Using original diaries, minutes, reports, and correspondence in the Moravian Archives in North Carolina, the "Records of the Moravians among the Cherokees "series provides a rare account of daily life among the Cherokees throughout the nineteenth century. Although written by missionaries, the records provide keen insight into Cherokee culture, society, and customs.

Volume 4 continues the story through 1816, when earthquakes ushered in a period of upheaval--from the Cherokees' involvement in the Creek War, to Metis battles in Canada, to Napoleon's conquests in Europe. Meanwhile, the little Moravian mission of Springplace added new members, including Charles Hicks, soon to be elected Second Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, while Anna and her husband continued work with their Cherokee students.