sources placed at their disposal for the support of the mission. The different circumstances of these missions make this difference in the manner of affording a support expedient. There is no doubt, however, that the payment of a regular stipend, to be expended by the missionary for his own support, wherever it can be fairly and equitably fixed, is the best method of maintaining missionaries, and the one most favorable to strict economy.

The modification above referred to, consists in apportioning the allowance, with reference to the number of children in the family of a missionary. According to the ordinary rate of exchange ten Bombay rupees are equal to one pound sterling, or $4,44. It follows, from Mr. Hall's statement above, that instead of $666,66 to a married missionary, without regard to his having children or not, the sum of $533,33 is allowed each married missionary, with an addition of $55,33 for each child; so that a missionary, his wife, and one child, would receive $586,66 annually, and so on, the sum increasing with the number of children. A similar modification has been adopted in Ceylon. It has been the opinion of intelligent Europeans, friends of missions, that the American missionaries, both at Bombay and Ceylon, carried their economy to as rigid an extent, as was compatible with the prosperity of their establish

inents.

As the time of the missionaries and their wives is all devoted to their great work, either directly or indirectly, the emoluments derived from their subordinate labors, such as teaching, printing, &c. &c. are placed to the credit of the mission.

A letter, addressed by Mr. Graves to his wife, has been received since she sailed, and opened according to a request which she left. It is dated April 14, 1823, and mentions, that the chapel is nearly completed, and would be speedily opened for public worship.

We make the following extract, containing an account of Mr. Graves's evangelical labors.

When I last wrote you in February, I had not long before recovered from a sudden, but mercifully short attack of fever; and was then about to take a tour of a month on the continent. That tour has been taken. I went first to Panwell, and then, by a circuitous route, to Rawadunda and a little beyond, returning by Allabag

and Tull. As we are not allowed much time on the continent, I felt bound to

fill up the time I there enjoyed in obeying the great last command of our precious Savior. I therefore walked not unfrequently under the scorching sun at noon; and its reflection from the ground was many times not a little annoying. But I was very mercifully preserved in quite vigorous health. I undoubtedly said more for Christ than during any other month of my life, and to much greater numbers; for I invited the people together three or four or five or six times, in different places, daily. I was in general received kindly and heard with attention-not once obliged to lodge without a shelter. I had evidence enough of the opposition of the natural heart, and the strength of idolatry; trial enough of my meekness and patience; and great cause to mourn over so many thousand perishing souls, not inclined to receive their only remedy. But yet the pleasing fact was obvious, that truth approves itself to the conscience.

I had great occasion, as I ever have, to mourn my own want of love to Christ, and tender pity for the souls of the heathen. Yet, on the whole, it was a happy month; and I am not without hope that some fruit will appear in eternity.

The Bombay government had forbidden the distribution of tracts, &c. beyond the Ghauts, that is, the mountains near the coast. Mr. Hall was preparing a memorial on the subject; and, it was hoped, that all restrictions would be taken off. However that might be, the missionaries were desirous to execute their high commission as extensively as possi ble.

A letter from Mr. Garrett, dated April 19, mentions the fact, that Mr. Mitchell, from the Scottish Missionary Society, had not been allowed to settle at Poonah, but had fixed his residence at Bankote, on the coast.

About $1,400 had been contributed in India for the Bombay mission chapel, of which Mr. Newton, of Calcutta, gave $450. No more was expected from that part of the world, as the friends of missions there had a great variety of important objects pressing upon their attention.

Americau Endians.

For the following letter, written in answer to certain questions proposed by the Corresponding Secretary, we are indebted to Maj. JOSIAH H. VOSE, an intelligent officer in the military service of the United States.

2. "In what direction do the Indians live, and at what distances?"

One small band have a village on the west bank of the Mississippi, about 120 miles above Prairie Du Chien. Another band reside about two miles above Lake Pepin, on the same side of the river. Another band, on the east bank, and about seven miles below the mouth of the St. Peters; and within sixty miles of its mouth, there are several small bands. The nearest is within four miles of the Fort.-There are other bands higher up on the St. Peters, and distributed on the prairies between the Mississippi and Missouri. I am of opinion that none of these bands on the Mississippi and St. Peters, consist of more than from thirty to forty families, and the families will average about four persons.

3. "How numerous are they supposed

to be?"

It is very difficult to ascertain the number of the Sioux, on account of their scattered situation. I have heard several estimates of their number. One person on whom great reliance may be placed, is, of opinion, that they have not more than 3,000 warriors. At that rate, the whole number of the nation would be about 12,000. About one fourth part of the population of the Indian tribes are men capable of hunting, or going to war.

4. "Have they fixed habitations for a series of years; or are they migratory, changing their places of residence yearly, or in every few years?"

The Indians have fixed habitations, where they reside in summer, and where they raise considerable quantities of corn. Sometimes from finding a better situation, or from fear of their enemies, or from other causes, they are induced to change their station. Their huts are of bark, very easily built; they have no cattle, very little property of any sort, and no improvements on the land, which cannot soon be made elsewhere. Hence it is little trouble for them to remove; and they undoubtedly move oftener than the Indians who are further south, and more engaged in the cultivation

of the soil.

Many of the Sioux who reside on the prairies, are as migratory as the buffaloe, on which they depend almost entirely for a subsistence. The meat, which is excellent, furnishes them with food, and the skins with clothing, and also with a covering for their lodges. The buffaloe move south in the fall, and in the spring return to the north; and the Indians of the prairies keep always very near them. There are immense numbers of this animal on the extensive prairies between the two rivers. Herds of several thousands are often seen together.

5. "Do any whites live among them? If so, of what nation are they, and of what character."

There are no white people among the Sioux, except the traders, who go there in the fall, and return in the spring. These traders are principally fitted out by the American Fur Company, of whom Mr. John J. Astor of New York is the principal. The clerks and head man of each party are generally decent men. Americans, Canadians, Scotchmen, and Englishmen are employed. The boatmen are principally Canadians, of French extraction, from Montreal. Ardent spirits are not allowed, by law, to be carried into the Indian country; but there is, notwithstanding, a great deal introduced among the Indiaus, who are all exceedingly fond of it, and become intoxicated whenever it is in their power. I do not believe, that it is the intention of the American Fur company to furnish Indians with ardent spirits; but ardent spirits find their way by some means or

other.

6. "Would the Indians admit missionaries and teachers to reside among them?"

This question I cannot answer in a satisfactory manner. An establishment could undoubtedly be safely made in the vicinity of Fort Armstrong, and the Indians would not I believe, have any objection to it.

7. "Are they desirous of making improvement, and of imitating the manners of the whites?"

The Indians do not appear to be disposed to make any improvement, or to adopt any of the customs of our people, which might have a tendency to better their condition; but they are very ready to adopt the vices of the whites. The men are extremely indolent, except when hunting; they think it degrading to labor themselves, and all the drudgery is done by the squaws. I have been informed, that in places, where the Indians have had the least intercourse with the whites, there the men are the most temperate, and the women the most chaste.

8. "Would they assist in building school houses, if teachers were to reside among

them?"

I am of opinion, that very little aid, if any, could be derived from the Sioux.

9. "Would they be willing, that their children should be governed and restrained in order to be taught?"

I have had but little acquaintance with the Sioux, and it is difficult to form an opinion upon this subject, but I believe the parents might be induced to let their children attend.

The Sioux are usually very poorly clad, and frequently they are much distressed in winter, and I believe they would be pleased to see their children provided for.

Very few Sioux remained near Fort St. Anthony last winter, having gone to their hunting grounds high up the St. Peters and on the prairies.

The Sioux of the St. Peters are at war with the Chippewas, and the Sioux of the prairies are at war with the Socks and Foxes. These wars have continued for several years, and many of the natives are killed every year.

10. "What is the best route of going from this place to the higher parts of the Mississippi; and at what time of the year can the journey be best performed?"

The season for travelling to Prairie Du Chien is the pleasantest and most practicable in the spring. From Boston to Butfalo, the roads are excellent, stages all the way, distance about 450 miles and travelled in six days.

From Buffalo on Lake Erie, by steam boat to Detroit 300 miles. From Detroit through Lake Huron, by Mackinaw and the head of Lake Michigan to Green Bay, distance about 500 miles. Good packets are employed on this route. From Green Bay the Fox River is ascended to the porterage of the Ouisconsin, distance 150 miles. Portage a mile and three quarters over which boats are transported, by a man who resides at that place for the purpose. From the portage to the mouth of the Ouisconsin, where it unites with the Mississippi, is about 150 miles. The Ouisconsin and the Mississippi unite three miles below Prairie Du Chien. From Prairie Du Chien boats ascend the river to the St. Peter, in eight to fifteen days, distance about 240 miles, making the whole distance from Boston to St. Peters by the above route, about 1800 miles. Boats are frequently passing between the bay and prairie, and between the prairie and St. Peters, and it is always practicable to obtain Indians with large bark canoes to carry persons from Green Bay to Prairie Du Chien. A person leaving Boston; say from the 1st to the 10th of April, might calculate to reach Prairie Du Chien in about fifty or fifty-five days, and possibly in much less time. This would depend upon the delay at Detroit, waiting a pas

sage to the bay and the length of that passage. The regular trips of the steam boat are every week to Detroit. Once in the season a trip is made to Mackinaw, and the year that Dr. Morse went up, the steam boat went to Green Bay.

By the other route, the journey may also be very pleasantly performed in the spring. Say by land from Boston via Philadelphia to Wheeling, Va., from thence by steam boat down the Ohio to St. Louis, and from thence up the Mississippi to Prairie Du Chein. Keel boats are constantly plying on this river, and the last spring (for the first time) a steam boat ascended this river to Fort St. Anthony, and it is probable that the attempt will be made again the next

season.

Another route might be taken via New Orleans to St. Louis. This would be a very pleasant route, early in the season, and more baggage might be taken this way, on account of there being no land transportation.

The expense of the journey by the first route from Boston to Prairie Du Chien, would probably be from eighty to one hundred dollars. By the Philadelphia route something over one hundred dollars and by the New Orleans route about one hundred and fifty dollars. I am of opinion, that the route by the Lakes is the best; and can be performed in less time, and with less expense than any other. I arrived last fall at Prairie Du Chien, Nov. 9.; the river then being clear I remained there till Dec. 19th, and went in a sleigh to St. Peters. The ice was very strong, and the travelling excellent. It continued safe travelling on the ice till March.

About the first of April the St. Peters was nearly clear of ice, and on the 5th a trading boat came down. About the 5th of April the Mississippi was open above and below the Fort. But it is not often that the Lake (Pepin) is passable before the last of April. There being no current in the Lake, and the outlet narrow, it takes a long time for the ice to break up. Dec. and Feb. at Fort Armstrong, it was very cold; the mercury at 29 degrees below zero at the coldest day. From zero to 5 below, we call moderate weather. January was pleasant.

In

I have endeavored, Sir, to answer all your inquiries, and to the best of my ability, and if I have communicated any information of importance, I shall be amply repaid for all the time I have been employed.

This fort is situated on Rock Island about 400 miles above St. Louis, and in latitude about 41° 30'. The situation is exceedingly pleasant and very healthy. In this vicinity are two very large tribes of Indians, the Socks and Foxes, the former

being able to number 1200 warriors, and the latter about 400. The principal part of them reside within four miles of this Fort. They are very friendly to us, and the chiefs visit us often; but they do not appear to be disposed to listen seriously to any thing about civilization. The men are intemperate, and indeed both the men and the women, are very far from being moral in their habits. They raise great quantities of corn, and some vegetables, such as beans, squashes, &c. and keep great numbers of horses. Almost every family has a horse, and some have two or three. They reside here only a part of the year. In the month of Sept. or October they all leave their villages, divide into small bands, and go to their hunting grounds to the west of the Mississippi, and a great distance from this place. They usually return in the month of April. A large party have now gone to the prairies on a hunt for buffaloe, and with a view of falling in with the Sioux. We have not heard from them since they left here. They are all mounted and armed with rifles.

It was expected that Mr. Giddings, a clergyman from St. Louis, would have made them a visit this summer to have a talk with them on the subject of a missionary establishment. But I believe he has given up the idea of coming the present year. These Indians are located on the Illinois side of the river, and on land that has been ceded to the government, so that it is not probable that they will long reside here. They are much attached to the situation, as the land is favorable for the cultivation of corn.

It was computed that in 1821, 25,000 bushels were raised by these tribes, and in this vicinity. The Socks are nearly all together. The Foxes have two or three small villages, some distance from this place.

In the winter, the Winchagoes visit this fort. Their summer residence is on the Fox and Ouisconsin rivers, and between the Mississippi and Lake Michigan. At Prairie Du Chien, there are a considerable number of inhabitants (four to five thousand) mostly French, and of the lowest order. No religious instruction or schools at the place. I have been informed that a Catholic priest was expected there this summer or fall; and that the Catholic bishop at St. Louis had obtained leave from our government, for making four missionary establishments on the Missouri and Upper Mississippi, in the Indian country.

Before I left Fort Armstrong, arrangements were made for procuring a library for that post, and $300 appropriated, and also for procuring a suitable man as teacher and chaplain.

I am sorry that it is not in my power to give you a better view of the several subjects of your inquiry, but I shall use every exertion to obtain all the information I can, and whenever I can hear of any thing, which may be important for you to know, I will communicate it.

Jerusalem.

Dr. Richardson's Remarks on the Holy City and the Jewish people.

MUCH attention having lately been drawn to the city of Jerusalem, by the fact that missionaries from this country have visited it, and at length taken up their residence there, our readers will be gratified by the following remarks of Dr. Richardson.

IN Egypt and Syria, it is universally called Goutes, or Koudes, which means Holy; and is still a respectable, good-looking town. It is of an irregular shape, approaching nearest to that of a square. It is surrounded by a high embattled wall, which, generally speaking, is built of the common stone of the country, which is a compact limestone. It has six gates. One looks to the west; and is called the Gate of Yaffa, or Bethlehem, because the road to these places passes through it. Two look to the north: one is called the Gate of Sham, or Damascus: the other, the Gate of Herod. The fourth gate looks to the east, or the Valley of Jehosaphat; and is called St. Stephen's Gate, because here the protomartyr was stoned to death: it is close by the Temple or Mosque of Omar, and leads to the Gardens of Gethsemane, and the Mount of Olives, Bethany, Jericho, and all the east of Jerusalem: this gate leads into the Temple, or Harem Schereef; which was formerly called the Church of the Presentation, because the Virgin Mary is supposed to have entered by this gate, to present her Son, our Blessed Savior, in the Temple: on account of a turn in the wall, this gate, though in the east walt of the city, looks to the south, toward Mount Zion. Near to this, there is another gate, which is small; not admitting either horses or carriages, of which last, however, there is none in Jerusalem; and, from the wall resuming its former direction, looks to the east: it is called the Dung-Gate. The last is called Zion-Gate, or the Gate of the Prophet David: it looks to the south, and is in that part of the wall which passes over Mount Zion, and runs between the brook Kedron or Valley of Jehoshaphat on the east, and the deep ravine called the Valley of the Son of Hinnom on the west; leaving about two-thirds of Mount Zion on the south, or outside of the walls: it is nearly opposite to the Mosque which is built over the Sepulchre of David. The longest wall is that on the north side of the city it runs between the Valley of Gihon on the west, and the Valley of Jehoshaphat on the east. I walked round the city on the outside