trade with our Indians, and that in Canada there
was excitement among the French, so that they had to be
put down by force of arms, that Quebec was blockaded by
the French, and no ships could go out or in.

Friday, 11. Both yesterday and to-day there was speaking
with reference to the Lord's supper. At the early service,
which Sensemann held, an Indian from the Monsey town,
totally blind, was present. We observe that usually during
communion week unpleasantness and discord arise among
the brethren, to keep them from the communion. Satan
envies them this and will keep them from it, ai^d therefore

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 463

we have to be watchful for this, that he attain not his end,
for if they stay away they are thereby not only made no
better, but things are much worse with them.

Saturday, 12. Zeisberger, who held early service, gave
notice of to-morrow, l^ov. 13th, and invited those who
had gone astray to turn again to their Shepherd to seek
grace and forgiveness from him. The communicants en-
joyed the Lord's supper. Mr. Askin's clerk came here
from Detroit with goods for our Indians, and went back
again the next day.

Sunday, 13. At morning prayer Br. Zeisberger begged
for the presence and recognition of our High Priest and
Elder of his churches, to let his friendly face shine over
us, and to acknowledge us as his people and property, to
forgive and bless us. This he graciously heard, giving us
to feel in our hearts the assurance and experience thereof,
and he filled the hearts of the church with comfort, joy,
and thankfulness, so that we did him homage anew, and
considered ourselves most happy and blessed to be under
his rule. Br. Sensemann then preached, treating of the
same matter, and in the service for the baptized the widow,
Abigail, lately come to the church, was absolved by the
laying on of bands, and again received, and so we ended
this blessed day with praise and thanks.

Wednesday, 16. Chippewas and Monseys came back
from Detroit, where they got many gifts from the English
agent, when a captain among them said to our Indians
that if their teachers went there they would also get gifts
for them as they themselves did, for McKee is reported to
have said to them that if the ministers desired it, it would
be so, but we did not think indeed of acting upon this,
but we were thoughtful ; ^ of this, however, they have no
knowledge, but they wish to set our Indians against us,
who better knew why they got no gifts.

Friday, 18. As Br. Michael Jung was spoken to yester-
day and asked to conduct the funeral of a dead Baptist,
he went there and preached to a goodly number of hearers.

^ This line is in part conjectured.

464

Sunday, 20. Zeisberger preached about the coming of
our Lord as Judge of the world. Br. Michael Jung
preached in the settlement, where, at the same time he ar-
ranged about many matters with his hearers. A couple
of white people were here over night from the new upper
settlement, who said they had it in mind to build a church
next year, in the hope that, now and then at least, they
would be served by us with the preaching of the
Gospel; whereupon we replied that we indeed were of
service to our neighbors here, but were not here to preach
to whites, but to Indians, and that they were too far away
from us.

Tuesday, 22. The first snow fell. Hitherto we have
had fine weather all the time.

Thursday, 24. Snowy weather still holds, and many of
our Indians have not yet harvested all their crops, and
now that all is frozen fast, this cannot be done, but this
trouble comes not to us alone, but yet much more to the
white settlers on the river.

Friday, 25. At a suitable time we let some of our peo-
ple know that we were not ignorant that they were the
cause and had given occasion that our brother. Bill Henry ,^
two years ago, was ill treated by warriors, since they
spread among the savages false reports that he had killed
one of their Indians in war, which we censured at the
time, for they thought we either did not know of it or had
forgotten it, and this caused a ferment.

Saturday, 26. White people were here over, night, one
a ranger, who talked much about his exploits.

Sunday, 27. First Advent. Br. Michael preached
about our Saviour's coming into the flesh, and Br. Zeis-
berger held the congregation meeting about the same mat-
ter, and sang it with the church in pleasing verses. The
office of chapel-servant was given to Charles Henry and
his wife, Anna Charity, which they humbly received, and
which pleased the brethren, awakening praise and thanks
that the Saviour makes use of their young people, when

1 See before, Vol. I., p. 419, and Vol. II., p. 358.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 465

some of the old, by their unexeraplary conduct, have for-
feited their privileges.

Tuesday, 29. The river froze above and below us, and
we have continued cold weather. We must have the old
and the weak provided with fire-wood by the bretliren.

Thursday, Dec. 1. French traders came, who had been
frozen in with their boat. They hired here Indians and
horses to carry their goods by land farther up, where they
winter.

Friday, 2. Esther was delivered of a son, who came
two months too soon. He was at once in the night bap-
tized with the name, John.

Saturday, 3. There comes much meat to town, for
the hunters are lucky this year, shooting many deer and
bears.

Sunday, 4. Br. Edwards preached and Zeisberger held
the congregation meeting.

Monday, 5. A Chippewa chief was here with his peo-
ple over night, who said the English were uneasy about
the French, and were therefore very kind to the Indians,
and made them presents, as they had never done before ;
also the Cherokees and Spaniards had war with the States,
and here things were not quite in order.

Tuesday, 6. In the evening service were married Chris-
tian Henry and Anna Susanna, David's daughter, both
single.

Wednesday, 7. The surveyor came by land, with his
people, back from the bush, having been frozen in.

Sunday, 11. Br. Sensemann preached and Zeisberger
held the congregation meeting. Br. Michael Jung preached
in the settlement, where he took measures with the peo-
ple, it being now winter time and often very hard to get
there, to postpone the preaching, for the neighbors also,
on account of bad weather, cannot always come together,
but this they did not like and begged him to continue,
wanted to buy him a horse, so that he should not have to
go afoot, but he declined this and proposed to hire one
30

466

when he had to go down, and this they approved and
wished.

Tuesday, 13. Boaz talked with a Chippewa, and asked
him how it was that he had no disposition at all to receive
God's word ; if they were hungry and wanted any thing
they did not hesitate to ask their grandfather for food,
guns for shooting, powder and lead, and many other
things heside, and if we could, we were always glad to
help them; they had also often deceived their grand-
father and stolen from him ; if, however, we spoke to
them about God, who gives us not only bodily support,
but life everlasting, and whose will it is that none should
perish, of him they will hear nothing; indeed now they
believed not what we told them, but they would some
time see it and be sorry that they had not believed and
accepted our word. The Indian replied that he would
like to live with us and to hear us, but nothing came of
it, for no one wished to be the lirst; they feared their
chiefs, who, as we observe, are opposed, as is usual with
the Indians.

Wednesday, 14. The brethren contributed corn for a
couple of old widows, Bathsheba and David's, who cannot
help themselves in any thing, and we must now also pro-
vide clothing for them.

Friday, 16. Deep snow fell and winter weather began.
White people were here over night; Mr. Shelton, who
could write a book about his good and his bad deeds in
this war, both among Indians and whites.

Sunday, 18. Zeisberger preached about the joy of thej
children of God in our Lord and Saviour, of which the
world knows nothing, for it sees and knows him not. Old
Sophia came and complained of her unhappy condition
for a year, being in confusion, whereby she was still self-
righteous, not justified, nor could she be a repentant sin-
ner. Last night she was aroused by a thunder-storm and
brought to self-knowledge, for as this is somewhat un-
usual at this time of year, it occurred to her and she
thought : " Perhaps the Saviour is coming. How will it
look with me? I do not stand well with him ; I am lost."

(

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 467

Br. Zeisberger said to lier : " Thou hast been in the church
many years, hast enjoyed much good, but thou lackest
one thing, and that the chief. Thou hast not learned how
to become a repentant sinner, but if thou hast done any
thing wrong, thou seest not the fault in thyself, but else-
where. How then wilt thou stand with the Saviour?
Thou hast almost daily heard that he came into the world
to save sinners, and not the upright, for they have no need
of it. Learn to understand that, and when thou findest
the right way, with all thy misery and transgression, thou
wilt be happy." She recognized this, confessed it, and
said : " Yes, thus it is with me, but now I acknowledge
myself guilty,, and I have nothing to show except my great
wretchedness, and I comfort myself with his grace, and
would liked to be saved by grace."

Monday, 19. Three merchants from the States [I^ew
York] came here by way of l^iagara, on their way to De-
troit, who offered to buy all our corn here for cash or
goods. An Indian woman in the upper town, who has
often visited here, and at her request had permission to
live here, but had been kept from it by her daughter,
of her we heard, when she was already dead, that in
her last illness she had begged her friends, of whom there
were many, for eleven days, that they should bring her to
us, where she would be glad to be cleansed of her sins
with Jesus' blood, in order to go from time in peace, but
they gave no heed. To her daughter sljp said : "And thou
art the cause that I now die here, for I did not like to
leave thee." When she had long asked in vain, she said
they should yet do this for her and send some one down
to us and let us know. But this was not done, either, and
thus she died. We have many such examples with the
Monseys, that if any one will come to us, and they learn
it, they try by every art to keep him from it, make a
feast and invite him thereto, to bring him to other
thoughts, so that he shall forget, whereby they reach their
purpose only too often.

Tuesday, 20. The brethren got wood for us.

Thursday, 22, and Friday, 23. There was speaking with

468

reference to the communion, to which the Saviour gave
his blessing. John, born on the 2d Inst., died. A Chip-
pewa chief came here, expressing a wish to attend our
Christmas services, which was allowed him, who was glad
to see and hear, having heard something about it from his
people.

Saturday, 24. We had a blessed Christmas Eve, when the
Infant Jesus, our Saviour, who became man, showed himself
quite near to us, and let himself be felt among us, so that the
brethren were much touched with grace and joy at his
birth. We brought him our humble praise and thank-
offerings with the shepherds, that he had made known to
us the great wonder, and we adored him in the manger.
Moreover it was a pleasure to us to have a Chippewa chief
present with some of his people, adoring likewise the In-
fant Jesus. 0, may he reveal himself to these brethren,
still ignorant and blind, as their Redeemer and Saviour!
At the end, after a short explanation, wax-candles were
given to the children. Then the communicants had the
Lord's supper, receiving his body and blood as a seal of
his incarnation and birth so serviceable to us. Two sisters,
Sophia and Anna Maria, who had been excluded longer
than a year, were readmitted, after receiving absolution,
which among the brethren awakened joy, praise, and
thankfulness.

Sunday, 25. Br. Edwards preached here and Michael in
the settlement, wh^re he had many hearers. In the after-
noon was the burial of little John, born and baptized on
the 2d of the month, who died day before yesterday.
Some brethren celebrated their day of baptism with a
love-feast, rejoicing together and thanking the Saviour
for their election.

Tuesday, 27. The Indian, Metewonpi, Joseph's brother,
a Mohican, who already since we have been here has
wished to come to us, but had always been hindered by
his friends, from whom at last he made himself free, came
and again asked to live here. The assistants spoke with
him, and received him. Joseph who lived in Bethlehem

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1796. 469

in the brothers' house [his Indian name was Snow-shoe]
was his father.

Thursdays, 29. Chippewas and Monseys came here.
Among our people we observed the working of the Holy
Ghost, since some of them had long lived in discord and
with offense to one another, and others had gone astray
in other ways ; some of whom began to be repentant sinners,
and to seek the blame within themselves, at the same time
also longing for peace and quiet in their hearts. We re-
gard the church as a hospital. They are always doing
unrighteousness, making themselves unhappy and discon-
tented by their blindness and folly. The Saviour, on the
other hand, out of his great mercy, always makes them
well again, heals, comforts, and forgives them, and sets
things aright with them. 0, what a g'ood Saviour ! When
his hour comes, for which we wait, in a short time he puts
away every stain, so that we are astonished thereover and
adore, and glorify him therefor.

Saturday, 31. We assembled towards midnight, at the
end of the year, and began with a love-feast. We brought
him our filial and proper thanks for all the kindnesses
shown us this year in body and soul, for the blessing of
our dear Father in heaven, which he has abundantly pro-
vided for us, and whom we have felt every where in divers
ways. We asked forgiveness of our manifold sins and
transgressions, whereby we found still farther reason to
praise him and glorify him for his boundless goodness,
fidelity, and mercy ; we were richly aware of his comfort
and grace, and ended with the blessing of the church.

In this year baptized, 10 children, 5 boys and 5 girls.
Admitted to the church, 1. Married, one couple. Died,
one adult and one child. In Fairfield live 169 Indian
souls.

470

CHAPTER XVII.

1797.
Fairfield, on the Thames, Ontario.

Sunday, Jan. 1. In the forenoon Br. Michael preached
and Zeisberger held the service for the baptized, admon-
ishing the brethren to leave behind them all that was un-
Jesus-like and unblessed, and to renew their wish to live for
the Saviour ; to let abide with us this year the peace of God,
shown to us in to-day's text, in every heart, individually,
and as a whole. We gave ourselves anew to be altogether
his property, and we commended ourselves to him for the
days and hours to come, farther to bless us according to
his great love and mercy, and to look upon us as the peo-
ple of his possession.

Monday, 2. Chippewas and Delawares, who were here
visiting, went home. The Monseys above us here, al-
though they have no disposition to be converted, yet can
not keep away from us. ]^ow and then they have to
come to see us, and then they always hear the word of
life, and when they are dying, something which they have
heard among us occurs to them, and they long to come to
us, when usually they can no longer attain thereto.

Wednesday, 4. There was severe cold weather. We
had to help the widows and the old to see that the brethren
got their fire-wood, so that they might not freeze, for this
is an especially cold winter.

Friday, 6. The dear Lord, the heathen's Saviour, made
a day of blessing. He showed himself gracious and
mighty to us, and let his friendly face shine over us. Br.
Michael conducted morning prayer, asking for us, and for
all churches among the heathen, his near and blessed
presence for the day. In the next service we had, after

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 471

two years, a baptism, the first in our new chapel, where
the Saviour blessed us in an especial way. The Mohican,
Metewonpi, was baptized with the name, Jephtha, which
caused a marked awakening of grace among the brethren.
In the afternoon was a love-feast. The story of the three
wise men was read to them. More than twenty brethren
celebrated their day of baptism in the evening with a love-
feast. Many strangers also were present at the services.
Br. Sensemann was ill.

Saturday, 7. Both at Christmas and to-day the ther-
mometer was at ten below zero. Every thing in the house
froze, even near the fire.

Sunday, 8. Br. Sensemann preached about imitation of
Jesus, who has left us a model for every occasion as it pre-
sents itself, and Zeisberger conducted the children's hour,
whom he reminded of the boy Jesus, and said they should
make it their chief concern to learn obedience, as he was
obedient even unto death upon the cross, which was their
greatest need.

Monday, 9. The severe cold continued, and to-day the
mercury was at 12° below zero, lower than since we have
been here. A ship from Magara that was frozen in, and
had sprung aleak, had to be unloaded on sledges. Two
men who were coming ashore on the ice, were frost-bit-
ten before they arrived.

Tuesday, 10. The brothers got timber in on the snow
for Widow Amelia's house.

Thursday, 12. At the early service Br. Zeisberger re-
minded the church, especially the brethren, if work is to
be done in common, to stand together, and not to hold
aloof without reason ; the young should always be fore-
most, and not let the old men work while they look on,
still less keep away altogether.

Friday, 13. The brethren got timber together over the
snow for a bridge over a deep ravine and brook at the east
end of the town, whereover it is almost impossible to get,
especially in winter, on account of ice and the steep banks,
where the water from severe showers, has already done
much damage. The assistant, Samuel, went down to Lake

472 zeisberger's diary.

Erie, whence his brother had sent him word to come to
get him and his family in the spring, who for several years
already had been wishing to come to us. This nation, the
!N"anticoke, has moved farther south, and has already so
melted away that the number of families can be counted on
the fingers of one hand, which before this war, when they
lived on the Susquehanna, was still quite strong.
. Saturday, 14. In the forenoon died the lad, John
Renatus, eight years, four months, and ten days old.

Sunday, 15. Br. Sensemann preached and baptized with
the name, Samuel, the little son of Michael and Peggy,
born on the 8th Inst. In the afternoon Zeisberger at-
tended the funeral of little John Renatus, eight years,
four months, and ten days old. In the autumn he fell
from a tree and suffered from some trouble in the chest,
which evidently hastened his death. He was a boy of
good hope, and loved the Saviour, and liked to go to
meeting.

Wednesday, 18. A number of white people came here
in sledges, on their journey to Niagara, in bad, snowy
weather, the snow being already knee-deep, among them
one named Allen, on his way to the States, to whom we
gave a letter for Bethlehem.

Friday, 20. A man came from the settlement in a
sleigh to get Michael Jung to attend the funeral of a
woman, who died from cancer, who made it her last re-
quest, and begged we might conduct her funeral. Where-
fore Michael,

Saturday, 21, went thither.

Sunday, 22. Zeisberger preached from the text : Lord,
if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean, and Sensemann
held the congregation meeting. An Indian, half Mohawk
and half Mohican, came and asked for leave to live here,
who two years ago went through here with warriors and
attended our meetings. Br. Zeisberger talked with him,
and learned that his parents, who died in Schohari (Scho-
harie Co., IsT. Y.), had been baptized, as he was himself
when a child, and named Moses, like his father. He said
he was weary of moving about among the savages. Michael

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 473

jame from the settlement, where he conducted a funeral
resterdaj and had preached to-day, after which some of
the neighbors brought a law case for Br. Michael to decide,
>ut he declined, and yet urged them to bring their matters
ight among themselves, and if they could not do this, to
^take them before a justice.

Monday, 23. The brethren got wood for us.

Tuesday, 24. Chippewas came here begging, for whom
we got together some corn, namely, the brethren.

Wednesday, 25. The Indian, Moses, who for several
years has wandered in error, came here and asked to be
readmitted, to be in the church, manifesting repentance
and sorrow for having left the church, and thereby falling
into the greatest wretchedness, so that his friends among
the savages had driven him away.

Friday, 27. Samuel came back from Lake Erie, where
he had been much hindered by deep snow, for he tried to
come home the nearest way through the bush, but had to
turn about, the snow being above his waist, as was told
him beforehand, that also the snow was deeper every where
than here with us. He had to betake himself to the river
to the ice, yet he got through, though it was a long, round-
about way. He found his brother just beginning to re-
cover from a severe illness, who in the autumn, on his way
to us in the first place, was frozen in, with his family, and
then became sick, and therefore he had sent word to Sam-
uel to aid him in getting here this spring. On this ac-
count Samuel made the journey, to speak with him him-
self, and to learn by word of mouth what his wishes were.
He found him also resolved to come to the church, only he
needs help when the lake opens.

Sunday, 29. Edwards preached. Zeisberger held the
communion quarter-hour, and told the brethren how God
had blessed us in Christ, his Son, with manifold spiritual
and heavenly goods, that he had especially blessed us in
the enjoyment of his body and blood in the holy sacra-
ment, that we might remain with him and not forget his
death. The assistants had to speak with some brethren
about disorders in the church.

b

474

Monday, 30, aad Tuesday, 31. The brethren got timber
for the bridge.

"Wednesday, Feb. 1. Rainy weather came on, and the
snow for the most part went off. Frenchmen on business
were here.

Thursday, 2, and Friday, 3. There was speaking with
reference to the Lord's supper. We found the brethren
awaiting and longing for Jesus' body and blood, which we,

Saturday, 4, blessedly enjoyed, and at which the sick
Mary, Adam's daughter, was a candidate, a grown girl,
who has the consumption.

Sunday, 5. Zeisberger read early the communion lit-
urgy. Sensemann preached about the weeds in the field,
and Zeisberger held the congregation meeting. Michael
Jung had preached in the settlement.

Monday, 6. In the early service Br. Zeisberger baptized
Beata's daughter, born yesterday, with the name, Deborah,
and wished the parents of the child better thriving in the
church. From Detroit the Chief Judge ^ came through
here on his way to Niagara, staying here a couple of
hours.

Tuesday, 7. We ordered a Chippewa, who has been
here for some time, and began to carry on heathenish
things here, for which, near town, he made an enclosure,
where he conjured spirits, to cease doing such things
here.

Wednesday, 8. Since now the weather was mild and
warm, the brethren began to make preparations for sugar-
boiling in their places, and some was made this week, and
never since we have been here has any been made so early.

Saturday, 11. After early service was the betrothal of
Jephtha and Beata.

Sunday, 12. Michael preached, and in the evening Br.
Zeisberger married Jephtha and Beata, daughter of the
departed Johanna.

Tuesday, 14. Gentle-people went through here from
Niagara for Detroit, who spoke with us. We learned that

^ Perhaps this was Judge Osgood.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 475

Gen. Wayne ^ had passed from time at Presque Isle. These
had a misfortune, a Mohawk Indian was shot.

Wednesday, 15. Br. Sensemann went down to the set-
tlement, returning on the 17th. On Sister Susanna's
birthday we had a pleasant love-feast at home.

Sunday, 19. Zeisberger preached, whereupon we dis-
missed the brethren to their sugar-camp, the weather being
fine and the trees running strong.

Tuesday, 21. A mill-builder was here from the upper
settlement, who told us he had discovered, at Niagara, a
fire-spring, on the river from the rocks ; that if a pipe was
placed there you could cook by it, though no fire was to
be seen, except that then the flames came out of the pipe ;
that many people flocked thither to see the wonder.^

Thursday, 23. After having had such fine weather that
we could think it was spring, and after the brethren had
already made much sugar, winter weather again came on
and snow, the old snow having melted here with us,
though not elsewhere.

Friday, 24. There were many Chippewas in town and
in the sugar-camp, for they are always hungry, and have
nothing to eat, except what they find in the bush, and
only go about begging among our people, and if they can
steal any thing they lose not the chance.

Sunday, 26. Br. Sensemann preached the sermon at
the entrance to passion-time, at which were present our
nearest neighbors, men and women, and baptized into
Jesus' death the little son of John Thomas and Cathrine,
born on the 23d, three days ago, with the name, N^athaniel.
By a Chippewa, who came back from Philadelphia, we

^ He was on his way from Detroit to Philadelphia, when he died on
the lake of gout in the stomach, and was buried at Presque Isle.
Afterwards his remains were transferred by his son to Radnor,
Delaware Co., Pa.

2 This burning-spring is half a mile north of Lundy's Lane, and
within a few feet of the rapids. The water is charged with sulphur-
reted-hydrogen gas. This is collected, as it arises, in a receptacle, and
discharged through a tube, and can be lighted as it flows out of the
tube.

476 zeisberger's diary.

learned that the Cherokees, Choctaws, Tuckashaws,
Moskos/ of each nation ten men ; moreover, Shawanese,
Chippewas, and others had been there, when they had
negotiated with Congress and had been well received, and
that there was peace with and among all nations. At the
same time we heard, not only from him, but also from De-
troit, that England is at war with Spain,^ and that the
States join with the former to help her.

Tuesday, 28. We sent away the Chippewa's wife, who
had left her husband.

Friday, March 3. The grown girl, Mary, died, who has
been sick with consumption longer than a year. She was
born Sept. 20, 1781, when the Indian church was carried
away to Sandusky, where she was baptized Oct. 12. She was
taken into the church Jan. 6 of last year, and was present
as candidate at the last communion, when her end was not
thought to be so near. Something out of the common
course was always observed in her. She loved the Saviour,
and the brothers, her teachers, and was not shy in their
presence, especially since a year ago, when her sister, like-
wise a grown girl, died in peace [before her], when already
tokens of consumption were obser^jed in her. As long as
she could she went constantly to the chapel and visited us.
She was especially attached to Sister Susanna (Mrs. Zeis-
berger), and when she became too weak to go out, she
often sent for the Zeisbergers, who then talked with her
and sang her verses. When she was asked whether she
was going to die, she answered : " The sooner the better, if
the Saviour comes soon and takes me." She said she had
no longer pleasure in the world, nothing now opposed her
going to the Saviour. When she had looked on at the last
communion she came the next day and said how well it
had been with her, but yet, she said, she would have liked
to enjoy with us the Saviour's flesh and blood. After this
her strength rapidly failed, so that she had to lie in bed

iSee before, p. 128.

2 In August a treaty of alliance was entered into between France and
Spain, and in October following Spain declared war against England,

ON THE THAMES, 1797. 477

altogether, and to the sisters with her she spoke only of
her departure, to whom she once said she could not (recall)
some verses Br. Zeisberger had sung, and she was sorry for
this, that she could not sing them when she came to the
Saviour, and when the sisters replied that she could at
once sing there, and sing better than here, she was con-
tent. Then she lay, in firm expectation of her release,
which followed on the day mentioned, and she died
happy, with the blessing of the church, after passing here
below fifteen years five months and eleven days.

Sunday, 5. Br. Edwards preached, and Br. Sensemann
in the afternoon attended the funeral of the grown girl,
Mary, who died day before yesterday.

Tuesday, 7. There was a severe thunder-storm in the
night, which lasted a long time, whereupon,

Wednesday, 8, cold weather followed. It blew hard
from the north-west, unroofing houses, and the brethren in
their sugar-huts had, many of them, to flee home, for the
wind struck down the trees, and they were in danger.
Such a strong wind is usual every spring, and especially
about this time.

Friday, 10. By Mr. Abiah Parke,^ who came overland
from Niagara, we had the great joy of receiving a packet
of letters from Bethlehem, together with much news from
there by word of mouth, by which we were quite re-
freshed. All the Indians were glad to see him again, as
if a brother from Bethlehem were come, for they saw how
honorably and uprightly he dealt with them.

Sunday, 12. Zeisberger preached and Sensemann held
the communion quarter-hour. We had pleasure in read-
ing the Bethlehem Diary. The assistants spoke with a
couple [Israel's] whom we received on probation, which
was yet a great comfort to them, for twice already they
had been refused, but they again persisted and gave us no
peace.

Thursday, 16. The Zeisbergers spoke with the breth-

1 This is probably the Parke so often mentioned already, anci whose
death was reported.

L

478 zeisberger's diary.

renwith reference to tlie communion, and to our joy found
them in a blessed condition, in intercourse with the Sa-
viour. The river broke up from the thaw and rain, and
rose very high.

Friday, 17. On account of the high water many pine-
timber saw-blocks came down the river, many of which
our Indians secured.

Saturday, 18. We had the holy communion, with the
blessed nearness and recognition of our Lord. Rafts were
here.

Sunday, 19. Zeisberger read the liturgy, Sensemann
preached, and Edwards held the congregation meeting.
Michael preached in the settlement and baptized a child.

Wednesday, 22. To-day and through the whole week
the brethren have been in the sugar-huts very busy, for the
weather has been fine and spring-like, and much sugar
has been made.

Sunday, 26. Michael preached, whereupon, in view of
yesterday, the 25th (Annunciation), when the brethren
were not at home, Br. Zeisberger held a service, having
read to them the story, reminding the brethren that God
from eternity, the Maker of all things and Lord of lords,
had put on our poor flesh and blood, had redeemed us
through the sacrifice of himself, and reconciled us (with
God), for we should all have been lost had he not had
compassion upon us; for this we gave him thanks and
honor.

Wednesday, 29. White people, who were going up the
river in a boat, hired a couple of Indians here to help
them on. Here Sister Sensemann was taken suddenly
very ill, becoming very dizzy, but after she was bled she
became somewhat better.

Friday, 31. After the high river had fallen, the snow
having melted, hard rains came on, and it rose again.

Sunday, April 2. Br. Edwards preached, and in the
afternoon we read the church litany with the baptized and
admitted brethren, whereby a blessed feeling of grace pre-
vailed, and many tears were shed. Afterwards the assist-
ants had to hold an investigation about an ox, belonging

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 479

to Adam, which had eaten itself dead with corn, hut they
helieved it had been killed.

Monday, 3. Sugar-making being now ended, the In-
dians began to be busy in the fields, getting them ready
for planting. Many sowed summer wheat, others made
canoes.

Wednesday, 5. Chippewas who have been encamped on
the outskirts of the town, and commonly are a long time
in camp there, do little good, for there are always young
people who get into trouble with them, and they kill our
cattle too.

Friday, 7. Mr. Parke arrived to arrange matters with
some of our people, his debtors.

Stinday, 9. Br. Sensemann preached, thereupon Zeis-
berger read the litany and held the service for the com-
munion brethren, telling them how the services would be
held during the week.

Tuesday, 11. Yesterday and to-day there was speaking
with the brethren, who were rejoicing beforehand, and
hoping in these days an especial blessing from the Saviour.
We, the communicants, had on Wednesday, the 12th, the
washing of feet in his near presence, and,

Thursday, 13, the holy communion, after first the
wonderful history of our Saviour's anguish of soul and
sufi*e rings on the Mount of Olives, and of his being taken
captive, had been read with intermingled choral songs for
the whole church, and listened to with eager and melted
hearts. Two sisters, who had been a long time excluded,
were again partakers.

Friday, 14. The history of the martyrdom of our Lord
was read in four parts through the day, and listened to
with the greatest attention, no one omitting a service, and
it could be seen that the Holy Ghost did not neglect to
make clear to our hearts the sufferings and passion of
Jesus, and we fed upon his woes and wounds, all of which
he endured for us. At Jesus' death we read a liturgy
upon our knees, and at the opening of his side we sang,
Lamb of God, thy precious blood, — Healing wounds and

480

bitter death, of the blessed feeling then prevailing, the
tears upon the cheeks of the brethren, bore witness.

Saturday, 15. We kept the Quiet Sabbath, and in the
afternoon we had a love-feast, singing and considering the
body of Jesus in the grave, who hallowed also our place of
rest, so that now we can rest in peace. During these days
many rafts of pine-lumber went by, which came down from
far above, from the Pinery.

Sunday, 16. We read the Easter litany early, partly in
the chapel, and then we went to the grave-yard, and
asked for everlasting communion with the two children
and one grown girl who have gone from us since last
Easter, in the church which is near him. After listening
to the story of the resurrection, Br. Edwards preached,
and in the afternoon service Br. Zeisberger baptized, into
Jesus' death, with the name, Gabriel, a little boy, born
day before yesterday. Ten brethren, among them Bill
Henry, celebrated their day of baptism with a love-feast.

Monday, 17. By Mr. Askin's clerk we received, to our no
common joy, a letter from Br. Ettwein, dated in ^ew York,
April 27th of last year, and now we received it with the
greater thankfulness from having given it up for lost. By
this we heard a somewhat more exact but affecting ac-
count of the distress and danger which had overtaken the
brethren in ITeuwied,^ with whom we had heartfelt sym-
pathy.

[Thus far sent to Bethlehem.]

Wednesday, 19. Mr. Askin's clerk, who was here sev-
eral days, took in corn, which he received in trade from
our Indians. Our daily services we put off till evening,
beginning to-day, and there was a number of whites pres-
ent, who were here over night. Samuel went to the
Watch Tower to get his brother.

Friday, 21. Many of our Indians went down to Askin's
transport with corn, and some to Detroit, but this we like
not, on account of drinking, for they seldom escape it, but
we could not help ourselves.

^On the Rhine, when bombarded by the French, in 1795.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 481

Saturday, 22. The traders, Askin's clerk and Parke,
went away, and there was stillness in town.

Sunday, 23. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel about
Thomas, especially about the words : Blessed are they that
have not seen and yet have believed, and showed what
faith in the Saviour can do, whom indeed we see not, but
with whom we have blessed days and hours of intercourse.

Monday, 24. On Edwards' birthday we had a pleasant
love-feast.

Tuesday, 25. Anna Helen came back from the Mousey
town, who, under the 12th of last month, was mentioned
as a repentant sinner, who got her cattle and things. Her
uncle took away from her most of her property when she
came here, saying to her : " ITow thy teachers are thy god
and thy father." During his life he would be no Gen-
dowa.^

Thursday, 27. White people were here, two families of
whom are settling above our line. Henrietta bore a
daughter.

Friday 28. Instead of the evening service we made a
beginning of the holidays by singing a liturgy, and began
with the song : Christ, my Redeemer, Lord and God.

Saturday, 29. Br. Sensemann went to the settlement to
a sick man who had sent for him. As the fish are now
coming up the river in schools, the children and those
older were busy catching a great quantity, so that through
the week the whole town eat nothing but fish.

Sunday, 30. In the sermon, which Br. Sensemann
preached about the good Shepherd, he baptized, with the
name, Sarah, the little daughter of I^icodemus and Hen-
rietta, born on the 27th. Michael preached in the settle-
ment, and baptized a child.

Monday, May 1. We and the brethren began work on
the plantations, to get them ready.

Wednesday, 3. Eafts came down. We bought some
pine boards.

See under July 4, 1790, Vol. II, p. 113.
31

482 zeisberger's diary.

Friday, 5. Samuel came back from the mouth of De-
troit River, whom his brother again deceived, for he made
a journey to him in the winter, and arranged with him to
bring him away in the spring, and now when Samuel got
there, he was not ready, for he had to get from the Miami
and bury the bones of some who were dead, according to
the custom of the Nanticokes. Meanwhile he wanted to
give Samuel some of his things as a token that he would
yet come after the feast for the dead was over, but he
would not take them, having no faith in him. At the
same time our people came back from Detroit, many
of whom had been drunk and had sinned, most of all
Jephtha, who was lately baptized, which was a real heart's
woe to us. In the evening twenty-four canoes with
Chippewas came down stream. They encamped here, and
begged for food and tobacco, which we gave them, and a
couple of chapel-servants collected corn from house to
house. .

From McKee, to whom Sensemann wrote, Samuel
brought some clothing for our old, helpless Indians, with
his promise to do more in the autumn, for at present he
was short of goods. In the evening we sang : One view.
Lord Jesus, of thy passion — Will make the fainting spirit
glad.

Sunday, 7. Michael preached, Zeisberger read the
church litany, and Sensemann held the congregation
meeting.

Monday, 8. White traders came here, who bought corn
and sugar. Edwards held the evening service.

Tuesday, 9. We sent Jephtha to get his wife, who on
account of false reports had gone away. Thus one deceit-
ful piece after another is played.

Thursday, 11. All were busy in the fields. Severe frosts
at night have thus far continued, but now there is pleas-
ant, springlike weather, therefore we have put off plant-
ing till now.

Saturday, 13. The brethren planted our fields. White
people from the States went through, bound for Ni-
agara.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 483

Sunday, 14. Sensemann preached. In the afternoon
Zeisberger read the church litany and held the congrega-
tion meeting.

Monday, 15. The brethren were busy planting. Nich-
olas and Joachim, who in the autumn went to Pettquot-
ting hunting, and of whom since we had learned nothing—
of them we heard a rumor that they had perished.
They were then to be gone only four weeks, and we were
therefore anxious about them.

Tuesday, 16. Sensemann went down to the mill.
White people went by here, and some came here. Hardly
a day passes that some or more do not come here.

Friday, 19. Br. Sensemann, who came from the settle-
ment, had there baptized several children. In the even-
ing we sang : Behold the Saviour of mankind — Failed to
the shameful tree.

Sunday, 21. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel :
Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will
give it you. Strangers, white men, were present. Then
he held a communion service. Jephtha, who had gone
for his wife, came back without her, neither meeting her
nor being able to hear any thing of her. We heard that
new rumors of war are abroad. Spanish Indians have
already come as far as the Miami, and have murdered
several, both Indians and whites, and thus make every
thing insecure. Sensemann held the congregation meet-
ing. He baptized to-day a child of white parents, who
brought it here.

Tuesday, 23. In the evening Br. Edwards discoursed
from the text about the happiness of being in God's
church, where our Saviour, the good Shepherd of his
sheep, whom he knows and who follow him, daily feeds
them on his wounds.

Thursday, 25. Ascension Day of our dear Lord, we
brought to our High Priest, who for us ascended into
heaven, and now sits at- the right hand of God and
makes intercession for us, adoration, honor, and thanks,
kneeling, and asked for ourselves his unseen but percepti-
ble nearness and his walking among us.

484 zeisberger's diary.

Saturday, 27. After we had spoken with the brethren,
when indeed we could rejoice over most of them, but yet
found reason to be sad about some, the communicants en-
joyed Jesus' body and blood in the holy sacrament, from
which none stayed away, and one sister, Jacobina, was re-
admitted.

Sunday, 28. Zeisberger read the liturgy, just as yes-
terday he conducted the communion, and Br. Sensemann
preached. In the afternoon the former held the chil-
dren's hour, with whom he sang at the end the song: Thou,
gracious Saviour, for my good — "Wast pleased a child
to be. Edwards held the congregation meeting, and
Michael had preached in the settlement.

Monday, 29. Inasmuch as the frosts lasted so long this
year, and the corn which was already planted rotting in
the ground, did not come up, all had to be planted over
again, for it is an extraordinarily late spring.

Wednesday, 31. Mr. Parke came here on business with
our Indians, and also other whites, who got seed-corn
here, whom we helped with all sorts of things.

Friday, June 2. In a common council much was said
about order in the church, and the brethren were admon-
ished to hold to this.

Sunday, 4. Br. Sensemann preached about the work-
ings of the Holy Spirit in bringing men to their Saviour
and Redeemer and making them partakers of his mer-
its. Afterwards, in the service for the baptized, which
Zeisberger held, we brought to God, the Holy Spirit, our
Guide and Comforter, honor, adoration, and thanks upon
our knees for his faithful pains in leading us to our Sa-
viour, who for us gave himself up to death, and by his
dear blood has won for us eternal life and salvation ; who
has held us in communion with him, and always directs
us to our crucified Redeemer. We begged absolution and
communion with him, and vowed to him new fidelity and
obedience, having first sung the .song of praise to the Holy
Ghost.
, Tuesday, 6. By way of Pittsburg we had letters from

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 485

Bethlehem and Litiz, to our no common joy, which J. H.^
and those brothers had brought with them, who had come
to survey the land for the mission on the Muskingum,
from which we saw that they would be glad to have one
of us with them, but this could not be in our circumstances,
and also from the shortness of the time.

Thursday, 8. With Indians who are going to Detroit,
Br. Sensemann went on business.

Friday, 9. We sang : Behold the Saviour of mankind.

Sunday, 11. Br. Edwards preached and Zeisberger read
the litany and held the congregation meeting. Michael
had preached in the settlement.

Tuesday, 13. At the evening service one thing and
another were mentioned, for instance, about making fences,
etc.

Wednesday, 14. Mr. Parke came here and some Indians,
back from Detroit.

Thursday, 15. The trouble begins again which we are al-
ways having with the white people, that if they lose cattle,
or these are killed or torn to pieces by wolves, they always
accuse our Indians of it. We heard to-day that the peo-
ple in the lower township unite and wish to hand in a peti-
tion about this, though they know well enough, and it is
as plain as day, that they themselves kill, steal, and slaugh-
ter the cattle of one another, and that sometimes the Chip-
pewas do it, and this is then put to the account of our In-
dians. If they could drive us away from here, so as to
take possession of our land, they would do so gladly. Are
our Indians the only ones here ? Are there not others ?
Why then do they not concern themselves about others ?
Must they then blame only the innocent? There is also
trouble when we dwell among the savages. We have had
sufficient experience of both, but this last is easier to be
borne than the false accusation of so-called Christians.
In the world ye shall have tribulation.

1 " In the year 1797 Mr. H[ecke welder] travelled in company with
William Henry, Esq., and others from Bethlehem to Gnaden-hutten,
on the Muskingum, for the purpose of surveying some land."— Life of
Heckewelder, p. 140.

486 zeisberger's diary.

Friday, 16. There was so strong a wind from the
north-west, with thunder, lightning, and rain, that few
houses remained uninjured, and in the fields also much
damage was done, and great devastation caused. We had
no services.

Saturday, 17. Br. Sensemann came back from Detroit,
who brought us a packet of the news of the U. A. C, to-
gether with the Scripture- verses for this year from Br.
Wollin,^ sent to us, which Mr. Askin had received open,
and would therefore send it by no man until some of us
went thither, and he could deliver it to us in person. Br.
Sensemann knew nothing about the storm until he was
within three miles of here, and found the road blocked
with trees, so that he could hardly get through on foot,
and this as far as our town.

Sunday, 18. Br. Sensemann preached. David read the
litany and held the congregation meeting. A Quaker
came to see us and the Indians during worship, who was
from the States, and he was much pleased.

Monday, 19. We all had work in the fields in clearing
up what the storm had scattered about, which had carried
a good piece through the air trees, fences, and roofs, some
rare instances of which could be seen. The matter of
greatest anxiety with all is that we see no prospect of hav-
ing corn this year, but this we leave to our dear heavenly
Father and to his care.

Tuesday, 20, and Wednesday, 21. The brothers went
out hunting to get meat to use while hoeing our corn, but
they got only one deer.

Thursday, 22. They hoed our fields in common. Hungry
Chippewas were here, whom we fed.

Friday, 23. In the evening service we sang : 0 head so
full of bruises, — So full of pain and scorn, for the first time
in Indian.

Saturday, 24. In the evening service, which Br. Sense-
mann held, he gave both parents and children instruction
and admonition, telling the children to what they are

^ Agent of the church in London.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 487

called, to grow and thrive in the church for the honor of
the Saviour; to the parents, how to bring up their children
for him, which would sometime be required of them.

Sunday, 25. Zeisberger preached here, and Michael in
the settlement. Edwards held the congregation meeting.

Tuesday, 27. Early in the morning died Jacobina,
Simon's wife, Luke's daughter, who had been sick with
consumption longer than a year. Her remains were,

Wednesday, 28, buried. She was baptized on the Mus-
kingum, Feb. 4, '76, then a grown girl, and came to the
enjoyment of the holy communion March 11, 1786. As to
what can be said of her walk at this time, we had indeed
always hoped to have more satisfaction in her than in any
of her brothers and sisters, for her sister, Pauline, who was
half-eaten by the wolf, had yet the good fortune, in the year
'90, in March, in Pettquotting, to go from time in peace.
Two of her brothers wander about in the wilderness, and
the one who is still in the church is good for nothing, be-
ing but a rotten log. Trouble also remained not away
from her when she came to years, and though she had no
thought for the world, nor pleasure in it, yet she wasted
her time and that of others in the church, and suffered
herself to be blinded by Satan. In the year '86 she mar-
ried a savage, came with him to the church, and for a time
it was well with her. In her youth she was a quiet child,
but when she came to years she changed all that with
wicked haste, for then she began every manner of mischief
among the §isters, and caused discontent. Hereby she al-
ways intended to be in the right, thinking the others
wrong; she sought to find the blame with others ; she for-
got herself. She lost the enjoyment of the communion,
yes, it went so far that it could be thought that through
vexation and contempt she got the consumption, for she
was always of strong constitution, and by her strength could
endure any thing, and this disease has been seen in her up-
wards of a year. At last she had to take to her bed, and
could no longer do any thing. Under these circumstances
she once was visited by Sister Zeisberger, who conversed
with her and exhorted her to give up all her opposition to

1

488 ZEISBEB/aER's DIAEY.

certain sisters, to turn to the Saviour as a repentant sin-
ner, surrendering all to him, to seek rest for her heart, and
peace with God for her soul, for she knew not how long
she would yet be here below. She came then of her own
accord, and talked with us about her heart, and showed
that she would be glad to be rid of all which had hitherto
made her discontented and unhappy, acknowledged her
guilt, and longed for a heart reconciled with God. Now
she forgot others, seeking and finding the fault within
herself. At the communion, on the 27th of last month,
after receiving absolution, she was again a partaker
thereof with the church, when indeed it was not thought
that this would be the last. Since then she has been
lively and cheerful, but always showed how gladly she
would go the Saviour. She conversed upon her sick-bed,
for soon afterward she neared the end, a couple of days
with the Saviour. For example : " Dear Saviour, so much
time have I wasted that I had a hard, unhappy life. I
have been afraid of thee, and could not pray to thee.
I got out of the way of my teachers. I was afraid of them,
and could not visit them and talk with them from my
heart. Yet why was I so ? Thou wilt know it, show it
me, for I cannot understand it, but thou knowest it better."
When now she had so talked with the Saviour, it came
upon her like a flood, and she began to talk about her life
since her baptism, speaking straight out all her deeds
without concealment, but hereby she often repeated :
" Dear Saviour, thou knowest all, but forgive ijie, for thou
hast poured out thy blood for all my sins." She asked
forgiveness from the sisters who visited her and watched
with her. She asked her husband to pardon all her of-
fences, saying to him : " I have often treated thee not as I
should have done. Forgive me, and bear it not against
me." Both he and the sisters assured her that they had
gladly from their hearts forgiven her, and begged her not
to tire herself by much speaking, but to rest. However,
she did not sufler herself to be disturbed till she was done,
whereupon she lay still, lost her power of speech, but was
yet conscious, though she could no longer talk, and when

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 489

verses were sung to her, she very well showed that she
understood. Thus she remained till the day mentioned,
when she died in peace, with the blessing of the church.

Wednesday, 28. Br. Sensemann mowed his meadow.

Thursday, 29. Two whites were present at the evening
service, which Br. Edwards held.

Friday, 30. In the evening hour we sang : One view,
Lord Jesus, of thy passion.

Saturday, July 1. The Sensemanns got in their hay.
In the evening and night a hard rain.

Sunday, 2. Michael preached from the Gospel ahout
the lost sheep. Zeisberger held the communion service,
notice of which he gave for Saturday. From the settle-
ment came a number of men and women, with a child to
be baptized, which Br. Sensemann baptized.

Monday, 3. David's meadow was mown.

Tuesday, 4. Anna Helen came, bringing her " bason,"
a fetish of Guinea negroes, which her mother, now dead,
had bought for her at a high price, and about which she
could not be at rest, and the Indians know not what to do
to be rid of it, for they are fearful of some harm if they
destroy it. Br. Zeisberger threw it into the fire before her
eyes, telling her it was nothing but the delusion and de-
ceit of Satan; to keep such a thing might do her harm,
but no good, for in the church she could not thrive
with it.

Wednesday, 5. The Zeisbergers got in their hay.

Friday, 7. Both yesterday and to-day there was speak-
ing to the brethren with reference to the communion.
White people came through with cattle from the States,
from Wajomik (Wyoming, Pa.) We sent away Salome
and Beata, who were here with Chippewas.

Saturday, 3. We had the holy communion, whereby
our dear Lord graciously made himself known to us,
and blessed us in the happy enjoyment of his body and
blood.

Sunday, 9. Zeisberger read the liturgy. Sensenaann
preached. A white man was present, with whom Samuel

490 zeisberger's diary.

went to the Monsey town. Zeisberger held the congrega-
tion meeting.

Monday, 10. The brethren hilled our corn. The as-
sistants spoke with Zacchaeus and his wife, Susanna, who
lived in discord, and wished to separate, but they accom-
plished nothing with them, for the first said he was not
going to be lost for an Indian's sake. This sort of thing
often happens with Indians, so that at times patience will
fail us to listen.

Wednesday, 12. Mr. Parke arrived, who hired some
of our Indians to build a house for him on his lot.

Friday, 14. Some new houses were blocked out here
this week.

Sunday, 16. Zeisberger preached, and discoursed earn-
estly and plainly against disorderly conduct and scandal
in the church, and admonished the brethren who intended
to be honorable and upright with the Saviour to set
themselves against these with earnestness, so that head
might be made against evil in the church. He then read
the litany, and Br. Sensemann held the congregation
meeting.

Wednesday, 19. By occasion of the text : Ye are the
light of the world, Br. Zeisberger discoursed earnestly
against bad conduct; that in place of this the brethren
should be a light and example to others ; otherwise they
gave themselves vexation and scandal, and to the Saviour
were weakness and dishonor.

Friday, 21. In the evening we sang : O world ! behold
upon the tree — Thy life is hanging now for thee.

Sunday, 23. Sensemann preached. Zeisberger read the
litany. Michael preached in the settlement, and brought
a letter from Br. Meder from Philadelphia to Br. Sense-
mann.

Tuesday, 25. The brethren set to work at the bridge
at the east end of the town, where the water during se-
vere rains has already torn away much of the steep bank.
In this Br. Sensemann directed them, but he had,

Friday, 28, the ill-luck, by a misstep, to fall from the
bridge, so that for a time he lay senseless, but soon came

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 491

to himself and could walk home, when he was let blood.
His chest, however, which was most affected, was inwardly
hurt, and he suffered great pain. In the evening service
we sang: One view, Lord Jesus, of thy passion.

Sunday, 30. A couple of our nearest neighbors were
present at the sermon, preached by Br. Edwards, about
the bread of life, which is the Saviour himself, who came
down from heaven into the world, giving the world life
eternal. Br. Zeisberger conducted the children's hour,
admonishing them not to forget nor to cease praising the
Lord, singing to him in their homes songs of praise and
thanksgiving for his great love, which he shows us by
having become man and being born a child, for us and for
all the world, and he has brought about our everlasting
redemption. Anna Maria, John Henry's wife, was deliv-
ered of a daughter.

Tuesday, Aug. 1. The brothers finished the bridge, a
needful and useful piece of work, of which, also, the in-
habitants of the land will have the use, for the road to
Niagara goes through here. Four years ago, the Governor
and his suite, on account of ice in the winter, got over
with much trouble. At the evening service Br. Zeisberger
baptized, with the name, Anna Eosina, John Henry's little
daughter, born day before yesterday.

Friday, 4. Many strange Indians were here on their
way down to the settlement, being out of food. Some of
them attended our meetings. We heard that Brant's
scheme against the Delawares is not yet put aside, and
that he is always plotting with the Chippewas about this.
It is thought there will yet result a war among the Indians
themselves. The Chippewas have war with the north-
western Indians. They brought into Mackinaw a hundred
prisoners, a part of whom they sold to the whites, and
eighty scalps. This is a nation with which they have
waged war for many years.

Sunday, 6. Zeisberger preached and held the com-
munion quarter-hour, Sensemann, the congregation meet-
ing again for the first time, since he is so far recovered.

492 zeisberger's diary.

Michael had preached in the settlement, and baptized a
child.

Monday, 7. Some of our people went to Detroit with
corn.

Thursday, 10. Early before day, died the child
Cornelius, fourteen months old, who was buried the next
day. In his sickness he often pointed and extended his
hands towards heaven, and with his fingers showed on his
hands the marks of the nails on the Saviour's hands.

Saturday, 12. Br. Sensemann baptized, with the name
Tobea, Anna Justina's sick child, two years, 'Q.ve months
old. The mother is Anna Maria's daughter.

Sunday 13. Br. Sensemann preached. Somewhat was
told the brethren about the beginning of the present
church of the brothers,^ how through the blessed enjoy-
ment of Jesus' body and blood in the holy communion, it
had been baptized to a body and spirit, and the love of
God had been poured upon them by the Holy Ghost; that
since that time the blessing had not remained with the
church alone, but had spread over Christian and heathen,
had also extended to us, so that now by grace we are called
thereto, and we are chosen to be the people of his posses-
sion; now the Saviour requires of us, and has given us
this commandment to love one another, to let unity of the
spirit and love prevail among us, which would destroy in
the church all the wickedly planned schemes of Satan,
and not to let any thing arise which could be injurious to
us, yes, we would in intercourse with the Saviour, who was
crucified for us, always meet with new blessings. We
asked this for ourselves at the communion especially and
gracious absolution for all our faults and shortcomings,
whereupon he blessed us in the enjoyment of his body and
blood in the holy communion unspeakably.

Moreover to-day came the Indians, ISTicholas, Joachim,
and Joseph, from the territory of the States and Pittsburgh,
where they had been absent nearly a year.

Monday, 14. Early Br. Sensemann read the liturgy,

See Vol. 1, p. 199.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 493

^ho received a letter by the Indians mentioned, from
:ampe, in Pittsburg, of April 3. We learned that the

[ingoes had robbed and murdered traders from the
)tates.

Wednesday, 16. Several of our Indians went to Detroit
with corn, where now there is much demand for it at a dol-
lar the bushel.

Thursday, 17. At the beginning of this week we had a
light frost, whereon followed thunder-storms and rain-
pours.

Sunday, 20. Edwards preached, Zeisberger read the
litany, and Br. Senseraann held the congregation meet-
ing. The assistants were charged to speak with Mcholas
and his wife, Martha. Michael had preached in the neigh-
borhood, and baptized a child.

Monday, 21. Several of our brethren went with corn
to the settlement to sell.

Thursday, 24. On Sister Sensemann's birthday, we had
a pleasant love-feast at home, her fifty-first, and wished
her much blessing from the bloody fulness of Jesus.
Chippewas who came here, attended the services.

Sunday, 27. Michael preached, Zeisberger read the
litany and held the congregration meeting. Our people
came back from Detroit.

Tuesday, 29. With our unmarried brothers on their
anniversary we had a home love-feast, and our hearts
blessed them for their brotherly covenant. We wished
them much blessing and grace for their course through
time.

Thursday, 31. Mr. Parke arrived, to set his afiFairs
right, and the next day went home.

Saturday, Sept. 2. Mr. Parke drove cattle down from
here, which he had bought. The Indians repaired the
bridge, for the water from the heavy rain had damaged it.

Sunday, 3. Zeisberger preached ; Edwards held the con-
gregation meeting, Michael in the settlement. Susanna
was very ill, and Br. Sensemann not well.

Monday, 4. Br. Sensemann baptized a couple of chil-

y

494 zeisberger's diary.

dren of a family from the settlement, who passed the
night here.

Tuesday, 5. By way of ITew York and Niagara, we had
a packet of letters and papers from Bethlehem of February
last, to our no common joy.

' Thursday, 7. We had a blessed marriage festival, and
though we were aroused to speak earnestly and plainly
with the brethren, yet it was a blessing, and the Saviour
made himself known. We showed them how it happened
that discontent and discord arose among married people,
namely, that they did not abide with the Saviour as the
Vine; thence it came about that the old, heathenish, sin-
ful customs, which they had since renounced, and from
which the Saviour had set them free, again crept in among
them, for they then still committed the fault of seeking
the guilt, not in themselves, but in others, having in mat-
rimony an unhallowed life. They were therefore admon-
ished to draw near the Saviour with their troubles and
helplessness, to hold faithfully to him, to get strength and
power from Jesus' merits, and thus nothing would be im-
possible for them. At morning prayer Br. Sensemann
asked for our dear Lord's near presence and blessing for
the day. Zeisberger then conducted the service for the
married, and afterwards the love-feast for all, and in the
evening Br. Sensemann made an end with a pleasant hour
of song. We laborers strengthened ourselves from the
body and blood of Jesus in the holy sacrament, and bound
us to new fidelity and faith in our calling.

[Thus far sent to Bethlehem.]

Sunday, 10. Br. Sensemann preached about the fore-
most and greatest commandment, for keeping which a new
heart is required. Zeisberger read the litany and Edwards
held the congregation meeting. We read the journal.

Monday, 11. We had a hard, troublesome day. Strange
Indians, who came from Detroit, got our people to drink-
ing, though we took every care to prevent it.

Tuesday, 12. The brothers made peace between Boaz
and his wife. The strange Indians moved off, after having
done us harm.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 495

Friday, 15. We got in our aftermath. In the evening
we sang the passion-song: One view, Lord Jesus, of thy
passion.

Sunday, 17. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel about
the ten lepers, saying to the brethren that it occurs among
us only too often that people, to whom the Saviour has
shown grace and mercy, forgiving their sins, and cleans-
ing them with his blood, become sooner or later not only
unthankful, cold, and indifferent to the Saviour, but also
give themselves again to be slaves of sin, slightly estimating
the grace they have received, whereby they fall into the
greatest wretchedness. The Saviour therefore says : He
that abideth in me and I in him, . . . for without me
ye can do nothing. Sensemann conducted the children's
hour, and Michael held the congregation meeting.

Tuesday, 19. From the Chippewas, not far from here,
we heard that they fear the Mohawks, believing them to
have evil intentions towards them, and they say, that they,
the Mohawks, swarm about their town at night.

Wednesday, 20. Parke's people came here to get corn.
White people also from Wajomik, who went through here
with cattle lately, passed the night here on their way back.

Friday, 22. We sang : Christ, my Redeemer, Lord and
God.

Sunday, 24. Sensemann preached. Zeisberger held the
communion service and congregation meeting. Mr. Parke
came here, and at once set out for Albany. We sent by
him a packet to Bethlehem. Michael preached in the set-
tlement and baptized a child.

Wednesday, 27. A surveyor came here and stayed three
days, when he went up the river to survey land.

Friday, 29. In the evening service the dear angels were
mentioned whom God sends for the service of those who
are heirs of righteousness, wherefore we do not worship
them indeed, but we owe thanks to the Saviour for their
service. We sang to him, therefore, songs of praise and
thanksgiving.

Saturday, 30. Our dear Lord blessed us by the enjoy-
ment of his body and blood in the holy communion in the

496 zeisberger's diary.

most blessed way. Some brethren had to remain away, to
our pain and sorrow.

Sunday, Oct. 1. In the thanksgiving liturgy Br. Zeis-
berger told the brethren that.it was mournful and sad to
us that in this meeting the benches upon the brothers'
side were so empty, brethren having lost the enjoyment of
the Lord's supper, whereby commonly they became not
better, but cold and dry in heart, and this had sad results.
Michael preached from the Gospel about the youth in
Nain, and Zeisberger held the congregation meeting from
the text: The Son of man is come to seek and to save
that which was lost.

Tuesday, 3. Samuel and Stephen went down to Lake
Erie to Mr. Elliot, who in the spring had promised to
give some clothing, etc., to our old people, to get the
same.

Thursday, 5. The brothers went to work again upon
the new school-house, and set the rafters to-day, and
were very eager at it and industrious.

Saturday, 7. From the Miami we learned through
Abel, who came from there, where he had visited his
friends, that the chief, Tedpachxit,^ had the wish that the
brothers would come to them and preach Christ's Gospel,
which was pleasant news for us, which for a long time we
should have been glad to hear, and we thought about soon
sending a deputation to him.

Sunday, 8. Sensemann preached, Zeisberger read the
liturgy and held the congregation meeting. Michael
preached in the settlement.

Monday, 9. On Br. Sensemaun's birthday we had a
pleasant love-feast for encouragement to be faithful and
industrious in the work of the Lord.

Tuesday, 10. The Indian .brothers worked at the
school-house and got it under roof this week, for which
they had to make lathes, rafters, and clapboards.

^A Delaware chief. His wish was gratified in 1801, when two Mo-
ravian missionaries settled on White River, Ind.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 497

Thursday, 12. From the Watch-Towor came Samuel
and Stephen, bringing some goods and clothing from Col.
McKee for our old and needy Indians, and some powder
and lead for our hunters, which were divided among them.

Friday, 13. We sang: One view. Lord Jesus, of thy
passion.

Saturday, 14. By one of our neighbors, who journeyed
to Pittsburg, Br. Sensemann wrote to Meder in Philadel-
phia.

Sunday, 15. Zeisberger preached about the greatest
commandment : Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God, with
all thy heart. We read the journal of the U. A. C, and
Michael held the congregation meeting.

Monday, 16. Having had news from the Miami as if
the Indians there were longing to hear the word of God,
we sent thither Bill Henry, with a couple of young men,
for a visit to get more exact information about this. They
set out thither to-day by water with our blessing.

Wednesday, 18. The Indian brothers went out for a
couple of days' hunt in common to get meat for the har-
vest, whereupon,

Friday, 20, they began to harvest our fields, but during
the following days were hindered by rain. Strange In-
dians from up the river came here, some of whom at-
tended the meetings.

Sunday, 22. Sensemann preached, Zeisberger read the
litany, and in the evening held the congregation meeting
from the text : My Father which gave them me is greater
than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my
Father's hand. Michael had preached in the settlement.

Monday, 23. The brethren were busy harvesting their
corn, and so kept on through the week, but much of it,
which was planted late, has not ripened, but has been
frost-bitten. Moreover, blackbirds were there in flocks,
and caused much damage.

Wednesday, 25. Our people sowed wheat, some of
them hiring white people to plough their lands, others, had
got ploughs for themselves.
32

498 zeisberger's diary.

Thursday, 26. The surveyor came down from up
stream, having laid out some townships on this river forty
or fifty miles from here, and thus this river will be thickly
settled. Nicodemus with his family came back from visit-
ing his friends at Grosse Isle (in Deti'oit River).

Sunday, 29. Edwards preached. Zeisberger read the
litany and Sensemann held the congregation meeting.
We read the weekly journal of the U. A. Conf.

Tuesday 31. Esther, Lewis' wife, was delivered of a
daughter, and,

Wednesday, l^ov. 1, Anna Susanna likewise of a
daughter.

Friday, 3. Anna Sophia brought a son into the world.
A great number of the sisters went for chestnuts, and
brought many bushels of them home.

Saturday, 4. Sensemann went to the lower settlement
on this river. A boy, John Adam's brother, came to Br.
Zeisberger, and asked for the baptism of his brother's
boy, born yesterday, the father himself not being at
home. There was rain both yesterday and to-day and no
meeting.

Sunday, 5. In the sermon Br. Zeisberger baptized into
Jesus' death the three children born this week, with the
names, Antoinette, Jean, and Gottfried. He then held the
communion quarter-hour, recommending uprightness of
heart. Last night died old David, the Indian, eighty-one
years of age, rigbt blessedly.

Monday, 6. In the afternoon was the burial of the In-
dian, David. Forty-four years ago, March 16, 1753, he
was baptized in Gnadenhlitten (Carbon Co., Pa.) at a synod.
He was own brother of the departed national assistant,
Anthony, who died in peace in Schonbrunn. In the first
Indian war, in the autumn of 1755, when the attack on the
Mahony was made, he left the church, but came again as
soon as the way was open, and remained too, for his heart
bung upon the Saviour and the church, where he happily
passed his time until in the spring of the year '82 the mis-
sionaries were all taken away to Detroit, and the Indian
church was dispersed, when he also was separated from

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 499

the church, and came at last to this river with the one,*
who had said that if his forefathers had gone to the devil,
he also wished to go to him. He died soon afterward, and
David remained solitary and alone on this river until the
Indian church came hither. At this time, four years ago,
at his request and prayer, he was brought here, when he
was still in condition to support himself by planting and
by the labor of his hands, which he still did for two years
with the help of the brethren. The last two years, how-
ever, from his age and weakness, he had to be supported
by the church. He was thankful for all that was done
for him, and received it with gratitude. Especially it was
to him a matter of no common grace and mercy of the
Saviour that he was again in the church, and he knew how
to appreciate this. He soon again became a partaker of
the Lord's supper, which was to him great and important
above all else. He and old' Joachim, two honorable old
fathers, who were loved by all, often sat together and con-
versed about the salvation of their souls, about God's great
love and mercy towards them and all mankind, and all this
so loud, for they did not hear well, that the whole town
could hear, and all were edified. But for two weeks he
could no longer go out, but as long as possible he omitted
no meeting. He complained of no sickness or pain, but
said : •' I am now old and weak." Thus he died in peace
with the blessing of the church, full of honor, as a heart
that abides in its first love, with the text : If a man have
an hundred sheep and one of them be gone astray, doth he
not leave the ninety and nine and goeth into the mountains
and seeketh that which is gone astray ? So mayest thou
find thyself, dear soul, and flee to the salvation of Jesus'
wounds. There are still hours of grace, and this was ful-
filled and seen in our old David. His life lasted eighty-
one years.

From the settlement Br. Sensemann came back. We had
heard from a gentleman in Detroit, who had been on the

1 See Vol. l,p. 296.

500 zeisberger's diary.

Little Miami at the fort^ on the Ohio that he had seen
there a packet of letters for us, which he should have been
glad to bring to us, which, however, they would not let him
have, the man wishing to bring it himself.

Thursday, 9, and Friday, 10. There was speaking with
reference to the communion. Otherwise the brethren were
busy getting in their corn, having been much hindered by
snow and rain.

Saturday, 11. At the Lord's supper Adam was again a
partaker, after two years, to our joy and that of the church.
Soon afterward we had the pleasure of seeing come to us
in good health Br. Bill Henry, with his son, John, and one
other, John Thomas, from the Miami. Of their visit they
spoke as follows : After having been detained upon the lake
by successive days of bad weather, they arrived there and
went to the chief's, Tedpachxit, where they were kindly
received. Bill Henry, who was spokesman, set forth to
him that they were come not only to see them, but having
somewhat to say to them. He soon made preparations,
calling the chief men together, and when this was done,
Bill Henry said: My dear friends, it is a pleasure after
many years to see you once again by God's guidance. The
reason of our leaving our home and coming to you is this.
We heard some time ago that you would be glad to have
God's word heard and preached among you, that there
are many who long therefor, that there are also some of
our own baptized brethren who are waiting for this, and
wish they had opportunity to hear God's word, being una-
ble to come to us, from our living so far away from them.
This is the reason we have undertaken the journey hither,
and no other, for if we hear that any one longs for God's
word, the word of life, to hear it, we are ready to serve
him therein, since we like to see our fellow-men and
triends having a share in this good and getting salvation.
We are therefore come to see and to learn from you how
ye are disposed and how the matter stands, so that we may
bring trustworthy news to them who have sent us, and as

This was Ft. Washington, now Cincinnati.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 501

soon as we have heard you, we intend to return whence we
came.

It happened that also the captain, Pacligantschihillas,
was present, who has always heen a great foe to the
preaching of the Gospel among the Indians. He asked
us who had brought us the news. He was told one of our
people, who had come back from there some time ago.
He replied that we should not listen to su<ih messages, for
if they wished to send us a message we would see some-
thing with it, namely, a belt or string, but of this message
they knew nothing, l^ow the truth was, the chief, Ted-
pachxit, had so spoken with our Abel, but he dared not
admit it before the great captain. This fact is established
by the following, which this very captain related to Br.
Bill Henry, namely, that some time before he had charged
a certain Indian, who was going to us at Fairfield, to
speak with our Indians, and to propose to them to come
back again over the lake ; that the Indian had come back,
bringing answer that we had no disposition for this, being
so well established here. He asked whether the thing was
really so. The answer was that the same Indian had been
with us many days, but had expressed not a word about
this to any one, and we knew nothing about it. Thus it
appears that the captain would be glad to have us over
the lake again, but will have nothing to do with the
preaching of the Gospel. If then we only have an oppor-
tunity, we shall not ask the chiefs. They must yet ac-
commodate themselves thereto. They farther said to the
brothers that the Quakers in Philadelphia had made them
an offer and advised them to move together, not to live so
scattered about ; that they would send people to build
them houses and teach them agriculture ; they would send
mechanics to teach them their work and to make them a
civilized folk, for which they had much money ready to
expend. If the proposition pleased them, they should
come to Philadelphia, namely, the Delawares ; they would
speak with them and set the thing going. And, as it seems,
they are not disinclined, for they said they thought of
going thither in the spring. Thus the brethren came

502 zeisberger's diary.

back. It is to be hoped their journey was not in vain, and
they will without doubt think about the matter. They
have also seen and spoken to Indians, who would like to
come to us, and an old baptized widow is now on her way
hither to remain. But what farther is to be said of the
Delaware nation ; it is scattered at present from Canada
to the Mississippi, and their present chief has little weight
and authority.

Sunday, 12. In the liturgy was the after-communion
withthe three brothers, whereafter Br. Sensemann preached
and Michael in the settlement. Br. Edwards held the
congregation meeting.

Monday, 13. After consideration of the text we brought
to our Elder of his churches honor, adoration, and thanks
for his blessed acknowledgment of us, poor and wretched
creatures, under whose rule we find ourselves so happy
and are fortunately protected. We asked forgiveness of
our faults and shortcomings, and that he would farther
show himself to us as our good Shepherd, and we vowed
to him fidelity and to be obedient children. He blessed
us sensibly, graciously and kindly condescending to us,
so that heart and eyes overflowed.

Thursday, 16. Already for several days we have had
steady snowy weather, which this year began very early,
so that our Indians and the whites also in the settlement
could not harvest all their corn by any means, and much
that was planted late was frozen. Yet all were industri-
ously at work, though it was already very cold, and the
drift-ice in the river ran strong.

Sunday, 19. Michael preached from the text: Lord, to
whom shall we go ? Thou hast the words of eternal life.
Zeisberger read the liturgy and Sensemann held the con-
gregation meeting.

Monday, 20. Brs. Sensemann and Michael went to the
settlement on business, coming home in the evening. The
settlers are in greater trouble about harvesting their crops
than we are in here, on account of the early winter.

Wednesday, 22. Many Chippewas came here, bringing
meat, bear's fat, etc., to sell. Salome, Joshua's daughter,

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 503

who married a Chippewa, was delivered of a son, which is
also a great reason for the confusion in the family.

Thursday, 23. Indian brothers wished to go to mill,
but on account of drift-ice could not get over, it being
dangerous.

Friday, 24. In the evening service we sang: One view,
Lord Jesus, of thy passion— Will make the fainting spirit
glad.

Saturday, 25. From the lower settlement on the river
came Mr. Dolson and his two sons with goods.

Sunday, 26. Zeisberger preached from yesterday's
Scripture-verse, and in the evening Sensemann held the
congregation meeting.

Monday, 27. Mr. Dolson displayed his goods, and then
it was like a fair, and by evening he had disposed of every
thing he brought; yes, he could have sold as much more,
for many who would have liked to buy clothing for the
winter got nothing.

Wednesday, 29. Dolson went home, having bought
cattle, corn, etc.

Friday, Dec. 1. Many of the Monsey Indians came
here. A strange Indian, who came here sick, wished to
be doctored^ here in town, but we would not permit it,
telling him that if he wished to be doctored he should go
from our neighborhood, for then he could do as he pleased.
So he gave it up. In the evening we sang: Christ, my
Redeemer, Lord, and God.

Saturday, 2. Francis Cornwall^ came from the neigh-
borhood, and from the States two men by way of Long
Point,^ who lost their way in the bush and suffered much
cold and hunger for several days, their provisions having
given out. We gave them food.

Sunday, 3. First of Advent, Br. Sensemann preached,
Zeisberger read the litany, and Michael in the settlement.
With all those who have ever been assistants we had an

^ That is, in the Indian way.

^A settler from Connecticut. Life D. Z. , p. 644.

' Island oflf Canadian shore of Lake Erie.

604

interview, and set forth to them the reason why they
could no longer be assistants, since they had caused vex-
ation and scandal in the church ; it was therefore well and
needful for them before all to become repentant sinners, to
confess and lament their falling away from the Saviour,
and to seek forgiveness from him, so that others might im-
itate them and do likewise. Most of them confessed and
acknowledged their transgressions, many with tears, but
others were silent.

Tuesday, 5. Many Mousey Indians came here, of those
who live up above us, who are always seeking to cause us
trouble. An Indian, who came here sick several days
ago, could go no farther, and always became weaker — he
was doctored by them here in town at night, and witch-
craft was used over him, whereupon early the next morn-
ing they made off in all haste for fear they might be sent
off, a token that they knew well enough they were not
doing right. From all this, however, the Indian was not
better, but worse, who had expressed a wish to live here
if he got well, which may well have been said from fear
of death, for among the Indians this is great.

Thursday, 7. Some brethren took down cattle which
Dolson had bought here. Cold, snow, and severe winter
weather continue.

Saturday, 9. Inasmuch as on the 3d of this month we
had an interview with the assistants, who, however, are
now discharged, since they caused vexation and scandal in
the church, but whom we now required to make a begin-
ning among themselves of confessing and repenting their
transgressions, and of acknowledging themselves guilty
before the church, and of making an apology, which they
received in good part, declaring themselves willing, where-
upon many had already waited to have an opportunity to
do this, and we were on the alert to find them such — to-
day a new trouble was added to this, which has never be-
fore happened to us, namely, that an Indian, Jonas, while
drunk down in the settlement, had stabbed Amos with a
knife, though not mortally. This caused us anxiety and

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 505

sorrow, but among our people was a subject for reflection.
Thereupon we had,

Sunday, 10, after the sermon by Michael, the whole
church come together, little children excepted, and now
they were almost all at home, when Br. Zeisberger deliv-
ered to them an earnest and straightforward discourse
with grieved heart. He laid before them their sinful life
in the church, displeasing to the Saviour, admonished them
to desist from their wicked ways, which they had always
secretly followed, and not to turn back again to heathenism.
He told them that in their baptism they had renounced
Satan and all his works, which the Saviour had forgiven
them, cleansing them from sin by his blood and relieving
them thereof; they should not give themselves over to be
again the slaves of sin and to fixU into everlasting damna-
tion. They should no longer say : " Our assistants do the
same, wherefore then not we?" There were no longer
any assistants; they were all sinners together, one like
another, and the assistants were no longer such, lie
named to them every thing which had crept into the
church, also that some indeed had had witchcraft used
over them by Indian doctors, and he showed them that
such gave thSmselves to the devil, body aiid soul ; that,
consequently the fiery pit, which burns with fire'and brim-
stone, prepared for the devil and not for them, would be
their portion ; they should turn about, again approach the
Saviour, have repentance and sorrow, so that he would
again be gracious to them, forgive them, and again receive
and acknowledge them as his own ; for, if they went on
as they had done, they would cease to be a church of the
Saviour's. Thereto he admonished them altogether, with-
out exception. To the large boys and girls, he said they
were there to hear what was right or \Vrong in the church,
what was pleasing or displeasing to the Saviour; since
they saw among their elders much that was bad, they
should imitate the good and not the bad; it had indeed
been told them to be obedient to their pai;ents, but if they
required evil from them they should not comply. We left
them with the admonition that they should now hear and

506 zeisberger's diary.

encourage one another, acknowledge themselves sinners,
and begin anew to live for the honor of the Saviour, for
which he would give them his blessing. This, indeed, was
done at once by some of the old with many tears. They
wept aloud, so as to be heard in the street. But, since it
required too long a time for each one to make his confes-
sion, and the weather was cold, they separated, and the
following days came together in companies, when each
one confessed his sins and showed his heart and mind, to
live anew for the Saviour. Each one acknowledged his
guilt, and most of thena said that Br. David had not said
too much, but only the truth. Thus, after our sorrow, the
Saviour again sent us comfort and hope for our people,
wherefor we thanked him from our hearts.

Thursday, 14. The Indian brothers were done with
speaking to the brethren, whereby much that was secret
and hidden came to light, and for the most part among
those who had held themselves forth as better than the
others, of whom it would not have been suspected, so that
each one, without exception, found cause enough to be-
come a repentant sinner, which caused a thorough work-
ing. We recognized this as a kindness and mercy, and
.thanked the. Saviour for having disclosed what was hid-
den, so that it was purified by the light and evil was put
out of the church. It went so far that one from fear
would not betray another.

Saturday, 16. Br. Zeisberger delivered a discourse to
the brethren from to-day's text : Remember, therefore,
from whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first
works, saying to them that by this the Saviour wished to
say to them and remind them to repent of their falling
away from him, to seek forgiveness from him, and to
call upon him that tie would send us willing hearts to re-
ceive his words, which he daily makes known to us. He
said to them that since now all, except a few who did not
think it possible for them to keep their promise, had taken
anew heart and courage for the Saviour, and had declared
that they would again begin to live for the Saviour, we
thanked the Saviour and also the Holy Ghost, who had

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797.

507

turned their hearts to him ; we would now, however, all
call upon him in common to send us fulfilment, for we
had no power of ourselves, to forgive us all, to hury us in
his death, to show himself anew to us, and to bless us.
He then fell upon his knees, the church with him, asking
for the new aspect of his -grace and for absolution, and
this amidst the tears of the church, and this so loud and
common that we had to pause and finally break ofiT, and
concluded with the blessing of the church, amidst which
we exchanged the kiss of peace.

Sunday, 17. Br. Sensemann preached, Br. Edwards
held the congregation meeting, and Zeisberger held the
communion service, recommending to the brethren open-
heartedness, and not to come to the enjoyment of the
Lord's supper with hearts full of secret sin, which would
end at last in an open outbreak of sin, so that they would
be disclosed before the whole church, and covered with
shame.

Tuesday, 19. Justina, Bartholomew's wife, died, who
has been sick for a year. She met with an accident about
a year ago in clearing land for the plantations, whereupon
consumption followed, and all remedies used were of no
avail. She was baptized Jan. 6, '92, and afterwards, June
30, 1792, married to Bartholomew, a single man, but at
first they lived not very unitedly and peacefully together,
causing us anxiety and care. Of this her mother-in-law,
Theodora, was the main cause, as is usually the case
among Indians that they do not love their daughters-in-
law. This, changed, however, and afterwards they loved
each other so that upon her sick-bed he tended her as he
would a child, which we had never before seen an Indian
husband do. But since he wished to have her well again,
and to leave nothing untried by which he thought she
could be cured, secretly, and against her will indeed, he
had her doctored by a savage Indian, and witchcraft used
for her, for which we reproved him sharply, saying that if
she should die thus, she could not be buried in our grave-
yard. She, however, was uneasy about this, could not be
content, and said she could not thus go from time before

508

she had been absolved and had assurance from the Saviour
that he had forgiven her all. This was then done in the
presence of several brethren, amidst a blessed feeling of
Jesus' recognition, who now richly comforted her and as-
sured her of his grace, and then she was prepared to die.
To her husband she said : " Be. not sorrowful about me. I
am going to the Saviour, and if thou givest thyself to
him, and standest by him, thou wilt see me again, but if
thou continuest as hitherto, thou canst not go to him nor
see me again." She prayed to the Saviour : " Dear Saviour,
have mercy upon me, take me soon to thyself. I long for
thee," until her breath was still, and she departed in peace.
Her remains were buried on the 21st.

Saturday, 23. We had the holy communion, which
Sensemann conducted, with repentant hearts. The breth-
ren generally acknowledged themselves sinners, and re-
ceived Jesus' body and blood with believing hearts, and
he blessed us exceedingly.

Sunday, 24. Edwards preached, and two whites were
present. Zeisberger read the litany. In the evening, at
a love-feast, we considered and sang with joyful and thank-
ful hearts our Saviour's birth, adored the Infant in the
manger, as God from eternity, the Almighty, who revealed
himself to us in human form, and is our Saviour and Re-
deemer. He was friendly and gracious to us, blessing us>
so that the brethren, old and young, were touched with
grace.

Monday, 25. Br. Michael preached from the text : For
the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to
all men, and Zeisberger held a service for the children ex-
horting them to praise and thank the Infant Jesus in his
manger, to rejoice in his birth, that he had become our
Saviour; they should keep in mind the little child — often
sing to him songs of praise, which then he did with them.

"Wednesday, 27. Early in the morning, died the child,
Jenny, daughter of Christian Gottlieb and Anna Susanna,
born two months ago, less ten days. Instead of the
evening service, there was a common council where one
thing and another were brought up.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1797. 500

Thursday, 28. Many Chippewas assembled from the
whole country roundabout for a feast and dance, a couple
of miles from here, for which they came to beg corn, but
since what they thus got was not enough, they bought
much. About the Saviour, however, they would hear
nothing. They are sunk much deeper in heathenism and
the works of Satan than the Delawares, and it is impossi-
ble to come at them with the Gospel.

Friday, 29, was the burial of the child that died yester-
day.

Sunday, 31. Br. Sensemann preached, and Zeisberger
read the litany in the afternoon. Michael preached in the
settlement. Towards midnight we assembled for the close
of the year, beginning with a love-feast. We brought to
him praise, honor, glory, and adoration for all the good-
ness and the kindnesses we had enjoyed from his hand in
body and in soul. We confessed to him also our manifold
faults and transgressions, for during this year often we have
not only been no honor to him, but a disgrace. We asked
lor forgiveness and comfort, for his farther recognition of
us, and for his walk among us. We ended the year in
the comfort of his grace with praise and thanks, and en-
tered upon the new year with the blessing of the church.

We this year baptized one adult, and two children.
Died, ^ve adults and three children. At present, at the
end of the year there are living in Fairfield, 172 Indian
souls.

510

CHAPTER XVIII.

1798.
Fairfield, on the Thames, Ontario.

Monday, Jan. 1. Br. Michael preached, and afterward
Zeisberger held the service for the baptized, and reminded
them at the name of Jesus, which he was named a week
after his birth, that he had this name from being our Re-
deemer and Saviour, for they also were baptized in his
name and into his death, and were heirs of his merits ;
that their names, according to his word, were written in
heaven in the book of life; thus should the name of Jesus
be written in their hearts, so that they should have him
and his death in their thoughts and before their eyes until
they saw him (face to face). For a number of brethren,
who celebrated their day of baptism, he conducted a love-
feast, and exhorted them heartily to bear in mind con-
stantly the grace they had received in baptism, and not to
let the first love leave their hearts until their blessed death,
that they might not lose confidence in the Saviour and
comfort in his death.

Tuesday, 2. Late in the evening there were three shots
in a Chippewa camp not far from here. Some of our In-
dians hurried there to see what the matter was, and heard
that a messenger was come with the news that in the set-
tlement below three Chippewas and a white man had been
killed, which was said to have happened yesterday, New
Year's Day. The Chippewas were off" early the next morn-
ing, and went down to find out and investigate, and wanted
to have some of our Indians with them to interpret, as
they said, but we would not allow this, for it is not well
for us to be involved in this, and hereby our Indians might
get into trouble, and even be injured.

As the townships below us have laid out and cleared the

ON THE THAMES, 1798. 511

road as far as our township, and it is now our turn to make
the road through our land, our Indians set to work, begin-
ning to-day below our town. They kept at it all the week
and finished it.

Saturday, 6. We celebrated a blessed feast for the con-
version of the heathen (Epiphany) and our dear Lord
who is the heathen's Saviour also, showed himself gracious
to us, let his near presence be strongly felt and blessed us,
all which Br. Zeisberger asked for us at morning prayer.
Br. Sensemann then held the festival service, and the
former the love-feast, and concluding service with the
blessing of the church. In all services could be seen the
peace of God and his Spirit blessedly among us.

Sunday, 7. Michael preached and Zeisberger conducted
the children's hour, whom he reminded of the boy, Jesus,
to take him for the model and guiding star throughout
their lives. Br. Edwards held the congregation meeting.

Tuesday ,9. The Indian brothers cleared away the trees
from the road in our town, and now they have a better road
than the settlers in the other townships have made.

Thursday, 11. Several of our Indians went to the set-
tlement, whom we admonished to be on their guard against
temptation. The Indians threshed wheat for love-feasts.

Eriday, 12. Br. Sensemann went "to the lower town-
ship. Amos, who was dangerously ill and had longed for
absolution of his sins, was absolved by Br. Zeisberger on
his sick-bed.

Sunday, 14. Zeisberger preached from 1st Corinthians,
iii., 11 : Eor other foundation can no man lay than that is
laid, which is Jesus Christ, and in the afternoon he read
the litany. The weather being rainy, there were no other
services.

Monday, 15. Towards noon Amos died, comforted and
believing in the merits of Jesus. His remains were buried
on the 16th. He came to the church at Pettquotting, 1790.
By nature he was of quiet disposition, but inclined to do
evil, and could not resolve to give himself up to the Sa-
viour. Therefore he went away and stayed for a time, but
returned again, and the Saviour came to his heart, so that

512 zeisberger's diary.

he found pleasure in living for him and in saying good
night to the world. He was baptized Jan. 6, '92, at the
Watch-Tower, went with us to Fairfield, but his heart was
not entirely with the Saviour, nor again altogether with
the world; he swayed between the two. He had no
pleasure among the savages, and he was not happy in the
church. For a year, however, it seemed as if the Saviour
had the advantage, for he did not wish to leave the church,
though he was advised to go where he would be better
pleased. Thus he remained, but he was much given to
drink, and this brought about his death, for, while drunk,
he was stabbed in the side, and was kept in bed four
weeks. Both he and we thought at the outset that he
would recover, for the wound soon healed, but an ulcer
broke out on his breast, with bad results, aud he had to
die. In his sickness he reflected about himself since his
baptism, and found how unfaithful he had been to the Sa-
viour, how he had grieved the brothers and given no heed
to admonition. In his trouble and helplessness he turned
to the Saviour and begged forgiveness. He received him
and showed him grace. Two days before his death he was
absolved amidst a repentant, blessed feeling of God's
peace, whereupon he was much comforted and cheered,
longing for release and to go to the Saviour, praying to the
Saviour to take him soon to himself, and he died with
faith in Jesus and in his merits. The text read: Your
sorrow shall be turned into joy. In his funeral discourse
the brethren were admonished to learn somewhat from
this example, such things serving for warning and amend-
ment. A savage Indian, Ignatius' brother, who came
here^ told his friends to be peacefully disposed, and not to
requite ill with ill. Thus is the Indian church tested in
manifold ways, and what in the end will the accuser^
(have) won !

Tuesday, 16. The surveyor, who has surveyed from
here as far as the lake, about twelve miles, came here and
passed the night.

That is, the devil, but this sentence is in part conjectured.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1798. 513

Wednesday, 17. Sensemann came back from the lower
settlement,* where he preached and baptized several chil-
dren. The brethren, whom we use as assistants without
naming them such, spoke with Bill Henry and David, with
their wives, about their married children, who were dis-
contented. We had spoken with them, and found that
the trouble lay with the old people, as is usual among the
Indians. They made between them peace and unity.

Thursday, 19. We spoke with James' friends, saying
to them that he could not be in the church, and charged
them to send him away, which they did. In the evening
we sang a passion-song : 0 world, behold upon the tree.
Many came back from the settlement. Amos' death and
our admonition have had a wholesome eft'ect upon them,
so that now they are learning to abstain from drink.
There had to be an example, for things had gone too far,
and our exhortations were of no avail.

Sunday, 21. Sensemann preached, Zeisberger read the
litany, and Michael held the congregation meeting. James
went away.

Monday, 22. We spoke with Jephtha and his wife, and
with Christian Gottlieb and his wife, bringing about con-
cord, with the help of the assistants. ,

Wednesday, 24. Salome, Joshua's daughter, was ad-
vised to withdraw from the church, having already caused
much evil, on which account Zeisberger had already had
an earnest conversation with her mother, and had shown
her that she had contributed much to her daughter's
trouble, and had suffered harm in her own soul and could
not get rest.

Thursday, 25. A couple of our neighbors came here.

Sunday, 28. Michael preached. Edwards held the con-
gregation meeting. Sensemann had preached in the set-
tlement at Cornwall's.

Tuesday, 20. The surveyor, with his people, came here

again, who, in accordance with their business, went to the

upper settlement ; others also went through, passing the

night here. A trader, Mackenzie, caused drunkenness,

33

514 zeisberger's diary.

whom we sharply reproved. He had sold one of our In-
dians [David] rum, which he had to get from below in the
settlement, for he dared not bring it here. The result was
that the Indian came to town drunk, but we at once
spilled the rum, which is with us the regular rule, against
which nobody can say any thing. For two days and nights,
however, the Indian had no peace ; he could neither sleep
nor eat until he had talked the matter out with his teach-
ers, asked forgiveness and been comforted, when he prom-
ised, by the Saviour's grace, to make himself quite free
from this. We are getting much better acquainted with
the Indians here, who are exposed to so manifold tempta-
tions, which they cannot well withstand, and it is as if at
times Satan earnestly beset them, until he brought about
their downfall.

Thursday, Feb. 1. Anna Amelia's daughter, John's
wife, was delivered of a daughter.

Saturday, 3. As there has been fine, thawing weather
for several days, the brethren made some sugar, which has
never before, since we have been here, been done so early
in the year.

Sunday, 4. In the sermon, which Br. Sensemann de-
livered, he baptized a child, Amelia's granddaughter, with
the name, Ribiana. Zeisberger then conducted the com-
munion quarter-hour and the congregation meeting in the
evening.

Tuesday, 6. The sheriff went through to Magara as
express. The brethren were busy in their sugar-huts.

Monday, 8, and Friday, 9. There was speaking with the
brethren with reference to the Lord's supper. We had a
peculiar case with the Indian, David, who for several
years had led a bad life, thereby injuring and seducing
others. He had often been advised, since all admoni-
tions were of no avail, to go where he could live
according to the pleasure and lust of his wicked heart, and
sin his fill, but this he did not wish to do, and made good
promises, but in a short time he would always again go
astray, especially in drinking, always falling in with those
who were like himself. We therefore advised his wife to

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1798. 515

go away with him, in order to be rid of him, but this
would not work. She was a communion sister, always
sickly, and could not and would not leave the church. We
knew not what was to be done, but left the matter to
the Saviour, until he took hold and gave wholesome
help, and in an unusual manner, too, for in the midst of
sin he was seized by the Saviour. Although a short time
before with the whole church in the presence of the Saviour
he had promised to be converted from his heart, he did
not keep his word. He arranged with a trader, who came
here on business, so that he gave him an order to get in
the settlement upon his account a quantity of rum. This
he got, and came back to town drunk. As this rum,
however, was at once poured out in the street, which is
a rule with us, he gave no farther trouble. But now un-
easiness began with him. He came to himself awhile,
began to see into and understand his foulness and his
wicked heart, and for a week he had no rest day or
night, could neither sleep nor eat, seeking advice and com-
fort, to see whether any help could yet be found, on which
account he came to his teachers every day, not once alone,
but several times, and said that if we thought mercy and
grace were yet to be found for him from the Saviour, he
would henceforth with his whole heart be converted to
the Saviour, give himself entirely to him, and if he freed
him from slavery to sin he would be entirely his, body and
soul. He asked also that we should pray for him, that he
would again have compassion upon him, show him grace,
and receive him ; he would all his life be on his guard
against such anxiety of soul. We showed him that if he
would like to be freed, and sin were really a burden to
him, there was good hope for him ; he should only turn to
the Saviour, who had bought him with his dear blood,
and redeemed him, who receives and saves sinners ; hitherto
he had not really felt and known what sin was; the
Spirit of God had now shown him this and revealed to
him that he should turn to the Saviour, who rejects no
sinner ; that he should ask him for help and forgiveness,
and rest for his heart ; he should only do this, and he

516

would be helped. " I^ow," said he, " since I hear that
there is yet hope for me, and the Saviour will be gracious
to me, I will henceforth give myself entirely to him, live
for him alone, and say good night to sin and the works of
Satan. In this, brothers, help me ask his blessing."
This also we promised to do for him. He now took
courage, new heart, and confidence in the Saviour, and he
became like a new man, and though hitherto he has al-
ways been shy and reserved towards us, he now became
trustful, reflected upon his course of life since his bap-
tism, brought it all up, and talked with his teachers
about it. We advised him now to go to his comrades,
his brothers in drinking, and to tell them how heavy his
heart had been, how the burden of sin had oppressed
him, so that he had despaired of himself, and to exhort
them also to enter into themselves, and to be converted
from their hearts. This he did, and with good result.
When now the time for the Lord's supper drew near, he
came and said he knew what he had formerly enjoyed in
the holy communion, but that he had lost this by his own
fault; that he was also unworthy of it, but yet had great
need of it, for he was a poor man, but yet believed that
the enjoyment of Jesus' body and blood would impart to
him from God strength and new life, for whence should
he get the power to withstand the temptations of Satan?
It was said to him : " Thou desirest something great, but
if thou dost not remain faithful, and thy heart is not hon-
orable and upright, it may be a harm to thee." He re-
plied : " I have uttered my whole heart and kept noth-
ing back. May the Saviour help me, and send me ac-
complishment, for I should like to be thoroughly helped
and cured. I give myself entirely to the Saviour and the
brothers. Do with me what ye think good. I will be
obedient and do what ye tell me." Although we were not
without hesitation, others being concerned, about fulfilling
his request, by proposing him for the Lord's supper, since a
short time before he had given offense, yet we could not
altogether give up the idea, hoping it would be a great
blessing for him, and we asked about him, and the Saviour

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1798. 517

permitted "him to enjoy with us his supper. When he
was told this, he shed tears of gratitude and repentance.
Thus he was absolved amid many tears, both his own and
of those present, after the communion-church had first
been told the circumstances, and what had occurred
to him, and after some questions had been asked him,
which he answered in tears in the presence of the church,
and the kiss of peace had been given him, whereby pre-
vailed a blessed feeling of the presence and peace of God.
Afterwards, on the 10th, we enjoyed the holy commun-
ion. The next day he came, showing his thankfulness
and comforted heart. He said he felt himself quite an-
other person, like a new man ; the heavy burden had been
taken from his heart, and his heart was now easy and
cheerful, thankful for the grace the Saviour had shown
him. Thus has he turned our mourning into joy accord-
ing to the text of 15th of last month at Amos' burial. To
him be honor and glory therefor, and may he continue
thus farther.

Sunday, 11. Br. Sensemann read the liturgy. Zeisber-
ger preached here and Michael in the settlement.

Wednesday, 14. Sensemann went to the settlement.
Here all were in the sugar-camp. White people pass
through here daily and stay over night.

Friday, 16. We sang: 0 head, so full of bruises.

Saturday, 17. On Sister Susanna's birthday we laborers
had a pleasant love-feast, blessing her for her calling.
Salome was sent away.

Sunday, 18. Sensemann preached. In the litany, which
^ieisberger read, the Indian, Andrew, at his prayer and de-
sire, was absolved in presence of the church. He is the
man who was followed in the battle by the light-horse-
men, for whom now the Saviour was too strong, mastering
him, so that for many days, from perplexity, he could
neither eat nor sleep, and became quite sick in body.

Monday, 19. After having fine weather last month and
the present one, without snow, the ground being bare,
to-day winter set in, and severe, snowy weather. The In-

518

dian, David, complained that his former companions no
longer visited him.

Tuesday, 20. Br. Zeisberger asked Andrew, who came
for a visit, how it happened that he looked so bad, and
whether he was ill. He said that for more than a week,
from anxiety and despair about himself, he could neither
eat nor sleep, and had become quite weak in body ; now,
however, his heart and body too were well; he could now
eat and sleep, and his heart was well and thankful for the
mercy the Saviour had let him feel, and from thankfulness
he must now tell his companions how it had been with
him, and how he now was.

Friday, 23. We sang : Christ, my Redeemer, Lord and
God.

Saturday, 24. Through the whole week the brethren
waited for sugar-weather, and made preparations, but in
vain. The weather was snowy. Mr. Dolson arrived.

Sunday, 25. Zeisberger preached from the Gospel :
Jesus was tempted of the devil, and read the litany.
Sensemann held the congregation meeting, Michael in the
settlement..

Tuesday, 24. Dolson went home. Here the brethren
made some sugar, but the weather was too cold for this.

Monday, 28. Several went to the mill and to the smith,
whence we heard that drinking went on. It therefore al-
ways causes us anxiety and care when our brethren are
compelled to go thither. As we cannot forbid them this
we admonish them the more earnestly to be on their
guard and to look out for their souls, for this is a godless
people on this river, and if they can lead our Indians
astray they do so gladly.

Thursday, March 1. Sensemann held the evening serv-
ice from the text about the grain of mustard seed. White
people from the settlement and from J^iagara arrived.

Friday, 2. In the evening service we sang : One view.
Lord Jesus, of thy passion. This is always a matter of
importance to the brethren.

Sunday, 4. Michael preached from the Gospel about
the Canaanite woman, and showed how we should cling

qpii

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1798. 519

to the Saviour, and not cease to pray until he showed us
grace and forgave us our sins and we had the peace of
God in our hearts. Zeisberger then read the liturgy and
Edwards held the congregation meeting, treating of the
same matter as the sermon had treated of. Chippewas
came here, telling lies on every hand, which they deliver
to the Indians as the truth, that a war is preparing against
them to break out this spring. Thus it is among the In-
dians every spring. They are a restless, and, consequently,
timorous folk, always uneasy about their life, and the
most common lie can make them anxious, so that they
cannot sleep quietly at night. The Chippewas can lie, too,
in a reckless way, without shame, and stupidly.

Tuesday, 6. A trader came here from Detroit, who
bought corn. Our Indians have now all gone to the sugar-
camp, where we have always, when the time comes, much
to regulate and to look to, that all may go on with order
and propriety, for at such times sins will occur and dis-
orders.

Thursday, 8. Edwards held the evening service from the
text : Now come I to thee, and these things I speak in the
world that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

Saturday, 10. Zeisberger spoke with Martha, laic's wife,
warning her to have an eye upon her sister's improper
walk and behaviour, whereby she had often let herself
be imposed upon to her bodily and spiritual harm, and he
told her that we teachers could not always say to them
what they would like to hear, but the truth.

Sunday, 11. Sensemann preached from the Epistle : Be
ye therefore followers of God, as dear children, and walk
in love, and said that was a necessary admonition for us
to remain in him, not to leave the first love, for thence it
came about, and we had examples, that such as are unfaith-
ful to the Saviour, fall again under the yoke of sin, which
is their punishment, for they have left the Saviour and
again loved sin. There being wild snow-squalls, there
were no other services.

Monday, 12. Zeisberger spoke with Andrew. He is
yet labored with by the Holy Ghost.

520

Monday, 12, and Tuesday, 13. Still more snow, and at
daybreak a thaw. Zeisberger had a fraternal conversa-
tion with Joshua, warning him of the deceit of sin, and
said to him that Satan was upon him, to catch him in
his net.

Wednesday,' 14. By way of Niagara and Detroit, to
our hearty joy, we got a letter from Br. Ettwein, probably
from IsTew York, of Feb. 23d. From this we had much
for consideration.

Thursday, 15. A gentleman from the States came here
with two others. He was acquainted, in Philadelphia, as
he said, with Br. Bagge,^ from the Wachau, in whose praise
he had much to say. They went to Detroit.

Friday, 16. Sensemann baptized a sick Chippewa child,
and named it Ursula, who died on the 18th, and was buried
on the 19th. At the burial Br. Zeisberger said that since by
grace we had all been chosen and assembled from heathen-
ism, and the Saviour had placed us here to be a light that
our neighbors might profit therefrom and come to knowl-
edge of the truth, he had also brought this child, which
was a stranger, to the church, cleansed it from sin by his
blood, and placed it among his people ; we wished, there-
fore, that he would soon let their hour strike, and assem-
ble more Chippewas to the church, with us to praise the
Lord for his goodness. Yes, Lord Jesus, think of the
Chippewas, who have cost thee thy blood.

Sunday, 18. Zeisberger preached from : Christ hath re-
deemed us from the curse of the law, and read the litany.
Michael held the congregation meeting.

Tuesday, 20. Salamis was delivered of a son.

Wednesday, 21. White people were with us over night.
Still snow.

Saturday, 24. During the whole week the brethren were
out in the sugar-huts. The services were, therefore, for

1 In a little book, " Moravians in Korth Carolina," I find, p. 179, the
name of Traugott Bagge, who came to N. Carolina in 1768, and died in
Salem in 1800. In the same book, p. 169, Lawrence Bagge is named
as minister in Bethlehem from 1773 to 1784, having before been in
Salem, 1764-1769.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1798. 521

the most part given up, but to-day most of the brethren
were at home.

Sunday, 25. Sensemann preached about the perfect
sacrifice of Jesus for our sins and those of the whole world.
In the afternoon service this noteworthy day (Annuncia-
tion) was commemorated, when our Saviour became man,
and a discourse was delivered from the text : The word
was made flesh and dwelt among us, from which we can
all profit, young and old, children and adults, and become
partakers of his salvation, if only we do God's will and be-
lieve in his name. The story was read and sang, l^ico-
demus came, bringing news of Tobias, who had come to
him and complained of his trouble in falliag out with his
wife, for which he blamed himself. We sent Nicodemus
to them, giving him instructions, and he made peace be-
tween them. Some time ago we said to the brethren that
there were no longer any assistants, but since we often
needed help, and could not do every thing alone, we would
meanwhile appoint brothers and sisters, who had never
been assistants [which now also we do], yes, we wished
they were all assistants, and that each would be thought-
ful for the best interests of the church and brethren.

Tuesday, 27. The river broke up with warm weather
and high water.

Wednesday, 28. A party of whites went up to the
Pinery to send timber-rafts down. One of them offered to
become smith here in town for our Indians, but we refused
his offer.

Friday, 30, and Saturday, 31. There was extraordinarily
high water with drift-ice. Sugar-making was checked,
the weather being too warm for it.

Sunday, April 1. Br. Sensemann preached at the en-
trance into Passion-Week, exhorting the brethren to be
ready, and in expectation of a new blessing from the
Saviour, in contemplation of his great sufferings. He bap-
tized Salamis' child, born on the 23d, with the name,
William.

Tuesday, 3. Yesterday and to-day there was speakmg
to the brethren with reference to the Lord's supper. The

522 zeisberger's diary.

water is higher than it has ever been since we have been
here, and we hear that the snow above us only three days
ago was yet knee-deep, and therefore, the river will still
rise, when it has already come up more than twenty feet.

Wednesday, 4. In the evening we had the washing of
feet in the sensible presence of the Saviour, and,

Thursday, 5, after there had first been a common
service, in which the history of our Saviour's anguish of
soul and bloody sweat [for our sins] on the Mount of
Olives was read, the communicants had the Lord's sup-
per to which one brother, JS'icholas, and one sister, Helen,
a widow, were readmitted.

On Good Friday was early the thanksgiving liturgy, and
then through the day the reading of the Passion-history,
which was listened to with the greatest attention, and
whereby the Holy Ghost left himself not without witness
in the hearts of the brethren, of which tears also were a
proof.

Saturday, 7. On Great Sabbath was a love-feast, at
which mention was made of the Saviour's rest in the grave
after his great suffering, whereby he hallowed our resting-
place.

Sunday, 8. We read the Easter litany partly in the
chapel, partly in the grave-yard, and we thought of the
four adults who have left us since last Easter, two brothers
and two sisters, and of the three children. In the service
for the baptized in the afternoon, two brothers, Simon and
Israel, were absolved by the laying on of hands. Soon
after, died Sarah, Samuel's wife, after a long consumption.
Her remains were buried Monday, April 9. She was by
birth a Carib, and with her mother, who was also baptized,
and who died in the church, was brought from the West
India islands by the . ]!:Tanticokes and adopted into their
nation. She knew the speech of the Caribs, which has
no connection with the language of the Indians here. She
came to the church on the Susquehanna in Schechschi-
quaniink, was baptized Jan. 26, 1772, in Friedenshiitten,
came to the enjoyment of the holy communion, April 13,
1775, in Schonbrunn. She was of quiet nature, loving

I

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1798. 523

peace, walked a good walk, had the gift of getting along
with sisters, and was loved too. Once when Samuel was
off hunting for several days, her mother had persuaded
her to go to their friends on the Susquehanna, but when
he came home and could not bear to have all his children
taken away from the church, he followed after them and
took the children away, but left their mother to do as she
pleased, who soon came to her senses, and went after
them and thus he brought them all back. Since her
mother's death she has been in the church with her whole
heart, and has been happy. For several years she was
assistant. In her last illness we could have wished to see
that she had more communion with the Saviour, and
we often told her so, but she was too busy in thinking
about recovery from illness, and too much taken up with
her children, often too, she was not quite right in mind.
She had had thirteen children, four of whom are yet
alive. All the others died in the church.

Wednesday, 11. . Many of our people went down the
river with corn. Upon Br. Zeisberger's birthday (the 78th)
we laborers had a pleasant love-feast.

Friday, 13. A doctor arrived, whom we had asked to
see our sick. He is from the States, and gave them med-
icine.

Saturday, 14. The Indians brought a boy of Dolson's
here to go to school to Br. Sensemann.

Sunday, 15. Michael preached. Zeisberger read the
litany and held the congregation meeting in the evening.
We sent away Sabina's three daughters, two of whom
came here a few days ago.

Monday, 16. Very cold weather and snow, as at Christ-
mas and on l!^ew Year's Day.

Tuesday, 17. The Indians who took down corn came
back. It was still cold, and there was hard freezing.
Sensemann held evening service.

Wednesday, 18. Somewhat milder. The Indians made
' sugar again after it had again frozen.

Friday, 20. In the evening lightning and down-pours of
rain.

524 zeisberger's diary.

Saturday, 21. Yesterday and to-day timber and plank
rafts went by.

Sunday, 22. Sensemann preached about the Good Shep-
herd. Zeisberger held the children's hour, and Edwards
held the congregation meeting in the evening. Mr. Dol-
son arrived, and from the lake Mcholas' sister, named
Susanna, who had often been with us in Schonbrunn,
and was now in flight, being in danger of her life, as she
said.

Tuesday, 24. Many went down with the corn Dolson
had bought here. Upon Edwards' birthday we had a
love-feast. Askin's clerk arrived, from whom we learned
that a packet of journals had been lost.

Wednesday, 25. The surveyor, Perin Law,^ came down.

Thursday, 26. Timber rafts came down.

Saturday, 28. Our people came home from below,
whence we again had bad news that two had been burnt
with powder.

Sunday, 29. Michael preached. Zeisberger read the
litany, and then there was a meeting, where many things
were talked over, for example, that no one should be per-
mitted to plant here who did not belong here, many hav-
ing passed the winter here ; about the young people, that
they should not run about in idleness, but be at work*
The parents were told that they were to blame for this,
they let their children grow up wild and follow their own
will; when then they grew up and married, they were
worse and more vicious than cattle, and not to be kept
under.

In presence of a number of brothers and sisters we
spoke with Widow Sabina about the ill conduct of her
children, some of whom were already grown. We told
her since they were here on her account, and we, on her
account, had to endure their disorderly life in the church,
which we could not allow, we advised her, with her chil-
dren, to leave the church and to go with them, since she

^ This name is written Per in Law.

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1798. 525

could not be separated from them. This had the result
that she sent away her children.

Monday, 30. From the Monsey town came some of the
old men, friends of James and Amos, and made satisfac-
tion together by some thirty fathoms of wampum and some
goods for the loss of the dead, according to Indian usage,
which upon occasion would be taken over the lake to the
other friends. Against this we had no objections to make,
since it conduces to mutual reconciliation.

Tuesday, May 1. With Indians who went through here
and were in camp several days, came three casks of rum,
of which we took charge until they moved away.

Wednesday, 2. James came asking again for reception to
live here in the church, which, however, we could not per-
mit him. Thus there are many who force their way into
the church, and when once there, cannot be got rid of, but
wish here to continue their life of sin.

Thursday, 3. The strange Indians went away, but got
drunk as soon as they were beyond our bounds.

Friday, 4. We began to get our fields ready for plant-
ing, clearing them of fallen timber.

Sunday, 6. In the sermon, which Br. Sensemann
preached, he baptized with the name, Lewis, the little son
of Tobias and Elizabeth, born May 4. Zeisberger read the
litany and held the congregation meeting.

Wednesday, 9. Our fields were planted, which was done
somewhat earlier this year than last, and generally the
weather has been finer.

Friday, 11. Our Indians were earnest and industrious
in planting. Widow Sabina spoke with us, whom we on
the 29th of last month had sent away on account of some
of her children. She acknowledged that she was guilty,
that she was the cause of her children turning out so bad,
baving always taken their part ; that she had herself suf-
fered harm, and for over a year had not been well in
heart, but now she wished to be rid of them and to care
for her own welfare, and for the sake of her children she
could not abandon the church, she wished to be saved.

526 zeisberger's diary.

Thus many times they have to be aroused by severity,
though we do not like to use it, and brought to reflection.

Saturday, 12. The surveyor with some men arrived,
and took Br. Sensemann with them to a neighbor, who
had complained of hi'ra that he had not dealt fairly in sur-
veying, but this was found to be false, all these being wit-
nesses.

Sunday, 13. Br. Sensemann delivered the sermon, at
which a number of white people were present. He after-
wards baptized a child of white parents. Zeisberger then
conducted the communion quarter-hour, inviting the hun-
gry and thirsty to the fountain of life. Michael held the
congregation meeting.

Monday, 14. We had a sad scene in town. Adam and
Leonard came here drunk with strange Indians, and
caused us vexation, but the strangers soon went away.

Wednesday, 16. Adam now came and said he was go-
ing from the church, against which we had nothing to say,
but we bade him go.

Friday, 18. Both yesterday and to-day there was speak-
ing with reference to the Lord's supper, when there was
much to be made right, for which the Saviour gave us his
blessing.

Saturday, 19. In the near presence and with the recog-
nition of Jesus we had the holy communion. Were this
not so, did he not comfort us with his blessed nearness, we
should often be cast down, but on such occasions we are
mightily uplifted and strengthened anew, since we are
aware that he is with us and among us. Andrew was can-
didate.

Sunday, 20. Zeisberger read the liturgy. Sensemann
preached, and the former held the congregation meeting.
Michael preached in the settlement. Tne Indian broth-
ers spoke with Zachary, Leonard, and James. Our Hen-
rietta's mother came here from Lake Erie, fleeing from her
husband, who has treated her so badly that she can no
longer endure it, and she has left all her children.

Tuesday, 22. We had the very especial joy of seeing
come to us our dear brothers, John Heckewelder and

FAIRFIELD, ON THE THAMES, 1798. 527

Benjamin Mortimer,^ from Bethlehem by way of Niagara,
through the bush. They came so unexpectedly, for we
had not thought of their coming before June or July, that
we rejoiced the more, like children, on both sides, they
too, for they had come a very hard way until they reached
our bounds. In the evening service Br. Zeisberger made
announcement of this with many hearty greetings from
the church, at the same time also that Br. Benjamin Mor-
timer was come not alone for a visit, but to remain with
us, which gave them much pleasure. We refreshed our-
selves by reading the letters and papers received, both to-
day and the following days, and the brethren all came and
greeted the brothers.

Wednesday, 23. We had pleasure in'hearing news from
the church by word of mouth, and in the evening Br.
Benjamin Mortimer held the service, and showed the
brethren the love he bore them, which had moved him to
his calling.

Thursday, 24. We had a [conference, read and consid-
ered the letters from the church, reflected upon our cir-
cumstances, and resolved : 1st. That some Indian breth-
ren should now go with Br. John Heckewelder to the Mus-
kingum, wherefore we proposed some ; also that Br. Ed-
wards should go with them, which he was glad and willing
to accede to. 2d. That the Zeisbergers, sometime in July
or August, should follow them thither with some In-
dian families. The Scripture-verse read : I am with thee
to save thee, and the text : Watch ye, stand fast in the
faith, quit you like men, be strong. This was announced
early on the 25th to a chosen number of brothers and sis-
ters, and that now indeed a few brothers only would go
with Brs. John and Edwards, but that in a couple of

^In the year 1798, Mr. H. accompanied one of the missionaries, Br.
Benjamin Mortimer, to the establishment at Fairfield on the Thames.
From Fairfield he set out to the Muskingum Kiver, with a view to take
measures for renewing the mission if possible, in that quarter. Life
of Heckewelder, p. 140.

Mortimer was by birth an Englishman. Before his death, 1834, he
was pastor of the Brethren's church in New York.

528 zeisberger's diary.

months the Zeisbergers with Br. BeDJamin Mortimer
would follow with some Indian families.

Saturday, 26. We made preparations for John Hecke-
welder's departure, to get ready what was needful, and to
select brothers for his company.

Sunday, 27. In the forenoon Br. Mortimer preached,
we first singing : Come, Holy G-host, come Lord, our God.
He said that what the prophets foretold had been fulfilled,
when the Holy Ghost was poured upon the apostles, that
they by God's strength had preached God's salvation for
the happiness of mankind, having converted thousands to
Christ. He showed what unspeakable good, God, the
worthy Holy Ghost, since that time had done and was
still doing; what he had done in so many of us, blind
heathen, bringing us to Christ, for which we should prop-
erly thank and praise him. Afterwards, at a love-feast,
Br. Zeisberger read to them Br. Ettwein's letter to the
church, with some explanations, and announced to the
brethren the approaching change, and set them right in
the matter, it having already caused much consideration.
Afterwards Br. Zeisberger conducted yet one more love-
feast for the brethren who celebrated their day of baptism,
who had asked it of him, since, as they said, it would be
the last. Michael then held the congregation meeting.
We laborers strengthened and refreshed ourselves finally
with the two brothers in the body and blood of Jesus,
in the holy sacrament, binding ourselves to new fidelity
in his service, for which we asked his blessing.

[Thus far sent to Bethlehem.]

THE END.

INDEX.

In this Index the Fixed Festivals of the Christian Church, and those days, Me-
morial and other, peculiar to the Moravians, mentioned in section VI, p. xxx, of
the Introduction, are omitted, but can be found in the. Diary under their respective
dates.

Easter will be given, and from it the preceding days of Passion-Week can be
found.

The removals and general history of the Mission will be found under the head,
David Zeisberger.

Abbot, Mr., ii, 10, 25.
Abraham, i, 51, 73, 101, 107; ii, 224.
Ackerlemann, i, 356; ii, 167.
Albach's Annals of the "West, i, 251 ;

ii, 88, 132, 199, 223, 269, 333, 351,

451.
Allen, Mr., ii, 345, 367, 372, 395, 418.
Alum, i, 335.
American Army, i, 234, 365; ii, 130,

132, 134, 193, 195, 199, 205, 216,

223, 255, 261, 332, 360.
Amochol, i, 375, 388, 390.
Ancrum, Maj., i, 258, 261, 435.
Anderson, i, 262, 265, 268.
Anohockquage, ii, 24.
Ascension Day, i, 150, 191, 225, 271,

345, 408; ii, 35, 103, 262, 312, 359,

405, 445, 483.
Askin, Mr., i, 117, 144, 261, 353; ii,

420.
Askin, John, Jr., ii, 65.
Assistants, i, xxviii, 47, 171, 230, 383,

389, 413, 447; ii, 42, 144, 195, 203,

236, 328, 342, 504, 521.
Assuniink, ii, 186.
Astechretschi, i, 349.
Atschelis, ii, 390, 408.
Bach, ii, 349, 402.
Badger, the, i, 171.
Bagge, ii, 520.
Baptism, doubtful cases of, i, 391 ; ii,

1*2, 213, 432.
Baptists, ii, 342.
Bawbee, i, 43, 93, 145, 200, 204 ; ii,

374.
Beaver Creek, Great, i, 327.
Bees, i, 294, 310; ii, 316.
Beson, ii, 20.
Biankashaws, i, 378.
Big-Cat, i, 456; ii, 196, 246.
Binninger, ii, 413, 449.

34

Blickensderfer, i, 458.

Bourbon Lake, ii, 334.

Bradstreet, i, 277.

Brainard, ii, 100, 144.

Brant, Jos., i, 303, 441 ; ii, 7, 17, 198,
214, 276, 282, 286, 312, 374, 392,
409.

Bread, price of, i, 197.

Brinton, D. G., ii, 410 .

Brodhead, Col., i, xx, 68; ii, 357.

Brucker, i, 208.

Burnet's Notes, ii, 372.

Butler, Gen. Richard, i, 313, 325: ii,
226, 227, 229.

Butterfield, C. W., i, 21, 26, 68, 299,
460; ii, 339, 364.

Caldwell, ii, 298.

Callwell,-.ii, 260.

Cammerhoif, i, xii; ii, 427.

Campbell, James Y., ii, 444.

Carib, ii, 522.

Carver's Travels, ii, 207.

Cassedy, i, 136, 243.

Catholic Priests, i, 90, 98, 102.

Cathrine, the French, i, 391.

Cattle, ii, 65.

Cayashoto, i, 321.

Cayuga, ii, 419.

Cedar Point, ii, 178.

Census (1781), i, 34, ('83) 177, ('84)
212, ('85) 253, ('86) 316, ('87) 886,
('88) 464, ('89); ii, 74, ('90) 146,
('91) 240, ('92) 294, ('93) 337, r94)
389, ('95) 433, ('96) 469, ('97) 509.

Cherokees, i, xxvii, xxxii, 233 ; ii, 476.

Chilowav, Job, ii, 19.

Chinkpussis, ii, 380, 391.

Chippewas, i, xxvii, 25, 87, 90, 128,
135, 145, 193, 206, 256, 370, 488; ii,
7, 182, 323. 396, 416, 441, '442, 479,
482, 491, 510, 520.

(529)

530

INDEX.

Choctaws, ii, 476.

Chotes, ii, 447.

Christina, murdered at Gnadenhiit-

ten, i, 80.
Cincinnati, Ft. Washington, ii, 600.
Clarke, Gen., i, 124.
Climate— CoW, i, 63, ll9, 135, 172,

175, 179, 185, 192, 213, 392, 413;
ii, 7, 224, 243, 277, 296, 306, 348,
392, 396, 436, 470, 471, 504. Frosts,
i, 162, 164, 199, 202; ii. 57, 63. 277,
282, 326, 459, 484. Snoio, i, 48, 62,
125, 171, 181, 184, 224, 249, 311,
389; ii, 91, 247, 250, 291, 383, 464,
502, 519. Wind, i, 121, 194, 207,
263, 333. 339, 347; ii, 54, 99, 164,

176, 179, 216, 231, 423, 477, 486.
Rai7i, i, 17, 51, 57, 136, 141, 322;
ii, 18, 65, 90, 157, 159, 103, 185,
262, 399, 440. Drovght, i, 194, 243 ;
ii, 115, 273, 867. Heat, i, 159, 249;
ii, 264, 268, 367, 414.

Clinton River, i, 91, 93, 104; land
there, 125, 134.

Collect, i, XXX, 69.

Colvill, ii, 184, 210.

Communion, i, 49, 112, 119, 134, 151,
230, 238, 248, 392; ii, 22, 44, 90,
193, 213, 321, 454, 494, 508, 528.

Congress' grant to Moravians, i, 205,
215, 236, 237, 313; ii, 11, 120.

Conner, Kichard, i, xxviii, 21, 48,
76, 96, 100, 141, 144, 152, 159. 266,
434.

Connolly, i, 406.

Cook, John, i; 403, 418.

Cornplanter, ii, 220, 412.

Corn, price of, i, 24, 60, 66, 138, 185,
342, 351, 356, 428; ii, 66, 105, 269,
493.

Cornwall, i, 265; ii. 327, 457, 503.

Cornwall, Mrs., i, 217.

Coshocton. See Goschagiink.

Crawford, Col., i, 96, 121, 123.

Cuyahoga, i, 236, 278.

Danielson, i, 64.

Darlington, Wm. M., i, 120, 156.

Dawson, i, 47.

Delavvares, i, xxvii, 19, 148, 373, 417;
ii, 7, 28, 69, 192, 198, 202, 376, 378,
409, 416, 418, 445, 502.

Detroit, i, 33, 35, 88; Low state of
religion in, 98, 149; Lack of clergy-
men, 183; Sickness in, 250; Scarc-
ity, 432; ii, lleligion, 12; Fear of
Americans, 329; Americans oc-
cupy, 451 ; Famine in, 47, 53.

Detroit River, i, 32.

Dibson, ii, 103.

Dobie, i, 117, 311.

Dogs, ii, 185.

Dolson, i, 204; ii, 213. 283, 310, 333,

503, 518.
Dorchester, Lord (Sir Guy Carlton),

ii, 149.
Drake's Book of Indians, i, 409, 419 ;

ii, 228, 413.
Douglass, Col., i, 156.
Drunkenness, i, 86, 375, 447, 450; ii,

44, 78, 109, 177, 183, 289, 305, 309,

340. 398, 418, 436, 449, 482.
Duncan, i, 252, 254, 311.
Duncan and Wilson, i, 282, 288, 327,

346.
Easter, i, (1782) 83, ('83) 143, ('84)

187, ('85) 223, ('86) 265, ('87) 331,

('88) 401 ; ii, ('89) 23, ('90) 98, ('91)

176, ('92) 264, ('93) 307, ('94) 353,

('95) 400, ('96) 441, ('97) 480, ('98)

522.
Eclipse of the Moon, ii, 102.
Edwards, Wm., life, i, xxv, at Gna-

denhiilten, 2; goes to Detroit, 29;

lame, 75 ; visits Detroit, 146, 167,

209; Pittsburg, 232; returns, 235;

ii, ill, 125; visits Detroit, 162, 167;

birthday, 481.
Ekuschuwe, ii, 26, 83, 156, 167, 202,

216, 278, 284.
Elliot, Matthew, i, 3, 26, 30, 31, 94,

182; ii, 174, 189, 194, 210, 232,

253.
England, Col. Richard, ii, 284.
Erie, Ft., i, 225.
Erie, Lake, i. West shore, 32, 45, 87.

Rise and fall, 354. Islands, 269.
Ettwein, John, i, 156; ii, 116.
Fairfield, i, xxxi; ii, 239, 382.
Farsithe, i, 417.
Fighting Island, ii, 255.
Fish, i, 234.
Fish-b.ound, ii, 267.
Fish-dam, i, 189, 190.
Flour, cost of, i, 197; ii, 53.
Food, want of, i. 47, 60, 63, 64, 71,

95, 115, 18a, 188, 194, 195, 344.
Fort Wayne, See Gigeyunk.
Frank, i, 189, 421.
Freeman, Dr., ii, 358.
Friedensstadt, ii, 234.
Frey, Lieut., i, 262.
Gachnawage, ii, 263, 323.
Gegaschamind (Abraham's son), i,

380.
Gekelemukpechiink, ii, 151.
Gelelemend (Wm. Henrj'), i, 419,

420, 433, 441; ii, 8, 24, 358, 369,

378, 442, 497, 500.
Gendaskund (Jacob), i, 457.
Gerraantown, near Detroit, i, 144.

INDEX.

531

Gichteno, ii, 129.

Gigeyunk (Ft. Wayne), i, 201, 344;
ii, 31, 134, 179, 188.

Ginseng, i, 366, 369 ; ii, 48, 65.

Girty, Simon, i, 68, 112.

Gischikelema, i, 413, 415.

Glaser, Francis, ii, 448.

Glikkikan (Isaac), i, 14, 29.

Gnadenhiitten, New, Mich., i, 106,
162, 202, 434, 436.

Gnadenhiitten, Ohio, i, 2. Massacre
at, i, 73, 78, 83, 84, 85, 133, 148,
281, 291; ii, 156.

Gnadenhiitten, Pa., i, 168.

Godsey, Capt., i, 284.

Gokhosing, i, 18.

Goschachgiink (Coshocton), i, 17,58,
283.

Goschgoschunk, i, 163.

Goshen, i, xxi, xxxi.

Graonrad, i, 289.

Gregor, Christian, ii, 455.

Grosse Isle, ii, 207, 216, 231,498.

Grube, Adam, i, 191.

Half-King. See Pomoacan.

Haldimand, Gen., i, 110, 116, 130.

Hamilton, i, 413.

Hans, Sally, i; 248.

Harbison, Massy, ii, 168.

Hardin, Col. John, ii, 135.

Harraar, Col., i, 284, 325; ii, 130,
135.

Harris, John, ii, 137.

Harvest, i, 176, 203, 246, 374,450; ii,
61, 128, 221, 282, 284, 326, 425, 461,
497.

Hasle, Mr., i, 174,268; ii, 250.

Hay, Geo., i, 203, 237.

Heckevvelder, Anna Salome, i, 199.

Heckewelder, Joanna Maria, i, 75,
220, 226.

Heckewelder,, John, Life, i, xxv; at
Salem, 2; made captain, 12; goes
to Detroit, 29, 162, 169, 205, 218,
227, 261; to Bethlehem, 300; at
Ft. Harmar, 454; comes to New
Salem, ii, 35; departs, 38; visits
Fairfield (1793), 315/ at the
Watch-Tower, 321; on the Mus-
kingum, 485; at Fairfield, 526.

Heckewelder, Sara Ohneberg, i, 237,
263.

Hehl, Matthew, i, 191, 285.

Henry, William, Esq., ii, 24, 485.

Heriot's Travels, i, 232.

Hessen, i, 189.

Histe, Tobias, ii, 109.

Homes, i, 160, 172.

Hope's Cove, i, 271.

Home's Hist. Col., i, 68, 303.

Howell, W. H., i, 78.

Hiibner, John Andrew, ii, 103.

Huno, ii, 85, 156.

Huron River, Mich. See Clinton
Kiver.

Hutchins, i, 289.

Ihis, ii, 36.

Indians, i, xxvi — Adoption, i, 10; ii,
160, 213. Burial, ii, 131. 482.
Character, ii, 519. Ceremonies in
making the Dclawares men. ii,
409. Councils, ii, 141, 199, 214.
Cricelty, ii, 101. Dunces, i, 423,
424; ii, 112, 258. 266, 283, 356, 371.
Dead, satisfaction for the, ii, 625.
Diseases, Consumption, i, 209; ii,
36, 42, 208, 487, 522. Gangrene, i,
55. Fever and Ague, ii, 124.
Measles, ii, 162, 163, 169, 174.
Small-pox, i, 251, 362, 364, 373,
407, 440. Ulcers, ii, 423, 612.
Worms, ii, 317. Treatment, ii, 20,
131, 403, 404, 456, 503. Dress, i,
412, 461; ii, 356, 386, 448. See
Drunkenness. Food, Berries, i, 195,
430; ii, 205, 259, 412, 417. Cher-
ries, i, 194. Dead Animals, i, 64,
172. Fish, ii, 444, 481. Game, i,
181, 286, 321 ; ii, 375, 460. Honey,
i, 310. Nuts, i, 128, 300, 309, 376,
465, 498; ii, 223, 423. Wild Pota-
toes, i, 54, 187, 189, 335; ii, 102..
Roots, ii, 109. Turtles' Eggs, i, 352.
Hunting, i, 126. Idols, i, 355; ii,
390. Immorality, ii, 288, 350, 374.
Improvidence, i, 181. Messages, i,
257, 298, 330, 335, 336, 427, 437,
439, 452; ii, 15, 27, 40, 69, 83, 114,
119, 124, 129, 136, 150, 152, 158,
176, 182, 196, 214, 244, 278, 500.
Mission, i, xxviii. Sacrifices, i, 448 ;
ii, 340, 369, 447. Scholars, ii, 53.
438. Speeches, i, 37, 129, 244, 266,
206, 297, 298, 330,407, 439; ii, 158,
202, 265, 393, (a parable, ii, 324).
Superstition, i, 297, 408; ii, 131,
290, 388, 489. Treaties, ii, 323,
417. Witchcraft, ii, 94, 388, 436,
607.
Indians, Christian, Hist, of, i, 39; ii,
199. Mostly Monseys, i, 27. Not
warriors, i, 41 ; ii, 206, 373. Sum-
moned to fight, ii, 197, 266, 268,
354, ^0. Camiot live near others,
i, 399.^ Contrast with savages, i, 65.
Mission not for whites, ii, 382.
Without cost, ii, 395. Object of, i,
179. Message to scattered converts,
i, 293; ii, 500. Marringe,.\\, 420,
494. Mothers-in-law, ii, 507
Indians, Repentant and Inquiring,
Israel, i, 60; Joseph, 99, 121, 122;

532

INDEX.

Indians, Kepentant, etc, — Continued.
Ignatius, i, 119; a Monsey, 133,
children, 149, Kenatus, 150, 172;
Thomas, 152; Daniel, 170; Abra-
ham's dauL'hter, 198; Samuel's
brother, 240, 241 ; Anton, 291 ;
Cathrine, 319; Mamasu (Jeremy),
322, 339, 394; a brother, 330;
Mamasu's brother (Mark), 347;
Luke, 347, 352; son of Astechrets-
chi, 349; Abraham's son, 354, 356,
357, 358, 359; a young man, 356,
.358; Mary Magdelene, 363; Amo-
chol, 390; Beata, 395; Abigail,
397; Leonard, 398, 402, 428; Jer-
emy's second brother (John Mar-
tin), 398, 400; John Cook, 401;
Abigail's, sister, 405; a savage,
proud Indian, 411; Gelelemend
(William Henry), 420, 433, 441;
Levi, 421 ; one having done noth-
ing wrong in his life, 397, 424;
a Chippewa, 447, Jacob Cook's
wife, ii, 2; an Indian, 5; Henry,
18; Paul, 19; a Mohican woman,.
45; John Cook's son, 45; an In-
dian, 56; Boaz' brother, 68, 79;
Zacchaeus, 76; a big boy, 77;
Joachim, Sr., 82; Gabriel, 85;
Titanachkam'sson,87; people, 104;

. Jephtha, 111; a Chippewa woman,
118; Indians, 118; Mariane, 133,
194; Mary, 187; Boaz' half-
brother, 160; Henry Cook, 162;
a perfectly strange Indian, 170;
Adam, 254, 426, 437 ; a Wyandot,
272; Wijan (Jacob), 274; Michael,
a boy, 279 ; Tobias, 297, 298, 301 ;
his wife, 335; Gelelemend (Bill
Henry) 309; a Monsey, 347;
Motey, 362; an Indian, with wife
and child, 385 ; an aged Chip-
pewa, 397, 403; Philippina, 405;
one, 411; a girl of fourteen, 430;
Abel, by letter, 435; a Chippewa,
466; old Sophia, 466; Moses, 473;
Anna Helen, 481; David, 514;
Andrew, 517, 518; Sabina, 525;
the whole church, 504-507.

Indians, Christian, Obituaries of,
Priscilla, i, 49; Nathaniel, 54;
Anna,163; Agnes, 168; Rebecca (a
child), 170; Zipporah, 188; Anna
Sophia, 209 ; Thomas, 281 ; Chris-
tiana Schebosh, 367; Jonathan,
416 ; Lea, 418 ; Joseph, 431 ; Anna
Charity, ii, 13; Paul, 21; A Ma-
ria, 34 ; Benjamin, 36; Adolphus,
42; Matthew (a child), 46; Beata,
85; Verona, 92; Pauline, 94; a
little boy, 99 ; Anna Margaret,

121; Lydia, 208; William, 217;
Abraham, 224; Benjamin (a boy),
229; Gertrude, 234; Tobias, 279;
Abraham (grandson of A.), 285 ;
Cornelius, 304; Clemens, 365; Jo-
hanna, 406; Deborah, 423; Ke-
natus, 427 ; Elizabeth, 439 ; Sam-
uel (a boy), 472 ; Mary, 476 ; Ja-
cobina, 487; Cornelius, fourteen
months old, 492; David, 498;
Justina, 507; Amos, 511; Sarah,
622.

Israel, first child baptized on the
Ohio, ii, 9.

Jefferson, Ft., ii, 333,

John, Martin, i, 11.

Johnny, Capt, (Israel), i, 24,

Johnson, Sir John, i, 116,

Johnson, Sir Wm., i, 453; ii, 217,

Johnston's Narrative, i, 353.

Jones, Rev, Mr., i, xvii.

Jordej i, 289.

Julin, ii, 281.

Jung, Michael, Life, i, xxiv; at Sa-
lem, i, 2 ; made captive, 12; goes
to Bethlehem, 162, 165; rejoins
the mission, 338 ; goes to Pitts-
burg, 415; returns, 423; in De-
troit, ii, 188.

Jungmann, John George, Life, i,
xxiii; at Schonbrunn, 2; made
captive, 12 ; goes to Bethlehem,
226.

Jungmann, Mrs., sixtieth birthday,
i, 112.

Kanawha, i, 251.

Kaschajem, i, 234.

Kaskaskunk, ii, 200.

Kenedy, David, ii, 319.

Kente (Quinte) Bay, ii, 413, 449.

Kessler, ii, 424, 431, 442.

Kiefer, ii, 56.

Klingsohr, John Augustus, ii, 117.

Kuhn (Coon), Abraham, i, 295; ii,
126.

La Mot., Capt., ii, 173, 174, 191.

Lamst, ii, 20.

Lane, Ebenezer, i, vii.

Langgard, i, 377.

Languntouteniink, i, 163; ii, 13.

Lanin, ii, 233.

La Trobe, i, 116.

Law, Perin, ii, 524.

Layritz, Paul Eugene, ii, 156.

Lecron, Susan. See Mrs. Zeis-
berger.

Leeth, Elizabeth, i, 299, 460; ii, 38.

Leeth, John, i, 299, 339, 460; ii, 137,
272.

Lennachgo, i, 148.

Lichtenau, i, 15, 148.

INDEX.

533

Licking Creek, i, 260.

Lokachkes, ii, 267, 298.

Long Point, ii, 431.

Longus, i, 342, 408, 413; ii, 130.

Loskiel, ii, 100, 129.

Lot, consulting the Saviour by, i,

xxviii, 6, 21, 72, 100, 121, 161, 206,

231, 239, 285, 301, 320, 328, 347,

436 ; ii, 26, 92, 142, 166, 516.
Love-feasts, i, 348, 414; ii, 50, 70,

143, 252, 271, 308, 528.
Loveless, i, 189, 421 ; ii, 34.
Mack, John Martin, i, xii. 168.
Mackenzie, ii, 382, 392, 403, 513.
Mackenzie, Sir Alexander, ii, 401.
Mahoning, i, 303.
Mahony, i, xiii, 168, 172.
Mamasu (Jeremy), i, 322, 339, 394.
Manitto, ii, 39, 130.
Manuscript, Zeisberger, i, vii.
Mark, i, 113, 114, 127, 138, 146, 170.
Marriage of whites, i, 258.
Maumee (Miami), i, 24, 30.
McComb, ii, 232.
McCormick, i, 4, 47, 50, 59, 63, 75,

152, 260.
Mcintosh, Ft., i, 251.
McKee, Alexander, i, 23, 26, 44, 94,

182, 218, 245, 247; il, 40, 84, 96,

119, 125, 154, 165, 220, 249.
McNeff, ii, 311, 339.
Meder, Br., ii, 490, 497.
Memekasink, i, 18.
Mennonites, ii, 62.
Miami. See Maumee.
Michigan, Hist. Sketches of, ii, 207.
Michilimackinac, i, 89, 154.
Milk River, i, 179.
Mingoes, i, xxvii, 52; ii, 10, 286,

493.
Missemer, ii, 107, 186.
Mitchell, Col. Jos.; i, 417, 423.
Mohawks, ii, 276, 323, 350, 374, 436.
Mohicans, i, xxvii; ii, 288, 323.
Monseys, i, 18, 22, 27.
Montour, ii, 148.
Moor, Sam., i, 365.
Morgan, Geo., ii, 88.
Mortimer, Benjamin, ii, 527.
Moschkos, ii, 128, 476.
Mosquitoes, i, 103, 106, 111, 194, 233 ;

ii, 263, 273.
Muskingum, i, 33; ii, 61.
Nacquames, ii, 237.
Nanticokes, i, xxvii ; ii, 482.
I^eal, i, 286, 289.
Negroes, ii, 117, 142, 316.
Negro, runaway returned, ii, 380.
Nelawatwes, i, 153, 167, 452; ii,

29, 151, 344, 381.
Neuwied, ii, 480.

New Shore, i, 1.

Niagara, i, 153 ; ii, 333, 475.

Oil-spring, ii, 259.

Onondagas, i, 321 ; ii, 324.

Oswego, i, 160.

Ottawas, i, xxvii, 25, 87, 287.

Ottawa River, i, 32.

Pacbgantschihillas, ii, 361, 601.

Pachgatgoch, ii, 289.

Packanice, i, 409 ; ii, 151.

Paint Creek, ii, 157, 159.

Parke, Mr., i, 454; ii, 127, 134, 138,

231), 353, 391, 462, 477, 490.
Pemitschischen, ii, 10, 77.
Peter, Simon, i, 191.
Pettquotting, i, 234, 275.
Peyster, de, Col., i, 33, 88; letter,

130, 156 ; leaves Detroit, 192, 219 ;

ii, 202.
PfeiflFer, i, 289.
Pickering, Col, ii, 333.
Pile, Isaac, i, 409.
Pipe, Capt., i, 3, 29, 36; at Detroit

council, 37, 52, 57, 70, 129, 298;

ii, 8, 81, 82, 126, 143, 364.
Pittsburgers, i, 287.
Pomoacan (Half-King), i, 3, 4, 17, 20,

25, 53, 64, 68, 233, 373, 421.
Potawatomies, i, xxvii, 87, 287.
Potts, Capt., i, 116.
Powell, Judge, ii, 207, 243, 251.
Presents to Indians, i, 28, 32, 44.
Presque Isle (Erie), i, 44.
Providence, Divine, i, 196.
Put-in-Bay (Pudding), i, 268.
Quakers, ii, 316, 318, 323, 501.
Quetindis, ii, 104.
Recovery, Ft., ii, 342.
Reeson River (Raisin), ii, 372, 447.
Reichel, John Frederick, i, 2, 248.
Reinke, Br., i, 423; ii, 421.
Retrenche River. See Thames.
Robins (Kobbins, Robbinson), i, 50,

63, 82, 360, 365 ; ii, 3, 6, 30, 140.
Rocky Point, ii, 178.
Row, ii, 257.
Rum, i, 374, 412 , ii, 43, 60, 77, 126,

130, 137, 140, 224, 312, 351, 378,

894, 514, 515.
Rush-grass, i, 211.
Rush River (Rouge), i, 32.
Sakunk, ii, 122, 167.
Sajipihillen, ii, 48.
Salem, i, 2, 302.
Salem, New, ii, 105.
Sally Hand, ii, 256.
Salt Lick, i, 302.
SaltSpring, i, 244; ii, 327..
Sandusky, Lower, i, 21, 61, 63, 69.
Sandusky River, i, 20. .
Sandusky, Upper, i, 21, 82, 440.

534

INDEX.

Satan, devices of, i, 108, 244, 305, 355,
358; ii, 6, 92, 132, 291, 417, 419.

Scapp, i, 373.

Schafer, ii, 452.

Schebosh, John Joseph, i, xi, 21 ;
captured, 44 ; goes to Bethlehem,
64; to Clinton River, 155, 184;
loses his wife, 367 ; dies, 442 ; obit-
uary, 443.

Schebosh, Joseph, Jr., i, 64; mur-
dered at Gnadenhiitten, 87.

Schechschiquaniink, ii, 447.

Schellachpis, ii, 201.

Schmick, John Jacob, i, 431.

Schmidt, Elias, baptized, i, 96.

Schonbrunn (New), i, xviii, 2, 16,29,
31, 120, 302.

School, i, 388, 451, 455, 461; ii, 4,
38, 152, 292, 438.

Schweinitz, Edmund de, i, 26, 75, 80,
115, 156, 166, 172; ii, 24, 149, 156,
180, 256, 257, 360, 448, 455.

Schweinitz, John C. A., de, i, 261,
288.

Schummis, ii, 98.

Scioto, i, 49.

Seidel, i, xii, 54, 157.

Senecas, i, 321 ; ii, 439.

Sensemann, Anna, i, 8, 13.

Sensemann, Christian David, born,
i, 8; 75, 226.

Sensemann, Gottlobb, i, xvi ; life,
xxiii; at Gnadenhiitten, 2; made
captive, 11 ; goes to Detroit, 29,
169, 193, 207; to Bethlehem, 226;
on the way from Pittsburg, ii, 134 ;
arrives at New Salem, 137; de-
parts, 169; in Detroit, 188; ill,
217; goes to Niagara, 316; re-
turns, 320 ; birthday, 377 ; ill, 452 ;
visits Detroit, 485 ; accident, 490.

Sensemann, Sara Ohneberg, ii, 455;
birthday, 493.

Shalachzink, i, 187.

Shawanese, i, xxvii, 19, 51, 124, 259,
408 ; ii, 393.

Shewkirk, Br., i, 160, 173.

Shikellimy, i, 115.

Simcoe, Gov. John G., ii, 299, 301,
349.

Sinclair (St. Clair), Gov. (Eng.), 1,
89, 103.

Six Nations, i, 25, 287, 351, 417; ii,
381, 409, 416, 445.

Ska, ii, 190, 201.

Skank, Peter, ii, 375.

Slosser, Ft., i, 232.

Smallmann, i, 203.

Smaan, Nicholas, i, 456; ii, 20.

Smith, Maj. D. W., ii, 137.

Snakes, i, lOG.

Snycarty, ii, 444.

Snowshoe, Joseph, ii, 157, 368, 469.

Spangenberg (Br. Joseph), i, 223,

443.
Squirrel (a Frenchman), ii, 68, 114,

131, 135.
St. Clair's Defeat, ii, 227, 228, 229,

230.
St. Clair, Gen., i, 381 ; ii, 122.
St. Clair, Lake, i, 103.
St. Clair Papers, ii, 228, 261.
Steiner, Abraham, ii, 35.
Stockbridge (Mass), ii, 23, 289.
Stone Creek, i, 333,
Sugar-making, i, 63, 66, 137, 186,

224, 324; ii, 96, 305, 311, 349, 384,

442, 478, 514.
Suns, four, ii, 10.
Sydrick, Daniel, ii, 62, 116.
Tackenos, i, 361.
Tafelmeger, i, 189.
Tawa. See Ottawa.
Taylor's Hist, of Ohio, i, 215, 277.
Tedpachxit, ii, 196, 496, 500.
Temsitusiink (a creek), ii, 91, 124.
T'gaaju, ii, 448.

Thames River, ii, 190, 248, 250.
Thomas, lad scalped at Gnadenhiit-
ten, i, 80, 81, 281.
Thorne, Capt., i, 417.
Thuppekiink. See Schonbrunn, i,

120.
Tiefler, ii, 384.
Titawachkam, i, 301, 335, 342, 410 ;

ii, 87, 97.
Tobacco, i, 370; ii, 313, 346.
Tschakeleunos, ii, 169.
Tschinque (a creek), i, 349 ; ii, 54.
Tscholens, i, 410.
Tscholi, ii, 7.

Tschuwisch or Sem, ii, 54.
Tuckashaws, i, 361; ii, 128, 364,

476.
Tucker, Mr., i. 145, 203, 218, 256.
Tulpenejundam, ii, 118.
Turner, Chas., i, 216.
Tuscarawas, i, 235.
Tutelees, i, 115.
Twightwees, i, xxvii, 199, 429 ; ii, 41,

128.
Tybout, Mr., i, 34.
Wachau (in N. C), i, 89.
Wahweeahtenon, ii, 199.
Wajomik (Wyoming), ii, 200, 453.
Walhonding, i, 17, 229.
Walker, ii, 142.
Wallace, Geo., i, 432.
Walnut Bottoms, ii, 272, 363.
Waniken, ii, 419.
Watch-Tower (Warte), ii, 180, 320,

497.

x.

535

Watteville, John de, i, 166, 217, 222,

293.
Wawiachtenos, ii, 128, 242.
Wavne, Gen., ii, 330, 331, 368, 370,

371, 372, 376, 448, 475.
Wechquetauk, i, 367.
Weii;and, John, i, 155, 160, 162, 281,

338, 352.
Weinland, Frederick, ii, 407, 424.
Welandawecken, i, 335, 379, 430,

452.
Weidpaehtschiechen, ii, 16, 151.
Weni^inund, i, 23, 24, 29; ii, 217.
Weschnat, i, 51.
Weschnasch or Wis. (Frederick), i,

242, 280, 294, 340, 446.
Weskochk, i, 389.
Wetterhold, ii, 257.
"Wheeling (Wilunk), i, 4, 360, 365,

366.
White Eyes, i, 366; ii, 344.
White River (Ind.), ii, 496.
Wijan (Jacob), ii, 264, 274.
Willcock, ii, 206.
Willcox, ii, 328.
Williams, Isaac, i, 136, 162, 281, 301,

351; ii,-153.
Williams, Nathan, i, 189, 218.
Wilson, i, 207, 216, 235, 248, 308. .
Wiliink. See Wheeling.
Wit, Mr., ii, 48.
Wittiger, i, 413, 417.
Wittigo, i, 287.
Woapikannikunk, ii, 326.
Wojanwes, ii, 60, 101, 108.
Wollin, John G., i, 117; ii, 420, 455,

486.
Wolves, i, 198, 216, 333; ii, 329.
Wonpanos, ii, 325.

Wunanktis, ii, 63.

Wyandots, i, xxvii, 10, 19, 20, 25,
227 ; on Detroit River, 33 ; ii, 103,
184, 199, 413, 436.

Yinkee Hall, in Detroit, i, 94, 109.

Zahm, i, 377.

Zeisberger, David, Life, i, ix; re-
turns to Schonbrunn, 2; answers,
Pomoacan, 5 ; Monsey adoption
spoken of, 10; rnnde captive, 10;
goes to Detroit, 29; interview with
de Peyster, 33; tried, 37; returns
to Sandusky, 45 ; summoned to
Detroit, 68; leaves Sandusky, 74;
in Detroit, 88; moves to Clinton
River, 103; visits Detroit, 109,
115, 144; welcomes new families,
147; visits Detroit, 154, 155, 162,
188; leaves Clinton River, 265;
in Detroit, 266 ; detained on Lake
Erie, 271 ; lands near Sandusky,
273; on the Cuyahoga. 280 ; starts
for Pettquotting, 333; arrives,
343; ill, ii, 7, 58 ; leaves New Sa-
lem (Pettquotting), 172; on the
lake, 173; in Sandusky Bay, 174;
sails, 177; at mouth of Detroit
River, 179; visits Detroit, 222;
ill, 241 ; departs for Fairfield, 255;
in Detroit, 256; at Fairfield, 261 ; ^
rebukes the assistants, 505.

Zeisberger, Mrs. (Sister Susanna), i,
xiv; made captive, 12, 19; thirty-
ninth birthday, 66; journey to
Cuyahoga, 276; ill, 415; ii, 49,
125, 493.
Zinzendorf, Count, i, 94.
Zonesschio, i, 345, 391.

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