A journal of two visits made to some nations of Indians on the west side of the River Ohio, in the years 1772 and 1773
Jones, David, 1736-1820
bvo \ V' %<^ i^ OiT- ■c^^ci^n ' :M%>I?^^> N .f'i. ^:: ,,^^1^ A JOURNAL O F TWO VISITS MADE TO SOME NaTIONS OF INDIANS ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE RIVER OHIO, In the Years 1772 and 1773. By the Rev. DAVID JONES, iMInifter of the Gofpel at Freehold, in New- Jersey. BURLINGTON: Print^jS and SOLD BY ISAAC COLLINS, M.DCCLXXIV. i 4^a"v 2- A ■^-1. INTRODUCTION. Kind Reader, YOU bave in this Journal prefented to your view my travels in two vijits to the Indians on the rivers Ohio and Siota ; in which a defcription is given of this weft em worlds as far as the towns of the Shawannee Indians^ which are fituated weft of the river Siota ; together with what endeavours were made to civilize the Heathens, and my judg- ment on that fuhjeB. It cannot he expeded that a particidar narrative of the occurrences of every day Jhould be given^ becaufe this would render the work voluminous^ a?id too expenfive ; but remarks are made on whatever was thought mofi worthy of no- tice. Perhaps it may be afked^ what motives influ- enced me to undertake a journey attended withfo much expenfes^ hardjhips and fatigue f By reading of the Scriptures it appeared, that the gofpel is to be preached to all nations, and that fome out of all (hall join in the praifes of the Lamb of GO D : feeing but little figns of the kingdoju of CHRIST amon^ us, it was thought that it ??iight be the day of G 0 D's mercy and vifttation of thefe neglected favage nations. And notwithftanding the difcourag- ments met with, I am not yet convinced but fomething might be done for their good, if the attempt was fuitably countenanced, Thoughts relative to this fubjed have been in my mind for feveral years paft, and iv INTRODUCTION. and at times with an ardent defire to try ivhat might be done ; but my circumjiances prevented any attempts till the beginning of thefummer Anno Domini 1772 ; ivhen^ in company with Mr, John Holmes who tra- 'veiled for his healthy I began my firji tour^ and returned from my fecond on the laji of April 1773 ; containing the travels of one year lacking a few days^ including the fpace of near two months between my firJi and fecond journey , Concluding it would favour my defign^ and from a defire to officiate in the miniftry^ without dependence upon the people^ had views of fettling on the eaflfide of the river Ohio^ in a province then expeded to take place under the propriety of mejfrs. Franklin, Wharton^ Baynton^ Morgan and others. This in- duced me to take a more extenfive furvey of the country than what otherwife might have been ex- peded ; confequently am enabled to defcrihe this new world more to the fatisfadion of fuch as defire to be acquainted with it. For the gratification of the reader, and the better underftanding of fome para- graphs in the following Journal, it was thought pro- pe^lhus to premife a few things ; believijig that moji readers will enjoy as much pleafure as him that adu- ally paffed through the fcene. It would he efieemed as no f mall compenfation to my hardfhips, if this Journal might be any means of exciting a pious emulation in fome perfon better qualified to engage in the important work of civilizing the poor negleded Heathens ; and if any fhould he fo difpofed, cordially Iwijh God fpeed to the fame ; and remain the reader^ s unworthy fervaftt in the gofpel of Christ. D. JONES. if JOURNAL OF TWO VISITS T O T H E INDIANS. MAY 4, Anno Domini 1772, having prepared for my journey, and committed all to the difpofal of Divine Providence, went to Philadel- phia, and converfed with meflrs. Wharton, Bayn- ton and Morgan concerning fettling on the river Ohio ; acquainted them alfo with my defigns of vifiting the Indians. They all were pleafed, and gave me what encouragement was then in their power. Mr. Wharton was fo kind as to recom- mend me to the notice of col. Croghan at Fort Pitt, as he was well qualified, from his long ac- quaintance with the Indians, to be of great ufe to me in profecuting my defign ; and I underftood that Mr. Morgan was fo good alfo as to write to the colonel in my favour. Pleafed with the pre- fcnt profpecls, left Philadelphia, and in order to fee fome kindred and friends, went thro' the pro- vince of Maryland, and on the 10^^ of May came to the chief town of that province, fituated on good navigable v/ater, in the county of Balti- more, which is alfo the name of the town. — 'Tis a town of great bufmefs confidering its age, is connefted in trade with the weflern parts of Penn- fylvania, and appears in a profperous flate. I was C 6 ] was there on the Lord's day, and was favoured with an opportunity of , preaching in the Prefby- terian meeting-houfe, the minifter being abfent. A number of the hearers appeared genteel and very well drefled ; but was forry to fee the beha- viour of fome fo very unbecoming the folemn worlhip of God — from whofe omnifcient infpecli- on nothing can be hid. My hearty wiflies are, that inflead of whifpering, talking and laughing, in the time of divine fervice, all thofe perfons ef- pecially who are in an exalted ftation of life may always conduct themfelves on fuch occafions agreeable to their genteel appearance. — In and near this town are three places of divine worihip, viz. the church of England, the church of Rome, (near of equal credit here) and a Prefbyterian meeting-houfe, the lafl of which makes the beft appearance. When I was there no Baptift meet- ing-houfe was ereded ; but feveral perfons of that perfuafion were confulting to make prepara- tions for one ; and I have been informed that a lot of land is purchafed for that purpofe. Set out from thence May 14^'' ; travelled on a courfe of W. N. W. 60 miles, to an inland town in faid province, called Fredericks-Town ; 'tis fituated on, and furrounded with good land, and a plea- fant country : and though it is fo diftant from navigation, 'tis faid, there are fcarcely any goods in Baltimore or Philadelphia, but what may be had here, on almofl as reafonable terms. This town is much larger than what might be expciSled, perhaps owing to the frugality of the German inhabitants, the greater part confiding of that nation. In this remained only a few hours, tra- velling from thence weflerly to Knowland's ferry on Potomack river. This river is broad but not deep. C 7 ] deep, confequently Icfs ferviceable to the weftern inhabitants : it feparates between Maryland and the province of Virginia. The firfl: county adja- cent to this ferry is Loudoun, thro' this a tour was made, in which I enjoyed opportunities of preaching, thereby gaining fome knowledge of the people and country. From what I faw in that county, fmall encomiums fuit the moil part of it. Indeed the country is well watered ; but poor pafture, and few good meadows, and many bar- ren hills may be readily met with. Within a few years pad God has remarkably bleffed the gof- pel here. To that it may be charitably judged that many are brought to the faving knowledge of Christ. Was agreeably entertained with the truly grave afpeft of religion, and cannot but commend that godly fmcerity that appeared among the profefling difciples of Jesus ; though 'tis to be feared that many yet remain ftrangers to the love of God. Having fpent what time was thought expedi- ent here, fet out for Winchefter on Tuefday 19 ; crolTed the Blue Ridge at Sniggar's gap. Wag.- gons do pafs over, but the mountain is both ftcep and jftony, which renders the tranfporting of pro- duce this way almoft impradical. The top of this ridge is faid to divide between Loudoun and Fredericks county. Here we crofled Shannadore, which is a flream near 100 yards wide. Before night came to Winchefter, which is the chief town of Fredericks county. Near to this town, on the eaftern fide, is to be feen the remains of a fortification, erefted in time of the laft war, and from its appearance muft have been very expen- five : a number of large cannons are ftill remain- ing on and about the walls. Wednesday n' I ■ [ 8 ] Wednesday 20 fet out for Fort Pitt. It was faid the neareft way was by the fouth branch of Po- tomack. Pafled this day over difmal ftony moun- tains, the greateft part not commodious to be inha- bited by man. Lodged at an innkeeper's, whofe name is Murphy, about fevea miles from Rumney, which is the chief town of Hampfhire county. Thursday 21 come to Rumney, and there took breakfaft. This town is fituated on the fouth fide of the fouth branch of Potomack, and confifls of a few log houfes and a gaol ; nor is it likely from its fituation that ever its appearance will be great. From hence v/e went up the flream to colonel Haight's ; mofh of the road went along a narrow bottom adjacent to the branch ; nor does the land, in common, extend to any confi- derable diftance fit for any manner of cultivation. When we arrived to colonel Haight's, we found r^,^ him agreeably fituated, and may juflly fay that he , appeared hofpitable, kind and courteous. Friday 22 fet out ftiWH Patterfon's creek, / where I fpeht the Sabbath ; preached to a fmall congregation coileded from the fcattered fettle- ment, which is along this creek. — Hampfliire is the moft northern county of Virginia, and when I was there no minifler was fettled in it ; but foon after, 'tis faid, a clergyman of the church of England arrived. Monday 25 from Mr. Johnfon's proceeded on our way. This day pafled the north branch of Potomack, which is the northern bounds of Vir- ginia. The road is cut along the declivity of a mountain, and the defcent exceeds moft to be feen ufed as a road. This day we began to afcend that mountain from others diftinguifhed by name Allegini. Foreigners are much miftaken con- cerning C 9 ] cernlng this mountain, for it is commonly thought that we afcend from one part till near the middle we arrive to the fummit, and from thence defcend to the foot — whereas in afcending we are near as high in going tetl miles, as in an-y part of it. This mountain is truly worth notice, great part of which abounds with excellent timber ; in general either oak, chefnut or white pine, variegated according to the nature of the foil. That part of it called Savage Mountain is beau- tifully covered with ftately white pines, which promife great advantage to the weflern colony in procefs of time. In pafling this mountain we crofs many cryftal flreams, the principal are called the Little and Great Croffings. The firft of which is between 15 and 20 yards wide, and the other about 60 at Mr. Hoagland's : with more propriety thefe llreams are called Little and Great Yochogini. They unite and empty them* felves into Monongehela, fouth of the place where general Bradock was defeated : the Laurel Hill is about ten miles wide, and is only the weftern part of the fame mountain ; but one reafon why it is fpoken of as a diftinft place may be, the level land lying eaflward, in breadth near ten miles : in this are fituated the Great Meadows where Wafhington was defeated ; the intrenchment ufed on that occafion yet appears. This mountain * runs a fouth wefterly courfe, and is at prefent inhabited in many places. Tho' part of the foil is fo cold and fubjedt to frofts, that little grain can be expeded ; yet it is faid that grain of all forts is produced on the Great B Croffings. * The whole hilly country called the Allegini Mountain is faid to run a fouth weft courfe, and terminates between South Carolina and Mifliflipi. C 10 ] Croffings. In moft places the foil is good for grafs and meadows. 'Tis very probable that it alfo abounds with various mines, and if fo, it will be of great utility to the adjacent colonies. It is faid to be fixty miles acrofs it, as we travel from Fort Cumberland to Redftone. Thro' the whole as you travel, may lodge every night in feme kind of houfes ; but the entertainment is a little rough, for fuch as are but ftrangers to the new country. In this an amendment may be juftly expefted, for a number of frugal and civil people are preparing good accommodations, both for man and horfe. When we defcend the Laurel Hill, which is both fleep and flony, we come into that country which is known in diflant places by the name of Redftone. This name cannot pro- perly be applied to the greater part of this land, for Redftone is a creek, and the land adjacent makes a very fmall part of that country. This fettlement abounds with more creeks than can properly be mentioned here. /Thefe all empty into the river commonly called Monongehela, the proper name of which, according to the In- dian pronunciation, is Mehmonawangehelak^ which fignifies, Falling in Bank River. From the richnefs of the foil, the banks of this river frequently break, and fall into the ftream ; hence it takes its name. This river comes from the fouth, and fixty miles before it arrives to Fort Pitt, it is 200 yards wide. Several ferries are kept on it, tho' it may frequently be rode in the fummer feafon. On each fide of this river, a- long the creeks, are fettlements amounting to many thoufand inhabitants in the whole. — In this country preached at feveral places, and made known my purpofe to vifit the Indians,/ Met with an [ 'I ] an interpreter here well qualified to fpeak the Delaware's language; his name is David Owens : agreed with him to interpret for five pounds per month — the wages may feem high, but none vi^ho are well qualified will engage for lefs. He informed n^e, that it was neceflary to fend an ambaffador before us, to know if our vifit would be acceptable. This appeared reafonable, there- fore employed an Indian who lived with him to carry a fpeech and letter to the king and chiefs of the Delaware Indians. In this new fettlement feveral houfes for v/oriliip are already erecled, one Baptift church conftituted, to which I admi- niftered the Lord's fupper. Tuesday June 2, parted with my interpreter, who agreed to meet me at the river Ohio ; went on my way towards Fort Pitt ; arrived fafe on Thurfday June 4 ; preached by the way at Turkle Creek ; took a view of the fort — it is lituated where the rivers Monongehela and AUegini meet : from thence the united flream is called Ohio, which fignifies a fair, gentle or pleafant river. The Shawannees call it Fellewaa TJjeepee^ i. e. Tur- ky River. At this time the fortification was re- maining, but fomewhat impaired. Here were about eighty foldiers with one commanding offi- cer. It is faid the ereding of this fort coft the crown £, 100,000 flerling : by fome orders in the fall, it was demoUfhed and abandoned. Eall, at about 200 yards diftance, by the Monongehe- la, there is a fmall town chiefly inhabited by In- dian traders, and fome mechanicks. The army was without a chaplain, nor was the town fupplied with any minifler. Part of the inhabitants are agreeable and worthy of regard, while others are lamentably diflblute in their morals. — Went to fee colonel Croghan ; was received by him very courteoufly ; next day dined with him ; his habi- tation was then four miles from Fort Pitt up the AUegini river — confulted with him about my vifit to the Indians j found him well difpofed, and willing [ '3 ] Willing to aflifl ; was pleafed to hear the colonel fpeak on matters relative to religion. He was kind enough to make me a prefent of a bear's fkia to fleep on, a belt of wampum to prefent to the Indians, and 60 pounds of bifcuit to fupply me in my journey. This I muft fay, that the colonel a6:ed the generous, kind gentleman. Part of the- time at Fort Pitt, was kindly entertained by Mr. Aneas Mackay, who is deputy commifTary here ; have reafon to fpeak of this gentleman as the apoftle Paul did of Onefiphorus. Tuesday I June 9, left Fort Pitt in company with Mr. George Rogers Clark, and feveral others, who were difpofed to make a tour through this new world. We travelled by water in a canoe, and as I laboured none, had an opportunity of obferving the courfes of the river. It would be too tedious to give a particular account -, it may fuffice to be more general, and refer the curious reader to a map * expeded foon to be publifhed by mellrs. Hutchins and Hooper. It may be ex- peded that this performance will be accurate, as greatefl part will be done by actual furvey. As Mr. Hooper favoured me with the diftances of places, the calculations are theirs. || — From Fort Pitt the river Ohio runs about fifteen miles near a N. W. courfe ; thence near N. about 14 miles; then it makes a great bent for about 20 miles running a little S. of W. thence for near 20 , miles X Here I parted with Mr. Holmes who returned to New- Jerfey. * By requeft of Mr. Hooper I take fubfcriptions for this map at a piftole each. II Mr, Hooper told me that by a more exaft furvey mads by him, he found the diftance between Little and Great Canhawa to be confiderably^more than is fpecified iff Mr, Hutchins's calculation. " [ '4 3 miles S. E. to the place called the Mingo town, where fome of that nation yet refide. Some of this town were wont to plunder canoes, therefore we pafled them as quietly as poflible ; and were fo happy as not to be difcovered by any of them. From this town to Grave Creek is about thirty miles, and the river, taking the meanders of it, may be faid to run a little W. of S. Met here with my interpreter, who came acrofs the coun- try from the waters of Monongchela, and with him fome Indians, with whom I had a little con- verfation. This night my bed was gravel flones by the river fide. From Fort Pitt to this creek we were only in one houfe inhabited by white people. All the way our lodging was on the banks of the river, which at fir (I did not fuit me, but cuflom made it more agreeable. Saturday June 13, moved to a creek by the Indians called Caapteenin^ i. e. Captains Creek* This creek comes into the river from the weft fide, and is fuppofed to be about 75 miles E. S. E. from Newcomer's town, which is the chief town of the Delaware Indians. We encamped oppofite to Caapteenin on the eaft fide of Ohio. Here were fome families of Indians — we went over and converfed with them, and in the even- ing fome of them returned the vifit. Mr. Owens was well acquainted with fome of them, and let them know what fort of a man I was. They all fhewed refped to me ; even when fome of them afterwards were drunk, they were civil to me, and would take me by the hand and fay, " You " be minjia.^* Here we fpent the Lord's day : in the evening inftrudlcd what Indians came over. The moft intelHgent auditor is called Frank Ste- phens. He could fpeak no Englifh, but in this pouit [ 15 ] point, was at no lofs when Mr. Owens was with me. In this interview, fpoke on many fubje^ls, and alked feveralqueflions, among others, whether he beUeved that after death there is a ftate of eternal happinefs and of mifery ? he replied, this he believed — he proceeded and faid, " he con- fidered God as the Giver of all good things ; if he killed a deer he thought Goi> gave him that good luck." What he faid on this fubjeft raifed mv expectation, for we know that man is more prone to forget the providence of GoD, than his exiftence. While many things were faid con- cerning God, he gave great attention. At this, time I felt myfelf much diftrelTed how to fpeak fo as to make him fenfible of the way and man- ner that we received the fcriptures from God. At lafl thefe ideas arofe in my mind, which were communicated in words to this efreft, viz. *' Long ago, oh ! very long ago : fometimes at one time, and fometimes at another time, God had good men on the earth ; and by his great power, God did fo confine the imagination of thefe good men, that at that time they could think nothing but what God would have them think.* And while they were thus under this great power of God, they wrote the fcriptures, which tell us all things that we fhould believe concerning God, and all things that we ihould do to pleafe him. This was the fame as if God hadfpoken himfelf." — This I muft fay, though I have firmly for many years paft believed that the holy fcriptures were given by infpiration of God, yet never had before a deeper fenfation of their exalted dignity. What a mercy is it that we are thus direded of God I how awful mufl the cafe of fuch be, who either defpife or ne- glea * 2 Pet. 1. and 21. [ i6 ] gled inftrudions from heaven itfelf ! — ^What was faid on this fubjeQ: much affedted Frank, who repUed, " that he behevedlong ago Indians knew how to worfhip God, but as they had no writings they had loft all knowledge of him : yet fome- times fome of them tried to worfhip him, but knew not whether their fervices were pleafmg to him or not ;" and indeed this muft have been the cafe with all, had not God been pleafed to reveal his will to us ; for no man hath feen him ; but fays the Evangehft, " the only begotten Son, " which is in the bofom of the Father, he hath " declared him," This brought to mind, what formerly had been quoted in converfation from a certain author, viz. " a philofopher was de- manded by an emperor to give an anfwer to two queftions ; the firft was, whether there is a God ? having proper time given to ruminate on the fubjeft, returned an anfwer in the affirmative : the fecond was, how to worfhip God accepta- bly ? after due deliberation anfwered, that this never could be known, except God is pleafed to reveal it himfelf." Seeing that this is the cafe, from hence it appears, how exa£l we fhould be in all our religious obedience to God ; and never deviate from the directions given us in the holy fcriptures : for all additions, though under the fpecious name of decency and order, muft be an abomination in the fight of God.* By this time we were furrounded by the even- ing ftiades, and repofe demanded an end to the prefent interview — informed Frank, that it was the cuftom of good white folks to pray to God, before they went to fleep — that we were now go- ing to pray, and would pray for him — and tho' he * Luke xvi. and 15. C 17 3 he underftood not what was faid, yet may be God would give him good thoughts while I was fpeaking. With this we all rofe up to pray ; the Indians rofe likewife, being previoufly inform- ed by the interpreter. With a folemn ' heart and voice addreffes were made to God. — Was in- formed that during the time the Indians looked very ferioufly at me. When prayer was ended, Frank told my interpreter, that my voice affefted his heart ; that he thought I fpoke the fame way that our Saviour did when he was on earth. It is likely that this Indian had heard of our Saviour from the Moravians or their Indians. It was faid by Mr. Owens, that it was common among the Delawares, to mention tlie name of our Saviour : but the cafe is otherwife among the Shawannees. An anfwer was expeded here by the ambalfador fent to the chief town of the Delaware Indians ; but a trader having brought rum, all profpeds of doing good by any longer continuance, were at an end ; and the ambalfador delaying his return, concluded to go down to the Little Canhawa, to view the land. This was near 70 miles below, and from Grave Creek to the Little Canhawa, the river Ohio may be faid to run S. W. but it is very crooked, turning to many points of compafs. Tuesday 16, fet out for the Little Canhawa, and arrived to it on Thurfday 18. This ftream comes from the E. and is near 150 yards wide at the mouth. Went up this about ten miles ; found, though it was deep at the mouth, that the falls were fo fhallow, that our canoes were pre- vented pafling further. Went out to view the land on each fide, and to kill provifions. Mr. Owens killed feveral deer, and a flately buffalo bull. The country here is level, and the foil not C defpifable. [ i8 ] defplfable, though not equal in quality to fome other places. It is not well watered, confequently. not the moil promifmg for health. In feveral places the higheft land is well adorned with flate- ly pine trees ; and yet the foil did not appear too poor to produce good wheat. Wednesday 24, fet out for Caapteenin again. On our way had fome bad weather ; viewed the land in many places ; foil generally good ; level land but narrow ; good fettlements may be made on feveral creeks ; fome were well watered ; fifli in great abundance 5 fome of which we were fo happy as to take. Tuesday 30, came fafe to Caapteenin. Here was an Indian fent to me from the Delaware's town, who gave intelligence that their council were not all at home — that they were confider- ing the matter, and in a little time fhould hear from them again. This anfwer would have been better underftood, had I known them as well then as now. Being indifpofed in ftomach, which fre- quently occafioned vomiting after eating meat, and this being our chief fuftenance, was reduced to great weaknefs, and was in much need of nouriihment better adapted to my condition ; therefore moved up to Grave Creek, leaving there our canoes ; croffed the defart to Ten Mile Creek, which empties into Monongehela. It was thought the way we travelled made our journey between 50 and 60 miles before we came to the houfe of Mr. Owens. The feafon was very warm ; all except myfelf had loads to carry, fo that on the id day of July with much fatigue, we arrived to the inhabitants, faint, weak, weary and hungry — efpecially Mr. Clark and myfelf. . No viduals was ever more acceptable than fome buttermilk given [ '9 ] given by the kind inhabitants, which greatly raifed my efleem of cows. Stayed at Mr. Owens's over the Lord's day, and preached to a fmall congregation. To recruit ftrength, remained in the fettlement, and preached next Lord's day near George's Creek on Monongehe!a to about two hundred hearers. About this time afecond meffenger came from the Indians, giving inteUigence that fome of the chiefs would foon be at Fort Pitt, where a more particular account would be given, &c. At thi^ time many of the inhabitants were near a famine, occafioned by the multitudes lately moyed into this new country ; fo that it was only through favour that fupplies were obtained to make ano- ther tour in the wildernefs. Tuesday July 14, in company with mefTrs. Clark, Higgins and my interpreter, fet out for Fort Pitt ; and as it was fometime before the In- dians would be at Fort Pitt, took another tour through the defarts to Ohio. Preached on the Lord's day in a cabbin near to a creek called Weeling, to about 15 auditors. In the afternoon having fent word, a few Indians met me, one of which was Frank Stephens. Having all fet down on deerfkins prefented to us for that purpofe by the Indians, addrefled them on thefe fubjeds, viz. I. The flate in which God created man. 2. His fall. 3. The promife of a Saviour ; his com- ing and fufferings. 4. The work of God in re- newing our fouls to quahfy us for heaven, and enabling us to believe on the Saviour. "On this occafion was very fenfible of the great difficulties of fpeaking on fuch important fubjeds to thefe poor heathens, who were ftrangers even to the hif- torical accounts thereof. After due deliberation fpoke [ 20 3 fpoke to this efFeft, viz. " You fee, my brothers, that man is now very bad ; he does many bad things ; he has a wicked and bad heart : but when Goi) made him at firft he was all good, all love. Then he loved God, and loved one another, God faid to him, if you will only obey me, you fhall always live in a happy ftate ; but if you difobey, you ihall furely die, and be mife- rable. But afterwards man thought, may be, he might be happy and not die, even if he dif- obey ed God. Then he did that which God told him he fhould not do. But oh ! immediately he lofl all his good, and became very bad, having no love to God, nor tg one another. In this ftate God looked on him and faid, ah ! you have difobeyed, and would not believe me : you mull now die, and you deferve to fuffer for-ever : yet I have companion on you, though you do not de- ferve it, and will fend you a Redeemer. After a long time the Redeemer came, and fo great was his love for us, that he himfelf in our ftead endured all the punilhment due to our tranfgrelfions, in order to make peace between God and us. Now God faith that all that believe on this Saviour fhall be happy for-ever. And to prepare us for that happinefs, God by his great power changes the temper of the hearts of all that believe : then they love God and one another. God takes de- light in them, and when they die he takes them up into heaven to be forjfever with himfelf." — Some white people befides my own company wereprefent : it was obfervable, that fome of them were more affected than when they had been more immedi- ately addreffed. [ 21 ] Monday July 20, fet out for Fort Pitt ; had a fmail path called Catfiih's Road, which led us through the country between Ohio and Mo- nongehela ; had the pkafure of feeing a large extent of good land, but few inhabitants ; it is fomewhat uneven, but moft part habitable. — Came to Fort Pitt on Wednefday July 22 ; re- mained about fix days ; had an opportunity of converfing with feveral principal Indians of differ- ent nations : they all (poke very agreeably, and fcemed pleafed v/ith. my intentions of inftru^ting them. It is polTible that thefe men were honefl ; but am now fo well acauainted with Indian deceit as to know, that when they are among us, to pre- tend to love what will beft recommend them, is their common practice. Being informed that it was fome time before any further intelligence could be had refpeOiing my vifit : therefore wrote another letter to the Delaware king and chiefs of the nation, informing them, that I had been long from home ; could (lay no longer at prefent ; but they might expert me out again in the fall. This was interpreted to one of the chiefs, and with it a belt of wampum delivered with a fpeech. Was informed all were delivered carefully j but faw not the perfon in my fecond vifit. July 28. parting with all friends at Fort Pitt^ fet out for the Jerfeys ; paffed through the fet- tlement of Monongehela, preaching in various places ; came to my own houfe in the latter end of Auguft ; found all well, through the kind providence of God, who doth always preferve us through all the dangers of life. Health was fo much impaired by the great fatigue of this journey, that it was with reluftance a fecond was undertook ; but fearing the bad con- fequences [ " 3 fequences of difappointing the Indians, was re- folved to proceed on all events. Left my houfe and family on the 26^'' of Odlober all well, but alas ! all of them I never faw more. My parting at this time went fo to my heart, that it feemed as if this journey fhould finifh my days on earth. It was like death itfclf, but for my word's fake wo-uld go : but had it been known how little in reality the Indians cared for my vifit, might have contented myfelf at home. For the conveniency of carrying provifions, and as a defence againfl llorms, went this time in a covered waggon, in company with a perfon de- firous to fee the new country, with a view of fettling there. Our carriage rendered our journey lefs expeditious, and in the event proved confide- rable lofs to me ; for the axletree broke in the Allegini mountain, going down to the Great Croffings — parted with it on fuch difadvantageous terms, that about five pounds lofs was fuftained. Met with difcouragements alfo while in Philadel- phia, for there fome money was expected to pay my interpreter, but none could be had, only one gen- tleman, as I parted with him, put three or four dollars in my hand. Some were fo good as to trufl me a fmall fum in fuch goods as were necef- fary for my journey. — It filled me with fome afto- nifhment to fee profelfed chriflians fo unconcerned about the converfion of the heathens ! When the Son of Man cometh, (hall he find faith on earth ! Messieurs Baynton and Morgan were kind enough to furnifh me with fome neceifaries for my journey, and it is hoped that it will not incur difpleafure to give credit for their generoiity. We travelled fo flow, and could make fo little way over the Allegini mountain, that we arrived not to Redflone [ 23. ] Redflone till* November 17. A few days before me the Revd. John Davis came here, intending to go with me to Ohio. It furprifed me to fee him fo much impaired in his health. Converfed, and found him refolved to go with me, at leaft as far as Ohio. Endeavoured to difluade him from his purpofe, fearing the event, (which in time came to pafs) but could not prevail ; there- fore confented, intending fubmiffion to the will of God. When we came to the houfe of my inter- preter, fourwl that fome time before our arrival he had, in company with. gbme Delaware Indians, gone far down Ohio ; he left word that I might find him about the Shawannee towns, or fome where along Ohio. This was very difcouraging, as I knew of none fo well qualified as himfelf to an- fwer my purpofe. Excited with hopes of fmding him, in company wit^Mr. Davis and fome more, fet out for the river Ohio ; but by high waters, and bad flormy weather, our journey was fo retarded that we arrived not to Ohio till Dec. 2. When we came to the houfe of Dr. James M^ Mechen, formerly neighbour to Mr. Davis, he feemed to forget his complaints, and his heart ivas exhilarated upon feeing his old acquaintance, and the river Ohio, after fuch a tedious journey. But alas ! dear man, his time was fhort, for on the 13^*" day of faid month, he departed this life, and left me his remains to commit to the earth. My diflrefs was not fmall on this occafion, for materials to make a coffin, and a fpade to dig the grave. Was relieved by hearing that in a cabin at fome diflance there were fome fawed boards, and a fpade could be had in going about eight miles. Having got the materials, and af- Yifted by a man a little ufed to tools, made him a coffin. C n ] ^ coffin. Happily I had carried fome nails with me, fo that he was buried with fome decency. During the time of his illnefs, he was very fubmiiTive to the will of God ; and was fo far from the fear of death, that he was often heard to fay, " Oh ! " that the fatal blow was (truck !" He had a complication of diforders, and all medicines ufed either by Dr. M*^ Mechen or myfelf feemed to have none effed. When he drew near his lall, he was very delirious, and could give few rational anfwers, tho' he ftill knew me, and w^uld always have me by him, till all fenfes failed. To compofe him a little, gave him a ftrong anodyne, which had fo much effed:, that for about fifteen minutes he enjoyed the ufe of his reafon. In this time he told me, that he firmly believed the loca- lity of heaven — that in a little time he expected to be with Christ, and fee and know him as he is now known^ and as he is not known. He faid his faith in his Saviour was unJJmken, Then he made as humble addreffes to God, as ever I heard drop from mortal lips. Soon after his de- lirium returned, and never remitted more. On the 13^^ of December 1772, being the Lord's day, about an hour and an half before the fun fet, this great man took his final departure from this v/orld of forrows. Alas ! what devaflations and deftru£tion has sin brought upon the human race \ that the wife, the reverend head mufl re- turn to duft ! and can we who are alive, love fo mercilefs an enemy! forbid it Lord ! — Mr. Davis, it is well known, was a great fcholar, polfefTed of a good judgment, and very retentive memory. He had truly a great foul, and defpifed any thing that was little or mercenary. In our journey he told me one reafon why he left Boflon was, be- caufe [ ^5 ] caufe he abhorred a dependent life and populari- ty : that if God continued him, he intended to fettle in this new country, where he could preach the gofpel of his Saviour freely. His addrefs, in all his religious, performances was eafy, fweet and pleafmg : his private converfation both in- forming and engaging; though at times he was a little referved, yet it was only when not fuited. And what exceeds all, I believe he was a humble difciple of our blefled Saviour. In this point, was more confirmed by converfmg with him in our jcuriiey, than what I had been in any part of former acquaintance. Being confcious that poetry is not my gift, yet as the following verfes are exprefTrve of Mr. Davis's faith, thought it not amifs to infert them here, as an epitaph to that worthy man, viz. How learn'd, how fam'd, now avails me not ! By whom admir'd, or by whom begot ! Ohio's bank my body now confines In fafe repofe, till Christ in triumph fhines ; But v/hen the laft trump's alarming found Shall fhake the foundations of the ground : And Christ in full glory fhall defcend. The rights of pure juflice to defend : Then in bright honour fhall this body rife. To meet my dearefh Lord up in the Ikies. The remains of this worthy man are interred near a brook, at the north end of the level land adjacent to Grave Creek : about fixteen feet N. of his grave flands a large blackoak tree ; on this the name of Mr. Davis, the date of the year, and day of the month, are cut with my tomme- D hock. [ .6 ] hock. This is the prefent monument ; but Dr. M^ Mechen intended a tomb for him. He v/as the firft white man buried in this part of the country, but not long after a child was laid by him. Here a Baptiji meeiing-houfe is defigned, as the mofl central place in this part of the country. When Mr. Davis's death was known at Philadel- phia, a young gentleman there, who had a tender regard for him, was pleafed tp publilli his chara6:er in the publick prints, February i, 1773. Having obtained leave, thought proper to infert it here, viz. " By advife from OUio we learn, that upon the 13^^ of December, the Reverend John Davis, A. M. fellow of Rhode-IJJand college^ and one of the members of the American philofo- phical fociety, died there, after an illnefs of three weeks, in the 36^'' year of his age. Having completed his education in the college of this city^ he was appointed one of the mafters of the academy at Newark in New-caftle county, from whence, upon entering the miniflry, he removed and became pastor of the fecond Baptiji church in Bojlon, His health being im- paired, he returned in the latter end of lafl: fummer, hoping to receive benefit from his native air. A number of people in the neighbourhood being about to fettle on the Ohio^ he accompanied them, feeming defirous with the Reverend David Jones^ to undertake a vlfit to the wejiern Indians ; but death flayed his progreis !- " Tu'E. powers of his mind v^'txt firong from na- ture^ but much improved by a judicious educa- tion andjiudy. He was a clear reafoner^ which faculty was much afTifted by his favourite pur- fuit, the mathematicks ; not deficient in genius^ " he [ 27 ] ' he relifhed, with more than common fatlsfac- ' tion, the writings of antiquity^ and the mofl ' ingenious of the prefent age. He was an enter- * taining companion ; pofTelTed of uncommon calm- * nefs of temper. In his preachings he endeavour- ' ed to reach the underjianding of his audience. ' Educated in the genuine principles of liberty^ * he felt with the keeneft fenfibility for the ' opprefjed. And when his duty called him, with ' a manly and 'virtuous boldnefs defended them. 