Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/197

 blessing of God rests upon these devoted missionaries. The school was also kept in a bark building, where the children are taught to read the Word of God.

Wednesday 17th. — Went with a party of the Indians to Belleville, in order to receive their goods. On landing at Belleville. Mr. Clench and the officers met us and we all shook hands with them. When the Indians had received their goods in bulk, Mr. Clench, the Indian Agent, delivered a good speech to the Indians, which I interpreted; the substance of which was, that he thanked the Great Spirit for permitting him to meet his red children once more, and to take them by the hand in the name of their very great father, the King over the great waters. In token of his love to his red children he had this day delivered to them the King's presents. That he rejoiced to see the improvement they were making in christianity and civilization, and hoped they would still persevere in this laudable undertaking. That as they now had become Christians it would be unnecessary for him to recommend them to take good care of their presents, as their own good sense had convinced them of doing so. He trusted that their attachment to the King and his Government would continue firm and strong, and assured his red children that their great father would never forsake them. Took leave of my Grape Island brethren and rode up to the Trent, where the Rice Lake Indians were waiting for their presents. Mr. Clench made the same speech to them. The British officers present were very friendly, and expressed high gratification in witnessing the happy change which had taken place amongst these Indians. I hired teams to take the goods to Rice Lake.

Saturday 20th. — Began early this morning to distribute the goods sent by the Government amongst the Indians, and finished before night, to the entire satisfaction of all parties. Each man received two blankets, cloth for one coat, and one pair of