Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/127

 the only resource of the Methodists being that of subscriptions. It was also proposed to my brother and me, that if we would assist them in this undertaking, and come under their directions, our salaries should be increased, and we should have access to the contemplated college. We told them that their request would cause much dissatisfaction to the Methodists, as they claimed the Indians for their spiritual children, having been the first who taught them the christian religion. They replied, they could not help what the Methodists would think about it, as it was necessary the Indians should be responsible to them for their conduct. We then told them that it was not in our power to say one way or the other, but that we should leave it for the Indians to decide themselves. They requested an answer as soon as possible. Colonel Givins gave us to understand that the request of the Credit Indians would most likely meet with the approbation of the Governor, and desired John to make out a return of the number of families residing at the river Credit. We then proceeded to the quarters of the Chiefs who were waiting for answers to their petitions. When we told them what had been communicated to us, they sighed deeply, and after a long silence said, "Then all our labours have been in vain with our great father the Governor;" but John Sunday with an air of disdain replied, "We have heretofore made out to live from year to year even when we were sinners, and shall not the Great Spirit whom we now serve take care of us, and preserve us from all harm." I cautioned them not to be too much troubled about it, but to leave it to God in prayer, to which they assented.

Friday, February 1st. — This morning I carried in to Dr. Strachan the statements he requested respecting the Bellville and Rice Lake Indians, of which he approved. Our conversation turned upon the proposals, made yesterday, when I gave him to understand that I should not take any influential