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the Divine goodness, in health and safety.

Under the shock which the state of affairs occasioned, he had the happiness to find his own congregation enjoying tranquillity, and that not one of the negroes who attend his ministry took any part in the insurrection. He speaks of the kindness with which the governor received him, and states that he was allowed to preach as before.

BARBADOES.

A most wanton and disgraceful riot has taken place in Barbadoes, the result of which has been the demolishing of the Methodist new Chapel in Bridge-Town, and other atrocities. Mr. Shrewsbury, the Methodist Missionary, is a most respectable man, and has in every respect the full confidence of the committee. He has laboured in Barbadoes for three years with diligence and some success, though the mission there has never attained much influence, and has uniformly been treated by the majority of the people with great hostility. A letter, containing a plain and just account of the neglected and immoral state of the slave population was written by Messrs. Shrewsbury and Larcom, to the committee, in 1820, in order to show the necessity for continued and enlarged exertions to extend the benefits of Christian instruction in that island, and was published in the Missionary Notices for October, 1820; and, on looking into it, we find nothing to give just offence to any one. The spirit of it is that of a good and benevolent man, lamenting the darkness and immorality of so many thousand slaves. This letter, thus published, was by some mischievous person reported to contain statements to the discredit of the island, and expressions favourable to the emancipation of the slaves, to which subject not the slightest allusion was made. A blind and idle clamour was excited against Mr. Shrewsbury, who, by making the letter public, silenced his adversaries. news of the insurrection in Demerara, how ever, arrived, and the disgraceful proceedings and their result shall be given in Mr. Shrewsbury's own words. His letter is dated Barbadoes, October 18, 1823. After some general statements, he ob

serves,

The

When the intelligence, of the insurrection of the slaves in Demerara reached Barbadoes, it was publicly posted up in the Commercial Rooms, that, "The Methodist Clergymen of Demerara were both imprisoned, they being deeply implicated in the insurrection which had broken out in that colony." This false

hood, stated in so public a manner, set the people in a flame. Fresh stories were circulated every day; the island newspapers (one excepted) teemed with invectives against certain hypocritical characters, who, under the pretence of giving religious instruction to the slaves, were introducing principles entirely subversive of those foundations on which the comfort and happiness of society rested. My letter was again revived, and some confidently asserted that I had therein stated, that "the slaves ought to take their liberty by force, if it could not be otherwise obtained." To silence this report, I carried the Number, containing the letter, to the Commercial Rooms, that any one who chose might read it; this measure considerably allayed the public ferment, till one of the printers published scraps of the letter in his paper, with comments upon it, which quickly revived the public resentment, and increased it to a still higher pitch. But not only were my words misrepresented, but it was further said, and by many believed, that the letter I produced was not the real one, but that I had obtained what made public from home, merely to blind the eyes of the people; but that the genuine letter contained the vilest calumnies against the Barbadians that were ever sent home to England. Yet more, every sermon 1 delivered became a subject of conversation afterwards, so that not a week occurred but I was charged with having said something in my public discourse which endangered the peace of the colony; and to all this it was added, that I held private meetings with the slaves to get all the information from them I could, to convey intelligence to the African Institution. These things have all combined to arouse the public feeling against us, and the official dispatches relative to the discussions in Parliament coming at such a crisis, consummated the whole. I especially am now hated of all This hatred has long manifested itself by angry and contemptuous looks; by shouting after me" That fellow ought to have a rope tied round his neck: hang him." But on Sunday, October 5th, more violent proceedings were had recourse to. In the midst of our eveningservice, some unknown individuals threw amongst the congregation eight bottles, containing some offensive chemical mix. tures, which created the greatest confusion, and dispersed a part of my audience. The first bottle was aimed at me, and just went over my head. The next day I offered £30 currency reward for the detection of the offenders, but was soon convinced, that whoever they were, many

men.

of the community were disposed to countehance them. Hence, offenders were emboldened. The next Sabbath, the 12th inst., there were many persons within the Chapel, apparently ready for any mischief; and a mob of, at least, two hundred people without. I was forewarned that evil was meditated against us, but it did not appear to me right to be intimidated by any threats from performing my duty. We sung and prayed in tolerable peace; but as we rose from prayer, two men wearing masks, and armed with swords and pistols, came riding swiftly down the Chapel street, and as they got opposite the door, presented their pistols, and fired. One pistol did not go off, and the other providentially did not discharge its contents within the chapel, but just at the bottom of the window, which, as soon as the mob saw, they shouted, Fire! Fire! to create an alarm, that those who were within, waiting to injure us, might take advantage of the confusion to effect their purposes. My chief concern was for my dear wife, she being near her confinement; but on look ing down, I saw her, without the least dread, take her stand at the bottom of the pulpit-stairs, determined that none should drag me from the pulpit, without first trampling her under their feet. After a few minutes I gave out a hymn, and was enabled to deliver the sermen with tolerable composure, although we were every now and then annoyed by the throwing of stones. But no one received any injury. The following day, instead of having protection offered me, a Magistrate sent me a summons to appear before him on the 23d instant, to answer for not having enrolled myself in the Colonial Militia. It is the determination of many to attempt to make me serve in the militia; "for," say they, "the Toleration Act, by which Methodist Ministers are exempted, does not extend to the West Indies." I have personally waited on his Excellency the Governor, and stated the case but he says, it is a matter of law, and he is not sufficiently acquainted with the law to decide. I then waited on the Attorney-General: he was extremely ill, and could not be seen. I next went to the Solicitor-General; but he was at a distance in the country, and would not return to town for three weeks. My last resource is, to address the Governor in Council. My present expectation is, that if I refuse to serve in the militia, I shall be thrown into prison: my next letter will, therefore, be probably dated from the town gaol. At present I cannot remain at the chapel-house in safety. I have therefore taken up my residence, for a few weeks, with William King, M. D. my brother-inlaw.

I am thankful to God for such a retreat,

and shall esteem it a mercy indeed, if neither I nor my family receive any personal injury before I quit Barbadoes.

In a Postscript, Mr. Shrewsbury adds in haste:

Monday, 20th.-Last night the chapel was demolished by the mob; my library almost wholly destroyed. My wife and I, with the things saved, are preparing to flee for our lives: we must quit the island without delay. I will write farther hereafter: we are obliged to keep ourselves in secrecy.

WELSH INDIANS.

(From a Letter addressed to the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine.)

Rev. and Dear Sir,

YOUR readers will recollect, that I mentioned in a former letter, that my brother had written to the Rev. E. Chapman, to desire him to make further inquiry respecting the tribe of Indians, inhabiting the Rocky Mountains near Santa Fé, and that he had furnished him with a small vocabulary of Welsh and English words, to assist any person visiting these Indians, to ascertain whether or not they have any knowledge of the Welsh language. Mr. Chapman very kindly sent a letter to my brother in answer to his, dated July 18, 1823; whereof the following is a copy, which came to hand last night. Whether these Indians will turn out to be the descendants of Madoc ap Owen Gwynedd, and his friends, supposed to have emigrated from North Wales to America, about the year 1170, or not, I believe the account given of them in the following letter, cannot otherwise than prove interesting to many of our readers. J. R. Llanbrynmair, Dec. 1, 1823.

"Dear Sir,

"Your letter of the 21st December was received on the 10th instant. It was probably detained by the derangement of the mails last winter. A little more than a year ago, some gentlemen arrived from the hunting and trading party of Hugh Glenn, Esq. of Cincinnati. They were on their return from Santa Fé and the Rocky Mountains. Among many interesting particulars, concerning many remote nations of Indians, I received from them the following respecting the Navehoes, which I feel happy to communicate, in compliance with your request. This singular people live in the midst of some of the loftiest ridges of mountains, about six days journey N.W. of Santa Fé, Their country is very extensive and fertile, on the head waters of those streams which fall into the Pacific Ocean. Their fields are situated in the valleys, and watered by frequent

showers of rain, which seldom fall in the neighbourhood of Santa Fé. The inhabitants are such extensive agriculturists, as to cultivate all kinds of vegetables common in this climate, in the greatest abundance and perfection. They also possess immense herds of cattle, horses, and mules, and flocks of sheep and goats. They do not live in villages like other Indians; but their houses are connected with their plan tations. They manufacture blankets, flannels, cloths, kuit-caps, stockings, and dressed leather, to so great an extent as to export them to their Spanish and Indian neighbours. Their blankets are said to resemble Turkey carpeting, both in quality and texture. Unlike all other Indians, and in many respects unlike their Spanish neighbours, their dress consists of flannel shirts, jackets, and short coats, dressed deer skin breeches and stockings; a blanket, with a hole in the centre through which they put their heads; knit-caps on their heads; and their hair cued at full length down their backs. Their plantations are cultivated, and flocks and herds tended by the men. Their women manufacture their clothing, and attend to other branches of domestic business. They have very large buildings for their churches; their own native priests; and they refuse to admit the Spanish clergy. Their wea pons are lances, eighteen or twenty-four inches long, inserted into poles of eight feet in length, together with bows and arrows, resembling in dimensions those of the ancient Britons, being nearly twice as long as those of other Indians. The above is the substance of what I have received of Mr. George Dowglas of Wheeling, Virginia, confirmed, so far as their information extended, by two others of the same expedition, and one of another party since. I am particularly acquainted with these gentlemen, and believe them to be men of veracity. They received their information from Spaniards, near Santa Fé, who had lived many years with the Navehoes. Mr. Dowglas, who is with me at present, will probably return home to Wheeling (near Jones's Inn) either next autumn or next spring, when you may be much entertained by an interview with him. I would likewise refer you for more particular and correct information to Hugh Glenn, Esq. of Cincinnati, and Jacob Fowler, Esq. of Covington, near Cincin nati, who preserved a journal of their expedition. As similar ones are fitted out from this country and Missouri annually, I would recommend that some respectable Welsh gentleman should be deputed to accompany them. By this means the question might be soon settled, beyond a doubt.

Your vocabulary I shall give to the first gentleman of intelligence that I find going to that country. Be assured, Sir, I shall be happy to serve you, that the gospel may by this means be spread from the rising to the setting sun. With best wishes for the success of your inquiries, and those of your fellow countrymen, I subscribe myself your friend and servant' in Christ. EPAPHRAS CHAPMAN.

To the Rev. Geo. Roberts.

SOUTH AFRICA.

Irruption of the Mantatees in South Africa,

and their Defeat by the Griquas.

[Abridged from the Journal of the Rev. Mr. Moffat, one of the Missionaries at New Lattakoo.]

The approach of a numerous and ferocious multitude of unknown savages towards Lattakoo and its neighbouring countries, has been frequently noticed in the public papers, and a considerable alarm was consequently excited, not only in the country more immediately menaced, but in the colony of the Cape itself.

Mr. Moffat, one of our missionaries at Lattakoo, thought it necessary to obtain accurate information respecting these in vaders, who had destroyed Kurrechane, the Baralongs, &c. &c. and therefore set out on horseback, accompanied by Mr. G. Thompson, an English gentleman of Cape Town, to reconnoitre.

The result of the information so obtained was laid before the people of Lattakoo, by King Mateebe, in a public meeting called for that purpose; when it was determined to prepare for their defence against the approaching enemy. Mr. Moffat also repaired to the missionary settlement at Griqua Town, and having informed the people of the danger, and that the enemy had entered Old Lattakoo, an armed body of about 100 men, mounted on horseback, proceeded towards the spot. Mr. Moffat was requested to accompany them, as it was reported that there were white men among the invaders, and it was hoped that his presence would prevent any rash measures on the part of Boschuanas of Lattakoo, or of the Griquas, who, though resi. dent in or near the missionary settlement, are yet but partially civilized.

On the 24th day of June 1823, the party proceeded as far as the Malalareen river, where they halted; but a few went forward in the evening, to watch the mo tions of the adversary; and at ten next

morning came within sight of them. Mr. M. and Waterboer, the chief of the Commaudo, having obtained some information from straggling individuals, proceeded till they beheld the immense black groups, who were enclosing the cattle they had taken on their march.

After consultation on the best plan to be adopted in their present circumstances, it was agreed to send forward one or two of their number unarmed, and request two or three of the Mantatees to come and confer with them. But this plan of pacification was immediately frustrated, for they broke out into a most hideous yell, (probably like the Indian war-whoop) and the armed men rushed upon them in the most furious manner.

The Griquas retired to a small distance, and calmly prepared some food for their own dinner, and hoped, by their pacific behaviour, to excite some familiarity between the parties; but all the means they could devise to bring them to terms of peace, and to prevent bloodshed, were unhappily unavailing.

Early in the morning of the 26th, the Griquas mounted their horses and approached within about 150 yards of the enemy, when they renewed their dreadful howl; threw out their right and left wings, discharging from their hands some of their savage weapons. Their black, dismal appearance, and savage fury, were calculated to daunt; and the Griquas, on the first attack of the enemy, retreated a few yards, and again drew up. Waterboer then commenced firing, and levelled one of their warriors to the ground; several more fell, when the wings retired, with their shields on their backs, crouching as the muskets were discharging.

According to the plan agreed upon, the firing was slow, but very regular, considering it was by a very irregular and undisciplined corps. It was expected that the courage of the enemy would be daunted, when they saw so many of their warriors fall by an invisible weapon; and sufficient intervals were afforded them to make proposals of peace, but all was ineffectual. They advanced with renewed fury, so as to oblige the Griquas to retreat, though only to a short distance; for the enemy never attempted to advance more than two hundred yards from their cattle.

The firing continued, and proved very destructive, for many of their chiefs fell victims to their own temerity; yet they still pushed forward, treading on the bodies of their slain companions.

Ammunition having become scarce, it was resolved to endeavour to draw out a part of the men by means of the horsemen

retreating, and then galloping between. them and the main body, which was once effected, and many in consequence fell.

At length, after a conflict of two hours and a half, the enemy gave way, taking a: westerly direction, which the horsemen intercepted; they then descended towards a ravine, which they crossed, and were again: intercepted. This rendered them perfectly desperate; but they were soon repulsed with considerable loss. They then continued their flight to Old Lattakoo, where, joining the party they had left there before the battle, still more numerous, they set fire to the town, and, retreated, in an immense body, northward. The Griquas continued to pursue them about eight. miles; and though they remained desperate, they were filled with terror, lest, as they expressed it," the thunder and lightning should overtake them."

Mr. Moffat refrained during the whole contest from fighting, nor did he discharge a single shot; but he laboured assiduously to prevent the Boschuanas (the natives of Lattakoo, who were present at the battle, effected but little,) from killing the inoffensive women and children: and by gallopping among them, he prevented many acts of horrible cruelty.

"Contemplating this dreadful battle," says Mr. M. in his journal, "we cannot but admire the providence of God, that not one of our number was killed, and only one slightly wounded. This barbarous people are extremely numerous, both sexes amounting to at least 40,000. The men are tall and robust, perfectly black, being smeared with charcoal and grease. Their dress consists of prepared hides, hanging double over their shoulders. During the engagement they were naked, except a small skin about their middle, and a cockade of black ostrich feathers on their heads. Their ornaments are large copper rings, sometimes eight in number, round their necks; with numerous arm, leg, and earrings, of the same material. They have porcelain and copper beads, and some of the men large ear-plates. Their weapons are spears, axes, and clubs. In many of these knob sticks are irons, fastened like a sickle; but more were circular, and sharp on the outside. Their language appears to be only another dialect of the Boschuana, so that I could understand them nearly as well as the people of Lattakoo. Most of them seemed to be suffering from want; so much so, that in the heat of the battle the poorer classes seized pieces of meat, and with the utmost avidity devoured them raw."

The Griquas took from the invaders about one thousand head of cattle, which

they had obtained from various tribes on their march. The care of the women and children was left to Mr. Moffat and Mr. Melvill.

"Considerable mystery," says Mr. Moffat, "seemed to involve the whole affair. That such a numerous body should cut their way through a vast tract of country, conquering and dispersing many populous and powerful nations, and at length be stopped by a few horses and guns! Had the Griquas arrived two days later, we must have made a precipitate flight, with the loss of property, and probably of life. What God, the all-wise Disposer of events, will hereafter effect, we must stand still to see.' It is remarkable, that the Matchapees, on the Krooman river, are as yet the only people who have escaped the scourge: and it may be hoped, that the interest which the missionaries have taken in their welfare, may lead them to deprecate their leaving them, as once they wished, and increase their respect, both for their civilized friends, and for the instruction offered them."

[Various reports have since the battle reached the Griquas, respecting the retreat, the motions, and the intentions of the invaders; and the Commando continued on the alert, in order to withstand future assaults, should they be attempted.]

SOUTH SEAS.

TAHA.

(A brief Extract from the Report of the Deputation.)

This beautiful little island (about forty miles in circumference) is situated about five miles north of Raiatea, and is nearly encircled by the same reef (of nearly 100 miles in length) which encloses Raiatea. It has a great number of fine bays and har bours, some of which reach almost to the centre of the island. Extensive valleys reach from the heads of these bays up to the foot of the mountains; one of these valleys is of great extent, and full of all the vegetable productions of the country, such as wild ginger, the tii-plant, from which the inhabitants formerly distilled great quantities of rum, the bamboo, the mountain plantain, arrow root, &c. &c.

Within the recollection of some persons now living, the inhabitants of this island were so numerous that there was not sufficient room along the coast (which they preferred) for their houses. War, disease, infanticide, and the claims of Oro, &c. reduced the number to about 700; but there VOL. XXIII. NO. 1,

is now reason to expect a great increase. When we arrived here, (22d Dec. 1822,) about 150 of the people continued to reside on their lands; but before we left, (13th Feb. 1823,) almost the whole population removed their houses near to the residence of the missionary on the coast.

There are two well-built causeways across the arms of the sea, made of coral rock, taken from the sea, for the convenience of passing from one settlement to another. One of these is 688 feet in length, and 11 feet wide; the second is 348 feet by 10; from the former of these, and at right angles with it, is a patu, or pier, 325 feet by 20, forming a convenient landing place for boats. The temporary place of worship has been enlarged to twice its original size, being 80 feet by 19. Near this spot the people are about to build a good place of worship, 80 feet by 40, which will be equal to any chapel yet

erected in these islands.

There is a considerable air of industry all over the settlement. All the men who have been baptized are formed into classes of 10 in each, for the purpose of assisting each other in making their fences, building their houses, &c. The inclosures are made in the adjacent valleys for the growing of their food. Ten men begin on one fence, clearing the ground of trees and brushwood; when this is completed, they begin another; and so proceed till all the ten are completed. This method of classification is admirably adapted to the dispositions of the people, which are naturally cheerful and lively; and by yoking those who might be indolent with the industrious, they are all obliged to work. The king is the most industrious man in the island, and we have seen him at work with the perspiration running down his body in streams.

They have many new and excellent canoes, and five large well-built boats, (from 30 to forty feet long) with others on the stocks, which they are unable to complete for want of nails. They greatly prefer boats to canoes.

A few years ago, the king and most of the chiefs, not only opposed the gospel, but went to war with the Raiateans, to suppress it; but he was beat and taken prisoner. But the kind manner in which he was treated by Tamatoa, the Christian king of Raiatea, opened his heart, that he cordially embraced Christianity; he was restored to his authority, and rendered independent by his conqueror. Places of worship were soon built, the Sabbath observed, and the same order of things adopted as in the neighbouring islands. They were, however, long destitute of a

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