Moravian Diaries

The following data were taken from the loose papers in the Historical Society of Forsyth County's Garland Bagley Collection. It is believed that the material herein was obtained by Garland Bagley from translations in the Georgia Department of Archives and History. It is of particular interest as it covers the period before, during and after the killing of James Vann at the Buffington Tavern. It gives some insight into the man and the relationships with his family, friends, and slaves.

Diary from Spring Place from January 1 to July 31, 1804

7. Today we finished wrecking our old house and shall use the lumber for building bins and sheds.

9. Lacking boards for covering our floors in the new homes, Br. Byhan and Martin Schneider went to the woods to cut some.

17. Mr. Byhan and Martin Schneider again went to help Vann in building his new home.

20. We finished cutting boards today.

26. Martin Schneider, who has been helping us for some time, set out for Salem. Byhan accompanied him to Hightower because the trail there is difficult to follow. Byhan spent the night with Mr. Hildebrand and called on the school teacher Black who recently arrived to start a school for Indian children. Hildebrand is building a school house for him. Until he completes a house for him to live in, he is staying with Mr. Hildebrand. He then will build one where the children will eat and sleep. At Hightower, Byhan bought corn from a Quaker and had it ground there because gathering and grinding it consumed too much time for us. The corn which he purchased was so much better than we can purchase here. Three Indians visited us and one of them had Wohlfart make a handle for a long knife, the kind they always carry by their side.

February

1. The Sisters Byhan and Wohlfart visited Maj. Lovely, who told them that the chiefs would put up with us if we would send each of them a keg of whiskey.

14. This afternoon Chas. Brown came with his wife to sharpen an ax.

19. The Indian, Big Halfbreed, who was drunk, came from Estanally and told us that he was sending two children to our school and that Vann was coming to tell us of it in the morning.

20. Two whites from Georgia stopped. They told us that Talks were to be held at Estanally in seven days to talk about the road which was to be built and that a number of Indians had banded together to kill those who had consented to its construction.

21. Mr. Geiger came and brought one of Mr. Will Hicks' sons to attend our school. We will conduct such a school for the sake of Christ, though we know not where we will get the money for it nor how we will be able to do all the work that is necessary. May the Savior help us. Three Indians came to sharpen knives.

28. Lacking a school house, we decided to convert one of our old houses to serve the purpose.

29. Toward evening a man on his way from Kentucky to Georgia spent the night with us.

March

4. In the forenoon, Mother Vann was present at our prayer service and remained to have dinner with us.

5. Toward evening 11 Indians passed through our yard with a small keg of whiskey and were already quite gay. Several of them spent the night in our former cabin and the rest spent it at Mother Vann's. They were quite boisterous throughout the night.

13. An Indian came to sharpen his ax and told one of our school children that he would send two of his children to our school and that Vann had told him and others that they might send children to us.

18. Realizing that we would be without an adequate supply of corn for bread, Wohlfart decided to go to Sumac to see whether he might buy a supply from Mr. Timberly. He found him at Vann's and he promised to sell some. From there Wohlfart will go to Hiwassee to have it ground.

22. Two Indians came to Br. Byhan and demanded a keg of whiskey, which they said had been left for them. It seems a school child had told them that we had kegs in our spring house which we had locked. When Byhan told them that none had been left with us, one of them threatened to break open the door and get the keg. The other opposed this and said that they would ask once more and if we would not produce the keg, they would force the door and take the keg. When we objected, they told us that the land belonged to them, the Indians, and if they could have their way, they would chase us out of the country and with it the making of locks and keys would end. When we gave them a keg, they said it was the one left for them and went to Maj. Lovely with it. The day before this the child's mother and sister came for a visit and, without our knowing it, went to Vann's. The student and his sister returned to school the next day.

23. The child went home with her mother. Toward evening two drunk and very rude Creeks stopped, but fortunately they left before night. We later heard that they had purchased a house from Vann and paid him three kegs of whiskey and two arm bands for it.

28. Wohlfart went to Van's on business and invited him to come and see our new quarters and that we would like to speak with him about the Big Talk to be held at Estanally, to which he agreed. We told him of the rumors we had heard. He told us to have no fear; nothing would be done to remove us before next Christmas. Wohlfart told him in such case we should be given previous notice.

April

1. Wohlfart went to see Maj. Lovely and asked him to present our case at the talks on April 4. This he promised to do. He said that he and Vann had talked about the matter and decided to tell the chiefs that they should not look upon us as other white folks who had come merely for selfish purposes.

8. This afternoon two Indians came and artfully surveyed our place and then departed for the blacksmith shop where work was being done for them.

10. On their return from the Talks, Col. Meigs, Maj. Lovely and the interpreter Mr. Riley, on their return from the Talk, stopped and had dinner with us. Col. Meigs, who seemed quite friendly toward us, regretted that the Indians were not willing to permit us to live here in peace. He said the chiefs had decided to permit us time until December 25 to start the school and should they find that we had made fair progress, we would be permitted to remain.

Wohlfart and Byhan went to Sumac to purchase seed potatoes. They found that the price had advanced to one dollar per half bushel because of the heavy spoilage in the winter.

May

2. An Indian brought a large quantity of venison. In two hours he had killed two deer. From here he went to his camp not far from here.

3. We heard that Mr. Bowen, Vann's new overseer, plans to build a house for himself on our old place.

4. Toward noon a man on his way from Georgia to New Orleans stopped. He was on foot because he had lost his horse while on his way. After having dinner with us he went to see Maj. Lovely.

11. Mother Vann brought a boy who is to attend our school. For the time being he will board and room at Vann's, who had completed his house. The boy is a nephew of chief Bark. He went home with Mother Vann, where he will stay until Vann's return from Tellico.

June

5. On his way to the mill this morning Br. Byhan learned that the mill dam had broken and the mill was not in operation. He returned home on the morning of the 7th.

10. When Br. Wohlfart called on Maj. Lovely, who had returned from the neighborhood of Hightower with Vann, Lovely told him that Gent. Tom was thinking of placing a child in our school on his return from the Creek country.

17. In the afternoon, while on a visit at Vann's, he was told that the Indian Chuleoa, also on his way to the Creek country, had said that as soon as he returned, he would send one of his children to our school. He was also told that Bill Hicks' son would return to school and that Chief Barks great-grandson, who now rooms at Vann's, would attend.

25. We started cutting our wheat and finished on the 27th.

27. Toward evening various groups of Indians came who seemed very hungry. We fed them as best we could with the supply of food we had on hand. When they had finished, they went to their camp on this side of our field.

July

5. Br. Byhan went to the mill at Hiwassee and returned the next day.

19. In recent days, many Indians have appeared in the neighborhood. Some have come because of business at the blacksmith shop, others have been driven by hunger to search for food. Famine conditions prevail in particular among the Lower Cherokees. Three Indians died of poisoning from eating poisonous berries or peas as they are called here.

28. We were favored by a visit by Br. Abr. Steiner and Nathaniel Schobar from Salem. They were on their way home after a visit with the Creek Nation.

29. In the afternoon Steiner, Wohlfart, and Schober went for a visit at Vann's. He had gone to a ball game between his house and Sumac.

31. Steiner, Wohlfart, and Schober talked with Vann about the children who were to come to us to school. They told him we would be able to board them but that we could not see our way clear to keep them overnight. They were very unruly and the Missionaries could not discipline them. Thus far the sisters had been able to obtain very little help. Steiner then reported the expense the Mission had incurred.

(At the conclusion of the following section, the Diary from Aug. 1, 1804 to December 31, 1804, there is a gap which extends to 1813.
Dr. Marielshagen
December 12, 1961)

Diary of our Br. and Sisters at Spring Place Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, 1804

On August 4, we wished Br. Byhan much grace and blessing on his birthday. In the forenoon Byhan, Wohlfart went to Vann's mill with grain. It is well enough along for grinding.

5. This was a day of thanksgiving. All of Vann's Negroes were invited to attend our meeting, but only three attended.

6. We heard that our neighbor, Mother Vann, plans to build about three miles from here.

13. Today the chiefs assembled at Vann's new house close by our place. They were lodged at Vann's. They had come to decide when a Talk was to be held. Toward evening we were visited by Gent. Tom, Sour Mush, Hatchet, Showboat and three others. We were sorry not to be able to speak with them, but were only to communicate by means of signs. We cut several watermelons. When Wohlfart brought a basket full of peaches, he was told by a sign to place it in the center of the room so that each could help himself. Later they lit a pipe of their tobacco. Sour Mush was impressed by the painting of the crucified Savior on our wall. Showboat, who was married to a white woman, understood some English, interpreted as best he could what we said about the painting. All were very friendly. After they had surveyed our quarters, they left for their lodging at Vann's. Major Lovely asked Steiner at his last visit here to attend the next Talk at which was to be decided upon by the chiefs assembled at Vann's and to be held at his place. We surmised from the conversation that matters pertaining to us were to be discussed.

15. Many Indians came to attend the Talk. Indians who filled our kitchen and school house spent the night with us. Today the commission from Georgia arrived, but on the 16th most of them returned home because the commission from Tennessee was slow in coming. Only three Indians remained with us. The chiefs at Vann's remained and went fishing with him.

17. A German from Georgia came today to secure permission for building an inn on the road through the Indian country. He established himself with us but left today. Heavy rains caused the dam at Vann's mill to break in two places.

23. Byhan went to Vann's mill with grain. We decided that with our supply of meal running low to go to the mill before the heavy rains prevented the mill from operating.

October

8. Gent. Tom quite unexpectedly came to see us with his wife and children. He said that he would leave his eight-year-old son with us to attend school. We talked with Vann about the matter. Gen. Tom told us that he wished to name his son Agaruk, meaning whirlwind. He told us that he was now on his way to Southpoint and on his return trip he would come to see us and then go hunting from which he would not return until spring. We were told to teach his son English and not German and asked us to be kind to his son. After breakfast they set out for Vann's. The child would not go into the house with us but followed them to Vann's. Wohlfart went there in the afternoon and brought the boy back with him. In the evening [we received] another pupil, the grandson of Chief Bark, who had been at Vann's for some time. So now we had two pupils for room and board.

12. Three of Vann's Negroes ran away and were still in the vicinity. Lovely sent word that we were to watch our horses for fear they might take them to make their escape from here. This left us in a predicament, for our horses that usually returned every evening had not done so in two nights.

20. On his way to the mill, Wohlfart stopped at Mr. Bowen's to borrow a horse for bringing in our grain from the field. We were glad to see our horses return and immediately returned the borrowed horse.

29. Gent Tom left four horses in our field for the night. Soon thereafter he went to his camp not far from here and took his son with him for the night.

31. As Maj. Lovely had not yet returned from where a treaty was being negotiated, we decided to help Mrs. Lovely, who was anxious to bring her corn from the field. We used our two horses and wagon to help her.

November

Big Halfbreed stopped without dismounting to tell us that he had three children to attend our school. When we told him that we already had two and could take no more than another two for room and board, he seemed dissatisfied and departed.

At times it seems as though we were running a guest house. Some days we feed from six to seven families. We hardly know where the money is to come from to buy meal and meat to feed them. Often there are so many Indians here as to crowd out the children and force them to sleep at Wohlfart's house. Today three were here for the night while waiting to have work done at the blacksmith shop.

December

1. When Wohlfart was at Vann's to speak with him about his trip to Charleston, Vann offered to rent to us a Negro maid. Being badly in need of help, we decided to hire her.

6. Gent. Tom stopped on his way to hunt. He did not stay with us, but went directly to Vann's for the night.

(Dr. Marielshagen
December 20, 1961)

Diary from January 1, 1805 - December 31, 1805

January

17. As Vann had returned from Charleston, Wohlfart went to see him.

19. Failing to accomplish anything at Vann's, he returned today.

20. A certain Yardley came this evening. He had come to this country last fall and had stayed with us while he was ill and remained overnight. He now lives with a certain one named Parish at Austin about 30 miles from here and teaches school there for the Indians. Also a certain person named Stone who had hired himself to John Fahlins.

23. Today two Indians and an Indian woman who had returned from hunting stopped with us for the night.

28. In the evening an Indian came to us and demanded bread for himself and his family who were camped nearby. As we had no baked bread, we gave him some meal, to which he said: That would be good for tomorrow, but since bread was in the oven he would wait until it had baked to get some. As it was too long baking, he returned to his camp.

29. He and another Indian returned and demanded bread which we gave to them after which he said he was going home.

30. Two Indians came today. After they had received something to eat, they went to the blacksmith shop.

31. Today the Indian Big Halfbreed and another stopped on their way to Vann's. Big Halfbreed had bought cloth for George Hicks. As Vann's goods from Charleston had arrived, Wohlfart tried to buy from him because we were in need of different items. Not much was to be done with Vann because they had been drinking and fighting the night before and an Indian was seen going to his camp with his head bleeding.

February

1. Today an Indian from Goosawatty brought his child to attend our school. His name is Jikitihy, meaning Five Killer.

2. Today Wohlfart and Byhan went to Vann's to purchase items which had been brought there some time ago, but all there were drunk and Vann was so vicious as we had never seen him before. Nothing was accomplished and we returned home. While there he said that he was our friend. As we had previously asked him whether he would loan us two cows and Wohlfart again reminded him of this, Vann said we might take and use some of his cows as much as we liked and that we might continue to do so. He said that he would make us a present of the larger two cows which we had had for two years. We had requested him to bring us a quart of wine and when we asked about it, he said that we had only ordered one quart, but that he would make us a present of five gallons. All of this he said while in a drunken state, so that we gave it little thought.

3. Our school children, who had learned the Lord's Prayer, prayed along with us for the first time. In the evening Mother Vann came to us much disturbed and told us that Vann attempted to shoot her, but the shot pierced the neck of the horse he was riding. He had Crawford, his former overseer, given 100 lashes because it was reported to him that Crawford with Dan had slaughtered several of Vann's hogs in the brush, which was not the truth. Dan had also been tried and tied to be whipped, but Mr. Parish ordered the Indians to release him. He also attempted to shoot Mr. Geiger, but the latter seized the gun and turned it on Vann, but the gun failed to discharge. (All of this happened today while Vann was in a drunken state.)

4. Byhan went to Vann's on business (all was sober and quiet). Vann gave him a keg with five gallons of wine and said that he wished to make him a present of it. Five Indians came. After they had something to eat they left. In the evening three more came and remained overnight. We frequently have so many to feed that we hardly know what will become of us. This is especially the case since we have the children in our school. On one occasion we had 17 persons and our family to feed.

11. Many Indians came and several remained overnight and the rest, when they found that there was no place for them, left.

12. Again there were many Indians here, all of whom has to be fed and remained overnight. We heard they were all waiting to have work done at the blacksmith's. Whenever he is delayed in doing work for them, he sends them to Vann, but when too many go there, they come to us and we dare not send them away, and all must be fed.

14. Byhan went to the mill with corn but he was unable to grind all of it because the mill was in ill repair.

18. When at Hightower, Byhan visited the school of Mr. Black. He had 14 children in his school, 11 boys and three girls, all of whom had learned to be well behaved.

19. Today Gentleman Tom came to Vann's and sent him two horses to us to be fed. We heard that he was dissatisfied with us because of his son, who is in our school, is not being clothed by us. He remained overnight. (This is but a sample of the goings on with the Indians which the missionaries had to contend with day in and day out. Here I will let the matter rest, but should there be an improvement in the situation, I will surely take note of such an unusual occasion.)

March

1. Hearing that Vann returned from Southwestpoint yesterday, Wohlfart went to see him on business.

2. An Indian came to sharpen his ax. When he had finished, he had something to eat and left. In the evening, two came and remained overnight. One was painted red and seemed very tired.

3. While on business at Vann's, Wohlfart was told by him that we might keep the two cows he had loaned us.

8. In the afternoon, Chief Chilcoa...with whiskey to sell and remained overnight. Vann purchased a quart from him at a dollar a quart, the usual price among the Indians.

9. Early this morning we heard that Vann had set two Negro houses on fire and would have set all on fire had not Mr. Geiger and others prevented this. At noon he set out for Charleston.

10. Mrs. Vann, Mr. Bohrins Taylor and Crawford's wife's sister visited us and expressed a desire for a religious service. We sang a few songs and Br. Byhan read several verses from the Bible and commented on them, after which we sang the song of praise to his Son.

14. Major Lovely moved from here and settled with a certain Mr. Rogers at Hiwassee River. The reason for leaving was said to be the difficulty of getting things at the settlement as meal, whiskey, etc.

24. Vann moved into his newly built house. Having whiskey, things were very lively toward evening. A drunk Indian came to us and said that Vann had sent to us for a bottle of whiskey. We gave him none because we did not believe it and later we heard this was the case.

31. Since Mr. Vann had sent us an invitation to hold a service at his house, we went there today. Wohlfart preached. After the service Vann accompanied us to our home and was very friendly.

April

3. Vann left for the Talk at Estanally.

6. Toward evening a white man stopped and asked the way to Vann's place.

7. He returned early this morning and told us that he was a preacher and wanted to preach at Vann's. He was on his way to Louisiana. In the afternoon we also went to Vann's to attend the service. At first we sang, then he read from the 20th chapter of Exodus, and after a second song he preached on the Colossians 1, verses 12 and 13.

8. Several gentlemen who were staying at Vann's visited us.

10. The preacher who had been at Vann's wanted to hold a meeting at Vann's for the Negroes. When they refused to attend a service there, we permitted him to hold it here.

11. The preacher who had been at Vann's for eight days attended the service we held there.

15. Today an old white man on his way from Ky. to Ga. on foot stopped with us. Tired from traveling and wanting to earn some money we gave him the job of clearing some land. He had separated from his wife and left the family in Ky. He was a barber and hoped to do business about here.

17. Today the preacher at Vann's left for Southwest Point and plans to continue from there to La. The old man who stayed with us went to John Fahlings where he hopes to find work. He said to clear land was too hard on him. Unable to cross the creek, he returned in the evening. We sent him to Vann's, where he would find a countryman who was a cook for Vann.

18. Vann and a Mr. McDonald, who lives about 30 miles from here, had returned to Vann's. The white folks staying at the Vann's had killed a deer of which Vann sent us some.

May

2. Two Indians came this morning; a woman and a man spent the night with us. When they left early this morning the school children went with them without mentioning it to us: One returned this noon but the others did not return nor were they seen until after dark. They frequently leave without telling us and remain out until after dark, causing us to fear that they were lost in the woods, the cause of much worry to us. When we remind them of it, they say nothing.

7. We began planting corn. We have divided our field to enable us better to cultivate it.

9. We were unable to find out what was said at the Talk at Estanally.

12. We were pleased to have the following stop with us: Col. Meigs, Mr. Vann, Capt. Bayer from Ga. and a German from Switzerland who came with Col. Meigs and another man from Ga. After dinner Wohlfart had the children recite for them. Col. Meigs said that the children had made good progress and gave to each child a N. Carolina shilling. Afterward we all went to Vann's where Wohlfart preached.

13. The above mentioned went for the Talk at Estanally.

16. Last night a white man named Murphy, who lives at Rabbit Trap, and an Indian, both of whom we knew, stayed for the night. At Vann's, things were hilarious.

31. In the afternoon our children left and did not return that night. We thought that they might be at Vann's or in the neighborhood for the night. When they did not return today, we feared that they might have got lost in the woods.

June

1. We went to Vann's to report the incident. He showed little concern and said that they had probably gone home. The next day the three returned. They had gone to Rabbit Trap to the larger pupil's home and stayed with his parents.

6. At three in the morning Vann sent for Byhan and his wife. As Mrs. Byhan was ill, Byhan went alone. When he arrived he found Vann writhing in pain. Some kind of creature had got into his ear and Vann believed that his end had come. Perceiving this, Byhan told him of the salvation of sinners through Christ. To this Vann responded that he did not believe this. When the creature came out and the pain eased, Vann left the room saying that he did not believe there was a Jesus Christ. Byhan was glad it was left at that. He believed that the Devil had so possessed and bound Vann, which had become evident over the years. Then he said to himself, may the Savior have mercy on him.

17. Today everyone at Vann's fled, for he was so crazed by intoxication that nobody near him was sure of his life. He shot and burned things in the house. A white woman who had resided there for some time fled and spent the night with us. We believed it our duty to speak with him as soon as he had sobered.

18. We went to speak with him but found that there was nothing to be done with him. He did frightful things last night. The treatment of his wife was so shameful that it challenged a description. Vann was not at home so Byhan went to see Mrs. Vann in the afternoon. When he asked her if she did not feel like praying to the Savior, she said that she did, but for tears she could not proceed.

19. Vann came home today but he was so vicious that he knocked his wife to the floor, who fled as soon as she could to Mother Vann's and both came to spend the night with us.

20. Br. Wohlfart again went to Vann's to speak with him about his conduct. Upon entering he greeted Vann pleasantly; he said to him that we were sorry for him for it seemed that harm and misfortune had come to him. He then jumped from his bed, seized a bottle and drank as much as he could in one gulp and said in anger that it was his house and he could drink as much as he pleased, dance, fornicate and what not and that it was none of our business. Wohlfart responded that he did not intend to challenge his right, but that it was his duty as a friend to warn him of the danger in which he was getting involved. He told him that we regarded him as a friend and benefactor and that we were grieved to see his behavior such as to endanger his temporal and eternal well-being.

25. When we heard that Mother Vann was sick, Wohlfart and Byhan went to call on her and brought with them something to refresh her.

July

2. Mr. Vann's overseer, Mr. Bohing, who lives at Vann's old place, sent to us for medicine for his wife and children, who are in bed with a high temperature. Wohlfart went to see them. Mr. Bohing will move to the place formerly occupied by Maj. Lovely. Vann's old place will be vacated as it was getting more unhealthful.

3. Vann went for the treaty Talk at Hightower stream about 40 miles from here. A treaty was to be negotiated tomorrow but we have not seen a single Indian going there in spite of the fact that they usually attend in large numbers. We were told that the whites are demanding the land across the Tennessee River. Thus one piece of land is taken after the other is taken from them until they will finally be completely crowded off their land.

7. Bohings moved to Lovely's place. Anthony Syoels, a mulatto, who had moved here, moved from Lovely's place and settled beyond the spring branch between us and the blacksmith's.

8. A carpenter has been at Vann's for some time and works there. He is from N. Carolina not far from Salem and is an industrious and capable person. We asked him to help us.

9. Mr. Vann returned from the treaty Talk. Br. Wohlfart went to visit and do business with him. We heard that few chiefs of the Nation and few Indians had attended. It is surmised that the outcome will not be too favorable for the Cherokees because they had promised to attend. The treaty session had been quite expensive for the U.S. Government. It had built several houses for the guests at the place where the treaty was negotiated and 200 head of cattle had been slaughtered for the occasion.

12. Today Vann again went for the Talk at Hightower.

17. We heard that the negotiations at Hightower ended today. They lasted 13 days but they were unable to reach an agreement because all the chiefs were not present. We were told today that the Government had offered the Cherokees $16,000 for the land across the Tennessee River, which they refused. They were told that since they had refused the offer, the Gov. would turn to the Chickasaws, who also had a claim on the land. In spite of their refusal, the whites would occupy the land. It was feared, however, that should the land be purchased of the Chickasaws, war between the two tribes might follow.

26. In a drunken state last night, Vann drove all of the occupants from his house. In recent days his conduct has been such that one is inclined to believe that he has gone insane. When in such a state, his wife finds refuge with us. She did so again last night. She told us that he had said that his wife had gone to the Germans for whom he had no use. If we did not watch our step, he would drive us from our place. We wish the Savior would help him. We know not what will become of him and will free him from the clutches of his enemy.

28. After we had gone to sleep, two drunk Indians came and spent the night with our school children.

August

1. A white man who lives in the neighborhood, Mr. Fields, ___of Mr. Ross spent the night with us.

11. It was again wild at Vann's because of heavy drinking. We feared that we would again be unable to sleep tonight because of the many drunk Indians here about. Toward evening an Indian brought a horse for us to look after until the next morning because its owner was too drunk to do so.

13. We prayed today that the Savior might release Vann from the clutch of Satan. Not until today did the Indian come for his horse. He did not sober up until last night after drinking at Vann's for two days and a night. For all that matters, in this vicinity things were wild. Nearly everyone was drunk. We thanked our Savior that he had protected us from harm and injury. Thus far they have not harmed us physically but we have lived in constant fear and many a night we had to listen to almost constant noise.

14. Two Indians came to us and after they had had something to eat they went to the blacksmith who had been drunk for four or five days.

15. Today Edmund Fahling's son of Sumac came to our school for the first time. He will board and sleep at Vann's. A number of Indians were here and gathered peaches from our orchard and then wandered on.

23. Last night four of Vann's Negroes again ran away, but before doing so they robbed him of all the money he had in the house, about $3,500, emptied a chest containing silk and cotton mufflers and carried off some of Mrs. Vann's wearing apparel and clothing of Vann's. They chest with the money was under Vann's bed where a white wench was sleeping at the time. This morning the chest was found in the brush but with one dollar left in it. This morning everybody chased after the thieves but returned at night without success. Someone was sent to Tellico to notify Vann of what had happened. All were in mortal fear of what would happen to them upon Vann's return home. A few months ago $700 had been stolen of him over which he was so enraged that all had to flee from him for fear of what he might do to them. What will he do now after hearing of this? May the Savior grant that this affair will cause him to reflect about his own conduct.

September

1. Vann returned from Tellico and to our surprise he seemed quite calm. When Wohlfart and Byhan expressed their sorrows, he seemed very friendly.

13. Three of the Negroes who had a part in the robbery were caught. They admitted the theft, but said that a rogue who had been at Vann's since last March named Spencer had forced them to steal the money. Spencer was immediately arrested and tortured to force a confession. He admitted that he and Mr. Bohing, Vann's former overseer, and some of his Negroes had in mind to assassinate Vann and take all Vann had for their use. He admitted having stolen $40 from Vann in June and of giving the money to Bohing. It is appalling how things at Vann's have been going for over a year. We often wished that we were 10 miles from here and would not be able to hear of the brutality and the noise going on at Vann's house. We are more and more convinced that this is not the place for us where Indians were in the habit of congregating nor could an Indian congregation be gathered.

15. In the afternoon an Indian came with a rifle and a tomahawk, which was not unusual in the past week when it became known that Negro Peter, who had a part in robbing Vann, was in the area. Since he has a wife here, folks are afraid to stray far from home.

16. Yesterday we were told that Vann had burned alive his Negro, Isaac, who had helped rob and tried to kill him. To set an example to the rest of his slaves, he had them all assembled to witness the event. Wohlfart and Byhan, who wished to impress on Vann the seriousness of what he was about to do, arrived too late, for as they reached the scene, Isaac was already engulfed in flames. Vann was much disturbed over our action and said that we had come to plead for the life of the victim and to attempt to soften his and the onlookers hearts. We then told him that in all the world it was customary that persons who are sentenced to die should be given time to prepare to meet their God and to be executed the following morning. Bohing returned yesterday and was at once put in chains and lodged in Vann's house. Bohing had a hand in the robbery.

17. In the morning Wohlfart went to Vann's to see whether he might convince the criminals of their sin, but they were unable to speak with them for the crowd then at Vann's.

18. We went to Vann's to ask if we might not hold a service at his house and two prisoners be permitted to attend. This he refused and said that in four days the chiefs would meet at his place to decide on their fate. He said that they might speak with them before they were executed.

22. In the afternoon we had a prayer meeting at which Vann's daughter was in attendance. She is 10 or 12 years of age and is to attend our school. Eighteen persons came to our meeting, Mulattos, Negroes, Indians and half Indians.

23. Vann's daughter attended our school for the first time today. She comes after breakfast, stays for lunch, and returns home in the afternoon.

25. Mr. Ross, who had gone to Vann's yesterday, came to visit us. At noon Chief Asiteoa, Sour Mush and another left their horses with us. While in this vicinity, they will stay with us. We were told by them that very many Indians were coming to Vann's to decide on the fate of the two criminals, Bohing and Spencer. In the evening the three chiefs returned and brought others with them, so we had nine spend the night and feed them.

26. We heard the two were to be executed today, but in the meantime Vann had received word from Col. Meigs warning him not to attempt to execute them. He should send them to him and he would return some of the missing money which had been found, which was quite a sum, and that he would assume all the costs for sending the criminals to him. We were glad and pleased to hear the news. We were glad to know that the Indians were unable to carry out their vengeful designs. In the evening the chiefs who had been here last night and four others came. All of them had had too much whiskey. After entering, they demanded something to eat and were quite noisy.

27. Again many Indians came to spend the night. Today they set out with Spencer and Bohing for Southwestpoint.

28. The chiefs, who had been with us, went home. During the day they stayed at Vann's and at night they came to us drunk and half starved. Late in the evening Vann sent two Negroes to tell Wohlfart that he is to make a coffin for the Negro Bob whom he had shot for the theft and for having attempted to kill his master Vann. It is impossible to describe how terrible this night was for us. Vann's conduct is such that the Brethren and Sisters cannot bear to live here much longer. One hears one bad report after another about Vann, to which Satan drives him and has complete mastery of him.

29. Early this morning another messenger came to tell Wohlfart that he is to make a coffin. We went to Geiger to tell him that he could not do this but that he would hold a service for Bob if Vann wished. Geiger promised to tell Vann. At 10:00 Vann sent word that Wohlfart might hold a funeral service. When Wohlfart and Byhan reached Vann's, the latter had severely punished two Negroes. Vann said that he did not object to a funeral service, but that he would not attend. We thought that no one was more in need of a service than Vann.

October

1. Joseph Vann came to our school today so we now have six children in school.

2. We told him to keep away from the other children because he had the itch and told him it would please us if he would remain at home until he was well.

3. Toward evening an Indian came to spend the night, but when he heard the noise at Vann's he decided to go there for whiskey.

10. A number of Indians stopped with us on their way to Southwestpoint to get their annual award. Among them was Gent. Tom and others all of whom brought their horses to be fed on our corn. Every Indian who makes camp around here takes corn from our field for feeding his horse and we dare say nothing and be happy if they do not turn their horses loose in our cornfield.

19. In a letter from Br. Gambold, we were asked to meet his company with horses. Wohlfart and Byhan set out. The former went to Sumac and the latter to Will Hicks' where the road branches off from the great road. Toward evening Byhan met the travelers at Sumac Creek 10 miles from here. It is impossible to describe the joy of seeing them. The party was made up of Brethren John and A.K. Gambold, John Hartmann, Joseph Lanius and a Negress with a three weeks old baby boy born on the way. Pleasant had been purchased to work for us. The entire party was in excellent health.

20. This forenoon Pleasant's son, who was born on September 29, was baptized and named Michael. Vann and 25 Negroes were present at the service.

27. Wohlfart returned to Salem.

28. Today a white boy, who was adopted by Vann, named Agilla Charelswell, came to our school.

November

6. Vann sent a half Indian, Archibald Fields, to attend our school. He had assumed responsibility for him. Br. and Sr. Gambold and Br. Byhan, who went to Vann's this afternoon to pay their respect to him, were kindly received. Vann had the Negroes, Peter and April, severely beaten for their part in the robbery.

7. Vann's sister, Jerry, visited us.

10. Vann told us that he was leaving for Washington on Tuesday.

11. We had the pleasure of a visit by the former Nancy Vann, Mrs. Falling. She is still very fond of us and seemed quite worried.

14. Mr. McNair, whom we met at Hightower, visited us. We gave him letters to be mailed at Southwestpoint.

16. Toward evening two travelers, who had got lost in the woods, stopped and asked for lodging. This we could not deny them. They were very hungry for they had nothing to eat for more than a day while on their way from Nashville to South Carolina.

18. Vann's son Joseph returned today after having visited at Tellico, where he had gone at his father's request.

28. The brethren finished plastering their house.

December

8. In addition to Mrs. Vann and her sister Mary, two Negroes attended our meeting. Mrs. Vann seemed greatly disturbed, for while we were singing the song "My Savior Sinners Doth Receive", she could not refrain from crying. During Gambold's talk a traveler from Yorktown, Pa. came in. He had come to do business with Vann. As he was not at home, he would find it difficult to find employment in this area. He was a skilled craftsman and wished to remain in this vicinity for awhile.

9. Mother Vann, her sister-in-law, our neighbor and her sister were here.

11. In the evening we---our pupils and Negroes---sang a few English Christmas hymns.

15. Mr. Vann's sister Mary, who has moved into this neighborhood where the Bohings had lived, visited us. She was impressed with the talk by Br. Gambold on the passage from Jacob 3: 16-17.

21. Today we went three miles in our cart with our pupils to fetch a Christmas tree.

22. Mr. Geiger attended our afternoon meeting and Nancy Falling, our pupil, who lives with the Vanns, also attended.

26. Immediately after lunch we went to see Mrs. Vann who, for some time, has been suffering with a sore throat and was unable to attend our service yesterday. With the Negroes enjoying shooting nearby, we left to see Nancy Falling. In the house we found an old Bible, something quite rare hereabout.

28. The Brethren busied themselves cutting timber for building a smokehouse.

30. They finished cutting the timber.

31. Before Mr. Byhan was able to grind his corn, he was obliged to repair the mill. The Negroes are off through the holidays until after New Year.

Diary from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 1806

January

Nothing of importance pertaining to Vann and those associated with him until Jan. 20. We were sorry to hear that on Saturday night our dear neighbor Nancy Falling and all of her household effects were picked up by her husband and moved to his place. He probably did so out of fear for her brother Mr. Vann, who never approved of his sister's marriage to Falling. This is expected to cause trouble.

22. We were glad to welcome Mr. Jac. Cravy, who had been quite helpful to Brother and sister Gambold when on their way to Spring Place. On their way from Georgia he loaded some of their goods and some of their Negress' goods on his wagon and transported them for them. This afternoon he visited our school and told us that he once taught school and enjoyed teaching the children to read.

February

5. One of the chiefs who traveled to Washington to visit Congress with Vann visited us. We were pleased to hear through Mrs. Vann that the report of Vann's death was false.

9. In the night Sister Byhan became seriously ill with a high temperature but was a bit more comfortable during the day.

10. Because of the severity of her ailment, Mrs. Vann sent her maid, Mona, to watch over her tonight.

13. We heard that Vann had gone to New York on business. We were glad to know this for his long absence without knowing where he was would have been the source of much concern to us. We thank our Savior that Sister Byhan seems to improve from day to day.

16. Mother Vann and her daughter-in-law were present at the service held by Br. Byhan.

March

1. Early this morning we were overjoyed to hear that Mr. Vann had returned from New York. Immediately the Brethren went to welcome him home. They found him ill. He proved himself very friendly toward us.

3. Toward evening Mrs. Hughes, Mother Vann's sister, and son came on a visit and spent the night with us. Her son indicated that he would like to attend our school. Mrs. Hughes seems to be a very sensible and understanding person.

14. Mr. Rogers, who lives about 40 miles from here, brought his 12-year-old daughter to us. He is anxious to have her learn to sew, knit, read and write.

April

13. Mother Vann visited us today.

16. At our service we read the story of the creation of the earth and man from the Bible.

20. Mother Vann came for a visit and brought us some butter. At Vann's on business, Br. Gambold had the happy surprise to find our friend Col. Meigs there. Toward evening Gambold returned to Vann's to speak with him.

21. On his way to the Talk at Estanally, Vann stopped on business with Gambold. After conversing with the Brethren went in to greet our pupils.

27. We heard that Vann and Col. Meigs had returned from the Talk. Gambold immediately went to give the Col. a package for him to mail for us. We were sorry that Col. Meigs, who had been detained at the Talk, had to hasten home and were unable to confer with us. He told Gambold that he believed our efforts would in time be rewarded with success.

30. The Gambolds and Sister Byhan went to speak with Vann before he left for the Point. He read them a letter which he recently received from Georgia telling him that when on a trip last winter five men had trailed him with the intentions of killing him. We told him that his escape from harm could only be attributed to a providential God.

May

2. Vann left for the Point and carried our letters for mailing there.

7. With the help of our children we planted corn in our larger field. Mr. Tynor of Georgia, now overseer on Vann's plantation, is an elderly person and is kindly disposed toward us. He attended our service. Later he told us that Mr. Vann had received a challenge from Mr. Falling and that Vann had accepted it. At heart Falling is a person of mean character. It is impossible for us to describe our feeling in the matter. We were particularly concerned about Vann, who had shown us so many kindnesses. Throughout the evening we lived in a state of fearful suspense and from sheer exhaustion we fell asleep. Then suddenly Gambolds were aroused by a hard knock at the door. Upon asking who was there, the response came, James Vann's mother. When Gambold hastily opened the door, Mother Vann rushed in and threw herself about Sister Gambold's shoulders and, amid sobs and tears, she said that her son had been killed. She then said that James had killed Falling. She then said that about a mile and a half from here, Falling met Vann. Upon seeing him, Falling dismounted and at close range shot at Vann. The bullet frazed [grazed?] Vann and the smoke from Falling's gun choked Vann so that he thought that he had been shot. Vann's shot penetrated Falling's chest and he fell lifeless to the ground. Falling's brother, who was with him, in the excitement, was able to get past Vann, concealed himself behind a pine tree, fired at Vann and missed his mark.

Mother Vann pleaded with Br. Gambold to go with her to her son and beg him not to go to the land of the Creeks in the morning. When they arrived at his home, they found him sober, alone and quite composed. He seemed pleased to see Gambold and was ready to give him a detailed account of the incident. He assured Gambold that he was fully aware of the fact that his life was in imminent danger. Toward midnight Gambold returned home.

16. Gambold and Byhan went to Mother Vann's to comfort her. Before dawn, Vann, his father-in-law Clement Vann, and a companion had departed. The night before Gambold had asked him to stop with the chiefs in the vicinity and tell them the story. To this he agreed. This Gambold thought was most important as Falling's relatives would attempt to find a chief who had been a sworn enemy of Vann for a long time. Mrs. Vann sent us a lovely portion of mutton. In the afternoon after Mother Vann had gone home, Sister sent [went?] to see Mrs. Vann. She found her in tears and greatly alarmed over the fate of her husband whose life was threatened by the murdered Falling's relatives. Sister made the best of this opportunity to tell her comforting words spoken by the Savior. Mrs. Vann then grasped Sister Gambold's hand firmly and said, "If I could only believe that God was a friend." In the evening Mother Vann came. In the absence of her husband and so, she had gone to visit her daughter. She was deeply concerned over Nancy. She wondered whether she should have her brought from Falling's as she feared for her safety. Negroes and Indians are afraid to go there. Today one of Vann's Negroes was almost killed when following instructions to look for Falling's body. He found him at the place where he had fallen and a group of Indians gathered about the corpse. One who saw him aimed a rifle at him. No sooner than he saw this he turned his horse and fled. While Mrs. Vann was still here, a young man named Marblestone, who had worked for Falling, asked whether we had made a coffin. We told him that we had received no such order nor had we received any measurements and that they would have to place the order elsewhere. Marblestone then departed. Mother Vann said that Nancy was very sad.

17. Falling's body was brought home for burial. We prayed much for our friend Nancy and we hope that her present sadness will lead her to surrender her body and soul to the Savior.

25. At our Pentacostal service Mother Vann, Mrs. Vann, Mrs. McNair and many Negroes were present.

31. This afternoon we were pleased to have Nancy Falling and her daughter come for a visit. Others to visit us were Marblestone, who was still employed at Falling's, a little girl, Falling's daughter, whose mother is an Indian, accompanied Nancy and the child. Soon thereafter Mother Vann came. Nancy said that her reason for coming was that she had heard that we wanted to see her. After having coffee with us, they went to see her sister-in-law, Mrs. Vann, but at dusk they returned. She was exhausted and wept bitterly. Nancy then told us that in our company she found comfort. We comforted her and told her that the feeling of confidence had moved us greatly. She then told us she was always deeply thankful to be in our presence, for her heart was always at ease when in our presence. She spent the night with us.

June

1. After breakfast Nancy Falling went to Hall's on business and later she went to see her mother and sister-in-law. After her noon meal, she and her mother dropped in to see us. We enjoyed a pleasant visit with them. Nancy said that she hated to return home, but that would be necessary if she wished to harvest her crops. She said that she eventually hoped to return to live here. We assured her that we looked forward to having her back here and that we were confident she would be quite a help to us in learning the Indian language. We then asked her whether she could give us an Indian expression for "God the creator of all things." She then told us the Indians had no other expression for God than "Daddy above." This she told us in Cherokee and we immediately wrote it. She and her mother then attended our service. For it we used the text "Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavily laden; I will give you rest." They seemed deeply moved, grasped our hands firmly and departed.

3. Some of Vann's Negroes, men and women, came to offer to help us with our work in the field. On Sunday when they are not employed by Vann, this afforded them the opportunity to earn a little extra as they received clothing from their master once a year. They attended our service in which we spoke on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. John Miller also attended.

22. Nancy Vann came with her grandmother's Negro maid. She told us that she wished to be baptized and her father and one of her sisters also wished baptism. She was told that before that could be done she must surrender her heart to her Savior and ask for his blessing. She was told she must change her life and only when this was apparent would baptism be appropriate. Mother Vann came and remained for the sermon. With her were Mrs. Vann as well as a number of Negroes.

29. John Miller and Marblestone, who now works at Hall's, attended our meeting. Turkey Cock and his wife, who worked here today, were likewise present.

July

7. This morning Mr. Vann arrived home. Immediately the Brethren went to welcome him home. He was exceedingly friendly.

9. In spite of the very hot weather, we could not refuse Vann's dinner invitation (noon). I will speak of the German "Mittagsessen" midday eating as dinner and "Abaddessen" as supper. He talked very excitedly and said that he would not venture visiting us at this time, for he had heard that the Falling family had said that they would burn down my roof from over my head. He said that he was not afraid but that he thought it wise not to leave his house unaccompanied for awhile. He told us that he considered us his most honest and trustworthy friends. He gave each of the Brethren and Sisters a small present and asked that they accept them as a reminder of his friendship toward them. To Byhan he gave a silk muffler and to each of our pupils a copy of Dilsworth's Speller. In response to our request he talked at length in his Indian language. He likewise had a long talk with his cousin George.

13. In the afternoon Pearley came with five other Negroes to ask Br. Byhan to teach them to read the Bible. After an introductory talk, he read to them the story of the creation of man and told them that they were our first parents.

16. When at the mill, Ned, the miller, asked Byhan what had happened to Tony, that since he had been attending our Sunday meetings he seemed quiet and meditative. Byhan explained it satisfactorily. Ned told him that he was glad his work was being taken to heart by the poor Negroes. Such a thing is quite unusual in these parts. Tony was reared with the Indians and understands their language as well as he does the English.

29. Toward evening a small boy, Tommy's brother, the Indian Five Killer and his wife visited us. Later Mrs. Paris and her two sons, Robert and Moses, came with Vann's two children to enroll them in our school. They will board at Vann's.

August

3. When Mother Vann came to our service, she said that she was very anxious to hear a sermon again.

6. A Mr. Anderson from Tellico and Mr. Wm. Hicks visited our school.

15. Toward noon the Indian, The Flea, came with a letter form Chas. Hicks that Flea's grandchild would like to attend our school. We told him that we could not take his grandson to board but he might arrange to have him boarded at Vann's. That he refused and said he would like to have him stay with us. We explained why it was impossible for us to take him to board. After we had departed, we conferred about it and Br. Gambold went to Vann's with The Flea. In response to Vann's offer to board the boy, his grandfather said that mostly Indian was spoken at Vann's and that he wanted him to learn English. He firmly rejected the offer. We assured him that as soon as a vacancy occurred, we would let him know.

24. Mr. Geiger came to take leave of us as he was leaving this part of the country. He immediately set out. Mrs. Vann and all the school children staying at Vann's came for the service.

September

1. We finished harvesting a good potato crop.

4. When the children who roomed at Vann's came to school this morning, Joe Vann told us that he had found his lost book this morning. His sister said that he had asked God to help him find it, and then he went into the field and found it.

12. Gentleman Tom came this morning and had breakfast with us. At his request we gave him an assortment of seed. We were pleased to hear from him that the potato seed we gave him last spring had produced a good crop. He announced that he wished to take his son Tom home for a visit. He would take good care of him and return him in several weeks. As much as we hated to let him go, we
[the transcription ends here]

Moravian Diary from Springplace. Jan. to Dec. 31, 1808

January

2. Elizabeth and Ione Bagby moved in with their meager possessions. They stayed at Vann's during his absence. Mrs. Vann had favored it. For the sake of their father, we decided to make room for them when Vann returned. They are rooming with the Gambolds.

3. Six Negroes attended our service. Byhan asked Clement Vann to assist in a search for our swine.

12. Chiefs Killjoly and The Ridge visited us. They were very friendly and they visited our school. They told us that they wished that they might be young again and attend our school. They remained for the singing hour of the children at which Sister Gambold sat on the bench with the children and led the singing. The Indians listened in deep reverence. After the singing the children told them the story of Christ. To this one of them responded saying that it must be true for Mr. Geiger had told them the same thing.

16. (This is the best I could make out. Since there was some connection with I decided to do the best I could with this entry.) A woman with us whose husband is at Vann's refused to leave until he came. On his arrival he said that Vann raged and stormed but did him no harm, but he did abuse his already badly abused wife. He drove her, all the Indians, whites and Negroes from the house at the point of a gun. Then the man accidentally wounded by him sought refuge at Hall's. Isaac Martin led him there and we loaned them a horse to carry them to Lem Vann's.

23. We received the first letter from Burkhard and Patersen since they left Springplace. They are well and happy and will soon be able to move into their own house.

30. Thomas Bagley, a student, said that Vann had asked him to take Mr. Rice to Georgia.

February

1. The Indian Cumberland was at school and seemed attentive, in fact, so much so that we were afraid we would be unable to get rid of him. He departed after school but soon returned to tell us that the river was so high that he could not cross. We made the best of it and kept him for the night. Our surmise was correct that he wanted to spend some time with us. He told us that he loved us and if we loved him he would like to stay here for some time. Our answer was that we loved him and all the Indians but that we were unable to keep him for a long time, for if we had enough food for ourselves and others the chiefs would demand that we accept more students. He left the next morning with another Indian but promised to return in summer.

7. Byhan went to McNair's to fetch the bushel of salt which Mr. Kotognaske had promised to deliver. He returned in the evening. An Indian attended our evening service and was most attentive. It is amazing to see how reverent and attentive they are. They fold their hands as soon as they enter and listen in deep devotion as though they understood all that was said.

14. Our dear Mrs. Vann attended our prayer service. In speaking with her, her eyes frequently fill with tears that roll down her cheeks.

15. Planted 45 apple trees so that now we have 60. In time we hope to have a lovely orchard, which is most unusual in this part of the country.

23. The Brethren went to Hall's to have their garden tools repaired. They furnished the charcoal. To finish before night, they helped with the blacksmithing.

28. Halls left the neighborhood today.

March

5. At her request the children spent the day at Mother Vann's. In the evening The Flea came and spent the night.

6. After breakfast he went to Nancy Falling's on business.

7. He returned and told us that more and more pressure was being exerted by the whites to get the Indian lands.

10. We received a letter from our student Thomas Bagley in Georgia.

April

14. James Chisholm brought a packet of letters for us from Bethlehem.

24. A severe storm is described. Hail the size of birds' eggs came down the chimney and were blown to the opposite wall. At Hiwassee the hailstones were as large as an infant's head. Pigs and even Hildebrand's horse was killed. Bark was stripped from trees and hail penetrated the clapboards of houses. The damage simply is impossible to describe.

31. Vann invited our children to attend a ball game at his place. We disliked the idea but could not afford to prevent their going in spite of our misgivings. All our excuses were for naught. When at dusk our poor children returned, two of them were drunk, but the rest were still sober though they had drunk whiskey.

June

4. Grace, who had invited the children to visit her, returned with them. Meantime Mary Vann came with a message from her father inviting the children to attend a ball game. We asked to be excused because it was too late in the evening. She then said that Tony's father had come. We then permitted him and his two relatives, John and George, to go with Tony but kept Dick and Rufus at home. We then commended the three poor children to the care of the Savior. To this Grace gave assent. She told us that the Negroes had not attended our services for some time because we were Dutch and therefore they were unable to understand us. They had come recently because she had urged them to.

5. We found all the children had returned from Vann's. They said that Vann had wanted them to spend the night, but hey had refused and they had refused his offer of whiskey. Toward dusk several Negro families came to attend our service. Among them was Chief Bead Eye and Black George and the Hawk. The latter spent some time at Vann's. They told us they knew the purpose of our mission and were sorry they were unable to converse with us but that the children would be able to bring the message to the Nation. They said that they came because the children had invited them and said that we had good meetings. After singing for them, the children told them about the Savior.

6. Our springhouse was entered by the roof. Fresh beef, which we had purchased at Vann's, and the new table cloth with which it was covered and a roll of butter was taken. Byhan went to Nancy Falling, now Mrs. George Harlon, on business.

8. The springhouse was again entered and a whole crock of butter had vanished. This was particularly unfortunate because we and Vann were short of milk.

12. Had a friendly call by Mother Vann. After lunch with us she departed.

16. Vann sent his son Joseph to attend school with Mr. Paris' son at Estanally. Mr. Murphy is teacher.

23. Byhan went to McNairs to purchase the salt, sugar and coffee which he had ordered. It rained so hard that he was soaked to the skin and was obliged to walk home.

26. The Mulatto David and his wife and Adam from our old place came to cut our wheat. Grace and her youngest sister helped us with the house work. The three stayed for our prayer meeting. Also in attendance were Mrs. Vann and Mrs. Chas. Hicks.

July

7. Mr. Bagby from Duck River came to pick up the tools he had left with us a year ago.

8. Finished mowing the oats. Mr. McNair, Vann's blacksmith, helped us.

9. Mr. Bagby returned to say that he would like to return his daughters to our school. He said that he wanted to go to an Indian country where [he] might be permitted to marry an Indian. We told him that we were sorry that we could give him no immediate answer. We were sorry for the poor girls and if we could be positive that by taking his daughters we might get him off our necks we might take them.

10. Mrs. Vann attended Byhan's service. At the close of the meeting she expressed regret for being late.

12. Jaroadi's parents visited school. We asked them to help us get rid of a feeble minded Indian woman who had been here since Sunday. She refused to go with them because a man was in the company. We were all sorry for her, especially the children.

13. A traveler who appeared to be in trouble stopped in a severe storm. We were told that his horses had gotten away from them into the woods and that he and his family were camped between here and Vann's. The Brethren soon visited them and brought them a ham of venison and potatoes.

17. Grace and seven other Negroes attended the preaching. Toward the end of the service Mary Vann's mother came to tell us that she intended to take Mary home with her, though Vann was not home.

18. We were glad to hear that the travelers near here were leaving. For several weeks they had greatly inconvenienced us. We were glad to hear that Vann's mill was again operating, for we had been obliged to grind the corn we needed by hand.

19. Our clapboard house abutting Byhan's was broken into and a heavy crate of honey, the bee hive we kept in the house, had disappeared. We could find no trace of the thieves.

August

13. We were told by the children that an Indian who came to sell us wax was the one who had stolen it from us. The other one was then in the neighborhood selling honey.

14. Mr. Conklin, Major Anderson's overseer, attended our afternoon service.

15. We were glad to hear from our former pupils, the Bagby sisters. They said that they were far better satisfied with us than they now were at the school they were attending at Hightower.

16. A baby girl was born to the Byhan's.

17. Our friend, Mr. Strother, and a man from Georgia came to see us. They brought us letters which they had picked up for us at Athens. They were from Burkhard and Petersen, Creek missionaries.

18. The Ridge, his brother and another Indian visited us. Ridge again requested us to take one of his children. We were sorry that we were unable to do so, and when we proposed that he board and room the child with his friend Vann he refused to. He asked us for medicinal herbs for his wife and children. We were glad to accommodate him.

20. Mr. Avory Vann and Squire Reed from Hightower visited us. Toward evening, Chuleoa came to take Tony, their son, to the annual Green Corn dance.

21. Christened Byhan's daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth. In the evening one named Woods who lives in nearby Turkeytown asked lodging for the rest of the night and left in the morning.

22. Mr.[?] Vann, her mother and the aged Mrs. Brown visited us.

September

3. This year we had only enough peaches for six bushels of dried peaches.

11. Grace, Hannah and three Negro children attended our service. Two travelers came for lodging. They refused to go though we told them that we had decided no longer to take white lodgers as we considered it our duty to safeguard the Indian children from harm and offense by the whites. This was the result of an earlier experience with two white lodgers who cursed and talked abusively of Indians in the presence of the children.

16. This morning we were horrified to find that old and young wolves had raided our pen and that they had devoured a calf which belonged to Mr. Vann.

23. Joseph Vann returned to school because the schoolmaster Paris had gone and no substitute teacher could be found.

October

1. We heard that Caty's end was near so Gambolds went to see her and found Mrs. Vann at her bedside and with her were the Negresses Grace, Sally, Minda and our Pleasant. At Mrs. Van's request, we allowed our Pleasant to remain with Caty over night.

6. A traveler, William Campbell, came. He was so exhausted that we could not refuse him lodging for the night.

12. We were favored by a friendly visit from Chas. Hicks and his son. Sister Gambold visited Caty and found her very weak but cheerful and hopeful. During a severe storm one named Samuel Hopkins stopped for lodging. We took care of him as best we could.

31. We thanked God for the event of this day 291 years ago. (Luther tacked his 95 thesis to the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg, celebrated by the Lutherans as Reformation Day.)

November

The grandfather of John and Chief Bead Eye asked for something to eat. In the afternoon Chief Bark, Tom Petit and two other Indians came. After eating, they went to Vann's. Bark returned with his half brother, John Beamer, and another Indian for dinner. Bark spent the night.

3. Bark stayed for breakfast and dinner and then left for home.

7. We heard that Caty had passed away. Vann asked Byhan to make a casket for her, which he did. (She had been sick for quite some time. During all of her illness the missionaries visited her regularly and ministered to her spiritual needs.)

9. At the request of Mrs. Vann, Gambold conducted the funeral service. At her request they contemplated burying her at the side of her cabin, but Vann ordered that she be laid to rest where three criminals had been executed and buried three years ago. Many tears were shed for the deceased and particularly by Mrs. Vann. The school children were deeply moved.

25. Mother Vann visited us and brought us a present of a large portion of beef.

We finished heightening the fence between Vann's and our place. Vann loaned us several Negroes to do the job. After finishing we were pleasantly surprised by a visit of John Gambold from Salem.

December

13. Mr. Bagby came and brought us a letter from his daughters. In it they thanked us for what we had told them about the Savior and expressed a desire to again attend our school. Since their father said nothing about it, we remained silent.

The Flea from Coosawatee returned and said that his wife wished to spend the holidays with us.

15. Dick's parents and a bit later Chas. McDonald and wife came with their son Jonathan, who had been home on a visit. They also brought their grandson for school. We now have 11 pupils. In the afternoon chief the Bird came to attend our evening devotional.

24. We were sorry that The Flea and his wife were unable to come. Vann's unexpected return from Charleston prevented his wife from attending the Christmas Eve service. Nevertheless we had a fair attendance. In all, 23 present, five Brethren and Sisters, Byhan and his two children, 11 pupils, a Negress and her child, Grace and her husband, Jacob and an Indian girl.

This was the first time that Joseph Vann attended the meeting. His father wanted to take him along to Charleston. In spite of the fact that new clothes had been made for him for the occasion, he begged off for fear that he might not be back for the occasion.

25. The Christmas service was attended by Grace and her three children and two Negro children and of course the school children. After the service, Christmas presents received from Salem were distributed. Chief Killjoly and his two sons also attended. Many Indians visited us because Vann had invited the chiefs for a Talk. The talk had to be delayed because of floods which had detained some of the chiefs. We were unable to hold an evening service because of the commotion caused by the Indians who were gathered in front of Vann's for a dance.

26. We were surrounded by Indians and were obliged to cook broth until late in the evening. The night was terrible with Indians everywhere. Our kitchen and school house full of them. They shouted and danced and were so noisy that we could not sleep. Some pounded on Byhan's door and demanded whiskey and cursed each other in the English language.

26. Our friend Mr. Strother and two other traders arrived in the evening. We were obliged to lodge them in our workshop. They seemed well satisfied with the makeshift arrangement.

27. A day of drinking and confusion. The chiefs decided to give the whites, who were serving no useful purpose among the Nation, 30 days to leave. Should they fail to do so, their houses would be burned and they would be driven out.

From Cherokee Mission Diary, Jan. 1, 1809 - December 31, 1809

January

2. Chuleoa, who spent the night with us, had returned from the Creek country. He had not seen our Brethren there. On his journey he had seen many wolves which had killed some persons and many animals.

15. We experienced a severe storm which ripped off half the roof of Gambold's house and the rain which followed drenched the rooms.

23. We enrolled two new pupils, the children of Vann's overseer, Mr. Saphaniah Coody. They are Peninnah, age 10, and Archibald, age 7.

February

8. In spite of his son Joseph's protest, Vann insisted that he leave school and go with him on a particular mission. The boy wept for he did not want to leave school. We hated to see him go because of the loss of time at school and the difficulties he might encounter. His father and number of Indians who accompanied him were on a mission to mete out punishment on Indians guilty of theft.

10. We finished hauling logs for building the school house and began blocking it up.

19. Twenty-eight persons attended our service. Among them were Mrs. Coody and her children and also the Negress Grace.

21. We received the startling news of the murder of Mr. Vann. Here and there he and his had punished Indians for stealing. When one of them refused to surrender, Vann ordered him to be shot. For a few days thereafter Vann stopped at the tavern of a half-breed, Tom Buffington, about 56 miles from here. While there he drank heavily and became involved in altercations with some of his friends for whom he had taken a violent dislike. He feuded with them, was most abusive, and made violent threats.

Toward midnight Vann stepped out of the tavern and stood out before the open door, when suddenly a shot was fired from without which pierced his heart. He fell lifeless to the floor without the perpetrator being seen. After hearing the shot, Joseph, his son, and a Negro rapidly gathered up the belongings of father and son, including Vann's "packetbook" with a considerable amount of cash and valuable bank notes. Wrapped in a blanket, Joseph, with the Negro, fled to his father's plantation on the Chattahoochee River 13 miles from Buffington's Tavern.

Thus ended the life of one who was feared by many and loved by few in the 41st year of his life. No one knows how deeply this crime depressed us and made us appreciate the forbearance of a merciful God for his children. For Vann had been an instrument in the hand of God for establishing our mission in this Nation. Never in his wildest orgies had he attempted to harm us. We could not but commend his soul to God's mercy. Almost frightened to death, Mrs. Vann and her parents-in-law fled to Buffington's at the crack of dawn. Mr. McNair, Vann's son-in-law, and his wife spent the night with us.

23. Mrs. Vann and her company returned home. Immediately the four of us went to express our sympathy, but because of the noise and wailing in the house, we were not able to speak with them. We did, however, hear from others that before they arrived at Buffington's, Vann had been buried in the woods not far from the road.

24. Early this morning our friend Charles Hicks came and told us in a fatherly manner not to worry for the future because we had lost the patron of our school, Mr. Vann. He promised to speak for our school at the next council meeting and that he would defend us with the chiefs against all adversaries.

We heard that our pupil Joseph Vann had returned home. In the evening, Messrs. Clem Vann from Terrill, Vann's storekeeper at the Chattahoochee, came to see Gambold regarding matters pertaining to Vann's business. They requested that he help them examine Vann's papers.

25. He went early to Vann's and returned in the afternoon.

26. Mr. and Mrs. Coody attended our service.

March

2. Major Anderson arrived this morning to take his son home, who had been with us for the past year. We had written his parents that it might be best that he be taken home, for it seemed that he was unable to make the progress he should in school with Indian children. We had accepted him more or less on a trial basis not knowing how a white child might get along. Major Anderson and a certain Col. Smith spent the night with us.

3. Major Anderson assembled the children and after listening to their reading and prayer, he asked each to choose his favorite song and then they sang it. He then examined their penmanship books, took leave of us and thanked [us] for the kindness which we had shown his son, Rufus. The lad wept bitterly for having to leave.

4. Since Vann's death, his Negroes have proved themselves unmanageable. They seem utterly confused. The ones who asked our advice were told faithfully to continue their former tasks as they would have done were their former master still alive.

We found it most difficult to talk with Mrs. Vann, for every time we attempted to speak with her, she could not speak for crying. While with her, her mother-in-law came quite unexpectedly. She had moved into the Vann house for several weeks. She misinterpreted Br. Gambold's words and spoke abusively to him, declared that they were Indians and that our teachings were foreign to them. Nothing could be done with her and in the presence of the Negroes she said that our visits were designed to obtain some of Vann's money. She then threatened that the pupils whom her son had taken to board would no longer be looked after by her daughter-in-law. We, in our hearts, commended her to the Savior, for the poor woman knew not what she was saying.

5. Charles McDonald and his wife came to take home their son. They had been told that we wished to be rid of the neighborhood children and that they had complained that they were not getting enough to eat. Our eyes and those of father and son were filled with tears. We hated to lose the promising pupil, Jonathan.

11. This morning two half Indians, Msrs. Paris and Cick Reene and the executor of Vann's, Mr. Layton Miller, asked Gambold to help them with the matter of his will as they could neither read nor write.

13. We were glad to hear from our Brethren Burkhard and Petersen in the Creek country. Their letters had been held at Athens in the Post Office since the end of September.

17. Gambold returned from Vann's where he had been since last Monday working with the executors for Vann. Once Mrs. Vann and her mother-in-law regained their composure, they showed remorse for their demonstration toward us. The executors asked Gambold to take home what cash Vann had left for safekeeping.

18. In the afternoon Jenny, Clem Vann's sister, came accompanied by a sister of old Mrs. Vann's mother.

April

1. Early the Indian Chiguaki set out for home. This old, honest Indian loves us very much and enjoys coming and hearing his grandson speak of God and of good things. However, the words of his grandson seem to make little impression on the grandfather.

2. Easter. Attendants at our joyful service were Mrs. Vann, her little sister and mother, Mrs. Van's sister Polly, who had been here yesterday, old Mother Vann and Mr. and Mrs. Coody. Mother Vann was exceptionally friendly and did all she could to show us that she wanted us to forget the unfortunate incident of some time ago. We went out of our way to show that we bore no malice and considered her our friend. Attending the afternoon service, in addition to the above, were 10 Negroes.

4. Isabell Brown, who has come to Mrs. Vann to live, has entered our school. In the past she attended the school of Mr. Deikman and later that of Mr. Weir.

5. We received letters from our Brethren at Bethlehem and from our friends Col. Meigs and Major Anderson. They had spoken with officials of the government in Washington and had received $100.00 for our school from the Sec. of War.

9. A Negro boy came today to tell us that Betty at our old place was at death's door. Sister Gambold, accompanied by Mrs. Vann, went to see her but found her unconscious. On their way home Sister Gambold was very gratified to hear a heartwarming declaration by Mrs. Vann, who said that she wished for a closer and more friendly relationship with us. She then said, "I lack the words to know how to express my feeling toward you, but this is certain: I am convinced that I could not have endured what happened if I had not had you to stand by me. I do thank you with all my heart. I am unworthy and too ignorant for the fellowship with you which I so much desire." Sister Gambold told her that Christ had come to heal the wounds of one who feels as she does. Mrs. Vann then requested as she had on previous occasions, that we not feel hard toward her for what had happened in the time of her profound grief. She had no part in it and that it grieved her deeply that she was unable to say anything in our defense at the time, and that the abuse heaped on us saddened her greatly. She concluded by saying that her mother-in-law was ashamed and that she hoped it in no way would cause a breach in our friendship. Str. Gambold assured her that we had forgiven them long ago.

May

1. We were pleased to hear from our Brethren in the Creek country.

11. Mrs. Vann attended our early morning Ascension Day service.

13. Two young Indians, members of the Light Horse Company, stopped and stayed so long that we feared that we would be unable to hold our regular evening devotional. They finally left for the company camp in our neighborhood.

14. Ten from the Light Horse Camp came. They were friendly and spoke of their deeds. They told that they had punished many thieves, one of them a white man.

17. We again heard from Br. Burkhard and Petersen.

21. Pentacost. In spite of the hard rain after a long dry spell, David, Minda, Jacob, Grace and their sister Lynda attended our service. Mr. Vann's storekeeper from Chattahoochee and Mr. Terrill were also present. In the afternoon Joseph Crutchfield from Georgia attended our service.

24. Mr. Peter Hildebrand from Hiwassee spent the night with us.

28. Yesterday many of the Indians who had attended the Talk at Charles Hicks' visited us. The old ones were very friendly. One, an old warrior, had been a white prisoner for some time. Another, when he saw the children, extended his hands to them and exclaimed _____,_____, an expression which is only to an intimate friend. Several whites and half Indians came to see Gambold about matters which pertained to Vann's estate. Others were James Brown, Vann's brother-in-law, and Mr. McNair, who had been appointed administrator of the Vann estate after the assignment had been relinquished by Messrs. Paris and Dick Rowe.

29. Many hungry Indians who returned from the council meeting stopped for something to eat. Three of them were our friend Chuleoa, his wife, daughter and granddaughter. They were ill from hunger. All of them thanked us, something very unusual with the Indians.

30. Mr. Brown, administrator, took with him our pupil Joseph Vann home with him to look after his rearing.

June

Nothing of importance.

July

23. We admitted Alice Story, age 12, to our school. She is the niece of Mrs. McDonald, who appears to be a very sensible woman.

August

8. Mr. McNair and Major Bryan from Tennessee visited us. With them was Anthony ___, a German from Virginia who was born in Pa. [who] came to buy cattle.

19. George Vann, who has been with us while visiting with his guardians, went to Georgia with them.

20. We entertained our dear friend Mrs. Vann for her birthday. Sometime ago she had impressed on her stepfather, Mr. Brown, that he was to see to it that she be with us for her birthday. At the break of dawn, she came clothed in white and as happy as a child. As soon as she entered the door, her eyes filled with tears. Upon her arrival, we sang several verses of a song for her appropriate to the occasion. Then Br. Gambold handed her a plaque decorated with flowers on which he had inscribed words which applied especially to her recent experience, in which he wished her many happy returns of the day.

Soon thereafter the children entertained her with a love feast and sang birthday songs for her. The song service of Mr. Byhan was attended by Mother Vann and Mr. (Bowens?) from Tenn., a worker at the mill on Vann's old place. In the afternoon, Major Bryan, Mrs. Kratzer and a number of Negroes attended the preaching of Br. Gambold. Late that evening we accompanied Mrs. Vann and her mother-in-law to their homes. Both of them were greatly pleased over the occasion. Mrs. Vann said that this was the first birthday party she had ever had in all of her life, and that as long as she lived this occasion would remain a fond memory. She then added, "I will never forget the feeling of redeeming grace which I lived this entire day, no never." In tears we thanked our Savior for the divine grace He had bestowed upon this beloved person for God must for some time have looked upon this person as an object of His divine grace to whom he had revealed himself on this eventful occasion. We again with thanks commended her to his abiding peace, which he alone is able to bestow.

25. Gambold and Mrs. Vann set out together today. He was bound for Hiwassee and she for Chattanooga to visit her mother. We agreed to look after her sister Ibby in her absence.

28. Chiguaki came to find out whether the rumor, spread by George Vann, that we were going to close our school was true. He was pleased to find it was still open and that we had no intention of closing it.

31. On his return, Dr. Gambold brought a packet of letters and a gift of three Bibles, six other useful books and 12 spellers for our school from Mr. Meigs. With the books he enclosed $100.00 from the Sec. of War for the School.

September

10. Toward evening a Mr. Stone, who had lived at Vann's for the past year and claimed to be a Dr., asked for lodging.

18. Fortunately Vann's mill had been repaired in order that we were able to grind our wheat.

24. Mrs. ___ came for an early visit and remained for the sermon. Attending our afternoon service were three Negroes, a young Indian named Thomas, and his brother from Sumacktown. Thomas had been taken by whites when three years of age and given some schooling.

October

16. Many friends of the Nation visited us. Among them was Chas. Hicks.

18. In the evening a Dr. Murry from Augusta spent the night with us. Col. Meigs had recommended us to him.

20. John's uncle (Lordeldiki?) came with other Indians to attend a Talk in this area. Five of them spent the night with us.

21. More Indians came for the Talk. One of them was Dick's father.

29. Mrs. Vann and her old mother Brown, who had arrived yesterday, attended our singing and sermon.

November

1. Mrs. Vann and her two younger sisters were present at our service.

16. Our friend, Mrs. McDonald, her granddaughter, Lizy Ross, daughter-in law Sally, and a younger sister of Mrs. Vann visited us.

December

We and our children visited Mrs. Vann in her new home for the first time and remained until the evening. She was no longer satisfied to live in the old home and requested the administrators to build her a new home a mile from here at a place where Mr. Hall, the blacksmith, has lived. Though they hated to see her leave the old estate, they could not refuse her. They had the old store house of Vann wrecked and used the lumber for building the new cabin. She was delighted to move in on December 23. With tears in her eyes, she said that she was surprised over the swift action of the administrators. In the cabin a real Biblical atmosphere of joy and peace seems to prevail. When we sang the song "I Will Rejoice in God my Savior," Mrs. joined in with a loud voice. We helped her arrange some things in her new home. A brush fire interrupted the affair as the Brethren went out to help extinguish it. No damage was done, but it did prevent our holding a meeting. We returned home late at night.

31. In the afternoon Br. Byhan conducted a song service. Toward evening Mrs. Vann and her two little sisters came. At the service Br. Gambold spoke in words fitting the occasion. He dwelt upon the blessing which God had bestowed upon the cabin and gave thanks to Him. A religious discussion followed. We concluded this last day of the year with a song of thanksgiving to God, who in a most mysterious manner, had guided our dear Mrs. Vann and given her strength, money, comfort and joy. But above everything had revealed Himself to her. She spent the night with us.