Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/175

 marriages of their own people in such a form as they thought proper. I spoke to Chief Yellowhead on the subject, which, meeting with his approbation, he requested me to assist in the ceremony. When we were ready and in full expectation of seeing an Indian wedding, up stepped John Asance, the Matchedash Chief, and said that he had long ago spoken for that young woman for his son, and he considered his son had the first right to the admired female. We then asked the young woman about it, when she replied that neither of the young men, nor any one else, had ever said anything to her about having either of them; and, as she wished to go to school and learn to read, she did not wish to marry either of them. Thus were our expectations of seeing an Indian wedding blighted.

Wednesday 18th. — Chiefs Yellowhead and Asance, with their people, prepared to go to Yellowhead's Island, near the Narrows of Lake Simcoe. They were accompanied by Brother Wm. Law, an Englishman, Thomas Magee, and John Thomas, from the Credit: these go as missionaries and teachers. Brother Law is well calculated for a school teacher amongst Indians, and they are much indebted to him for his indefatigable labours on Yellowhead's Island. Chief Wm. Snake's party remained at the Landing to attend Sister Edmond's school. About noon we started for York. In the afternoon Brother Case preached at Brother Hartman's from 2 Cor. v. 1. It was a refreshing time to our souls.

Thursday 19th. — Arrived at York in the afternoon, and commenced getting a small Indian spelling book, which I had written, printed at Mr. McKenzie's office.

Friday 20th. — Was employed most of the day in correcting the proof sheets of the spelling book. Paid a visit to Colonel Clench.

Saturday 21st. — Employed as yesterday in the printing office. In the afternoon rode to the Credit. During my