Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/142

 the Revs. Mr. Lukenbaugh and Mr. Haman, who were just preparing for a funeral service, consequently I was disappointed in my expectation of preaching to these people; however, when Mr. L. concluded his discourse, he gave me the privilege of making a few remarks; I spoke in English through an interpreter. They not only listened attentively, but I was delighted with the solemnity of their behaviour. I could not understand Mr. L's discourse, being in the Delaware language, neither could I tell when he prayed, read, or preached, as he went through the whole sitting. The number that attended was about a hundred. The body of Indians located at this place is about two hundred. The Moravian Missionaries have been labouring among this people for a number of years, with very little success, either in civilizing or christianizing them: they are much given to intemperance, which is a great barrier to improvement. I can but admire the patient perseverance of these self-denying men, who keep up their Missions from one year to another, through discouragements and oppositions of every kind. After taking some refreshment I parted with my comrades, who wished to return to the Credit. Brother F. and I went about seven miles down the river, over beautiful flats. I preached in the evening to a small congregation of whites, from 1 John i. 8, 9.

Thursday 20th. — Hearing of some Chippeways living at Bear River, north of the River Thames, I accompanied Bro. F. to that place. On our arrival we saw some Indian boys, and from them learned that several of the Indians were encamped across the river. We accordingly went, and, after the usual salutations, I introduced myself to the head Chief of the tribe, whose name is Kanootong, and told him the object of my visit to my native brethren in this part of the country, and requested him to call his people together, as I was anxious to inform them about the Christian religion. A runner was