The Comprehensive Report
on the Brethrens Negotiations
in Bethlehem and Gnadenhütten
with the Nanticokes and Shawnee
Nations from April 1752
and also on the Pact Made with
Both Nations at That Time
in Gnadenhütten,
on the same visit to Bethlehem
in July 1752 etc.
Being grieved once again, about the nations of the Nanticokes
and Shawnees in and around Wyoming (which made Jüngers {Johanans}
heart heavy for 10 years already); so it was resolved to send a couple
of Brethren from Gnadenhütten to visit the Indians. For this purpose
both Brothers Nathanael and Petrus were selected. To that end they came
to Bethlehem on Thursday, March 30th. Monday, April 3rd 1752, as on
the second Easter holiday, there was a Lovefeast at 8 oclock in
the morning in a small hall in Bethlehem, where various messengers and
pilgrims received their dispatch and so did these two Brothers Nathanael
and Petrus receive orders pertinent to their intended visit to Wyoming.
Tuesday, April 4th, they left together from Bethlehem to go to Gnadenhütten.
Thursday, April 6th immediately after the morning blessing Br. Martin
held one more Lovefeast with Brothers Nathanael and Petrus and also
had a heart-felt dialogue with them, especially about a close relationship
with the dear Savior. And then we let them follow their road blessed
and in peace to Nescopeko and Wyoming.
Sunday, April 16th. Brothers Nathanael and Petrus
came back from their visit to Nescopeko and Wyoming delighted and pleased.
On April 7th they arrived in Nescopeko healthy and pleased
and our Gottliebs brother himself took them into his hut and gave
them a very friendly reception. In a short while the Indians who were
at home came to the hut, where they [Nathanael & Petrus] lodged
and welcomed them. They sat down at their fire, and discussed various
matters, which gave Br. Nathanael an opportunity to say a little about
the love of the Savior with the friendliness of his heart. The Indians
sat very quietly and listened attentively. And so on the next day they
visited again and took the opportunity to tell them a little more about
the Savior.
On the 9th Br. Nathanael visited old Nutumer, who rejoiced
over the visit of his beloved Indian Brethren from Gnadenhütten.
Br. Nathanael told him, that they came here for the same reason, because
they loved him. They also told him a little about the Saviors
love. On the 10th, in the afternoon, they visited the Indians in their
huts once again and took leave together. The Indians for their part
were very friendly and thanked them for the visit. And so they [Nathanael
& Petrus] traveled several miles to Wyoming in the evening. On
the 11th in the afternoon, they arrived at Wyoming where a Chief,
whom Nathanael knew from last autumn, welcomed them and lodged them
in his house, and put them up in the same space they occupied last fall.
They were not there long when the Chiefs who were at home arrived and
visited with them. The Chiefs were very friendly and brotherly and expressed
their regret that most of their young people were not at home, but out
hunting; they stayed with each other until late in the night.