Records of the Moravians Among the Cherokee, Volume 2: Beginnings of the Mission and Establishment of the School, 1802-1805

Description

In the mid-eighteenth century, members of the Moravian Church, which had its origins in Central Europe, began conducting mission work among the Cherokee people. Their archives, now housed in North Carolina, include valuable records of their contact with the Cherokees. Drawing from these archives, these four volumes offer a firsthand account of daily life among the Cherokees during the years 1752-1805. Although written by missionaries and from their perspective, the documents contained in these volumes — ranging from reports and minutes to diaries and correspondence — provide great insight into Cherokee culture, society, customs, and personalities during this period.

The second volume ends with the year 1805. As the Moravians occupy Springplace, they begin to spread the Gospel. The Cherokees, in turn, are interested in schooling for their children, who need new tools to deal with the encroachment of white settlers upon their land and life.

Future volumes in this series will continue the story through Removal, the Civil War, and to the close of the nineteenth century.