Cherokee Phoenix

INDIANS

Published May, 24, 1834

Page 2 Column 3a

INDIANS

DWIGHT MISSION.

Extract of a letter from Rev. Henry R. Wilson, Jr., dated Dwight Mission, Cherokee Nation, Jan. 16th, 1834

'The poor people to whom I am going have been much more neglected, and are consequently much more wretched. They number about eighteen or twenty thousand in all, and have lately emigrated (and indeed some of them are still emigrating) from their home, to this wilderness. They have suffered much by their removal; having lost their little property, together with their cows and horses. Many of them have died by the way, and since their arrival many hundreds of them have been cut off by death. The remainder, disappointed in their new country-unprovided with food, and unable to procure stock, and implements of industry, have sunk down into sullenness, bordering on despair; a state of mind very unfavorable to the reception of the gospel. Driven from the homes of their fathers to the very utmost verge of our country, they know not what to do or where to go. O! could you see the wrongs which these poor people suffer; not so much from the design of government, as from unprincipled agents,-sub-agents-traders and contractors, your heart, which knows how to feel for the suffering, would weep over their condition. O! that the Christian public could see and feel the debt which, under God they owe to this poor neglected, abused, suffering people. But I believe the day is not too distant, when this will be the case, and when the remnant of these tribes shall be redeemed unto the Lord, and given to Jesus, as a part of that inheritance which He purchased with His precious blood. For this, dear brother, let us pray; for this, while God gives me grace and strength, will I continue to labor.'