2 2 Sketches of an Excursion to Southern Alaska. 



the chiefs, but also at the ameliorating influence which was diffused through 

 the assembly. Nothing resembling it, but quite the'opposite, had been observed 

 by the miners and traders. They cauld not account for it : but we ascribe it 

 to the truth of the gospel sincerely spoken, and made convincing by the Spirit 

 of God. We do not attach to these transactions the importance which we 

 would if these poor people were civilized, rich and powerful : but regarding 

 them in their ignorance and degradation, we are moved by a keen sense of 

 their exposure. Any voluntary act of theirs which smoothes the way to their 

 elevation, we cannot fail to appreciate ; and their confidence in us is a first 

 step towards it. This explanation is due, to guard our views and expressions 

 against misconstruction. 



At Glenora I found the home of a former member of my church, Mrs. Lov- 

 ell, who was absent. Her husband J. B. Lovell is both merchant and magis- 

 trate, to whom we were indebted for hospitable attentions. 



We spent five days on this excursion. The entire landscape from P'ort 

 Wrangel to Telegraph Creek, the head of steamboat navigation, provides 

 studies in Geology, one department of which — the glacial — is complete. Thp 

 student will find every chapter spread out and illustrated. The theme is very 

 attractive, but the length of my report forbids enlarging upon it. I refer yo\i 

 to the sketch of it, already mentioned, and hasten back to Wrangel, to de- 

 scribe the greatest event which had ever taken place in Alaska. 



THE ORCIAMZAIION OK THE VISIHI.E CHIKCH. 



On Saturday, the 2nd of August, the public examination of candidates took 

 place. We had previously examined and conversed with all who were to ap- 

 pear, and had advised some to wait. Prayer meetings had been held, and, 

 in short, much preparation for the signal event had already been made. We 

 felt, therefore, that the public examination was only one step in a series. We 

 desired, however, to encourage the intelligent expression of views and expe- 

 rience. My own observations among the Nez Perce and Puyallup converts, 

 led me to expect some unusually satisfactory expressions, and I was not disap- 

 pointed. The testimonies to God's grace, the evidence of a great change, the 

 wonderful impulse given to these uninstructed minds, in the reflective turns 

 that were taken, and the descriptions of their new stale contrasted with the 

 old, bringing out lines of thought unprompted by us, unpremeditated by them, 

 all boie witness to their spiritual understanding of the truth, and showed that 

 they had begun to experience its blessings, and live according to its precepts. 

 None of our proceedings were conducted in haste ; Mr. Young was acquainted 

 with every case. Indeed, two years' work was now being concentrated. 

 Some of these replies would be interesting to you, and I would transcribe them 

 jf space permitted. 



Our interpreter, Mrs. Sarah Dickinson, rendered invaluable service. Being 

 herself a christian of long experience,, she understood the spirit and purport 

 of many a question which an unconverted jjerson could not. 



