NYYM_scrapbook_201

receiving some instruction. The Moravians are educating a larger number in that portion of the Tribe called Munsees. The Baptist school was not in operation when we were there. The Methodists have a Missionary but no school. A few of the Delaware children are recieving some ed- ucation at the several schools in the Shawnee nation. The Munsee Indians, consisting of about Two hun- dred are a branch of the Delaware nation, and former- ly resided on the Lehigh River in the State of Penn- sylvania; and as we understood these Indians are the descendents of the Tribe that made the Treaty with William Penn under the great Elm Tree. This memorable event has been handed down by tradition from generation to generation; and there are now a number who can give a pretty correct history of the transactions of that remote period. The Moravian brethren have extended a care towards a portion of this Tribe for more than half a century. Teachers and Missionaries have ever since that time been employed amongst them, and at the time of our visit there were two men and thier wives engaged in giving them some literary moral, and religious in- struction. They appeared to be pious persons and honestly engaged in the discharge of thier arduous duties. They recieved as cordially and manifested a willingness to assist us in promoting the object of our visit. Owing to the unsettled state of these Indians, thier wandering habits, and an unwillingness to work on the land; and the small annuity paid them by Government; there has not been that improvement that might be reasonably looked for when we take into con- sideration the great amount of labour bestowed upon them Most of them have log or timber houses, and cultivate more or less land; and raise corn for thier supply during the year. Some few cultivate wheat, and potatoes. They keep horses, cattle, hogs and fowls. They have some furniture in thier houses; such as poor beds, tables, and chairs; some cooking utensils &;c. They all wear the blanket, and in many respects dress in a state about half way between the whites and Indians. They are great smokers, and some of them drink whiskey to excess. It is said they are a kind hearted people, and a num- ber of them have embraced christianity, and joined either with the Moravians, Methodists or Episcopalians. The Moravians have a small meeting house, and school house on thier land. We met sixty or seventy of these Indians of both sexes at thier meeting house on first day evening; they behaved themselves with sobriety and christian gravity; and after we had freed our minds and our certificates had been read, one of the chiefs of the Delawares, after having spoken to his associate chief a few words (both of whom were at a previous meet- ing of ours) rose and delivered the following remarks. Brothers, We are glad you have come to see us, and give us such good advice, and to talk with us and tell us about living better and becoming better men and women Brothers, I hope I shall do better myself, and that my people will do better also. Brothers, our fathers and your fathers lived together as friends and brothers, they never shed each other's blood, no, they never scratched each other, and I am glad the friendship continues even to the present time, and that the blood now runs freely in our viens &;c. Afterwards, one of the principal men belong- ing to the Munsees made a few feeling remarks ex- pressive of his satisfaction with the meeting; where it closed. Second day morning, being informed by the Moravian Missionary that they usually met every morning at nine o clock for worship, and that there was liberty for us to go in and sit with them if we chose; after reflecting upon it we thought it might be best for us to attend the Meeting; and accordingly we went in and set with them until thier services were over, after which we had some labour amongst them. One of thier principal men then rose, and in a feeling and broken manner, even unto tears, made the fol- lowing very affectionate and pertinent remarks. Brothers, I want to talk a little with you, I am glad to see you this morning, and glad to hear you talk about Jesus, and was glad to see you and hear you yesterday. Brothers the munsees are