THE MISSIONARY CONVICTS

St. Louis, Oct. 15, 1831

To the Editor of the Philadelphian

Sir: --I have regarded with surprise the apathy of the people of the United States, in relation to the tyrannical treatment of the missionaries in Georgia. When I first heard of it myself, I expected a general burst of indignation throughout our own happy country, but I have waited in vain. Have we come to this, Sir, that an American citizen can be deprived of his liberty, insulted, chained, and even scourged by a thing, 'clothed with a little brief authority.' and without his having committed any crime and it not arouse the sensibility of the people? Where, Sir, I ask are the spirits of those whose blood has enriched our soil; where are the spirits of Washington and Jefferson, and where is the 'Old Roman' when to declare, 'I am an American Citizen,' is no longer a passport to protection and respect? If this shall be the decision of Americans, then farewell my country. I have fought and bled for you in vain. I do not at present intend to enter into argument on this subject; but you shall here (sic) from me again. Meanwhile, I would recommend a publication of the whole history of this unparalleled transaction in heathen and Christian lands; and as a frontispiece to the book, engraven in steel, let a Georgia soldier be seen, piercing the breast of an infant with his bayonet. JUNIUS.