Cherokee Phoenix

Extract of a letter from a lady in the

Published December, 10, 1831

Page 2 Column 2c

Extract of a letter from a lady in the

Choctaw nation.

You will not wonder if I am rather in a sorrowful mood as you have probably learned this is the time when a considerable portions of the Chahtas are about leaving. Sat.- old Tunepinehoffa came to bid us farewell.- I used formerly, even before he became pious to call him my uncle, because he manifested so much affectionate feeling for me in affliction.

Almost all the people of his neighborhood (between thirty and forty miles distant from this place) had started one and two days before. His wife was sick, but I understand his things had gone on in the wagons provided by Government and he expected to overtake them on horseback. He thought he must go within six days.- His countenance was the picture of anguish at times, but when he spoke of his Heavenly Father of Jesus it would brighten. He seemed greatly distressed at the thought of parting, of being separated from the missionaries. I requested, if convenient, he would pray with me before he left. He readily complied but wished to sing first, he sung a very long hymn which he had made, both words and tune, himself, although he was never learned to read.

When I expressed the wish, that would in English be, that he might hold out to the end. The old man stretched forth his arms and putting his hands together in the most expressive manner, said he was determined to hold on upon Jesus forever. Sister K_____ remarked to me that ever since he made a profession of religion which is nearly four years, it has not been known that he has ever acted in the least inconsistent with his profession, but has always appeared like an old patriarch.--O that the same could be said of all those who have professed religion.--Col. Folsom remarked to me, when at his house that his people were in a dreadful situation. He said, 'we have had a glorious times since you left us, but now it is not so, many of us have backslidden. Whiskey has made dreadful ravages.' How great the weight of guilt that must be found somewhere! That T. has expressed of distress in view of leaving, is not a solitary instance by any means.

I presume you have heard enough and much more than enough to satisfy your mind that Chahtas, as a people have ever been averse to a removal. They must undoubtedly experience much bodily suffering and I fear the effect, on their mental, and especially on their spiritual interests, will be much worse.