From the Missionary Herald

CHICKASAWS

Extract from a letter of Mr. Holmes dated 13th of Oct. 1828.

An account of the revival at Monroe, communicated by Mr. Stuart, was inserted in the number for September, of the last volume. Tokshish, the place at which Mr. Holmes resides, is only a short distance from Monroe. There is but one church at the two stations, and the meetings on the Sabbath are held at one place.

Continued Attention to Religion

'A week ago yesterday, we again had the privilege of commemorating the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Messrs. Blair and Byington were with us on the occasion. Four colored persons, who give satisfactory evidence of a change of heart were admitted to the privileges of the church; making the number of professors exclusive of the missionaries amount, if I mistake not, to 63. Several other persons are under deep seriousness. All our meetings were well attended, and some of them, particularly the evening meetings at Tokshish, were crowded, and intensely solemn. The Spirit of God has appeared to be in a special manner present, arresting the attention of sinners (two or three words indistinguishable) Christians to pray with unusual fervency. Mr. Byington remained here until Thursday, and spent the three days in visiting the Indians, and holding the meetings.- We were encouraged to find them almost without an exception, listen attentively to the Gospel. I frequently preach through an interpreter to different places; and am always interested, but my time is very much divided.

There has been no particular change in the school since my last.- The number of boarders remains the same, and those who attend from the neighborhood are very punctual.

Proceedings of the Chiefs

The white men and Indians selected to explore the country west of Missouri and Arkansas, have commenced their tour. The Indians generally are in the greatest suspense.- They have no confidence in each other, particularly on such an occasion as this. The people are unanimous in their opposition to a removal.'

This step was taken on account of a proposal made by the Government of the United States to the Chickasaws and Choctaws, to exchange their lands in the State of Mississippi, for lands lying west and north of the State of Missouri. These two tribes consented to send a delegation of their own people, in company with some white men in whom they could place confidence, to look at the proposed new lands, and report whether the exchange would be expedient.

'The nation has recently formed some wholesome laws, and to our astonishment they are strictly enforced. Whiskey is banished from the country. A thief is punished with thirty lashes, without regard to color, age, or sex, and is compelled to return the stolen property or an equivalent. One hundred men (twenty-five out of each district) are to carry the laws into execution, and are paid by the nation.

These things are encouraging, and I see nothing in the way, if these people are unmolested, of their becoming civilized, enlightened, and happy.

The work of reformation is already commenced; and if they could but enjoy tranquility of mind, I have no doubt but that it would rapidly advance.'