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1 2 3

1

2

3

4

5

6

V . ' > . 1 * » ' V ♦

\

siM:^tM

¥•

THRJt.^

T R A V E L S

:<«'

THROUGHOUT THE

INTERIOR PARTS

OF

NORTH-AMERICA,

:FOR MORE THEN

FIVE THOUSAND MILES,

CONTAINING
AN ACCOUNT OF THE GREAT LAKES, AND ALL THE LAKES, ISLANDS,
AND RIVERS, CATARACTS, MOUNTAINS, MINERALS, SOIL AND VE-
GETAPLE PRODUCTIONS OF THE NORTH-WEST REGIONS OF THAT
VAST CONTINENT ;

WITH A

rDESCRTPTlON ot th* BIRDS, BEASTS, REPTILES, IN-
SECTS, AND FISHES PECULIAR TO THE COUNTRY.
TOGETHER WITH A CONCISE

History o» t«e genius, manners, and customs

of the indians

INHABITING THE LANDS THAT LIE ADJACENT TO THE HEADS AND
TO THE WESTWARD OF THE GREAT RIVER MISSISSIPPI i

AMD AN

APPENDIX,

DESCRIBING THE UNCULTIVATED PARTS OF AMERICA^

THAT ARE THE MOST PROPER FOR FORMING

SETTLEMENTS.

■M '■■■ 7 I ■!■ ■ ■■ ■■■■III ■■ ■ I —"7 ■ T ■ ' ,t' , " . 1 ■■ ■■■ M ■ I f I ..Ml^ III! ■, ILMl

By Captain JONx\THAN CARVER,

OF TH b PROVINCIAL TROOPS IN AMZPICA.

t

m

PRINTED

BY JOHN RUSSELL, for CAVID W^SV

NO. 56, CORNHILL, BCSl'ON. ' "

J797-

>Sfc.:

%^

\

/VgsTQS

SEP 1 0 1921

• s •

■■.*s=*':

JOSEPH BANKS, Esq^ •

-t ' PRESIDENT OF THE

ROTAL SOCIjETT.

SI R,

, Jf^HEN the public are informed that I have lon^
had the honor of your acquaintance-^fhat my deftgn in pub"
lifbing the following 'work has received your fanSiion —
that the compofttion of it has flood the ted of your judgment —
end that it is by your permtj[fton, a name^fo defervedly
eminent in the literary world is perfixed to it, I need not
be appreherfive ofitsfuccefs ; as your patronage will un^
quefiionably give them^ affurance of its merit.

For this public teflimony of your favor, in which J pride
myfelfy accept. Sir, my mofl grateful aaknowledgments ;

4.

and believe me to be, with great refpeEl,

Tour obedient,
bumble Servant,
' J, CARVER,

I'i

^Al

h^

:"^

?c

gn a&ftrefe to ttje lg)»Wc.

THE favorable reception this work has met with,
- claims the Author*s mod grateful acknowled^i-
mcnts. A large edition having run off in a few
months, and the fale appearing to be flili unabated,
a new impreffion is become neceflary. On this oc-
cafion was he to conceal his feelings and pafs over in
filence, a diftinftion fo beneficial and flattering, he
would jiiftly .incur the imputation of ingratitude.
That he mi^ht not do this, he takes the opportunity,
which now prefents itfelf, of conveying to the Pub-
lic (though in terms inadequate to the warm emotions
of hl« heart) the fenfe he entertains of their favor ;
and thus tranfmits to them his thanks.

In this new edition, care has been taken to re£li-
fy thofe errors which havie unavoidably proceeded
from the iiurry <xf the prefs, and likewife any iricor-
redltnefs in the language that has"found its way into 't.

The credibility of feme of the incidents related in
the following pages, and fome of the ftories introduc-
ed ^herein, having been queftioncd, particularly the
prognoftication of the Indian prieft on the banks of
liake Superior, and the (lory of the Indian and his
rattle fnake, the autlfbr thinks it neceflary to avail hiiv.-
felf of the fame opportunity, to endeavour to eradi-
cate any imprefllons that might have been made on
the minds of his readers, by the apparent improbabi-
lity of thefe relations.

As to the former, he has related it juft: as it hap-
pened. Being an cye-witrefs to the whole tranfac-
tion (and, he flatters himfelf, at the time, free from
every trace of fceptical. obftinacy or cnthufiallic cre-
dulity) he was confequently able to dcfcribe every
circumftance minutely and impartially. This he has
done i but without endeavouring to account for the
means by which it was aocomplilhed. Whether the
prediction was the refult of prior obfervations, from
which certain confequences were expected to follow

a 2

VI

ADDRESS.

I?

by the fagacious pricft, and the completion of It mere-
ly accidental ; or whether he was really endowed with
fupernatural powers, the narrator left to the juilg-
mcnt of his readers ; whofc conclufions, he fuppofes,
varied according as th^ mental faculties of ea<:h were
difpofed to admit tr rejedl fadts that cannot be ac-
counted for by natural caufes.

The ftory of the rattle fnake was related to him by
a French gentleman of undoubted veracity ; and were
the readers of this work as thoroughly acquainted
with the fagacity, and Inftinftlve proceedings of that
animal, as he is, they would be as well TifTured of the
truth of it. It is well known that thofe fnakes which
have lurvived through the fummer the accidents rep-
tiles are liable to, periodically retire to the woods, at.
the approach of winter ; where each (as curious obfer-
vers have remarked) takes pofleflion of the cavity it
had occupied the preceeding year. As foon as the
feafon is propitious, enlivened by the invigorating
rays of the fun, they leave thefe retreats, and make
their way to the fame fpot, though ever fo diflant,
on which they before had found fubfiflence, and the
means of propagating their fpecies. Does it then re-
quire any extraordinary exertlonsJof the mind to be-
lieve, that one of thefe regular creatures, after having
been kirdly treated by its mafter, fliould return to
ihc box, in which it had ufually been fuppjied with
food, and had met with a comfortable abode, and that>
nearly about the time the Indian, from former expe-
riments, was able to guefs at ? It certainly does not ;
nor will the liberal and ingenuous doubt the truth of
a ftory fo well authenticated, becaulc the circum-
itances appear extraordinary in a coiintry where the
i"ubje£l of it is fcarcely known.,

. Thefe explanations the author hopes will fufRce to
convince his readers, that he has not, as travellers
•are fometimes fuppofcd to do, amufed theni with im-
probable tales, or wifticd to acquire importance by
leaking his adventures favor of the marvellous*

■^1

■r Tiv ..

VV)

CONTENTS.

Introduction,

The Author Jets out from Bojloti on his travels^
Dcfiription of fort Mtchilimachwac,

— fort La Bay,

. the Green Bay,

/ake Michigan, , ..

Arrives at the toaun of the Wimiebngoes^
Excurfion of the Wintnbagoes towartls the Spanifh

fettlenutits^ ' -
Defcription of the IVinnebago lahc.
It fiance of refolution of an Indian -wotnany
Defcription of the Fox River,
Rtmarkahle Jlory of a Rattle Snake,
The great toiun of the Saukies, - -

Upper town '^ the Otiagaumies, -

Defcription of the Ouifconfin River,
Lo^uer toivn of the Oitagautnies, or,

Des Chiens,
An attack byfome Indian plunderers,
Defcription^ the Mifjifpppi from the mouth of the

Ouifconfm to lake Pepin, ■> «•

Jake Pepin, - - - -

Remarkable ruins of an tincitnt Fortificatiofi,
The River Bands of the Naudoivejfie Indians,
Adventure luith a party of thefe, and fome of the

Chipeioays, - , -

defcription of a remarkable Cave,
Uuconmion behaviour of the Prinze of the Winncba-'

^^esatthefallsqfSt.Anihof:y,\ - ^ -

Defcription cf the Falls, - - •

Extent of the Author^ s Travels, • ' - ,

Defcription of the river Si, Pierre,

Les Prairies

Seu. ces

5

«3
14

ib,

19

21

2Z
24

25
26

.27

2hi

3»

lb.

3^

33
34
35:

37

39'

4^
42

43
45

■ 1

viii CONTENTS.

Sources of the four great riven of Ncrti'jfwertcap 46
Refle^Iitn^ on their fljpniiy, - - j^.

The I^audoivcffies of the plains ^ with whom the Au'

thor wintered in the year 1 766, - - 47

The author returns to, the mouth of the river St.

Pierrff - - . - 48

Accoi^nt of a violent thunder florm^ - " 5^

Speech tnade by the author in a council held by the

Naudowcffies at the great cave, - - 51

Advi-n/ure with a party of Indians near lake Pepin , 56
Dtfcripiion of the country adjacent to the river St.

Pierre, - - - . {^p

Account of different Clays found »ear the Marble ^

River, - - - - - (5o

Defcription of the Chipenvay River, - ib.

Extraordinary effects of a Hurricane, - • 61

Ihe author arrived at the Grand Portage on the

North'We/l borders of Like Superior, - - 63
Account of the lakes lying further to the North-ive/} :
lake Bourbon, lake Winnepeck, lake Du Bois% lake
la Pluye, Red lake, isfc. - - - ib.

Account of a nation of Indians fupp fed to have been
tributary to the Mexican Kings, y - - 69

. ■- • thejhining Mountains, , » ' - ib.

A fingular predi£iion ^ the chief priefl of the Killif

iinoes verified, r, - -» ■ %

Defcription tf lake Superior, ' -
Story of the two Chipeways landing on the Ifiand of

Maurcpas, , - - - -

Account of great quantities of Copper Ore,
Defciiptionof the Falls 6f St. Marie,
— ■— — — Lake Huron, - -

Saganaum and Thunder Bays,

Extraordinary phenomenon in theflraits of Michilli-

mackinac, - " "

Defcription of lake St. Claire, - -

'the river, town^ and fort of Detroit,

RmarkM rain at Detmt^

72
77

7?'

81

82

83
fi4

ib.

87

88

ib.

1.2 — — ^
''lij Corn

Oft)
An a
JQefi

"^ ^hei

Ofi
Pea

The
The
Thi

Attach

'eft :
( lake

C O N T E. N T S. in

Attach of fori Detroit by PontiaCf • • 89

Defcription of iake Eritt -- -' - - 96

.. -^--the river and falls ofWtagara^ - 98

». /al/ Ontario dtid lake Oniaday - i*'.

-/fl-l^ Champlain, and lake George^ - lOo

Account of a trail of land granted to Sir Ferdinando

Gorges, and captain John Mnfon, - -^ ih

Tk author^ s motives for undertaking his travels, 103

CHAPTER i.

^Jbe origin of the Indianrt - i' ^'^^5

Sentiments of varitus writers on this pointy - 106

Monfteur Charlevoix^ - - 1 1 2

■ Jatnes Adary efq, - - - II7

•'--——'^'=^^'^'-'-theauihorqfthisivorky - - Til

Corroboration of th» latter by Doff or Robertfon, - 125

chapter: It

Of the perfonsy drefsy t^c, of the Indians y - ^^7
An account ofthofe nuho have written on this fubjeHy ;<?.

J)efcription of the perfons cf the Jndiansy - 1 29

— — " their drcfsy - -*.- m i^o

'-"^ihc' drefs of the OttagaumieSy - 133

"■ ■' ' --the drefs of the NaitdoweffieSy - ib',

The manner in nuhich (hey build their tents and hutSy 1 34

Their domeftic utenflsy . - - - - 135

c H A p T ER in;

Of the manners y qualifications y (2fc. of the Indians, 136

Peculiar cufloms of the' ivomeny .- - ib.

The circumfpea andfloical difpofttion of the men, - 137

Theit amazing fagacityy - - - 139
The liberality of the Indians, and their opinion ref-

peffing money, - . - ijo

* -' • CHAPTJeR

1

e O N T E N T S.

M

CHAPTER IV.

^eir method of reckoning timey isfc, -
The names by 'W^loicb they diftingujpf the mnths,
^heir idea if the ufi of figures i

CH A t^tElt V.

Of their givifrnment^ tsfc» - •* -

^heir div'Jion into tribes ^ - - -

^he chirfs of their bands, - -, » -

Thf members that comptfe their iotdiicih,

* CHAPTER VI,

Of their feajfs-f - •* ' ►*

uheir ujual foody •

-A

T45

147
ib.
ib.

- 149

I5«
15I

Their manner of drejfng and eating their viSfualsy ib*
CHAPTER VII.

15?
ib.

ib.

Of their dances, - •* • h ■

uhe mantwr in which th$y dance, - *

. The pipe or calumet dan:e, »!»

'Ji6tf 7^ar dance, - - * - .* .*! -

^1 he Paww(.w dance, - * - 155

irf « uncommon admiffion inic afi< 'ety among the Nau-

doiuej^s^ - - - - Ijf6

The dur.^e. of the Indians m the banks of the Mifft-

Jfippi, referred to in the Jturkal, • - T(5o

The dance of the fccrifice, - » -^ 162

CHAPTER %II.

Of their hunting, - - - 163

Their preparation before they fet out, - j*^.

Their manner of huftting the Bear, • 165

.1 » Buffaloe, Deer, &c. ib.

Beaver, - 166

CHAPTER

det.

i

Icute

t

\Their
[The m
t
A rev

i

Treat

The 0

Ofth
Accoi

Man.
Defc

Oft
The

nthSt

- ib.

-

^45

i^'-'- ' '

w

147

-

ib.

m

ib.

CO ;^ TE N T S.

914

#■

CHAPTER IX.

171

»73

2f their mannsr of maklfig vfarf&c. - 169

n^ff Indian weapons j - j^i|||? * '*^'

^yjrfir motives for m(iking tv/w, ^^ *
^reparations before they take the fields
yrhe manner in which theyfolicit 0*bernatiohs to be-
come their auxiliaries <, - - 175
^heir manner of declaring war, - 17^
^he method of engaging their enemies J - 17B
tn In/lance of the efficacy of it in the defeat of
General Bradaocky - - - i79
detail of the majfacre at Fort William Henry
in the year 1757, - - - i^^
icutenefs and alacrity of the Indians in furfuing
their enemies , - - ; .' > ' 188
yrheir manner of fcalpingy - - -/ ib.
The manner in which they retreat , and carry off
their frijhnersy - - - i
\A remarkable infiance of heroifm in a Female

prifoner, - - - ^ - 191

Treatment of their prifoners, . - - 192

The origin of their fetUngJlavesy - - 19^

«*■*-■

CHAPTER X.

Of their manner of making peace , &c. -- 20 1
[Account of an engagement between the Iroquoil
' and the Ottagaumies and Sauk es - ' -2.02.
Manner in which they conduct a treaty of peace ^ 2)05
Defcription of the pipe ofpeace, - - ' 206
rkelts of wampum y - 207

CHAPTER XI.

Of their games y -

The game of the hall,

— — — , — bowl or plfltt&ry

2o3
ib,

CHAPTER

^ ''\

mf

Ota

CONTENTS.

C H AFTER XII.

Of thetr marriage ceremonies^ - - 2io
The manner in luhich the tribes near Canada

celebrate their marriages^ - - an

The form of marriage among theNaudoiveffiesy 213

Their manner of carrying on an Intrigue y - 216

Of the Indian names ^ - - - ib*

C H A P T E R XIII.

Qf their religion^
Their ideas of a fupremg beings
-future Jlate^

^f*'

»■ ■ ■' — '

2l8

219
220

ib.

Of their priefl's^
The fentiments of others on the religious principles
, of the Indians oppofed, - .- 22 1

CHAPTER XIV.

Of their difeafe, i'^c, - - - ' 223

The complaints to -which they are chiefly fuhjeSi^ ib.
The manner in which they conflrudi their/weating

Stoves^ - - ., - 224

The methods in which they treat iheif dif^fes^ 225
An extraordinary inflance of the judgment of an In*

dian /women 9 ifi 0 defptrate caf* - ^27

C H A P T E R XV.

.s

The manner in which they treat their dead, - 228

^fpecimen of their funeral ha^'rangues, - - 230

^heir method of burying thei- dead, - - ib.
Aftngular inflame of parental ajfe&ion in a Nau-

dowejlfie weman, - - - 231

C H A P T E R, XVI.

jd concife charaSler of the Indians, - » 234
. Their

CONTENTS.

^m

*

2XO

add

-

211

^ffiesy

213

)

216

/

ib.

2l8

f"

219

.

220

_

ib.

inciples

22£

; 223

uhje^, ib,
weating

224
eafes, 225
an Iri'

?27

- 228
- 230
ib.
Nau*

231

234
Their

ndr pif/onai ^nd mental ^aiifications, - 234
^Thiir public charaSter as members of a CMtmunity, 235

C H A P T E R XVU.

Of their Language^ Hieroglyphics t tstc*
Of the Chipeivay tfi^ue, - - -

JUefcriptive Specimen of their Hieroglyphics, ^c.
Voeahulury of the Chipeivay language, • -
Naudoweffie language,

CHAPTER XVIII.

237^
.238

239
ib.

249

:'^

y4^fthe Meafis, Birds, Ftjbes, Repiilet, and JnfeEls,
which are found in the interior parts of North'
America, - • \ - • *54

S E A S T S.

fthe Tiger, JBear, - ^ « - /^,
TTjcTVolf Fox, Dogs, Cat of the mountain, 256

The Buffalo, Deer, £lk, - t ^ 256

The Moofe, Qarraboo, » , • » - 25?

ne Carcajou, iSkuni, - - - - 259

T'he Porci^ne, - - - - - 260

The Wood-chucks Racoon, Marten, MiiJquqPj,26i

Squirrels, Beaver, - - •. - 262

]The Otter, Mink, - - - - 266

B 1 R D S.

y^t 57)^ -E^ic. iSTri^/ Hanvk, Whipperivill, - »i.

1 1 The Fijh Hawk, Oivl. Crane, - - 269

\ Ducks. Teal. Lo9n. Partridge, - - 270

The Wood Pigeon, Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Wakon

Bird. - - ' m m 271

^ The Black Bird. RedBird. Whetfaw^ - .:a72

The King Bird, Humming Bird, -« - - 27 j'

A FISHSS

XIV

C 0*N T E N T S.

f I S.H E. Sv>

•i, ., i

^

3

J*

7 he Sturgeon, «.

T/&f Caijijh. Carp, Chub,

274

S E R i» E N ^ S,

'The Rattle Snake, - ;^ ^ - 275:

^/6^ Long Black Snake, ^irip^ or Garter .Snake.

It^ater Snak.'. Hijfmg Snake. Green Snake, . 279
IThe Thorn-tail bnake. Specked Snake, Kwg Snake.
"^ tiuo'headed Snake, 'Tortotfe or land Turtle, - ih,

L I *Z A R D S.

T/'ie Swift Lizcfrd. Slow Lizard. Tree Tocfi, 280
. INSECTS,

Thf Silk Worm. Tobacco Worm* Bee, Lights

ning Bug or Fire Fly, ^ ' - •• 2^82

Th^ Water Bug, Horned Bu^, Locufi^ " ' 28^3

CHAPTER XIX. '

0/thfi Trges^ Shrubs, Roots, Herbs, Flowers, ^c, 284

TREES.'

The Oak, -' - ' - ,. - , ib.

The Pine Tree. Maple.. Apj^ - - 285

^4^he Heihkck Tree. %fs or Whitt Wood. Wick*

pkk or Suchwick, Button Woo^, » - 285

*N U T TREES;

The Butter or Oil Nut, Biich Nuty '» - 287
The Pecan Nut, * Hichry, - « - 288

FRUIT

%

G O N T EN T S.

jr?

F R tr I "T T RE E S.

T^e Vine, - - - - - - /^.

T^^ Mulbery Tree. Crab A[^pk Tree. Plum
Tree. ChepryTf^e. iiiveet Gum Tree, - 289

'gi. H R U B S.

The IVillonv. Shin lVo.^i. Su/afras, - ' 290
The Prickly ^Jb. Moofe^^ooil. Spoon JVoccI,

Elder i - - ,- - - - 291

The Shrub pak. Witch Hazle. Myrtle Wax

Tree. Winter Greeny - - - - 292
The Fever Bujh, Crtutberry Bvjh, Chcai Berry ^ 293

ROOTS and PLANT S.

Spikenard. Sarfaparilla. Ginfang^ - - 294
Gold Thread. Solomon* s Seal. Devil's Bit. Blood
Hoof, - - - - - - 79^

KERB S.

Satuch. Raiile Snake Plantain i - - 297'

Poor Robbings Plantain. Toad Plantain. Roch
Liverwort. Gar git or Shle. &kt,'nk Cottage
or Poke. Wake Robin. - - - ib.

Wild Indigo. Cat Mint, - -. - 299

FLOWERS,

FARINACEOUS and LEGUMINOUS

R O O T S, ^^. I

Maixe or Indian Corn. Wild Rie», - - 300
Beans. T.he Squajh, - - ■ . . - 302

APPEN-

i>^'

i

ivi CONTENTS.

APPENDIX.

T^e probability of the interior parts of, North^jime'

rica becoming commercial colonies i - - 3&J.
^he means by ivhichthis might be effeSfedy - 304^
^raEls sf land pointed outyon tvhicb colonies may be

e/tablifjed nmth the greaieji advauUige^ - 306'
Dtjfertation on the difcovery of a North-%ueJ} pajfage^ 3,.! o
^he moji certain luay of atta^ig iff - * - ib,-

Piatt pr^pofedhy Richard WhU'Worth^ ^*for mai"

ingan attempt fritn a quarter Uihtrtif'Ji^fAUredf 3.1 %
^f reafmifitj heifigjp^/lfMed^ »" '^^if - H*.

4r-

m

'■« i*.".; '

INTRCK

'■>%:

INTRODUCTION.

N.

O fooner was the late war M'ith , France
concluded, and peace eftabliihed by the treaty of
Verfailles in theyear 170I, than I began to confi-
der (having rendered my country fome fcrvices dur-
ing the war) How I might continue ftill ferviceable,.
and contribute, as much as lay in my power, to make
that vait acquifition of territory, gained by Creal-
Britjfin in North- America, advantageous to it. It
appeared tome indifpenfably needful, that govern-
ment fhould be acquainted, in the firft place, with,
the true ftate of the dominions rhev were new be-
come pofl'dled of. To this purpofe, I determined,,
as the next proof of my zeal, to explore the moft un-
known parts of them, and to fpare no trouble or ex-
pence in acquiring a knowledge that promifed -to be
io ufeful to my countrymen. I knew that many ob-
ftru£^ions would arife to my fcheme from the want
of good Maps and Charts i for the French, whilft.
they retained their power in North-America, had
taken every artful method to keep ail other nations,
particularly the Englifh, in ignorance of the concerns
of the interior parts of it : and to accomplifli this
defign with the greater certainty, they had pnbliihed
inaccurate Maps and falfe accounts ; calling the dif-
ferent nations of tli& Indians by nicknames they had
given them, and not by thofe really appertaining to
3iem. "Whether the intention of the French in do-
ing this, was to prevent thefe nations from being dif-
covered and traded with, or to conceal their difcourfe,
when they talked to each other of the Indian con-
cerns, in th^ir prefence, I will not determine 5 but
vhatfocver was th^ caufe from which it afroe, it
tended to miileacL A 2 As

INTRODUCTION.

r

I

>\i

%

As a proof that the Englifh had been greatly de-
ceived by thefe accounts, and' that their knowltdgc
relative to Canada had ufually been very confined }
— before the conqueft of Crown-Point in 1759, it
liad been cfteemed an impregnable fortrefs ; but no
fooner was it taicen, than we were convinced that it
had acquired its grcateft fecurity from falfe reports,
given out by its pofl'tflbrsi «wnd might have been bat-*
tered down with a few four pounders. Even its fitu-
ation, which was reprefented to be fo very advantage-
ous, was found to o\^'e its advantages ^'to the fame
fource. It pannot be denied but that fome Maps of
thefe countries have been publiibed by the $'rench
with an appearance of accuracy } but thefe are of fo
fmall af Hze and drawn on fo minute a fcale, that
they are nearly inexplicable; The four^bs of the
Miffifippi, I can aflert from my own experience,
are greatly mifplaced ; for when I had explored
them, and compared their fituation with the French
Charts, I found them very erroneoufly reprefented,
and am fatisfied that thefe were only co|)ied from the
rude fketches of the Indians.

Even fo lately as their evacuation of Canada, they
continued their fchcmes to deceive j leaving no trac-
es by which any knowledge might accrue to their
conquerors ; f6r although they were well acquainted
with all tlie Lakes, particularly with Lake Superior,
having conftantly a veffel of confiderable burden
thereon, yet their plans ctf them are very incorrect.
I difcovered many errors in .he defcriptions given
therein of its iilands and bays, during> a progrefs of
eleven hundred miles thac I coailed it in canoes.
They like^ife, on giving up the poffeffion of them,
took care to leave the places they had occupied,' in
the fame tincultrvated fiate they had found them ; at
the fame time ddtrbying all their naval force. I ob-
icrVed myfclf part of the huljc of a very large vfeffel,
Inirnt to the water's edge, juft at the opening from the
Strait!^ of §t, Marie iiitg the L^e.^ T4ke&

'iy

n

INTRODUCTION.

Thefe cU^cuUiei, however were not fufficient to
deter me from the undertaking, and I made prepara-
tions for fetting out. Wha I chiefly had in view,
after gaining a knowledgjs of the manners, cuCtoms,
languages, k^ and- natural produ^ion$ 9f the di^-
rent nation* that inhabit the back of the Mifli Cppi,
was to afcertain the breadth of that vail continent,
which extenciRrom the Atlantic to the PacificOcean,
in its broadeft part between 43 and 46 degrees north-
ern latitude* Had I been able to accomplifti this, I
intended to^i^ve propofed to government to eilabllfh
a poft in fomcof thofe parts about the Straits of An-
whi^h» haying been firft diicovered. by Sir

nian<

Francis Drake, of courfe belong to the Englifh.
This I am convinced would greatly facilitate the dif-
covery of a Northweft paifage, or a cominunlcation
between Hudfon*s bay and the Pacific Ocean. An
event fo defiral?le, and "Vfhjch has been fo often
fought for, but without fucc«fs. Befides this impor-
tant end* a fettlement on that extremity of America
would anlwpr many good purppfes, a.nd repay every
expence tlie eilabli(hment of it might occalion. For
it would not only difclofe new fources of trade, and
promote «iany ufeful difcoveries, but would open a;
paflage forconveying intelligence to China^ and the
£ngH(h fettlements in the Bail Indies, with greater
expedition than a tedious voyage by the Cape of
Good Hope, or the Straits of Magellan will allow of..
How far the advantages arifing from fuch an enter-
prize, may extend, can only be afcertained by the fa>r
vorabie concurrence of future events. But that the
completion of the fchemcj I have had the honor of
firft planning and attempting, \^j|l fomc time or other
be e^£ted, I make no doubt. From tlie unhappy
divifions that at prefent fubfiftbetween GreatrBritaia
and America, it will probably be fome years before
the attempt is repeated } but. whenever it is, and the
execution ol it «iarried en widi propriety, thpfe wha

I ace

Nr

v

SI ; I

U flUTRODUCTIOK.

art fo fortunate as to fucceedi will reap, cxcluAVe of
the national advantages that mufl enfue, emoluments
beyond their moft fangiiiiie expedtations. And whilft
their fpirits are elated by- their fuccefs, perhaps they
may beftoW ibme commendations and hlefllngs on the
perfon who firil. pointed out to them the way. Thefe,
though but a (hadowy recompence for all my toil, I
fliall receive ^vith pleafure* ^

To what power or authority this new world will
become dependent,, after it has arifen from its pre-
fent uncuhivated ilate, time alone can difcover. fiut
as the feat of empire from time immemorial has
been gradually progreflive towards the weft, there is
no doubt but that at fome future period, mighty king-
doms will emerge from thefe wildernefles, ancl ftatc-
ly palaces and folemn temples, with guilded fpires
reaching the (kies, fupplant the Indian huts, whofe
only decorations are the barbarous trophies of their
vanquiihed enemies.

As fome of the preceding paflages have already
informed the reader that the plan I' had laid down
for penetrating to the Pacific Ocean, proved abor*.
tive, it is neceflary to^dd^ that this proceeded not
from its imprafticability (for the further I went the
more convinced I was ihat it could certainly be ac-
compliftied)' but from unforefeen difappointments*
However, I proceeded fd iis^ that I was able to make
fuch difcovcries as will be ufeful in any future zu
tempt, and prove a good foundation for fome more
fortunate fucceffbr to build upon* Thefe I Ihall now
lay before the public in the following pages ^ and
am fatisfied that the greateft part of them have never
T3een publiflied by anv perfon that has hitherto treat-
ed oi the interior nations of the Indians i particular*
ly, the account I give of the NaudoweiFies, and the
fituation of the heads of the four great rivers that
take their rife within a few leagues of each other,
nearly about the center of this great (continent, vi^

Th«.

.«*!

INTRODt/CTION.

T^e river Bourbon^ which empties itfcif into Hud-
fon's bay i the waters of Saint Lawrence j the Mif-
fifippii and the river Oreian, or the river of the
weft, that faUs into the Pacific Ocean, at the Str^itd>
of Annian;

The impediments that occaCcned my retorning,
before I had accompliflied my purpofes, were thefc.
Gn my arrival at Michillimackinac, the rcmotell
iinglilh port, in September 1766, I applied to Mr.
RoEers, who was then Governor of it, to furniib me
with a proper aflbrtmcnt of goods^ as prefents for the
Indians wholnhabit the track I intended to purfue.
He did this only in part; but promifed to fupply me
with fuchM were ncceffary, wHen^I reached the Falls
of Saint Amhonj. I afterwards learned that the Go-
vernor ifolfifled hb promife in ordering the good to be
delivered tome ; but thofe to whofe care he intruft-
ed thenii inftead of conforming to his orders difpofed
of them elfcwhere.

Difappointed in my expirations from this quart#y
I thought it neceflary to return to La Prairie Le Chi-
en I for it was impoiiible to proc'eed any further
without prefents to enfure me a favorable reception*
This I did in the beginning of the year 1767, and
finding my progrefs to the weft ward thus retarded, I
determined to dire^^my courfe northward. I took
this ftep with a view of finding a communication
from the heads of the Miffiffippi into Lake Superior,
in order to meet, at the grand Portage on the North-
weft fide of thal^lake, the traders that ufually come,
about this feafon, from Michillimackinac, Of thefe
I intended to purchafe goods, and then to purfue my
journey from that quarter, by way of the lakes du
Pluye, Dubois, and Ounipique to the heads of the
river of the weft, which, as I have faid before, falls
into the Straits of Annian, the termination of my in-
tended progrefs*

lac*.

hi

,t .

{V-::

10

INTRODUCTION.

^

1^1.

I

it

I accempHihed.the former part of my dcfign^ and!
. ire^cbccl lake Superior in. proper time \ but unluckily
tho tnKicrsI met)theiryac<)uainted mc chat they haii||
no gOAds to (p9,r% v thbfc they had with/ them beir^f
barely fufficient to anfwer their own dem.inds iathcf{|
fcnnote patts. Thus difap-poir.ted a fccond time. If
found myfcJf obliged to return to the place tromj
Hfhence 1 began my expedition, which I did after]
continuing fojfne.monlhs on the north and eall bor.
ders t)£)j|»^e Superior) artd exploring tic bays andS
rivers, tbiit empty, liiemfclv)e8 into lliis largt bcdy of]

A^rittmay 'be tBgfHMiihut I. fhoUld toy bcf6rc tliej
puPicthe reafons thtttliei^ difcoTcries, ^H fo much^
importance to every one who has my conne£tioiis
mith America, liAvc not been imparted to them be.
fore^ notwitfeflHnding tbtT were made upwards of^
ten years agQ> I will gsve tbem to the world in a. plain^'^1
and candid manner, and without miiigHng with themf
%ny complaAJil9 on account of the ill treatment I havef
received*

On my Arvival in England, I prefented a petitionl
to his majefty in Council, praying for a reimbUrfe-U
ment o^thofe fums I had expended in the fervicc otV
government. This was referred to the lords com-j
miflioners of trade and plantations. Their lordihips,'
from the tenor of it thought the intelligence I could J
give, of fo nAich importance to the nation, t'lat they^
ordered me to appear, before the board. This meA-
age I obeyed, and underwent a Ipng examination \\
much I believe to the fatisfa£Vion of every lord pre-
fent. "When it was finiflsed, I requtfted to knoAvj
what I fhouid do with my papers ; Without hefitr-j
tion the firft lord replied, that I might publifh them:
whenever I pleafed. In eonfequcnce of this permifl'i-
on, I difpofed of them, to a bookfeller ; but when
they were nearly ready for the prcfs, an order wasi
iSokd from the council board, requiring me to delivery|

without

I N T R 0 D 17 C T X 0 jr.

II

riihout (IcUy, into the ploiitatimi office, all my

Charts and Jcumals, with every paper relative to the

lifcoverics I had n.>»4e. In order to obey this com-

land, I was obliged to rc-purch^ them from the

^ookfcUcr at a very great expence and deHver rfiem

Ip^ 'This frcfh difbiirfcment I endeavored to get

innexed to the actJount I ha<l already delivered in ;

)ut the requcft was denied mc, no^withftanding I

lad only adicd, in the'dif^ofal of my papers, con-

)rmably to the pcrmiflion I had received from the

loard of trade. This lofs, which amounted to a

:ry confid^rable ium, I was obliged to bear, and to

;ft fatisfied with an indemnification for iny other

(pences.

ThuvS fituated, my only expeftations are from the
ivor of a generous |»ublic j to whom I ftiall now com-
lunicate my Plans, Journals, and Obfervations, of
^htch I luckily kept copies, when I delivered the
)rigina}8 into the plantation office. And this I do
^he more readilv, as I hear they are miflaid ; and '
mcfc isno probaoility of their ever being publifhed.
To tfeofe who are intereftcd in . the coaccrns of the
Interior parts of North- America, from the contiguity
)f their pofleffions, or commercial, engagements, they
Iwill be extremely ufeful, and fully repay the fum at
^hich they arc purchafed. To thofe, who, from a
[audable curiofity, wifh to be -acquainted with the
lanners and cuftoms of every inhabitant of this
jlobe, the accounts here given of the various nations
that inhabit fo vaft a tradt of it, a country hitherto aU
[moft unexplored, will furnilh art ample fund of a-
[mufement, and gratify their moft curious expe<^a-
[tions. And I flatter myfelf they will be as favorably
received by the public, as defcriptions of ifland$„
[which afford no other entertainment thafn what arifes
[from their novelty ; and difcoveries, that feem to pro*
mifevery few advantages to this country, though ac-
.quired at an immet\fe expence.

To

K-

t-

i )i

w

Tft

I N T E O D U C T I O N.

i

To make the IbMowitig work as coraprehcnfibk
and entertaining S3 pci&bk, I Ihallfirft give my rend-
ers an account of the route I purfued over this im-
inenfe continent^ attd as I pals on, defcribe the nurn-
4)er of inhabitants, the fltuation of the rivers and lakes,
andthe.produdlions of the country. Having done
this, I (hall treat, indiftindt chapters, of the manners,
cuftoms, and languages of the Indians, and to com-
plete the whole, add a vocabulary of the words moft-
ly in ufe among them.

And here it is neceflary to befpeak the candor of
the learned part of my readers in the perufal of it, as
it is the prcdudlion of a perfon unufed, from oppo-
fite avccations, to literary purfuits. He therefore
begs they would not examine it with too critical an
eye ; efpecially %vhen he afliires them that his atten*
tion has been more employed on giving a juft def»-
cription of a country that promifes, in foii-e future
period, to be an inexhauftible fource of riches to that
people who (hall be fo fortunate as to poiTefs it, than
on the ftyle or compofition ; and more careful to ren-
der his language intelligible and explicit, than fmooth
jind florid.

A JOURNAL.

J O U R N A L

OF THE

T R A V EL S,

WITH A

DESCRIPTION

OF THE

COUNTRY, LAKES, i:fc.

In June 1766, I fet out from Bofton, and pro-^
teededby way of Albany and Niagara, to MichilHmack-
inac, a fort fituated between the lakes Huron and
Michigan, and diflant from Bofton 1 300 miles. This
being the uttermoll of our fadlories towards the north-
weft, I confidered it as the moft convenient place from
•whence I could begin my intended progrefs, and enter
at once into the regions I deligned to explore.

Referring my readers to the publications already ex-
tant for an account of iHofe parts of Norih-Ainerica,
that from lying adjacent to the back fettlcnients, have
been frequently acfcribed,! (liall confine myfelftoa de-
fcription of the more interior parts of it, which, having
been but feldom vifited, are confequently but little
known. In doiiig this, I fliall in no inftance exceed the
bounds of truth, or have recourfe to thofe ufelefs and
extravagaiit ervaggcrations tpo often made ufeof by tra-
vellers, to excite the curioiity of the public, or to in-
crcafe their own importance. Nor llrali I infert any
obfervations, but fuch as 1 have made myfelf, or from
Ji the

m^''

i'r^','

M

CAR\'ER's TRAVELS.

■*,ii

the cre^ribiL'ty of thofc by whom tliey were rclatcdi
am cnvibletl to vouch for their authenticity.

Michiilimackinac, from whence I begani my travels,
is a fort ccmpofed of a ftrong ftocka Je, and i8 ufually
defended by a garrifon of one hundred men. It con-
tains about thirty houfts, one of which belongs to the
Governor, and another to the GommiiFary. Several
traders alio dwell within its fortifications, who find it a
convenient fituation to traffic with th« neighbouring
nations. Michiilimackinac, in the language of the
Chipeway Indians, fignifies a Tortoifc ; and the place
is fuppofed to recieve its name from an ifland, lying
r.bout iixor fcven milco to the north-cafl, within fight
of t]fic fort, which has the appearanc<^ of tha,t animal.
During the Indian war that followed foon after the
conquefl of Canada in the year 1763, and which was
carried on by an army of confederate nations, com-
'pofedof the Hurons, Miamies, Chjipeways,OtLo\vaws,
* i*ontowattimies, MilFiiraugcs, and fome other tribes,
under the dire^lion of Pontiac, a celebrated Indian
warrior, who had always been in the French intereft,
k was taken by furprize in the following manner : the
Indians having fettled their plan, drew near the fort,
and began a game at ball, a paftime much ufed among
them, and not unlike tennis. In the height of their
game, at which fome of the Englifti officers, not fuf-
peQiing any deceit, flood looking on, they flruck the
ball, as if by accident, over the ftockade ; this they re-»
peated two or three times, to make the deception more
complete j till at length, having by this means lulled
every lulpicion of the century at the fouth gate, a par-
ty ruflied by him J and . .-* reft foon following, they
took poflijffion of the fort, without m'^eting with any
oppofition. Having accompUlhed their defign, the
Indians had the humanity to fpare the livesofthe great-
cfl part of the garrilbn and traders, but they made
them all prifoners, and carried them off. However,
fome ti:pe after they took them to Montreal, where they

wctc

:rc related,

•

my traj-els,
d is ufually
n. It con-
ongs to the
y. Several
ho find it a
fighboiiring
lage of the
d the place
fland, lying
within fight
ha,t animal,
on after the
which was
itions, com-
, OtLowa ws,
)ther tribes,
ated Indian
ich intereft,
f.anner : the
;ar the fort,
ufed among
ight of their
ers, not fuf-
) fhu.k the
;his they re-»
cption more
leans lulled
gate, a par-
owing, they
ig with any
defign, the
ofthe great-
tliey made
• iloNvevcr,
, where they
were

CARVER-. TRAVEL^, __ 13

were redeemed at a gor.a price. The fort alfo was
given up again to the Englifn at the peace made with
Pontiac, by the commander of Detroit the year fol-
lowing. .- p . f
Having here made the neceflary dlfpofitions for

nerfuing my travels, and obtained a credit from Mr.
Rogers, the Governor, on fome Engliili and Canadian
traders, who were going to trade on the Miffifippi, and
received alfo from him a promife of a frelh fupply of
goods when I reached the falls of St. Anthony. I
left the fort on the 3d of September, in company with
thefe traders. It was agreed that they fhould fiirnifli
me with fuch goods as I might want, for prcfents to
the Indian chiefs, during my continuance with them,
agreeable to the Governor's order. But when I arrived
at the extent of (heir route, I was to fir i other guides,
atid to depend on the goods the Governot had promifed
to fuply me with*

We accordingly fet out together, and on the 1 8th
arrived at Fort La Bay. This fort is fituated en the
fouthern extremity of a bay in the Lake Michigan,term-
ed by the French, the bay of Puants ; but which,*
fmce the Englifli have gained poffefiion of all the fe,t-
tlements on this part of the continent, is called by
them, the Green Bay. The reafon of its being thus de-
nominated, is from its appearance; for on leaving Mi-
chillimackinac in the fpring Ycafon, though the trers
there have not ever put forih their bud<, y..t yo*a find
the country around La Bay,notwk)i(landing tiicpaflage
Itas not exceeded fourteen days, covert d with the finefc
verdure, and vegetation as forward as it couid be were
it fummer.

This fort is alfo only furrounded by a (lokade, and
being much decayed, is fcarcely defcnHble agxinfc
fmall arms. It was built by the French for the prc-
tedlionof their trade^fome tim>e before they were forc-
ed to relinquifh it ; and when Canada and its depen-
dencies were furrcndercd to the Eni^liih, it was im«.ic-

.,'.

tiiatci

' '.i

-.) ,

f>

m

It
ft

14,

iS

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

im

.-.i':

il lately garrlfoned with an officer and thirty men. Thcfe
were made prifoners by the Menomonies foon after the
furprife of Michillimackinac, and the fort has neither
been garrifoned or kept in repair fince.

The bay is about ninety miles long, but differs much
in its breadth j being in fome places only fifteen miles,
in others from twenty to thirty. It lies nearly from
north-eaft to iiputh-weft. At the entrance of it from
the lake are a firing of i (lands, extending from north
10 fouth, called the Grand Traverfe. Thefe are a-
bout thirty miles in length, and ferve to faciliate the
pafTage of canoes, as they fhelter them from the windsy
which fometimes come with violence acrofs the lake.
On the fide that lies to the fouth-eail is the nearefl
and beft navigation.

The Iflands of the Grand Traverfe arc moftly fmal!
and rocky. Many of the rocks are of an amazing fize,
and appear as if they had been fafhioned by the hands
fefartifls. On the largell and bwfl of thefe iflands (lands
a town of the Ottovaws, at which I found one of the
mofl confiderable chiefs of that nation, who repeived^
nie with every honor he could l^oflibly fh^w to a Gran-
ger. But what appeared extremely fingular to me at
the time, and muft do fo to every perfon unacquainted
with the cufloms of the Indians, was the reception I
met with on landing. As our canoes approached the
fiiore, and had reached within about threefcore rods of
it, the Indians began a fue-de-joy j in which they fired
their pieces loaded with balls ; but at the fame time
they took care to difcharge them in fuch a manner at
to fly a few yards above our heads : during this they
ran from one tree or flump to another, fhouting and
bcheaving as if they were in the heat of battle. At
Hrll I was greatly furprifedjand was on the point of or-
dering my attendants to return their fire, concluding
tliat their intentions were hoftile ; but being undeceiv-
ed by fome of the traders, who informed me that this
was their ulual method of receiving the chiefs of oth-
er

■"i

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

^7

rs much
■n miles,
}y from
it from
north
le arc a-
iate the
winds,
he lake,
ncareft

}y fmal!
ing fize,
lehand*
Is/landf
le of the
regcivcd^
a ftran-
ome at
uainted
ption I
led the
rods of
J fired
le time
mer as
s they
g and
^ At
of or-
ludingr

eceiv-
at this
f oth.
cr

■'■$

ist nations, I confidcrcd it In its true h'ghti and was
pleafed with the rcfpc£l thus paid mc.

I remained here one niglit. Among the prefents I
made the chiefs, were fome fpirituous liquors ; with
which they made themfelves merrj^ and all joined in a
dance, that laftcd the greateft part of the night. In
the morning when 1 departed, the chief attended me to
the fhore, and, as foon as I had, embarked, ofFeretlup,
in an audible voice, and with great folcmnity, a fer-
vent prayer in my behalf. He prayed " that the Great
Spirit would favour mc with a profperous voyage *,
that he would give me :in unclouded Iky, and fmooth
waters, by day and that I might lie down,, by night,
an a beaver blanket, enjoying uninterrupted fleep, and
pleafant dreams ; and alfo that I might find continual
protection under the great pipe of peace." In this
manner he continued his petitions till I could no long-
er hear them.

I muft here cbfer\T, that notwithftandlng the in-
habitants of Europe are apt to entertain horrid ideas of
the ferocity of thele favages, as they are termed, I re-
ceived from every tribe of them in the interior parts,
tlie moft hofpitable and courteous treatment ; and am
convinced, that till they are contaminated by the ex-
ample, and fpiritous liquors of tlieir more refined
neighbours, they retain this friendly and inofienfive
conduct towards ftrangers. Their inveteracy and
cruelty to their enemies, I acknowledge to be a great
abatement of the favourable opinion I would wiih to
entertain of them ; but this failing is hereditary,^ and
having received the fandlon of immemorial cuftom,
has taken too deep root in their minds to be eafily
extirpated.

Among this people I eat of a very uucommon kind
«f bread. The Indians, in general, ufe but little of

this nutritious food : wliilft their ^orn is in the

milk, as they term it, that is, juft before it

h€j^m to ripen, they flige off tic kernels from the cob

^ U 2, " to

!■ 'V

• i]

0I\

m

a8

CARVER"* TRAVELS.

r' If

II.*:

to which they grow, aiid knead them into i( pafltf#
This they are enabled to do without the addition of
any liquid, by the milk that flows from them ; and
when it is cffe£led, they parcel it out into cakes, and
cnclofing them in leaves of the bafTwood tree, place
them in not embers, where they are foon baked. And
better flavored bread I never eat in any country.

This place is only a fmall tillage/containing about
twenty-five houfes and fixty or feventy warriors. I
found nothing there worthy of further remark.

The land on the fouth-eaft fide of the Green bay, is
but very indifferent, being jjverfprcad with a heavy
growth of hemlock, pine, fpruce, and fir-trees. The
. communication between Lake Michigan and the Green
bay, has been reported by fome to be impradlicabic,
for the paflage of any veflels larger than canoes or
boats, on account of the (hoals that lie between the
iflands in the Grand Traverfe ; but on founding it I
found fufficient depth for a veflel of fixty tons, and
the breadth proportionable.

The land adjoining to the bottom of this bay is very
fertile, the country in general level, and the perfpec-
tive view of it pleafing and extenfire.

A few families live in the fort, which lies on the weft
fide of the Fox river, and oppofite to it, on the eaft
fide of its entrance, are fome French fettlers who cul-
tivate the land, and appear to live very comfortably.

The Green bay or bay of Puants is one of thofe
places to which the French, as I have mentioned in
the introdu£^ion, have given nicknames. It is termed
by the inliabitants of its coafl:s, the Menomonie Bay ;
but why the French have denominated it the Puant or
Stinking bay, I know not. The reafon they them-
felvesgive for it is, that it was not with a view to
miflead flrangers, but that by adopting this method,
they could converfe with each other concerning the
Indians, in their prefence without being underftood by
them. For it was rcmRrkcd by the perfons who firll

traded

CARVER'S TRA\"t:LS.

haded among them, that ^hcn they were fpcaking to
6ach other about them, and mentioned their proper
names they inftantly grew fufpicioui, and concluded
that their vifitors were either fpeaking ill o£ them, or
plotting their defttuaiori. To remedy .this they gav^
them fome other name.' The only bad confequenciel
arifing from the pra£lice thcnini:^claccdis, that En-
ghfh and French geographers, in their plans of the in-
terior parts of America, give different names to the
fame people, and thereby perplex thofe who have oc-
cafion to refer to them.

Lake Michigan, of which the Green Bay is a part, i^
divided on the north-eaft from Lake Huron by the
Straits of Michillimackinac j and is fituatcd between
forty two and forty fix degrees of latitude, and between
eighty four and eighty-fevendegreei of weft longitude.
Its greateft length is t^o hundred and eighty miles, its
breadth about forty, and its circumferance nearly fix
hundred. There is a remarkable ftring of fmall iflands
bcgining over againft Aflcin*s farm, and runnig about
thirty miles fouth-weft into the lake: Thefe are call-
ed the Beaver Iflands. Their fituation is very p\ei*
flint, biit the foil is bare. However ther afford a beau*
tiful profped!^.

On the north-weft parts of this Jake the w^ftcri
branch out into two bays. That which lies towards
the north is the Bay of Noquets, and 4;hc other thtf
Green Bay juft defcribed.

The waters of this as well as the other great lakes
arc clear and wholefome and of fufhcient depth for
the navigation of large fhips. H«lf the fpaee of th*
country that lies to the eafl, and extends to Lake Hu-
ron, belongs to the Ottowaw Indians. The line that
divides their territories from the Chipeways, runsnear-
ly north and fouth, and reaches almoft from the fouth-
crn extremity of this lake, acrofs, the high lands, to
Michillimackinac, through the center of which it paf-
fes. ^0 that when thefe two tribes happen to meet at
--'^— the

j ■

j I ; ', .

1 1 i '

5''»'

20

CARVJUR's TRAVELS.

i: ■*'

uh

the fa Aory, they each cnCamp on their own domin-
ions, at a few yards diftance from the ilockade.

The country adjacent either to the call or weft fide
of the lake, is compofed b^t of an indifferent foil, ex-
cept where ftnall brooks or rivers empty themfelvcg
into it ; on the banks of thcfc it is extremely fertile,
Near the borders of the lake grow a great number of
fand cherries, which are not lefs remarkable for their
manner of growth, than for their cxquifite flavor.
They grow upon a fmall (hrub, not more than four
feet high, the boughs of which are fo loaded that they
lie in clufters on the fand. As they grow only on the
fand the warmth of which probably contributes to
bring them to fuch perfedtion ; they are called by the
French, cherries de fable, or fand cherries. The fize
of them does not exceed that of a fmall mufket ball,
but they are reckoned fuperior to any other fort for
the purpofe pf fteeping in fpirits. There alfo grow a-
round the lake, goofeberries, black currents, and an
abundijince of juijiper, bearing great quantities of ber-
iries of the fineft fort.

Sumack likewife grows here in great plenty j the
leaf of which, gathered at Michaelmas, when it turns
red, is much efteemed by the natives. They mix 2r
bout an equal quantity of it with their tobacco, which
caufes it to fmoke pleafantly. Near this lake, and in-
deed about all the great lakes, is found a kind of wil-
low, termed by tlie French, bois rouge, in Englifh, red
wood. Its bark when only of one year's growth, is of
a fine fcarlet color, and appears very beautiful j but as
it grows older, it changes into a mixture of grey and
red. The ftalks of this Ihrub grow many of them to-
gether, and rife to the height of fix or eight feet, the
largeft not exceeding an inch diameter. The bark
being fcraped from the flicks, and dried and powder-
ed, is alfo mixed by the Indians with their tobacco,
and is held by them in the higheft efiimation, for their
winter fmoking. A weed that grows near the great

Jakes,

■^t is caih
■iike a vii
jlght or
filver p
color of
an evcrg
likewife
Ifmoke it
; fucceda
jlicd thi
ire grea
ijatherin
Ontl
tnd pro
traders :
:||the grea
lilland, j
[nebago.
inftead 1
[and ent(
I during
The
chiefs,
their ct
bufmef
the req
: plimen
- but on
dire«Sti(
are ne^
Iiapper
; then it
{■peech
woma
by hei
her. 1
ever ]

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

tt

kadc.
>r weft fide
fit foil, ex*
themfclyca
ly fertile.
umber of
:for their
itc flavor,
than four
I that they
•nly on the
ributcs to
lledby the
The fize
liket ball,
T fort for
ro grow'a-
h and an
es of bcr-

nt^; the
n It turns '
y mix a^
:o, which
% and in-
id of wil-
?Hfti, red
«'th,isqf
J > but a.s
;rey and
'hem to-
Feet, the
'he bark
powder-
obacco,
for their
ie great
akes;

akcs, ill reeky places, they ufe in the fummer fcafbn,

t is called by the Indians, Segockimac, and creeps

ike a vine on the ground, fometimes extending t©

ight or ten feet, and bearing a leaf about the fizc of

filver penny, nearly round j it is of the fubftance and

olor of the laurel, and is, like the tree it refembles,

m evergreen. Thefe leaves, dried and powdered, thef

ikewife mix with their tobacco ; and as faid before,

fmoke it only during the fummer. By thefe three

fuccedaneums, the pipes of the Indians are well fup*-

ilicd through every feafon of the year; and as they

re great fmokers, they arc very careful in properly

athering and ' preparing them.

On the 20th of September, I left the Gre-cn Bay,

find proceeded up Fox river, ftill in company with the

vijraders and fome Indians. On the 25th I arrived at

5?|the great town of the Winnebagoeg, fituated on a fmalt

rifland, juft as you enter the eaftend of the lake Win-

" nebago. Here the queen who prefided over this tribt

inftead of a Sachem, received me with great civility,

and entertained me in a very diftinguifhed manner^.

during the four days I continued with her.

The day after my arrival I held a council with the
chiefs, of whom I aflced permiffion to pafs through
their country, in my way to more remote nations, on
bufinefs of importance. This was readily granted mt
the requeft being efteemed by them as a great com-
pliment paid tothqir tribe. The queen fat inthe council^
but only aiked a few queftions, or gave fome trifling
direcTtions in matters relative to the ftate j for womenr
,;; are never allowed to fit in their councils, except they
ll happen to be inverted with the fiipreme authority, and
0 then it is not cuftomary for them to make any formal
'1 fpeeches as the chiefs do. She was a very antienc
J woman, fmall in ftature, and not much diftinguiflied
by her drefs from feveral young women that attended
her. Thefe her attendants feemed greatly pleafed when
ever I fliowed any tokens of rcfpc£t to their queen^

particularly

Isiiftlli

l*r\.

mm

a

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

,-^i^^

mi.

particularly when I falutcd her, which I frequently
did to acquire hex favor. On thefe occafiorts the
good old hdy endeavoured to aiTume a juvenile gaiety,
ind by her Imiles ftiowed (he was equally pleaf'ed wirk
the attention I paid her.

The time I tarried here, I employed in making the
bcft obferv^tions pofllbld on the country, and in col-
letting the moft certain intelligence I could, of the o-
rigin, language and cuftoms of this people. From
thefc enquiries I have reafon to conclude, that the
Wiiinebagoes originally refided in fbme of the pro-
yinces belonging to New Mexico ; and being driven
from their native country, either by inteftine divifions,
or by the extentions of the Spanifliconquefts, they took
refuge in thefe more northern parts about a century

<»go.

My reafons for adopting this fuppofition, are, firft,
from their unalienable attachment to the Naudowef-
fie Indians (who, they fay, gave them the earlieft fuc-
cor during their emigration) notwithftanding their
prefent refidence is more than (ix hundred miles dii^
tant from that people.

Secondly, that their dialed totally differs from eve-
ry other Indian nation yet diicovercd j it being a ve-
ry uncouth, guttural jargon, which none of their
neighbors will attempt to learn. They converfe with
other nations in the Chipeway tongue, which Is th^
prevailing language throughout all the tribes, from the
Mohawks of Cannada, to thofe who inhabit the bor-
der 3 of the MiiTifippi, and from the Hurons and Illi-
nois to fuch as dwell near Hudfon's Bay.

Thirdly, from their inveterate hatred to the Span-
iards!. Some of them informed me that they bad ma-
ny excurfions to the fouth-weft, which took u.) feveral
xnoons. An elder chief more particularly .icquainted
me, that about forty-fix winters ago, he marched at the
head of fifty warriors, towards the fouth-weft, for
thxe< moons. That during this expedition, whilft

they

-A.'l

frequently
cafiorts the
tiilc gaiety,
eafcd wirli

naking the

and in col-

, of the 0*

e. From

that the

the pro-

ig driven

divifions,

i, they took

; a century

, are, firft,
sTaudowef-
arlieft fuc-
ding their
miles diP-

from cre-
eing a rc-
f of their
verfe with
ich is th^
, from the
t the bor-
s andlili-

he Span-
'' Iiad ma-
J;)feveral
:quainted
led at the
weft, for
n, whilft
they

CARVER'i TRAVELS.

n

cy were crofllng a plain, they difcovered a body of

en on horfe-back, who belonged to the Black Peo-

Ic ; for fo they call the Spaniards. As foon as they

erccivcd them, they proceeded with caution, and

oiicealcd thcmfelves till night cam* on ; when they

'drew fo near as to be able to difcern the number and

fituation of their enemies. Finding they were not a-

Ic to cope with fo great a fuperiority by day-l'ght,

hey waited till they had retired to reft ; when th'jy

ufhed upon them, and, after having killed the great-

i\ part of the men, took eighty horfcs loaded with

,vhat they ter;ncd white ilone. This I fuppofe to

• Ipiavc been f:lver, as he told me the horfes were fliod

\vlth it, and that their bridles were ornamented with

?^he fame. When they had fatiated their revenge,

iitliey carried oft' their fpoil, and being got fo far as to

^ i beoLif off the reach of the Spaniards that had efcapcd

\^ their fury, they left the ufelefs and ponderous burthen,

with which the horfes were loaded, in the woods,

and mounting themfclves, in this manner returned to

tlieir friends. The party they had thus defeated, I

conclude to be the caravan that annually conveys to

Mexico, the filvtr which the Spaniards find in great

quantities on the mountains lying near the heads of

^ the Colercdo River: and the plains where the attack

^ was made, probably fbme they were obliged to pafg

i over in their way to the heads of the river St. Fee, or

.; Rio del Nord, which falls into the Gulf of Meiico,

to the y,'til of the Miffifippi.

The Winiiebagoes can ralfe about two hundred
warriors. Their town contains about fifty houfes,
which are ftrongly built with pallifades, and the ifl-
r and on which it is fituated, nearly fifty acres. It lies
tliirty five miles, reckoning according to tlie courfc
pf the river, from the Green Bay.

The river, for about four or five miles from the bay,*
has a gentle current ; after that fpace, till you arrive
at the Winnebago Lake, it is full of rocks and very

rapid.

•A

CARVER'i TRAVELS.

I ^.

Tapid. At many places wc were obliged to land ouy
canoes,and carry them a confiderable way. Its breadth,
in general, from the Green Bay to the Winnebago
Lake, is between fcvcnty and a hundred yard* : ths
land on its borders very good, and thinly wooded
with liickory, oak and hazel.

The Winnebago Lake is about fifteen miles long
from eaft to weft, and fix miles wide. At its fouth-
caft corner, a river M\s into it th.\t takes its rife
near fomc of the northern branches of the Illinois
River. This I called the Crocodile River, in confe-
quencc of a (lory that prevails among the Indians, of
their having dcftroyed in fome part of it, an animal,
which from their dcfcription muft be a crocodile or
an alligator.

The land adjacent to the Lake is very fertile, a*
bounding with grapes, p'ums, and other fruits, which
grow fpontaneoufly. Ti, Winnebagoes raife on it
a great quantity of Indian corn, beans, pumpkins,
fquaihcs and watermelons, with fome tobacco. The
Lake itfelf abounds with fifh, and in the fall of the
year, with geefe, ducks and teal. The latter, which
refort to it in great numbers, arc remarkably good
and extremely fat, and are much better flavored than
thofe that are found near the fea, as they acquire
iheir exceflive fatnefs by feeding on the \vlld rice,
which grows fo plentifully in thefe parts.

Having made Ibme acceptable prefents to the good
old queen, and received her blcfling, I left the town of
the Winnebagoes on the 29th of September, andabout
twelve miles from it, arrived at the place where the
Fox River enters the Lake, on the north fide of it^
We proceeded up this river, and on the 7th of 0(5i:o-
ber reached the great Carrying Place, which divides
it from the Ouifconfin.

The Fox River, from the Green Bay to the Carry-
ing Place, is about one hundred and eighty milesr
From the Winnebago Lake to the Carrying Place

the

CARVER'4 TRAVELS.

25

the current is gentle, and the depth of it con-
ficlerable 5 notwithftanding which, it is in fome
places with difficuhy that^noes #an pafs through
the obftru£^ioii8 they ibjget with from the rice flalks,
%vhich arc vQ|i||^ large and iMck, and grow ficre in
great abundance. The country around itis vcrjjplcr-
tile, and proper in the highell degree for cul|i,vatIon,
excepting in fome places near^he river, where it is.
rather too low. It is in no p^ very woody, and ytt
can fupplf fufHUent !b nnffiter the demands of any
nj|nlbwi$)if inhabitants. ' This river is tlie grcatcft rc-
fort*^^Wjld fowl of every ftirid, that I met with in
the w&^ courfc of my travels ; f»cquently the fun
would be obfcured by them for fome minutes together.

About forty mUes up this river, frorfi ths great town
of the Winnebagoes, itands a fmaller town belonging
to that nation.

Deer and bears are very ncnierous iff thefe pattS,
and a. great manjf beavfcrs and other furs arc taken on*
the ftrcanis that empty themfelves into this' rivcr^

The river I am treating of^ is remarkable for hir-
ing been, hbotit Eighty yeats ago, the refidcnce ol
the uniterf^ands of the Ottigflumies and the Saukies,
whom the French had nicknamed, acfferding to their
wonted cuftom,DeS' Sacs and Des Reynards, the Sacks
and the Foxes, of whom the following anecdote waK
related to me by an Indian. ~

About fixty years ago, the French miflibnnncs and
traders having received many infiilts from th.cfe peo-
ple, a party of French and Indians, under the com-
mand of Captain Mora nd marched 'to revenge their
vrongs. The Cnptain fet out from the Green B.iv in
tlie winter, when they were unfufplcious of a vifit cH
this kind, and purfuing his route over thefnowto their
villages, which lay about fifty miles up the Fox
River, came upon them by furprife. Unprepar-
ed as they were, he found therri an eafy conqueft,
and c(»^equcntly killed or took priioners the

C gveatell

f -It. • ' '1

• '!

'I . \ »

26

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

4' :

■i

V V

1

3.'^'i.r
( f.. A

grcateft part of them. On the return of the French
to the Green Bay, one of the Indian chiefs in alliance
with thim, who had a coifiderable band of the pri-
foners under his care, flopped t<j drink at a brook j
ill the mean time his companions wejijt on : which
bcin^ obferved by one of the women whom they had
made captive, (lie fuddenly, feized him with both her
hands, whilfl: h^ (looped to drink, by an exquifitely
fufccptible part, and held him fad till he expired on
the fpot. As the chief, frc^ thetxtremetorturf-^e f Of-
fered, was unable to cr.Uoutto his friends, or to gi^ a-
ny alarm, they paiTed on witlK)ut knowing whii^'&act
happened ; and the woman having cut the bands of
thofe of her fellow prifonerij who were in the rear,
with them made her efcape. This heroine was ever
after treated by her nation as their deliverer, and made
a chiefefs in her own right, with liberty to entail the
fame honor on her decendants : an unufual diflin^ion,
and permitted only on extraordinary occafions.

About twelve miles before I reached the Carrying
Place, 1 obferved fevecal fmall mountains which ex-
tended quite to it. Thefe indeed would only be efleem-
cd as molehills, when compared with thofe on the
back of the colonies, but as they were the firlt I had
{•:qi\ fince my leaving Niagara, a track of nearly eleven
hundred miles, I could not leave them unnoticed.

The Fox River, where it enters the Vv^innebago
Lake, is about fifty yards wide, but it gradually ue-
creafes to the Carrying Place, where.it is no more than
five yards over, except in a few places where it widens
iftto fmall lakes, though Hill of r. confiderable depth.
I cannot recolle^l any thing elfe that is remarkable in
this river, except that it is fo ferpentine for five miles,
a^ only to gain in that place one quarter of a mile.

The Carrying Place Uetw.ecn the Fox and Ouifcon-
fin Rivers is inbreadth not more than a inile and three
quarters, though in (omo, maps it is fo delineated as to
appear to be tCn milts. An4 here I cannot help re-
marking, ■ -

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

27

naiking, that all the maps of thefe parts, I have ev-
er feen, are very erroneous. The rivers' iii^ general
are de^c^'bcd as runnhig irt different direiftions from
what iliey really do :"and many branches of them,
particularly th« Miffiiippi, omitted. The diftances of
p]a':'es> likewife, are greatly mifreprefented. Wheth-
er this is done by the French j^eographcrs (for tlie
Englilh maps are all copied from theirs) through d^-
fign, or for want of a juft knowledge of tlie country,
I ca?it»ot fay y but r%m fatisfied that travellers who
dej^nd upon them in the parts, I vifitedj will find
theilffdves much at a lofs. *

Near one half of the way, between the rivers, is a
morafs overgro\m with a kind of long grafs, the reft
of it a plain with fome few 0^ and pine trees growing
thereon. I obferved here a great number of rattle-
fnakes. Monf. Pinnifance, a' French trader, told mc
a remarkable ftory concerning one of thefe reptiles, of
which he faid, he was an eye-witncfs. An Indian be-
longing to the Menomonie nation, having taken one
of them, found means to tame it j and when he had
done thiSfc, treated it as a Deity •, calling it his Great
Father, and carrying it with him in a box, wherev-
er he went. This the Indian had" done for fevcral
fummers, when Monf. Pinnifance accidentally met
with him at this Carrying Pface, juft as he was fcttinj;^
off for a winter's hunt. The French {gentleman was
furprifed, one day, to fee the Indian place the box
which contained his god, on the ground, and opening;;
the door, gave him his liberty ; telling him whilit he
did it, to be fure and return by the lime he l/imfelf
ftiould come back, which was to be in the 'month of
May following. As this was but 061obcr Monfieur
told the Indian, whole fimplicity aftoniflied him, that
he fancied he might wait long enough when May ar-
rived for the arrival of his great father. The Indian
was fo confident of his creature's obedience, that he
offered to lay the Frenchman a wager of two gallons

of

\kmu^r>.

t8

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

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of rum, that at the time appointed he would come
and crawl into the box. This was agreec'i on, and
the fecifnd week in May foilowuV^ fixed for the deter-
mination of the wagert At tliaicpcriod they both
met there again ; when the Inciian fet down his box,
and called for his great father. The fnake heard
him not ; and the time being now expired, he ac-
knowledged that he had loft. However, without
feeming to be difcouraged, he offered to dpublc the
tet, if his great father caire^ot within Al days
more. This was further agreed on ; when bChold on
,the fecond day about one o'clock, the fnake aiS^vcd,
and of his own accord crawled in the box, which was
placed ready for him. The French gentleman vouch-
ed for the truth of this flory, and from the accounts
Ihave often received of the docility of thofe creatures,
I fee no reafon to doubt his veracity.

I obferved that the main body of the Fox river
came from the fouth-weft, that of the Ouifconfm
from the north-eaft ; and alfo that fome of the fmall
branchesofthife two rivers, in defcending into them,
doubled within a few feet of each other, aiittle to the
fouth of the Carrying Place. That two ?uch rivers
iliould take their rife fo near each other, and after
running fuch difFerent courfes, empty themfelves into
the fea, at a diftance fo amazing (for the former hav-
ing pafTed tlirough feveral great lakea, and run up-
wards of two thoufand miles, falls into the Gulf of
St. Lawrence, and the other, after joining the Mifli-
fi ppi, and having run an equal number of miles, dif-
cmbogues itfelf into the Gulf of Mexico) is an in-
ftance fCarcely to be met in the extenfive continent of
North America. I had an opportunity the year fol-
lowing, of making the fame obfervations on the affin-
ity of various head branches of the waters of the St.
Lawrence and the Miflifippi to each other ; and now
bring them as a proof, that the opinion of thofe geo-
graphers, who aflert, that rivers taking their rife fo

near

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

29

near each other, miifl fpring from the fame fource, is
erroneous. Fori perceived a vifibly diilindt fepara-
tion in all of therfif i^btwithftanding, in feme places,
they approached 'ib near, that I could have ftepped
from one to the other."

On the 8th of 0<51:ober we got our canoes into th<^"
Ouifconfin Rivr, which at this place is rnore^hali a
hundred yards wide ; and the next day arrived tft the
Great Town of the Saukies. This is the largcfl and
beftbtStt Indian town I ever faw. It contnhis about
ninety houfes each large enough for feveral families.
Thelfe.are built of hewn pl'^nk, neatly jointed and co-
vered with bark fo compadlly as to keep out the mofl
penetrating rains. Befere the doors are placed com-
fortable fheds, in which the inhabitants fit, when the
weather will permit, and fmoke their pipes. The
ftreets are regular and fpacious ; fo that it appears
more like a civilized town, than the abode (|f lavages.
The land near the town is very good. In their plan-,
tations, which lie adjacent to their houfes, and which
are neatly laid out,thcy raife great quantities of Indian
corn, beans, melons, &c. fo tlmt this place is efteemcd
the bcft market for traders to furnilh themfelrcs with
provifions, of any within eight hundred miles of it.

The Saukiescan raife aboutthree hundred warriors,
who are generally employed every fummcr in making
incurfions into the territories cf the Illinois and Paw-
nee'nations, from whence they return, with a great
number of flaves. But thofe people frequently reta-
liate, and, »n their turn, deftrcy many of the Saukics,
which I judge to be the reafon that they inc^eafe no
fafter.

Whilft I rtaid here I took a view of fome Triountains
that lie about fifteen miles to the fouthward, and a- .
bound in lead ore. I afcended on one of the higheft of
thefe, and had an extenfive view of the country. For
many miJes nothing Mas to be fcen but kfllr moun •
taiR£, which appeared at diftance like haycocks, they

Cc . being

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30

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

being free from trees. Only a few groves of hickory,
and ftunted oaks, covered forne of the vallies. So
plentiful is lead here, fliat I faw iarge quantities of it
lying about the ftreets in the town belonging to the
8aukies, and it feemed to be as good as the produce
of other countries.

On the 1 oth of Odlober we proceeded down the ri-
ver, and the next day reached the firft town of the
Ottigaumies. This town contained about fifty houfes,
but we found moft -of them deferted, on ii^ount
of an epidemical diforder that had lately raged among
them, and carried off more than one half of the in-
habitants. The grea'ier part of thofe who furvived,
had retired into the woods to avoid the contagion.

On the 15th we entered tliat e:£tenfiTe river the
Miflifippi. The Ouifcon fin, from the Carrying Place
to the pare where it falls into the Miffifippi, flow*
with a jBoQooth, but fl:rong current ; the water of it is
cxceedi^ly clear, and through it you may perceive a
fine and fandy bottom, tolerably free from rocks. In
it are a few illands, the foil of which appeared to be
'good, though fomewhat woody. The land near the
river aJfo feemed to be, in general, excellent ; but
that at a diftance is very full of mountains, where it
is faid there are many lead mines.

About five miles from the junftion of the rivers, I
obfervcd th& ruins of a large town, in a very pleafing
fituation. On enquiring of the neighbouring Indians,
why it was thus deferted, I was informed, that about
thirty years ago, the Great Spirit had appeared on
the top of a pyramid of rocks, which lay at a little dif-
tance from it, towards the weft, and warned them to
quit their habitations ; for the land on which they
were built belonged to him, and he had occafion for
it. As a proof that he, who gave them thefe orders,
was really the Great Spirit, he further told them, that
the grafs flioukl immediately fpring up on thofe very
rocks from whence he uowaddreflcd them; which they

knew

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

3*

kne';v^ to be bare and barren. The Indians obeyed, and
foon after difcovered that this miraculous aheration
had taken place. They ihewed me the fpot, but the
growth of the grafs appeared to be noways fupernatu-
ral. I apprehend this to have been a ftratagem of the
French or Spaniards, to anfwer fome felfilh view; but
in what manner they efifefted their purpofes I know
not. V * ;,

Thisjpeople, foon after their removal, built a town
on thdronk of the Mifllfippi, near the mouth of the
Ouifconfin, at a place called by the French, La Prai-
ries les Chiens, which fignifies the Dog Plains j it is
a large town, and contains about three hundred fami-
lies; the houfes r: well built after the Indian manner,
and pleafantly fituated on a very rich foil, from which
they raife every necefTary of life in great abundance.
I faw here many horfes of a good fize and fiiape. This
town is the great mart where all the adjacent tribes,
and even thofe who inhabit the moft remotc^branches
of the Mifliiippi, annually aflemble about the latter
end of May, bringing with them their fiu-s to difpofc
of to the traders. But it is not always that they con-
clude their fale here ; this is determined by a gene-
ral council of the chiefs, who confult whether it would
be more conducive to ti>eir intereil, to fell their goods
at this place, or carry them on to Louifiana, or Michil-
limackinac. According to the decifion of this coun-
cilj they either proceed further, or return to their dif-
ferent nomes. >

The Mifllfippi, at the entrance of the Ouifconfir\,
near which ilinds a mountain of confiderable height,
is about half a mile over; but oppofite to the laft men-
tioned town, it appears to be more than a mile wide,
and full of Iflands, the foil of which is extraordinary
rich, and but thinly wooded.

A little further to the weft, on the contrary fide, a
fmall river falls into the Miflifippi, which the French
w*U Le Jaun JRivierC; or the Y eiiow River. Here th«
■'" traders

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$2

CARVER'5 TRAVELS.

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traders who had accompaiiled me hitherto, took up
their refidence for the winter. I then bought a ca-
noe, and with two feryant3r:t}ne a French Canadian,
and the other a Mohawk of Carnada>jon the 19th pro-
ceeded up the Miffifippi. u ^<

About ten days after I had parted from the traders
I landed as I ufually did, every evening, and having
pitched my tent, lorderedmy men, when night come
on, to lay themfelves down to fleep. By a light that
1 kept burning I then fct down to copy the .naKptes I
had taken in the courtl? of the preceding day. About
ten o'clock, having- juftfmiflicd my memorandoms, I
Hepped out of my tent to fee what weather it was.
As I caft my eyes towards the bank of the river, I
thought I faw by the light of the ftars, which fhonc
bright, fomething that had the appearance of a herd
of beads, coming down a decent at fome diftance *,
whilft J|*;as wondering what they could be, one of
the> nui'^l^r iuddenly fprung up, and difcovercd to me
the form of a man. In an inftant they were all on
their legs, «iia I could count about ten or twelve of
them running towards me. I immediately re-entered
the tent, and having awakened my men, ordered them
to take their armes and follow me. As ray firft ap-
prehenfions were for my canoe, I ran to the water's
iide, and found a party of In^ans (fdf fuch I now dif-
covercd them to be) on the point of plundering- it.
Before I reached them, I commanded my men not to
lire till I had given the word, being unwilling to be-
gin hoftillities unlefs occafion abfolutely required. I
accordingly advanced with.refolution, clofc to the
points of their fpears, they had no other weapons, and
lirandilhing my hanger, alked them with a ftern voice,
■what they wanted ? They were ftaggered at this, and
perc€iving they were like to meet with a warm recep-
tion, turned about and percipitately retreated. We
purfued them to an adjacent wood, which they en-
tered, and we faw no more of them. However, for

fear

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

3^

fear of their return, wc watched alternately during
the remainder of the niffiht. The next day my fervants
were undcrgreat j^rt&lnfioj^, anil carnftly entreat-
ed me to returH^jEO^ft'ti^ers^we had lately left. But
I told them, thai^if ttity would not be efteemed old
women (a term of the greateft reproach among the
Indians) they q^iuft follow me ; for I was determined
to perfue my intended route, as an Englifhman, when
once e;ig3ged in an adventure never retreated* On
tlvis thdf^at into the canoe, aud I walked on tlie lliorc
to guard them from any further attack. The party
of Indians who had thus intended to plunder me, I af-
terwards found to be fome of thofe ilraggling bands,
that having been driven from among the different
tribes to which they belonged, for ▼arious crimes,
nowaflbciate4 thcmfelves together,and,livingby plun-
der, prove very troublefome to travellers whapafs this
way i nor are even Indians of every tribe fptared by
tliem. The tracers had before cautioned me to be
upon my guard againft them,"and I would repeat the
fame caution to thofe whofe bufmefs might call thera
into thefe parts.

On the 1 ft of Navember I arrived at Lake Pepin,
which is rather an extended part of the River Mifli-
iippi, that the French have thus denominated, about
two -hundred miles fro: i the Ouifconfin. The Miffi-
fippi below this lake, flowes with a gentle current,
but the breadth of it is very uncertain, in fome places
it being upwards of a mile> in others not more than
a quarter, -^his river has a range of mountains on
each fide thfoaighout the whole of the way ; whicli
in particular parts approach near to it, in others lie at
a greater dillance. The land betwixt the mountains,
and on their (ides, is generally covered with griXs,
with a few groves of trees interfperfed, near which
large droves of deer and elk are frequently feen feeding.

In many places pyramids of rocks appeared, refem-
bUng old ruinous towers } at others amazing preci-
pices j

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54

.CARVER'S TRAVELS.

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pices ; and what is very remarkable, whilfl: this fcenc
prefented itfelf on one fide, die qppofite fide of the
fame mountain mws CQviered witk<llie fineft herbage,
which gradually afcended to jti^^pnnit. From thence
the moll beautiful and extenfiNi« profpe£l: that ima-
ginatioc can form, opens* to 'your view. Verdant
plains, fruitful meadows, numerous inlands, and all
thefe abounding with a variety of trees that yield amaz-
ing quantities of fruit, without care or cultivation ;
fuch as the nut tree, the maple which producfcs fugar,
vines loaded with rich grapes, and plumb-trees bend-,
ing under their blooming Durdens, but above all, the
fine river flowing gently beneath, and reafching as far
as the eye can extend, by turns attra6l your admira-
tion and excite your wonder.

The Lake is about twenty miles long» and near fix
in breadth ; in fome places it is very deep, and a-
bounds with various kinds of fifh. Great numbers of
fowl frequent alfo this Lake and the rivers adjac^t ;
fuch as fiorks, fwans, geefe, brants and ducks : and
in f^ * groves are found great plenty of turkeys and
p? cridges. On the plains are the largeft buffaloes of
any in America. Here T obferved the ruins of a
French fadtory, where it is faid Captain St. Pierie re-
fided, and carried on a very great trade with thcNau-
doweflies, before the redu£fcion of Canada.

About fixty miles below this Lake is a mountain re-
markably fituated ; for it fVands by itfelf exa£lly in
the middle of tlie River, ^nd looks as if it had Hidden
from the adjacent fhore into the ftream. It cannot be
termed an ifland, as jt rifes immediately from the
brink of the water to a ccnfiderabl?? height. Both the
Indians and :he French call it the Mountain h the
River.

One day having landejl on the fhore of the MifTifip-
p\f fome miles below Lake Pepin, whilft my atten-
dants were preparing my dinner, I walked out to take
a view of the adjacent country. I had not proceed-
ed

CAItVER'i TRAVELS.

35

cd far, before I came to a fine, level, open plain, nn
which I perceived lit a little diltance ;i prvrtial eleva-
tion that had the appearauce jpf an intvenchment. On
a nearer infpe£t:Ion 1 %ad greater reafon to fuppole
that it had really becu^mtended for this ma nv cfcntu-
ries ago. Notwithitattding it was now or jd with •
grgfs, I could plainly dilcern that it had ..ce been a
breaft work of about four feet in height, extending
the bell part of a mile, and fufliciently capacious to
cover ftife thoufand men. Its form was ibmewhat
circular, and its flanks reached to the River. Though
much defaced by time, every angle was diftinguiiiia-
blc, and apjicared as regular, and failiioned with as
much military Ikill, as if planned by Vauba i himfelf.
The ditch was not vifible, but I thougiit on examin-
ing more curioufly, that I could j^erceive there cer-
tainly had been one. From its fituation alfo, I am- .
convinced that it mufii have been deHgned ;for this
pmfpofe. It fronted the country, and the rear was
covered by the River ; nor was there any rifing
ground for a confiderable way, that commanded it ;
a few draggling oaks were alone to be feen near it.
In many places fmall tracts were worn acrofs it by
the feet of the eiks and" deer; aiid from the depth of
the bed of earth by which it wa^ covered, I was able
to draw certain conciufiotis of its great antiquity. I
examined all the angles, and every part with great at-
tention, and have often bl-amed ir.yfeJf fince, for not
encamping on the fpot, and drawing an c::adt plan of
it. To {hew that this dcfcfiption \s not the offspring
of a heated imagination, or the chimerical tale of a
miftaken traveller, I find on enquiry fmcc my return,
that Monf. St. Pierre, and feveral traders, have, at
different times^ taken notice of fimilar appearances,
on which they have form.ed the fame conjediures,
but v/ithout examining tliem fo minutely as I did.
How a work of this kind coulibcxift in a country that
hiW iiitherto (according lo the general received opin-
ion) been the feat of war to untutored Indiana alone,

wliofc

I

1 ..•'•»*^-i:\u

III

'*'<■

^: M

3^ CARVER'S TRAX'TILS.

whofe whole ftock of military , knowledge has only,
till within two cent\j|ries, amoiiQted to drawing the
bow, and whofc only bfcad-wprk, ^vcn at prefent^
is the thicket, I know not. I fi^vc given as cxa<5l an j i
account as poffiblc, of this fin'gular appearance, and '
leave to future explorers of thde diftant regions, to
xlifcover whether it is a production of nature or art."

Perhaps the hints I have h«ie given, might lead toa
more perfe<^ invelligation of it, and give us very dif-
ferent ideas of the antient ftate of realms that we at
prefent believe to have been from the «arlicft period
only the habitations of favages, ;^

The Miififippi, as far as tJie entrance of %e ICiver
St. Croix, thirty miles above Lake Pepin, is very full
of iflands j fome of which are of a coniiderable length.
On thcfe alfo, grow great numbers of Cfeft, maple or
fugar tree, and around them vines loaded with grapes
creepit^o their very tops. From the Lake upw^fis
few mouqtains are to be feen, and thofe but fmai^*ilf
Near the River St. Croix, refide three bands ojf the
Naudoweilte IndianSi called the River Bands.

This nation is compofed, at prefent of eleven bands.
They were originally twelve ; but the Aifinipoils
fome years ago, revolting, and feparaiting tliemfelves
from the others, there remain only at this time ele-
ven.^ Thofe I met here are termed the RivCr Bands ;
becaufe they chiefly dwell near the banks of this Riv-
er : the other eight are generally diftinguilhed by
the title, Naudoweilies of the Plains, and inhabit a
country that ]ies more tot^e weftward. The names
of the former are the Nehogatawonahs, the Mawtaw-
bauntowahs, and the Shahfweeiitowalis^ and conful
of about four hundred warriors.

A little before- 1 met with thefc three banda, I fell
in with a party o|,jJic Mawtawbauntowahs amount-
ing to forty vv-nrriors and their families. V/ith thefc
I refided a day or two, miring >vhicivtlmc live or fix
of thijir number who had been outonan excurfion, re-
turned

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

37

turned in great hafle, and acquainted their compan-
' ions tlrat a large party of the Chipcvvay \varriors, '*c-
iioiigh," as they cxprcfled themlclvcs, " to IvvmHov
thcni all up'* were clofe at their heels, and on the
point ot'attacking their little camp. The chiefs ap-
plied to me and defired I would put myfelf at theij;
head, and lead them out to oppofe their enemies. A';
I was a fbranger, and unwilling to excite the anger
of either nation, I knew not how to a6t ; and never
found myfelf in a greater dilemma. Had I refufcd.
10 aflifl; the Naudoweflies I fliould have drawn on
myfelf then* difpleafure, or had I met the Chipewavs
with hoftile intentions, I Ihould have made that peo-
ple my foes, and had I been fortunate enough to havi^
efcaped their arrows at this time, on fome future oc-
cafion fliould probably have experienced the feveritv
of their revenge. In this extremity I chofe the mid-
dle courfe, and defired that the NaudowefTics woukl
fuiFer me to meet them, that I might endeavour to a-
vert their fury. To this they rclucLaiitly afiented, be-
ing perfuaded, from the inveteracy which had lonu;
prevailed between tliem, tliat my rcmonitrances
would be in vain.

Taking my Frenchman v/iih me, who could fpcak
their language, I haftened toward . the place where
the Chipeways were fuppofcd to be. The Naudowcf-
iies, during this, kept at a diftance behind. As I ap-
proached them with the pipe of peace, a fma!l partv
of their chiefs, confiding of about eight or ton, came
in a friendly manner towards me ; with whom, by the.
means of my interpreter, I held a lon^ converfution ;
the refult of which was, that their rancor hcino- b'.'-
my perfuafionsin fome meafure molliried, thev n<'V;?ed
to turn back, without accomplilhing their favaii^e pur-
poics.^ . iJurnig our dltcouvfe I could perceive, as they
hiy Icattered about, that tlie party was very mmiCTbu's,
and many of them armed witli muikets.

llavini^- happily fucceedcd in my undertaking, I

D leturnd

1 ji

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3»

CARVKR's TRAVELS.

n.xa

rcUirticd witliout. delay to the Naudowcilies, and de-
iircd they would iniliuuly remove their camp to fomc
other part of the country, Icfb their enemies fliouKl
repent of the promifethey had given, and put their
imcntions in execution. They iiccordinglv followed
my ndvice, and immediately prepared to llrike their
tents. WhiHt <hey were doing this, they loaded me
Avith thanks i and wlicn I had feen them on board
their canoes, 1 pcrfucd my route.

To this adventure I was chiefly indebted for the
fricnilly reception I afterwards met with from the
Naudoweffics of. the Plains, and for the rcfpe.cl and
lionors.I riiceived during my abode among them.

And when I arrived many months after nt the
Chipeway village, near the Ottowaw lakes, I found
that my fame had reached. that place before me. The
chiefs received me with great cordiality, and the el-
der part of them thanked me for the mifchief I hud
prevented. They informed me, that the war be-
tween their nation and thcNapdoweflies had continu-
ed without interruption for more thaji forty winters.
That they liad long wiflied to put an end to it, but
this was generally prevented by the young warriors of
cither nation, who could not reflrain their ardor when
they met. They faid, they fhould be happy if fome
chief of the (iime pacific difpofition as myfelf, and
who poflefTed an,eqviaj degree of refolution and ccoU
ncfs, would fettle in the country between the two na-
tions •, for by the interference of fuch a perfon, an
accommodation, which on their parts they fmcerely
(icfircd, might be brought about. As I did not meet
any of the Naudoweflles afterwards, I had not an op-
portunity of forwarding fo good a work.

About thirty miles below the falls of St. Antliony,
•.it which I arrived the tenth day after I left Lake
Pepin, is a remarkable cave of an amazing depth.
The Indlar.s term it Wakon-teebe, that is, the Dwel-
ling of the Great Spirit. The entrance into it is about

ten

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

39

tVn feet wide, the heigl\t of it five feet. The arcU
within is near rifteen t'cet high aiij about thirty t'cec
broaJ. The bottom of it coulilr-, of line clc.ir i.unl.
i^bout twenty feet from the entrance begins a lake,
the water of which is Wmfparent, and extemls to an
unfcarchable diilance ; for the darkncfs of the eavc
prevents all attempts to acquire a knowledge of it. 1
threw a fmiill pebble towards the interior parts of it,
with my utmoft ftrength 5 I could hear th.it it fell in-
to the water, and notwithltanding it was of a fm»ill
fize, it catifed an aftonlfliii'g and horrible noife, that
reverberated through all lUofe gloomy regions. I
found in this cave many Indian hieroglyphics, which
appeared very ancient, for time hud nearly covered
them with niofs, fo that it was with diiiiculty I could
trace them. 'Ihey were cut in a rude manner, upou
the infide of the walls, which were compoled of a
ftonefo extremely foft that it mi ht eafily be penetrated
with a knife : a fioiiQ every where to be foun ! near
the Miflilippi. T"he cave is only acccfhble by afceri-
ding a narrow, deep pailage, that lies near the brink
of the river.

At a little diftance from this drary cavern, is the
burying -place of feveral bands of the Naudowelhe In-
dians : though thefe people have no fixed refidence,
living in tents and abiding butafewmonthsononefpct,
yet they always bring the bones of their dead to ihi3
place J which they take the opportunity of doing v/hen
the chiefs meet to Aold their councils, and to fettle all
public affairs for the enfuing fummer.

Ten miles below the Falls of St. Anthony, the Ri-
ver St. Pierre, called by the natives the Waddapaw-
menefotor, falls into the Miflifippi from the weft. It
is not mentioned by Father Htjnnipin, although a large,
fair river, : this omifiion I conclude, muft have pro-
ceeded from a fmall ifland that is fituated exa(flly at its
entrance, by which the fight of it is intercepted. I
ihould not have difeovered tliis river mvfelf, had I not

taken

■ft ;'■ i'

4i ' I

40

CARVER'S TRA\T.LS.

.; I,

'fell

taken a view, when I was fearching for It, from tlic
high lands qppofitc, which rife to a great height.

Nearly over againft this river, I was obliged to leave
my canoe, on account of theice, and travel by land to
tlie YdWs of St. Anthony, wnere I arrived on the 1 7th
of November. The Miflifippi from the St. Pierre to
this pl.;ce, is rather more rapid than I had hitherto
foinid it, and without iflands of any confideration.

Before I left my canoe I overtook a young prince
of thsi Winnebago Indians, who was going on an em-
haiTv to fome of the bands of the Naudowefties. ''ind-
;;ig that I intended to take a view of the Falls, he a-
j.;resd to accompany me, his curiolitv having been of-
ren excited by the accounts he had received from fome
«.f his chiefs : he accordingly left his family (foil^'the
.'Indians never travel without their houlholds) at this
jilace, under the care of my Mohawk fervant, and we
proceeded together by land, attended only by my
.Fr€r;]inian, to this celr.brated place.

Av'e could diilinclly hear the noife' of the water full
iiitcen miles before we reached the falls ; and I was
jiira: y pleafid ami furprifed, when I approached this
iiflonilhing work of nature ; but I was not long at li-
Icrty to indulge thcfe emotions, my attention being
»;alled off by the behaviour of my covnpanion.

The prince had no fooner gained the point that o-
vcrlooks this wonderful cafcade,than he began with
an audible voice to addrefs the Great Spirit, one of
whofe places of rcfidence he imagined this to be. He
told him that he had come a long way to pay his ado-
rations to him, ai.d now would make him the bed of-
ferings in his power. lie accordingly firft threw his
pipe into the ftream ; then the roll that contained his
tobacco ; after thefe, the bracelets he wore on hit;
arms and wrifts ; next an ornament that encircled
his neck, compofed of beads and wires; and at lall the
ear-rings from hi^ ears ; in fliort he prefented to his
god, every part of his drcfs that was valuable ; during-

this

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

4t

this he frequently fmote his bread with great violence
threw his arms about, and appeared to be much agi-
tated.

All this while he continued his adorations and at
length concluded them with fervent petitions that the
Great Spirit would conllantly aiford us his protcdion
on our travels, giving us a bright fun, a blue (ley, and
clear, untroubled waters; nor would he leave the place
till we had fmoked together with my pipe, in honor of
the Great SpiriL

I was greatly fupprifed at beholding an inftance of
fuch elevated devotion in ib yo ing an Indian, and in-
flead of ridiculing tlie ceremonies attending it, as I
obferved my catholic fervant tacitly did, I looked on
the prince with a greater degree of refpecSl for thefe
fincere proofs he gave of his piety ; and I doubt not
but that his offerings and prays were as. acceptable to
tiie univerfal Parent of mankind, as if they had been
made with greater pomp, or in a eonfecrated place.

Indeed, the whole condu£l of this young prince at
once amazed and charmed me. During the few days
we were together^ his attention feemed totally to be
employedin yielding me every afliftance in his power ;
and e^en in fo iliorta time, he gave me innumerable
proofs of the mofl generous and difintcrelled fricnil-
fhip J fo that on our return I parted from him wiih
great rclu£tance; Whilll I beheld tiie artlelj?, yet en-
gaging manners of this unpolilhed Cavage, I could net
help drawing a comparifon between him and fome of
tiie morerefined inhabitants of civilized countries, not
>nuch, lown, in favor of the latter.

The Falls of St. Anthony received their name from
Father Louis Hennipin, a French miflionary, who tra-
velled into thefe parts about theyear i68o,and was the
iirft European ever feen by the natives. This amazing
body of waters, which are above 250 yards over, form
a moft plcafing catarajiil j they fall perpendicularly a-
bout iliii ty feet, and the rapid? below, in the fpace of

D 2 300

.p-s-

m

. t i.

C

^ V

4W

1

1

^

■

1

1

1

42

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

?-

j«

I

•I

;-foo yards more, render the defent confiderablygrea
er J {o that when viewed at a diftance, they appear ta
bemuch higher than they really are. The above men-
tioned traveller has laid them down at above fixty feet;
but he has made a greater error in calculating ther
height of the Falls of Niagara; which he aflerts to be
<5oo feet ; whereas from later obfcrvations accurately
made, it is well known that it does notexceed 140 feet,
Bu>- the good father I fear too often had no other foun-
dation for his accounts, than report^ L-r, at bell, a
ilight infpe<Slion.

• In the middle of the Falls flnnds a fmall ifland, a-
bout Sorty feet broad and fomcwhat longer, on which
grow a few cragged hemlock and fpruce trees ; and a-
bout half way between this ifland and the eadern (here
is a rock, lying at the very edge of the Fall, in an ob-
lique poiition, that appeared to be about five or fix
fett broad, and thirty o forty long. Thefe Falls vary
much from all the others I havs fecn,as you may ap-
proach clofe to them without finding the Icafl obftruc-
ticn from any intervening hill or precipice.

The country around them is -extremely beautifuL
It is not an uninterrupted plain, where the eye, finds
no relief, but compofed of many gentle afisents, which
in the fummer arc covered with the fineft vcrder, and
inrerfperfed with little groves, that give a pleafing va-
riety to tlie profpe^t. On the whole, when the Falls
are included, which may be feen at the diftance of four
miles, a more pleafing and pi(Slurefque view cannot, I
believe, be found through the univerfe. I could have
"wilhel that Fhad happened to enjoy this glorious fight
at a moie feafonable time of the year, whilfl the trees-
and hillocks were clad in nature's gayeft livery, as this
muft have greatly added to the pleafure I received j
however even then it exceeded my warmeft expedla-
tions. I have endeavoured to give the reader as juft
an idea of this enchanting fpot, as pofllble j but allde-
fcrlption, whether of the pencil or the pen, mult fall
infiiiitely Ihort of the original. At

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

43

At a little diftance below the Falls ftantla a fmall
ifland,of about an acre and an half, on which grow a
great number of oak trees, every branch of which a-
bie to fapport the weight, was full of eagles nefls.
The reafon that this kind of bfrds refort in fuch num-
bers to this fpot, is, that they are here fecure from the
attacks either of man or beuft, their retreat being
guarded by the rapids, which the Indians never at-
tempt to pafs. Another reafon is, that they find a
conftant fupply of food for themfelves and their young,
from the animals and fiih which are dsifhed to pieces
by the Falls, and driven on the adjacent (hore.

Having fatisfied my curioiity, as far as the eye of
rnan can be fatisfied, I proceeded, on, ftilK accompa-
nied by my young friend, till I had reached the River
St. Prancis, near fixty miles above the falls. To this
river Father Hennipin gave the name of St. Francis,
and this was the extent of his travels, as well as mine,
towards the northweft. As the feafon was fo advanc-
ed, and the weather extremely cold, 1 was not able
to make fo many obfervatioiss on thefc parts as X oth-
erwife iliould have done.

It might however, perhaps, be neccflary to obferve
that in the little tour I made about the Falls, after
travelling fourteen miles, by the fide of the Miffifippi,
I came to a river nearly twenty yards wide, which ran
from the north eaft, called Rum River. And on the
2oth of November came to another termed Goofe
River, about twelve yards wide. On the 21ft I arri-
ved at the St. Francis, which is about thirty yards
wide. Here the Miffifippi itfelf grows narrow, being
not more than nmety yards over j and appears to be
chiefly compofed of fmall brandies. The ice prevent-
ed me from noticing the depth of any of thefe three
rivers.

The country in fome places is hilly, but without
large mountains j and the land is tolerably good. I
obfervrd here many deer and carriboos, fome elk, with

abundance

mvfA -w

^t.:mi'-r

m

%

'I /

44^

CARVER'^s TRAVELS.

4

, u^

I''

abundance of beavers, otters, and other furs. A lit-
tie above this, to the north eaft, are a number of
fmall lakes called the Thoufand Lakes ; the parts
about which, though but little frequented, are the!
beft within many miles, for hunting, as the hunter
never fails of returning loaded beyond hi$expe£lations.

The Miflifippi has never been explored higher up
than the River St. Francis, and only by Father Hen-
nipin and myfelf thus far. So that we are obliged
folely to the Indians, for all the intelligence we aic
able to give relative to the more northern parts. As
this River is not navigable from the fea for veflels of
any confiderable buKhen, much higher up than the
Forks of the Ohio, and even that is accompliflied with
great difficulty, owing to the rapidity of the current,
and the windings of the river; thofe fettlements that
may be made on the interior branches ©f it, muft be
indifputably fecure from the attacks of any maritime
power. But at the fame time the fettlers will have the
advantage of being able to convey their produce to the
fcaports, with great facility, the current ofthe river
from its fouroe to its entrance into the Gulf of Mex-
ico, being extremely favorable for doing this in fmall
craft. This might alfo in time be facilitated by canafls
or fhorter cuts ; and a communication opened by wa-
ter with New- York, Canada, &c.by way ofthe lakes.
The Forks of the Ohio are about nine hundred miles
from the mouth ofthe Miflifippi, following the courfe
of the river y and the Meflbrie two hundred miles a-
bove thefe* From the latter it is about twenty mile,
to the Illinois River, and fronv that to the Guifconfins
which I have given an account of, about eight hun-
dred mor€.

On the 25th I returned to my canoe, which I had
Ibft at the mouth of the River St. Pierre ; and here I
partedwith regret from my young friend, the prince
of the Winnebagoes. This river being clear of ice,
by reafon of its fouthern fituation^ I found nothing, to

©bftrua

CARVKR'5 TRAVELS.

45

^)l)llrucl my p^fi'iige. On the 28th, being advanced
about fdrty miles, I arrived at a fmall branch that fell
into it from the north j to which, as it had no name
that I could diftinguifli it by, I gave* my own. About
forty miles higher up I came to the Forks of Verd and
Red Marble Rivers, which join atfome little diftanee
before they enter the St. Pierre.

The River St. Pierre, at its jun£lion with the Mif-
fifippi, is about a hundred yards broad, and continues
that breadth nearly all the way I failed upon it. It
has a great depth of water, and in feme places runs
very brKkly. About fifty miles from its mouth are
feme rapids, and muchhigherup there are many others.

I proceeded up this river about two hundred miles
to the country of the NaudowefTies of the Plains, which
lies a little aboveufhe Forks formed by the Verd and
Red Marble Rivers, juft mentioned, where a branch
froni the fouth nearly joins the MefTorie River. By
the accounts I received from the Indians, I have Tca-
lon to believe that the River St, Pierre and the Mcf-
forie, though they enter the Miflifippi twelve hundred
miles from each other, take their rife in the famenolgh-'
bourhood ;. and this within the fpace of a mile.

The River St. Pierre's northern branch rifes from
a number of lakes near the fhining mountains ; and it
is from fome of thefe, alfo, that a capital branch of the
River Bourbon, which runs into Hudfon's Bay, has its
fources.

From the intelligence I gained from the Njfudowef-
fie Indians, among whom I arrived on the 7th of De-
cember, and whofe language I perfeftly acquired du-
ring a refidence of five months ; and alfo from the
accounts I afterwards obtained from the Aflinipoils,
who fpeak the fame tongue, being a revolted band of
the Naudoweflies ; and from the Killiftinoes, neigh-
bours of the Aflinipoils, who fpeak the Chipeway lan-
guage, and inhabit the heads of the River Bourbon ;
i fay from thefe nations, together with my own ob-

fervationSi

H :

■I .■•!•■ i
'*■ 1 } i ■■ .'• i

C:'V

f6

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

4

■^

li

fervatians, I have learned that the four niofi: capital
rivers on the Continent of North America, viz, the St*
Lawrence, the Miffifippi, the river Bourbon, and the
Oregon or the river of the Weft (as Ihinted in my hi-
trodudion) have their fou'rces in the lame neighbour-
hpod: The waters of the three former are within
thirty miles of each other j the latter, however is r^i-
ther further weft.'

This fliews that thefe parts are the higheft lands in
North-America ; and it is an inftance r.ot to be purel-
leled on the other three quarters of the globe, that
four rivers of fuch magnitude fliould take their rile to-
gether, and each, after running feperate courfes, ilif-
charge their Waters into difFei'ent oceans at the dif-
tance of two thoufand miles from their fources. ! or
in their pa^Tage from this fpot to tl]^ bay of St. Law-
rence, eaft i to the Bay of Mexico, fouth j to Hud-
fon's Bay, north; and to the bay at the Straits of An-
nian weft, each of thefe traverfe upwards of two thou-
fand miles. ' .

I ihall here give my readers fuch refledlions as oc-
curred to me,whenlhad received this intereftinginfor-
mation, and had by numberlefs enquiries, afccrtained
the truth of it ; that'is, as far aa it wa» poflible to at-
rive at a certainty without a perfonal inveftigation*.

It is well known that the Colonies, particularly thofe
of New-England and Canadaj are greatly afFefted, a-
bout the time their winter fets in, by a north-weft
wind, which contiiiufes for feveral months, and ren-
ders the cold much more intenfe there than it is ih
the interior parts of America-. This I can, fror" my
own knowledge, aflert, as I found the winter, that 1
pafled to the weftward of the Miflifippi, far from fc-
vere j and the north-weft wind blowing on thofe coun-
tries confiderable more temperate than I have often
experienced it to be nearer the coaft. And that this
did not arife from an uncertainty of the feafons, but
Wiis annually the cafc> 1 conclude, both from the fmail

quantity

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

+7

<^iiantity of fnow that then fell, and a total difufe of
ftiow-fliocs by thefc Indians, vithout which none of
the more eaftern nations can poflibly travel during the
winter.

As naturalifts obferve, that air refembles water in
many refpe£ls, particularly by oftrn flowing in a com-
pa£t body ; and that this is generally remarked to be
with the current of- large ftreanis, and feldom acrofs
them, may not the winds that fet violently into the
Bay of Mexico about the latter end of the year, take
their courfe over the continent in the famediref^iona^
the Miflifippidoes; till rneetirg with the north winds
(,that from a (imilar caufe blow up the Bourbon from
Hudfon's Bay) they arc forced acrofs ihe great lakes,
down the current of the waters of the St. Lawience,
and united, commit thofe ravages, and occafion thofe
fevere winters, experienced in the before-mentioned
countries ? ^During their progrefs over the lakes they
become expanded, and confeau6ntly affedt a greater
tradl of land than they otherwife would jdo.

According to my fcanty knowledge of natural phi-
lofophy, this does not appear improbable. Whcth-.
er it is agreeable to the laws eft;iblinied by naturalifts
to account for the operations of that element, I know
not. However, the defcription here given of the fitu-
aiion of thefe vaft bodi(?s of water, and their near ap-
proach to each other, with my own undigcfted fup-
pofitions of their efFetl on the winds, may prove per-
haps, in abler hands, J:he means of leading to many
ufeful difcoveries.

On the 7th of December, T arrived (as, I faid before)
at the utmoft extent of my travels towards the weft ;
where I met with a large party of the Naudoweflic
Indians, among whom I refided feven months. Thcfe
conftituted a part of the eight .bands of the Naudo.r
weflies of the Plains ; and are termed the Wawpeen-
towahs,the Tintons, the Afrahcootans, theMavvhaws,
aiid the Schians. The other three ban^ls, whofe

names

tfl

H'

!4 >

\\i

• t

'^"Wt)'

' '%'} Tit

m

?4i

48

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

Rm.

names are, ilieScluanefe, theChongoulccton, and the
Waddapawjcltin, dwell higher up, to the weft of the
River St. Pierre, on plains that, according to their ac-
count, are unbounded; and probably terminate on the
coaftofthe PacificOcean. The Naudowcflie nation,
when united, confifts of more than two thoufand war-
riors. The Aflinpoils,whorevolted from them, amount
to about three hundred ;, and league with theKillilli.
noes, live in a continual Itatc of enmity with the other
eleven bands.

As I proceeded up the River St. Pierre, and liad
nearly reached the place where thefe people were en-
camped,! obferved two or three canoes coming down
the ftream ; but no fooner had the Indians that were
on board them, difcovered us, than they rowed to-
ward the land, and leaping afhore y/ith precipitation,
left their canoes to float as the current drove them.
In a few minutes I perceived Tome others ; who, as
foon as they came in fight, followed y/ith equal fpeed>
the example of their countrymen.

I now thought it ncccflary to proceed witli caution j
and therefore kept on the fide of the river oppofite
to that on which the Indians had lande<l. However,
( ftill continued my courfe, fatifiied that the pipe of
peace, which was lixcd at the head of my canoe, and
the Englifli colors that were flying at the item, wou]«l
prove my fccuvity. After rowing about half a mile
further, in turning a point, I difcovered a great num-
ber of tents, and more than a thoufand Indianp), at a
little diftance from the (liore. 13eing now nearly op-
poiite to them, I ordered my men to pull diredtly o-
ver, as I was willing to convince the Indians by luch
a llcp, that I plained fome confidence in them.

As foon IS I had reached the land, twoof the chiefs
prefented their hands to me, and icd me, amidlt the
ftfloniflied multitude, wlio hr.d moll of them never
feen a white man before, to a tent. Into this we en-
tered,aMdaccording lo thecullom that univerfally pre-

Yails

CARVER'S TRAVI-XS.

4>

vails among every Indian nation, began to fmokc the
pipe of peace. We had not fat long before the crowd
became fo great, both around, and upon the tent, that
we were in danger of being cruflied by its fall. On
this we returned to the plain, where, having gratified
tlie curiofity of the common people, their wonder abat^
ed, and ever after they treated me with great refpeft.

From the chiefs I met with the mod friendly and
hofpitable reception ; which induced me, as the icafoii
was fo far advanced, to, take up my refidencc amoncr
them during the winter. To render my Hay as com-
fortable as pofliblc, I firft endeavoured to learn their
language. This I foon did, fo as to make myfelf per-
fedlly intelligible, having before acquired fbme flight
knowledge of the language of thofe Indians that live
on the back of the fettlements •, and in confequence
met with every accommodation their manner of living
would afford. Nor did I want for fuch amufements
as tended to make fo long a period pafs cheerfully away.
I frequently hunted with them j apd at other times
beheld with pleafure their recreations and pallimes,
which I fhall defcribe hereafter.

Sometimes I fat with the chiefs, and whilflwe fmok-
cd the friendly pipe, entertained them, in return for
the accounts they gave me of their wars and excur-
fions, with a narrative of my own adventures, and a.
defcription of all the battles fought between the En-
glifli and French in America, in many of ^vllich I had
a perfonal fharc. They always paid great aueniioni
to my details, and alked many pertinent queftions re-
lative to the European methods of making war.

I held thefe convcrfations with them in a great
meafure to procure from them fome information re-
lative to the chief point I had conllantly in view, that
of gaining a knowledge of the (ItRation and produce,
both of their OM^n country, and thofe that lay to the
weftward of them. Nor was I difappointcd in my
dcligiis ; for I procured from them much ufeful in ret

w\

u^

I. , '(

6>

E.

ii^cncc.

50

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

ifg

,.«H

J ■>

ligrnc". They Hkcvi i.'i drew for me plans of all the
countries with which they were acquainted \ but as I
cntert:uned no great opinion of their geographical
knowledge, I placed nor much dependence on them,
and therefore think ii unnccefTary to give them to the
public. They draw with a piece of burnt coal, taken
from the hearth, upon the infide bark of the birch
tree ; which is as fmooth as paper, and anfwers the
iame pu pofcs, notwitliftanding it is of a yellow call.
T'hcir fketches are made in a rude manner, but they
feem to give us as juft; an idea of a country, although
rhc plan is not fo rxa£t, as more experienced draughtf-
men coul<l do.

1 left the habitations of thefe hofpitable Indians the
latter end of April 1 767 ; but did not part from them
for feveral d;;ys, as I was accompanied on my journey
by near three hundred of them, |jmong whom were
many chiefs, to the mouth of the River St. Pierre.
At this feafon, thefe bands annually go to the Great
Cave, before mentioned, to hold a grand council with
all the other bands ; wherein they fettle their opera-
tions for the enfuing year. At the fame time they
tarry with them their dead, for interment, bound up
in buffaloes' (kins. Befides thofe that accompanied
me, others were gone before, and the reft were to
follow.

Never did I travel with fo cheerful and happy a
company. But their mirth met with a fudden and
temporary allay from a violent ftorni that ovcrtgok us
one day on our paflage. We had juft landed, and
were preparing to fet up our tents for the night, when
a heavy cloud ovcrfprcad the heavens, and the moft
dreadful thunder, lightning, and rain illued from it,
that ever I beheld.

The Indians wercgreatly terrified, and ran to fucK
flielter as they could find ; for only a fev/ tents were
as yet ere<fted. Apprehenfivt of the danger that
might cnfue frcm ftauding near uny thing which could

fervc

't' 9

CARVER'S TRAVKLS.

"s

V

fcrve for a comluc^or, as the cloud appcnred to con-
tain luch an uncommon quantity of elechicai fluid, I
took my fkand as fa^r as poliible from any covering ;
chufing rather to be expofed to the pelting s of the
ftorm, than to receive a fatal flioke. At this the In-
dians were greatly furprifed, and drew conclufions
from It not unfavourable to. the opinion they already-
entertained of my refolution. Yet I acknowledge thut
I was nevei more eifedtcd in .my life j foi nothing
fcarcely could exceed the terrific fcene. The peals of
thunder were fo loud thai they Ihook the earth ; and
the lightning flalhed along the ground in Itreams of
fulphurr fo that the Indian chiefs themfjlves, althougii
their courage in war is ufually invincible, could not
help trembling at the horrid combuftion. As foon as
the ftorm was over, they Hocked around mc, and in-
formed me, that \f^ was a proof of the anger of the
evil rpirits, whom they were apprehcnfive tliat they
had highly ofFended.

When we arrived at the Great Cave, and tlie In-
dians had depofited the remains oi tlieir deccafed
friends in the burial-place that ftands adjacent to it,
they held their great council, into which I was Ht^
mitted, and at the fame time had the honour to be
inllalled or adopted a chief of their bands. On this
occafion I made the following fpeech, which I infert,
to give my readers a fpccimcn of the language and
manner in which it is neceflary to addrefs the Indians,
fo as to engage their attention, and to render the
fpeaker's exprelFion confonant to their ideas. It was
delivered on the iirft day of May 1767-

"My brothers, chiefs of tlie numerous and pG^vcr-
ful Naudoweflies ! I rejoice that through my long
abode with you, I can now fpcak to you (though after
an imperfedt manner) in your own tongue, like one of
your own children. I rejoice alfo that I have had an
opportunity fo frequently to inform you of the glory
and power of the Great King that reigns over the Eu-

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

Km

glifh and other nations ; who is dcfccnilcd from a very
ancient race of fovcrcigns, as old as the earth and wa-
ters; whole feet itand on two great illands, larger than
any you have ever fccn, amidlt the greatell waters in
the world ; whofc head reaches to the fun, and whofc
arms encircle the whole earth : the number of whofe
warriors arc ecj^ual to the trees in the vallics, the ftalks
oi* rice in yonder marflies, or the blades of grafs on
your great plains : who has hundreds of canoes of his
own, of fuch amazing bigncfs, that all tJie waters in
your country would not i'uflicc for one of them to
fwim in ; each of which have guns, not fmall like
mine, which you fee before you, but of fuch magni-
tude, that- an hundred of your itoutelt young men
would with dlilicuity be able to carry one. And thcfc
are equally furpriiing in their operation againft the?
great king's enemies when engaged in battle ; the ter-
ror they carry with them, your language wants words
to exprcfs. You may remember the other day when
•we were encamping at Wadawpav/mencfotcr, the
black clouds, the wind, the fire, the ftupendous noife,
the horrible cracks, and the trembling of the earth,
which then alarmed you, and gave you reafon to think
your gods were angiy with you ; not unlike thefe arc
the warlike implcmentti of the Englifh, when they arc
fighting the battles of th;ir great king.

" Several of the chiefs of your bands have often
told me, in times paft, when I dwelt with you in your
tents, that they much wifliied to be counted among the
cltiKlren and allies of the great king my mafter. You
rr.ay remember how often you have defircd me, whtin
1 return again to my own country, to acquaint the
great king of your good dlfpofiiion towards him and
his fiibjetts, ar.d that you wifhed for traders from the
Englilli to come among you.

" Being now about to take my leave of you, and to
return to my own country, a long way towards the
xifin;; Cmi^ I again aik you to tell me whether you:

continue

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

53

tontiniie of the fame mind as when I fpokc to you in
council laH: winter ; and as there are now fcveral oi*
your chiefs here, who came from the great plains to-
wards the fettinir of the fun, whom I have never fpokc
with in council before, I aflc you to let me know if you
are all willing to acknowledge yourfelvcs the children
of my great mafter the King of the Englifti and other
nations, as I ftiall take the firft opportunity to acquaint
him of your defires and good intentions.

«»I charge you not to give heed to bad reports , for
there are wicked birds flying about among the n»figh-
bouring nations, who may whifpcr evil things in your
earj againd the Englllh, contrary to what I have told
you J you muft not believe them, for 1 have told you
the truth.

" And as for the chiefs that arc about to no to
Michillimackinac, I iliall take care to make for thein
and their fuite, a llraight road, fmooth waters, and a
clear Iky ; that they may go there, and fmoke the pipe
of peace, and reft fccure on a beaver blanket under
ihe fliade of the great tree of peace. Farewell !"

To this fpecch I received the following anfwcf^
from the mouth of the principal chief.

" Good brother ! \ am now about to fpeak to you
with the mouths of thefe my brothers, chiefs of the
eight bands of the powerful nation of the Naudowef-
fics. We believe and are well fatisfied in the truth of
every thing you have told us about your great nation,
and the great, king ourgreateft father •, for whom we
fpread this beaver blanket, that his fatherly protcclio.i
may ever reft eafy and fafe amongft us his children :
your colors and your arms agree with die accounts
you have given us about your great nation. We dc-
fire that when you return, you will acquaint the great
king how much the Naudoweliies wilh to be counted
among his good children.

" You may believe us when wc tell you that we will
not open our ears to any who may dure to fpeak evil

E 2 ^ of

• i

WA

■^Hi

i -1

m

54

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

I

I/''

»*i

of our ;grcat fatlier tlic king of the Engllfli and other
nations.

"We thank you for what you have done for us in mak-
ing peace between tlie Naudowelhes and the Chipc-
ways, and hope when you return to us again, mat you
will complete this good work j and quite difpelling the
clouds that intervene, open the blue iky of peace, and
caufe the bloody hatchet to be deep buried under the
roots of the great tree of peace. .

<»\V"e with you to remember to reprcfent to our
great father how mucJi we dcfire that traders may be
lent to abiii« among us with fuch things as we need,
that the hearts of our young men, our wives and chil-
dren may be made glad. Ami mny peace fubfill be-
tween us, fo long as the fun, the moon, the earth, and
the waters ftiall endure. Farewell !"

I thought it neccllary to caution the Indians againft
giving heed to any bad reports that may reach them
from the neighbouring nations, to the difadvantagc
of the Englidi, as I had licard, at diflerent places
through which I pafled, that emiflaries were Hill etn-
jdoyed by the French to detach thofe who were friend-
ly to the Englifh, from their intereft. And I faw,
myfeU, feveral belts of Wampum that had been deli-
vered for this purpofe to fomc of the tribes I was
;among. On tlie delivery of each of thefe, a Talk was
held, wherein the Indians were told tliat the Englifli,
who were but a petty people, had flolen that country
from their great father the king of France, whilfl he
was afleep ; but that he would foon awake, and take
them again under his prote^Slion. Thefe I found were
font from Canada, by perfons who appeared to be
•well afteikd towards the government under which
they lived.

Whilll I tarried at the mouth of the River St JPicrre,
with thefe friendly Indians,! endeavoured to gain in-
telligence whether any goods had been fent towards
liic FiiUs of ijt. Anthony for a\y ufe, agreeable to the

promifc

CARVER'S travel;*.

55

promlfe I had received from the Governor, when I
left Michillimackinac. But finding from fome In-
dians, who pafled by in their return from thofe parts,
tliat diis agreement had not been fulfilled, I was oblig-
ed to give up all thoughts of proceeding further to the
north- well by this route, at jording to my original
plan. I therefore returned to La Prairie le Chien,
wliere I procured as many goods from the traders I
left there the proceeding year, as thejClould fpare.

As thefc, however, were not fufficient to enable me
to renew my full defign, I determined to endeavour
to make my way acrofs the country of tlie Chipeways
to Lake SuiJcrior •, in hopes of meeting at the Grand
Portage on the north fide of it, the traders that an-
nually go from Michillimackinac to the north-weft;
of whom I doubted not but that I fliould be able to
procure goods enough to anfwer my purpofe, and alfo
to penetrate through thofe more northern parts to the
Straits of Annian.

And I the more readily returned to La Prairie Ic
Chien, as I could by that means the better fulHl the
engagement I had made to the party of Naudowefiies
nientiontid at the conclufion of my fpecch.

During my abode with this people, wifliing to fe-
cure them entirely in the intereil of theEnglifh, I had
aiivifcu fome of the chiefs to go to Michillimackinac,
where they would have an opportunity of trading, and
of hearing the accounts that I had entertained them
with of my countrymen, confirmed. At the fame
time I had furnifticd them with a recommendation to
the Governor, and given them every dire£lion necef-

av

•y for their voyage.

In confequence of this, one of the principal chiefs,
and twenty-five of an inferior rank, agreed to go the
enfuing fummer. This they took an opportunity of
doing, when they came with the reft of their band to
attend tiic grand council at the mouth of the River
ht, Pierre. Being obliged, on account of the dilap-

fointment

uw

. )¥i\

1 r- Vs

5^ . CARVER'S TRAVELS.

pointmcnt I hadjufl been informed of, to return fo
far down the Mifllfippi, I could from thence ths more
cafily fet them on their journey.

As the intermediate parts of this river are much frc.
quented by the Chipeways, with whom the Naudow-
cflies arc continually at war, Ihey thought it more
prudent, being but a fmall party, to take the advan-
tage of the night, than to travel with me by day ; ac-
cordingly ncTiiPoner was the grand council broke up,
than I took a friendly leave of thefe people, from
whom I had received innumerable civilities, and pur-
fued once more my voyage.

I reached the eafterri fide of Lake Pepin the fame
night, where I went alhore and encamped as ufual.
The next morning, when I had proceeded fome miles
further, I perceive<l at a diftance before me, a fmoke,
which denoted that fome Indbns were near ; and in
a fliort time difcovered ten or twelve tents, not far
from the bank of the river. As I was apprehenfivc
that this was a party of the Rovers^ had before met
with, I knew not what courfe to purfue. My atten-
dants purfuadedme to endeavoiTr to pafaby them on
the oppofite fide of the river ; but as I had hitherto
found that the beft way to enfure a friendly le^eption
from the Indians, is to meet them boldly, and without
fhewing any tokens of fear, I would by no means
confent to their propofal. Inftead of this I crofTcd
directly over, and landed in the mid ft of them, for by
this time the greateft part of them were ftanding on
the ftiore.

The firft I accofted were Chipeways, inhabiting
near the Ottowaw Lakes ; who received me with great
cordiality, and fliook me by the hand in token of
friendlhip. At fomcjittle diftance behind thefe ftood
a chief remarkably tall and well made, but of fo ftern
an afpedl, that the moft undaunted perfon could not
behold him without feeling fome degree of terror.
tie fcemed to have pa^ed the meridian of life, and

by

carver:s travels.

57

by the mode In which he was painted and tatowed, I
difcovered that he was of high rank. However, I ap-
proached him in a courteous manner, and expected
to have met with the fame reception I had done from
the others ; but to my great furprife, he withheld his
hand, and looking fiercely at me, faid, in the Chipe-
way tongue, ** Ci'.win nifliifhin faganofti," that is,
*<The Englifh arc no good." As he had his toma-
hawk in his hand, I cxpe£led that this laconic fen-
tence would have been followed by a blow ; to pre-
vent which, I drew a piftol from my belt, and, hold-
ing it in a carelefs pofition, pafled clofe by him, to let
him fee 1 was nof afFraid of him.

I learned foon after from the other Indians, that
this was a chief, called by the French, the Grand Sau-
tor, or the Great Chipeway Chief, for they denomi-
nate the Chipeways, Sautors. They like wife told
me that he had been always a fteady friend to that
people, and when they delivered up Michillimackinac
to the Englifli on their evacuation of Canada, the
Granfi 3?u'or had fworn that he would ever remain
thc'uv'iwed enemy of its new pofleflbrs, as the terri-
tories on which the fort is built belonged to him.

Finding him thus difpofcd, I took care to be con-
ftantly upon mv ^jlFard whilft I (laid ; but that he
might not fuppofe I was driven away by his frowns,
I took up my abode there for the night. I pitched
my tent at fomc diftance from the Indians, and had
no fooner laid myfclf down to reft, than I was awak-
ed by my French fervant. Having been alarmed by
the found of Indian mufic, he had run to the outfide
of the tent, where he beheld a party of the young
favages dancing tow.irdu us in an extraor linary man-
ner,each carrying in liis h.md a torch fixed on the top
of a long pole. But I ihall defer any further account
ofthisuncommonentertainment, which at once furprif-
«d and alarmed me> till I treat of the Indian dances.

•t

m

»;

5^

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

The next morning I continued r«y voyage, and be.
fore night reached La Prairie le Chien ; at which
place the party af Naudoweffies foon overtook mc.
Not long after, the Grand Sjiutor alfo arriv,cd, and
before the Naudowefiies left that place to continue
'their journey to Michillimackinac, he found means,
inconjunftion with fome French traders from Louif.
iana, to draw from me about ten of the NaudoweiTic
chiefs, whom hf* prevailed upon to go to^var J thofc
parts.

The remainder proceeded, according to my dircc-
tions, to the Englilh fort ; from whence I afterwards
heard that they returned to their own country with-
out any unfortunate accident befaUing them, and
greatly pleafcd with the reception they had met with.
Whiht not more than half- of thofc who went to the
fouthward, through the difl'crence of that foutliern
climate from their own, i.ved to reach their abode.
And fince I came to England 1 have been informed,
that the Grand S;\utor having rendered himfelf more
and m':rc dilj.niit;ii! to the Engliib, by his inveterate
enmity tov/nds them, was at length (tabbed in his
tent, as he encamped near MichiiLmackinac, by a tra-
der, to whom I had related the foregoing (lory.

I ihould have remarked, thai# whatever Indians
happen to meet at lia Prairie le Chien, the great mart
to which all who inhabit the adiacent countries re-
fort, though the nations to which they belong arc at
war with each other, yet they ate obliged to rcflrain
their enmity, and to forbear all hoftile a£h during
their (lay there. This regulation has been long cf-
tabliflied among them for their mutu?>\ convenience,
as without it no trade could be ca» » led on. The
lame rule is obfcrvcd alfo at the Red Mountain (after-
wards defcribcd) from whence ti.CT get the itone of
which they make their pipes j thofc being indifpcnfa-
ble to the accommodation of eveiy neighbouring
tribe, a fimilar reiUi^tion becomes needful, and is of
public Utility. The

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

59

The River St. Pierre, which runs through the ter-
ritories of the NaudoweiTies, flows through a nioft de-
lightful country, abounding with all the neceflarles of
life, that grow fpontancoufly ; and wi^^ a little cul-
tivation it might be made to produce even the luxu-
ries of life. W ild rice grows here in great abundance ;
and every part is filled with trees bending under their
Joails of fruits, fuch as plums, grapes, ana apples ; the
meadows are" covered with hops, and many forts of
vegetables ; whilft the ground is ftored with ufeful
roots, with angelica, fpikenard, and ground-nuts as
large *i hens' eggs. At a little diftance from the
fides uf the riVer are eminences, from which you have
views that cannot be exceeded even by the moft beau-
tiful of thofe I have already defcribed; amidil Uiefe
are delightful groves, and I'uch amazing quantities of
maples, that they would produce fugar fufficicnt for
any number of inhabitants.

A little way from the mouth of this river, on tlie
north fide of it, flands a hill, one part of which, that
towards the Milhfippi, is compofed entirely of white
(tone, of the fame foft nature as that I have before dc-
cribcd ; for fuch, indeed, is all the Hone in this coun-
try. But what appears remark;iblc, is, that the colour
of it is as white as the driven fnow. '1 he outward
part of it was crumbled by the wind and weather into
heaps of fand, of which a beautiful corapofition mipht
be made ; or, I am of opinion that, when properly
treated, the flone itfelf would grow harder by time,
and have a very noble effedl in archite^ure.

Nearthat branch which is termed the Marble River,
ifi a mountain, from whence the Indians get a fort of
red fl:onCj out of which they hew the bowls of their
pipes. In fome of thefe parts is found a black, hard
clay, or rather (lone, of which the Naudowclhcs m.iKC
their family utenfils. This country likewife abounds
with a milkwhitc clay, of which China ware might
be made equal in goodncfs to the Afiatic ; an4 alio

with

' Iff!

iif.,

m

:i

\ n 11

■ f

■ ■ ' f ,

^:^'f

6o

CARVERS TRAVELS.

with a blue clay that fervcs the Indians for paint, Nvlth
this laft they contrive, Ly mixing it with the red (lone
powdered, to paint themfelves of diflpcrent colours.
Thofe that can get the blue clay here mentioned, paint
themfelves very much with it j particularly when they
are about to begin their fports and paftimcs. It it
alfo cfteemed by them a mark of peace, as it lias a
refemblance of a blue Iky, which with them is a fym-
bol of it, and made ufe of in their fpecches as a figura-
tive expreflion to denote peace. When they wifli to
jfhcw that their inclinations are pacific towards other
^tribes, they greatly ornament both tHemfelvcs an^thcir
belts with it.

Having concluded my bufinefs at La Prairie k
Chien, I proceeded once more up the Miflifippi, as far
as the place where the Chipeway River enters it, a
little below Lake Pepin. Here, having engaged an
Indian pilot, I dire£led him to ftecr towards the Otta-
waw Lakes, which lie near the head of this rrvcr.
This he did, and I arrived at them tlie beginning of
July.

The Chipeway River, at its junction with the Mif-
fifippi, is about eighty yards wide, but is much wider
as you advance into it. Near thirty miles up it ft pa-
rates into two branches, and I took my courfe through
that which lies to the eaftward.

The country adjoining to the river, for about fixty
miles, is very level, and on its banks lie fine meadows,
where larger droves of bufi'aloea and v^lks were feed-
ing, than I had obferved in any other part of my tra-
vels. The track between the two branches or this
river is termed, the Road of War between the Chipe-
way and Naudoweflie Indians.

The country to the Falls is almoft without any
timber, and above that very uneven and rugged, ani
clofcly wooded with pines, beach, maple, and birch.
Here a moll remarkable and aflonifliing fight prefent-
<U itfelf to my view. In a wood, on the eail of the

river,

CARVKR's TRAVELS.

6i

rvfi"? which was about three quarters of a mile ini
length, and in depth further than my eye could reach,
I obfcrvcd that every tree, many of v/h:^h were more
than fix feet in circumference, was lying fiat on t!ie
ground, torr up by the roots. This appeared to have
been done by fomc extraordinary hurricane, that came
from the weft fome years ago ; but how many I could
not iearn, as I found no inhabitants near it, of whom
I could gain information. The country on the well
fide of the river, from being Icfs woody, had efcaped
in a great meafure this havoc as only a few trees were
blown down.

Near the heads of this river, is a town of the Chi-
peways from whence it takes its name. It is fituat-
edon each fide of the river (which at this place is of
lio confulerable breadth) and lies adjacent to the banks
of a finall lake. This town contains about forty
houfes, and can fend out upwards of one hundred
warriors, many of whom were fine, ftout young men.
The houfes of it are built after the Indian manner,
nnd have neat plantations behind tlicm ; but the inha-
bitants, in general, feemt d to be tlie nallieft people I
had ever been among, i obferved tliat the -womeii
and children indulged themfelves in a cuftom, which
though common, in fome degree, throughout every
Indian nation, appears to be, according to our ideas,
of the moll naui'eous and indelicate nature; that of
fearching each other's head, and eating the prey caught
therein.

In July I l( ft thiKtown, and having croflcd a num-
ber of fjiall lakes and ca*iying places that interven-
ed, can c to a Jiead branch of the River St. Croix.
This branch I defcended to a fork, and then afcend-
cd another to its fourtr. On both thcfe rubers i dif-
covcrcil fevrral mines of virgin top|tcr, which was as
pure as th.il fourul in Any olher < ountry.

Here I came to a fmall ]iiiin]$, wfiirh my givdf
thought mij^ht be joined at fujuc dilUllU by ibciimi

]f lh.il

^'h^

Jm ti

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i

Cz

CAK\'ER'b TRAAKLS.

»*(

1

■'''(ii

tha* wciil'^ at Inngtli render it ivavigsble. Tlic v/ntar
.It l> i. s i'o fcanty, that my canoe woiiul by no
iTieajn iwuw iij it ; but liaving Hopped up fcvcral olj
bcavei r-uwu., ^-bidi had been broken dovi^n by the
hunters, T wau *. i ablcd to proceed for fome miles, till
by the conjundion of a few brooks, thcfe aids became
no longer nceeflary. In a fhort time the water in-
creafcd to a molt rapid river, which m'C defcendctl
till it entered into Lake Superior. This river I nam-
ed after a gentleman that dcfired lo accompany nic
from the town of the Qttagaumies to tlie Carrying
Place on Lake Superior, Coddard's River.

To the wefl of this is another imall river, which
filfo empties itfelf into the Lake. This I termed Straw-
berry River, from tlic great number of llrawberrics
of a good fizc and flavor that grew on its banks.

TIic country from the Ottowaw Lakes to Lake Su-
perior, is in general very uneven and thickly covered
with woods. The foil in fome places is tolerably good,
in others but indifferent. In the heads of the St.
Croix and the Chipeway Rivers are exceeding fine
Ihirgcon. All the wildernefs between the MifTifippi
and Lake Superior is called by the Indians, the Moi-
chettoe Country, and I thought it moll juftly named j
for, it being then their feafon, I never law or felt fo
many of thofe infc6ls in my life.

The latter end of July I arrive*!, after having coafl-
fu through Well Bay, at the Grand Portage, which
Jies on the north-wed borders of Lake Superior.
Here thofe who go on the north-weft trade, to the
Lakes l)e Pluye, Dubois, <f<c. carryover their canoc^
and baggage about nine miles, till they come fo a
number of fmall lakes, the waters of fonic of which
(icfcend into Lake Superior, and others into the river
lk)urbon. Lake Superior from Weil Bay to this
place is bounded by rocks, except towards the fouth-
wcft part of th.e Bay where I firfl entered it, there
it was tolerably level.

At

CARVER'S TRAVELS. 63

At tlic Grand Portage is a fnull b.iy, before the
entrance of which lies an illaiul thut intercept* th-i
dreary and uninterrirpttd view over the Luke, which
otherwil'e wonld have preienttd lUolf, and ni.ikes tiie
bay Icrenc and picalant. iiere 1 met a large party of
the Kihiltinoe and Afllnipoil Indians, with their ref--
pccbive kings and their lamilici. 'ihey were conic
to this place in order to meet ilu: traders from hlich-
illimackinac, who make this tliv-iv road to the iionh-
wclt. From them I receivtid the ioilowing aceout '
of the Lakes thatlie to tlie north-well ofLake Superior.

Lake Bourbon, tlic molt northern of thox'e ' •!:
difcovered, received its nan»e innw fome Frencli ii .-
ders who accompanied a party of Indians to iludfon's
Bay fonvc years ago ; and was thus denominated by
tliem in honour of the royal family of France. It is
compofed of the v/aters of the Bourbon River, which
as I have before oblerved, vifes a grea: wny to the
foutliward, not far from the northern heads of the
MilFifippi.

This lake is about eighty miles in length, norch and
fouth, and is nearly circular. it has no very iar;^«
iflands on it. Tiie land on the cailern lide is very good ■,
and to the fouth-wcll there au-. lome rr.ounta rjs : ia
many other parts there arc barren pi.iins, bo.^y, i.nd
moralTes. Its latitude is between llliy-tv/o ;;iui riftv-
four degrees nortli, and it lies nearly icr.th-weit from
Hudfon's Bay. As through its northern htuation the
weather there is extremely cold, only a lew animals
are to be found in the country that borders on ii.
They gave me but an indifferent account either of
the bealh, birds, or filhes. There are indeed fome
buffaloes of a fmall fize, which are fat and good ibout
the latter end of lumnKT, with a few mcofc and ear-
riboo deer : however, this deheicncv is nia;lc up by
the furs of every fort that are to be met wiili in great
plenty around the lake. I he timber growing here is
chi«Hy fir, cedar, fpruce, and fome in.'.ple.

L;d\c

■.^■i

#4 CARVER'S TRAVELS.

Lake Winnepeek, or as the French write It, Lac
Ouiniplijue, which Hcs neareft to the foregoing, j^
€ompofetl of tlie fame waters. It is in length about two
hundred miles north and fouth ; its breadth has ne-
ver been properly afccrtained, but is fuppofed to be
ibout one hundred miles in its wide ft part. This
lake is very full of iflands ; thcfe are, however of no
great magnitude. Many conliderable rivers empty
r.hemf-lv'js into it, which, as yet, are not dilUnguiil^
cd by .iii/ names. The waters are ilored with fi(h,
Juch as trout and flurgcon, ami alfo with others of a
tmaller kind peculiar to thefe lakes.

The land on the fouth-weft part of it is very goovl,
specially about the entrance of a large branch of the
River liourbon, which flows from the fouth-weft,
On this river there is a fatlory that was built by the
iVcnch, called Fort la Reine, to v/hich the traders
tVom Michillimackinac refort to trade with the Aflini-
pofls and Killiftinoes. To this place the Mahahs,
who inhi^bit a country two hundred and fifty miles
fouth-well, come alfo to trade with them ; and bring
great quantities of Indian corn, to exchange for knives,
tomahawks, and other articles. Thefe people arc
fuppofed to dwell on fomc of the branches of the
River of the Weft.

Lake Winnepeek has on the north-eaft fome moun-
tains, and on the caft many barren plains. The ma-
ple or fugar tree grows here in great plenty, and there
is likewife gathered an amazing quantity of rice,
whicl) proves that grain will flouriili in thcfe northern
ciimatcs as well as in warmer. BulFalocs, carriboo,
?Mi\ moofe deer, arc numerous in thefe parts. The
biuValocs of this country differ from thofe that arc
found more to the fouth only in fize ; the former
being much fmallcr ; juft as the black cattle of the
northern parts of Great Britain diftcr from Englifh
oxen.

On

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

«J

On the waters that fall into this Lakr, the neigh-
bouring nations take great numbers of excellent furs.
Some of thcfe they carry to tlie fa£lories ami fettlc-
ments belonging to the Hudfon's Bay Company, fitu-
ated above the entrance of the Bourbon River ; but
this they do with relu£lance, on feveral accounts ; for
fome of the AfTmipoils and Killiftiones, who ufually
traded with the Company's fervants, told mc, that if
thev could be fure of a confbant fiipply of goods from
Michillimackinacjthey would not tradeany where elfe
They fliewcd mc fome cloth and other articles that
they had purchafed at Hudfon's Bay, with which they
were much difTatisficd, thinking they had been great-
ly impofed upon in the barter.

Allowing that their accounts were true, I could not
help joining in their opinion. But this dil1atisfa(Slion
mij^dit probably proceed, in a gre»t meafure, from the
intrigues of the Canadian traders : forwhiKl thel'Yencli
were in poflefTion of Michillimacinae, having acquired
a thorough knowledge of the trade of the north-wcfk
countries, they were employcti on that account, after
the reducVion of Canada, by the Kni^lilh traders there,
in the ellabliflmicnt of this trade with which they
were themfelves quite unaccjuaiiued. One of the me-
thods thev took to withdraw thcfe Indians from their
attachment to the Hudibn's Bay Company, and to en-
gage their good opinon in behalf of their new employ-
ercj, v/as bv depreciating on all occafions the Compa-
ny's goods, and magnifying the advantages that would
arife to them from trafficing entirely with the Cana-
dian traders. In tliis they too well fucceeded, and
from this doubtlefs, did the difl'atisfadion the Aflini-
poils and KilIi{linoes cxprefled to me, partly proceed.
But another rjafon augmented it ; and this was
the length of their journey to the Hudfou's Bay fac-
tories, which, they informed me, took them up three
months, during the fummer heats to go and return,
and from the Imailnefs of their canoes they could not

F i carry

■ -I

i

66

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

HI

carry more than a thinl of the beavers they killed,
ho that it is not to be wondered at, that thefe Indians
fliould wilh to have traders come to refide among
them. It is true that the parts they inhabit are wiili-
in the hmits of the Hudfon's Bay territories ; but the
Company mud be under the neccllity of winking at
an eneroachment of this kind, as the Indians would
wltliout doubt protect the traders when among them.
Befides, the pafl'ports granted to the traders that go
from Miehiilimackiiiac give them liberty ro trade to
the north- we 11 about L.ikc Superior •, by which is
meant Fort La Reine, Lake Winncpeek, or any oth-
er parts of the waters of the Bourbon River, where
the Couriers dc Bois, or Traders, Uiay make it moll
convenient to refulc.

Lac du Bois, as commonly termed by the French
in their maps, or in Englifli tlie Lake of the Wood, h
\Q called from the multiplicity of wood growing on
its banks •, fuch as oakes, pines, fn-s, fpruce, &c. This
Lake lies ftill higher upon a branch of tl)>^ River
Bourbon, and nearly eaft from the fouth end of Lake
Winnepeek. It is of great depth in fome places. Its
length from eaft to weft about feventy miles, and its
greateft breadth about forty miles. It has but few
illands, and thefe of no great magnitude. The fifties,
fowls, and quadrupeds that are found near it, vary but
little from thofe of the other two lakes. A few of tli •
Killiftione Indians fome time encamp on the borders
of it to fiih and hunt.

This Lake lies in the communicatian between Lake
Superior, and the Lakes Winnepeek and Bourbon,
Its waters are not efteemed quite fo pure as thofe of
the other lakes, it having, in many places, a muddy
bottom.

Lac La Pluyc, fo caBed by the French, in Englifti
the Rainy Lake, is fuppofed to have acquired this
name from the fir.1 travellers, that pafted over it, meet-
ing with an uncommon deal of rain i or^ as fome

have

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

67

have affirmed, from a mid like raiti, occafioned by a
perpendicular water-fall that empties itfclf into a riv*
er which lies to the fouth-wcll.

This Lake apj>ear.s to be divided by an idhmufl,
near tlic middle, hito two parts : the well part is called
the Great Rainy Lake, the call, the Little Rainy Lake,
as being th'' leall divifion. It lies a few miles fur-
ther to the eaftward, on the ("amc brandiof the liour-
bon, than the lalt mentioned Lake. It is in general
very fliallow in its depth. The broadcft part of it is
not more than twenty miles; its length, including
both, about three hundred miles. In the weft parr,
the water is very clear and j'ood ; and fomc excellent
iifli are taken in it. A great many fowls refort here
hi die fall of the year. Moofe deer arc to be found
in great plenty, and likewife the earriboo ; whofe (kin
for britches or gloves exceeds by far any other to be
met with in North America. The land on the bor-
ders of this Lake is efleemed, in fome places, very
good, but rather too thickly covered with wood.
Here refides a confiderable band of the Chipeways.

Eaftward from this Lake lies feveral fmall ones,
which extend in a ftring to the great carrying place,
and from tL nee into Lake Superior. Between thefe
little Lakes are feveral carrying places, which render
the trade to the north-weft difficult to accomplilh,
and exceeding tedious, as it takes two years to make
one voyage from Michillimackinac to thefe parts.

Red Lake is a comparatively fmall lake, at the head
of a branch of the Bourbon River, which is called by
fome Red River. Its form is nearly round, and about
iixty miles in circumference. On one fide of it is 0
tolerable large iiland, clofe by which a fmall river en-
ters. It bears almolt fouth-caft bothfrom Lake Win-
nepeek and from Lake du Bois. The parts adjacent
are very little known or frequented, even by die fa-
vaccs themldvcs,

- N'jt

t

b

M

kLi

m

'T

t

I

Ti.l.

ca

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

i '

Not far from this L?ke, a little to the fouth-weft, ii
another, called White Bear Lake, which is nearly a-
bout the fizc of the laft mentioncdr The waters
that compofc this Lake are the moft northern of any
that fupply the Miflifippi, and may be called with
propriety its moft remote fcurce. It is fed by two
or three fmall rivers, or rather large brooks.

A few miles from it, to the Ibuth-eaft, are a great
number of fmall lakes, none of which are more than
ten miles in circumference, that are called the Thou-
fand Lakes. In the adjacent country is reckoned the
fineft hunting for furs of any on this continent ; the
Indians who hunt here, feldom returning without
having their canoes loaded as deep as they can fwim.

Having juft before obiervcd tliat this Lake is the
utmoft northern fourcc of the Miflifippi, I fliall here
further remark, that before tlws river enters the Gulf
of Mexico, it has not run Icis, through all its mcan-
derings, than three thoul'ands miles , or, in a llraight
line from north to fouth, about twenty degrees, which
is nearly fourteen hundred Knglifli miles.

Thefe Indians informed me, that to the north-wcfl;
of Lake Winnepeek lies another, whofc circumference
daftly exceeded any they had given me an account of.
They defcribe it as much larger than Lake Superior.
But as it appears to be fo far to the north- weft, I
.(liould imagine that it was not a lake, but rather liic
Archipelago, or broken waters that form the commu-
nication between limlfon's Bay and the northern
parts of the Pacific Ocean.

There are an infinite number of fmall lakes, on the
more weftern parts of the wcftern head-branches of
the MilRfippi as wcllas between thefe and Lake "Win-
nepeek, but none of them are large enough to fup-
jjofc either of them to be the lake or waters meant
by the Indians.

They likewile informed me, that fome of the north-
era brunches of tlic Mcflbrie and the fouihcrn branches

of

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

«9

of the St. Pierre have a communication with each
other, except for a mile ; over which they carry their
cuiiocs. And by what I could learn from them, this
is the road they take when there war parties make
rheir excurfions upon the Pawnees and Pawnawnees>
nations inhabiting fomc branches of the Meflbrie Ri-
ver. In the Country belonging to thefe people it is
i!ji(!, that Mandrakes are frequently found, a fpccica
ot'root rcfembling human beings of both fexcs , and
\\nt thefe are more perfc6\than luch as are difcovcr-
fil about the Nile in Nether-Ethiopia.

A little to tlie north-wefl of the heads of the Mef-
furic and St. I*ierre, the Indians further told me, that
ti.cre was a nation rather fmaller and whiter thni the
neighbouring tribes, who cultivate their grounu, and
(as far as I could gather from their expreflions) in
fume meafure tlie arts. To this account ihey added
that fome of the nations wlio inhabit thofe parts that
lie to the well of the Shining Mountains, have gold
fo plenty among them that they make their moft com-
mon utcnfils of it. Thefe mountains (which I (liall
dcfcribc more particularly hereafter) divide the wa-
ters tJiat fall into the Souti^ Sea from thofc that run
into the Atlantic.

The people dwelling near them are fuppofed to he
fome of the different tribes that were tributary to the
Mexican kings, and who fled from their native coun-
try, to feck an afylnm in thefe parts, about the time
of the conqucR of Mexico by tlic Spaniards, more
than two centuries ano.

As fome confirmation of this fuppofltion, it is rc^
marked, that they have chofen the mofl interior parts
for their retreat, being dill prepofleflcd with a notion
ih.it the fva coails have been infeftedcver fince with
monfters vomiting fire, and hurling about thunder
and lightning *, from whofc bowels iflued men, who
with unfeen inllruments, or by the power of magic,,
killed the harmicfs Indians at an ail^aifliing diftance--

From

; )M

■.%

mi^

1^

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

i 'V;

From fuch as thcfe, their forefathers (according to a
tradition among them that ftill remains unimpaired}
jicd to the retired abodes they now inhabit. For as
they found that the floating monllers, which hud thus
terriiied them could not approach the land, and that
thofc who had defcendcd from their fides did not care
to make excurfiona to any confiderabk uiitance from
them, they formed a refoiution to betake thcmfclvcs
to fome country, that lay from the fea-coallsj where
Only they could be fecure from fuch di.^boiical cue-
mics. 'ihcy accordingly fet out with their families,
and after along peregrination, fettled ihemfclves near
trhefe mountains, where they concluded they hud
found A place of perfetSt fecunty.

The VV^inebagocs, dwelling on theFox Riv'er (whom
I have already treated of) are likewifc fuppofed to be
fome drolling band from the Mexican countries. But
they arc able to give only an imperfe(Sl account of
their original refidenre. They fuy they formerly
came a great way from the wcflward, and were driven
by wars to take refuge among the Naudowcflies j but
AS they are entirely ignorant of the arts, or of the value
of gold, it is i-ather to be fiippofcd, that they were dri.
ven from their antient fettlements by the above men-
tioned emigrants, as they paflcd on towards their pr€-
lent habitation.

Thele fuppofitions, however, may want confirm-
ation ; for the fmaller tribes of Indians are fubjecSk to
fuch various alterations in their places of abode, from
the wars they are continually engaged in, that it is al-
moll impolW»le to afcertain, after half a century, the
original fituation of any of them.

That range of mountaini,, of which the Shining
Mountains are a part, begins at Mexico, and continu-
ing northward on the back or to the eaft of Califor-
nia, feparate the waters of thofe numerous rivers that
fall cither into the Gulf of Mexico, f^r the Gulf of
Califoruitt. From thence cojitinuing their courfc Hill

northward,

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

7#

north^^i'^rd, between the Iburces of the MifllfippI aiul
the rivers tJiat run into the South Sea, they nppcar to
end in about fortv-feven or forty-eight degrees of
north latitude ; where a number of rivers arifc, .>nvl
empty thenifelves either into the South Sea, intc
Hudl'on's Bay, or into the waters that communicate
between thefe two fea3.

Among tlicfe mountains, thole that lie to the weft
ot the River St. Pierre, are called the Shining Moun»
tains, from an iufinatc number of chryftal ftones, of
an amazing fizc, wit.i which they are covered, and
which, when the fun fliires full upon them, fparklq
io as to be feen at a very great diitance.

Thi; extraordinary range of mountains is calculat-
ed to be more than three rfioufand miles in length,
without any very confiderable intervals, which I be-
lieve furpafl'es any thing of the kind in the other quar-
ters of the ii}ohc. Probably in future ages they may
he foujid to contain more riches in their bowels, than
tliofe of Indoftan and Malabar, or that arc produced
on the golden coaft of Guinea ; nor will I except even
the Peruvian mines. To the weft of thefe moun-
tains, when explored by future Columbufes or Ra-
Icighs, may be found other lakes, rivers, and coun-
tries, full fraught with all tlie neccflaries or luxuries
of life ; and where future generations may fuid an afy*
htm, whether driven from their country by the ra-
vages of lawlcfs tyrants, or by religious perfecutions,
or relu<5lantly leaving it to remedy the inccnvt niencics
arifing from a fuperabundant increafe of inhabituntsj ;
whether, I lay, impelled by thelc?, or nllureil b) hopes
of commercial advantages, there is little doubt but
there cxp'jclations will be fully gralihed in thefe rich
and untxhaufted climes.

But to return to the /NfTinipoils and Killillinocs,
whom I left at the Grand Portage, and from whom
I received the foregoing account of the lakes that lie
to the north-weft of this place.

The

ii

1 't

'1- iii

m

N

fg CARVER'S TRAAT.I;S.

The traders we expec^cil being later this feafon
tlian ufual, and our numbers very confulerahle, for
tliere were more than three hundred of us, the Oock
of provifions we had brought with us was nearly n^
hauftcd, and we waited with impatience for their 3^
lival.

One day, wliilfl: wc were all expre(Ting our wifhes.
lor this dcfirable event, and looking from an eminence
in hopes of feeing them come over the lake, Uic chief
priefl belonging to the band of Killiftinoes, t < 1 us,
that he wonld endeavour to obtain a confcienvc vith
the Great Spirit, and know from him viien rlit tra-
f'.crs would arrive. I paid little attention i > this tie-
claration, fuppofing that it would be prn i£\ive of
fomc juggling trick, juft fuflkientlv co" v*- ;d ,... vleccivc
the ignorant Indians, liut the king 6." thai ^rioe till-
ing mc that th" .' .s chiefly undertaken by .he prieft,
to alleviate my ai>Aiet'. , ^nd at the fame time to con-
vince me hr^"«v mricn sntv^ < \ he had with ^he Grc t
Spirit, I thought it :ic< wiLry to reflrain my animad-
verfions on his defjgn.

The following evening was fixed upon for thi.c fpl-
ritual conference. When every thing had been \nO'
perly prepared, the king came to me and led me to a
capacious tent, the covering of which was drawn up,
fo as to render what wns tranfading within, vifible
to thofe who flood without. AVe foun«i the tent fur-
rounded by a great number of the Indians, but wc
readily gained admiihon, and feated ourfclvcs on (kins
laid on the groujid fi)r that purpofe.

In the center I obferved that there was a place of an
oblong fiiapc, which vvas compofed of ifakcs lluck in
the j;round, with intervals between, fo as to form a
kiiiil o^ cheft or coihn, lari^c cncuyh to contain the
body of a man. Thclc were of a middle fizc, and
placed at fuch a dillancc front each other, that what-
ever lay within them was readily to bc<lifccrned. '1 he
tci:t was pcrfecUy illuminated bv a great number

- . ■ vi

CAUVF.R's TRAVELS.

7S

•f torches made of fplintcrs cut fvom the piiic or birch
uec, which the Indians held in their liands.

Jn a few minutes the prieif^ entered j uhtii an
amazing Ia|gp elk's fkin being fpricj^d on theground,
juil at my i«ct, he laid himfelf down upon it, after
having ftript himfelf of every garment except th.u
which he wore clofe about his middle. Beinp, now
proftrate on his back, he firil laid hold of one llc'c of
the ikin, and fohkd it over him, and then the other ;
leaving only his head uncovered. This was no foon-
cr done, than two of the young men who flood by,
took about forty yards of ftrong cord, made alfo of an
elk'i hide, and rolled it tight round his body, fo th.af
lie was completely fwathed within the (kin. Being
thus bound up like an Egyptian Mummy, ane took
him by the heels, and the other by the head, and lift-
ed him over ihc pales into the inclofurc. I could al-
fo now tliftcrn him as plain as I lad hitherto donc>
and I took care not to turn my eyes a moment from
the object before me, that I might the more readily
dei;e£lthe artifice; for fuch I doubted not but that it
would turn out to be.

The prieft had not Iain in this fituation more than
a few feconds, when he began to mutter. This he
contiyMed to do for fom.e time, and then by degrc^t
grew louder and louder, till at length he fpoke arti-
culately ; however, what he utterred was in fu' h a
mixed jargon of the Chipeway, Ottawaw, ntul K.dif-
tinoe languages, that I could undcrftand but very
little of it. Having continued in this tone for a con-
fidcrable while, he at laft exerted his voice to its ut-
mofl: pitck, fometimes raving, autl fometimes pr^^yin?;,
till he had woiked himfelf iuto fuch an aj-ilalion, tint
he foamed at his mouth.

After having remained near three jquartcri of :ir
Jiour in the pi. ice, and contiiiued his vocifcr.Mion with
UJiubated vigor, he feemcJ to be quite cxh;;uilcd, and
rerxjiiincd fpecchlefs. r>ut in au iiifiaut he fpiun^

G upon

^- • i'

( I

74

CARVKR's TRA^'ELS.

^■1

11:

upon his feet, notwithflanJing at the time he was put
in, it appeared impofnblc for hin\ to move cither his
legs or arms, ami fhakfng off liis covering, as quick as if,
the bandiwith which it had been bound jvere burned
;\iundcr, he began to addrefs thofe who ffood around,
ill a firm and audible voice. ** My brothers," faid he,
" the Great Spirit has deigned to hold a Talk with
his icrvnnt, at my earncll rc(]ue[t. He has not, in-
«lceJ, told me when the perfojis we expe£l, will be
)ierc ; but to-morrow, foon after the fun has reached
his higheft point in the heavens, a canoe will arrive,
.md the people in that will inform us when the trar
dcrs will come."

Having faid this, he ft ppcd out of the enclofinr,
and aftci he had pat on his robes, difmifled the afl'em-
bly. I owti J was greatly afloniihed at what I hnd
icen ; but as T obfcrved ihu every eye in the com-
pany was iixcd on me with a view to difcrver my
Icntliiicnts, 1 carefully concealed e^-ery emotion.

The next d'^y the luu (lii^uc bright, and long before
Roon all the Indians were (fathered together on the
eminence that overlooked the lake. The old kin j;
came to me and afccd me, whether I had fo much
CDnndencc in what the priell hul foretold, as to join
l\k people on the hill, and wait for the complciion
of it ; I told him I was at a lof-s what opinion to form
of the pvedidi .n, but that I would readily attend hini.
On this wc waHtcd together to the place where the
others were allcmblcd. Every eye v/as again fixed
by turns on me and on the lake; whcujultas the
fun had reached his zenith, agreeable to whnt the
priclt h'fld foretold, a canoe came around a point of
land about a Ica^e diftant. The Indians no fooiier
beheld it, than they fet up an uuiverfal fliout, htiH
hy their looks (eemcd to triumph in thcintcrcll: their
pried tViw-, cvidcnily had with the Great Spirit.

In Icfi than nn hour the rinoe reached the (liorc,
wlien I atttjnded the king and chiefs to receive thof^r

who

CAkVER's TRAVELS.

IS

^ho were on board. As foon as the men were lanc'-
C(l, we Wiilkcd all togtdicr to the king's tent, wIkjii,
according to their invariable tlifloni, wc began to
fmoke i ami this we did, aotwiUiilanding our inip;\-
tience to khow'the tidings they brought, without alk-
ing any qucftions } for the Indians are the moil deli-
berate people in the world. However, after fomc
trivial converfation, the king enquired of thein, whe-
they they had fcen any thing of the traders ? Tlir
men replied, that they had parted Ivoni them a fe.v
days before, and that they propofed being here the
fccond day from the prefent. They accordingly ar-
rived at that time greatly to our fatisia(Stion, but more
particularly fo to that of the Indians, who ft . ! by
this event the importance both of their pried and * f
their nation, greatly augmented ;n the fight of a
ftranger.

This ftory I acknowledge apperirs to carry M-ith -t
marks of great credulity in the rclatcr. I5ut no one
is Icfs tinilured with that weekncfs than niyfclu
The circumitanccs of it, I own, are of a very extra-
ordinary nature y however, as I can vouch for their
being f»ee from either exaggeption or mifrcprefen lo-
tion, being myfylf a ccel i-.nd difj)all[:onat(' obfervcr ot*
them all, 1 thought it neccilary to give lh^;r. to ii:e
public. And this I do without wilhing to millcud
the judgment of my readers, or to nuke any fupcv-
ftitious imprefTions on their minds, but Laving thcni
to draw from it what conc'.ufions they plcafe.

I have aiready obfervcd that the Ainnipoils, whh a
part of whom I met here, arc a revolted bard of the
NauiloweflJes •, who on account of tome real or iniii-
gined grievances, for the Indians in general are very
tenacious of their liberty, had lepaiated themfelvci,
from their countrymen, and iought'for freedom at
the expence of their taf^. For tlie country tiiey now
inhabit about the borders of Lake "Winnepeek, being
muth furtlier north, is not near fo fertile or agreeable

iit

-tf ' t A '^' -' mm I "^

''■'f-

?5-':|l.:

7«

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

as that they have rclinquiflied. They ft 111 retain thfc
lancua^'c ami manners of their former aflbciates.

'i he Killidinoes, now the neighbours and allies of
tlic AlUnipoils, for they alfo dwell near the fame lake,
;<nd c; the waters of the River Dourbon, appear to
have been originally a tribe of the Chipcvays, as they
fpeak their language, though in a dillcrent dialeft.
1 heir nation confilU of about three or four hundred
M'^rriors, and they fecmto be a hardy, brave people.
1 haic already given an account of their country when
f treated of Lake Winncpcck. As they refuie ^'ith-
in the limits of Hudfon's Bay, they generally trade at
the fa^^ories. which belong; to that company, but, for
the rcafoiis mentioned before, they frequently come
to the place where I happened to join them, in order
to meet the traders from Miehillimackinac.

The anxiety I had felt on account of the traders'
Jelay, was not much alleviated by their arrival. I
again found my expc£lations difappointed, for I was
not able to procure the goods I wanted from any of
thctn. I was therefore obliged to give over my de-
ligns, and return to the place from whence I firft be-
gan my cxtenfive circuit. I accordingly took leave
c<f the old king of the Killiftinocs, with the chiefs of
both bands, and departed. This prince was upward!
of fixty ye.irs of age, tall and flightly made, but he car-
ried himfelf very erc6l. He was of a Cour' jous, affa-
ble difpofition, and treated me, as did all the chiefs,
with great civility.

I obfcrved that this people ftill continraed a cuflom,
that-appeared to have been imiverfal before any of
them bccr.nie acquainted with the mani^rs of the
Europeans, that of complimenting llrangers with the
company of tJ '\t wives; and this is not only pradlif-
eil by the lower ranks, but by the chiefs themfelves,
who efteem it i!ie greateft proof of courtcfy they can
give s granger.

Tlic

CARVER'* TRAVELS.

77

The beginning of O£lobcr, after having coafled
round rhe north and ead borders of Lake Superior, I
Arrived at Cadot's Fort, which adjoins to the Falls of
St. Marie) and is fituatcd near the fouth-wcft corner

of it.

Lake Superior, formerly termed the Upper Lake,
from its northern fituation, is fo called on account of
its being fuperior in magnitude to any of the L.ikes on
that vail continent* It might jultly be termed the
Cafpian of America, and is fuppofcd to be the largtil
body of frcfh wfiter on the globe. Its circumference,
according to the French charts, is about fifteen hun-
dred miles ; but I believe, that if it was coailcd round,
and the utmoft extent of every bay taken, it would
exceed fixteen hundred.

After I firll entered it from Goddard's River on'
the weft Bny, I coailcd near twelve hundred miles of
the north and eaft ihorcs of it, and obferved that the
greateft part of that extenfivc tra£l was bounded by
rocks and uneven ground. The water in general iip-
peared to lie on a bed of rocks. When it was calm,
and the fun ihone bright, I could fit in my canoe,
where the depth was 'umvarc^ of fix fathom*, and
plainly fee huge piles of (lone at the bottom, of difl'er-
cni Ihapcs, fome of which appeared as if they were
hewn. The waliT at this time was as pure antl tranf-
parcnt as air \ and my canoe fcemed as if it hung fuf-
pended in that element. It was impodlblc to look at-
tentively through this limpid medium at the rocks
below, without iindinjj, beiore many minutes were
elai)fed, your head fwim, and your eyes* no longer able
to behold the dazzling fcene,

I difcovtred alfo by accident another cxtranrtliiiary
proreny in the waters of this lake, 'i hough it was
in the month of July that I paflcd over it, and the fur-
face of the water, from the heat of the fuperambicnt
air, impregnated vviih no fmall degree of warmth,
yet on letting down a cup to the depth of about a fa-

G I thon^,

-1 (i

'• '

">ii

79

CARVER'* TRAVELS.

■ I- < i' i ;

i

i.

thorn, ilic water drawn from thence \ras fo excefTivcly
coLd, that it had the fame efU:^ when received into
the mouth as ice. j^

The fituation of this Jbkc is varioufly laid down)
but from the mod exa£r cbfervations I could make,
it lies between forty-fix and fifty degrees of north U,
titude, and between eighty-four and ninety-three de-
grees of well longitude, from the meridian of Lontlon.

There arc many iflands in this lake, two of which
arc very iargc •, and if the land of them is proper for
cultivation, there appears to be fufficient to form on
each a confidcrablc province •, efpecially on Ifle Royal,
which cannot be lefs than jui hundred miles long, and
in many places forty broad. But there is no way at
prcfent of afccrtnining the cxaft length r • breadth
of either. Even the French, who always kept a fmall
fcliooncr on this hike, whilfl they were in pofl'cfiion
of Canada, by which they could have made this dif-
covery, have only acquired a ilight knowledge of the
external parts of thefe illands ', at lead they n&re never
pubhlhed any account of the internal parts of them,
ilijit I could get intelligence of.

Nor was I able to difcover from any of the con-
Terfations which I held with the neighbouring hi-
dians, that they had ever made any fettlements on
them, or even landed there in their hunting cxcur-
fions. From what I could gather by their dilcourfe,
they fuppofe them to have been, from their firft for-
mation, the refidcnce of the Great Spirit ) and relate
many ridiculous (lories of enchantment and magical
tricks that had been experienced by fuch as were
obliged through ftrcfs of weather to take ihelter on
them.

One of the Chipcvvay chiefs told me, that fomc of
their people being once driven on the ifland of Maurc*
pas, which lies towards the north-eall part of the lake,
found on it large quantities of a heavy, Ihining, yellow
fand, that from their dcfcripticm mult liave been gold

duit

CARVER'S TRAVE:.S.

7>

dull. Being (Iruck with the beautiful appearance of
it, in the morning, when they re-entered their canoe,
they altcmptcil to bring fomc away ; but a fpirit of an
amazing ftze, according to their account, fixty feet in
height, ftrode in the water after them, and command-
ed them to dehver back what they had taken nwny.
TerriHed at his gigantic ilature, and feeing tliat he had
nearly overtaken them, they were glad to rellorc their
(hiding treafure •, on which they were fuft'cred to de-
part without further moleflation. Since this inci-
dent, no Indian that has ever heard of it, will venture
near the fame haunted coalt. Beildes this, they re-
counted to me many other (lories of thefe iilands>
equally fabulous.

The country on the north and caft parts of Lake
Superior is very mountainous and barren. The wea-
ther being intenfely cold in the winter, and the fun
having but little power in the fummer, vegetation there
is very flow ; and confequently but httlc fruit is to be
found OT Its fliore. It however pro<luces fome few fpe-
cics in great abundance. Whortleberries of «n uncom-
mon fize and fine flavor, grow on the mountains near
the lake in amazing quantities} as do black currants
and gooiberries in the fame luxuriant manner.

But the fruit which exceeds all the others, is a ber^.
ry rcfembling a ralberry in its manner of growth, but
of a hghter red, and much larger *, its taite is far more
delicious than the fruit I have compared it to, not-
withlUnding that it is To -highly efleemed in Europe :
it grows on a fhrub of the nature of a vine, with leaves
iimilar to thofe of the graj>e } and I am perfuaded
that was it tranfplanted into a warmer and more kind-
ly climatCi it would prove a moil rare and delicious
fruit.

Two very large riverg empty themfelvcs into this
lake, on the north and north-eall fide ; one is called
the Nlpcgofi River, or, as the French pronounce it,
AlUnipegon, whigh leads to a band of the Chipeways,

inliabiting

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, NY. MS80

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CARVER'S TRaVeLS,

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inhabiting a lake of the fame name>^dnd the other ii
termed the Michipicooton River, the fource of which.
19 fitiiated towards James's Bay, from whence thei#,
is but a fliort carriagft-ite^nother river,^hich empti«
itfelf into that bay, at ^ort belonging to the compa-
ny. It -:»ras by, (this ^affage that a party of French
from MichiHimatkinac, invaded the iettlemcnts of
that fociety in the reign of Queen Aniifc Having
taken anddeftroyed their forts, they brought the can*
non which theif' found iti them tg the fortrefs from
whence they had ifTued ; thefe were fmall brafs pie-
ces, and remain there to the prefent tirae 5 having,
through the ufual re#)3titions of fortune, returned to
the poffeffion of their former mafters*

fNot far from the Nipegqn is a fmall river, that juft
b^ore it enters the lake, has a perpendicular fall from
the top of a mountain, of more than fix hundred feet.
Being very riarh)w, it appears at a diilance like a
white garter fufgpnded in the air; ,. 4

A few Indians inhabit round the eaftern borders of
thislake,'fuppofed to be the rema'ns ofthc Algon-
kins, who formely poffefled this country, but who
have been nearly extripated by the Iroquois of Cana-
da. Lake Superior has near forty rivers thai fall in-
to it, fome of which are 6f confideralsle fize. On
the ibuth fide of it is a jlemarkable point or (^aj^j^ of
about fixty miles in length j'cailled Point Ghegomegan.
It might as properly be termed a peninfula,as it is near-
ly feparated from the continent, on the eaft fide, by,a nar-
row bay that extends from eaft to weft. Canoes have
but a fhort portage acrofs the ifthmus, whereas if they
coaftit round, the voyage is more than an hundred miles.
About that diftance to the vjfeft of the cape iuft de-
fcribed, a confiderable river falls into the lake, the head
of which 'A compofed of a great afTemblage of fmall
ftreams. This river is remarkable for the abundance
of virgin copper that is found on and near its banks.
A metal which 19 met with alfo in feveral other places

on

#.■

CARVeI^'s tRAVELS.

9r

OH this coaft. I'*obfervcd that many of the fmall ifl-
ands, particularly thofe on the e^ftern fhores, were co-
t^red with copper ore. They appeared like beds of
copperas, of^ which many to»$ lay in a fmall fpace.

A company of adVenttircs f)»m England began,
foon after the conqueft of Canada, touring away fomc
of this n^tdj» but the diftradled fitiiation of affairs
in AmericJimlj obliged them torelinquifh their fcheme.
It might in fiatuTe times be made a very advantageous
trade, as the metal,4|which cofts nothing on the fpot,
and requires but little expence to get it on board,
could be conveyed in boats or canoes through the 'Fallg
of St. Marie, to the Ifle of St^^fcph, Which lies at
the bQttom of the iStcaitrnear ihe entrance into Lake
Huron ; from thence it might be put on board larger
veflels, and in them tranfpotted acrofs that laketothp
Falls of Niagara $ there being carried by land acrofs
tiie Portage, it might be conveyed without much more
obftrudtion to Quebec. The cheapnefs and eafe with
which any» quantity of* it may be procured, will make
up for the length of way that is neceflary to tranfport
it before it reaches the fea coaft, and enable the pro-
prietors to fend it to foreign markets on as. good terms
as it cant|»fl*«NExportcd from other countries.

Lake Superior abounds with a variety of fifh, the
princip^ and belt are the trout and iturgeon, which
may be caught at almoft any fcafon in the greateft a-
bundance. The troUts in general weigh about twelve
polmds, butfome are caught 'that exceed fifty. Be-
fidesthefe,a fpecies of white filh is taken in great quan-
tities here, that referable a fliad in their fhape, but they
are rather thicker, and Icfs bony ; they weigh about
four pound 8 each, and are of a delicious tafte. The beft
way of catching thefe fifh is with a net *, but the trout
might be taken at all times with the hook. There
are likewife many forts of fmaller fifti in great plenty
here, and which may be taken with eafe } among "hefc
i» » ibrt refcmbling a herring, that are generally made
h «fc

■ ■■.>'■<■ .

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t9

CARVER'S tRAVELS.

«f€ oF 38 a bait for the trout. Very fmall crabsj not
larger than half a crown piece, are found both in thii
and Lake Michigan. ^

This Lake is a$ m»^ affe^bed by ftorms as the A(V
lantic Ocean ; the ,>\av«s run as high, and are equal-
ly as 42'ngerous to fliips. It difcharges its waters
from the fouiJi^laft corner, through theStr.aits of St.
Marie. At the uppe» end of thefe .,^p^ts ilands a
fort that receives its naipe from theHi,^inmaiidedl^
Monf. Gadot, a Frenc4i Cana4ia% who being propri-
etor of the foil, is ftill permitted to keep pofl'el^on of
k. Near this fort is a very (Irong^ rapid, againjft which
./^ough it is impoffibje^r canoes to afeend, yet when
ccmdu£):ed by carefuL^ilots, they might pafs down
withoulj^dangcr, ^ .

^ Though Lake Superior, i^3 have before obferved,
is fupplied by near forty rivers, many of which are
coflS^erable ones ; yet it does not^ppear that one
tenth part of the waters which are conveyed into it
by thefe rivers, are carried off at|his evacuation. How
fuch a fuperabundance of wateti ean be difpofed of^ '
as it mnd certainly be by fome means or other, with-
out whic\,the circumference of the lake would be
cbhtinuatl^cnlargiBg, I knosr jiot : that it does not
empty itfelf, as the Mediterranean fea, js fugpofed to
do, by an under currciit, w)iich perpctuaUylc,Ounter-
.a£ts that ne^r the/urfaec^i isjiertain ; for the Aream
wh ich falls over the rock is not more than five or fix
feet in depth, alid the whole of it pafles on through
the Straits inta the adjacent lake ; nor -is it probable
that fo great » quantity can be abforbed by exhala-
tions ; confequently they mull find a paifage, through
fome fubterranean cavities, deep, unfathomable, and
never to be explored^

The Falls of St. Marie, do not defcend perpendi-
cularly as thofe of Niagara or St. Anthony do, but
confilt of a rapid which continues near three quar-
ters of a mile, over which canoes well piloted might
pafs. 4; At

GARVER's TRAVELS. $$

At tlie bottom of thefe Falls, Nature has formed a
moft commodious ftation for catching the fifh which
are to be found there in inimenfe quantities. Perfons
(landing on the rocks that liejii|[jacent to it, may take
with dipping nets, about the months of September
and October, the white fifh Wore mentioned -, at
that feafon, togethfT with federal otK'eififpecies, they
crowd up tli^is fpot in fuch - amazing flioals, that
e^iough may hfe taketi to fupply, when properly cured,
thoufands of inhahitanls throd|hout the year.

The Straits €»f St. Marie are about forty miles long,
bearing fouth-eaft-, but varying mUch in their breadth.
The current between the F^s and Lake Huron is »
not fo rapid as might be«x|ij^ed, nor do they pre-
vent the navigation of ihip«i)f burden as farmap as the
Ifland of St. Jofeph.

It has been obferved by travellers that the entrance
Into Lake Superior, from thefe Straits, aiFord^r ^onc
of the 1^3^ pleafiug profpefts in the world. The
place in wllfch this inight be viewed to thegreatefi:
advantage, is juft af the opening of the lake, from
whence may be feen on the left, many beautiful little
iflands that extend a confiderable way before you ;
?.nd on the right, an agreeable fuccefllonof fmall points
of lan(||^ that proje<n: a little way into the water, and
ContriOTte, with the iflands, to^ rentier this delightful -
bafon (as it might be termed) calm and fecure from
the ravages of thoTestempeftuous «#ids by which the
adjoining lake is frequently trof^bleclfc..

Lake Huron, into which ycm how enter from the
Straits of St* Marie, is the next in magnitude to Lake
Superior. It lies between ff)ry-two and forty-fix de-
grees of nonjih latitude, and fevcnty-nine and eighty-
five degrees of weit longitude. Its Ihapc is nearly
triangular, and its circumference about one thoufand
miles. .#.

On the north fide of it lies an ifland that is remark-
able for being near an hundred miles in length, and
♦ no

\X^:-

mi U

»- '

#4

CARVER'S TRAVEL?.

no more thaa eight miles broad. This ifland is knovrn
hy the name of Maiiataulin, which fignifies a Place of
Spirits, and is confidered by the Indians as facred as
thofe already mentioned in Lake Superior.

About the mrddleof the fouth-weft fide of this lake,
js Sagartaum Bay. T|»c capes that fcparate this bay
from the lak^, are eighteen mifes diflant from each
other ; hear the middle of the intermediate fpace ftand
two iflands, which greatly tend to fatiJUtate the paf-
fage of canoes and friall veH^ls, by afiS>rding them
ftielter, as without this fecurity it would not be pru-
dent to venture acfofs fo wide a fea j and the coafting .
- round the bay would r?fake the voyagjtrfcng and tedi-
ous. This bay is abojU^l^hty miles in length, and
in general about eighteen or twenty miles broad.

Nearly half way between Saganaum Bity^and the
siorth-weft corner of the Lake, lies another, which
is t^ed Thunder Bay. The Indians, who have
frequented thefd parte from time immemO}!4al, and
every European traveller that h|i>paircdf through it,
have unanimouily agreed to cau^t by this name, on
account of the continual thunder they have always
obferved hf;re. The bay is about nine miles broad,
and the faiiie in length, and whilft I was pafling over
it, which took me up near twenty-four hours, it thun-
dered and lightened during tlie greateft pis^^f the
ttime to an exceiTivc degree.' <fw

There appearail to be rid vifit^fe reafon for this, that
I could difcovqp, norris th6 country in general fubjedl
.'to thund-^r ; the hills that flood around were not of a
remarkable height, neither did the external parts of
them feem to be covered with any fulphufous fub-
ilance. Bivt as this phgenonienon muft originate from
fome natural caufe, I conjecture that the Ihoresof the
bay, or the adjacent mountains, are either impregnat-
ed with jp uncommon quantity of fulphurous matter,
or contAin fome metal or minerel apt to attract in a
great degree, the *;lec\ricai particles that are hourly

borne

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

borne over them by the paflant clouds. But the folu-
tion of this, and thofe other philofophical remarks
which cafually occur throughout thefe pages, I leave
to the difcuflion of abler heads.

The fifti in Lake Huron are much the fame as thofe
in Lake Superior., Some of the land on its banks is very
fertile, and proper for cultivation, but in other parts
it is fandy and barren. The promontory that fcpa-
rates this lake from Lake Michigan, is compofed of
a vaft plain, upwards of one hundred miles long, but
varying in its breadth, being from ten to fifteen miles
broad. TTiis tra£t, as I have before obferved, is di-
vided into almoft an equal portion betvireen the Otta-
waw and Chipeway Indians, At the north-eaft cor-
ner this lak'i has a communication with Lake Michi-
gan, by the Straits of Michillimackinac already de-
fcribed.

I had like to have omitted a very extraordinary cir-
cumftancc, relative to thefe Straits. According to
obfervation, made by the French, whilft they were
in pofleffion of the fort , although there is no diurnal
flood or ebb to be perceived in thefe waters, yet, from
an exadl attention to their ftatc, a periodical alteration
in them has been difcovered. It was obferved that
they arofe by gradual, but almoft imperceptible de-
grees till they had reached the height of about three
feet. This was accomplifhed in feven years and a
half ; and in the fame fpace they as gently decreafed,
till they had reached their former fituation ; fo that
in fifteen years they had completed this inexplicable
revolution.

At the time I was there, the truth of thefe obferva-
tions could not be confirmed by the Englifli, as they
had then been only a few ye,ars in pofieflion of the
fort ; but they all agreed that fonie alteration in the li-
mits of the Straits was apparent. All thdhllakes arc

fo affeiSted by the winds, as fometimes to hH|the ap-

H pearance

:if?

«

:l

'ii r

i$

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

pearancc of a tide, according as they happen tQ blow
but this is only temporary and partial.

A great number of the Chipeway Indians live fcat-
tered around this lake, particularly near Saganaum
Bay. On its banks are found an amazing quantity
of the fand cherri* 8, and in the adjacent country neav-
ly the fame fruit, as thofe that grow about the other
lakes.

From the Falls of St. Marie I leifurely proceeded
back to Michillimackinae, and arrived there the begin-
ning of November 1 767, having been fourteen months
on this extenfive tour, travelled near four thoufand
miles, and vifited twelve nations of Indians lying to
the weft and north of this place. The winter fetting
in foon after fhy arrival, I was obliged to tarry there
till June following, the navigation over Lake Huron
for large veflels not beinc open, on account of the ice,
till that time. Meeting nere with fociable company,
I pafled thefe months very agreeably, and without
finding the hours tedious.

One of my chief amufemcnts was that of fifhing for
trouts. Though the Straits were covered with ice,
we found means to make holes through it, and let-
ting down ftrOng lines of fifteen yards in length, to
which were fixed three or four hooks baited with the
fmall filh before defcribed, we frequently caught two
at a time of forty pounds weight each ; but the com-
mon fize is from ten to twenty pounds. Thefe arc
moll delicious food. The method of preierving theni
during the three months the winter generally lafts,
is by hanging them up m the air , and in one night
they will be frozen fo hard that they will keep as
well as if they were cured with fait.

I have only pointed out in the plan of my travels
the circuit I made from my leaving Michillimackinae
till I ar^^pd again at that fort. Thofe countries that
lie nea»S to the colonies have been fo often and (o
minutely defcribed, that any further account of them

' would

GAItVER'i TRAVELS,

87

would be ufelefs. I fliall therefore only give my rea-
ders in the remainder of my journal, as I at firft pro-
pofed, a del'cription of the other great lakes of Canada,
many of which I have navigated over, and relate at
the lame time a few particular incidents that I truit
will not be found inapplicable or unentertaining.

In June 1 768 I left Michillimackinac, and return-
ed in the Gladwyn Schooner, a veiTel of about eighty
tons burthen, over Lake Huron to Lake St. Claire,
where we left the ihip, and proceeded in boats to De-
troit. This lake is about ninety miles in circumfer-
ence, and by the way of Huron River, which runs
from the fouth corner of Lake Huron, receives the
waters of the three great lakes, Superior, Michigan,
and Huron. Its form is rather round, and in fome
places it is deep enough for the navigation of large
veflels^ but towards the middle of it there is a bar
of fand, which prevents thofe that are loaded from
paffiilg over it. Such as are in ballaft only may find
water to carry them quite through ; the cargoes,
however, of fuch as are freighted muft be taken out,
and after being tranfported acrofs the bar in boats,
re-lhipped again.

The river that runs from Lake St. Claire to Lake
Erie (or rather the Strait, for thus it might be termed
from its name) is called Detroit, which is in French,
the Strait. It runs nearly fouth, has a gentle current,
and depth of water fufficient for fhips of confidcrabit:
burthen. The town of Detroit is-iituatcd on the-
weftern banks of this river, about nine miles below
Lake St. Claire.

Almoft oppofite on the eaftern fhore, is the village
of the ancient Hurons : a tribe of Indians which have
been treated of by fo many writers, that adhering to
the reilri£lions I have laid myfclf under of only de-
fcribing places and people little known, or, incidents
that have palled unnoticed by others, I (liall emit
giving a dcfcription of them. A miHionai y of the or-
der

^1^ ) .;

0[ v>l

*-i'

n

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

dcr of Carthufian Friars, by permiffion of the blfiiop
©f Cmacla, refides among them.

The banks of the River Detroit, both above and
below thefe towns, arc covered with fettlements that
extend more than twenty miles ; the country being
exceedingly fruitful, and proper for the cultivation of
wheat, Indian corn, oats, and peas. It has alio ma-
ny fpots of fine pafturage ; but jis the Inhabitants, who
are chiefly French that fubmitted to the Engllfn gov-
ernment, after the conqueft of thefe parts by General
Amhcril, are more attentive to the Indian trade than
to fiirming, it is but badly cultivated.

The town of Detroit contains upwards of one hun-
tlred houfes. The ftreets are fomcwhat regular, and
'have a range of very convenient and handfome bar-
racks, with a fpacious parade at the fouth end. On
the weft fide lies the king's garden, belonging to the
governor, which is very well laid out, and kept in
good order. The fortifications of the town confid
of a ftrong Itockade, made of round piles, fixed firm-
ly in the ground, and lined with palifades. Thefe
are defended by fome fmall baftions, on which arc
mounted a few indifferent cannon of an inconfiderablc
fize, juft fufficient for its defence againft the Indians,
or an enemy not provided with artillery.

The garrifon in time of peace, confids of two hun-
dred men, commanded by a field officer, who a£ls as
chief magiftrate under the governor of Canada. Mr.
TurnbuU, captain of the 6oth regiment, or Royal A-
mericans, was commandant when I happened to be
there. This gentleman was defervedly efteemed and
refpedted, both by the inhabitants and traders, for
the propriety of his conduft ; and I am happy to have
an opportunity of thus publicly making my acknowl-
edgments to him for the civilities I received from him
during my ftay.

In the year 1762, in the month of July, it rained
©n this towa and the parts adjacent, a fulphureous v/a-

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

«9

tcr of the color and confiftcnce of ink: fome of which
being colle6led into bottles, and wrote with, appear-
ed perfectly intcih'gible on the paper and anfwered
every purpofe of that ufeful liquid. Soon after, the
Indian wart already fpoken of, broke out in thefe parts.
I mean not to fay that this incident was ominuiis of
them, notwithftanding it is well known that innume-
rable well attefted inllances of extraordinary phceno-
mena happening before extraordinary^ events, have
been recorded in almoft every age bs^ hif^orians of ve-
racity ; I only relate the circumflance as a fait, of
which I was inforrhed by many perfons of undoubted
probity, and leave my readers, as I have heitherto
done, to draw their own conclufions from it.

Pontiac, under whom the party that furprifed Fort
Michillimackinac, as related in the former partof this
v/ork, adted, was an enterprifing chief or head-war-
rior of the Miames. During the late war between
theEnglilh and the Fi—ich, he had beenaftcady friend
to the latter, and continued his inveteracy to the for-
mer, even after peace had been concluded between
thefe two nations. Unwilling to put an end to the de-
predation^ he had been fo long engaged in, he collect-
ed an army of confederate Indians, confiding of the
nations before enumerated, with an intention to re-
new the war. However, inftead of openly attacking
the Englifh fettlements, he laid a fcheme for taking
by furprife thofe forts on the extremities which they
had lately gained pofleffion (>f.

How well the party he detached to take Fort Mi-
chillimackinac fucceeded, the reader already knows.
To get into his hands Detroit, a place of greater con-
fequence, and much better guarded, required greater
refolution, and more confummate art. He of courfe
took the management of this expedition on himfelf,
and drew^near it with the principal body of his troops.
He was however, prevented from carrying his ddign
into execution, by an apparently trivial and unforefcen

H 2 circumll^Kc.

w

^o

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

I

clvcumflancc. On Tuch does the fate of mighty Em-
pires frequently depend !

The town of Detroit, when Pontiac formed lug
plan, was garrifoned by about three hundred men
commanded by Major Gladwyn, a gallant ofBccr. As
at that time every appearance of war was at an end,
and the Indians feemed to be on a friendly footing,
Pontiac approached the Fort, without exciting any
fufpicions in the breaftof the governor or the inhabi-
tants. He encamped at a little diftance from it, and
fent to let the commandant know that he was come ta
trade j and being defirous of brightening the chain
of peace between the Englifli and his nation, dedred
that he and his chiefs might be admitted to hold a
council whh him^ The governor ftill unfufpicious,
and not in the leafl: doubting the fincerity of the In-
dians, granted their general's requeft, and fixed oa'
the next morning for their reception.

The evening of that day, an Indian woman who
Iiad been em'ployed by Major Gladwyn, to make him
a pair of Indian (hoes, out of curious ellc-lkin, brought
them home. The Major was fo pleafed with them,
that intending thefe as a prefcnt for a friend, he or-
dered her to take the remaiivder back, and make it in-
to others for himfelf. He then directed his fervant
to pay her for thofe fhe had done, and difmifled her.
The woman went to the door that led to the ftreet but
no further ; (he there loitered about as if flie had not
fmifhed the buiinefs on which flie came. A fervant
at length obferved her, and afked her why fhe ftaid
there ; fhe gave him, however, no anfwer.

Some fkort time after, the governor himfelf faw*
her ; and enquired of his fervant what occafioned her
flay. Not being able to get a fatisfadory anfwer, he
ordered the woman to be called in. When fhe came
into his prefence he defired to know what was the
reafon of her loitering about, and not haftening home
before the gates were Ihut, that fhe might complete

in

CARVER'j TRAVELS.

9»

ill due time the work he had given her to do. She
toM him, after much hefitatioti, that as he had always
behaved with great goodncfs towards her, ihc was un-
willing to take away the remainder of the fkin, bc-
caufeneput fo great a value upon it *, and ytt had
not been able to prevail upon hcrfelf to tell him fo*
lie then afked her, why flie wa§ more rcluiSlant to
do fo now, then flie liad been when Ihc made the
former pair. With iacreafed reluclancc flic anfwcr-
cd, that fhe never fliould be able to bring them back.
His curiofity being now excited, ht infilled on her
difclofing to him the fecret that feemed to be llrug-
gling in her rofom for utterance. At kft, on recei-
ving a promife that the intelligence fhe was about to
give him fliould not tarn to her prejudice, and that
if it appeared to be beneficial, flie Ihould be rewarded
for it, (he informed l:im,that at the council to be held
with the Indians the following day, Pontiac and his
chiefs intended to murder him j and, after having,
maflacred the garrifon and inhabitants, to plunder
the town. That for this purpofe all the chiefs who-
were to be admitted into the council-room, had cut
their.guns fliort, (o that they could conceal them un-*
der their blankets ; with which, at a fignaf given b/
their general, on delivering the belt, th ^y were all to
rife up, and inflanly to fire on him and his attendants.
Having effe^led this, they were immediately to rulh
into the town, where they would find themfelves fup-
ported by a great number of their warriors, that were
to come into it during the fitting of the council, un-
der pretence of trading, but privately armed in
the fame manner. Having gained from the woman
every neceffary particular relative to the plot, and alfo
of the means by which fhe acquired a knowledge of
them, he difmifTed her with injundtions of fecrecy,
and a promife of fulfilling on his part with punctuali-
ty, the engagements he had entered into.

\ The

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CARVER'S TRAVELS.

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The intelligence the governor had juft received,
gavv^ him great unealinefs ; and he immediately con-
fulted the officer who was next to him in command^
on the fubjedl. But that gentleman confidering the
information as a ftory invented for feme artful pur-
pofcs, advifed him to pay no attention to it,. This
conclufion, however, had happily no weight with him.
He thought it prudent to conclude it to be true, till
he was convinced that it was not fo ; sinJ therefore,
^ithout revealing his fufpicions to any other perfon,
netook every needful precaution that the time would
admit of. He walked round the fort duftig the whole
night, and fawhirnfelf that every centinel was on du-
ty, and every weapon of defence in proper order.

As he traverfed the r?mpart8, which lay nearcft to
the Indian camp, he heard them in high feftivity, and,
little imagining that their plot was difcovered, proba-
bly pleafing themfelves with the anticipation of their
fuccefs. Asfoon as the morning dawned, he order-
ed all the garrifon under arms ; ahd then imparting
his apprehenfions' to a few of the principal officers,
gave them fuch directions as he thought neccflary.

At the lame time he fent round to ail the traders,
to inform t.liem, that as it was expedlel a great num-
ber of Indians would enter the town hat day, who
might be inclined to plunder, he defired they would
have ther araio ready, and repel every attempt of
that kind.

About ten o'clock, Pontiac and his chiefs arrived ;
and were condudl6d to the council-chamber, where
the governor and his principal officers, each with pif-
tols in their belts, awaited his arrival. As the Indi-
ans pafTed on, they could not help obferving jhat a
greater number of troops than ufual were drawn up
on the parade> or marching about. No fooner were
they entered, and feated on the Ikins prepared for them,
than Pontiac afked the governor on what occafion his
young men, meaning the foidiers, were thus drav/u

^ , up

CARVER'S TRAV&LS.

93

im, and parading the ftrects. He received for anfwer,
that it was only intended to keep them perfect inr
their excrcife.

The Indian chief-warrior now began his fpeech,
whicii contained the ftrongeft profeflions of fricndftiip
and good will towards the EnglHli ; aijd when he
cameto the delivery of the belt of wampun^, the parti-
cular mode of which, according to the woman's infor-
mation, was to be the fignal for his chiefs to fire, the
governor and all his chiefs drew their fwords halfway
out of their feabbards j and the foldiers at the fame
inftant made a clattering with their arms before the
doors, which had been purpofely left open. Pontiac,
though one of the boldeft of men, immediately turn-
ed pals, and trembled ; and inflead of giving the belt
in the manner propofcd, delivered it according to the
ufual way. His chiefs who had impatiently expert*
ed the fignal, looked at each othefiwlth aftoniftiment,
but continued quiet, waiting the rcfult. ,

The governor in his turn made a fpeech ; but in-
ftead of thanking the great warrior for the profcf-
fions of friendship he had juft uttered, he accufedhint
of being a traitor. He told him that the EngUfli, wha
knew every thing, were convinced of his treachery
and villainous defigns j and as a proof that they were
well acquainted with his moft fecret thoughts and in-
tentions, he ftepped towards the Indian chief that fet
neareft to him, and drawing afide his blank-it, difco-
vered the Ihortened firelock. This entiici/ difcon-
c'^rted the Indians, and fruftrated their defign.

He then continued to tell them, that as he had given
his word at the time ihey defired an audience, that
their perfons fhould be fafe, he would hold his pro-
mife inviolable, though they fo little deferved it.
However, he advifed them to make the beft of their
way out of the fort, left his young men on being acv
quainted with their treacherous purpofes, ftiould cut
every one of them to pieces.

FontiaQ

.;^j

u

CARVER'S TRAVFLS^

s|

Pontlac endeavoured to contradict the accufatiopy
and to make excufes for his fufpicious condu<St , but
the governor, fatisfied of the falfity of his protefta^
tions, would not liften to him. The Indians imme-
diately left the fort, but inftead of being fenfible of
the governor's generous behaviour,, they threw off
the malk, and the next day made a regular attack
upon it.

Major Gladwyn has not efcaped cenfure for this
rriftaken lenity; for probably had he kept a few of ,
the principal chiefs prifoners, whilfl he had tijem in
his power, he rpight have been able to have brought
the whole confede-acy to terms, and have prevented
a war. But he atom.d for this overfight, by the gal-
lant defence he made for more than a year, umidit a
variety of difcouragements.

During that period fome very fmart fkirmiihes hap-
pened between tjie befiegers and the garrifon, of
which the fqilowing was the principal and moft bloo-
dy : Captain Delzel, a brave officer, prevailed on the
governor to give him the command of about two hun-
dred men, and to permit him to attack the enemy's
camp. This being complied with, he faliied from
the town before day-break ; but Pontiac, receiving
from Ibme of his fwift-footed warriors, who were
conftantly employed in watching the motion of the
garrifon, timely intelligence of their defign, he col-
leded togethei the choiceft of his troops, and met
the detachment at fome diftance from his camp, near
a place fmce called Bloody-Bridge.

As the Indians were vaftly fuperior in numbers to
Captain Delzel's party, he was foon over-powered and
driven back. Being now nearly furrounded, he made
a vigorous effort to regain the bridge he had juft crolT-
cd^ by which alone he could find a retreat j but iu
doing this he luft his life, and many of his men fell
with him. However, Major Rogers, the fecond in
command, afliitedby LieiUemmtBreham, found means

sv

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

$5

• ■ -

to draw ofFthc (hattered remains of their little army,
and condu<^ed them mto the fort.

Thus confiderably reduced, it was with difficulty
the Major could defend the town •, notwithftanding
which, he held out againft the Indians till he was re-
lieved, as after this they made but few attaclws on the
place, and only continued to blockade it.

The Gladwyn Schooner (that in which I afterwards
took my paflage from Michillimackinac to Detroit,
^nd which I fmce learn was loft with all her crew,
on Lake Erie, through the obftinacy of the comman-
der, who could not be prevailed upon to take in fuf-
ficient ballaft) arrived about this time, near the town,
with a reinforcement, and necefiary fupplies. But
before this veflel could reach thfe place of its deftina-
tion, it was moftvigoroufly attacked by a detachment
from Pontiac's army The Indians lurrounded it in
•their canoes, and made great havoc among the crew.

At length the Captain of the fchooner, with a con-
fiderahle number of his men being killed, and the fa-
vages beginning to climb up the fides from every quar^
ter, the lieutenant (Mr. Jacobs, who afterwards com-
manded, an4 was loft in it) being determined that the
ftores (hould not fall into the enemy's hajnds, and
feeing no other alternative, ordered the gunner to fet
fire to the powder-room, and blow the fliip up. This
order was on the point of^jejng executed, when a
chief of theHurons, who vnderftood th-* Englifli lan-
guage, gave out to his friends the intention of the
commander. On receiving this intelligence, the In-
dians hurried down the fides of the Ihip with th^
greateft precipitation, and got as far from it as poiTi-
ble J whilfl: the commander immediately took advan-
tage of their confternation, and arrived without any
further obftrudion at the town.

This fcafonable lupply gave the garrlfon frefli fpi-
rUs ; and Pontiao being now convinced that it would
not be in his power to reduce the place, propofcd an

accommodation j

'■r

ij«

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

accommodation; the governor wifhing as mucli to get
rid of fuch troublefome enemies, who obftrudcd the
intercourfe .of the traders with tlje neighbouring na-
tions, liftened to his propofals, and having procured
advantageous terms, agreed to a peace. The Indians
fopn after fcparatcd, and returned to their difl'erent
provinces ; nor have they fince thought proper to dif,
turb, at lead in any great degree, the tranquiUlty of
thefe parts.

Pontiac henceforward feemed to have laid afide the
animofity heliad hithe> to borne towards the Knglifli,
and apparently became their zealous friend. To re-
ward this new attachment, and to infure a continu-
ance of it, government allowed him a handfome pen-
lion. But his reftlefs and intriguing -fpirit would not
fufFer him to be grateful for this allowance, and his
condu(fl at length grew fufpicious ; fo that going, in
:thc yeai 1767, to hold a council in the country of
the Illinois, a faithful Indian, who was either com-
miffioned by one of the Englifli governors, or inftigat-
ed by the love he bore the Englifh nation, attended
him as a fpy ; and being convinced from the fpeech
Pontiac made in the council, that he ftill retained
his former prejudices againfl thofc for whom he now
profefled a friendfllip, he plunged his knife into his
heart, as foon as he had done fpeaking, a^d'laid him
dead on the fpot. But to return from this digreflion.

Lake Erie receives the waters by which it is fup-
pled from the three great lakes, through the Straits of
Detroit, that lie at its north-weft corner. This lake
is fituated between forty ^one and forty-three degrees
of north latitude, and between feventy-eight and
eighty-three degrees of weft longitude. It is near
three hun-lred miles long from eaft to weft, and a-
bout forty in its broadcft part : and a remarkable
long narrow point lies on its north fide, that proje£ls
for fcver:\l miles into the lake towards the fouth-caft.

There

CARVER'S TRAVELS. ^

97

There are fcycral iflands near the weft end of it fo
Infcfted with rittlc-ihakes, that it is very dangerous
to land on them. It is impoffible that any place can

produce a greater number of all kinds of thefe rep-
tiles than this docs, particularly of the water-fnake.
The lake is covered near the banks of the iflands with
the large pond-lilly ; the leaves which lie on the fur*
face of the water fo thick, as to cover it entirely for
many acres together ; and on each of thefe lay, wheii
I pafled over it, wreathes of water-fnakes balking in,
•the fun, which amounted to myriads.

The moft remarkable of the different fpeclcs that
infeft this lake, is the hiffing-fnake, which is of the
fmall fpeckled kind, and is about eight inches long.
When any thing approaches, it flattens itfelf in a mo-
ment, and its fpots, which are of various dyes, be-
come vifibly brighter through rage ; at the fame time
it blows from its mouth, with great force, a /ubtile
wind, that is reported to be of a naiifeous fmelli and
if drawn v» with ilic breath of the unwary traveller,
will infallibly bring on a decline, that in a few months
nittft prove mortal, there being no remedy yet difco*
vered which can cottntera6t its baneful influence,

>The ftones and pfebbies on the fhores of this lake
are me^^f them tinged, in a greater or lefs degree,
with jlpoifr 'that refemble bwfs jn their colour, but
which are of a more fulphureous nature. Small pieces,
about the fize of hazle-nuts, of the fame kinds of ore,
are found on the fands that lie on its banks, and un-
der the water.

The navigation of this lake is efl^eemed more dan-
gerous than any of the others, on account of many
high lands that lie on the borders of it and proje6t
into the water, in a perpendicular dire£lio'n for many
nilles together ; fo that whenever fudden ftorms arife,
canoes and boats are frequently loft, as there is no
place for tliem to find a flicker.

I ThU

98

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

Wh

\

This lake difchargcs its waters at the north-caft
end, into the River Niagara, which runs north and
fowth, and is about thirty fix miles in length ; from
whence it falls into Lake Ontario. At the entrance
of this river, on its eaftern fliore, lies Fort Niagara j
and, about eighteen miles further up, thofe remarka^
blc Falls which are efteeraed one of the moft extraii
ordinary produ£lions of nature at prefent known.

As thefe have been vifited by fo many travellers
and fo ''requently defcribed, I Ihall omit giving a par-
ticular defcription of them, and only obferve, that
the waters by which they are fupplied, after taking
their rife near two thoufand miles to the north-weft,
and pafling through the Lakes Superior, Michigan,
Huron,. and Erie, during which they have been re-,
ceiving conftant accumulations, at length ru(h dowa
a ftupendous precipice of one hundred and forty feet
perpendicular ; and in a ftrong rapid, that extends
to the diftance of eight or nine miles below, fall ncar^
ly as much more : this river foonj^ftcr eijipties itfelf
into Lake Ontario.

^he noife of thefe Falls may be heard an amazing
\vay.-^ I could plainly didinguiih them in a calip
morning more than twenty miles. Others have faid
that at particular times, and when the wind fits fair,
the found of then^ reaches fifteen leagues.

The land about the Falls is exceedingly hilly and
uneven, but the greateft part of that on the Niagara
Hiver is very good, efpecially for grafs and pafturage.

Fort Niagara ftands nearly at the entrarjce of the
weft end of Lake Ontario, and on the eaft pari of the
Straits of Niagara,, It was taken from the French
in the year 1759, by the forces under the command
of Sir William Johnfpn, aijd at prefent is defended by
a ^onfiderable garrifon.

Lake. Ontario is the next and lead of the five great
L^kes of Canada. Its fituation is between forty-three
aiid forty-five degrees of latitude, and between feven^

ty-fix

numeroi

CARVER'S TRAVELl

$f

ty-fix and feventy-ninc degrees of weft longitude.
The form of it is nearly oval, its greateft length be-
ing from north-eaft to lbut\-weft, and in circumfer-
ence, about fix hundred miles. Near the fouth-eafl:
part it receives the waters of the Ofwego River, and
en the north-eaft difcharges itfelf into the Riv^er Ca-
taraqui. Not far from the place where it iffues, Fort
Frontenac fotmerly ftbod, which was taken from the
French during the laft war, in the year 1758, by a
flnall army of Provincials under Col. Bradftreet.

At the entrance of Ofwego River ftands a fort of
die fame name, garrifoned only at prefent by an in-
confiderable part^. This fort was taken in the year
1756, by the French, when a great part of the garri-
fon, which confifted of the late Shirley's and Pepper-
eTs regiments, were maflacred in cold bkod' by the
lavages .

In Lake Ontario are taken many forts of fifli, a-
ihong which is the Ofwego Bafs, of an excellent f» i-
vour, and weighing about three or four pounds.
There is alfo a fort called the Cat-head or Pout, wliich
are in general very large, fome of them weighing eight
or ten pounds; and they are efteemed a rare difh when
properly drefledi

On the nori:h-weft part of this L^ke, and to tht
fouth-eaft of Lake Hurdn, is a tribe of Indians called
Miflifauges, whofe town is denominated Toronto,
from the lake on which it lies ; but they are not very
liumeroius. The country about Lake Ontario, efpe-
ciaily the more rj^orth and eaftern parts, is compofed
©f good land, and in time may make very flourifti-
ing fcttlements.

The Oniada Lake, fituated near the head of the
River Ofwego, receives the waters of Wood-Creek,
which takes its rife not far from the MohawIj;'s River.
Thefc two lie fo adjacent to each other^Uhat a junc-
tion is effefted by fluices at Fort Stanwix, about
twelve miles from the mouth of the former. ' This

ilP0i

lom

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

lake Is about thirty miles long from call to weft, and
wear fifteen broad. The country around it belongi
to the Onitida Indians.

Lake Champlain, the next In fize to Lake Ontario,
and which lies nearly eaft from it, is about eighty
miles in length, north and fouth, and in 'fts broadeu
part fourteen. It is well ftored with fifli, and the
lands that lie on all the borders of it> and about it&
rivers, very good.

Lake George formerly called by the French, Lake
•St. Sacrament, lies to the fouth-weit of the lait men-
tioned lake, and is about thirty»five mUes long.fronv
north-eaft to fouth-weft, but of no great breadth*
The country around it is very mountainous, but in
the vallies tne land is tolerabl/ good.

When thefe two lakes were nrft difcovered, they
were known by no other name than that of tlie Iro-
quois Lakes ; and I believe in the ftrfl plans taken of
thofe parts, were io denominated. The Indians alfa
that were then called the Iroquois^ are iincti known
by the name of the Five Mohawk natioxis, and the
^lohawks of Canada. In the late war, the former,
which confiH: of the Onondagoes, the Onladas, the
Senecas, the Tufcaroriei, and Iroondocks, fpu^t ou
the fide of the Englifli : the latter which are called
the Cohnawaghans, ^d St. Francis Indians, joined
che French.

A vafl tracSl of land that lies between the two laft

irtemioned lakes and Lake Ontario, was granted in

the year 1629, by the Plymouth Cpmpany, under a

patent they had received from King James I. to Sir

Ferdinando Gorges^ and to Captain John Mafon, the

head of that family, afterwards diftinguifhed from

others of the fame name, by the Mafons of Connedi-

cut. The countries fpecified ia this grant are faid

to begin ten miles from the heads of the rivers that

from the eait and fouth into Lake George and

*" 'jhamplain i and continuing ^om thefe in a di*

i».. <A ' reft

CARVl?R's TRAVELS.

lOI

itCt Hn^ weftw^rd) extend to the middle of Lake On-
ttrio'i ^f^Ai thencC) being bounded by the Cataraqui,
or river of the Iroquois, they take their courfe to
Montreal, as far as Fort Sorreli, which lies at the
junflion of this river with the Richlieu ; and from
that point afre enelofed by the laft mentioned river
tin it returns back to the two lakes.

This immenfc {pace was granted by the name of
die Province of Laconia, to ttie aforefaid gentlemen,
on fpecificd conditions and under certain penalties ;
but none of thefe amounted in cafe of omffRon in the
fulfilment of any part of' them, to forieiture, a fine
only could be cxafted.

On account of the continual wars to which thefc
parts have been fubjeft, from their fituation between
the fetdements of the Englilh, the French, and the
fiwRans, this grant has been fuffered to lie dormant
by the real proprietors.. Notwithftandin^ which, fe-
veral townshavc been fettled fince the late war, on.
the borders of Laike Champlain, >nd grants made to
diffferent people by tlie governor o£ New York, of
part of thelic' territories, which are now become an-
nexed to that province.. '

There are a great number of lakes on the north of
Canada, between Labrador, Lake Superior, and Hud-
fon^sBay, but thefeatc comparatively fmall. As they
lie out of the track that I purfoed, I fliall only give a
fummary account of them. The moft wefterly of*^
thefe are the Lakes Nipifing and Tamifcaming. The
firft lies at the head of the French River, and runs
into Lake'^nron j the other on the Ottawaw Riverj,
which empKs itfelf into the Cataraqui at Montreal*
Thefe lakes are each about one hundred miles in'
circumference.

The next is Lake Miftaflin, on the head of Rupert's'
River, that falls into James's Bay. 'I'his Lake is fo
irregular from the large^pointis of land by which it is^
intcrfc^W ott^rvcry fidte, thai it isr difficult dther to*

I ^ defcribe

^uiav]'-^

!.;

Ida

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

Jl

defcribe its fhape, or to afcertaln its fize. It however
appears on the whole to be more thsSn two hundred
miles in circumference.

Lake St. John, which is about eighty miles round,
and of a circular form, lies on the Saguenay River,
direftly north of Quebec, and falls into the St. Law-
rence, fomewhat north-eall of that city. Lake Man-
ikouagone lies near the head of the Black Riyer,
■which empties itfclf into the St. Lawrence to the
eaftward of the laft mentioned river, near the coaft
of Labrador, and is about fixty miles in circumfer-
ence, Lake Pertibi, Lake Wincktagan, Lake Etche-
laugon, and Lake Papenouagane, with a number of
other fmall lakes, lie near the heads of the Buftard
River to the north of the St. Lawrence.

Many others, which it is unneceflUry to particular-
ize here, are aJfo found between the Lakes Huron
and Ontario.

The whole of thofc I have enumerated, amount-
ing to up Awards of twenty, are within the limits of
Canada ; and from this' account it might be deduced,
that the northern parts of North-America, through
thefe numerous inland feas, contain a greater quantity
of water than any other quarter of the globe.
" In October 1 768 I arrived at Bofton, having been
abfent fronvit on this expedition two years and five
jnionths, and during that time travelled near feven
ihoufand miles. From thence, as foon as I had pro-
perly digefted my Journal and Charts, I fet out for
England to communicate the difcoveries I had made,
and to render them beneficial to the kingdom. But
the profecution of my plans for reaping thefe advan-
tages have hitherto been obftru£led by the unhappy
divifions that have been fomented between Great-
Britain and the Colonics by their inutual enemies.
Should peace once more be reftored, I doubt not but
that the countries I have defcribed will prove a niore
s^uadant Iburge of riches to |his nation^ than either

its

CARVER'S, TRAVEl^S.

103

its'Eaft or Weft-Indian fcttlcments ; and I flialJ not >
onlf pride myfelf, but fincerely rejoice in being the
means of pointing out to it fo valuable an acqulfition^

I cannot conclude the account of my extenfive tra-
velsi without exprefling my gratitude to that benefi-
cent being who invifibly protedled me through thofe
perils which unavoidably attend fo long a tour a«
mong fierce and untutored favages.

At the fame time let me not be accufed of vanity
or prefumption, if I declare that the motives alledged
in the introdudkion of this work, were not the only
ones that induced me to engage in this arduous un<*
dertaking. My views were not folcly confined to
the advantages that might accrue either to myfelf, or
the community to which I belonged ; but nobler
purpofes contributed principally to urge me on.

The confined ftatc, both with regard to civil and
religious improvements, in which fo many of my fel*
low-creatures remained, aroufed within my bofom
an irrefiftible inclination to explore the almoft un*
known regions which they inhabited •<, and as a pre-
paratory ftep towards the introdu£lion of more po-»
liflied manners, and more humane fentiments, to
gain a knowledge of their Hanguage, cufloms^ and
principles

I confefs that the little benefit too many of the In-
dian nations have hitherto received from their inter-
courfe with thofe who denominate thenifelves Chrif*
tians, did not tend to encourage my charitable pur-
^pofes j yet as many, though not the generality, might
receive fome benefit from the introduction among
th^^m of the polity and religion of the Europeans,
without retaining only the errors or vices that from
the depravity and perverfion of their profeflbrs are
unhappily attendant on thefe, I determined to per-
fevcre.

Nor could I flatter myfelf that I flioukl be able to
accoBipUilh alone this great defijjn j however, I was

willing

I

*'; \

, •,. •' %

I

f

i%'^-,j:'

4i,

to4f

CAftVKR'* TRAVELS.

^Hng lo contriWe as mnch ai. kjr in my powet t04
<tifanis ih In att miblio ttftekeitakifil woxild everji
oae do thi% and nirnilb with aiocritf his pcurttcuUr
iharr txnraids' i|» vibat AopendoaS' woslo ttifgi»t not
be completed^

It is tTue thati the Ixidians ace not wfthout fomei
fisnfo o£ religion) and Inch aS' proves- that theV wor<'
fliip the Great Creator with a degiee of purity un-
known to nations, who hare greater oji^mrcunities of
improvement ; but their religious- principles are faf
fiom being fo &iukle(s as de&sibed b^p* a^ learned wri-
ttty or. unmixed with, opinioni* and' eevemonies that
greatly leiTen "heir exoeliency in this point. So that
could the dofbrines of venuine and vital Chriltianity
be introdiioed among diem, pure and untainted, as
it flowed from the lips of its Divine Inftru£bpr, it
would certaioly tend to clear away, that fuperftitious
or idolatrous drofs by which His rationality of their
religious tenets are obfcured* Its mild and- beneii«
cent precepts would like wife condutte to^ foft^n their
implacable difpofitions^ and fo refine their favage
manners ; in event moft deiirable ; and happy fhall
I eileem myfelf, if this publication ihall prove the
means ofpoiating out thtfpath-by which falutary in-
ftru6Uons may be conveyed to them^ and the c<viver*
£on^ though but of a fSew, be the confequence*

CoNCtUSION O? THE JoURNAIL, i2fc\

^■

9B

.•*v

OF THfe

OR I C I Nj MAN N E R S, C US TO M S^
RELIGION AND LANGUAGE

oyxHtf

I N I> I A N s/

■••^

CHAFTBlt r.

HE means bfy which America reodTod it»
firft inhabitants, have, fince the tune a£ its. difcovsry
by the Europeans, been the fabje£k of nuniberlels
difquifitions. Was I to endeaViiur to colle£t: the citf>«
ferent opinions and reaibnings of the varioui writersi
that have taken up the pen in defence of ^heir con-
je^luresy the enumeration would much exceed tlie
bounds I have prefcribed to myfelf, and oblige me t&
be lefs explicit on points of greater moment*

From the obfcurity in wbicli this, debate ia enve-^
leped, through the total difufe of lettess among every
nation of Indians on thi&exten£ve continent^ and the
uncertamtj of oral tradition at t^e diilaaceaf fo ma-
ny ages, I fear, that even after the moft minute inveili-

'gation,

ri

.r:,^f4'

..' •., ■'

lo6

CARVEft.'s tRAV^LS.

m

il3 I ■''

m

WM

gation, we fiiall not be able to fettle it with any greit
degree of certainty. And this a|3f)rehenlIon will re-
ceive additional force> when it is confidered that the
diverfity of language, which is apparently di(tin£l: be-
tween moft of the Indians, tefids to afcertain that this
population was not effef^ed from one particular
cjuncry, but from feveral neighbouring ones, and
completed at different periods.

Moft of the hiftorians, or travelkrs that have treated
on the AmeJcan Aborigines, difagree in their fenti-
ments relative to them. Many of the ancients are
fuppofed to have known thaf {his quarter of the globe
not only exifted, but alfo that" it was inhabited. Pla-
to in his TifnsEus ha$ ailertcd, that beyoiid the ifiand
which he calls Atalantis, and which, according to his
defcription, was fituated in the "Weftern Ocean, there
were -a great number of other iilands, and behind
thofe a vaft continent.

Oviedo, a celebrated Spanifh author of a much
later date, has made no fcruple to affirm that the
Antilles are the famous Hefperides fo often mention-
ed by the poets ; which are at length reftored to the
kings of Spain, the* defcendants of king Hcfperus,
who lived upwards of three thoufand years ago, and
from whdm thefe iilands received their name.

Tv/o other Spaniards, the one, Fathei Gregorio
Garcia, a Dominican, the other. Father Jofeph De
Acofta, a Jefuit, have Vrittgi on the origin of the
Americans.

The fojrmer, who had been employed in the mif-
fions of Mexico and Peru, endeavoured to prove from
the traditions of the Mexicans, Peruvians, and others
which he received on the fpot, and from the variety
of chara6lers, cuftoms, languages, and religion ob-
fervable in the diiFcrent countries of the New World,
that different nations had contributed to the peo-
pling of it.

" The

CARVER^s TRAVELS.

107

The latter, Father De Acofta, in his examination
of the means by which the firft Indians of America
might haye found a paflage to" that continent, difcrc-
dits the cQi^cIufions of thofe who have fuppofed it to
be by fea, %ecaufe i?o anqient author has made men-
tion of the compafs : and concludes, that it muft b?
pither by the north of Afia and Europe, which adjoin
to each other, or by thofe regions that lie to the fouth-
ward of the Straits of Magellan. He alfo rejei^s the
jiflertions of fucn as haye advanced that it was peo-
pled by the Hebrews. •

John de Laet, a Flemifli writer, has controverted
the opinions of thefe Spanifli fathers, and pf many
others who have written on the fame fubje^. The
hypothefis he endeavours to eftablifli, is, that Ameri-
ca was certainly peopled by the Scythians or Tartars :
aud that the tranfmigration of thefe people happened
foon after the difperfion of Noah's grand fons. He
undertakes, to (how, that the moll northern Ameri-,
cans have a greater refemblance, not only in the fea-
tures of their countenances, but alfo in their com-
plexion and manner of living, to the Scythians, Tar-
tars, and Samoeides, than to any other nations.

in anfvver to Grotius, who had aflerted that fome
of the Norwegians pafTed into America by way pf
Greenland, and over a vaft continent, he fays, that
it is well known that Qrcenland was not difcovered
till the year 964 ; and both Gomera and Herreri in-
form us that the Chichimeqaes were fettled on the
Lake of Mexico in 721. 'He adds, that thefe favages,
according tp the uniform tradition of the Mexicans
who difpoflefled them, came from the country fince
called New-Moxico, and from the neighbourhood of
California ; conf.equentjy North-America muft have
been inhabited m^my ages before it could receive any
inhabitants from Norway, by way of Greenland.
• It is no lefs certain, he obferves, that the real Mex-
icans founded their empire in pui, after h?ving fub^t

dued

If',; uWi ^m

(•^ f .

■ ■ i

It" h

'? 'I '

Is

if"'

111 itlli^l

.-

«68

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

^ued the Chlchimeques, the Otomias, and otlicr ^)a^
barous nations, who had taken ;fidireflion of tKc
<:ountry round the Lake of Mexicc, aiid each of whom
fpoke a language peculiar to themfelrBs. ^ The rc:4
Mexicans are likewife fuplyofed to come iFrom fomc
of the countries that lie near California, and that they
performed their 'journey for the mott part by land ;
of courfe they could not come fronn Norway.

De LaHt further adds, that though fome of the in.
habitants of North- Atnferica, may. have entered k
from the north-weft, yeti>?^|* |t iS'ircJated by Pliny,
and fome other writers, tliKt pn many of the iflands
near the weftem coaft of Afiica, partttulariy on the
Canaries, fome ancient edifices were fcen, it is high-
ly probable from theur being now deferted, that the
inhabitants may have paiTed over to America 4 the
pafTage being neither lon^ isor diScuIt. This ml-
gratioxf, according io the calculation of thofe authors,
muft have happened more than twd thoufand year$
ago, at a time when the Spaniards were much trou-
bled by the Carthaginians ; from whom having ob-
tained a knowledge of navigation, and the con(i:ruc«
tion of (hips, they might have retired to the Antiles,
by the way of the weftern ifles, which were exadly
half way on their voyage.

He thinks alfo that Great-Britain, Ireland, and the
Orcades were extremely proper to admit of a fimilar
conjedlure. As a proof, he inferts the following
paflage from the hiftory of Wales, written by Dr.
David Powel, in the year 1170.

This hiftorian fays, that Madoc, one of the fens
of Prince Owen Gwynnith, being difgufted at the
civil wars which broke out between his brothersi
after the death of their father, fitted out feveral vef-
fels, and having provided them with every thing ne-
cciTary for a long voyage, went in queft of new lands
to the weftward of Ireland ; there he difcovered very
fertile countries, but deftitute of inhabitants ; when

landing

A-

CARVER's TRAVELS.

109

}^w part ^ his peo^le» he returned tn Britain,
where ne raifedjlfew levies, and afterwards tranfport-
ed tQ this colopy .

' The Flemim author th^ returns to the Scythiam,
between whom and the i^onericans he draws a paral-
lel. He ob£#«^ t&t fereral nations of them to the
north of the Ca%iian Sea, led a wandering life } which,
as well as many other of t^eir cuftoms, and wav o£
livings agrees ti^Biunv circumftances^tth the Indians
of America. ^J|^ thc^^^ the refemblances are not

igrants, even before they

ed from each others and

Their change of abode

abiblutely*perfiilS|yet
left their own coun
wcnuiot by the fa
«0el^ what remained.
V ,He forther fays>i|ijat a flmilar likenefs exifts be-
tween feyeral American nations, and the Samceides
who are fettled according to the Ruffian accounts,
on the great River Oby. And it is more natural,
continues he, to fuppofe that Colonies of thefe nations
paiTed over t^ipimeric& by croffin^v(^e icy fea on their
fledges, thanfor the Norwegians to travel all the way
ISrotius has, marked out for them.

This writer makes many other remarks that are
equally fenfible, and which appear to be juil ; but
he int^rijuxes with thefe fome that are not fo well-
founded^j,

,Ebai?uel. dc Morae2, a Fortugeufe, in his hiftory
of Brazil, aiTerts that America has been wholly peo-
pled by tht Carthaginians and Ifraelites. He brings
as a proof of this aflertion the difcoveries the former
arc known tq^^ve made at a great diftance beyond
the coaft of Arrica. The piogrefs of which being
put a ftop to by the fenate of Carthage, thofe who
happened to be then in the newly difcovcred coun-
tries, being cut off from all communication with their
countrymen, and deftiti^ of many neceilaries of life,
fell into a iUte of baxb«i?ifin. As to the Ifraelites,

^ this .

>■,'■■?;* I

Sv-Ji

t*

no

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

,5,

#

.^is author thinks that^nothing^p circumcifien is
wanted in order tp* corilfetute a ftrfc<il refembltoce
between them an^ the Brazilianl?*|ii

Geovge De Hornri, a,I^,irhe4 l^^utchman, has Ii)te.
wife written on this fubje^^j|rHe fets out withde,
daring, t^at he ddes not beSeveii poflible Ameriq
could hilfe beerf people^ before the flood, confidenni;
the fliort fpace of time whjch elapfed between the
creation Qf jt}ie world and that irfe|ribrabie event, In
tSc^next place he '^^^^'Jjjj^^M JiB^I^.^"ciple, th»t' af. j
ter the deluge, me^ m|^^

^etrated into that i iiiiiitj|P|Kniiirj fea and by land {
fome through accident, amrl^me from a.fa|pied de.
(ign. That birds got thithef by flight j which they j
were enabled to do by reftirlg on the rocks and ifl.|
ands that are fcatterecl 4b9u!t the Ocean.

He furtherobfervcsV^at wild beafts may have found I
?i free paflage by lands and that if we do not meet'
with horfes or,ra||:le (to which hej^ght, have addeij
e^phants, camos, rhinoceros, aSr l^fts of mann

other kinds) it is becaufe tHpfe natidiis that
diither, were either not acquainted witti^eiruft,or|
.Jiad no convenience to fupport them.

Having totally excluded many hatioiis that otherj]
.have admitted as the probable firft fettl^ys of Ameri*|
Cjsi, for yhich he gives fubftaijtial reafdils, he fijpp
fcs that i^ began to be peopled by the north/ m
maintains the prio>Itive colonies fpread themfelvcs by]
the means of the ifthmusr of Panama through tk]
whole extent of the continent. -'^

He believes that 'the firft fottft^s of the Indianl
Colonies were Scythians. That the Phoenicians anij
Carthaginians afterwards got footing in America aj
crofs the Atlantic Ocean, and theChinefe by wayoff
the Pacific. And that ojher nations might from timcj
to time have landed thtreby one pr other of thefej
ways, or might poflibly^a# been thrown on the coaft
by tempefts : fince, tm%ugh the whole extent of tW

contlueiit

m.

jntinent

meet w^it
northern*

er

tiananiig
vents, bi]
v^hen the
pledj

atteud,tJn
fays, are

mm

gloBe, tol

^lirftdiiQO
ni(?ft anql
b|e roa<^ t
ltupei|4o]
ei^ecutcd
.He fui
ctans, th

pmion
difcevci
iiaces ii
To tl
bcra, h(
rent nj
For th<
berlefsl
felf w[

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

III

•J

continent, both in it^ northern and foutheni parts, we
n»e6t w^ith undjy^ed marks of a n^ixturc of the

northern natioril|ph thofejjiirhohavfi come from oth-
er places. Ahi %lftly">, ttwt ft)me Jews and Chrif-
tlana n^igHt'hafc been c^rrjed there bjj; fuch like c-
vents, but tWt thiMJ^ a time

when the wholcM I^Ji^^Vo'^^^ '^^^ already peo-

After a|l, he acl-nowledges that greal^ifEculttcs
attend,the deteriftlnatipn of the qucftion. ; Thefe, he

fays, site ocGaJ

globe, towara? t1
n(]|it|bc« tp tile ha
firftdac

^rft piacjef by the ii^r-^*^
the extremides oFthe *"
1 pole; an4 in the
iich the Spaniards, tlie

^„ Jco^crcrS of tM.hc^ wo^tS,; made among ita

mplii ancient mqnuil^ts^ ^;itnef^tlie great dou-
ble roa^tfitiyixt.'XJ^itp ^Xu^co, an tindertaking To
iUipra^ojJSj-t^W^ f^^^gni^cc^Ht of thofe

CJ^ecutcd ii/ the ttom^ins cannot Be comparedHo it.

He fup^fi^^Ko.ajPP^thcr; migration of the f'hoen>
ckw, i^^ffCc iixp0f ^ritti0dt to have-tivken
pjaCe.5 and rfjift vra^iifi^g a th ree'y fears Voyageimade
B^tBcfjirian, «ii,5n fhe Jefyieii of Khi^ Solomon.
He ffi^i;^dn,dx6 aii^^^^^^^ that tTie port

it\>tici^j8i*s^%ibarkatiort>?^mad^* lay in thfe jVle*
diterra^ttn... The'^jset, he adds, ^tnt 'itiqu'e^ 6f ^le-
ll'ants i^^ and pe^^otks to the Wcftern Coaft o^ M-
l^a, wfcidhjs Tarfift j then to Opllif fof goli^y *diich
i<^ake, or the Ml^ad of Hifpaniola y in th5e letter o-
pmionhe is fupported by Columbus, wl^fVhen he
difcevcreti tbi| ifland,'tl^o,ught he could trlee the fur-
naces in wh^^ the g^oltt^Wijis refined.

To the fe migrations which^prececkd the Clliiftim.
bcra, he adds m-ahy otli^rs of a later dat^. froth di^iP
rent nations, but thefe I have not timetd'eniiiherate.
For the fame leafon J.^m obliged to pafs over num-
berlefs w^^iers on thiej^je^l: ; and (hall content^iy- \
felf with;<|njy "iviS^i^mentiments of two or three
tnore, . jH^o^ Iftc

f 1 , i" \ *M *A

1 1;.

fi:i

'9^HI

m

112

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

■». '.i { ',

ill

The firft of-thefc is Pierre DeXharlevoix, a%
Frenchman, who, in his joiugial of iM|^l|age to North-
America, made fo lately as%e year ^2o, has recapi-
tulated the opinions ox a variety ol^ai^ors on this
head, to whidi he has fubjoinedLhis own conje£tures.
But the latter cannot without ^||iie difficulty be ex-
tra£^ed, ast^ly are fo interwoven with the paiTages
he has quot)P| thaf it requires much attention to Sii- -
criminate tlietn.

fit^feems to aUow that A|neztca m|ght Ea^ve re«
reiv^Kts firft inhabitants, ^B^^T^Ip^y a^llyrca-
nia. This he confirm^) J^^fUpv^^S tnat^e lions

iriligthatl
and tiger§ which are foun^S^^^former, mttftjutre
come from thofe countries, andf^vhole paffiige ffvet
for a proof that the two hemif{i|^ere8 join to the
northward of Afia* Ife then draws a corroboration
of this argument, from c %^ he fays he has often
heard teiated by Father CroUon» a French Jefuit,as
an undoubted matter of fa^. 4, ^.

This Father, aft^ having laboured Jttne time m
themilEons of New Fran^i^ pa^u^^oiilFtp thofe of
China. One day as he was travel^^ in Tfrt^ry, he
met a Huron womsp whom he had n>rm^% ^nQwn
in Canada. He afleed hrr by what adventure (but h»d
been carryed intb a coulftry (6 di^ant from Heir own.
She lAade aiifwer> that having been taken In war,
ihe had been conduced from nation tb oaAon, till
(he had reach^ the place at which ihe then was.

Monfieur Charlevoix fays further, that he had been
afiured another Jefuit, paffing throufl^l^ntz, in his
return from China, had related muot^^^ another
affair of a Spanifh wo|na^ from FlotilKr She alfo
llifl bee^ taken by certain Indians, and given tp thofe
of a more di^ant country } and by thefe again to ano-
ther nation, till having thus been fucceflively pailed
froni^country to country, and travelled through regi-
ons extremely cold, flie at laft^li^nd herfelf m Tar-
tary. Here (he had marri^Ji ISrtar, who had at*
•X tended

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

J»3

>ix, a%

'orth-

:capi.

this
cures,
|be cx-
iffages
to diU

tne in

ofe of

Itnpwa

r own. ,
i war,
an, tilt

dbeen

• i|) his
nptlker
ic'alfo
3 thofe

0 aho-
pafled

1 regi-
iTar.
id zU
led

tended the conquerorrin China,^where flic was then

♦fettled. J.

Ke acknowR^^s as ^i^allay to the probaBil:ty of
thefc ftories, thife thofe wlio had failed farthcft to the
caftward of Aiia, by purfuing the Coafl of Jeflb, or
Kamfchatika, havejxcg^ndcd that they had perceived
the extremity of thSrontinent i and from whence have
concluded that there could not poffibl^e any com-
munication by land. But he idds' thatlRpncts Guel-
la, a Spaniard, is faid to have aflerted, that this fepa-
rstioh is no n^i^ than a (Irait, about one hundreid
miles ovfst, an^lHtat foi^^'latd voyages of the Ja^iftcfc
give grounds to thirik'^jSit'^tliiai ftrait is only a bay, a-
bov|«jvhich there- is* a paflage over land.

He goes on to obferve, that though th^re are few
wild beafts to be met with in North- America, except
a kind of tigers without fpots, Which are found in the
country of the Iroquoife^ct towards the tropics there
are lions and real tigers, which, notwithllanding,
might have cqme from Hyrcania and Tartary j for
as by advani||g gradually fouthward they met with
climates more agreeable fb their natures, they have
in time abandoned the northern countries.
♦ He quotes both Solinus and Pliny to prove that the
Scythian Anthropophagi onpe depopulated a grciit
extent of country, as far as the promontory Tabin ;
and alfOan aiuthor of later date, Mark Pol, a Vene-
tian, who, he fays, tells us, that to the notth-eaft of
China and Tartary there are vaft unirfhabited coun-
triesfj^hich might be fufficicnt to confirm any con-
jectures cQjtiCerning the retreat of a great number of
Scythians^mtb America.

To this he adds, that w^ find in the antients the
names of fome of thefe nations. Pliny fpeak« ©f^lb
Tabians ; Solinus mentions the Apuleans, who had
for neighbours the Maflagetes, whom Pliny fincc ai-
fures us to have eptirely difappeard. Ammianus
Marcellinus exprefslf tells us, that the fear of the An*

K %f:' thropophagi

li

!,l

Mi

il.fi ,
rJt:! fclfc'J :

"4

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

I'.r

thropdphag'i obliged fcvcral of the inhabitants of thofe
countries to take refuge cUc where. , from all thefe*^
authorities Monf. Charlevoix concluiles^ that there ig
at leail room to conje^^ure that mord than one nation
in America had a Scythian or 'I'artariah original.

He iiniiliqs his remarks on thaMpithors he has quot-
ed, by the fvllowing obfervations^ It appears to me
that thi&co«ovcrfy may be reduced to the two fol-
lowing articws; firft, how the new world might
h^ve been peopled i and fecondly, by whom, and by
what^ltieans ithasbeen pe^l^di -t^

Nothing, he aiTerts, ni^|^|k;j^je eafily anfwered
than the hrit, America U]|w; have been peopled as
the three other parts of the wt)rld have been. *itMa-
ny diihculties have been formed on this fubje£t,. which
have been tlcemed infplva^le, but which are far from
being fo. The inhabit«nt»j|)f both Hemifpheres arc
certainly the defcendants of the fame father.; the
common parent of mankind r^eived an exprefs
command from Heaven to people the:, i^le world,
and accordingly it has been^jeo^ed* *"

To bring this about it was nec<|i^ry to Q/ercomc
all difliculties that lay in the way, and Hiey have
been got over. Were thefe difficulties greater with
refpe<^ to peopling the extremities of Afia, Africa,'
and Europe, or the tranfporting men into th|B iflands
which lie at a confiderable diftance from thoie conti-
nents, than topafs over into America ? certainly not.

Navigation, which has arrived at fo great perfec-
tion within thefe three or fojur centuries, might pof-
fibly have been more perfeoc in thofe^|?% ages than
at this day. Who can l)#lieve that^^li and his
immediate defcendants knew Icfs of this art than we
do ? That the builder and pilot of the largeft (hip
that ever was, a fhip that was formed to traverfe an
unbounded ocean, and hadfo many Ihoarsind quick-
iands to guard againfl, {houldbe ignorant of, or
ihpuld not jlt^ye communicated to thofe of his defcen-
-» dants

CARVilR'* TRAVELS.

11.5

d^ntrwho furvived him^ and' by whofc means-he wa»
to execute thc-Qrdfcrof the Oteat Creator v I fay,
who can believe life (hould not have communicated to.
them the art of '(ailing upon an ocean, whick wa&
not only more calm and ^ pacific, but at the fame time
confined within ilS^jndenk limits ?

Admitting this, hoW eafy is it to pafjkcxclufive of
the paifage alre?.dy <itefcribed, by land ^|j||fn the coai^:
of Africa to Brazil, from the Canaries to the Weftern
Iflands, and froin them to the Antiles ? From the Bri-
tifh Iflesi or the cos^ ^^rance, to Newfoundland,
the pafTage is neithoro^^r difficult' ; I might fay
as much of that from' ^m4 to Japan; fyom Japan, or
the#hiUppines, to th^Ifles Mariannes ; and from
thence to Mexico. >.

There are iflands at a cblifideraWe diftance from
the continent of Afia, where we have not been fur-
prifed to find inhabitants, why then fhould we won-
der to meet with peiEy^fe in Amesica ! Nor can it be
imagined th^he grandfons of Noah, when they were
obliged to iqjijirate, a^d'^read themfelves in confor-
mity to th^ defi^ of God, over the whole earth,
fhould Q>|^ it abfdlutely impoflible to people almoft
one half of it,

I have been more copious in my extracts from this
author than 1 intended, as his reafons appears to be
foiid, and mfny of his obfervationsjuft. From this
encomium, howcv#i-, I muft exclude the ftories he
has inttoduced of the Huron and Florid^n women,
which I think I might venture to prenounce fabulous,

I ihall tjii^^dd, tdf^ivi^ rny readers a more com-
prehenlive^W of Monfietit Charlevoix's differtation,
the method he propofes to come^t the truth of what
we are in fearch of.

r-^hc only means by which this can be done, he
fays, is bi^cbmparingthe language of the Americans
with the different itatlons, from whence we might
fuppofethey Iravc peri^natcd. If we compare the

'" former

•■.*

11^

CARVER'S TRAV1ELS.

* vi I
■'* t'ii--^Si'W

former with thofe words that are conGdered at pH.
mittvesy it might poflibly fet ui upon feme happy dif.
covery. And this way of afccnding to the original
of nations, which is by far the leafb equivocal, is not
fo difficult as might be imaeined. We have had,
and ftill have, travellers and i^Sonaries who have
attained the languages that are Ipokeii in all the pro-
vinces of th|i!.jiew world i it woiUd only be neceilary
to make a colledion of their granuners and vocabu-
laries, and to collate them with the dead and living
languages of the old worId» t}^ pafs for originals,
and the fimilarity might ^a^ Ixi graced. Even tht
different dialc£ts, in fpite of ^c^ alterations they have
undergone, (lill retain enou^ of the motlier tongue
to furnifh confiderable ^|d^ts.

Any enquiry into th^ianners, cuftoms, religion,
or traditions of the Americans, in order to difcovcr
by that means their origin, he thinks would prove
fallacious. A difqi^ifition of^that kind, he oBferves,
is only capable of producing a falfe ligl^t^ more likely
to dazzle, and to make us wander froitn the right
path, than to lead us with certaintji^to the point pro-
pofed. "' ^,

Ancient traditions are effaced from the minds of
fuch as either have not, or for feveral ages have been
without thofe helps that are neceilaTy to prefcrve
them. And in this £ituation is full 0% half of the
world. "New events, and a n^w arrangement of
things, give rife to new traditions, which efface ^le
former, and are themfelvcs effaced in turn. After
one or two centuries have paCed, the|p|.no longer re-
main any traces of the iitft tradition'^ ; and thus we
are involved in a ftate of uncertainty. •'*

He concludes with the following remarks, among
many others. Unfbrefeen accidents, tempefts, aiq^
fhipwrecks, have certainly contributed logpieople eve-
ry habitable part qi the world : a|id ought^ve to won-
der after this, at perceiving (certain refemblapces, both

of

CARVKR's TRAVELS.

117

of perfons and manners hetween^nations that are mod
remote from each other, when we find fuch a differ-
ence between thofe that border on one another ? As
we are deflltute of hfftorical monumentsy there i»
nothings I repeat it, but a knowledge of the primi-
tive languages that, Is capable of throwing any light
upon theie clouds of impenetrable darknefs.

By this enquiry we Ihould at leait beifttisfied, a-
mong that prodigious number of various nations in-
habiting America^ and differing fo much in languages
from each other; wlllth lire thofe who make ufe of
words totally and a>itireh||^ipferent from thofe of the
old world, and" who 66t^qntntly mull be reckoned
to hAb paired over to Ainerica in the earlieil^'ages,
9nd thoie, who, from the atf|p>logy of their language
with fuch as are at prefenttPa in the three orher
parts of the globe, leave room to judge that tlieir
migTatidn has been more recent, and which ought
to pe attributed to fliipwrecks, o» to fome accident
fimilar to th(^. which have been fpoken of in the
courfe of thip!%reatife.

I fhall |94y iiiithe opinion of one author more»
before ^j^0^ ^^ fentiments on ike fubje6l, and
that is ot jimes Adair, £fq. who refided forty years
among th'^ Indians, and publiflied ^e hiftoij of them
ill the year ij^* In his learned and fyitematical
h^ory of thUe nations, inhabiting the weitem parts
of the moit fouthernrof the American colonics} this
gentielfi^n without hefitation pronounces that the
Amer^an Ab|pgine%^ t^fcended from the Ifrael-
ites, e^her^il^ift th^^were a maritime power, or
fopn after tlfeir general captivity^ ^'

*' Thifi^ defcent he endeavours -to prove from their
r^liious rites, their civil and martial cuiloms, their
liphriages, their funeral ceremonies, their manners,
laitguage, li^itions, and from a variety of other par-
ticulars. And fo complete is his convi6lion on this
hcad^ that lie fancies he Jnds a perfe^ and indifpuu-

ble

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ble AmiHtudc in eaclw^ Through all theie I have not
time'^ to follow hiin, and /hall therefore only give a
few extra<^s to fhow on what foundation he builds
his conje£lures» and what deg^e of credit he is cn«
titled to i^n this point.

He begins wiui obfervingy that J^otigh fonne have
fuppofcd t!ie Americans to be del&tided from the
Chinefe, yet neither their reiig^* laws, nor cuftoms
agree in the Icaft with thofe of the Chinefe ) which
futiticiently proves thaf they are noi^f this line. £c-
i\de$,7ti our >eft ihips are ii9V^*liiolt~haif a year in
fjiHng for Chiaa (our 3U^A4i^P^.I*ot here rtcoUe£t
that this is from a highiiomjinrUtif«49y ^icrofs the
Line, »nd thenback agatagrettly to die m>rtMird
of it| and not dire£^ly ^te^^'^^^^ PftcifilS Ocean, for
only one hundred and (SiPen degrees) or froRii thence
to Europe, it is "very unlikely they ihould attempt fuch <
dayigcrou| difcoveries,with their, fi^pofed^ fmall vef- '
fdsjagainft rapid currents, and' t d^k and (ickly
Monfoons. . . . ..

He further .remarks, that this isjniole
improbable, as fto'e is reafon to M^^
tion wa!s ui^c(pn|bted ^ith the qieof ^[
to direA their courfe., Chim» he fa^s^ irf
thoufa»d jpik!lidi(hi^ froin the American cotitinent,
which is twice as rar as acrofs the Atlantic Ocean.
And we are not informed by any anciel^ writer of
tlieir ma^time ikilij or fo mucn as any inclbiation
that way, beiides fmall coafting voyages. The viinds
blew likewife, with little varia^^ froq^ail tp^clt
within the latitudes thirty a^id^d, nc^^^nd foiith;
and therefore thefe could Hi$t drive the^^oitthc A-
merican cOaft, it lying ^ireftly contrary tp' fiuih st,
courfe. '^

Neither could perfons, according tb thSt writers a«fc
coimt, fail to America from the north byi^pe vi^ay of
Tartary or ancient Scythia ; that, fron*si|j| fituation,
never having been or can be a maritime powet i and

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rticularly
this na-
i-ftone
eighty

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

M
119

It IS utterly impracticable^ liiTays, for any to come
IP America by fca from tli^t quarter. . Befides, the
remaining- ttacc% oL their religious ceremowies and
civil and idartial cultoms are quite oppoilte to the
like teftigcs of tj^e^OId Scythians. Even 91 the mo-
derate northern1(3imateft there is noi to be (een the
lead trace of any ancient (lately buildings, or of any
thick fettlementSf as are faid to remain in the lefs
healthy regions of Peru and Mexico. And fcveral
of the Indian nitons a^Ture us, that they crofTed tfie
^iflifippi before w^ niade their ttrcfent northern
fettlements ; wKu|ii^ijpbMeQed witn the former ar-
guments, he con cmdefi will fufficicntly explode that
weak opinion of the American Aborigines being li-
neally'^fefcend^d from iMMTartars or ancient 8cy«
rfiian^. ^^

Mr. Affair's r^afons for fuppofing that the Ameri-
cans derive tljeir origin fi-om the Jews aje,

Firft, httznic tliey are divided into tribes, and
have chiefii over them as the Kraelites had.

Secondly, Jb^u^*^j *8 ^7 * ftn£l permanent divine
precejKMi(j(|9l|>rew nation wem ordered to wor-
fliipjPPetufalem, Jehovab the troc and living God<
fo do the Indians, ftiling hini Yohcwah. The an-
cient Heathens, he adds, it is well knoM^n worfliip-
ped a pluif^lity of gods, but Ihe Indians pay their re-
Ugious devoirs to the Great bepeficerit f^jpreme holy
Spirit of Fire,, vv^ho refidcs as they think above the
ciQuds, and on earth alfo with unpoluted people.
^Iftiey pay no aJMjItioit to images, or to dead per-
fons, nether to tne celcftial luminaries, to evil fpirits,
nor j^ any created beings whatever.

Thirdly, becaufe, ^grcable to the theocracy or di-
vine government of Ifrael, the Indians think tlfe dei-
ty to Mihe immediate head of their ftate.

Fo^&ly, becaufe, as the Jews believe in the min-
iftratiolfbf angels, the Indians alfo believe that the
higher regions are inhabited by good fpirits.
' ' Fifthly,

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129

'CARVER'S TRAVELS.

Fifthly, becaufe tfie Indian language and dialcfls
appear to have the very idiom and genius of the He-
brew. There words and fentences being cxpreflive,
concife, emphatical, fonorous^ and bold ; and often,
both Jo^ letters, and Signification, are fynonimous
with the Hebrew language.

Sixthly, becaufe diey count dieir time after the
manner of the Hebrews.

Seventhly, becaufe in conformity to, or after the
manner of the Jews, they have their prophets, high-
prieils, and other religious orders.

Eighthly, becaufe their feftivals, fafts, and religi-
ous rites have a great refembl^nce to thofe of &
Hebrews.

Ninthly, becaufe the J[ndiane, before they go to
war, have many prepafatory cef^monies of purifica-
tion and Rafting, like what is recorded of the Ifraelites.

Tenthly, becaufe the fame talie for ornaments, and
the fame kind are made ufe of by the Indians, as by
the Hebrews.

Thefe and many other arguments of a fimilar na-
ture, Mr. Ads^ brings in fupport, of ,lu$ favourite
fyflem ; but tniould imagine, that if thc^dians are
really derived from the Hebrew^, among their reli-
gious ceremisbies, o|i which he chiefly feems to build
his hypothefis, the principal, that of circumciiion,
would never have been laid alide, and its very re-
membrance obliterated. '"

Thus numerous and diverfe are" the opinions of
thofe who have hitherto writt^on this fubjeft ! I
fhall not however, either endeav6ur to reconcile them,
or to point out the errors of each, but proceed to
give my own fentiments on the origin of the Amer-
icans ; which are founded on conclufions drawn
from the moft rational arguments of the writers I
have mentioned, and from my own obfervilfons ; the
confiftency of thefe I fliall leave to the jiidgment of
my Readers.

The

cAUVER's travels;

121

The better to introduce my conjectures on this
head, it is neceflary firft to afcertain the diftance be-
fA^een America ?nd thofe parts of the habitable globe
l^at approach neareft to it.^

The Continent of America, as far as we can judge
from all theicfe-Tches that have been made near the
poles, appears to be entirely feparated from the other
fiuartcrs of the world. That part of Europe which,
approaches neareft to it, is the coaft of Greenland,
lyingin about fcvcnty degrees of north la'titude ; and
which reaches within twelve degreec of the^coaft of
Labrador, fituated on the north-eaft borders of this
continent. The coaft of Guinea is the neareft part
rtf Africa ; which lies about eighteen hundred and
fixty miles north-eaft from the Brazils. The moil#
eaftern coaft of Afia, which extends to the Korean
Sea on the north of China, projeOis north-eaft through
eaftern Tartary and Kamfchatka to Siberia, in about
fixty degrees of north latitude. Towards which the
weftern coaft s of America, from California to the
Straits of A^nnian, extend nearly north- weft, and lie
Iri about forty-fix degrees of the fame latitude.

Whether the Continent of America ftretches any-
farther liorth then thefe ftrails, and joins tp the eaO.
em parts of Afia, agreeable to what has been aflerted
by fome of the writers I have quoted, or whether the
lands that have been difcovered in the intermediate
parts are only an archipelago of iflands, verging to-
wanls the oppofite continent, is not yet afcertained.

It being, however, cert;jin that there are many con-
fiderable i Hands which lie between the extrcmiiies
of Afia ^nd America, viz. Japon, Yefo or Jedfo, Ga-
nia's h^PfiXf Behring's Illc, with many others difco-
vered by Tfchirikow, and befidos thefe, fromjifty
de^Tees north, there appearing fo be a chiilcr of ili-
andsr^f at reach as f.ir as Siberia, it is prob.ibie fion;
their proximity to America, that it received irt; iirft
inhabitants from them.

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CARVER'S TRAVI'XS.

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Thi^ Conclufion is the nioft rational! am qVie to
<!raw, fuppofing that iince the Aboi^gines got foot-
ing on this continent, no extraprdinary or fudden
change in the pcfition or furfacc of it has taken place
from inundations, earthquakes, or any revolutions of
the earth that we are at pr^fent unacquainted with.

To nie it appears highly improbable that it fliould
have been peopled from different quarters, acrofs the
Ocean, as others have afTerted. From the fize of the
ihips made ufe of in thcfe early ages, and the want
of the compafs, it cannot be fuppofed that any mari-
time nation w^uld by choice venture over the unfa-
thomable ocean, in fearch of diflant continents. Had
this however becif attempted, or had America been
Uril accidentally peopled from^fliip.s freighted with
pailbngers of both fexes, vv^hich were driven by itrong
eafterly winds acrofs the Atlantic, thcfe fettlers mutt
liave retained fome traces of the language of the
country from whence thpy migrated ; and this fmce
the difcovery of it by the Europeans muft have been
made put. It alfo appears extraordinary that feveral
of thefe accidental migrations, as allowed by fome,
and thefe from different parts, fliould have taken
place.

Upon the whole, after the mofi; critical enquiries,
and the maturelt deliberation, I am of opinion, that
America received its firlt inhabitants from the north-
cafl, by way of the great Archipelago jud mentioned,
und from thefe alone. But tliis might have been ef-
fected at different times, ana from various parts:
from Tartary, China, Japon, or Kamfchatka, the in-
habitants of thefe places rcfembling each other in
color, features, and fli.ipe , and wlio, before fome of
them acquired a knowledge of the arts and fciences,
might have likewufe refembled each other in their man-
ners, cullomsj religion, and language. \

Tlic only difference between the Chinefj nation and
the Tartars lies in the cultivated fta*"? of the one, and

.the

CARVER-s TRAVELS.-

12^3

{}ie unpoliflietl fituation of others. The formcv have
become a coiwercial people, and dwell in houtes
formed into regular towns and cities ; the latter live
chiefly in tents, and rove about in different hordes,
without any fixed abode. Nor can the long and
bloody wars thefe tvi'O nations have been engaged in,
exterminate their hereditary fimilitude. 1 he prefcnt
family of the Chinefe titipercrs is of Tartarian ex-
traction ; and if they w^ere not fenfible of fonie claini
bcfide that of conquefl, fo numerous a people would
fcarcely fit quiet under the dominion of ftrangers.

It" is very evident that fome of the manners and
Cuftoms of the American Indians rel'emble thofe of
the Tartars ; and I make no doubt but that in fonic
future aera, ar.d llus not ■^ rery dillant one, it nil!
be reduced to a c#tainty, that during fome of the
•^rvars between the Tartars and the Chinefe, a part
of the inhabitants of the northern provinces were
driven from their native country, and took refuge ia
fome of the ifles before-mentioned, and from tliencc
found their way into America. At difilrcnt periods
each nation might prove victorious, and the conquer-
.cd by turns fly before tlieir comjuerors ; and from
hence might arife the fimilitude of the Indians to uU
thefe people, and that animofity which exifts between
fo many of their tribes.

It appears plainly to me that a great fimilarity be-
tween the Indians and Chinefe is confpicuous in that
particular cuftom of fliaving or plucking off the hair,
and leaving. only a fmali tuft on the crown cf th^
head. This mode is faid to have been enjoined by
.the Tartarian emperorson their accefllon to the throne
of China, and confequently is a farther proof that this
cuflom was in ufe among the Tartars ; to whom as
well as the Chinefe, the Amerlcms migiit be indebt-
ed for it.

Many words alfo are ufed both by the Chinefe and
Indians, which have a refemblance to each other, not

only

ft;!

124

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

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only in their found, but their fignification. TF»e
Chinefe call a Have, fhungo j and the Naudoweffie
Indians, whofe language, from their little intercourfc
with the Europeans, is the leaft corrupted, term a
dog, ihungulli. The former denominate one fpecies
of their tea, flioufong ; the latter call their tobacco
fhoufaflau. Many other of thfe words ufed by the
Indians contain the fyllables che, chaw, and chu,
after the dialett of the Ghinefe.

There probably might be found a fimilar conne>
tion between the language of the Tartars and the
American Aborigines, were we as well acquainted
with it as we are, from a commercial intercouifc,
with that of the Chinefe.

I am confirmed in thefe conje£hires, by the ac-
counts of Kamfchatka, publiflied a few years ago by
order of the Emprefs of Ruflia. The author of which
fays, that the Tea- which divides that peninfula from
America is full of iflands *, and that the diftance be-
tween Tfchukotlkoi-Nofs, a promontory which lies
at the cailcrn extremity of that country, and the
coaft of America, is not more than two decrees and
a half of a great circle. He further fays, that there
is the greateft reafon to fuppofe that Afia and Ame-
rica once joined at this place, as the coaft^of both
continents appear to have been broken into capes and
bays, which anfwer each other j more efpecially as
the inhabitants of this part of both refemble eacJi
other in their perfons, habits, cuftoms, and food.
Their language, indeed, heobferves, does net appear
to be the l^mie, but then the inhabitants of eachdif-
tri£l in Kamfchatka fpeak a language as different from
each other, as from that fpokcn on the oppofite coaft.
Tiiefe obfervations, to which he adds, the fimilarity
of the bo.tts of the inhabitants of each coaft, and a
remark that the natives of this part of America are
wholly ftrangers to wine and tobacco, which he looks
upon as a proof that they have as yet had no coni-

munication

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

125

municatlon with the natives of Europe, he lays, a-
mount to little lefs than n demonilration that Ame-
rica was peopled from this part of Aiia.

The limits of my present undertaking will not per-
mit me to dwell any longer on this fubjecSl:, or to enu-
jnerate any other proofs in favour of my hypothcfie.
I am> hcAvever, fo thoroughly convinced of the cer-
tainty of it, and fo defirous have I been to obtain
every teftimony which can be procured in its fupport,
that I once made an offer to a private fociety of gen-
demen, who were curious in fuch refearches, and to
whom I had communicated my fentiments on this
point, that I would undertake a journey, on receiv-
ing fuch fupplies as were. xlfuF, through the no^th-
ealc parts of Eurc^ and Afia to the interior parts or
America, and from thence to England^ making, as
I proceeded, fuch obfervations both on the languages
and manners ef the people with -whom I lliould be
converfant, as^mtght tend to illuftrate the doctrine I
have here laid ilown, and to fdtisfy the curlofity of
the learned or inquisitive : but as this propofal wa-j
judged rather to ret^uire a national than a private
iiipport, it was not carried into execution.

I am happy to find, finee I formed the foregoing^
eoncIufi'Dns, that tliey correfpond with the fentimenti;
of that great and learned hiftorian, Dodlor Robert-
fon ; and though with him, I acknowledge that the
iaveftigation, from its nature, is fo obfcure and intri-
cate, that the conjectures I have made can only bo
confidered as conje<Llure8, and not indifputable con-
clufions, yet they carry with them a greater degree
of probability than the fuppoHtions of thofc who af-
lert that this continent was peopled from another
qu;nter.

One of the Doiflor's quotations from the Journals
of Behrlng and Tfchirikow, who failed IVom Kami-
chatka,. about the year 1741, in queft of the New
World, appears to carry great weight whh it, and ta

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afFord our conclufions firm fupport : *< Thefe com»
manders having ftiaped their courfe towards the eaft,
difcovered land, which to them 'appeared to be pari:
of the American continent ; and according to their
obfervations, it fcems to be fituated within a few de-
grees of the north-well coaft of CiHfornia. They
had there fome intercourfe with the inhabitants, who
feemed to them to refemble the North-Americans j
as they prefented to the Ruflians the Calumet or Pipe
of Peace, which is a fymbol of friendship univerfal
among the people of North-America, and an ufage
of arbitrary inftitution peculiar to them."

One of this incomparable writer's own arguments
m fupport of his hypothefis, is alfo urged with great
-judgment, and appears to be neaily conclufive. He
Jays, " We may lay it down as a certain principle in
this enquiry, that America was not peopled by any
nation of the ancient continent, which «had made con-
iiderable progrefs in civilization. Jl'hc inhabitants of
tlie New V^'^orld were in a ftate of Tociety fo extreme-
ly rude, a§ to be unacquainted with thofe ails which
are the firft eflays of human ingenuity in its advance
towards improvement. Even the oioft cultivated na-
tions of America were Hangers to many of thofe
fimple inventions, which were almoft coeval with
fociety in other parts of the world, and were known
in the earlieft periods of civil life. From this it is
jnanifeft that the tribes which originally migrated to
America, came off from nations which muft have
been no \c{k barbarous' than their poflerity, at the
time when they were firft difcovered by the Euro-
peans. If ever the ufe of iron had been known to
the lavages of America, or to their progenitors, if
ever they had employed a plough, a loom, or a forge,
the utility of thefe inventions would have preferved
them, and it is impolhble Uiat they lliould have been
abandoned or forgotten."

CHAPTER' II.

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

i?,7

CHAPTER 11.

OF rji£iJR PERSONS, DRESS, ^c.

r ROM the firft fettlement of the French in
Canada, to the conqucft of it by the Englifh in 1 760,
feveral of that nation, who had travelled into tlie
interior parts of North America, either to trade with
the Indians, or to endeavour to make converts of
them, have publiflied accounts of their cuftoms,
manners, &c.

The principal of thefe are Father Louis Hennipin,
Monf. Charlevoix, and the Baron Le Hontan* The
firft, many years ago, publiflied fome very judicious
remarks, which he waj the better enabled totlo^by
the afliftance he received from the maps and diaries
of the unfortunate Mi De la Salle, who wa? aflafli-
nated vvhllll he was on his travels, by fome of his
own party. That gentleman's journals falling into
Father Hennipin's hand, he was enabled by them to
publifli many interefting particulars relative to the
Indians. But in fome refpe^ls he fell very fhort of
that knowledge which it was in his power to have
attained from his long refidence among them. Nor
was he aUvays (as has been already obfervedj exa<5l:
in his calculations, or juft in the intelligence he has
given us.

Tiie accounts publiflied by the other two, part;v:u-
brly thofe :jf Ch.arievoix, are ve^ y erroneous in the
geographical piu ts, and many of the ftories Lold by
the i^^arofj arc iiiere d'..luficns.

'SonijC of ti.c
'tlicfe parr '
"few, if :i . . .

• *i Ail

,.^l.i

of' ii-

"iO

^vho her'?toforetrav(.'.ied into

it ten on tiiis fubjc£V oxj^i as

• Ii,;vsi,oeen iranfki.dinto

raiity uf ri::»iif'rs are

not

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CARt^KR's TRAVELS.

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1

not benefited by them ; and, indeed, had this been
done they would have reaped but few advantages
from them, as they have chi(^fly confined their obfer-
vations to the religious principles of the favages, and
the fteps taken for their converfibn.

Since the conqueft- of Canada, fome" of our own
countrymen who have lived among the Indians, and^
learned their language, have publilhed their obferva-
tions ; however as their travels have not extended to
any of the interior parts I treat of, but -have only
been made among the nations that border on our fet-
tlemcnts, a knowledge of the genuine and uncontam-
inated cuftoms and manners of the Indians could
not have been acquired by them.-

The fouthern tribes, and thofc that have held a.
conflant intercourfe with the French or Enpllfli, can-
not have preferved their manners or their cuiloms in
their original purity. They could not avoid acqulr-
in_g the vices v/Ith the language of thofe they con«
verfed with ; and the frequent intoxications they ex-
perience^' .^irough the baneful juices, introduced a-
mong them, by the Europeans, have completed a to-
tal alteration in their characters..

In fuch as thefe, a confufedly medley of principles
or ufuageo are only to be obferved j their real and
unpoluted- cuflom, could be feen among thofe na-
tions alone that have held btft little communication
"with the provinces. Thefe 1 found, in the north-
well: parts, and therefore flatter myfelf that I am a-
ble to give a more jufl account of the cuiloms and
manners of the Indians, in their ancient purity, than
any that has been hitherto* publifhed. I have made
obfervations on thirty nations, and though mcft of
thefe have differed in their languages, there has ap-
pe:'red a great fimilarity in their manners, and from
tliefc have I endeavoured to extra<^ the following re-
marks. ^ / :•

■:6 Ai

CARVER'S TRAVE-L5.-

129

tWs been
ivantagcs
eir obfer-
ages, and

our own
ians, and.
■ obferva-
tendedto
ave only
n our fet-
iicontam-
ns could.

ve held a.
^lifli, can-
ulloms in
id acquir-
hey con-
s they ex-
)duced a-
eted a to-

5rinciples
real and
thofc na-
unication
le north-
t I am a-
oms and
dty, tlian
avc made
melt of
e has ap-
,nd from
jwing rc-

A's I do not propofe to give a regular and connect-
ed fyflem of Indian concerns, but only to relate fuch
particulars of their manners, cuft:om:>,^^c.asI thought
nioft worthy of notice, and which interfere as little ?*i
po^" jle with the accounts given by oth-er writer, I
nuiifc beg my readers to excule their not bei- .ir*
ranged iyftematically, or treated of in a mor*^ copi*
ou« manner.

The Indian nations do not appear to me to diflVt
fo widely in their make, color, or'conftitution froivi
each other, as reprefented by fome writers. They
are in general flight made, rather tall and-ftraighr,
and you feldom fee any among them deformed, their
ftin is of a reddiili or copper colciir; their eyes .u ,;
large and black, and their hair of the fame hue, lut
very rarely is it curled ; they have good teeth, ani
their breath is as fweet as the air they draw in;
their cheek bones rather raifed, but more fo in the
women than the men ;. and the former are not quit*
fo tall as the European women, however you fre-
quently meet with good faces and agreeable perfons
among them, although they are more inclined to h:
fat than the other fex.

I ftiallnot enter into; a particular enquiry whether
the Indians are indebted to nature, art or the tempe--
rature of the climate for the color offlieir (kin, not
Ihall I quote any of the contradidlory accounts I
have read on this rubje(n: j I fliall only fay, that :t
appears to me to be the tinOure they recei/ed origin
nally from the hands of their Cit^ator ; but at what
period the variation which is at prefent vifible, both
in the complexion and features of many nations took
place, at what time the European whitenefs, the jetty
hue of the Africaii, or the copper caft of the American
were given them 5 which was the original color of the
firft inhabitants of the earth, or which might be el-
teemed the moft perfe<ft,, I will pot pretend to detep-
mine. ' ' . Many

Ti'jf '

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'It'' ' ' H

Si m i

|i

2'30

CARVER'? 'I'RAVEHS.

^i. tU

■m

ins, ev

Many writers liuvc afTcrted, that the Indr.
en at the matured period of their cxillence, are only)
furniflicd with hair on their heads ; and that notvvith.
Handing the profufion with which that part is cov-
ered, thole parts \i'hich among the inhabitants of-
other chmates are ufually the feat of this cxcrtfcencc,
remain tntlfely free from it. Even Dr. Rob'^.-rtfon,
through their mificprefentations, has contribvxd to
propagate the error •, and fuppofing the remark juftly
founded, has drawn feveral conclufions from it rela-
tive to the habit and temperature of their bodies,
which arc confequently invalid. But from minute
enquiries, and a curious infpe^tionjJam able to de-
clare (however refpe£table I may hold the authority
of thefe-hiftorians in other points) that their aflertiom
are erroneous, and proceeding from the want of a
thorough knowledge of the cuftoms of the Indians.

After the age of puberty, their bodies, in theirna-
tural ftate, arc covered in the feme manner as thofc
of the Europeans. The men, indeed, efteem a beard
very unbecoming, and take great pains to get rid of
it, nor is there any ever to be perceived on their faces,
except when they grow old and become inattentive
to their appearance. Every crinoue efflorefcence on
the other parts of the body is held unfeemly by them,
and both fexes employ much time in their extirpation.

The Naudoweflies, and the remote nations, pluck
them out with bent pieces of hard wood, formed into
a kind of nippers : whilfl thofe who have communi-
cation with Europeans procure from them wire, which
they twill into a Icrew or worm ; applyin^^ this to the
part, they prefs the rings together, and with a fudden
twitch draw out all the hairs that are inclofed be-
tween them.

The men of every nation differ in tlieir drefs very
little from each other, except thofe who trade with
the Europeans ; thefe exchange thei^ furs for blank-
ets, (hirts, und other apparel, which they wear as

much

much (o
by a girti
hroadcloi
bodies,
fail eithc
iniufteral
blanket I
upper fic
one banc
ther ; thi
or campi
<;overing

Thofe
than the
except fi
a crown
-confider;
feathers
The mai
of the h
other.

They
.efteem a
felves w
make uf
in they

The
their co
both the
.to fcpar
{till unt(
gy fubn
twift br
.rim in a
it almoi
ellecmc

It is
.their nci

ans, ev»
ire only)
lotvviih-

is cov-
tnnts of-
tfcc'.icc,
>KTtfon,
bv'-.cd to
rk juftly
1 it rela-

bodies,

minute
le to de-
uthorlty
liTertionj
irant of a
idians.
their na-

as thofc
n a beard
;et rid of
eir faces,
I attentive
*€ence on
by them,
tiipation.
ns, pluck
:med into
ommuni-
re, which
his to the
a fudden
lofed be-

Irefs very
•ade with
or blank-
wear as
much

'8!^'

CARVERls TRiVVELS.

n^

much for ornament as necefTity. The latter faftcn
by a girdle around their waifts about half a yard of
broadcloth, wiaich covers the middle parts of their
bodies. Thofe who wear fliirts never make them
fail either at the wrift or collar ; this would be a moft
iniufterablc confinement to th€m. They throw their
blanket loofe upon their fhoulders, and holding tjie
upper fide ov it by the two corners, with a knife in
one hand, and a tobacco pouch, pipe, &c. in the o-
ther ; thus accoutred they walk about in their villages
or camps : but iji th^ir dances they feldom wear this
.covering.

Thofe among the tnen who-wifli to appear gayer
than the reft, pluck from their heads all the hair,'
except from a fpoton the top of it, about the fize of
a crown piece, where it is permitted to grow to a
conllderable length : on this are faflened plumes of
feathers of various, colors, with/ilver or ivory quills.
The manner of cutting and ornamenting' this part
of the head diftinguifhes differept nations from eac|i
other.

They paint. their faces r-ed and black, which they

.efteem as greatly ornamental. They alfo paint them-

felves when they go to war ; but the method they

make ufc of on this occafion d ifters. from t. sat whero-

,in they ufc it merely as a decoration.

The young Indians, who arc ciefirous of excelling
their companions in finery, flit the outward rim of
both their ears j at the f;\mc time they take care not
.to fcparate them entirely, but leave the flelh thus cut,
ftill untouched at both extremities, around this fpoii-
gy fubftance, from the upper to the lower part, they
twift brafs wire, till the weight draws the amputated
.rim in a bow of live or fix inches diameter, and drags
it almofl down to the flioukU^r. This decoration is
ellecmcJ to be excciTwcly gay and becoming.

It is alfo a common cuitom smong them to bore
.their nofcs,.aud wear iuvthem 'pendants of dilrercnt

Icrts.

! I'H..

! y' )

rki

♦■

3 ^

'!■>

l-Ml

1^ CARVER'S TRAVELS. .^^

forts. I obfervcd that feafliclls were much worn
by thofe of the interior parts, ami reclconed very o^J
namental ; but how they procure them I could not
learn i probably by their traflic with other nations
wearer the fca.

They go without any covering for the thigh, except
tl^at before fpoken of, round the middle which reaches
down half way the thighs ; but they make for their
legs a fort of ilocking, either of ikins orcloth ; thefc
are fewed as near to the fliape of the leg as poflible,
foas to admit of being drawn on and ofF. The ed-
ges of the ftuff of which they are compofed are left
annexed to the feam, and hang Loofe for bout the
biCjidth of a hand ; and this part which is placed on
tlK out fide of the leg, is generally ornamented by
thofe who have any communication with Europeans,
if of cloth with ribands or lace, if of leather, with
embroidery and porcupine quills curiouily colored.
Strangers who hunt among the Indians, in the parts
where there is a great deal of fnow, find thefe (lock-
ings much more convenient than any others.

Their fliocs are made of the, (kin of the <leer, elk,
orbufFsilo : thefe, after being fometimes drefl'ed ac-
cording to the European manner, at others with the
hair remaining on them, are cut into (hoes, and
fafliioned fo as to be eafy to the feet, and convenient
for walking. The edges round the ancle are deco-
rated with pieces of brafs or tin fixed around leather
firings about an inch long, which being placed very
thick, make a cheerful tinkling noiCe, either when
they walk or dance.

The women wear a covering of'fome kind or o-
ther from the neck to the knees. Thofe who trade
with.the Europeans-v/ear a linen garment, the fame
as that ufed by the men ; the flaps of which hang-o.-
ver the "petticoat. Such as drefs after their ancient
manner, make a kind of fliift with Icatlier, wliich
covers the body, but not the arms. Tiieir petticoats

are

CARVER^s'^Ri^LS.

»^i

jr« tniidc cither of leather or cloth, and reach from
jjjie waift to the knee. On tlicir legs they wear
■Jpckings and Ui0C3, made and ornamented as thole
of the men. %

They diff^^r from each other in themotjf of d re fl-
ing their heads, each following tl^ cuflom oftbc
nation or band to which they bclonp, and adljcrinn; to
the form made ufe of by their ancg^ora from time
immemorial.

I remarked that mod of the females, who dwell on
the eaft fide of the Milfifippi, decor iie their heads by
iirclofing their hair cither in nbaiMs, or in plates of
filver ; the latter is only m.ade ufe of by the higher
ranks, m it is a coflly ornament. The fdver thty
ufe on this occafion, is formed into thin plates of a-
bout fmir inches broad, in feveral of which they ecu-
vine tlrtfiv hair. That plate which is neareft the head,
is of a confiderable width ; the next narrower and
made fo as to pafs a'^ttlc way under the other, and
in, this m.annerlhey faftcn into each other, and gra-
dually tapering, defcend to the waift. The hair of
the Indian women being in general very long, this
proves an expenfive metliod.

liut the women that live to the wefl; of the MlfTi-
fippij viz. the Naudowefiies, the Ailinipoils, &c. di-
vidt^ their hair in the middle of the head, and form
it into two rolls, one againil each ear. Thcfe rolls
are about three inches long, and as large as their
wrifls. They hang in a perpendicular attitude at
the front of each ear, and defcend as far as the lower
p:irt of if.

The women of every nation generally place a fpct
df paint, about the fize of a crown-piece, ngninfi:
each ear ; fome. of them put .paint on tli-^lr Iv.iir, r.r. J
fometimes a finall fpot in the middle of the forei!e;uL

The Indians, In general, pay a greater attention
to their drefs, and to the ornaments with which tliey
decorate their pcrfoni, than to tlic accomodation of

M their

! . '■

H !

P-tf

I ,;>^

h

kf

«34

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

¥r-: Nf;

:I1

their huts or tents. They conftru£l: the latter in tht
ibllowing Hmple anc! expeditious manner. ,^

Being provided with poles of a proper length, th^
fallen two of them acrofs, near their ends, with bands •
made of bark. . Having done this, they raife them
up, and extend the bottom of each as wide as they
propofe to make the area of the tent : they theneredt
others of an equal height, and fix them fo as to fup-
_port the tv.o principal ones. On the whole they lay
ikins of tb.e elk or deer, lowed together, in quantity
fulficieut to cover the pples, and by lapping over to
form the door. A great numbo-r of iTcins are foine-
limes required for this purpofe, as forne of their tents
nre very capacious. That of the chief warrior of the
Naucioweflies was at leaft forty feet in circumference,
and very commodious.

They obfcrve no regularity in fixing their tents
wlicn they encamp, but place Uiem jull: as it fuits
their convcniency.

The huts alfo, which thofc who uft not tents, ereft
when they travel, for very few tribes have fixed a-
bodes, or regular towns, or villages, are equally lim-
ple, and almoli: as foon confhructed.

Tliey fix fmall pliable poles, in the ground, and
-bending them tilj they meet at the top and form a
iemi-circle, then lafli them together. Thefe they
cover with mats made of rufiies platted, or with
birch bark, which they carry with them iii their ca-
noes for this purpofe.

Thefe cabins have neither chimnles nor windows ;
there is only a fmall aperture left in the middle of
the roofs through which the fmoke is difcharged,
but as this is obliged to be ftoppcsl up when it rains
or ihows violently, the/mokc then prpves exceeding-
ly troublefomc.

They lie on (kins, generally thofc of the bear,
which arc placed in rows on the ground •, and if the
-iloor is not large enough to contain bedo fufficient

for

CARVER'S TRAVELSi

^3?

t^er in th«

iigth, tbcjr
i^ith bands
aile them
^te as they
then ere£t
as to fup-
they lay
quantity
g over to
are fome-
:heir tents
rior ofthe
mfercnce,

their tents
as it fuit5

ents, ere£l
e fixed a-
jually Tim-

ounJ, and
id form a
'hefc they
, or with
11 their ca-

vvindows ;
middle of
lifcharged,
en it rains
jxcceding-

{hc bear,
and if the
i fufficient
for

^6r the accommodation ofthe whole family, a frame
% cre£led about four or five feet from the ground in
^►hich the youiiger part of it fieep.-

As the habftations of the Indianjs are thus rude,
iheirdomcftic utenfils arc few in niyiiber," and plain
in their formation. The tools wher^xvith they faihiou
ihem are ff aukvvard and defetlive, that it is not on-
ly impoflible to form them with any degree of neat-
ticfs or 'elegance., but the time required in theciccu-
tion is fo confiderable, as to dct^r them from ciptging
intlie manufadlurc of fuch a* are not ^biblutely nc-
ccflary. -

The Naudovtreflics make the pots in v/hich they
boil their vidluala of the black clay or Itonc mention-
ed in niy journal : which refills the efi'e<^ts of fnc,
nearly jis well as iron. "When tlicy voall:^ if it is a
large j^nt, or a whol^ animal, fuch aj beaver, they
fix it as Europeans 4y» ^^^ * fpit n^ade of a hard wood,
and placing the ends on two forked props, now and
then turn it. -If the piece is fmallcr ihey fpit it as
before, and fixing the fpit in an credl but flantin^
pofition, with the meat inclining towards the fire,
frequently change the fides, till every part is fuffi-
ciently roafted.

They make their difhes in which they fcrve up their
meat, and their bowls and pans, out ofthe knotty rx-
crefcences of the maple tree or any other wood. They
falhicn their fpoons witli a tolcrnhle degree c f ncnt-
nefs (as thefe requite much lefs trouble than l:ugc u-
tenfiis) from a Vfood that is termed in America, iSpoon
Wood, a:id which greatly rcfembler. box uood.

Every tribe are now pofl'cn*ed of knives, and flcch
to ftrike fire with. 'Jliefe being fo { fientially riccd-
fulfor (he common ufcs of life, tliofe who have nor an
i'nniediate coinniunication with, ilic Furcpcan trader.^,
j^urchafe them cf fuch of tl"»elr ncighbouis as are fitu-
ated nearer the fettlemenf^, und ^;cnerally give in. ex-
change for them Haves. *

CHAPTER ill.

•^IM

!>: r.

;|

•• '5

« I

im^

> ' ^^I'l

?i;'

136

GARVER's TRAVELS.

C H A P T E R III.

QF TUiLfR MAmiERS, SALIFICATIONS, ^Tr,

VV HEN the IrKiian women fit tfewir, ihey
placq theinfelvcs in a decent attitmie, with theiv knce^
«:[oiG|i|^ethcF ;, btrfe inom Wing acGAi^or'.i.Ji tot tkl>

«k:wjg »«5r aiBfritt«:£: M. tfest time ©njsecd&ry* da

iUtk uti^d €!$i'^Ami-Ki€nHf whkh are ciimmimlj versf
Lto":ci><w, 2$ {lie siKJi, vli^ arc raji^rkabSy imWrai,
itsviJ W tlitm trcry kajJtJ ©f lras<dg«yi c^aa iniJjtii
kssntiiiig pirtks tBc f^^Jtmcr will tsos ikign to bring
h-v^mc djc g<£3nL>9 ^i^w^ ^s-'^^^ 4h«r wires fer it, dwMJgh it
Ik $ at a very cmmdtrMa diiiaisce.

ifc boffi en h%iikr^ il^jfTcd '-istia fofi m^% f-ath 21s »
Townd 111 moTiiXti cr jmca^So ws, Tlic child h Jai4
iHi its t&ck in one of this kiml d cradks, assJ bcifl|
wi sppcd ;n fitins cr dcth to ictp It "sr^ti m^ i$ fcosud
\a It by (mall bcist piecif of tinsbcr.

To tlicfc machines they fatten UringSy hr t^likh
dicjr hnng them tp branches of trees \ or, if they find
not trees at haiid, fallen them f5 a fltemp or Itoiic,
whiHl tlicy tranlatl: any needful bufineis. In this
pofition cU'j die children kept for feme months,\vhcii
tiiey arc taken out, the boya arc fuffered to go naked
^nd tliC girls are eovered from the neck to the kr-cei
wi*h'a Ihift and a fliort petticoat.

The Indian women are remarkably decent duriii;:^
their menftrual illnefj. Thofe nations tllat are melt
remote from thz European fcttlcments, as tiic Nau*
- - dowcilic?,

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

>37

dowcffies, &c. are more particularly atttntlve to this
point ; though they all without exception adhere in
fome degree to the fame cuftom.

'In every camp or town there is an apartment ap-
propriated for their retirement at this time, to which
both fingle and married retreat, and feclude them-
felvcswilh the utmoft ftriclncfs during this period
from all fociety. Afterwards they purify themfeivcs
in running ftreams, and return to their dilTcicnt tm-
ployments.

The men on thefe occafions mofl ca^'efuHy avoid
holding any communication with them ; ard the
Naudowefiies arc fo rigid in this cbfervrjice, that
they will not fuffcr any belonging to them to fetcii
fuch things as are neceilary, even fire, from thcfc
female lunar retreats, though the want of ihcm is at-
tended with the greattfl inccnvenience. 'H^cy are
alfo fofuperftitious as to think, if a pipePtcm crack?,
which among^ tliem is m?de of wood, that the pof-
fe (for has cither lighted it at one of thefe poluted
fires, or held fome converfe with a woman during
her retirement, which is efleemed by thet^ feaoll dif-

. graceful and wicked. ^

>♦» The Indians are extremely circumfpedl ^d delib-
erate in every W'ord and action; there is nothing that
hurries them into any intemperate warmth, but that
inveteracy to their enemies, which is rooted in every.
Indian heart, and never can be .eradicated. In a! I
other in {tan^<SJ8 tWPy are cool, aiiJ remarkably cau-
tious, taking care.iot to betray on any a' ^.-^unt what-
ever their emotions. If an Indian has difcovered
that a friend is in danger of being intercepted and cut
off by one to whom he has rendered himfelf obnox-
ious; h».* does not inform him in plain and explicit
terms of the danger he runs by purfuin^j; the tracic
near which his enemy lies in wait -for liim, but he
fisA coolly afks him which way he is going thst day j
and having received iiis anfwer, with the fame tn-
' " H3i ciirer(.nce ,

i '■■■»« I''

4^!

ir

*) ;.?

'

«3«

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

difference tells him that he has been informed that
a dog lies near t!lfe fpot, which might probably do
him a mifchief. This hint proves fufliclent ; and his
friend avoids the danger with as much caution as if
every defign and motion of his enf my had been point-
ed out to him.

This apathy often illews itfclf on occ^fions that
would call fortfc^ all the fervor of a fuiceptible heart.
If an Indian haS beei^abfent from his family and
friends many months, either on a war or hunting
p. rty, when his wife andjNchildren meet him at feme
diilance from his habitation, inftead of the affe(Stion-
ate fcnfations that would naturally arife in the breaft
of mote refined beings, and be produttivc of mutual
congratulations, he continues his courfe withcmt
paying the leaft attention to thofe who furround hiin,
tili hejtt'rives at his home.

He Ihere fits down, and with the Tame unconcevn
as if he had not been abfent a day, fmdkes his pips j
thofe of his acquaintance who followed him, do the
fame ; and perhaps it is feveral hours before he re-
lates to them the iLcidents which have befallen him
during his abfcence, though perhaps he has left a fa-
ther, brother, or fon on the field, whofe lofs he ought
to have lamented, or has been unfuccefstul in the
undertaking that called him from his home.

Has an Indian been engaged for feveral days in
the chice, or on any other laborious expedition, and
by accident continued thus longfwit^ut food, wlicn
he arrives at the hut or tent of 'a Mend where he
knows his wants may be immediately fuppiied, he
takes care not to fhow the Icafl* fymptoms of impa-
tience, or to betray the extreme hunger by which he
is tortured ; but an being invited in, fits contented-
ly down, and fmokes his pipe with as much compo-
lure as if every appetite was allayed, and be was per-
feicEtiy at eafe ; he does the. fame if among ftfangers.
This cuflom is ilri^lly adhered to by every tribe, as

they

CARVER'S TRAVE-LS'.

»39

unconcevn

they efteeijjtit a proof of fortitude, and think the re-
. verfe woulij^intitle them to tht appellation of old

womfp. '" ♦>

If yop tell an Indian that his children have great-
ly fignalized themjelves againft an eiiemy, have tak-
en many fc^ilps, and brought home many f)rifoners,
he\lttes not appear £• feel any extraordinary pleafure
oatUeoccafion; his anfwer j^enerally i8> "it is well,'*
nnd he makes very little enquiry about it. On the
contrary, if you inform him that his children are
ilain or taken prifbners, h^ makes no complaints, lie
only replies, " it does not fignify j" and probably,
for fome time at leaft, afks not how it happened.
^*" vThis feeming indifference, however, does not pro-
ceed from an entire fupprclEon ©f the natural af-
fections ; for notwithfianding they are cfteemed
favages, I never faw among any other peopl|^ greater
proofs of parental or filial tendernefs. ; and although
they meet tlieir wives after a long abfcence with the
ftoical iiidifletence juft mentioned, tliey are not, in
general, void of conjugal affeftion, v

Another peculiarity is obfcrvable in their manner
„of paying tlieir vifits. If an Indian goes to vifit a
^Marticular perfon in a family, he mentions tp whom
his vifit is intended, and the reft of the family im-
mediately retiring to the other end of the hut or tent,
are careful not to come near enough to interrupt them
during the whole of the converfation. The fame
method is jp^tfued if a man goes to pay his refpeds
to one of th^other fex^^ but then he muft be careful
not to let love be the fubjedl of his difcourfe, whilft
-the day light remains.

The Indians difcover an amazing fagacity, and ac-
quire with the greateft readinefs any thing that de-
pends upon the attention of the mind, by experi-
ence and an acute obfervation, they attain many per-
fedions to which Europeans are ftrangers. For in-
ilance, they will crofs a foreil or a plain which is

tv/o

t ■.

•f- ,

'IH'

\m

- '' m

I

in

140

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

two hundred miles in breadth, and reach with great
exadnefs the p^ftnt at which they intqpd to arrive
keeping during the wj^ole of that Tpace inAdirc£t
line, without any material deviations ; aiidithis they
will do with the fame cafe, wh^her the weather Bfe
fair or ^oudy. '*' <

With equal ac»tenefs will %ey point to thaf pan
of the heavens the iun Is in, though it be iiitercept-
cd by clouds or fogS|, Befidcs this, they are able to
fWrfue with incredible facility the traces of man^
bead, either on leaves of^srafs j and on this account
it is with great difficulty a flying enemy efcapes dif.
covcry. . ' ' -a

They are indebted for thefe talents not only td*m-
ture, but to an extraordinary command of the iineU
leftual faculties, which can only be ticquired by an
unremitted attention, and by long experience.

They are in general very happy in a retentive me-
mory ; they can recapitulate every particular that ha$
been treated of in council, and rem^fiiber the exacl
time when ishcfo were held. Their belts of wampum
pref^rve the fubflance of the treaties tliey have con-
cluded with the neighbouring tribes for ages b^k
to which they will appeal, and refer with as niWm
perfpicuity and readinefs as Europeans can to their
written records. *

Every nation payj great refpetfl: to old age. The
advice of a father will feldom meet 'vyfth auy extra-
ordinary attention from the young ^Mlans, probably
tiicy rtctivc it with only a bare afleht ; but they will
tremble before a grandfather, and fubmit to his in-
junction with the utmoft alacrity. The words of
the ancient part of their community are efteemcd by
the young as oracles. If they take during their hunt-
ing parties any game that is rcciconed by them un-
commonly dehcious, it is immediately prefentcd to
the eldeJt of their relations^

They

CARVERH TRAVELS.

141

Thcj never iuffer themfelves to be overbunlcnct!*
with care, hut live in a ftate of pfpfe^H: -^tranquillity
iUidc0Bt«^iit^^"t' Being naturally indolent, itprovi-
iion ji8t fulficicnt for their fiiSlilbmre an be prtjcured
with litfie trouble,.^d near at hand, they will no:gp
far, or take any exrfaordinary p^ins Tor it, tilDus>h by
fo.ijbing they might ^apcquirc greater p'^iity, und of a
more clliniatle kind. '•%

^ jkieplfjgf and r,;a339Hj«i)^; $kmit m <^^r ix>w»s ^(nr
' iiamps. But wboi ]kcclfit5r c^Jiges thorn it<r'tak£ dis:
&J4« either- to oppofc ajieneoif, or to^prtoaxrt db«jcn-
illites-food^ tbey are akrt ami in^lati^-^iibk,. Mz:y-f
'aSimcc5 of tbeur sctivkf^ cm tiir^ occzikms, will ice
ghrcJi wh^ti I treat of liiek Vfist.-

'Vhe infatuating f^rkof gamif);g is 19^ c-^nBntd to
Europe; the indents aUb foci tl^ t>emi:c!iii!|!; iiDpcilir
and often lolb tkeir zrmSf ihehr 2ippan;9, sirii:! evrr<y
thing they ave poBeflcd of. lu ihi* eafe« liow'srev-^
they do not fc^w the example of mote fe^nedgamef,
ctr5, for they jieiiJier murmur nor rcpme^!ni:t a fret-
ful word eicapes theioij but they h^u i1!s£ frowns rf
.^jMtun^ vith a philofc^hic compc^fure.
^ The greateft blemifii in lbt»r chztz^t'cr i* that la-
vage dlj^ofition trhicli inspeJs tiscm :o tif^zt iJbeir
enemies witk a fefciity cfcry other natiovi ihtiddcrs
aL Bnt if* they are thus baii)arous ' to thcfe v itli
whom they SjSs^^t war, they are friendly, hoipitablc,
And liumaneTR-peace. Itmiiy wl^i truth be faid cf
:hem, that they are the worlt enemies, and the beft
friends, of any people in the whole world.

The Indians in general are ftrangers to the pafliort
t)f jealoufy j and brand a man with folly that is dif-
truftful of his wife. AniQUg fome bands the very
idea is ift)t known ; as the mod abandoned of theii-
young men very rarely attempt the virtue of married
women, nor do thefe often put themfelves in the

way _

• (

[■if 'i'"

lit:, . . I ■.

m

■\

•ill

ij

14,1 ♦♦ CARVER'S- IrRAVELS-.

way of felicitation. Yet the Indian women in g/jfic.
ral are of an aip^ous temperature, ^nd before'thcy
arc married are not the lew eftecnied fftr the indul-
gence of their paflions.** ' -v

The Indiana in their cpmrnon^^te are ftraligcrs t^
all diftit^ion of p};9perty, cxcejit in the articles of
domcillc ufti, which, every onaconfiders as his own'
and increafes as c$:uo|flances admit. They are ex-
tremely liberal to each othci*^ and fupply the defi-
cj«gocy of their friendii wi^ any fuperfluity of theij[
owm > %

In 'dangers they icadily ^ive afliftance to thofe oi ,
their band, wlio Itand in need of it, without any ex"
pedtation of return, except of thofe juilrewa<rd^tliji%
;irc always conferred by the Indians on merit. Gov-
erned by the plain and equitab}|| laws of nature, every
one is rewarded folely according to his dcferts ; and
tlieir equslity of condition, manners and privileges^
whth that conftant sinH fociable fsmi^arity which
prevaili;:d)TOughouf every Indian nation, atiimates^»
them wIthVc pure and truly patriotic fpirk, that tends
to the geiseral good of the fociety to which they be-
long;^

If any of their neighbours are bereaved by deat|^^
or by an enemy of tlieir children, thofe who are pof-
fefled of the greateft number of flaves, fupply thedcf
ficiency ; and thefc are adopted by them, and treat-
ed in every refpeft as if they rertlly were the children
of the perfon to whom they are pretoted.

Tlie Indians, except thofe who live adjoining to
the European cofonies, ran form to themfelves no
idea of the value of money ; they confider it when
they are made acquainted with the ufes to which it
is applied by other n?«^!cns, as the fource of innumer-
able evils. To it they attribute ail the mifchicfs that
are prevalent among Europeans, fuch as. treachtry,
plundering, devaftations, and murder.

■ Thev

They <
pofTelTed
amazed,
poflelfion
iictaKho
liberty, 5
tioft^of it
the drear
pf which
^pr dp
pean fyft
ilitutors <
jjtandth

f .They

for the p

{hewn tl:

it," but ;

it, neith(

ufe. Bi

.run with

can dire

cafe a b<

ftands tt

of a cou

through

^Cmall

they lif

and befl

of it.

tARVEIV%

TRAVELS.

Hi

They efteem it irrational that one man flioukl be
poffefTcd of a greater qua^ility thant^ucther, and are
amazed thai any honor ihould be annexed to the
nofleffion of.it. Dut that the want of this ufelcfs
flictal ftiould be the caufe of depriving perfons of their
liberty, J^nii that oo account. of .tins partial diHribu-
tio»^of it, great numbers (liould be immured within
the dreary walls of aprifon, cut off from that fociety
pf which they conftitute a part, exceeds their belief,
^or dp they fail, on hearing this part of the Euro-
pean fyftcm of government related, to ch*arge the in-
ilitutorsof it'with a total want of humanity, and to
jjrand them with the names of flivagcs and brutes.
f .They, fhew almoft an equal degree of indi^crence
for the produflions of art. "When any of thefe are
(hewn them, they fay». " It is pretty, I like to look at
it," but are not inquiiltive about the cowflru^tion of
it, neither can they form proper conceptions of its
ufe. But if you tell them of a peilbn who h able to
•run with great agility that is well ikiiled in hunting,
can diredl with unerring, aim a gun, or bend with
eafe a bow, that can dextroully work a canoe,. under-
ftands the art of war, is acquainted with the fituatiou
,@f a country, and can make his way without a guide,
,tlirough an immenfe foreft, fubfifting during this on
^Onall quantity of provifions, they are in raptures j
they liflen with great attention to the pleafing tale,
and beftow the highefl commendations on the hero
of it, ^.,

5r

CHAPTER IV.

m^

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

CH A P t r. R IV.

mm

7HEJii METHOD OF HECXON-mc TIME. ^.

'mc

et>

.^ONSIDIiRING their ignorance of ailrone-
my, time is very rationally divided by the Indians.
Thofe in the inte^-ior parts (and of thofc I would
generally be underltood to fpeak) count their years
by winters j or, as they ^xprefs themfelves, by fnows.

Some nations among tJiem reckon their years W
moons, and make thcmconfifl; of twelve fynodicalor
lunar months, obfefving, when thirty moons have
waned, to add a fupernurnerary one, which they term
the loft '"noon ; and then begin to :COunt as before.
They pay a great regard to the dvH appearance of
every moon, and on the occaHon always ri-pcat fom.*
joyful founds, Itretching the fame time their haiidj
towards it. ^'^

Every month has with them a nanje cxprcfiive of
its feafon ; for inflance, they call the month of Marcli
(in which their year gcrie^ally begins at the firft New-
Moon after the vernai. Equinox) the Worm Month
or Moon ; becaufe at this time the wornis quit their
retrc.its in the bark of the trees, wood, Sec. wher«
they have fhekered ihep'.folves during the v, inter.

The month of April is termed by them tlie month
of Plants. May, the Month of FloWfrs. Jnncy the
Hot-Moon. July, the Bucl; Moon. Tiie'r rcafon
for thus denominating thcfe is obvious.

AugufV, the Sturgeon Moor. ; beer ufe in ilih month
they catch great numbers of thut f (h.

September, the Corn Moon , bccaufc irt t!>at monh
thcv sathcr in their Indian com.

Oclobr:r, tiie Travelling f^Toon.; as they leave at
this time heir villages, and travel towards the place
Wiicre they intend to hunt during tiie winter.

CARVER'S IRAVELS.

'45

November, tlie Beaver Moon ; for in this month
the beavers begin to take belter in their houfes, hav-
ing laid up ii fuflicicnt ftore of provifions for the
winter feafon. ■

December, the Hunting Moon, becaufe they em-
ploy this month in purfuit of their game.

January, the Cold Moon, as it generally freezes
harder, and the cold is more intenfe in this tliau in
any other month.

February, they call the Snow Moon becaufe more
fnow commonly falls durinjg this month, than any
other in the winter.

When the moon docs not fhine they fay the IMoon
is dead i and fome call the three laft days of if the
naked days. The Moon's firll appearance they term
its coming to life again.

They make no divifion of weeks j but days they
count by fleeps -, half days by pointing to the fun at
noon ; and quarters by the rifing and the fetting of
Xhe fun : to exprefs which in their traditions the)'
rnakc ufe of very fignificant hieroglyphics.

Tiic Indians are totally unfkillcd in geography as
well as all the other fciences, and yet, os I have be-
fore hinted, they draw on their birch bark very exadt
cliarts or maps of the countries with which they arc
acquainted. The latitude and longitude is only want-
ing to make them tolerably complete.

Their fole knowledge in aftronomy confifts in be-
ing able to point out the polc-fiar ; by which they
regulate their courfc wlien they travel in the night.

They reckon the diftancc of places, not by miles
or leagues, but by a day's journey, which, accoruing
to the belt calculations I could make, appears to be
about twenty Engliflj mi!es. Thcfe they alfo divide
into halves and ([uarters, and will dcmonftrate them
innhcir maps with great cxa^lnefs, by the hicrogly-
phicsjuft mentioned, wlien they regulate in council
their war parties, or tlicir molt dillaut bunting cxcur-
fiCHs, ^N llicy

if.

'if (

•

V

w

'jl ''l

i" PI

146 , CARVER'S TRAVELS.

They have no idea of arithmetic •, ami though they
arc able to count to any number, figm'cs as well as
letters appear myftcricus to them, anJ above their
tonipiehcnlion.

During my abode with ihe Ni'.udowcfTies, fome of
die chiefs obferving cnc day a t'raft of an eclipfe of
the moon, in a book of aftrononiy which I held in
my hand, they defired I vvouUl permit them to look
at it. Happening tc give them the book fliut, tlicy
began to count trlie leaves till they came to the place
in which the plate was. After they had viewed it,
and alTced many queftions relative to it, I told them
they need not to have*takcn fo much pains to lind
the leaf on which it was drawn, for I could not only
tell in an inftant the place, without counting tJic
leaves, but alfo how many prececded it.

I'hey feemed grfeatly amazed at my afiertion, and
be.c;ged that I would demonflratc to them the polii-
bility of doing it. To this purpofe I defired the chief
1 hat held the book, to open it at any particular place,
and jufl flicwing me the page carefully to conceal
the edges of the le^.vcs, fo that I might not be able to
t:ount them.

This he did with the greateft caution ; notwlth-
* ilanding which, by looking at the folio, I told him,
to his great furprife, the numb'jr of leaves. He count-
ed them regularly over, and difcovercd that I was
cxa£t. And when, after repeated trials, the Indians
found I could do it with great readinefs, and without
ever erring in my calculation, they all feemed as
much aftonifhed as if I had raifcd the dead. The
only way they could account for my knowledge, was
by concluding that the book was a fpirit, and whlf-
pered me anfwers to whatever I demanded of it.

This circumftance, trifling as it might appear to
thofe who are leis illiterate, contributed to incre;»re
my confequence, and to augment the favorable opin-
ion they already entertained of me.

CHAPTER y.

t

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

^^U\

CHAP T E R V.

OF rmER GOVERNMENT, '^c.

ILVERY fcparale body of Tmlians is c^ivlded
into bands or tribes ; which band or tribe fovnui a
little community with the nation to which it belong!*,,
J^s the nation has feme particular fynibol by which
it is diftinguiflied from others, fo each tribe has a
badge from which it is denominated ; as that of thg
Eagle, the Panther, the Tiger, the Buffalo, &c, ^'c,
One band of the Naudowellics is reprcfcnted by u
Snake, another a Tortoife, a third a Squirrel, a fouvtli
a Wolf, and a fifth a Buffalo. Throughout every
nation they particularize themfelves in the fame man-
ner, and the mcaneft perfon among them will re-
member his lineal defccnt, and dillinguifh himfclf
by his refpedlive family.

Did not many circumftances tend to confute the
fuppofition, I fhould be almofl induced to conclude
from this diilin<Slion of tribes, and the particular at-
tachment of the Indians to them, that they derive
their origin, as feme have afferted, from the Ifraelites.

Befides this, every nation diftinguifli themfelves by
the manner of conftru£ling their tents or huts. And
fo well verfed are all the Indians in this diftind^ior,
that though there appears to be no difterence on the
niceft obfervation made by an European, yet ihcy
will immediately difcover, from the pofition cf a pole
left in the ground, what nation has encamped on. the
fpot many months before.

Every band has a chief who is termed the Great
Chief or the chief Warrior ; and who is chofen in
confideration of his experience in war, ind cf his ap-
proved valor, to direct tlieir military operations, ar,d

.to

■ ' I'm

i;t U..

148 CARV'ER's TRAVELS.

to regulate all concerns bclonp^ing to that clepattmenf,
Eut this chief is not confidered as the head of the
flate i befides the great warrior who is eic<5ted for
hii war-like qualifications, there is another who en-
joys a pre-eminence as his hereditary right, and has
the more immediate management of their civil af-
i^iirs. This chief might with greater propriety be
denominated the Sachem ; whole aiTent is necelTary
in all conveyances and treaties, to which he ailixes
the mark of the tribe or nation.

Though thefe two are confidered as the heads of
the band, and the latter is ufually denominated their
king, yet the Indians are fenfible of neither civil or
military fubordination. As every one of them enter*
tains a high opinion of his coni'cquercc, and is ex-
rrcmely tenacious of his liberty, all injunctions that
carry with them the appearance of a pofitive com-
mand, are inftantly rejected with fcorn.

On this account, it is feldom that their leaders are
fo indiforeet as to give out any of their orders in a
peremptory ftile ; a bare hint from a chief that he
thin' 1 luch a tiling necefiary to be done, inftantly
aroulcs an emulation among the inferior ranks, and
it is immediately executed with great alacrity. By
this method the difjL'uflful part ^pf the command is
evaded, and an authority that falls little Ihort of ab-
fclutc fway inflituted in its room.

Among the Indians no vifible form of government
is eftabUfiied ; they allow of no fuch diftindion as
magidrate and fuhjeft, every one appearing to enjoy
an itKJcpendence that cannot be controlled. The cl)-
je£l of government among them is rather foreign than
domeftic, for their attention fcems more to be eir.pioy-
cd in preferving fuch an union among the members
of their tribe as will enable them to watch the mu-
tiona of their enemies, and a6t againft them witJi
concert and vigor, than to maintain interior or-
der by any public regulations. If a fcheme that ap-
pears

\m

W^\

i

CARVER»$ TRA\'^"LS.

140

'tjears to be of fcrvicc ^ the community is propofed
by the chief, every oneb at libcrtf to cnocfe whether
he will affift in jarrying it on; for they have no com-
» pulfory law* thw lay them under any reftridtions; If
violence is eommitted, qX b^od is fhed, the right of
revenging tbefe mifdcjafaiW|,,j'' left to the family of
,the iniuied : the ch'SWIfliiTO neither the power of
infliftmg or modcratmg the ^uniflimept.
, Some nations, where the dignity is hereditary,
limit the fucceflion to thg^male line. On the death
of a chfef, his filler's foiPromctimcs fucceeds him in
preference to Bis owfa fon &and if he happens to have
no fifter, the nearel^ femafc relation aflbmes the dig-
nity. This accounts fort woiHg being at the head
of the Winnebago nation, wMlvljefore I was ac-
quainted with their la^'s, appeared ftrange to n. e.

Each family has a right to appbint one of its chiefs
to be an afliftant to the principal chief, who watch-
es over the intcreft of his'family, and without whofe
-confent nothing of a public nature can be carried in-
to execution. Thcfe are generally chofen for their
ability infpeaking ; and fuch^nly are permitted to
make orations in their councils and general aflbmblies.

In this body, with the hereditary chief at its head,
the fupreme authority appears to be lodged \ as by
its determination every tranfaflion relative to their
hunting, to their making war or peace, and to all
their public concerns are regulated. Next to thefc,
the body dPwarriors which comprehends all that arc
able to bear arms, hold their rank. This divifion has
fometimes at its head the chief of the nation, if he has
fignalized himfelf by any renowned adlion, if not,
feme chief that has rendered himfclf famous.

In their councils, which are held by the foregoing
members, every affair of confequence is debated j and
no enterprifc of the ieaft moment undertaken, unlefs
it there meets with the ceneral approbation of the
chiefs. They comroofnTy affemblc in it hut or

!'■ f f ?t ir.

'■■'-'mi I

•i.

i'

(1

i%

ll«iji^^ ,

h a

tent

I50

CAREER'S TRAVELS.

Ill '"I"!

tenr appropriated to this purpofe, and being {e^^
ed in a circle on th« ground, me elded chief rifts an4
makes a fpeech ^ when he has concluded, another
gctiup i and thus thev all ipeak, if neceilary, by turus.

On this occalicn tneir language is nervous, and
their manner of "xpreffipii £phatical. . Their ftite
is adorned witli imagl^^n^|||irrifons, andvitrong mr-
' taphors, and is equal in allegories to that of any of
the eadern nations. In all their fet fpeeches they
exprefs themfelves with much vehemence, but 1u
common difcourfe; accordiiibg to our ufual method of
fpeech. A^ *

The young men are fuffcred tb be preCent at the
councils, though thflyire not flowed tomake afpeech
till they are regulMp admitted ; they however liilen
with great attepti^^and to ilR»w that they both un-
derhand, and approve ox the refolutions taken by
the aflemblcd chiefs, they frequently exclaim, " That
is right." " That is good,'*

The cullomary mode among all the ranks of ex-
preihng their afient, and which they repeat at the
end of Aimoft every period, is by uttering ?t kind of
forcible afniration, which founds like an union of
the letters bAH.

CHAPTER Vli

OF 7HMIR FEASTS*

M.

■««i

.ANTof the Indian nations neither make
ufc of bread, fait, or fpices •, and feme of them have
never fcen or tailed of ^ther. The Naudoweffies hi
particular have no bread, nor any fubftitute for it.
They eat the )iKild rice which grows in great quanti-
Ucs iii di^crent' piiru oi their territories i but they

boil

CARVER'S TRAAtELS.

'5t

loilit and cat »t alone. They alfo eat the flefli of the
beads they kill> witholl having recourfe to any far-
inaceous fubilance to abforb the grofler particles of
it. And even when they confume the fugar which
^ey have extra^led fro|n the maple tree, they ufe it
tktto render /ome fl^j|^ fo^ palatable, but general-
ly eat it .by* i^clf. J| ^

Neither have they aftiy^idea of the ufe of milk, al-*
diough they might collefl: great quantities from the
Buftaio orvtne elk j they only confider it as proper for
the nutriment of the youDg of thefe beails during
their tender ftate. , I could not perceive that any
inconveniency attended the total difufe of articles e-
iteemed fo neceflary an J nutrit^us by otheirnations,
on the contrary, they are in general healthy and vigo-
rous. '*

One difh however, which anfwers nearly the fame
purpofe as bread, is in ufe among the Ottagaumies,
the Saukies, and the more eaftcrn nations M(here In-
Uiati corn grows, which is not only much efteemcd
by them, but it is reckoned extremely palatable by all
the Europeans who enter their dominions. This is
compofcd of their unripe corn as befc're defcribcd,
and beans in the fame (late, boiled together with
bear's flefli^ the fat of which moiftens the pulfe, and
renders it beyond comparifon delicious. They call
this food Succatoih*

Tfe« Indians are far from being Cannibals, as they
are laid to be. All then* vi£luals are either roailed
orboilcdV and this in the extreme. Their drink is
generally the broth in which it has been boiled.

Their food confifts jf the flefh of the bear, the
bufialo, the elk, the cfear, the beaver, and the racoon j
.which they prepare in the manner juft mentioned.
Thty ufually eat the flelh lof the deer which is natu-
rally dry, with that of the bear which is fat and jui-
cy ; and though the latter id extremely rich and luf-
wous, it ia ucver known to doy. ""^

,!

.4 V

j:.

II

t

! .

ii

mil.

II

*p

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

»'.»,* ■h

'tr

^ In the fpring of the year th£ Naudoweflies eat ffi^
infide bark of a ihhib, that tnejr gather in feme pan
of their country ; but I could ifdther learn the name
of it, or difcover from whenfe they go^ it. It was of
a brittle nature and eafily mafticated. The tafte-fif
it was very agreeable, -aild tlk\' faid it was extremely
nouriihing. In fla^vour it waf^not unlike thf turnip,
'and when received into the moutli reiembled that
root both in its pulpous and frangible nature.

The lower ranks of the Indians ^re exceedingly
nady in dreflfing their vi£iuals, but feme of the chieri
are very neat and cleanly in th^ apjfiirel, tents and
food. -^

They commonly o^t in large parties, To that their
meals may properly be termed feafls ; and this they
do without being re(lri€led to any fixed or regular
hours, but juil as their appetites require, and coa-
venience fuits.

They ufually dance either before or after every
meal •, and by this cheerfulnefs probably tender the
Great Spirit, to whom they confider themfelves as
indebted for every good, a more acceptable facrificc
tlian a formal and unanimated thankfgiving. The
men and women feaft apart : and each fex invite by
turns their companion*, to partake with tiiem of the
food they happen to have ', but in theiv domsdic way
of living the men and women eait together.

No people are more hofpitable, kind, and free than
the Indians. They wiilteadily fhare v/nh z^y of their
own tribe the lad part of their provifions, and even
with thofe of a different nation if they chance to
come in when th^y are eating. Though they do npt*
keep one commoh flock, yet that community ofpoods
which is fo prevalent among them, and tJ.ctr gener-
ous difpofition, render it nearly of tb<( fame efFe£l.

When the chiefs are convened on My puhXic bu(i-
nefs they alwfvs conclude with a feafl, at which thur
fedivity and CAecrful{}e& knows no limits.

" ^ CHAPTfiR Vil.

D

Indians i
but this 1
when th<
youth of
every ev€
They I
feafls.
mun rifc(
freedom
ploits of
who are
dancer,
odd tone
founds, '
be fo tcr
ftraincd
fo that
foon exl
it wilh 1
cntertaii
The ^
lions, d;
ereft, ai
fides, n
back ag
without
* but wit
toes ani
agility
let thoi

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

^5$

CHAPTER Vir.
OF THEIR DANCES.

JJaNCING is a fHvoritc cxercifc amonjr tht
Indians \ they never meet on any public occurion,
but this makes a part of the entertaini::ient. And
when they are not engaged in war or hunting, the
youth of both fexes amufe themfelves in this manner
every evening.

They always dance, as I have juft obfcrved, at their
feafls. In thefe as well as all other dances, every
m^n rifcs in his turn, and moves about with great
freedom and boldnefs j finging as he does fo, the ex-
ploits of his anceftors* During this the company
who are feated on the ground in a circle, around the
dancer, join with him in mjdcing the cadence, by an
odd tone, which they utter all together, and which
founds, " Heh, heh, neh." Thefe notes, if they might
be fo termed, are articulated with a harfti accent, and
drained out with the otmoft force of their lungs :
fo that one would imagine their ftrength muft b«
foon exhaufled by it j inftead of which, they repeat
it wi'h the fame violence during the whole of theif
entertainment.

The women, particularly thofe of the weflcrn na-
tions, dance very gracefully. They carry themfelvet
ereft, and with their arms hanging down clofe to their
fides, move fiift a fe at yards to the right, and then
back again to the left. This movement they perform
without taking any fteps aran European would do,
*butwith their feet conjoined, moving by turns their
toes and heels. In this manner they glide with great
agility to a certain diftance, and then return j and
let thofc who join in the dance be ever fo numerous,

they

1 1

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li

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»/4

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

'

Ul

1^

VY,

m

I

they keep time fo exa<Slly with each other that no-
interruption enfucs. During this, at ftated pcriodi
they mingle their flnil) voices, with the hoarier onei
of the men, who fit around (for it is to be obferved
that the fexcs never intermix in the fame dance)
which, with the mufic of the drums and chichicoes,
make an agreeable harmony.'

The Indians have feveral kinds of dances, which
they ufe on different occafions, as the Pipe or Calu-
met Dance, the War Dance, the Marriage Dance,
and the Dance of the Sacrifice. The movements in
every oneofthefe arediffimilar j but it isalmoftim-
poflible to convey any idea of the points in which
they are unlike.

Different nations Hkewifjc vary in their manner of
dancing. The Chipeway throw themfelves into a
greater variety of attitudes than any other people}
fometimes they hold their heads erecSt, at others they
bend ihem almoft to the ground ; then recline on
one fide, and imn>ediately after on the other. The
Naudowcflics carry themfelves more upright, ftep
iirmer, and move more gracefully. But they all ac-
compp.ny their dances with the diiagreeable noife juft
tt^cntioned.

The Pipe Dance, is the principal, and the moft
j^leafing to a fpe£lator of any of them, being the lead
frantic, and the movement of it moft; graceful. It is
but on particular occafions that it is ui'ed ; as when
ambafladors from an enemy arrive to treat of peace,
or when (Irangers of eminence pafs through their
territories.

The War Dance, which they ufe both before they
fet out on their war parties, and on their return from
them, ftrikes terror into ftrangers. It is performed,
as the others, amidft a circle of the warriors *, a chief
generally begins it, who moves from the right to the
left, fmging at the fame time both his own exploits,
and thofe of his anceftcrs. When he has concluded

his

CARVKR-s TRAVf-LS.

5S

j^g account of any mcmor?.!)':-* action, he g'ves a vio^
lent blow with his war-club, againlt a poll that is
fixed in the ground, near the cciftre of the afTembly,
for this purpofe. ^ v

Every one dances in his turn, and recapitulates
tlic wondrous deeds of his family, till they all at lall
join in the dancj. I'hen it becomes truly alarming
to any llranger that happens to be among them, as
they throw themfelves into every horrible and ter-
, laying pofture that can be imagined, reheaifing at
the fume time the pirts they expe£l: to a£l againfl
their enemies in tU: field. During thia they liold
their Iharp knives in their hands, with whicli, as they
whirl ab'jui, they arc every moment in danger of
cutting each other's throats ; and did they not (Imn
ihe threatened mifcliief with inconceivable dexterity,
it could not be avoided. 13y thefe motions they in-
tend to rcprefent the mannsr in v/luch they kill.fcalp,
and take their priloners. To lieighten the fcene,
they fct up the fame hldeonn yells, cries, and war-
whoops they ufe hi tiuiC of a<ilion : fo that it is im-
poillble to confider them in any other light than as
an aflembly of demons.

I have frequently joined in this dance with them,
but it foon ceafed to be an amufement to me, as I
could not lay afide my apprehenfions of receiving
fome dreadful wound, that from the violence of their
gefturea mufi: have proved mortal.

I found that the nations to the v/eflward of the
MiQilippi, and on the borders of Lake Superior, ftill
continue to make ufi* of the Pav^^waw or Black Dance.
The people of the colonies tell a tlj^pufand ri«.!iculous
(lories of the Devi! being raifed in this dance by the
hidians. But they allow that Hii . i in former
times, and is now nearly extin/f aUK'ng I hole who
live adjacent to Uit: European rellleniciits. /I<>uevcff
Idifcovcred that it w.ir, dill ufe<l !ii (!>/, intt lioi pirts^
and though I did not adually ke ihe DtfVi) >,'•' 'If

.'■^s

'?•■

■W

1,

;

m

t-te

- - iS

^

1S6

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

■in f>4V

i^L^i

it, I was v/ltnefs to fome fcencs that couUl only i)^
perforr id bv uci^s dealt vi'ith him^ or were vcrv
expert • '<^*ui,;>arou3 jugglers,

WliiU. ; among the Naudoweflics, a danrc

which thc^ ius ,? mcd, was performed. Before the
dance began, oiic oi he Indians was admitted into a
fociety which they denominated Wakon-Kitchewah,
that is, the Friendly Society of the Spirit. This fo.
cicty is compofed of pcrfons of both fexes, but fuch
only can be admitted into it as are of uncxceptiona.
ble character, and who receive the approbation of the
whole body. To this admiffion fucceeded the Paw-
waw Dance (in which I faw nothing that could give
rife to the reports I had heard) and the whole, ac-
cording to their ufual cuftom, concluded with a grand
/eaft.

The initiation being attended Avith fome very fin.
gular circumftarrces, which, as I have before obferv.
ed, muft be either the tffc€t of magic, or of amazing
.dexterity, I fli.ali give a particular account of the
whole procedure. It was performed at the time of
the new moon, in a place appropriated to the pur.
pofe, near the centre of their camp, that would con-
Uin about two hundred people. Being a ftranger,
nnd on all occalions treated by rhem with great civi*.
lity, I was invited to fee the ceremony, and placed
clofe to the rails of the inclofure.

About twelve o'clock they began to alTcmble;
when the fun Ihonc bright, which they confidercd as
a good omen, for they, never by choice hold any of
their public meetings unleJs the Iky be clear and un-
clouded. A great number of chiefs fivft appeared,
who were drellcd in their bcft r;j>parcl ; and after
them came the liend-warrior, cl.id in a long robe of
rich furs, that trailed on the ground, attended by a
retinue of fifteen or twenty perfons, painted and
tlrefl'ed in the gayeft manniT. Next followed the
wives of fuch as had han already admitted into thi

fociety ;

CARVLR's TRAVELS.

>57

(ockty ; and in the rear a confufcd heap of the low-
er ranks, all contrihuting as muth as lay in their
puwertomake the appearance grand and (howy.

When the afleinbly was feated, and filcncc pro-
cbinietl, one of the principal chiefs arofe, and in a
ihort but maflerly fpcech informed his audience of
the occafion of their meeting. He acquainted them
that one of their young men wiihcd to be admitted
into their fcciety \ and taking him by the hand pre-
fentcJ him to thtir view, aiiclng them at the fame
time, whether they had any objection to his becom-

111*

cne of their community.

No objecUon being maile, the young candidate
was p'liCcd in the centre, and four of the chiefs took
their ILrJons clofe to him ; after exhorting him, by-
turns, not to faint under the operation he was about
to go tlirough, but to behave like an Indian and a
man, two of them took hold of his arms, and caufed.
him to kneel ; another placed himfelf behind him, fo
as to receive him v.'h.en he fell, and.the laft of the
four retired to the didunce of about twelve feet from
him exactly in front.

This difpofition being completed, the chief than
ftood before the kneeling candidate, began to fpeak
to Iiim with an audible voice. He told him that he
himll'if was now agitated by the fame fpirit which
he (liould in a few moments comniunicate to him ;
that it v/ould ftrike him dead, but that he would in-
Itantly be relioicd again to life : to this he added,
that the communication howe^Cx* terrifying, was a
ncceliary introdu(^lion to the advantages enjoyed by
the community into which hi was on tne point of be-
ing au mitred.

As he fpoks this, he appeared to be greatly nt.'ltat-
ed ; till at lall his eniotioiis became fo violeni, that
his counu nance w.is diilorted, and his whole frame
couvuifed. At this jun«5ture he threv/ ibmcthing tJiat
appeared both in Ihape and color like ii finull bean,

O at

I. '; ?

•fi ii'UiJ

158

CARVKK's TRAVELS.

■-f^. . '^:.: '

ac the young man, wliich fecmccl to enter his mouth
;nul he inltantly fell as niotionlcfs as if he hail been
iliot. The chief that was placed behind him rccciv-
cd him in his arms, and, by the artillance of the oU\er
two, hiid him on the ground to all appearance bereft
of life.

Having done this, they immediately brpan to rub
his limbs, and to ilrike him oji the back, jMvinf;; liim
fuch blows, as feemcd more calculated to Itill the
quick, than to rnifc the dead. During thefe extrjor-
»llnary applications, the fpcakcr continued his ha.
rangue, delirinu; the fpeclators not to be furprifeJ,or
to difpair of tiio young man's recovery, as iiis pre-
fent inanimate fituatiiMi proccedctl only from th.' for-
cible operation of the fpirit, on facullies tl.'^'t had hi.
therto been unufed to infpirations of this kind.

The candidate lay fevcral minutes uithcut fenfc
or motion ; but at length, after receiving many vio-
lent blows, he begun to difeovcr fome fymj^tonis of
returning life T hcfc, however, were attended with
ib'ong convulfions, and an apparent obftruclivin in
his thro.it. Bur ihev were loon at an end ; for hav-
ing difchargcd from hi-i mouih the bean, or v.liat-
ever it was that the ciuef iiad thrown at him, but
whix;h on the clofeil iiifpcclion I had not percuivcJ
to enter it, he foon afici appeared to be tokrably
recovered.

This part of the ceremony beinoj happily cffeded,
the olhciating chiefs dilVobeJ him of the clothes he
had ufually worn, nnd.put on him a fet of apnarcl en-
tirely new. Whjn he wasdieflcd, t'le fpcakcr once
more took him by the h.and, and prtfent^d him ta
the Ibciety as a regular and tlioroughlv iiiiti;itfd
member, exhorting them, ;U the fame rline, to give
him fuch neceiVary aihltance, as bcijig a young nn-m-
bcr, he n\ij^;ht (land in need of. He then .dft charg-
ed tl:c newly elec^cd brotlier to receive widi liiimihry,
and to follow v ith puuctuaUty the advice cf his eMcr
brethren. All

CARVKR's TRAVK1.S.

'50

All tlu fe who had hef.Mi .-iclinittctl viihin the v.til^,
now fornutl a circle ;nouiul their lU'w hrcjthir, ami
the mufic linking up, the groat chiof J'utig a loti;^,
celebrating us iilual il»cir martial exploits.

The only mufic ihcy make ufc ot is a tlruin, M'hi»:h
!•; conjpoi'dcl of a piece of a hollow tree curloufly
wrought, atul over one end of wliieh is llrained ii,
jjciii, this they beat with a Angle flick, and it gives a
found that is far from harmonious, but it julV llrves
to beat time with. To this ihcy Ibmetimes add the
chichicoe, and in their war dances they likcwifc ufc
a kind of fife, formed of a rccd, wliich makes a flirill
harfti noifc.

The whole aflcmbly were by this time utiited, and
the dance began ; Icveral fingera aOlfted the mufiG
with their voices, and the women joining in the
chorus at certain intervals, they produced together a
jiut unpleaiing but favage liarniony. Tliis was one
Cf the moll agreeable entertjinments 1 law whilll I
was among them.

1 could not help laughinii; at a lingular clilldini
cullom I obfcrvcd tliey introduced into this dance, and
which was the only one that had the leail: appearance
of conjuration. Moll of rlie members carried in
their hands an otter or martin's lk;n, v,l;icii being
taken whole from the body, and filled witTi wind, oii
beiufT comprcflcd made a Iqucakirg nolle throueh a
fmall piece of wood organically formed and fixed in,
itt) mouth. When this inlirumeiit was presented to
the facs of any olf the compiuiy, and the iouiidcinii.-
teil, the perffu leceivin;; it ;nit'antiy- fdl do^^n to up-
pearance dead. iSomttinics iv. o crt" thjec, Ijuih iren
and women, were on the jrroui.d together ; but im-
mediately recovering, they voil- up rnui joiucd .-^niii
in the dance. This feemcd to aflord,cvcii the clip's
themfelves, infinite divcrfion. I afterwards lenri»ed
that thele were their l)ii Penates or Hcuiclicid
Gods.

After

'-M\

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1

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CARVr.R's 'IRAVia.S.

'•i

rW'i'

After feme hours Ipcnt in this manner the fcaf^
began J the diflies being brought near me, I pcicciv-
eil that they confided of clog's flclh ; and I was in-
formed that all their public grand feafis they never
made ufe of any other kind of food. Tor tliis pur-
pole, at the fjalt I am now (peaking of, the new can-
<lid.ite provides fat dog<, if they can be procured at
any price.

in this cuftom of eating dog's flefli on particular
occafions, they relcmble the inhabitants of foine of
the countries that lie on the north-eafl borders of
Afia. 1 lie autlior of the account of Kamfchatka,
publifhed by order of the Emprefs of Ruflia (before
referred to) inform us, that the people inhabiting; Ko-
Tcka, a country north of Kamfchatka, who wander
about in hordes like the Arabs, when they pay their
worfhip to the evil beini^s, kill a rein-deer or a dog,
the flelh of which they eat, and leave the head and
tongue nicking on a pole with tlie front towards the
call. Alfo tiut when they are afraid of any iufedi-
ous diRemper, they kill a dog, and winding the guts
about two poles, pafs between them. Thcle cuftoms,
in which they are nearly imitated by the Indians, fecm
to add llrength to my Inppoliiion, that America was
firil peopled from this quarter.

1 know not cnder what cli.fs of dances to rank that
performed by tlie Indians wliocame to my teiu when
I hmded near I^akc Pepin, on the banks of the Mif-
lifippi, as related in my Journal. When I looked
tut, as I there nientioned, I Ihw about twenty naked
young Indians, the moft perfect in their (hnpe, and
by far the handfomcfl of any I had ever feen, coming
towards me, and dancing as they approached, to the
mufic of their drums. At every ten or twelve yards
iliey halted, and fct up their yells and cries.

When they reached my tent, 1 alked them to come
in ; which, witliout deigning to make me any anfwcr,
they did. As I obferved that they were painted red

and

rciblu
for af
down
blc OK

CARVER'S TRAVr.LS.

i6t

p.rticular
Toine of
orders of
mfclnuka,
"';i (before

► wander

p;»y thrir

or a (log,

Ilea J and

ward J the

^y iiifcdl-

R the guts

- cufloms,

ians, ftcm

erica ^va8

rank that
:ent wjicn
thcMif-
I looked
itv naked
npe, and
;, coming,
tl, to tlie
Ive yard]

I to come

r anfwcr,

ntctl red

and

ind black, as tliey ufually are wlicn they {^o agaiiifl
an enemy, and perceived th.it fomc parts ot the war-
dance were intermixed with their other nioNcnitnts,
I doubted not but they were fet on by tlie inimical chief
who Iiad refufcd my faliitation : I therefore deter-
mined to fell my life as dear as pofTible. To tlii:j
purpofe, I received them fittinp^ on \i\j chel>, with
niy gun and pillols hefide me, ami ordered my men
to keep a watchful eye on them, and to be alfo up».
their guard.

7"he Indians being entered, they continued their
dance alternately, finging at the fame time of their
heroic exploits, and the I'uperiority of their race over
every other people. 'i'o enforce their language,
though it was uncommonly nervous ind exprelfne,
and fuch as would of itfelf hav<» carried terror to the
firmcit heart, at the end of every period they Itruck
their war-clubs againll the poles of m.y tent, with
fuch violence, rjiat 1 cxpedled every moment it would
have tumbled upon us. As each of them, in danc-
ing rounil, paflcd by me, they placed their right hands
over tlieir eyes, and coming dole to me, looked me
fteadiiv in the face, which 1 could not conitrue into
a token of friendlhip. My men gave themfelves up
for loH:, and 1 acknov 'edge, for my own part, that I
never found my appre/icnfions more tumultuous on
any occalion.

When tlicy had nearly ended th.eir dance, I pre-
fenteii to them the pipe of peace, but they woulil not
receive it. 1 then, as my lail refource, thought I
would try what prefents would do •, accordingly I
took from my chefl fome riband* and trinkets, whicli
I laid before them. Thefe fecmed to dagger their
rcfolutions, and to avert in fome degree their anger ;
for after holding a confultation together, they fat
down on the ground, which I confidered as a favora-
ble omen,

O a Thus

i

i6i

CARVER'S TR.Wia.S.

i

' Thus It proved, as in a fliort time tliov receivcil ilic
pipe of peace, am! iij^^liting it, tirll pielentccl it to 'r.c
and then linoked with it themfclves. 8oon after thcv
took up the prcfents, which h:iJ liitherto lain ni'jrleft.
ed, and appearing to be greatly pleafed with iliem,
departed in a friendly manner. And never did I re-
ceive greater pleafure than at getting rid of fuch for-
midable guefts.

It was not ever in my power to gain 3 thorough
knowledge of the defigns of my vifitors. I had fuf-
iicicnt reafon to conclude that they were hoflilc, and
tliat their vifit, at fo late an hour, was made through
tlie inlligrttion of the Grand Sautor ; but I was after-
wards informed that it might be intended as a com-
(>liment which they ufually pay to the chiefs of every
Dthcr nation who happen to fail in with them, and
ihai the circumltances in their conducft, which had
:ippeared fo fufpicious to me, were merely the eftccli
uf their vanity, and defigncd to iinprcfs on the minds
of iliofc whom they tlius vifitcd an elevated opinion
nf their valor and prowefs. In the morning before
1 continued mv route, fevcval of their wives brought
me a prefent of ibme fugar, for whom 1 found a Itw
more ribands.

M'he dance of the facrificc is not (o denominated
from their offering up at the fame time a facritice to
•.\ny good or evil fpiiit, but is a dance to which the
jXaudoweffies give that title from being ufed when
-•ny public fortunate circumdance befalls thcni.
Whim I refided among them, a line large deer acci-
dentally ftrayed into the middle of their cneampm» nt,
wliich they foon deftroyed. As this liappenc<! juft
:^. lac new moon, they clleemcd it a lucky omen-, and
having roaited it vhule, eveiy one in the camp {ar-
tvok of itc After tiicir fealt, they all joined in ;i
dr.ncc, which they termed, from its being fbn^ev/hat
uf a rejigiou? nature, ?. dance cf the facriiice.

CliAPTliK VIII.

CARVKR'i TRAVELS.

163

eivciltlif
1 it to .v.c,
yttcr tluv

ith uicip,

r tiid 1 ri:-

fuch lor-

tliornugh

Had fuf.

aftilc, and

Nvas aftcr-

as ^ com-

;> of every

Hem, and

^hich had

He cftecls

tHc minds

|ci opinion

ng before

s brought

uiul a Ifw

lominatcd
icrifice to
wHich the
4 fed when
lis theiii.
doer ;Kci-
iiiij[)n)ent,
)cnc(! jufl
men ; and
air»p {ar-
)incd in ;\
fbmcv/hat

: Viii.

CHAP T K R Vlir.
OF Tli£iR HUNTLVG.

JrlUNTIXG is tlie principle occupation of tHc
Indians ; tHey arc trained to it from tlicir carlicd;
vouth, ?nd it is an exercifc uHicH is cdceuied no lcft>
honorable than iiecefTiiry towards their fubililcnce.
A dexterous and reiolutc hunter is Held nearly in as
great eilimatlon Hy them as a dillinguHlied warrior.
Scarcely any device wHich the ingenuity of man lias
difcovered for enfnaring or dertri-yiiig thofe animalr.
that fupply them witli food, or wh.ofc ikins are valu-
able to Europeans, is unknown to them.

WHilll they are engaged in tliis exercire, they
fliakc oil" the indolence peculiar to their nature, and
become acVive, perfcvering, r.!ul indefaligabl:. '1 hey
are equally fugacious in lii-uiing their prey, and in
the means they ufc to dcfiroy it. They dilccrn tl.c
footflcp.s of the beads ihcy are in purfult of, although
they are impercepiible to every other cye» and can
fo'low them with certainty through thepalhlefs forelK

The hearts that the Indians hunt, botli for their
flelh on which they fubfilt, and for their ikins, of
V'hieh they cither make their apparel, or barter with
the Europeans for necciiaries, arcthebullVlo, the elk,,
the deer, the mooA% carribbf o, the bear, the beaver,
the otier, the martin, &c. 1 defer giving a defcvip-
tion of thefe creatures here, and ihall only ut prefent
treat of their manner ci hunting them.

The route they ihall take for tliis purpofc, and the
parties that ihall go on the diiIli«*ot expeditions are
Hxcd in their general councils, which are held fomc
time m the fu'iuncr, when all tlie operation!^ for the
enfuing v.'iiuer urc concluded on, T.hc chief-war-

Tior,

r

1

■ IE

i.

V-'

i

1 ■**

ii;: »

s ■ I

i

ifi

iv

J

.

■111*

T6jf

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

rior, whofe province it Is to regulate their proceed-
ings on this occufion, with great Iblcmnity iflues out
an invitation to tliofc who choofe to attend him ; for
the Indians, as before oblerved, acknowledge no fu.
periority, nor have they any idea of compuifion -, and
every one that accepts it, prepares himfclf by fafunp
during fevcral days.

The Indians do not fad: as foine other nations do,
on the richefl; and mod luxurious food, but they to-
tally abltain from every kind either of victuals or
drink ; and fuch is their patience and r^^folut'on, th«i
the moll: extreme thirft could not oblige tl.cin to
talte a drop of vvater •, yet amiclli. ihis fevere .•tblij.
nenct they appear cheerful and h.ippy.

The reafonsthey give for thus f;utiiig, ar-.*, tl-.nt It
enables them freely to dream, in which dre.i'ns they
arc informed where they ihall imd the greatelt pLiity
of game ; a1fo that it averts the dlfpleafure of tiie
evil fpirits, and induces them to be propitious. Tluy
»Ifo on theie occafions blacken thofc pans of liicir
boilies that are uncovered.

The fad being ended, and the place of lumting
made kjiovvn, the chief who is to condmH: thcin, ^;ivcs
a grand fcail to thofc who are to form the liilicrnit
partie.'. ; of wliieli none of them d.ire to part:' c till
they have bathed themfelves. Ar this fc.iil, not-
withilanding they have failed (o long, they eat with
great motleraUon j and the chief that preiiJes em-
ploys hinifel! in reheariing the feats of rhofe who liavc
been molt fuccef?ful in the bufmefs they are about
to enter upon. They foon after (^t out on the ni.irtli
towards the place appointed, painted or r.ithcr W'
dawbed witii black, aniidil the aeciamaticns of all
the people.

It is impofhble to defcribc their agility or perfevcr-
ance, whilll they are in purfuit of their piey ; nei-
ther tliickcts, tlitches, torrents, pools, or rivers iiop
themj Hkj always go itr;iijjht igrwi>rd in tlie molt

4liK<^

dog, ani

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

i6s

tlirccl line they poflibJy can, and there arc ffw of l)ic
fiiv.igc inhabitants of the wootls that they cannot
overtake.

When they hunt for bc«rs, .tlicy endeavour tc find.
out tlicir retreats ; for, during the wint-r, thcfe ani-
mals conceal themfclve.s in the hollow trunks of trees*
or make ihenifeives holes in l!ic j^round, where il.cy
cotuiiiue witliout food, whillL tlie fcvcrc weather

lafts.

When the Indians think they have arrived at a
place where thefc creatures ifually haunt, they form
themfelves into a circle according to their number,
and moving onward, endeavour, as they advance to-
wards the centre, to difcover tlic retreats of their
prey. Hy this means, if any lie in the intermediate
i'pate, they are fure of arouling them, and bringing
them down either with tlieir bows or their guns;
The bears will take to flight at fight of a man or a
dog, and will only make refillance when they arc
extremely hungry, or after they are wounded.

The Indian method of hunting the buffalo is by
forming a circle or a fquarc, nearly in the fame man-
ner a:, w hen they fearch for tlic bear. Having taken
their ditl'erent ftations, they fct the grafs, which at
this time is rank and dry, on fire, and ihcfc animals,
who arc extremely fp.arful of that element,- flying
with precipitation before it, great numbers arc hem-
med in a Imall coitipafs, and fcarccly a fingle one
cfcapes

They have different ways of hunthig the elk, the
cfecr, and the carriboo. Sometimes they feek thcni
out in the woods, to which they retire during the
fcverity of the cold, where they are eafily fliot from
behind the trees. In the more northern climates
they take the advantage of the weather to dcllroy the
tlk; when the fun has juft (Ircngth enough to melt
the fnow, and the froil in the night forms a kind of
cruH on the fuiiuce^ this creature being heavy, breaks

it

' \

i66

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

d*

n

f'N'f; "

it with liis forked hoofs, and with difficultv extri-
cates himfelf from it : at this time thtreioi'c lie is
loon overtaken and dellvoycd.

Some nations have a method of hunting tlufcanU
mals which is more eafily executed, and free from
<ian!;er. Tiie huntiup; party divide tiiemfclves into
two bands, and ehooling a Ipot near the borders of
tome river, one party embarks on board their canoes,
whilll tl:e other lorming themfelves into a fcnu-cl--
cle on the land, the flanks of which reach the fliore,
let loofe their dogs, and by this means roufe all t'*;?
game that Hes within thefe bounds ; they then -trivt
th<'m towards the liver, into which they r»o toucy
cnrer, than the greatelt part of them are inmicii , •-
iy difpatched by thofc wlio remain ip the c^noei.

Both the elk and buffV.Io are very fi?r'o - . whm
they are wounded, and will return fie *cel^' on thfir
purfuers, and trampj a em under their feet, if tiic
hunter finds no means tc -i..- i'-^te their dcflrucl '/on,
or does not feek ''r feeurrtt in light to fomc K-ja-
cent tree j by this methoa u.cy arc frequently avoid-
ed, and fo tired with the purfuit, iliaf they volunta-
rily give it over.

J[5ut the hunting in which the Indians, particular-
ly thofe who inhabit the northern parts, chicl'y en\-
ploy themfelves, and from which they reap the great-
eft advantage, is the beaver hunting. The Icufon
' for this is throughout the whole of the winter, from
November to April*, during which time the fur of
thefe creatures is in the grealeft perfetlion. A dc-
fcription of this extraordinary animal, the conflriic-
>ion of their hu 3, and the regulations of their alniort
r; tio r.l communitv, I fhall give ii! another place.

The hunt.rn ni;ike uic of feveral methods to de-
ft'r^t hem. Thofe generally pra^l:ifed,nre ciilicr that
- oi taking them in fnares, tutting through the ice, or
opening their cuufc\v.'.yj.

As

m

CAR\ IlRs travels.

iGy

'^y cxtn.
>ic he is

Jit To anU
r(-'c from
-Ives into
larders of
r c.inocs,

lie fliore,
fe all t'i:;
len 'irivt

inicii:, •-

on thfir
et, if tiie
ftruclion,
3mc K'.ja-
tly avoid-
r volunta-

(artifjular-
licl'.y em-
tlic great-
lid Icafon
Iter, from
lie fur of
1. A de-
con. 'Iriic-
cir ainioft
■ place,
ds to i!c-
itlicr that
he ice, or

Asthe eyes of thefc animals are very quick, and their
haring exceedingly acute, great precaution is ncccf-
f;iry in approaching their bodies \ for as tluy fcldom
no far from the water, and their lioufes are always
built clofc to ihe fide of fome Urge river or lake, or
;lams of their own conftrucHini;, upon the LmII alarm
thev hiJU-n to the dcepeil part of the water, and dive
iaiincdiAteij" to the bottom ; as they do this they
make n great noife by beating the water with their
tails, on purpufc to put the whole fraternity on their .
guard. '

They take tlicni with fnnrcs hi the following man-
ner : though the beavers ufually lay up a fuliicient
ilore of provifion to ferve for their fubfillcnce during
tiie winter, they make from time to time < xcurdons
to the neighbouring woods to procure further fup-
plies of food. The hunters having found out their
Jaunts, place a trap in their way, baited v. ;th iinall
pieces of baric, or young ihoots o( trees, which the
heaver has no Iboner laid hold of, than a large Ic^
of wood f;Uis upon him, and breaks liis back j his
i-neinies, who arc upon the watch, foon appear, and
inftantly difpatch the hclpleiii aniuial.

At other times, when the ice on the riv( rs anil
lakes is about hdli a fo(/t thick, they make an open-
ing tlirough it with their hatchets, to whirii the bea-
vers will foon liaften, on being dilluibed at their
Iioufes, for a lupply of frc(h air. As their breath
occ.ifiuns a coi^hvlerablc mctlon In the water, the
hunter has fuHJcient notice of their approach, and
nicihods are callly taken lor knocking ihcm on the
head tlu' mon>ent they appear above the furface.

Wlicn tlu- houfes of the beavers luipp .n to be nc.ir
a rivulet, tiiey are more eahiy dellroycd : the hun-
ikMs ihe!i cut 'lie lot, and fpreading a net under it,
break down the cabins of the beaven., wi.o never fail
to make towards the deep>c;L pair, where tl...y are
eutangled and t.'kcn. But duy mud not ue fuiercd

to

n t.

J'

m:

i68

CARVKR'j TRAVKT.S.

'w^:I

ri

to ren^nin thcr^ lonp:, as they wouiil loon fxtrlcate
themlc:vf:j \*'iili their tecih, %vhich arc well known
to be cxc fTivcly Hi.iro aiul (Irong.

The Indians take great care to hinder their dogn
from touching iUi bones of the beavers. The rca-
fons tliey give for tlcfe precautions, arc, fnft, that
the bones are lb exceiTiVcly hard, that they fpoll the
teeth of the dog^ : and, fecondly, lliat they arc ap.
rrehcnllve they (liall To exafpcrnte the fpirits of the
hcavevi by tiiis permiinon, as to render the next hunt-
ing feali n uiifuccefstul.

''"Ik fkins of thefe animals, the hunters exchange
with (he r.uropeans for ncccfi'avies, and as they arc
more valued by the latter than any other kind of furs,
they p y the greatclt attcn..on to this fpccies of
buntnio.

When the indians deftroy hufl'.ilo8» elks, deer,
&c. thev ^^cp.cruily divide the llclh of fueh as they
Kivc t;'ken ..nioiij; the tribe to whivh they belong.
but in lull'*' mg the bf^ver a few families ufually unite
nnd divide tl»e fpoil between t!K*m. Indeed, in the
firft inilance rhcy generally pay fonic attention in the
divifion to their own f*:milics j but no jjalouiies or
mnrmurings are (vex known to arifc on account of
any apparent partiality.

Amon;; the Kaudoweflics, if a pcrfon fhoots a deer,
bufl^alo, &c. and it runs to a confulerable diftancc
before it drops, where a pcrfon belonging to another
tribe, being nearer, firlt fticks a knife into it, tlw
ganriC is confidere^I a* the property of the latter, mu-
yi^|||||llding It had bvcn mortally wounded by thv.'
iSHf^. Though thi:j eullom appears to be arbitrary
and urjufl, v'.-t that prople cheerfully fubmit to it.
This (Iccifjon is, however, very clilFerent from tha:
prat1:ifcd by the Indians on the back of the colonics,
v'liere the lirfl pciioii tliat Iiits, is entitled to tlio kit
iharc.

CIIArXER IX.

-CARVTR's iRAA'kirs.

I A.

C H A P T i: R IX.

ejr riimi Mj^I^NIlR of making IVAR, c'.-.

1 Illi I'.ulians begin to hcwr armr. at the ape
of fifieen, and lay them afidc when rht-y uriive at the
age of fixty. »Soine nations to tiie fouthwardt i have
been informed, do not continue their military cxer-
dies after they are fifty.

In every band or nation there is a fclccl number
who are ftiled the warriors, and who are always rea-
dy to aft either offcnfircly or defenfively, as occafioa
requires. Thefe are well armed, bearing the wea-
pons commonly in ufe :imong thejn, wh.ich vary aC'
cording to the iituation of th(.:ir countries. Such an
have an intercourfe with the Europeans make ufe of
tomahawks, knives, and lire-arms ; but thole whofc
ilwcllings arc fituated to the weilward of the Milli-
fippi, and who have not an opportunity of purchafmg
thefe kinds of weapons, ufe bows and arrows, an«i
alfo the Calle Tcte or War-Club.

The InJijiis that inhabit llill further to the wcfl-
ward, a country which t Attends to thj South Sea, uie
ill figlit a warliie ir.il»'ument tliat is very uncommon.
Having great plenty jf horfc>,*hcy always attack their
cnemiei on horfe'jack, and encuiiiber thtmrelves with
no oi!»er weapo»i, th;iivn flone of a middling lize,
curiuafiy wrought, v/hich they fallen by a itrinj;, a.
buut a yard and a half long, to their li^I^t arms, a
li.tle abjve thvf elbow, 'ihef.' ftone'> (hey coaveni-
Ciitly nrry in their hands, t'ul th^'y reach tluir ciie-
ir.it\s, v\\ ilun Twinging \.\vc..x\ with p,?"^'^- djxf lity,
as tl'oy rile fu!l fp'.'cd, ivvev fiii ofch.iiig cxeciif'on.
lli^ cuuniry wliicli thele tr*t'ies polills, abounding
w^iiiUij^e ext.nilve plains, thjfc vvho itt::ck tltm

I? CiJvm

* i

I

I.!

V''

^v-

r Ai;VKR'.s TRAVELS.

feldotn return ; ns the fwiftnefn of their ho»n

<-s, on

^M\>^^

'.vl.iih they arc mounted, enables them to overtake
even fhe fletteft of their invaciers.

The Nnuilowcliles, who hail been at war with this
people, informctl me, that unlefs they found moriilks
•>r thickets to which tJiey eoakl retire, they were furc
<)f being eut oil : to prevent this they ;dwav3 took
care whenever they made an onlct, to do it near fucli
retreats as were impaflablefor eavalry, they then hav-
ing; a great advantage over their enemies, whol'c wea-
pons would not there reach them.

Some nations m,i<ke ufe of a javelin, pointed with
bone, worked into dilTerent forms \ but their Indian
weapons in general are bowsand airovj, nu\ the fliprt
club already mentioned, Tlie latter is made of a
v< IV hard wood, and the head of it fulhioned round
like a ball, about t,hrec inches and a Iialf diameter;
in this rotund part is lixed an edge lefembling thi^t
of ,1 tomah.uv!:, either of ileel or ilint, whichfoever
they can prceiire.

'I'he dagger is peculiar lo tlie N'audowefTie nation,
and of ancient conilru(flion, but they can give no ac-
count how long it has been in ufe among them. It
was originally made of Hint or bone, but finec they
have had communication with the European traders,
they have formed it of Heel. The length of it ig a-
hout ten inches, and that part clofe to the handle
nearly three inches broad. Its edges are keen, and
i: -^railually tapers towards n point. They wear it in
a lluath made of deer's leather, neatly orc;nuented
with porcupine quills *, and it ij ufually hung by a
llrinj;, decoratcil in the fame manner, whieii rcachcij
as low only a* the breaft. The curious weapon is
worn by a few of le principal ehi -fs alone, and con-
lidered both as an ufeful inilrument, and an orna-
mental badge of fajXiriority.

I obferv-u among the Niudowc flies a few tarfreti
or {liields made «f r-w bufiiilo hides, and in the fwrni

of

CARVER'. TRAVELS.

17T

overtake

J on

h'ltli this
moralics
^^vcrc furc
J'lys tool;
l"^' ir fueli
[tlicn hav-
iiolc wca-

itCvl M'ith

-ir Indian
I :i»c Oiqrt
li.v.le of a
K\i round
liamcter j
'•^liii^ that
Kichfoever

tie nation,
;ive no ac-
theni. It
fincc they
m traders,
of it i» a-
be handle
keen, and

wear it in
Ti;«uiented
lung by a
:h rdaelies
weapon is
, and con.

an orna-

w tarfreti
I the form
of

ef thofc ufei! by the ancients. I'ut as the nuinhcr cf
thcfc was finall, and I coulil gain no intelligence of
the Jcra in which they fivll were introduced ;injoni;
them, I fuppofe thofc I faw had defcondwd it>jni f.i-
ther to fon, for many generations.

Tlie reafons the Indians give of making war agairO"
one another, are much the lame us thofc urged bv
nu)re civilized nations for dillurbing ihc traniiuilit,''
of their neighbours. The picas of ihg former a r
however in general morejrationa! and ju(l, than fuih
as arc brought by Europeans in viiKiicuiion of ihcii*
proceedings.

The extenfion of empire is feldom a motive with
thefe people to invade, aad to commit depredations
on the territories of thofc who hapij)eii to dwell near
them. To fecure the rights of hunting within par-
ticular limits, to maintain the libeuy of p.iiiiiijr
tlirough their accuftomed tracks, anil to guard lhoi«
lands wbich they confider from a long tenure as ihtir
cwn, r.gaind any infringement, are the general eaufes
cf thofc diilentions that fo tj#icn break out betwren
the Indian nations, and which arc tarried on with fw
much animofitv.

Though (Irangtrs to the idea of feparatc propert;-s
ret the mofl uncultivated among them are well ac-
quainted with the rights of their community to the
domains they poflela, and oppofc uitli vigor every en-
croachment on them.

Kotwithllanding it is generally fnppofcd that from
iheir territories being fo extenfive, the boundaries of
diem cannot be i.fceriained, yet I am well aflured that
the limits of each nation in the interior parts are laid
down in their rude plans wiili great precifion. By
theirs,as I have before obfcrved, was 1 1 nablcd to rt-
j;ulate my own; and after the mcfl c\a«Sl obfervations
and iiujuiries I found very f«w inftar.ccs in whith
they trretl.

Bui

/

»

"1,1 '

172 C WKVyAV's Ti^AVLLS.

But intcrcil is not citl\er tljc moft frequent ormoS^
powerful incentive! to thirir HMkjng war on c;\ch ot!\.
er. I'he palnon of revenge, which i;ithc *liriingi:iihiii r
chara^crillic of thirfc pcopJe, is tlie moll f;cncr:il mo*.
tivc. Injuiics arc felt by them with cxc|nilirc fciifi.
bilitjr, and vengeance purlucd uith unren\ittcd:iri!'jr
Tc this may be aiUlcd, that natur.\l excitation \»lrich,
every Indian become renlibic of, as foon as lie -.xy,
jproachcs the age of manliooJ to give proof of his va^
){ r anvl prowclu.

As iliey arc cnrly pofTeiTcd with a notion that w:ir
•ught to be the chief bulinefs of their lives, thjtrhcrc
ii nothinix n\crc defnous than the rcp«t:iii.)n of hein?
•A great ^X-:irrior, and thut the fea'.ps ofuirir ei.env.fs^
€n a number of prifoncrs rirc nhric to be tileemcd ".i-
lu ibl«, it is not to he wondered .it tliat the y<>img In-
dians .iYc cortinnaily rcftlcfs and un'.afy if tiicirarrlor
is reprcued, nnil tliry are kept in a Hate of in;i(^\iviry.
Kithtr of thcfe prr>pcnfirivcr, the dcfire of revenge oj
the gratiiication of an inipuUV, that by degrees he«
*om :s hibitual to them, i.s fUiTiticnt, frcquetiily, to in-
duce tiicni to commit hoftililics on fome of the r.ci^Ji-.
bearing nations.

When the chiefs find any occafion for making war,
ility endeavour to aroufe thefe iiabituiiej, and by ihist
inr.i:,5 joon excite their \varriort> to take arms. To
chis purpofe ih'.'ymake ufc of thei; martial elccjiicnce,
/i-arly in tlie following v>'ords, which n-wver fails of
pro', ing clFctlual ; ** the bones of our deecafed coun-
tryinen lie uncovered, thty call out to us to revenpc
t'uir wrongs, and we muil latisfy their requell. Tht ir
fpirlts cry out againfl us. They mull be appeafcJ,
'J'lie genii, who are the guardians of our honour, in-
spire u^i with a refolutlon to feek the eneniies of our
murdered brotliers. Let uj go and devour thofe by
whom they were llain. »Sit tiierefore no longer '.nac-
tive, give way to the impulfe of yonr natural valor,
angiiu your hair, paint your faces, fill your (piivcrs,

caut'c ihc
\}v Ipirit

Anini
ihiir aril
ami bu. 1
the blo(

So me I
make ex
war, or
prompte
will mar
furprife

'Vh.-r

prove il 0

oblig''tl t

given ot

But V

com PI u I

Tlte eial

warriors

deliver i

with rn;i

bout to

theadva

Thei

even, fc

vhe)r w'l

If ih

it with

The

fjOHb h

putes a
a good
bedawl
during

catts ti
jio coi"

CARVKR's iRA\ ELS. .

or \\u^
•>t-l» ot!\.

Ml ino!.
^ fciifi.

\ •ITilif

^»lllcIv
' I'.c ap.
ills va.

»73

caufe the foreft to relouiul with your fongs, ronfolc
til'* Ipirlt . oi'thcilcad, aiui tell them they Ihail bt;

ed.

rtvci.v;

Aniniatctl by thcfccxhort.itionstlie warriors fnatdi
tluir arms in i tr.inlport oi' lurvi fini^ tlr: fon^ o. »v.ir,
ami buin with inv'uience to imbrue their hands in
the blood of their enemies.

Sometim^vs prixatc tliicfs ;;ni:mblc fnuiil parties and
make excurlionj .u/ainll i!iofe with whom tl.ey avc at

war, or

III eh

as na' c mjmei

dtl,

em.

A fiiv.<l

e warrif>r,

pronjpteil by revenge or a dolirc to O^ow his | r.^w.f.i,
will march un.ittcniled for feveral hundred niiks, to
furprife and eut oif.i llr'.yri^ling party.

Thcfo iirciiuiar faliies however, are not always ap-
proved of by the elder cluefs, though they arc ofien
oblig.'d to eoniiive at them *, as in tlie inlVnit before
given of the Naudowefhc and Ci^ipeway nations.

But when a war is national, and undertaken by the
commur.ity, their deliberations are formal and llow.
The elders aflemble in council, to which all the head
warriors and young men are admitted, where they
deliveriheir opinions in folemn fpeeches, weighing-,
with maturity the naiurc cf the enterprife they arc a-
bout to engage in, and balancing with great fagaeity
theadvant-igcscri'iconvenienccs that will arife from it.

Their priells «ri alfo confulted on the fubjccT, anil
even, fometimes, the advice of the moil intelligent of
rhc)r women is alkeih

If the det.-rmination be for war, they prepare f.r
it v'ith mueli ceremony.

The ciiief v/arrior of a nation does not on all occn-
fjoub liead the war party himi'elf, he frequently de-
putes a warrior of whofc valor and prudence he ha j
a good opinion. The pevfon thus Hxed on being fnll:
bedawbed with black, obfervc; a fall of fever. ;1 day:;,
during which he invokes the Great Spiiit, or depre-
cates thii anger of the evil ones, holding whilll it lalV*
no converfe with i^'iy of his tribe.

V -i lie

• m

i:

f-.. i

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

1.1

|2£

US

^ tiS. 12.0

12.2

1.8

L25 iU I .6

Photographic

Sdences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WE^^STkX.N.Y. 145S0

(716)«72-4503

4^

^

'>*>

KH

CARVER'S. TRAVELS.

%

He ii particularly careful at the fame time to ob-
fcrve lis dreams, for on thefe do they fuppofe their
fuccefs will in a great meafurc depend ; and from the
firm perfuafion crery Indian actuated by his own
prefumtous thoughts is imprefled with, that he fliall
march forth to certain vidlory, thefe are generally fa-
voiable to his wifhes. »

After he has fafted as long as Cuftom prefcribes, he
al]embles the warriors, and holding a belt of wampum
in his hand, thus addreffes them :

" Brothers I by the infpiration of the Great Spirit I
now fpeake unto you, and by him am I prompted to
c-arry into execution the intertions which I am about
to difclofe to you. The blood of our dcceafed brotli-
cis is not yet wiped away ; their bodies arc not yet
covered, and I am going to perform this duty to them."

Having then made known to them all the motives
that induce him to take up arms againfl the natioa
with whom they are to engage, he thus proceeds : ** I
liave tlierefore refolved to march through the v.ar-
yath to furprife them. We will eat their flefh, and
<lrink their blood ; we e'Ul take fcalps, and make pri-
foncrs ; and fliotild we perifli in this gloirious- enter--
jprife, we {hall not be for ever hid in the dnft, for this
iielt (hall be a recompenfe to him who buries the
ilead." Having faid this, he lays the belt on the grouncf,
;md he who takes it up declares himfelf his lieuten-
ant, and is ccnfidered as the fecond in command;
this, however, is only done by fome diftinguiftied
warrior who has a right by the number of his fcalps,
tO'the poft.

Though the Indians thus alTert that they will cat
ihe ficfh and drink the blood of their enemies, the
threat is only to be confidered as a figurative ex-
preflion. Notwithftanding they fometimes devour
the hearts of thofe they flay, and drink their blood, by
way of bravi^do^ Oi to gratify in a i^ore complete

mamicr

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

»#r

to ob,
>ofe their
from the
his own
he fliall
lerallv fa-

:ribes, lie
wampum

at Spirit I
impted to
am about
(cd brotii-
: not yet
to them."

2 motives
:he nation
eeds : *« I
the v.ar-
lefh, and
make pri-
mus- cnter-
1:, for this
uries the
e grounj,
s lieuten-
)mmand;
inguiflied
iis fcalps,

f will cat
mics, the
ative ex-
s devour
blood, by
complete
unnffc

manner their revenge, yet they are not naturally an-
thropophagi, nor ever feed on the flefli of men.

The chief is now wafhed from his fable covcringy
annointed with beards fat, and painted with their red
paint, in fuch figures as will make him appear moll:
terrible to his enemies. He tlien fmgs the war fong,
and enumerates his warlike anions. Having done
thishe fixes his eyes on the fun, and pays his adora-
tions to the Great Spirit, in which he is accompanied
by all the warriors*

This ceremony is followed with dances, fuch as I
have before defcribed ; and the whole concludes with
a feaft which ufually cohfifts of dog's flelh.

This feaft is held in the hut or tent of the chief
warrior, to which all thofe who intend to accompany-
him in Iiis expedition fend their difiics to be filled ;
and during the feaft, notwithftanding he has fafted
fo long, he fits compofedly with his pipe in his moutlv,
and recounts the valorous deed of his family.

As the hopes of having their wounds, (hould they
receive any, properly tl*eated, and expeditioufly cured,
muft be fome additionar inducement to the warriors
to expofe themfelves mpre freely to danger, the priefts,
who are alfo their doctors, prepare fuch medicines as
will prove efficacious. With great ceremony they
cany various roots and plants, and pretend that they
impart to them the power of healing,

Notwithftanding this fuperftitious method of pro-
ceeding, it is very certain that they have acquired a
knowledge of many plants and herbs that arc of a
medicinal quality, and which they know how to ufe?
with great Ikill.

From the time the rcfolutlon of engaging in a wtw
is taken, to the departure of the warriors, the nights
are fpcnt in feftivity, and their days in making the
needful preparations. ^

If it is thought iiecefTary by the nation going to
war, to foUdt the allinucc of any lit.ghbouring tribe,

i 'Wu

I

■ ■ f ;
'i'

••ri

I*: ', , ,

*'i-f,ili

I;:

]H

H

'/'i

In

1^0

•(*ARVER's TRAVELS.

they fix upon one of their chiefs who fpeaks the Ian-,
guage of that people wjll, and who is a good orator
and fend to them by him a bekof\van)pum,cnwhich
is fpecified the purport of the embafly in figures that
every nation is well acquainted with. At the fame
time he carries witli him a hatchet painted red.

As foon as he reaches the camp or village to whiclr
he is deftined, he acquaints the chief of the tribe with
the general tenor of his commiflion, who immediate-
ly aflcmbles a council, to which the ambafl'ador is in-
vited. There having laid the hatchet on the ground
he holds the belt in his hand, and enters more mi-
nutely into the occafion of his embafTy. In his fpeech
he invites them to take up the hatcher, and as foou as-
he has finilhed fpeaking^clivers the belt;

If his hearers are inclined to become auxiliaries
to his nation, a chief fteps forward and takes up the
hatchet, and they immediately efpoufe with fpirit the
caufe they have thus- engaged to fupport. But if on
this application neither the belt or hatchet are accept-
ed, the emiflary concludes that the people whofe af-
fiftance he fohcits have already entered into an alli-
ance with the foes of his nation, and returns with
ipeed to inform his countrymen of his ill fucccfs.

The manner in which the Indians declare war a^
f^ainft each other, is by fending.a Have with a hatchet,
the handle of which is painted red, to the naticu
which they intend to break with ; and the meflcnger,
notwithftandingv the danger to which he is expofed
from the fudden fury of thofe whom he thus fets at
defiance, ex-^cutes his commiflion with great fidelity.

Sometimes this token of defiance has luch an ii]-
itantnneous effe<St on thofe to whom it is prefented,
that in the firll tranfportsof their fury a fmall party
will iflhe forth, without waiting for the permilhon of
the elder chiefs, and Haying the firft of the offending
nation they meet, cut open the body and flick a hatch-
et of th<; fame kind a& that they have jult received^

into

u ♦- Jy

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

»77

s the Ian,
Oii orator,
,cu which
^ures that
the fame-
red.

e to which
tribe with
mmediate-
ddor is iu--
he ground
more nii-
his fpeech
as fooii as-

auxiliaries
ces up the
h rpirit the

But if on
are accept-

whoie af-
ito an alii-
lurns with
iicccfs.
are war a«
a hatchet,
:he nation
meflenger,.
is expolcd
hus fets at
at Hdeiity.
iich an iii-
prefented,
inall party
■miirion of

offending

k a hatch-

; received;^

into

Jiitothe heart of their ilaughtered foe.- Among the
more remote tribes this is done witli an arrow or fpear,
the end of which is painted red* And the more to
exafperate, they difmember the body, to fbow that
they cfteem thcni not as men, but as old women.

The Indians feidom take the field in large bodies,
as f ich numbers would require a greater degree of
induPay to provide for their fubfiftence, during their
tedious marclies through dreary forefts, or long voy-
ages over lakes and rivers, than they would care to
b«ilo'.v..

Their armies are never encumbered with baggage
or military ftnres. Each warrior, befides his weapons,
carries with him only a mat, and whilfl at a diftance
from the frontiers of the enemy fuppofts himfelf with
the game he kills or the lifh he catches.

When they pafs through a country #here they have
no apprehenfions of meeting with an enemy, they ufe
very little precaution , fome times there are fcarcely a
dozen warriors left together, the reft bei, g difperled
in purfuit of their game ; but though they fliould hav€
roved to a very confiderable diftance from the war-
path, they are fure to arrive at the place pf rendez-
vous by the hour appointed.

They, always pitch their tents long Befbrc fun-fet 5
wid being naturally. prefumptiious,take very little caT<e
to guard againit a furprife,. They place great confi-
dence in their Manitous, or houlehokl gods, which
they always carry with them ; and being perfuaded
that they take upon them the office of ccntinels, they
ileep very fecurely under their prote6Hon.

Thefe Manitous, as they are called by fome nations^
but which are termed Wakons, that is fpirits, by the
Naudoweffies, are nothing more than the otter and
martin Ikins I have already defcribed, for which,
hov^ever, they have a great veneration.

After they have entered the enemy's country, no
people can be more cautious %iid circumfpeO *, fires

^

•>:^i

m'^r

i /■'■■f-'i£i-^- ■

■lli'iH*''-

fry's-

t'ARVLR's TRAVELS.

are no longer lighted, no more (lioiiting is heard, n^r
the game any longer purfued. They arc not even
permitted to fpcak j but muO: convey v/hatever thcv
have to impart to each other by figns and motions.

They now proceed whohy by ftratagem and am-
bufcade. Having difcovered their enemies, they fend
to reconnoitre them; and a council is immediately
held, during which they fpeak only in whifpers to con-
fider of the intelligeiKe impar^ted by thofe who were
ien.t ' out. •

The attack is generally made juft before day break,
at which period they fuppofe their foes to be in their
foundeft flecp. Throughout the whole of the pre*
ceding night they will lie flat upon their faces, with-
out ftirring ; and make their approaches in the fame
pofture, creeping upon their hands and feet till they
are got within^owihot of thofe they have dettined to
<ieftru£lion. On a fignal given by the chief warrior,
to which the whole body makes anfwer by the inoQ;
hideous yell, they all ftart up, and difcharging their
arrows in the fame inftant, without giving their ad-
.\erfaries time to recover from the confufion into
which they are thrown, pour in upen them witli their
war-clubs or tomahav/ks.

The Indians think there is little glory to be acquired
from attacking their enemies openly in the field; their
greateft pride is tofurprife and deflroy. They fd-
dom engage without a manifefl appearance of advan*
tage. If they find the enemy on their guard, too
ftrongly entrenched, or fuperior in numbers, they
retire, provided there is an opportunity of doing
fo. And they efteem it tlie greateft qualification of
a chief warrior, to be able ta manage an attack, fo as
to deflroy as many of the enemy as pofTible, at the ex-
pence of a few men.

Sometimes they fecure themfclves behind treesj
hillocks, or ftones, and having given one or two
rounds, retire before they are dilcoveted. Etirope-

',^f- 4

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

ic not even'
latever they

motions.
|m and am-
f s, they fend
Immediately
fpers to con.

who were

day break,
be in their
of the pre*
faces, with-
in the fame
:et till they
z deflined to
lief Warrior,
by the moft
larging their
tig their ad-
nfufion into
m with their

be acquired

^l^eldi tlieir

They fc!-

ceofadvan.

guard, too
libers, they
y of doing
li/ication of
attack, fo as
*, at theex-

Jiind trees>
tie or two
. Europe-
an5>.

179

attj, who are unacquainted with this method of fight-
JTjg too often find to their coil tl^ dcftruclivc effica-
cy of it.
;GeneraI Bradjlock was one of this unhappy num-
ber. Marching in the year 1 755, to attack Fort Du
Quefne, he was intercepted by a party of French and
confederate Indians in their intcreft, who by tliis in-
fidious method of engaging found means to defeat
his army, which confifted of about two thoufand
brave and well difciplined troops. So fecurely were
the Indians ported, that the Englifh fcarcely knew
from whence or by whom they were tlius annoyed.
During the whole of the engagement, the latter had
fcarcely a fight of an enemy ; and were obliged to
retre?t wKl^out the fatisfadlion of being able to take
the ieaf^'^viegree of revenge fur the havoc made nmong
them. The General paid for his temerity with his
life, and was accompanied in his fall by a great num-
ber of brave fellows j whilft his invlfible enemies h;id
OHiy two or three of tlipir number wounded.

When, the Indians fucceed in their fileiit approach-
es, and are able to force the camp which they attack,
a fcene of horror that exceeds defcription, enfi^es.
The favage fiercenefs of the conquerors, and the def-
peration of the conquered, who well know what they
have to expedl iliould they fall alive into the hands
of their afiailants, occafion the moft extraordinary
eiertions o\\ both fides. The fia;ureof the combat-
jnts all befmeared with black imd red paint, and co-
vered with the blood of the flain, their horrid yells,
and ungovernable fury, are not to be conceived by
thofe who have never crolled the Atlantic.

I have freqU,ftitly been a ^-jedator of them, and
once bore a patt in a iimilar focnc. But what added
to the horror ot it was, th.'.t I had not the. confolatiou
of being able to oppofc their Cr/age attackj. Every
circuinilancc of the adventure iliii dv/ells oq my re-
ihembrauce, and enables rac to deiciibc wieh greater

pcrj^/icuity

^ t :

mni

i

If

1 80

CARVI-R's TRAVELS.

m

\m

Si

M:

perfpicuity the brutal fiercenefs of thc'Intllans xvhen
they have furprifed or overpowered an enemy.

As a detail of the malTacre at Fort William Henry
in the year 1757, the fcene to which I refer, cannot
appear foreign to the defign of this publication, but
will ferve to give my readers a juft idea of the fero-
city of this people, I fhall take the liberty to infcrt it,
apologizing at the fame time for the length of the
digreliion, and thofc egotifms which the relation ren«
iers unavoidable.

General Webb, who commanded the Englifh ar-
my in North- America, which was then encamped at
Fort Edward, having intelligence that the French
troops under MonC Montcalm were making fome
movements towards Fort William Henry, he detach-
ed a corps of about fifteen hundered men, confifting
of Engiilh and Provincials, to ftrengtlien the garri-
fon. In this party I went as a volunteer among the
latter.

The apprehenfions of the Englifli General were
not without foundation ; forthe day after oiir arrival
wc faw Lake George (formerly Lake Sacrament) to
which it lies contiguous, covered with an immenfc
-number of boats ; and in a few hours we found our
lines attacked by the French General, who had juft
(Imded with eleven thoiifand Regulars and Canadians,
and two thouiand Indians. Colonel Monro, a brave
officer, commanded in the Fort, and had no more
than two thoufand three hundred men with him, our
detachment inclu led.

With thefe he made a gallant defence, and proba*
•bly would have been able at^all to preferve the Fort,
had he been properly fupported, and permitted to
>continue his cfFoits. On every fummons to furren-
der fent by the French General, who offered the
molt honorable terms, liis anfwer repeatedly was.
That he yet found himfelf in a condition to repel the
moft vigorous attacks his beHegcrs were able to make 4

8Wd

■V,

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

181

nglifli ar-
camped at
le French
king fome
he detach-
confifting
the garri-
imong the

leral were
ov^T arrival
rament) to
1 immenfc
found our
3 had juft
[^anadiansj
o, a brave
1 no more
I him, our

ind proba*

the Fort,

mitted to

to furren-

fFercd the

edly vi'as.

repel the

to make 4

aii^if he thought hil prefent force infuffidfet, he
could foon be fu^plied with a greater number from
the adjacent army;

But tlic Colonel havlMf acquainted General Webb
vith his fituation, amfaefired he would fend him
feme frefh troops, the General difpatched a me^Tcnger
td him with a letter, wherein he informed him that it
was not in his poweKt:^^^ affift him, and therefore, gave
him orders to furrem^ up the Fort on the beft terms
he could procure. This packet fell into the hands
•of the French General, who immediately fent a flag
of truce, dcfiring a conference with the governor.

They accordingly met, attended only by a fmall
guayd in the centre between the lines ; when Monf.
Mdntcalm told the Colonel, that he was come in per-
fon to demand pofleflion of the Fort, as it belonged
to the King his mafter. The Colonel replied, that
he knew not how that could be, nor fhould he fur-
render it up whilll: if^ vi^s in his power to defend it.

The French G^heral rejoined, at the fame time
delivering the packet into the Coloncrs hand, *< By
this authority do I make the requifition." The brave
Governor had no footer read the contents of it, and
was convinced that ft^ch were the orders of the, com-
mander in chief, and nott^ be dilobeycd, than he
huug his Jhead in filence, Md relundantly entered
into a negociation.

|fe coiifideration of the gallant defence the garrifon
had made, they were to tc permitted to march out
with all the honors of war, to be allowed covered
waggons to tranfpofipt their baggage to Fort Edward,
and a guard ^ prote<ft them from the f.-.y of the
favages. ■^■

The morning after the capitulatron was figned, as
foon asday broke, the whole garrifon, now confiiting
of about two thpuf:\«d men, befidcs women and
children, were dra.\vn up within the lines, aild on-thc
point of marching off, when great numbers of the

•Q^ Indlaus

iSt

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

!•<

>:i

k i *:

Indian* gathered about, and began to plunder. We
yfcrc at iirll in hopes that this was their only view
and fufFrrcd them to proceed without oppofition.
Indeed it was not in our power to make any, had we
^)een fo inclined ; for though we were permitted to
carry ofl'our arms, yet we were not allowed a fingle
round of ammuniton. In thefe hopes however we
were difappointed j for prcfently fome of them began
to attack the fick and wounded, when fuch as were
not able to crawl into the ranks, notwithftanding they
endeavoured to avert the fury of their enemies by
their ihricks or groans, were foon difpatched.

Here we were fully in expedlation that the difturb-
ance would have concluded j and our little army be-
gan to move ; but in a fliort time we faw the front
divifion driven back, and difcovcred that we were en-
tirely encircled by the favages. We expe<Sted every
moment that the guard, which the French by the
article! of capitulation,, had agr*^ to allow us, would
-have arrived, and put an enaj||P!)ur apprehenfions ;
but none appeared. The Indians now began to ftrip
every one without exception of their arms and clothes,
and thofe who made the leaft refiftance felt the weight
of their tomahawks.

I happened to b: in the rear divifion, but it was
not long before I fluked %6 fate of my companions.
Three or four of the favages laid hold of me, and
whilft fome held their weapons over my head, the
others foon difrobed me of my coat, waiftcoat, hat,
and buckles, omitting not to take from me what mo-
ney I had in pocket. As this was tranfadled clofe by
the paflage that led from the lines on to the plain,
near which a French centinel was pofted, I ran to
him and claimed his prote«Slion ; but he only called
me an Englifh dog, and thr«ft me with violence back
again into the midft of the Indians.

I now endeavoured to join a body of our troops
that were crowded toj^sthcr at fonr^ diftancc 5 but

iiuiumerabic

tliC

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

i9i

^cr. We
►nly view,
ppofition.
y» had we

mitted to
d a fingle
)wever we
lem began
h as were
ndingthey
nemies by
ed.

he difturb-

e army bc-

' the front

e were en-

:£ted every

ich by the

r us, would

ehenfions j

gan to ftrip

;nd clothes,

the weight

but it was
)mpanion3.
»f me, and
head, the
kcoat, hat,
; what mo-
2d clofe by
the plain,
i, I ran to
only called
>lcncc back

our troops
L311CC ; but

merabic

Innnmerablc were the blows that were made at nic
with different weapons as I paflcd on ; luckily how-
ever the favages were lo dole together, that they
could not ftrike at me without endangering each oiIh
cr. Notwithftanding''>which one of them found
means tb make a thurft at me with a fpear, which
grazed my fide, and from another I received a wound,
with the fame kind of weapon, in my ankle. At
length I gained the fpot where my countrymen flood,
and forced myfelf into the mid ft of tliem. But be-
fore I got thus far out ox the hands of the Indians,
the collar and wriftbands of my fhirt were all that
remained of it, and my fiefli was fcratched and torn
in many places by their i'avage gripes.

By this time the war-whoop was given, and the
Indians began to m'urder thofe that were nearcft to
them without diftin£lion. It is not in the power of
words to give any tolerable idea of the horrid fcene
that >w enfued ; jrieni women, and oliildrdn were
difpatched in the tii|it wanton and cruel manner,
and immediately fcatped. Many of thefe favagts
drank the blood of their viftims, as it flowed warm
from the fatal wound.

We now perceived, though too late to avail us,
^9t we were to expedt no relief from the French ;
and that, contrary to the agveement they had fo lately
figned to allow us a fufficicnt force to prote£l us from
tl!i|fe infults, they tacitly permitted them ; for 1 could
plainly perceive the French officers walking about at
fome diftance, difcourfing together with apparent un-
concern. For the honor of human nature I would
hope that this flagrant breach of every facred law,
proceeded rather from the favage difpofition of the
Indians, which I acknowledge it is fometimes almoft;
impoffible to controul, and which might now unex-
pededly have arrived to a pitch not eafily to be re-
ftrained, than to any permcdi^ated defign in the
French commander. An unprejudiced obfervcr

would,

*i'

r

* ;. ^^*-'!-- Ill,

•,' V

\ .

k^^

^1'

iB4

CARVER'* TRAVELS.

M

u'ould, however, be apt to conclude, that a body of
ten thoufand chriitian troops, moil chriilian troups,
had it in their power to prevent tlic maflacrc from
becoming fo general. But whatever was the caufc
from which it arofe, the cpnfequcnces of it were
idrcadful, and not to be paralleled in modcrivhidory.

As the circle in which I flood inclofed by this
lime was much thinned, and death feemed to be ap*
proaching with hafty ftrides^ it was propoled by Ibmc
f)( the mod refolute to make one vigorous eflbrt, and
endeavour to force our way through the fiwages, tl^
only probable method of preferving our lives that
now remained. This, however defperate, was relblv-
cd on, and about twenty of us fprung at once into
the mid ft of them.

In a moment we were all feparated, and what wai
the fate of my companions I could not learn till fomc
months after, when I found that only fix or feven of
them efTctled their defign. Intent only on my own
hazardous fituation, I endeavoured to make my way
through my favage enemies in the beft manner pofli-
ble. And I have ©ften been aftonifhed fincc, whea
1 have recollefted with what compofure I took, as I
ifid, every neceflary ftep for my prefervation. Some
I overturned, being at that time young and ath|etif;|
and others I paiTed by, dextrou^y avoiding their wea-
pons^} till at laft two very (lout chiefs, of the nioft
lavage tribes, as I c ould diftinguiili by their drefs,
whofe ftrength I could not refifV, laid hold of me by
e;v:h arm, aiul began to force me thiough the crowd.

I now refigned myfelf to my fate, not doubting but
that they intended to difpatch me, and then to fati-
ate their vengeance with my blood, a^s I found they
were hurrying me towards a retired fw amp that lay
at fome dillance. But before we Iiad got many yards,
an Englifh gentleman of fome diftindlion, as I could
difcover by his breeches, the only covering he had on,
vhich were of fine fcarlet velvet, ruilied clofe by us.

One

a body of
an troops,

acre from

the caufc
of it were
rrvhiftory.
ed by thia

to be ap-
:d by fomc
eflbrt, and
ivages, tl^

lives that
was refolv-
; once into

I what wat

rn till fomc
)r feven of
511 my own
we my way
inner pofli-
nee, whea
I took, as I
ion. Some
id ath^etijSi
I their wea-
: the nioft
:heir drefs,
Id of me by
the crowdt
oubting but
en to fati-
foiiiid they
np that lay
nauy yards,
, as I could
f he had on,
clofe by us.
One

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

185

One of the Irdlti^tinftantly rclinquifhcd his hold, and
fpringing on this new obje£V, endeavoured to fcizc
him as his prey j but the gen Jeman being ftrong;,
ihrew him on the ground, and would probably liavc
got away, had not he who held my other arm, quit-
ted me to aflift his brother. I feized the opportuni-
ty, nnd haftcncd away to join another party of Eng-
lilh troops that were yet unbroken, and flood in a bo-
dy at fome diflancc. But before I had taken many
fteps, I haftily cait my eye towards the gentleman,
and faw the Indian's tomahawk gafh into his back and
heard him utter his lall groan ; this added both to my
fpced and defperation.

Ihadieftthis lliocking fcene but a few yards, whea
a fine boy about twelve years of age, that had hither-
to efcaped, came up to me, and begged that I would
let him lay hold of me, fo that he might ftand fomc
chance of getting out of the hands of the favages.
I told him that I wMld give him every alfiftance in
my power, and to this purpofe bid him lay hold ; but
in a few moments he was torn from my fide, and by
his flirieks 1 judge was foon demoliflied. I could not
ibelp forgetting my own cares for a minute, to lament
i^efate of fo young a lufFerer ; but it was utterly im-
■poflible for me to take any methods to prevent it.

I now got once more into the midft of friends, but
we were uixable to afford each other any fuccour. A s
tfiis was the divifion that had advanced the furthefi:
from the fort, I thought there might be a poffibility
(though but a bare one) of my forcing my way through
the outer ranks of the Indians, and getting to a neigh-
bouring wood, which I perceived at fome diftance. I
was ftill incouraged to hope by the alnioft miracu-
lous prefervation I had already experienced.

Nor were my hopes in vain, or the effo-': I made,
ineffedual. Suflice it to fay, that I reached tiie wood j
but by the time I had penetrated a little way intoit,
my breath was fc cxhaufted thiit I threw myfcif into

fh.

o

brake.

i86

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

I

1

in.

a brake, and lay for fome minutes" apparently at thfe
lafl: gaip. At length I recovered tl^ power of refpi.
ration ; but my apprehenfions returned with all their
former force, when I fawltevaral favages pafs by, pro-
bably in purfuit of me, at no vfery great difta.ice. In
this fituiation I knew not whether it was better to pro-
ceed, or endea 'our to conceal myfelf where I lay, till
night came on i feiring^ howefer, that they would
return the fame w\^', 1 thought it moft prudent to
get further from the dreadful fcene of my diftrefles.
Accordingly, ftriking into another part of the wood,
I haftened on as faft as the briars and the lofs of one
of my (hoes would permit me ; and after a flow pro-
grefs of fome hours, gained a hill that overlooked the
plain which i had juft left, from whence I could di|"-
cern that the bloody ftorm ftill raged with unabated
fury.

But not t:^ tire njy readers, L»fliall only add, that
after paffing three d^ys without fubfiftence, and en-
during the feverity of the coldjjlews tor three nights,
I at length reached Fort Edward ; where with proper
care my body foon recovered its wonted ftrength,
«nd m^^^mind, as far as the recoil edlion of the late
melancholy events v ould permit, its ufual compofure.

It was compiTicd that fifteen hundre^perfon we!t^
killed or made prubners by thefe favages ,^uring this
f?.tal day. Many of the latter were carried off by
them and never returned. /i few, through favora-
ble accidents, found thefr way back to their native
country, after having experienced a lon^ and fevers
captivity. '

The brave Colonel Munro had haftened away, foon
after the confufion began, to the French camp to en-
deavour to procure the guard agreed by the ftipula-
tion •, but his application proving inefFedlual, he re-
mained there till General Wfebb lent a party of troops
to demand and protedl: him back to Fort Edward.
But thefe unhappy concurrences, which would pro-
bably

U ■»?■.. .:^

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

^mBj

tly at th&
-r of refpi.
th all their
afs by, pro-
^a.ice. Ill
:tter to pro-
[•e I lay, till
hey would
prudent to

diftrefles.

the wood,
lofs of one

flow pro-
rlooked the
Icoulddif.
h unabated

y add, that
ce, and en-
liree nights,
with proper
zd ftrength,
of the late
compofure.
?erfon werf?
^^uring this
ried off by
ugh favora-
their native
and fevere

away, foon
:amp to en-
the ftipula-
lual, he re-
ty of troops
rt Edward,
would pro-
bably

bably have been prevented, had he been left to puiu
fue his own plans» together with the lofs of fo many
brave' fellows, murdered in cold blood, to whofe valor
he had been fo lately a witnefs, made fuch an impref-
fion on his mind, that he did not long furvive. He
died in about three months of a broken heart, and
with truth might it be faid, that he was an honor to
his country.

I mean not to point o.^tthe following circumftancc
as the immediate judgment of heaven, and intended
as an atonement for this ilaughtcr*, but I cannot
omit that very few of thofe different tribes of Indians
that fhared in it ever lived to return home. The
fmall-pox, by means of their communication with
tje Europeans, found its way among them, and made
an equal havoc to what they themfelves had done.
The methods they purfued on the firfl attack of that
malignant diforder, to abate the fever attending it,
rendered it fatal, Whilfl their blood was in a flate
of fermentation, and nature was flriving to throw out
the peccant matter, tliey checked her operations bj
plunging into the water : the confequence was that
they died Jby hundreds. The few that furvived were
transfoimed-'by it into hideous objedts, and bore with
them to thegyave deep- indented marks of this much
dreaded difo^ie.

Monfieiir Montcalm fell foon after on the plains
of Quebec. '

That the unprovokec cruelty of this commander
was not approved of by the generality of his country-
men, I have fmce been convinced of by many proofs.
One only however, which I received from a perfon
who was witnefs to it, fliall I at prefent give. A Ca-
nadian merchant, cf fome confideration, having heard
of the furrencler ot the Englifli Fortj celebrated the
fortunate event witli great rejoicings and hofpitality,
according to the cuftom of that country ; but no
fooncr'did the news of the mafl^cre which eafued
•^ N '' reach

r. v.-

[^ 'Pi'

■ I-

;».

i88

XARVER's TRAVELS.

^

reach his ears, than he put an iiMmed late flop to the
feftivity, and exclaimed in the fevereft term« againft
the inhuman permiiBe^^ declaring at the fame tinic
4hat thofe ^ho had connived at it, had thereby dravn
down, on that ^art of their king's dominions the ven-
geance of Heaven. To this he a dded, that he much
feared the total iofs of them woul^Nlefervedly be the
confequence. How truly Ithis prediftlon has been
verified we well know.

But to return — ^Though the Indians are negligent
in guarding againft furpriils, they are alert and dex-
trous in furprifing their enemies. To their caution
Tind perfeverancc in dealing on the party they defign
to attack, they add that admirable talent, or rather
inftindtive qualification I have already defcribed, of
tracing out thofe they are in purfuit of. On the
fmootheft grafs, on the hardeft earth, and even on
the very ftones, will they difcover the traces of an
enemy, and by the fliape of the foot-fteps, and the
diftance between the prints, didinguiih not only
whether it k a man or woman who has pafled that
way, but even the nation to which they belong.
However incredible this might appear, yet, from the
many proofs I received whilflr among them of their
amazing fagacity-in this point, I fee no reafon to dif-
crcdit even theie extraordinary exertions of it.

When they ha\ z overcome an enemy, and vi£lory
is no longer doubtful, the conquerors lirft difpatch
idl fuch as they think they fliall not be able to carry
off witheut great trouble, and then endeavour to take
as many prifoners as poflible ; after this they return
to fcalp thofe who are. either dead, or too much
wounded to be taken with them.

At this bufinefs they are exceedingly expert. They
feize the head of the difabled or dead enemy, and
placing one of their feet on the neck, twift their left
hand in the hair ; by this means, having extended the
&in, that covers th^e top of the head, they draw out

their

CARVER'S TRAVELS..

is.

their fcalping knives, wMcIi are always kept in gord
order for this cruel purpofe, and with a few dextrous
ftrokes take off the part that is termed the fcalp*
They are fo expeditious ingoing this, that the whole
time required ibarcely exce'eda a minute. Thefe they
preferve as monuments, of their prowefs, and at the
fame time as proofs q£ the vengeance they have in-
flicted on their enemies.

If two Indians feize Jp the fame inftant a prifoner,
and feem to have an equal claim, the conteft between
tliem is foon decided j for to put a fpeedy end to any
difpute. that might arife, the perfon that is apprehen-
iye he flia.ll lofe his expefted reward, immediately
has recourfe to his tomahawk or wat-club, and
Icnocks on the head the unhappy caufe of their con«
tcntion*

Having conpletcd their purpofesji and made as
jnuch iiavoc as poflible, they immediately retire to-
wards their own country, with the fpoil they have
acquired, for fear of being purfued.

Should this be the cafe, they make ufe of many
ftratagems to elude the fe arches of their purfuers.
They fometimes fcatter leaves, fand, or duft over
the prints of their feet ; fometimes tread in each o-
tier's fo6tftep3 : and fomet-*^es lift their feet fo high
and. tread fp lightly, as not to make any impreffion oa
the ground. But if they find all Ihefe precautions
Unavailing, and that they are near being overtaken,,
they iirf: difpatch and fcalp their prifoners, and thei>
dividir-g, each endeavours to regain his native coun-
try by a dificrent route. This prevents all further
purluit ; for their purfuers now 'impairing, either of
gratifying their revenge, or of releafing thofe of their
friends who were made captives, return home.

If the fuccefsful party is fo lucky as to make good'
their retreat unmolefied, they hallen witli the greateft
expedition to reach a country where they may be per-
kiily fecure ; and tliat their wounded companions

may

Ikr' ■ Mij

I9»

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

may not retard their flight, they carry them hy turns
in litters, or if it is in the winter »feafon draw them
©n fledges.

Their litters arc madf tft a rude manner of the
branches of trees. Theif hedges confifl of two fmall
thin boards, about a foot wide when joined, and near
fix feet long. iThe forepart iS'turned up, and the
fides are bordered with fmall bancte The Indians
draw thele carriages with, gn^t eafe, be they everfo
much loaded, by means of a ftring which pafl^es roun4
♦the bread. This collar is called a Metump, and is in
wfe throughout America, fe|lth in the fettlements and
the internal parts. Thofe ufed in the latter are made
of leather, and very curioufly wrought.

The prisoners during their march are guarded
trith the greateft cnrc. jDiiring the day, if the joiir-
, ufliy Isf over land, they are alwa-ys held by fome of the
viAbriotis party ; if by water, they are fattened to
the canoe. In the night time they are ftretched ai-
long the ground quite naked, with their l^gs, arms,
and neck faftened to hooks ^xed in the ground. Be-
fides this, cords are tied to their arms or legs, which
are held by an Indian, who inftantly awakes at the
leaft motion of them.

Notwlthftanding fuch precautions are ufually taken
by the Indians, it is recorded in th» annals of New-
England, that one of the weaker fex, alinoft alone,
arid unafliiled, found means to elude the vigilance of
a party of warriors, and not only to make her eicape
from them, but to revenge the cauie of her coun*
trymen.

Some years ago, a fmall band of Canadian Indians,
confifling of ten warriors attended by two of their
wives, made an irruption into the back fettlements of
New-England. They lurked for fome time in the
vicinity of one of the moft exterior towns, and i.t
length, after having killed and fcalped feveral people,
found means to take prifoner a woman> #ho liad with

her

CARVER'S TRAVE;.S.

i9f

n by turns
draw them

ler of the
f two fmall
d, and near
>, and the
he Indians
hey ever fo.
afles roun^
P, and is in
ements and
:r are made

re guarded
if the joiiN
fome of the
fattened t(>
trctched sl-
ings, arms,
round. Be-
legs, which
ikes at the

ifually taken
lils of New-
^oft alone,
vigilance of
her eicape
»f her coun-

ian Indians,
wo of their
ttlements of
time in the
rns, and ^t
^eral people,
ho liad with
her

her a "fon of about twelve years of age. Being fatis«
£ed with the execution they had done, they retreated
towards their native countr]|, which lay at three hun-
ted miles diftaace, and catti^ed off with them their
two captives. ^ ..

The fecond 'night of their retreatj the woman,
whofc name, if I mrfirstl^e not, was Rpwe, formed a
refplution worthy^of the mofl intrepid hero. She^
thought fhe fhould be ablr to get from her hands the
manacles by which they were confined, and determin-
ed if Ihe did fd to make a<4efl?erate effort for the re-
covery of her freedom. To this purpofe, when ihe
concluded that her conquerors were in their fbundeft
fleep, (he ftrove to flip the cords from her hands. In
this fhe fucceeded ; and cautioned her fon, whom
they had fuffercd to go unbound, in a whifper, againft
behig furprifed at what fhe was about tp do, fhe re-
moved at a diftance with great warinefs the dcfenfive
weapons of the Indians, which lay by their fides.

Having done this, fhe put one of the tomahawks
iifljp the hands of the boy, bidding him to follow her
example ; and taking anotJier herfelf, fell upon the
fleeping Indians, feveral of whom ftic inflantly dif-
patched. But her attempt was nearly fruflrated by
the*- imbecility^ of her fon, who, wanted both ftrength
and refolutioiq^i made a feeble flroke atone of them,
which only feVved to awaken him *, flie however
fprung at the rifing warrior, and before he could re-
cover his arms, made him fmk under the weight of
her tomahawk *, and .this flie alternately did to all the
reft, except one of the women, who awoke in time,
and made her efcape.

The heroine then took of the fcalps of her vanquifli-
ed enemies, and feizing alfo tliofe they were carrying
away with them as proofs of their fuccefs, flie return-
ed in triumph to the town from whence flic had fo
lately been dr^ged, to the great aitonifliment of her
, neighbours.

KM

1 92

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

neighbours, who could fcarcely credit their fenfes,t»
the teftimonies flie bore of her amazonian intrepidity.

During their march they oblige their prifoners to
fing their death-fong, which generally confifts of
thefe or fimilar fentences : " I am going to die. I am
^bout to fuffer ; but I will bear the fevered tortures
my enemies can infli<fl:, with becoming fortitude. I
will die like a brave man, and I fiiall then go to join
the chiefs that have fufFered on the fame account."—
Thefe fongs are continued with neceflary intervals,
until they reach tlie village or camp to which they
are going.

When thewarrlors^re arrived within hearing, they
fet up different <;ries, which communicates to their
friends a general hiftory of the fuccefs of the expedi-
tion. The nuniber of the death-cries they give, de-
clare how many of their own party are loft ; the num-
ber of war-whoops, the niimberof prifoners they have
taken.

It is difficult to defcribe thefe cries, but the beft
idea I can convey of them is, that the former confifts
of the found whoo, whoo, whoop, which is continu-
ed in a long fhrill tone, nearly till the breath is ex-
haufted, and then broken off with a fudden elevation
of the voice. The latter, is a loud cr^^much the
fame kind, which is modulated into noralpy^ the hand
being placed before the mouth. Both'orthem migh^
be beared to a very confiderable diilance.

Whilft thefe are uttering, the perfons to whom
they are defigned to convey the intelligence, contin-
ue motionlefs and all attention. Wheh this ceremo-
ny is performed, the whole village iflue out to learn
the particulars of the relation they have juft heard in
general term, and accordingly as the news prove
mournful or the contrary, they anfwer by fo many
acclamations or cries of lamentations.

Being by this time arrived at the village or camp,
the women and childreii ara^ themfelves with ftickj

and

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

>93

andWm!g€ons, and form themfclves into two ranks,
through whicli the prifoner$ are obliged to pafs. The
trcatn-ent they undergo before they reach the extre-
mity of the Hne, is very fevere. Sometimes they are
fo beatin over the head and face, as to have fcarcely
any remains of life > and happy would it be for them
if by this ufage an end was put to their wretched be-
ings. But their tormentors take care that none of
the blows they give prove mortal, as they wifh to rc-
ferve the raiferable fufFerers for more fevere infifiSlions.

After having undergone this introduftory difci-
pline, they are bound hand and foot, whilft the chiefs
hold a Council in which their £ate is determined,
Thofe who .ire decreed to be put to death by the
uftial torments, are deUvercd to the chief of the war-
liors i fuch as are to be fpared, are given into the
hands of the chief of the nation : fo that in a (hort
time all the prifoners may be aflured of their fate,
as the fentenceiiow pronounced is irrevocable. The
former they term being configned to the houfe of
death, the latter to the houfe of grace.

Such captives as arc pretty far advanced in life,
and have acquired great honor by their warlike deeds,
always atont for the blood they have fpilt, by the
tortures ,of < fire. Their fuccefs in war is readily
known hytfefi blue marks upon their breads and arms,
which are as legible to the Indians as letters are te
Europeans.

The manner in which thefehierogl) phicks are made,
is by breaking the flcin with the teeth of fifh, or ihar-
pened Hints, dipped in a kind of ink made of the ioot
of pitch pine. Like thofe of the ancients Picis of
Britain tnefe are efteemed ornamental ; and at the
Hime timcYhey fcrve as regiiters of the heroic aclions
of the warrior, who thus bears about hiiu indelible
m.irks of his valour.

The prifoners deftined to death are {oon led t->
the place of execution, which is «encrallv in the ren-

R ^ ' ti-c •

;lHv!-

194

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

trc of the camp or village \ where, being ftript, and
every part of their bodies blackened, the (kin of a
crow or raven is fixed on their heads. They are then
bound to a (lake, with faggots heaped around them
and obliged, for the laft time, to fing their deaths
Tong.

The warriors, for fuch it is only who commonly
fufrer this punifhment, now perform in a more prolix
manner this fiid (bkmnity. They recount with an
audible voice all the brave a^.ons they have perform*
ed, and pride themfelves in the numoer of enemies
they have killed. In this rehearfal they fpare not even
their tormentors, but (Irive by every provoking talc
they can invent, to irritate and infult them. Some-
times this has the defired effe6:> and the fufFercrs are
difpatched fooner than they otherwlfe would have
been.

There are many other methods which the Indians
make ufe of to put th^r prifoners to death, but thefe
are only occailonal ; that of burning is moll gener-
ally ufed.

Whilft I was at the chief town of the Ottagaumies,
an Illinois Indian was brought in> who had been
made prifoners by one of their war-parties. I had
then an opportunity of feeing the cuftomary etuelties
infli(Sled by thefe people on their captives^ through
the minuteft part of their procefs. After^^lie previ-
ous fteps neceiTary to this condemnation, he was
carried,^ early in the morning, to a little diftance from
the town, where he was bound to a tree.

This being done, all the boys, who amounted to a
great number, as the place was populous, were per-
mitted to amufe themfelves with (hooting their ar-
vows at the unhappy vi£tim. As they were none of
them more than twelve years old, and were placed at
a con (ider able diftance, they had not ftrength to pe-
netrate to the vital parts^ fo that the ppor wretch

Hood

CARVKR's TRAVELS.

195

ftdod pierced with arrows, and fufFering the confc-
quent agonies, for more than two days.
> During this time he fung his warlike exploits.
He recapitulated every ftratagem he had made uic
of to furprife his , nemies : he boailed of the quan-
tity of fcalps he poflefled, and enumerated the pri-
fonefshehad taTcen. He then defcribcd the dit^h'er-
ent barbarous methods by which he had put the lat-
ter to death, and feemed even then to receive incon-
ceivable pleafure from the recital of the horrid tale.

But he dwelt more particularly on the cruelties he
had praftifcd on fuch of the kindred of his preicnt
tormentor$ as had^ fallen into his hands ; endeavour--
ingby theft aggravated infults to induce them to iii-
cteafe his tortures, tijat he might be able to give
greater proofs of fortitude. Even in the laft drug-
gies of life, when he was no longer able to vent in
words the indignant provocation his tongue would
have uttered, a fmile of fhingled fcorn and triumph
fat on his countenance.

This method of tormenting their enemies is confi-
dcred by the Indians as produ6tive of more than one
beneficial confe quince. It fatiates, in a greater de-
gre€j that diabolical luft of revenge, which is the pre-
dominant pafiion in thebrcall of every indivi^^al of
every tril^^ and it gives the growing warriors an
early propthfity to that cruelty and thirft for blood,
which is fo neceflary a qualification for fuch as would
be thoroughly ikilled in their favage art of war.

I have been informed, that an Indian who was
under the hands of his tdrmqitors, Ikad the audacity
to tell them, that they were ignorant old womenj and
did not know how to put brave prifoners to death.
'He acquainted them that he had heretofore talten
fome of their warriors, and inftead of the trivial pun-
iftiments they infli<^ed on him, he had devifed for
them the moft excruciating torments ; that having
bound them to a flake, he had iluck their bodies)

full '

"^ :t

fl

« .:!

196

CARVER'S TRAM:lS.

m
m

ii

full of fliarp fpliiitcrs of turpentine wood, to whidi
he then fet fire, and dancing around them enjoyed
the agonizing' pangs of the flaming vi<^im8.

This bravado, which carried with it a degree of
infult, that even fHe accuftomed ear of an Indian
eould not liden to unmoved, threw his tormentoro
off their guard, and iliorteued the duration of lug
torments ; for one of the chiefs ran to him, anj
ripping out his heart, ftoppcd with it the mouth from
which had iliued fuch provoking language.

Innumerable are the (lories that may be told of ihe
courage and refolution of the Indians, who 1

la

ppen

to be made prifoners by their adverfiries. Many
that I have hearit are fo aftonifliing, that they feem
to exceed the utmofl limits of credibility ; it is, how-
ever, certain that thefe fnv^gcs are poflefled with ma-
ny heroic qualities, and bear every fpecies of misfor-
tunes with a degree of fortitude which has not been
outdone by any of the ancigit heroes either of Greece
or of Rome.

Notwith Handing thefe zdts of feverffy cxerciftd
by the Indians towards thofe of their own fpecies,
who fall into their hands, fome tribes of them have
been remarked for their moderation to fuch female
prifoners, belonging to the Engliih colonies as hatne
happened to be taken by them. Women of great
beauty h;ivs frequently been carried off h/ fhcm, and
during a march of three or four hundred miles,
through their retired forefts, have lain by tKeir fides
without receiving any infult, and their chaftity has
remained inviojate. Inilances have happened where
female captiveSj^^who have been pregnant at the time
of tfieir beljig taken, have found the pangs of child-
birth come upon them in the midft of folitary woods,
tnd favdgcs their only companions ; yet from thefe,
lavages 355 they were, have they received every aflift-
stnce their fit uation would admit of, andLbeen treated
with a degree of delicacy and humarffty they little
effected, This

QARVER's TRAVELS.

197

J. to wliieli

m enjoyed

s.

a degree of
an Indian
tormentors
tion oflufi
I»ini, and
nouth from
e.

told of ihe
lio happen
es. Many
tt they fcera
> it is, hew-
ed with ma-
s of misfor-
las not been
er of Greece

fy cx<:rcifed
own fpccies,
f tliem have
fuch female
nies as hatne
lien of great
f them, and
idred miles,
y tHeir fides
chaflity has
)encd where
: at the time
igs of child-
itary woods,
from thcfe,
every affifl-
been treated
they little
This

. •This forbearance, it mud be acknowledged, does
not proceed altogether from their difpofition, but is
only inherent in thofe who'f^xhave fonje communica-
tion with the French miffionaries. Without intend-
ing that their natural^il'cnemie^ the EngliOi, fliould
enjoy the benefit of their labours, thefe fathers have
taken great pains^to inculcate on the minds of the
Indians the general principles of humanity^ which
has difTufed itfelf through their manners, and has
proved of public utility.

"Wiofe prifoners that arc configned to the houfc
of grace, and thcfe are commonly the young men,
w<»men, an4 children, await the dilpofal of the chiefs,
, wh0| after the execution of fuch as arc condemned
, to die, hold a council for this purpofe.
, A herald is fent round the viHagc or camp, to giE£
notice that fudh as have \o(t any relations in the late
expedition, are defired to attend the diftribution
which is about to, take place. Thofe women who
have loft their fons or hufbands, arc generally fatis-
iied in the firft place ; after thefe, fuch as hay|X been
deprived of friends of a>more remote degree of con-
fanguinity, ofi^ho choofe to adopt fome of the youth.
r The divifion being made, which is done, as in o-
4l^er cafes, without tne leaf): difjpute, thofe who have
received auy (hare, lead them to their tents or huts ;
and havillg' unbound them, wafh and drcfs their
wounds if they happen to have received any ; they
then cloath them, and give them the mofl comforta-
ble and refrefliing food their ftore will afford.

Whilft their new domeftics are ^ding, they en-
deavour to adminiftcr confolation to them •, they tell
them that as they are redeemed from death, they mufl
now be cheerful and happy \ and if they ferve them
well, without murmuring or repining, nothing fhall
be wanting to make them fuch atonement for the lofs
of their country and friends as circumitances will al«
low of: * .

Ha* U

i

%

i

'm ''

m '>'■

1g$

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

i

f,

If any men are fparcd,. they art commonly giVen
to the widows that huv^ lift thciVr-hurjands by tlie
iiand of the enemy, illOuld there be any fuch, lo
whom, if they happert to prove agreeable, they arc
foon married. But 'Ihould ilie dame be otherwile
engaged, the life of him who falls to her lot is in
great danger ; efpecially if (lie falhcHfe that her late
hufband wants a Hue in the. country of fpirits, tu
which he is gone. * ; ^ w

When this is the cafe, a number of young men
take the devoted captive to fomeniiftance, and dif-
patch him without any ceremony : after he has bee»
jpared by the council, they confider him of too little
confequence to be entitled to the torment$ti11otted to
thofe who have been judged worthy of them.

The women arc ufually diftributed to the men,
rom whom they do not fail of meeting with a favour-
able reception. The boys and girls are taken into
the families of (uch as have, need of them, and are
confidered as flaves; and it is not uncommon that
they a|^ fold in the fa.ii||s capacity to the Euiopean
traderrWho come amgng th«m.

The Indians have no idea of mo^fratin^ the rav-
ages of war, by fparing their prifoners, and entering
into a negociation with the band from whom the^i^
liavc been taken, for an exchange. All that are cap-
tivated by both parties, are either pu^|o de^th, adopt-
ed, or made-flaves of. And fo partlfular are every
jiation in this refpe£t, that if any of their tribe, even
u v/ariior, fhould be taken prifoner, and by chance
be received into ij^e houfe of grace, either as an adopt-
r d perfon ^^ flave, and Should afterward make his
^Itfcape, th^wift by no means receire him, or ac-
knowledge hi rn a^ one of their band.

The condition of fuch as are adopted, ci'ffers not
in ai|jr one ifidance from the children of tht nation
tatliirmch they now belong. They afltoie all the
thofe^ whofe places they fuppjt^ and fre-
' qucntly

CAftVER'8 TRAVELS.

^9i

iim, or ac-

queRly *Twkc no difficulty of going In the war-parties
againd their own* countrymen. Should, however,
any of tliofe by chdnce makc^eir efcape, and be af-
terwards retaken^, they arc eftecmcd as unnatural
children and ungrateful pcrfons, who have deferted«
and made war \ipon their parents and benefactors, :
and arc treatcdl%idiui^cohimon feverity.

That part of the prifencrs which are confidered as
flaves, are generally di(hrtbuted among the chiefs ;
who fi^uently make prtfents of fome of them to the
fiiiropean governors of the out-pofts, or to the fu-
perintendants or commiiTaries of Indian affain. I
Uve been informed that it was the Jefuits and French
jniflionaridlMiat firil occaHoned the introdu6lion of
thefe unhapjiry captives into the fettlemcnts, and
who by fo doing taught the Indians that they were,^
valuable.

Their views indeeil were laudable, as they imagin«
cd that by this method they fhould not only prevent
much barbarity and bloodfhed, but find the opportu-
nities of fpreading their reiigiott among them ea^eaf-
<d. To mis purpofe th«y encouraged the traders to
purchafe fuch ftijpes as they met \vith.

The good efFc^s of this mode of proceeding were
lift however equal to the expeftations of thefe pious
fathers. Inflead of being the means of preventing
cruelty amt bloodfhed, it only caufed diiTentions be-
tween the Indi!(#«ations to be carried on .with a
greater degree of violence,and with unremitted ardour.
The prize they fought for being no longer revenge
or fame, but the acquirement of i]pilntuous liquors,
for which iktir captives were to be cxths^ffiged, and
of which almoft every nation is immoderately fond,
they fought for their enemies witfi unwonted ala-
h'lty, and were conftantly on the watch to furprifc
and carry them off.

It n^igbt^^ be faid that fewer of tlic captives are
tormented Wl put to death, fince thefe expei^Jitions

of

*,{:

-ac© CARViiJ^'s TRAV^^jLS.

of receiving fo ^aluablc^,^ confidi^^tion for theie^vc
been excited than there ufudly. had been *, but it does
not appear that their%:^ftomea cruelty to the war-
Tiprs thej take, is inlthe leaiVaba^fd ; their natural
ileOrc of vengeance muft begratified ; they now only
becop^e more aiTiduous i(i fecuring a greater number
of young prifoners, whvJft tjiofe wj||l are made cap.
tive in their defence, are tormented sad put to dead)
as before. r*. vift(^

The miflionaric^ findm&that contrary to their
wiihes, their zeal had only ierv<2!)l to increafe the tale
of the noxious juices, applied to the governor of
Canada, in the year 1693, for a prohibi^on of this
baneful trade. An order was iffued acgi|ilngly) but
it could not put a total ftop to it i the French Couri-
ers de Boi's were hardy enough to carry it on clan^t
tinely, notwithftanding the penalty annexed to a
bre«ch of the prohibition was a conHderable fine and
imprifonmcnt.

Some who were detefted in the, profecutlon of it,
withjdrew into the In^aiA countries, where they in-
termarried with th&^ative«» and underwent a volun.
tary baniihment. ']niere howevei^j^^ing an aban-
doned and debauched fet, their conau£t contributed
very little either towards reforming the manners of
their new relations, or< engaging them to entertain a
favorable opinion of the religion they profeiled. Thus
did thefe indefatigable, religious m«j|4 fee their defigns
in fome meafure once m<3ff€ fruftrated. * ^

However, the emigration was produ£t!ve of an ef-
fe6l which tuwied' out to be beneficial to their nation.
By the cotiiiieiiiion of thefe refugees with the Iroquois,
Miff'^Tuages, Hnrons, Miamies, Powtowottomies,.
Puants, Menomonies, Algonkins, &c. and the con-
flant reprefentations thefe various nations received
fxom them of the power and grandeur of the French,
to the aggrandizement of v/faofe monaiph, notwith-
ftanding their banifluwwitj^iey ftill retiixjed their ha-

l^itual

dF

CAPvVER's TRAVFXS.

201

k but it does
[to the war-
kir natural
py now only
Iter number
; made cap-
put to death

/»7 to their

Jcafe the i»k

jgovernor of

ion of this

. . '^»gly, but
[cnch Couri-
on cJan^t
|nexed to a
ible fine and

cution of it,
sre they in-
cnt a volun-
ig an aban-
contributed
manners of
• entertain a
[led. Thus
their deiigns

i^e of an ef-
heir nation,
lie Iroquois,
•wottomies,.
d the con-
is received
he French,
I, notwith-
;d their ha-
bitual

bf®inclmation,tkip Indians bacDin€ infenfibly pre-
judiced in favor of |]bat people, and I am per^uadcd
will take every opportuaity of fliewing their attach*
ment to them. -

And this, even in defpitc of the difgvactful eftima-
tion they niuft^ held by them, fmcc they have btecn
driven cut of Ohada j for the Indiars confider eve-
ry conquered'-people as in a ftate of vaffalage to their
conquerors. Aft<;r one'l&tion has finally fubdued a-
.nother^ and a conditioifif fubmiilion is agreed on, it
i#cuftomary for the chiefs of the conquered,, when
they fit in council with their fubduers, to wear petti-
coats, as an acknowledgment that they are in a ilate
of fubje^^ arid ought to be ranked among tide wo-
men. Their partiality to the French has however
ttOcen too deep root for time itfelf to eradicate it>

C H A P T ]| R X.

dJP rNJUIJt UdNNER OF MAiCJNG PBACBy '^c.

HE wars tJiat arc carried on between the India*
nations are hi general hereditary, and continue frors
age to age iR'itIi||^few intemptions. If a peace be*
comes necelTaryi the principal care of both parties i«
to a"oid the appearance of making the fl Vft advances.
When they treat witK an enemy, relative to a fuf-
pcufion of hoflilities, the chief who is cpmraiflloned
to undertake the negociation, if it is not brought about
by the mediation of fome neighbouring band, abates
rbthing of his natural haughtinefs : even when the af-
fairs of his country are in the woift fituation, he
mtikcs no concefiions,but endeavours to perfuade his
adverfaries thaf it is their intereft to put an end to
the war. Accidents

; "U

''M>

'. %t^i

■ i

■;.-

» » f- •>

toz

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

V-

ii

y

■'1

i

.

'm.

Accidents fometimcs cont ribtite to bring about a
peace between nations that otherwife couid not be
prevailed on to liften to terms of accommodation. An
inilance of this, which I heard of in almoll every na-
tion I pafled through, I (hall relate.

About eighty years ago, the Iroquois and Chlpe-
yrays, two powerful nations, were at trar with the Ot-
tagaiimies and Saukies, who were much inferior to
their adverfaries both irt numbers and ftrength. One
winter near a thoufand of the former made an excur-
fion from Lake Ontario, by wayof Toronto, towards
the territories of their enemies. Th^y coafted Lake
Huron 6n its eaft and northern borders, till they ar-
rived at the illand of St. Jofcph, which is fituated in
the Strait* of St. Marie. There they croHed thefc
Straits upon the ice, about fifteen miles below the
falls, and continued their route ft ill weftward. As
the ground was covered with fnow to prevent a dif-
covery of their numbers, they marched in a fingle file,
treading in each others footfteps.

Four Chipeway Indians, palling that way, obferv-
ed this army, and readily gueffed frpm, the direction
of their march, and the precautions they took, both
the country to which they were hafienin<r, and their
dcfigns.

Notwithftanding the nation to which they ^oelong-
ed was at war with the Ottagaumie^^ and in alliance
with their invaders, yet from a prifeiple which can-.,
not be accounted for, they took an inftant refolution
to apprife the former of their danger. To this pur-
pofetheyhaftened away with their ufual celerity, and,
taking a circuit to avoid difcovtry, arrived at the hunt-
ing grounds of the Ottagauhiies, before fo large a
body, moving in fo cautious a manner, could do. There
they found a party of about fotiftr hundred warriors,
fom^ of which were Saukies, whom they informed of
the approach of their enemies. , M| '

^ This

^^

■pp

CARVEPJs TRAVELS,

20 1

if

mg about a
ould not be
)dation. An

11 evi

■ry na-

and Chlpe.
vith the Ot-

inferior to
ength. One
ie an excur-
ito, towards
)afled Lake
till they ar-
i fituated in
TofTed thefc
5 below the
ilward. As
revent a dif.
a fingle file,

vay, obferv-

he direction

took, both

5, and their

hey 'belong-
i in alliance
which can-..
t refolution
Fo this pur-
elcrity, and,
at the hunt-
fo large a
ddo. There
d/ warriors,
informed of

This

The chiefs immediately collefled their whole force,
and held a council on iKe fleps that were to be tak-
en for their defence. As they were eficumbered
with their families,^ it was impofhble that they could
retreat in time ; they therefore determined to choofe
the moft advantageous fpot, and to give the Iroquois
the bed, reception in their power.

Not far from the place where they then happened
to be, ftood two fmall lakes, between which ran a
narrow neck of land about a mile in length, and only
from twenty to forty yards in breadth. Concluding
that the Iroquois intended to pafs through this de^file,
the united bands divided their little party into two
bodies of two^hundred each. One of thefe tookpoft
atflie extremity of the pafs that lay neareft to their
hunting grounds, which they immediately fortified
with a breaft-work formed of palifades ; whilft the
other body took a compafs round on. of the lakes,
wi*h a defign to hem their enemies in when they had
entered the defile.

Their ftratagem fuccceded j for no fooner had the
whole of the Iroquois entered the pals, than, being
proiridcd with wood for the purpofe, they formed a
Jimilar breaft work on the other extremity, and thus
cnclofed their enemies.

The Iroquois foon perceived their fituation, and
immediately held ?> council on the meafures that were
necelTary to be perfvied to extricate themfelves. Un-
luckily for them a thaw had juft taken plac , which
had fo far diflblved the ice as to render it impaifible,
?nd yet there ftiU remained fufijcient to prevent them
from either pafling 'over the lake on rafts, or from
fwimming acrofs. In this dilemma it was agreed
that they iliould endeavour to force one of the brcjft
works ; but they foon found them too well defended
to effedl their purpofe.

Notwithftanding this difappointment, with the
ufual compofure and unapprchcnfivcnefy of Indians,

- they

I [f

r^ir

lit

jfc ■ ,

2^4

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

they amufed themfelyes diree or four days in fifhing.
By this time the ice beinff quite dSflblved, they made
themfelves rafts, -which they were^riabled to do by
fome trees that fortunately grew oh the fpot, and at-
tempted to crofs. one of the lalses.

They accordingly fet offbefore daybreak ; but the
Ottagaumies,\vho had been watchful of their motions,
perceiving their delign, detached one^ hundred and
fifty men from each of their parties, to oppofe their
landing. Thefe three hundred marched fo expedi-
tioufly to the other fide of the lake, that they reached
it before their opponents had gained the ihore, they
being retarded by their poles fticking in the^ mud.

As foon as the confederates arrived, fhcy poured
in a very heavy fire, both from their bows and muf-
^uctry, on the Iroquois, whitli greatly difconcerted
them •, till the latter finding their fituation defperate,
leaped into the water, and fought their way through
their enemies. Thi« however they could not do with-
out lofing more than half their men.

After the Iroquois had landed, they made good their
retreat, but were obliged to leave their enemies maf-
ters-ofthe field, and in pofi'efiion of all the furs they
had taken during their winter's hunt. Thus dearly
did they pay for an unprovoked excurfion to fuch a
difiance from the route-thcy ought to have purfued,
and to which they were only impeiled by a fudden dc-
llre of cutting off fome of their ancient enemies.

But had they known their ftrength,they might have
dcflroyed every mari of the party that oppofed them ;
which even at the firft oniet was only inconfiderable,
and when diminitlied hy the action, totally unable to
make any ftand again ft them.

The vi^orioLis bands rewarded the Chlpeways,
who had been the means of their fucccls, with a fharc
of thefpoils. They prefled them to take any quanti-
ty they chofe of the richeft of the furs,'and fcnt them
under and efcort of fifty men, to their own country.

^ The

CARVER'S travels;-

20J'

In fifhing.

they made

to do by

ot, and at-

k ; but the
eir motions,
andred and
oppofe their

fo expedi-
[\ey reached
ihore, they
le mud.
hey poured

and muf-
difconcerted
in defperate,
ay through
not do with-

ie good their
jiemies maf-
le furs they
Thus dearly
n to Aich a
ive purfued,
a fudden dc-
nemies,
y might have
pofed them ;
confiderable,
ly unable to

Chlpeways,
, with a ihare
c any quanti-
nd fcntthein
own country.

'yuc

The difintcrefted Chipel^riysi'as- the Indians in gene- ^
ral are feldoma£lttftto^%y mercenary motives, for a ^
confiderable time, Tcfufedthefcprefents, but were at
length perfuSded'tif accept of them.

The brayie and well concerted refiftance here made
by the Ottggaun^ies and Saukies, aided hy the medi- "
ation oithe Chipeways, who laying afide on this occa-
fion the animofity they had fo long borne thofe people,
approved of the generous condudl of their four chiefs,
were together the means ofeffefting a reconciliation
between thefe nations ; and in procefs of time united
them all in the bands of amity.

And I believe that all the Indians inhabiting that
extenfive cooirttry, which lies between Quebec, the
banks of the Miflifippi north of theOuifconfin,and the
fettlements belonging to the Hudfon's Bay Companyi
are at prefent in a ftateof profound peace. When
their reftlefs.difpofitions will notfuf^er them to remain
ina£live, thefe northern Indians feldom commit hof-
tilities on each other, but make ejxcurfions to the fouth-
wards, agaiiift the Cherokees^.Ohodahs, Chickafaws
or Illinois.

Sometimes the Indians grtrw tiredof a war which
tJiey have carried on againft fome neighbouring nation
for many years without much fuccefs, and in this cafe
they feek for mediators to begin a negotiation. Thefe
being obtained, the treaty is thus conducted :

A number of thehr own chiefs, joined by thofe who
have accepted the friendly office, fetout together for
the country of their enemies ; fuch as are chofcn for
thispurpofe, are chiefs of the mofl extenfive abilities,
and of the greatefl intcjrrity. They bear before them
the Pipe of Peace, which I need not inform my rea-
ders is of the fame nature as a Flacj of Truce among:
the Europeans, and is treated with the greatefl; refpe(5t
and veneration, eve?: hy the moft barbarous nations.
I never heard of an inftance wherein the bearers of
this facred badge of friendfliip were ever treated dif-

S refpedtfully,

I,

1^

'■*■•'

' \\

VI'

'■J I

f:

mO

CARVKR's TRAVELS.

i

4

m..

refpii^tfuUy, or its rights violated. The Indians be-
lieve that the Great Spirit never fuffers an infraction
of this kind to go uftpuniQied.

The Pipe of Peace, which is ternnjed byihe French
the Calumet, for what reafon I could never learn, is
;ibout four f'^jt long. The bowl of it is made of red
marble, and the ftem of it of a light wood, curioufly
painted with hieroglyphicks in various colors, and a-
dorned with feathers, of the moft beautiful birds;
but it is not in my power to convey an idea of the
various tints and plcafing otnaments of this much
ellsemed Indian implement.

Every nation has a different method of decorating
thefe pipes, and they can tell at firll fight to what
band it belongs. It is ufed as an introduction to all
treaties, and great ceremony attends the ufe of it on
thefe occafions.

The afhftant or aid-de-camp of the great warrior,
when the chiefs afe affembled and feated, fills it witlv
tobacco mixed with the herbs before mention-id, talc-
ing care at the fame time that no part of it touches
the ground. When it is filled, he takes n coal that
h thoroughly kindled, from a fire which is generally
kept burning in the midd of the aflembly, and places
it on the tobacco.

As Coon as it is fufliciently lighted, he throws off
the coal. He then turns the item of it towards the
heavens, after this towards the earth, and now hold-
ing it horizontally, moves h'unfelf round till he has
completed a circle ; by the firll a£lion he is fuppof'J
to prefent it to the Great Spirit, whofe aid is thereby
fupplicated ; by the fecond, to avert any malicious
iiiterpofition of the evil fpirits ; and by the third to
gain the protedliOn of the fprits inhabiting the air,
the earth, and the waters. Havin^r thus fecured the-
favor of thofe invifible igents, in whofe power they
fuppofe it is either to forward or obftrudt the ilfuc of.
their prefcat deliberations, he prefents it tQ the hered-
itary

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

267

n^i

at watnor.

itary chief, who havhig taken two or three whiffs,
blows the fmoke from his mouth, firft towards hea-
ven, and then around hirti upon the grouiid.

It is afterwai*^s put in the fame manrilf into the
jriouths of the amballadors or ftrange^^, who ohferve
the fame ceremony, then to the chief of the warriors,
and to all the other chiefs in tura, according to their
gradation. During this time the perfon who exe-
cutes this honorable office Kolds the pipe flightiy in
his hand, as if he feared to prefs the facrcd inttru-
ment ; nor 4o€S any one prefume to touch it but with
his lips.

When the chiefs who are intruded with the com-
jiiiffion fof making peace, approach the town or camp
to which they are going, they begin to fing and dance
the fongs and dances appropriated to this occafion.
By this time the adverfc party are apprifed of they:
arrival, and, at the fight of the Pipe of Peace divell-
ing themfelves of their wonted enemy, invite them
to the habitation of the Great Chief, and furnifli ihcni
with every convenicncy during the negotiation.

A council is then heU ) and when the fpceches
and debates are ended, it no obftru£lions arife to put
a ftop to the treaty, the painted hatchet is buried in
the ground, as a memorial that all animofities betweea
the contending nations have ceafcd, and a peace tak-
en place. Among the ruder bands, fuch as have no
comtnunication with the Europeans, a war-club,
painted red is buried, inftead of the hatchet.

A belt of wampum, is alfo given on this cccafton,
which ferves as a ratitication of the peace, and re-
cords to the latcft pofterity, by the l.ieroglyphicks in^
to which the beads are formed, every ftipulated arti-
cle in the treaty.

" Thefe belts are made of lliells found on the coafts
of New-England and Virgifiia, which are fawed out
into beads of an oblong form, about a quarter of au
inch long, and round like other beads. Being ftrung

on

f \ . ■

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■ ■-' !?

•5 t!

P.K

■ ■ i'

20$

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

■■■■U>

on leather ftiings, and feveral of them fcwcd neatly
together with fine finewy threads, they then compofe
what is termed a belt of Wampum.

ThO'^ilftlJs are generally of two colors, fomc white
and otheiiiu violet ; but the latter are more highly ef-
teemed than the former. They are held in as much
eltimation by the Indians, as gold, filrer, or precious
ilones, are by the Eiiropeans.

The belts are compoibd of ten, twelve, or a greater
iii^mber of firings, according to the importance of the
affair in agitation, or the dignity of the perfon to
.whom it is preibnted. On more trifljng occifionr,,
ftrings of thefe beads are prefeuted by the chiefs to
each other, and frequently worn by t^em about their
fiecks^ as a valuable ornament.

C H A I> T E R XL '

OF THEIR GAMES^
' H ■

S I have before obfervcd, the In<lians are
greatly addidl:ed to gaming, and wilLeven Itake, and
lofe with compoftjire, all the valuables they arc pofleff-
cd of. They amufe themfelves at feveral forts of
games, but the principal and moft efleemed amcng
them is that of the ball, which is not unlike the Eu-
ropean game of tennis.

The balls they ufe are rather larger than thofe made
ufe of at tennis, and axe formed of a piece of deer-
ikin ; which> being moiflened to render it fupple, is
llufFed hard with the hair of the fame creature, and
fewed with its fmews. 't\\Q ball-fticks, are about three
feet long, at the end of %hich there is fixed a kind of
racket, refembling the palm of the hand, and fafhion-
€d of thongs cut from a deer-ikin. In thefe they

catch

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

20tj

-wed neatly
en compofe

fome white
c highly ef-
in as much
or precious

or a greater
tance of the
e perfon to
occijfions,
ne chiefs to
about iheir

Inci.ians are
>nitakc, and
fare pofleff-
;ial forts of
med amcng
like the £u-

1 thofe made
:ce of deer-
it fupple, is
eature, and
about three
cd a kind of
and falhion-
thefe they
catch

catch the ball, and throw it to a great diftarce, if they
ire not prevented by fome of the oppofite party, who
fly to intercept it.

This game is generally played by large tOir panics,
that fometimes confift of more than thret hundred j
and it is not uncommon for different bands tc play a-
gainft each other.

They begin by fixing two poles in the ground at a-
bout fix hundred yards apaf^, and one of thefe goals
belong to each party ot the combatants. The ball in
thrown up high in the centre of the ground, and in
a direft line between the goals : towards which each
party endeavours to flrike it, and whichfoever fulc
firft caufes it to reach their own goal, reckons towards
the game.

They are fo exceeding dextrous in thfs manly ex*.
crcife, that the ball is ufually kept flying in different
direftions by the force of the rackets, without touch-
ing the ground during the whole contention ; for they
are not allowed to catch it with their hands. They
run with amazing velocity in purfuit of each other,
and when one is on the point of hurling it to a great
diftance, an antagonifl; overtakes hii|b ^d by a fud-
den flroke dafhes down the balL

They play with fo much vehemence that ihey fre-
quently wound each other, and fometimes a bone is
broken ; but notwithflranding thefe accidents there
never appeanto be any fpitc or wanton exertiojis of
ftrength to affecSl: theni^ nor do any difputes ever
happen between the parties.

There is another game .alfo in ufe among them
worthy of remark, and this is the game of the Bowl
or Platter. This game is played between two per-
fons only. Each perfon has fix or eight little bones
not unlike a peachftone either in fize or fliape, except
that they are quadrangular ; two of the fides of which
are colored black, and the others white. Thefe they
throw up into the air, from whence they fail into u

S 2 » bowl

■V

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i

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1^1

tto

cArver'3 travels.

:M

m

■m

bow} or platter placed underneath, and made to (pin
round.

According as t'^cfe bones prerent the white or black
fide upwards they reckon the game ; ho that happens
to have the greateft number turn up ot a fimilar co-
lor, counts five points ; and forty is the game.

'l^hc winning party keeps his place, and the lol« r
yields his to another^|^'hc is appointed by one of the
umpires ; for a whole ▼iilagt is fometimes concerned
in the party, and at times one band plays agaiuil hiio-
ther.

During this play the Indians appear to bo. greatly
agitated, at every decifive throw fet up a hidtovia.
Ihout. They make a tliouftind contprtions, uddref-
iing ihcmfelvcs at the iame time tothe bout- ,, and
loading with imprecations, the evil Spirits that afilft
their fuccefsful antagonifts.

At this game fome will lofe their apparel, all the

moveabh^s of their cabins, and fometimes even their

I'v^ /Jiberty ', notwiihftanding there are no people in the

vniverle more jealous of the latter than the Indiana

are.

C HA P T E R XII.

• OF THEiR MARRIAGE CEREMONIES^ ^^c

X HE Indians albw of polygamy, and perfons.
ef every rank indulge themfelvcs in this point. The
^liLefs in particular have a feraglio, which eonfifts of
«iu uncertain number, ufually from Irx to twelve of
fourteen. The lower ranks are permitted to take as
many as th.re is a probability of their being able,
with the children they may bear, to maintain. It is
not uncomrapu for an Indian to marry two fiftcrs j
, " fometimes,

CARVI^R's T!lAVELl

zit

femetimcs, if there happen to he more, the v^^hok:
number } and notwithilanding this (as it appears to
civilized nations) unnatural union, they all live in the
greateit harmony.

The younger wives are fubmiflive to the elder •,
and thofe wjjo have no children, do fuch menial offi-
ces for thofe who are fertile, as caufcs their fituatioa
to differ but little from a ttatCDf fervitude. Hov/-
ever they perform every injun^oh with the greateit
chfe^rfulncfs, in hopes of gaining thereby the affc'-:-
tion of their hulbands, that they in their tyr^js may
iiave the happinefs of becoming mothers, and be en-
titled to the refpeiH: attendant on that ilate.

It is not uncommon for an Indian, although he
takes to himfelf fo many wives, to live in a ftate of
continence with many of them for feveral years.
Such as are not fo fortunate as to gain the favor of
their hufband, by their fubmiflive and prudent beha-
viour, and by that means to fhare in his embraces,
continue in their virgin ftate during the whole of their
Jives, except they happen to be prefcntcd by him to
ibme ftranger chief, whofe abode among them will
not admit ,of his entering into a more lafting connec-
tion. In this cafe they fubmit to the injun<Slion ofr
their hufband without murmuring, and are not dif-
pleafed to the temporary union. But if at any time
it is known that they take this liberty without firlt
receiving his confent, they are puniftied in the fame
manner as if they had been guilty of adultery .r

This cuftom is more prevalent among the nations,'
which lie in tlic interior, parts, than among thofe
lliat are nearer the fettlemerits, as the manners of the
latter are rendered more conformable in fome points
to thofe of the Europeans, by the intercourfe they
hold with them.

The Indian nations differ but little from each other
in their marriage ceremonies, audkfs in the ir.annev

of

fr3_

-t ^-'".'ki

": -ii J

ais^

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

Ml

1 i.i ': r i

\^

of their divorces. The tribes that inhabit the bordors
of Canada, make ufe of the following cuftom.

When a young Indian has fixed his inclinations on
one of ^he other fex, he endeavours to gain her con-
fent, and if he fuccteds, it is never known that her
parents ever ob(lru€l thrir union. When every pre-
liminary is agreed on, and the day appointee!, the
friends and acquaWance of both parties aiTemblc at
the houfe or tent of the oldcfl relation of the bride-
groom, where a feaft is prepared on the occafion.

The company who meet to aflift at the fcftival are
fometimes very numerous : they dance, they fing, and
enter into eVery other diverfion ufually mad» ufe of
on any of their public rejoicings.- ,

When thefe are finiihed, all tHoft Who attended
merely out of ceremony depart, and the bridegroom
and bride are left alone with three or four of the
neareil and old ;ft relations of either (ide ; thofe of the
bridegroom beu^^ men, and thofe of the bride, wo-
men.

Prefently the bride attended by thefe few friends,
having withdrawn herfelf for the purpofe, appears at
one of the doors of the hotrte, and is led to the bride-
groom, who ftands ready to receive her. Having
now taken their ilation, on a mat placed in the centre
of the room, they lay hold of the extremities of a
wand, about four feet long, by which they continue
feparated, whilfV the old men pronounce fome (hort
harangues fuitable to the occafion.

The married couple after this make a public decla-
ration of the loTc and regard they entertain for each
other, and ftiil holding the rod between them, dance,
and fiPg. When thty have finilhtd this part of the
ceremony, they break the rod into as many pieces as
their ave witneiTes prefent, who each take a piece, and
preferveit with grtat care.

The bride is then recondu^ed out of the door at
which Hie entered, where her young companions wait

to

CA^RrVER's TRAVELS.

*t$

f

fy attend her to her father's houfe *,; there the bride-
groom i» obliged to feek her, and the marriage is
confum mated. Very often the wife remains at her
father's houfe till flie has a child, when fiie |)acks up
her apparel, which is all the fortune flic is* generally
poiTeiled ofj and accompanies her hufband to his ha«
bitation.

When from any diflike a fep^tion takes place, for
they are feldom knoAvn to quarrel, they generally
give their friends ,a few days notice of their inten-
tions, and foinctimes offer reafons to juftify their gon- •
d\\&. The Witneffes who were prefent at the mar-
riage, meet oit-^he day requefted, at the houfe of the
couple that fire-about to feparate, and bringing with -
them the pieces of rod which they had received at
l^heir nuptials, throw them into the fire, in the prc-
Icnce of ill the parties.

This is the whole of the ceremony lequired. and
die feparation is carried on without any mnrmurings
or iilwill between the couple or their relations ; and
after a few months they are at liberty to marry again.

When a marriage is thus diflblved, the children'
which have been produced from it, arc equally divid-
ed between them } and a^ children are efteemed a
treafttrc by the Indians, if the number happens to be
odd, the woman is allowed to lake the better half.

Though this cuftom it^ms to encourage ficklenef?
and frequent feparationa, yet there are many of the
Indians who have but one wife, and enjoy with her a
ftate of connubial happihefa not to be exceeded in
more refined focictics. There are alfo not a few in-
ftances of women preferving an inviolable attachment
to their hufbands, except in the cafes before-men-
tioned, which are not confidered as either a violation
©f their chaftity or fidelity.

Although I have faid that the Indian nations difFei*
very little from each other in their marriage ceremo-
nies, there are fome exceptions. The Naudoweflies

have

•• ■•-■ (f !

Cf4

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

a

'''[
S

•:■ i:

li

■f

liaj^e a fmgular method of celebrating their marri-
ages, which ff^ems to bear no resemblance to thofe
made ufe of by any other nation I pafled through.
When one of their young men has fixed on a young
woman he approves of, he difcovers his paflion fo l>er
parents, who give him an invitation to come and live
with them in their tent.

He accordingly Accepts the offer, and by fo doing
engages to'refide in it for a whole year, in the cha-
racter of a menial fervant. During this time ht
hunts, and brings all the game he kills to the family j
by which means the father has an opportunity of fee-
ing whether he is able to provide for the fupport of
his daughter and the children that might be the con-
fequence of their union. This however is only done
whilft they are young men, and for their firft wife,
and not repeated like Jacob's fervitudes.

When this period is expired, the marriage is folem-
nized after the cuftom' of the country, in the follow,
ing manner : Three or four of the oldeft male rela-
tions of the bridegroom, and as many of the bride's^
accompany the young couple from their refpe(Skiv?
tents, to an open part in the centr« of tht camp.

The chiefs and warriors, being here aflembled to
receive them^ a party of the latter arc drawn up in
two ranks on each fide of the bride and bridegroom
immediately on their arrival. Their principal chief
then acquaints the whole aflembly with the defignof
their meeting, and tells them that the couple before
them, mentioning at the fame time, their names, arc
come to avow publickly their intention* of living to-
gether as man aud wife. He then a(ks the two young
people alternately, whether they defire that the union
might take place. Having declared with an audible
voice that they do fo, the warriors fix their arrows,
and difchargc them over the heads of the married
pair ; this done, the chief pronounces them man and
wife.

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

215

The bridegroom then turns rOHnd, and bending his
body, takes his wife on his back, in which manner he
carries her amidft the accclamations of the fpe(?!tators

hs tent. The ceremony is fucceeded by the moft
plftitiful feall the new married man can afford, and
jrngsand dances, according to the ufual cuftom, coii^,
dude the fellivaL

Divorces happen fo I'eldom ampng the Naudowef-
fies, that I had not an opportunity of learning how
they are accomplifhed.

Adultery is efteemed by them a heinous crime, and
puniihed with the greatelt rigor. The hufband in
thefe cafes bites off the woman's nofe, and a fepara^-
tion inftantly enfues. I faw an inftance wherein this
mode of punifhr^tnt was inflicted, whilft I remained
among them. The children, when this happens, are
(jiftributed according to the ufual cuftom obfervedby
other nations, that is, they are equally divided.

Among the Indians as well as European nations,
there are many that devote themfelves to pleafure,
aud notwithftanding the accounts given by fome mod-
ern writers of the rrigidity of an Indian conftitution,
become the zealous votaries of Venus. The young
warriors that are thus difpofed, feldom want opportu-
nities for gratifying their paffion t and as the mode
ufually followed onthde oceafions is rither fnigular,
I {hall defcribe it.

When one of thefe young debauches imagines from
the behaviour of the perfon he his chofen for his mif-
trefs, that he fliali not meet with any great obftruc-«
tion to his fait from her, he purfues the following
plan. *"■..

It has been already obferved, that tlie Indians ac-
knowledge no fuperiority, nor have they any ideas of
fubordinatlon, except in the neccffary regulations of
their vrar or hunting parties i they confequcntly live,
nearly in a ftaie of equality, purfuant to the firft
principles of nature. The lover therefore is not ap-

prehcnfive

!■ f

-*;

\^'%

'ziS'

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

prehenfive of any check or control in the accompllfh-
ment of his purpofes, if he can find a convenient op-
portunity for completing them.

As the Indians are alfo under no apprehcnfion of
robbers, or fecret enemies, they leave the doors of
th^ir tents or huts unfaftcncd during the night, as
well as in the day. Two or three hftttrs after funfet,
the ilaves or old people cover over the fire, that is
generally burningin the midft of their apartment, with
alhes, and retire to their repofe.

Whilft darknefs thus prevails, and all Jsquiet, one
of thefe fons of pleafure, wrapped up clofely in his ^
blanket, to prevent his being known^ will fometimes
enter the apartment of his intended miilrefs. Having
firfl lighted at the fmoth^red fire a fi^all fplinter of
wood, w^ich answers the purpofe of a match, he ap-
proaches the place wheije fhe repofes, and gently pul-
ling away the covering from the head, jogs her till fhe
awakes. If ilie then rifes up, and blows out the
light, he needs no further confirmation that his com-
pany is not.difagreeablr ; but if, after he has difcov-
cred himfeif, flie hides her head, and takes no notice
of him, he might reft aflured that any further felici-
tations will prove vain, and, that it is neceflary imme-
diately for him to retire.
, During his^^y he conceals the light as much m
poflible in the hollow of his hands, and as the tents
or rooms of the Indians aire ufually large and capa-
cious, he efcapes without dete(5lion. It is faid that
the young women who admit their lovers on tliefe oc-
cafions, take great care, by an immediate application
to herbs, with the potent efficacy of which they arc
well acquainted; fa prevent the effe<^ls of thefe rllicit
amours from becoming vilible *, for fliould the natu-
. ral confequences enfue, they mull forever remain un-
married.

The children of the Indians are always diftinguifli-
cd by the name of the mother : and if a ^/oman mar-

lieg

4

'CARVEil's TRAVELS.

■ll^

^^

nes feveral liufbands, and has iffiie by each of them,
they are called after her. The reafon they give for
this is> ^hat as their offspring are indebted to the fath-
er for their fouls, the invifible part of their efTence,
and to the mother for their corporeal and apparent
part, it is more rational that they fhould be diflin-
ffuiftied by the name of the latter, from whom they
indubitably derive their being, than by that of the
father, to which a doubt might fometimes arife
whether they are juftly entitled-

There are fome ceremonies made ufc of by the
Indians at the impofltion of the name, and it is con-
fidered by them as a matter of great importance •, but
what thefe are I could never learn, through the fecrc-
fy obferved on the occafion. I only know that it is
ufually given when the children have pafled the ftate.
of infancy.

Nothing can exceed the tendernefs fhown by them.
io their offspring ; and a perfon cannot recommend
himfelf to their favour by any method more certain,
than by paying fome attention to the younger branch-
es of their families. I can impute, in fome meafure,
to the prefents I made to the children of the chiefs
of the Naudoweffies, the hofpitable reception I met
with when among them.

There is fome difficulty attends an explanation of
the manner in which the Indians difllngu'fh them-
felves from each other. Be fides the name of the an-
imal by which every nation and tribe is denominated,
there are others that arc perfonal, and which the»
children receive from their mother.

The chief? are alfo diftinguifhed by a name that:
has either fome reference to their abilities, or to the
hieroglyphic of their families ; and thefe are acquired
after they arrive at the age of manhood. Such as
have fignalized the tnfclves either in their war or hunt-
ing parties, or are pofTefTed of fome eminent qualifi-
cation, receive a name that ferves to perpetuate the

T fame

V,^'

* .

"'f1'f:1: i

V vi'

im,

ai6

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

H

1

fame of thcfe aftions, or to make their abilities con-
fpicu ms.

Thus the great warrior of the NaudowefRes wag
seamed Ottahtongoomliihcah, tliat is, the Great Fath-
er of Snakes ; ottah being in Englilh father, ton-
goom great, and lifhcah a fnake. Another chief was
called Honahpawjatin, which means a fwift running
over the mountains. And when they adopted me a
chief among them, they named me Shebaygo, which
fignlfies a writer, or a perfon that is curious in mak-
ing hieroglyphics, as they faw me often writing.

CHAPTER Xril.

OF riiEiR RELIGION,

I

,T is very difficult to attain a perfe6l knowledge
tjf the religious principles of the Indians. Their cere-
monies and doifiiines have been fo often ridiculed by
the Europeans, that they endeavour to conceal them ;
and if after the greateft intimacy, you defire any of
them to explain to you their fyftem of religion, to pre-
vent your ridicule, they intermix with it many of the
tenets they have received of the French naifTionaries,
fo that it is at laft rendered an unintelligible jargon
and not to be depended upon.

Such as I could difcovcr among the Naudowcfllej
(for they alfo were very rel'crved in this point) I fhall
give my readers, without paying any attention to the
accounts of others. As the religion of that people
from their fituation appears to be totally unadulterat-
ed with the fuperftitions of the church of Rome, we
fliallbe able to gain from their religious cuftoms a
more pcrfccSt idea of the original tenets and ceremo-
nies of the Indians in general, than from thofe of any
nations that approach nearer to the fettlements.

It

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

2iy

ff is certain they ncknowlcdgc one Supreme Being,
or Giver of Life, who prcfides over all things. The
Chipeways call this being Manitou, or Kitchi Mani-
tou i the Naudoweflies, Wakon or Tongo-Wakpn,
that is, the Great Spirit *, and they look up to him a/
the fource of good, from whom no evil can proceed.
They alfo believe in a bad fpirit, to whom they af-
cribe great power, and fuppofe that throuj;h his
means all the evils which befall mankind are in^.li£lc(l.
To him therefore do they pray in their diflrelTes, beg-
ging that he would either avert their troViblcs, or
moderate them when they are no longer avoidable.

They fay that the Great Spirit, who is infinitclr
good, neither wifhes or is able to do any mifchief to
mankind ; bi on the contrary, that he fhowers down
on them all the bleflings they defcrve j whereas the
evil fpirit is continually employed in contriving how
he may punifh the human race ; and to do whicli h«
is not only poflcfled of the will, but of the power.

They hold alfo that there are good fpirits of a lelTev
degree, who have their particular departments, in
which they are conftantly contributing to the I'.appi-
neils of mortals. Thefe they fuppofe to prefidc over
all the extraordinary produ£lions of nature, fuch as
thofe lakes, rivers,, or mountains that are of an un-
common magnitude 5 and likewifc the beafts, birds,
fifhes, and even vegetables, or ftones that exceed the
reft of their fpecies in fize or fingularity. To all
of thefe they pay fome kind of adoration. Tlius
when they arrive on the borders of Lake Superior, or
the banks of the Mifiifippi, or any other grtat body
of water, they prefent to the Spirit whorcfides there
fome kind of offering, as the prince of the Winneba-
foes did when he attended me to the Falls of St.
Anthony.

But at the fame time I fancy that the ideas they an-
nex to the word fpirit, are very diflcrent from the
conceptions more enlightened nations entertain oi it.

They

"IT'-

320

CARVER'. TRAVELS.

11 ■

I

They appear to Tufhion to themfelves corporeal re^
prefcntations of their gods, and believe them to be of
a human form, though of a nature more excellent
than man.

• Of the fame kind are their fcntiments rclativi to a
futurity. They doubt not but they fliall exift in feme
future ftate j they however fancy that their employ,
ments there will be fimilar to thofe they are engaged
in here,'without the labour and difficulties annexed
to them in this period of their exillence.

They conf-^quently expedi to be tranflated to a de-
lightful country, where they fhall always have a clear
tmclouded Iky, and enjoy a perpetual Ipring ; where
the forefts will abound with game, and the lakes with
iifh, which migh«- be taken without a painful exertion
of fkill, or a laborious purfuit ; in ihort, that they
Ihall live forever in regions of plenty, and enjoy eve-
ry gratification tliey delight in here, in a greater de-
gree.

To intellectual pleafures they are ftrangers ; nor
are thefe included in their fcheme of happinefs. But
they expe£l: that even thefe animal pleafures will be
proportioned anddiflributed according to their merit;
the Ikilful hunter, the bold and fuccefsful wairior,
will be entitled to a greater fhare than thofe who
through indolence or want of ikill cannot boaft of a-
iiy fuperiority over the common fterd.

The prierts of the Indians are at the fame time
their phyficians, and their conjurers ; whilft they heal
their wounds, or cure their difeafes, they intf.rpret
their dreams, give them protedive charms, and fatis-
fy that defire which is fo prevalent among them, of
fearching into futurity.

How well they execute the, Jatter part of their
profelfional engagements, and the methods they make
ufe of on fome of thefe occafibns, I have already
ihewh in the exertions of the prieft of the Killiftinoes,
iivho was fortunate enough to fucceed in his extr^*

ordinary

CARVLR's TRAVELS.

12\

it "'J

or(!i»aTy attempt near Lake Superior. They fre-
quently are fuccefsful, likewife in adminiflering the
laiubrious herbs they have acquired a knowledge of ;
but that the ceremonies they make ufe of during the
adminiftration of them contributes to their fuccefs, I
fliall not take upon me to aflert. . ^

When any of die people are ill, the perfon who is
inveftedwith this triple character of do£ter, priefl,
aiid magician, fits by the patient day and night, rat-
tling in his ears a goad Ihell filled with dry beans,
called a Chich'coue and making a difagreei*ble noifc
.that connot be well defcribed.

This uncouth harmony one would imagine fhoiild
di{turb the fick perfon and prevent the good Cil'tds
of the doctor's prefcription ; but on the contrary they
believe that the method made ufe of, contributes to
his recovery, by diverting from his malignant purpo-
fes the evil fpirit v/ho has infle£led the diforder ; or
at lead that it will take ofl'his attention, fo that ht:
fliall not increafe the nvalady. This they are credu-
lous enough to imagine he is conftantly on the watch
to do, and would carry his inveteracy to a fatal length
if they did not thus charm him.

I could not difcover that they make ufe of any
other rehgious ceremonies than thofe I have defcrib-
ed ; indeed, on the apipeara,nce of the new-moon they
dance and fing ; but it is not evident that they pa/
that planet any adoration > they only feem to rejoice
at the return of a luminary that makes the night cheer-
ful, and which ferves to light them on tltir way when
they travel during the abfcence of the fan.

Notwithftanding Mr. Adair has afieited that the
nations anaong whom he refidcu, obferve with very
little variation all the rites appointed by the Mofaic
L^w, I own I could never difcover among thofe trtbes
that lie but a few degrees to the north weft, the lead
taraces of the Jewifli religion, except it be admitted
(kilt one particular female cuftom <\nd their divifions

" Tx " iut©

■'^ -t

V
4

i ; f )

122

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

into tribes, carry with them proof fufTicient to eftab.
lifli this aflertion.

The Jeluits and French mifnoiiaries have alfo pre-
tcnckd that the Indians had, when they firft travell-
ed into America, fomc notions, though thefe w :
dark and confufed, of the ehrittian inftitution; nat
they have bee i gieatiy aggitatedat the fight of a crofs,
and given proofs by the impreflions made on them,
that they were not entirely unacquainted with the
facred myfteries of Chriftanity. I need not fay that
thefe are too glaring abfurdities to be credited, and
could only receive their exiftence from the zeal of
thofe fathers, who endeavoured at once to give die
public a better opinion of the fuccefs of their miflions
and to add fupport to the caufe they were engaged in.

The Indians appear to bejn their religous princi-
ples, rude and UTiinfl:ru6led. The doctrines they
hold are few and fimple, and fuch as have been gen-
erally imprcfled on the human mind, byfome means
or othqr, in the moft ignorant*ages. They however
have not deviated, as many other uncivilized nations^
and too many civiliz-ed ones have done, into idolatrous
modes of worlhip ; they venerate indeed an^ make
offerings to the wonderful parts of the creation, as I
have before obferved ; but whether thofe rights are
perfoi med on account 6f the impreflion fuch extraor-
dinary appearances make on them, or whether they
confidcr them as he peculiar charge, or the ufual
places of refidenc ; of the invifible fpirits they ac-
kowledge, I cf.nnot pofitively determine.

The human mind in its uncultivated ftate is apt
to afcribe the extraordinary occurrences of nature,
fuch as earthquakes, thunder, or hurric ncs, to the
interpofition of unfeen beings^ ; the troubles and dif*
alters alfo that are annexed to a favage life, the ap*
prehenfions attendant on a precarious fubfiftence, and
thofe numberlefs inconveniences which man in his
improved ftatc lias fownd means to remedy, are fup-

pofed

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

2ij

to ellab. I pofcd to proceed from the interpofition of evil fpirits |
the favage confequetitly lives in continual ppprehen- ■
fions of their unkipd attacks, and to avert them has
recourfe to Cviarms, to the fantaftic ceremonies of
his prieft, or the powerful influence of his Manitous.
Fear has of courfe l greater fhare in his devotions thaft
gratitude, and he pays more atter to deprecating '
the wrath of the evil, than to f'_t.uring the favor of
the good beings-r

The Indians, however, entertain thefc abfurdities
in common with thofe of every part of the globe who
have not been illuminated by that religion, which
only can difperfe the clouds of fuperflition and igno-
rance, and they are as free from error as a people
can be that has not been favored with its inilrudtivc
(lo6lrine$.

M

CHAPTER XIV.

OF THEIR DISEASES^ ^c

te is apt
f nature,
's, to the
s and dif»
-> the ap»
Jnce, and
an in his

are fup-

pofed

X HE Indians In general are healthy, and fuS*
jeft but to few difeafea, many of thofe that afflid^
civilized nations, and are the immediate confequences
of luxury or floth, being not known among them y
however, the bardfliips ^nd fatigues which they en-
dure in hunting or war, tixe inclemency of the fea-
fons to which they are continually expofed, but above
all the extremes of hunger, and that voracioufnefs
their long excurfions confequently fubje£l: them to,
cannot fail of impairing the conftitution, and bring-
ing on difordcrs.

Pains and weaknelTes in the ftomach and breaft
are foraetimes the refult of their long falling, and
cowfumptions of the cxceflive fatigue and violent ex-

crcifes

4 -ll

itl

"4

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

ercifes they ciipofc thcmfelvci to from their Infancy,
before they have fufficient ftrengtK to fupport them.
But the diforder to which they are moft fubjefl, is
the pletlrify j for the removal of which, they apply
their grand remedy and prefcrvation againft tne gea-
erality of their ^mplaints, fweating.

The manner in which they condruft their ftoves
for this purpofc is as follows : They fix feveral fmall
poles in the ground, the tops of which they twift to-
gether, fo as to form a rotunda : this frame they co-
ver with (kins or blankets j and they lay them on
with fo much nicety, that the air is kept from enter-
ing through any crevice ; a fmall fpace being only
left, jufl: fufficient to creep in at, which is immedi-
ately after clofed. In the middle of this confined
building tJiey place red hot ftones, on which they
pour water till a fteani arifcs that produces a great
degree of heater - .

This caufes an inftantaneous perfpiratlon, which
they increafe as they pleafe. Having continued in it
for fome time, they immediately haften to the neareft
ftream, and plunge into the water ; and, after bathing
therein for about half a minute, they put on their
clothes, fit down and fmoak with great compoiure,
thoroughly perfuaded that the remedy will prove effi-
cacious. They often make wfe of this fudoriferous
method to refrefli themfelves, or to prepare their
minds for the management of any bufinefs that re-
quires uncommon deliberation and i'agacity.

They arc likewife afilified with the dropfy and pa*
ralytic complaints, which, however, are but very fel-
doni known among them. As a remedy for thefe
18 well as for fevers they make ufe of lotions and de-
cod^ions, compofed of herbs, which the phyficians
know perfc<Slly well how to compound and apply,
Bu^ they never truft to medicines alone 5 they always
have recovirfe likewife to foin« fuperftitious ceremo^i

nies^

CARVER'S TRAVfELS.

"5

flics, withcut which their patients would not think
the phyfical preparations fufficiently powerful.

With equal judgement they make ufe of fimples
for the cure of wounds, fraftures, or bruifed ; and
arc able to extraft by thefe, without incifion, fplin-
ters, iron, or any other fort of matter by which the
wound is^:iufed. In cures of this kind they are ex-
tremely dextrous, and complete them in much Icfs
lime than might be expelled from their mode of pro-
ceeding.

With the fkin of a fnake, which thofe reptiles an-
rually flied, they will alfo extraft fplinters. It is a-
mazing to fee the fudden^efficacy of this application,
not wit lift and ing there does not appear to be the leaft
ttioifture remaining in it.

It has long been a fubjeil of difpute, on what con-
tinent the venereal difeafe firft received its deftruc-
tive power. This dreadful malady is fuppofed to
liave originated in Am«ricji, but the literary conteft
ftill remains undecided •, to give feme elucidation to
it I Ihall temark, that as I could not difcover the
leaft traces amot»g the Natidoweflies, with whom I"
fefidcd fo long, and was alfo informed that it was yet
unknown among th« more wefttrn nations,! think T
way venture to pronounw that it had not' jt4 origih'
in North-America* ThcTe nations that have any
Communication with the Europeans, or the fouthern
tribes^ are greatly affiled with it ; but they have all
of them acquired a knowledge of fuch certain and ex-
peditious remedies, that the communication is not at-
tended with any dangerous confequences.

Soon after 1 fet out on my travels, one of the tra-
ders whom I accompanied, complained of a violent
gonorrhcea, with all its alarming fymptoms : this in-
creafed to fuch a degree, that by the time we bad
reached the town of the WinnebagoeSj he was unable
to travel. Having made his complaint known to one
of the chiefs of that tribe, he told him not to be unfea-

••]|

V

m:i

ai6

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

fy, for he would engage that by the following his a(i-
vice, he fliould be able in a few days to puifuc his
journey, and in a little longer time be entirely free
from his diforder.

The chief had no fooner faid this than he prepared
for him a deco£tion of the bark of the roots of the
prickly aili, a tree fcarcely known in England, but
which grows in great plenty throughout North-Amer-
ica } by the ufe of which, in a few days he was great*
ly recovered, and having received directions how to
prepare it, in a fortnight after his departure from thii
place, perceived that he was radically cured.

If from exceffive exercifc, or the extremes of heat
or cold, they are effeded with pains in their limbs or
joints, they fcarify the parts aft'eClcd. Thofe nationi
who have no commerce with Europeans do this v ith
a (harp flint ; and it is furprifing to fee, to how a fine
a point they hi\ve the dexterity to bring them *, a lan-
cet can fcarcely exceed in (harpnefs the inflrumenti
they make of this onmalleable fubflance.

They never can be convinced a perfon is ill, whilf^
he has an appetite ; but when he rejedis all kind of
nourifhment, they confider the difeafe as dangerous,
and pay great attention to it *, and during the continu-
ance of the diforder, the phyfician refufes his patient
no fort of food that he is deflrous of.

Their do«Si;ors are not only fuppofed to be {killed in
the phyfical treatment of difeafes •, but the common
people believe that by thctceremony of the Chlchicouc
ufually made ufe of, as before defcribed, they are able
to gain intelligence from the fpirits, of the caufe of
the complaints with which they are affllfted, and are
thereby the better enabled to find remedies for them.
They difcover fomething fupernatural in all their
difeafes, and the phyfic adminiflered mufl invariably
be aided by thefe iiiperflitions.

Sometimes a fick perfon fancies that his diforder a-
Xik% from witchcraft i in this csife the phyfician oi

juggler

ITl

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

"7

Juggler is confulted, vho, after the ufin! prcp?,rAtio!ij,
gives liis opinion on the flatc of the iiircile, and frc-
qutiiuly finds fome means for lii« cure. But not-
withftandiiig tlie IndiiMi phyficians always annex tliefc
fuperditious ceronion-js to their prefcriptions, it is
very certain, as I iiave aheady obfcrved, that they ex-
ercife their art by principles which arc founded on
the knowledge of fimples, and on the experience,
which they acqiurc by aw indefatigable attention to
their operations.

The following ftorv which I received from aperfon
of undoubted credit, proves that the Indians are not "
only able to reafon with great acuteneCs on the caufss
and fymptomf of many of the diforders which areat-
tendant on human nature, but to apply with equal
judgment proper remedies.

In Penobfcot,afettlement in the Province of Maine,
in the north-eaft parts of New-England, the wife of
a foldicr was taken in labc ur, and notwithflanding ev-
ery neeeflary afliftance was given her, could not be
delivered. In this fituation flie remained for two or
three days, the perfons around her cxpeftlng that the
next pang would put an end to her exiftence.

An Indian woman, who accidentally pafTed by,
heard the groans of the unhappy fufFercr, and enquir-
ed from whence they proceeded. Being made acquaint-
ed with the dcfperatecircumftance attending the cafe,
(lie told the informant, that if fhe might be [ crmittcd
to fee the perfon, lli€ did not doubt but that ftic fliould
be of great fervice to her.

The furgeon that had attended, and the midwife
who was then prefent, having given up every hope of
preferving their patient, the Indian woman was allov?-
cd to make ufe of any methods iTie thought proper.
She accordingly took a handkerchief, and bound it
light over the nofe amd mouth of the woman ; this
immediately brought on a fuffocation ; and from the
fti'uggles that consequently enfued, fhe was in a few

feconds

;*Hi('' ;;

Iv

I'ftr!''

22$

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

feconds delivered. The moment this Tvas atchieved
and time enough to prevent any fatal effeft, the
handkerchief was taken off. The long-fufFering pa-
tient thus happily relieved from her pains, foon after
perfe^y recovered, to the aftoi^jfhment of all thofe
who had been witnefs to her defperatc (ituation.

The reafon given by the Indian for this hazardous
method of proceeding was, that dcfperate diforders
require defperate remedies ; that as (he obferved the
exertions of nature were not fufficiently forcible to ef-
fect the defired cor.fequence, ihe thought *t neceflary
to augment their force, which could only be done by
ifomc mode that was violent 'i the extreme.

iM^

Ani

1 J

fe'l

■lA] -fl

C H A P T E R XV.

.CJP THE MANNER /JV which TIi£r TJi£dT

A

-£ Jk-N Indian meets death when it approaches
him in his hut, with the fame refolution he has often
faced him in the field. His indifference relative to this
important article, which is the fource of fo many ap-
prehenfions to almofl: every other nation, is truly ad-
mirable. When his fate is pronounced by the phyfi-
cian, apd it remains ao longer uncertain, he ha-
rangues diofe about him with the greateft compofurc.
If he is a chief and has a family, he makes a kind of
funeral oration, which he concludes by giving to his
children fuch advice for the regulation of their con-
duft as he thinks necelTary. He then takes leave of
his friends, and iflues out orders for the preparation
of a feaft, which is defigned to regale thofc of hi»
tribe that come to pronoutice his eulogium.

After

^*.-x

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

£29

After the breath is departed, the body U drefled m
(he iame attire it ufually wore whilft living, his face
IS p'lntcdj and he feated in an ere£t pofture on a mat
or fkin, placed in the middle of the hut, with hii
weapons by his fide. His relations being feated
round, each harrangues in tiirn the deceafed ; and i£
he hasbecn a great warrior, recounts his heroic ac-
tions ne;\rly to the following purport, which in the
Indian language is extremely poetical and pleafing :
. « You ftill fit among us, Brother, your perfon re-
tains its ufual refemblance and contiimes limilar t»
ours, without any vifible dt ficiency, except that it has
loft the power of a£lion. But whither is that bicath
flown, which a few hours ago fent up fmoke to the
Great Spirit ?* Why are thofe lips filent, that lately-
delivered to us exprefllve and pleafing language ? why-
are thofe feet motionlefs, that a fhort time ago were
fleeter than the dear on yonder mountains ? why ufe-
lefs hang thofe arms that could climb the taleft tree,
or draw the toughed bow ? Alas ! every part of that
frame which we lately beheld with admiration jwid
wonder, is now become as inanimate as is was three
hundred winters ago. We will not, however, bemoan
thee as if thou waft forever loft to us, or that thy name
would be buried in oblivion ; thy foul yet lives in the
great Country of Spirits, with thofe of thy nation that
are gone before thee ; and though we are left behind
to prepetuatc thy fame, we fhall one day join thee.
Actuated by the refpe£l we bore thee whilft livin^i»,
we now come to tender to thee the laft a<^l of kind-
ncfs it is in our power to beftow : that thy body might
not lie ntgle£led on the plain, and become a pr.iy to
the bcLxds of the field, or the fowls of air, we wiit
tike care to lay it with thofe of thy predecciTors who
2re gone before thee ; hoping at the fame time, that
thy fpirit will feed with their fpirits, and hi ready
to receive ours, whca we alfo Ihall arrive at the great
Country of Souls."

U 111

-d

'I

"*■■■,

■lyj

CARVER':. TRAVELS.

In fliorl fpecchs fomcwhat Gmilav to this does eve,
ly chief fpeakthepraifes of his departeil friend. When
they have fo done, if they happen to be a great diftnncc
from the place of interment, appropriated to their tribe
and the perfon. dies during the winter feafon, they
wrap the body in flcins, and lay it on a high ftagc
built for this purpofe, or on the branchs of a large
tree, till the fpring arrives. They then, after the
manner defcribed in ray Jor nal, carry it, together
•with all thofe belonging to f le f?.ras nation, to the ge-
neral burial-phce, where it !s intercd with fome oth-
er ceremonies that I could not difcover.

When the Naudoweffies brought their dead for in-
terment to the great cave, I attempted to get an in-
fight into the remaining burial rites ; t»ut whether it
was on acconut of the ftench which arofe from fo
many bodies, the weather being then hot, or whether
they chofe to keep this part of their cuftoms fecret
from me, I could not difcover ; I found, however,
that they confidcred my curiufity as iU timed, and
therefore I withdrew.

After the intermcat, the band to which the perfon
belongs, take care to fix near the plac^ fuch hierogly-
phics as ihall fhew to future ages his merit and ac-
complifhments. If any of thefe people die in the
fummer, at a diftance from the burying-ground, and
they find it impoflible to remove the body before it
putrefies, they burn the flefh from the bones, prefcrv-
ing the latter, bury them in the manner defcribed.

As the Indians believe that the fouls of the deceaf-
cd employ themfelves in the fame manner in the
country of fpirits, as they did on earth, that they ac-
quire their food by hunting, and have there, alfo, ene-
mies to contend with, they take care that they do not
enter thofe regions dcfcncelefs and unprovided ; they
confequently bury with them their bows, their arrows,
and all the other weapons ufed either in hunting or
war. As they doubt not but they will likewife have

occafion

Tcaf(
hav^

den

S
vh

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

231

occafion both for the neccfiliries of life, and thofc
tilings they eftecm as ornairiCnts, they ufually dtpo-
lit in their tombs fuch Ikins or llufls as they common-
ly made their garments of, domeftic utenfilsj and
paint for ornamenting their perfons. ■ ■

The near relations of the deceafcd lament his
Jofs with an appearance of great forrow and anguifli 5
they weep and howl, and make ufe ot many contor-
tions, as they fit in the hut or tent around the body,
vi'hen the iiuvivals between the praifes of the chiefs
will permit.

One formality in mourning for the dead among the
Naudoweflies is very different from any mode I ob-
ferved in the other nations through which I pafTed.
The men, to ihew how great their forrow is, pierce
the flefli of their arms, above the elbows, with arrows ;
the fears of which I could perceive on tliofc of every
rank, in a greater or lefs degree ; and the women cut
and galli their legs with fharp broken flints, till the
blood flows very plentifully.

Whilft I remained among them, a couple whofe
tent was adjacent to mine, loft a fen of about four
years of age. The parents were fo much aflbdted at
the death of their favorite child, that they perilled the
ttfualteftimonies of grief with fuch uncommon ri-
gour, as through the weight of forrow and lofs of
blood, to occafion the death of the father. The wo-
man, who had heretofore been inconfolable, no foot-
er faw her hufband expire, than flie dried up her tears^
and appeared cheerful and refigned.

As I knew not how to account for fc extraordina-
ry a tranlition, I took an opportunity to aflc her the
reafon of it : telling her at the fame time, thatlfliould
have imagined the lofs of her hufljand would rather
have occafioned an increafe of gricf> than fuch a fud^
itr\ diminution of it.

She informed me, that as the child was fo young
when it died, and unable to fupport itfclf in the coun-
try

* •,

^W%

a32

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

try of fpirits, both (he and her hulband had been ap-
prehenlive that its fituation would be far from happy •
but no fooner did fhe behold its father depart for the
fame place, who not only loved the child with ihe
tendereft affedlion, but was a good hunter, and would
be able to provide plentifully for its fupport, th;ui
ihe ccafed to mourn. She added, that flie nvw faw
no reafon to continue her tears, as the diiid on
whom fhe doted, was happy under the care and pro-
tci^ion of a fond father, and the had only one wlfh
that remained ungratified, which was tixat of being
hcrfelf with them.

Expreflions fo replete with unaffefted tenderncfs,
and fcrtiments that would have done honor to a Ro-
man matron, made an imprcffion on my mind great-
ly in favor of the people to v/hom fhe belonged, and
tended not a little to counteraft the prejudices I had
hitherto entertained, in common with every othe.r
traveller, of Indian inftnfibility and want of parental
tenderners.

Her fubfequcnt condu£i confirmed the favorable
opinion I had juft imbibed ; and convinced me, that,
iiotwithfLanding tills apparent fufpcnffion of her grief,
fome particles of that relu£bance, to be feparated from
a beloved relation, which is implanted either by na-
ture or cuflom in every human heart, flill lurked in
hers. I obferved that fhe went almofl every evening
to the foot of the tree, on a branch of which the bo-
dies of her hufband and child were laid, and after cut-
ting off a lock of her hair, and throwing it on the
ground, in a plaintive melancholy fong bemoaned its
fate. A recapitulation of the adions he might have
performed, had his life been fpared, appeared to be
he*- favorite theme ; and whilft flie foretold the fame
that would liave attended an imitation of his father's
virtues, her greif feemed to be fufpended :-—

<*If thou hadfl continued with us, my dear
Son/' would (he cry, « how well would the bow have

become

[«1 been ap.

[art for the
id with the
and Would
[port, th;m
|e now faw
child on
re and pro-
|y one wifli
It of being

tenderncfs,
or to a Ro*
nind great-
nnged, and
dices I had
;very other
of parental

e favorable
d me, that,
>f her grief,
arated from
ther by na-
il lurked in
:ry evening
ich the bo-
d after ciit-
l it on the
Tioaned its
night have
:ared to be
d the fame
[lis father'^

my dear
z bow have
become

CARVE.. IP WELS.

23^

become thy hand, and how fatal would thy arrows
have proved to the enemies of our bands. Thou
wouldft often have drank their blood, and eaten their
flefli, and numerous flaves would have rewarded thy
toils. With a nervous arm wouldft thou have feized
the wounded bufFaloe, or have combated the fury of
the enraged bear. Thou wouldft have overtaken the
flying elk, and have kept pace on the mountain's
brow with the fleeteft deer. "What feats mighteft:
thou not have performed, had ft thou ftaid among us
till age had given thee ftrength, and thy father had
mftrudled thee in every Indian accompliihment !" In
terms like thefe did this untutored favage bewail the
lo{s of her fon, and frequently would ftie pafs the
greateft part of the night in the affectionate em-
ploy-
The Indians in general are very ftri£l in the obfer-

vance of their laws relative to mourning for their
dead. In fomc nations they cut off their hair, blacken
their faces, and fit in an ere£l: pofture, with their
heads, clofely covered, and depriving thwpfelvcs of
every pleafure. This feverity is continueOTor feveral
months, and with fome relaxations the appearance is
fometimes kept up for feveral years. I was told that
Tfhen the Naudoweffies recollected any incidents of
the lives of their deceafed relations, even after an in-
terval of ten years, they would howl fo as to be heard
at a great diftance. They would fometimes continue
this proof of refpeCt and affection for feveral hours ;
and if it happened that the thought occured, and the
noife was begun towards the evening, thofe of their
tribe who are at hand ^yould join with them.

CHAPTER XVI.

Va

<}3* CARVER'i TRAVELS^

CHAPTER XVI.

A CONCISE CHARACTER OF rii^ INDIANS.

X HE cliarafter of the Indians, like that of
other uncivilized nations, is compofed of a mixture oi'
ferocity and gentlenefs. They are at once guided by
paflions and appetites, which they hold in common
with the fierced bcafts that inhabit their woods, and
are pofTefled of virtues which do honor to human na^
ture.

In the following eftimate I fliall endeavour to for-
get on the one hand the prejudices of Europeans, who
ufually annex to the word Indian, epithets that arc
difgraceful to human nature, and who view them in
no other light than as favagea and cannibals, whilft
with equal care I avoid my partiality tcJwards them/.<G
fome mufl naturally arife from the favourable recep-
tion I met with during my ftay among them.

At the fame time I (hall confine my remarks to
the nations inhabiting only the weftern regions, fuch
as the Naudoweflies, the Ottagaumies, the Chipe-
ways, the Winnebagoes, and the Saukies ; for as
throughout that diverfity of climates, the extenfive
continent of America is compofed of, there are peo-
ple of different difpofitions and various characters,
it wduld be incompatible with my prefent undertak-
ing to treat of all thcfcj and to give a general view
of them as a conjun£livc body.

That the Indians are of a cruel, revengeful, inex-
orable difpofitioxi, that they will watch whole days
unmindful of the calls of nature, and make their w;\y
through pathlefs, and almoft unj^oundcd woods, ilib-
fifling only on the fcanty produce of them, to puriuc
Itnd revenge themfslves of an enemy 5 that th'7 hear

Hiunoved

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

^f

unmoved the piercing cries of fuch as unhappily fall
into their hands, and receive a diabolical plcafurc
from the tortures they infli^l on their prifoners, I
leadily grant ; but let us look on the rcverfe of this;
terrifying pidlure, and v^e fliall find them temperate
both in their d'et and potations (it muft be remem-
bered that I fj^ak of thofe tribes who have little
communication -with. Europeans) that they vvithftand,.
with unexampled patience, the attacks of hunger, or
the inclemency of the feafons, and efteem the grati-
fication of their appetites but as a fecondary confi-
deration.

"We fliall likewife fee them fecial and humane to-
tliofe whom they confider as their friends, and evea*
to their adopted enemies j and ready to partake with
them of the laft morfel, or to rilk their lives in their
defence.

In contradlQiion to the report of many other tra-
vellers, allof which have been tinctured with preju-
dice, I can aficrt, that notwithflanding the apparent
indifference with which an Indian meets his wife and
children after a long abfence, an indifference proceed-
ing rather from cuftom than infenfibility, he is not
unmindful of the claims either of conn ibial or paren-
tal tendernefii *, the little flory I have introduced iu
'the preceding chapter, of the Naudowefiie woman
lamenting her child, and the immature death of the
father, will elucidate this point, and enforce the af-
fertion much better than tlie mofl lludied arguments
I can make ufe of.

Accuflomed from their youth to innumerable hard-
fhips, they fbon become fuperior to a fenfe of dan-
ger, or the dread of death •, and their fortitude, im-
planted by nature, and nurtured by example, by pre-
cept and accident, never experiences^ a moment'fe
allay.

Though flothful and inacStive whilfl: their flores
if proviUoa remains unexhaufted, ami their foes are

at

W

■i'f <''\

I

i' ti

it .?!

2si

CARVER'* TRAVELS.

■'IJIt, I'i:

Mi ^

at a dlllancc, they arc indefatigable and pcrfcvcring
in purfuit of their game^ or in circumventing their
enemies.

If they arc artful and defigning, and ready to take
every advantage, if they an cool and deliberate in
their councils, and cautious in the extreme either of
difcovcring their fentiments, or of revealing a fecret,
they mic;ht at the fame time boaft of poffeffing quali-
fications of a more animated nature, of the fagacity
of a hound, the penetrating fight of a lynx, the cun-
ning of the fox, the agility of a bounding roe, and the
unconquerable fiercenefs of the tiger.

In their public characters, as forming part of a
community, they poflefs an attachment for that band
to which they belong, unknown to the inhabitants of
any other country. They combine, as if they were
a^uated only by one foul, againft the enemies of their
nation, and banifh from tlieir minds every confider-
ation oppofed to this.

They confuk without unneceflary oppofition, or
"withc»ut giving way to the excitements of envy or
ambition, on the meafurcs neceflary to be purfued
for the deftruftion of thofe who have drawn on thcm-
felvcs thiir difpleafure. No felfiih views ever inllu-
ence their advice, or obftrudt their tonfultations.
Nor is it in the power of bribes or threats to diminifli
the love they bear their country.

The honor of their tribe, and the welfare of their
nation, is the firfl and moil predominant emotion of
their hearts ; and from hence proceed in a great
meafure all their virtues and their vices. Actuated
by this, they brave every danger, endure the molt
riiijuifite torments, and expire triumphing in their for-
titude, not as a peifonal qualification, but as a nation-
al chara(Steri(lic.

From thence alfo flow that infatiable revenge to-
wards thofe with whom they are at war, and all the
•onfecjuent horrors that diigracc tlieir name. Their

. uncultivated

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

257

pcrfcvering
-nting their

-a<^y to take
-liberate in
>e either of
ng a fecret,
ffing quali-
he fagacity
I the cun-
oe, and the

part of a
r that band
labitants of
tliey were
lies of their
Y confider-

pofition, or
of envy or
be purf'ued
n on thcm-
ever inllu-
tfultations.
o diminidi

re of their
motion of
n a great
A(Stuatcd
the moit
their for-
a nation*-

vtngc to-
ld all the
. Their
tivatcd

uncultivated mind being incapable of juvlging of the
propriety of an adiion, in oppolition to their paflions,
which are totally infenfiblc to the controls of reafon
or humanity, they know not how to keep their fury
within any bounds, and tonfctjuently that courage
and relolution, which would otherwifc do them hon-
or, degenerates into a lavage ferocity.

But this fliort diflertaticn muft fuillce : the Htt.hk
of my work will not permit me to treat the fubjedl
niore copioufly, or to purfue it with a logical regu-
larity. The obfervatiofts already made by my rea-
ders on the preceding pages, will, I truft, render
it unneceiTary ; as by them they will be enabled to
form a tolerable juft idea of the people I have been
defcribing. Experience teaches, that anecdotes, and
relations of particular events, however trifling they
might appear, enable us to form a truer judgment of
the manners and cuftoms of a people, and are much
more declaratory of their real Hate, than the moflb
^udied and elaborate difquifitioii, without thefe aids^

CHAPTER XVII.
§f rHEiR LAl^GUAGE, HIEROGLTPHICS.^f:

X. HE principal languages of the natives of
North America may be divided into four clafles, as
they confift of fuch as are made ufe of by the nations of
the Iroquois towards the eallern parts of it, the Chipe-
ways or Algonkins to the north-weft, the Naudowef-
fiesto the well, and the Cherokees, Chickafaws, &c.
to the fouth. One or other of thefe four are ufed by
all the Indians who inhabit the parts that lie betwectt
tl^e coaft of Labradore north; the Floridas fouth, the.
. . Atlantic

■ 'I ^ii

■'V :

'111-

l.^^\

:m'\

' i

St

i

A •.. ^

ii^

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

i»S

r^:v■^■^,..■>;•'"i

Atlantic Ocean eaft, and, as far as wc can judge from
the difccveries hitJierto made, the Pacific Ocean oa
the we 'I.

Bi;c of all thefe, the Chipeway tongue appears to
be the molt prevailing ; it being held in luch eltcem,
that the chiefs of every tribe, dwelling about the great
lakes, or to the weftwavd of thcfe on the banks of the
Milhflippij with thofe as far fouth as the Ohio, and a$
far north as Hudfon's Tay, conlifting of more than
thirty diftlrcnt tribe?, fpcak this language alone in
their councils, notwiihitandiug each has a peculiar
one of their own.

It will probably in time become univerfal among
all the Indian nations, as none of them attempt to
make ^excurfions to any great' diftance, or are confid-
ered as qualified to carry on any negociation with a
diilant band^ unlefs they have acquired the Chipeway
tcngu'?.

At prefent, befides the Chipeways, to whom it is
natural, the Ottawaws, the Saukies, the Ottagau-
mies, the Killiftinoes, the Nipegons, the bands about
Lake Le Pluye, and the remains of the Algonkins, or
Gens de Terre, all converfe in it, with fomc little va-
riation of a dialedl ; but whether it be natural to thofe
nations, or acquired, I was not able to difcover. I
am however of opinion that the barbarous and un-
coutli dialed of the Winnebagoes, the Menomonies,
and many other tribes, will become in time totally ex-
tin^y and this be adopted in its ftead.

The Chipeway tongue is not encumbered with any
unneceflary tones or accents, neither are there any
words in it that are fuperfluous ; it is alfo eafy to
pronounce, and much more copious than any other
Indian language.

As the Indians are unacquainted with the polite
arts, or with the fciences, and as they are ftrangers to
ceremony, or compliment, they neither have nor
need an infinity of words wherewith to embellifh

Ihcir

P'

^»^^

judge from
c Ocean on

appears to
uch eitcLMn,
)ut the great
janks of the
3hio, and a$

more than
ge alone in

a peculiar

erfal among
1 attempt to
r are confid-
ation with a
le Chipeway

whom it is
le Ottagau-
bands about
ilgonkins, or
»mc little va-
ural to thofe
difcover. I
•us and un-
lenomonies,
le totally ex-

cd with any
e there any
alfo eafy to
ri any other

h the polite

ftrangers to

r have nor

0 embellifH

Ihcir

CARVER'i TRAVFl.S.

23t

their JircoiiTfe. Plain and unpolifhed in the»r man-
ners, they only make ufe of fuch as fcrve to -denom-
inate the neceff.irics or conveniences of life, and to
exprcfs their wants, which in a (late of nature can be
but few.

I have annexed hereto a fhort vocabulary of the
Cbipeway language, and another of the Naudowef-
fies, but am not able to reduce tliem to the rules of
grammar.

The latter is fpoken in a foft accent, Vvithout any
guttural founds, fo thnt it may be learnt with facility,
and IS not diificuit either to he pronounced or writ-
ten. It is nearly as copious and expreflive as the
Chlpeway tongue, and Is the mod prevailing language
of any on the weftcrn banks of the Mifiifippi, being
in ufe, according to their account, amoiiti all the
nations that lie to the north of th**. Mcnoiie, and ex-
tend as far weft as the (bores of the Pacific Ocean.

As the Indians are not accjuaintcd with letters, it
is very difiicult to convey v/ith pereifion the exaft
found of their words ; I have however endeavoured
to write them as near to the manner in which they
arc cxprefled, as fuch an uncertain mode will a<i-'
mit of.

Although the Indians cannot communicate tlieir
ideas by writing, yet they form certain hieroglyphics,
which, in forae nieafure, ferve to perpetuate any ex-
traordinary tranfadlion, or uncommon event. 'Tlius
when they are on their excurfions, and either intend
to proceed, or have been on any remarkable enter-
prife, they peel the bark fiom the trees which lie in
their way, to give intcHIgence to thofe parties that
happen to be at a diftance, of the path they oiuft
purfue to overtake them.

The billowing inftance will convey a more perfect
idea of the methods they make ufe of on this occa-
HoHj than any e.^picHions I c<m frame.

When

\y'.

■m

B19

CATIVER'6 TRAVELS.

When T left the MilTifippi, nnd procecf!cdl up the
Chipeway River, in my way to Lake SHpcrior, as re-
lated in my Journal, my guide, v ho \vn3 a chief of
the Cbipcways tlial dwell on the Ott.iwaw Ta'zc, near
the Iieaih of the river we hud jnll entered, fearin(r
thatfome '^•)arties of the Naudovveincs, witli v/honi
his nation are pcrp::tually at war, miglit accidentally
fall in with us, and i.etore they were apprifed of my
being in company, do us fomc mifchief, he took the
Tollov/in;; ft;epc\ :

He peeled the bark from a tree, near the entrance
of a rii'^cr, and with wood-coal, mixed with bcav's
greafc, their ufual fubiUtute tor ink, made in an un-
coutii, but expreflive manner, the figure of the town
of the Ottagaumies. He then formed to the left a
nun drefTed in fkins, by which he intended to reprefent
a NaudowclFie, with a line drawn from his mouth to
thtjt of a deer, the fymbol of the Chipeways. After
this he depictured (till further to the left a canoe 2%
proceeding up the river, in which he placed a man
fitting with a hat on 5 thig figure was defigned rn
reprefent an Englifliman, or myfcif, and my Frencli-
man was drawn with a handkcrchef tied round hi^
head, and rowintj; the canoe i to thefe he added fe-
veral other fignificant emblems, among which the
Pipe oil Peace appc:u'ed painted on the prow of the
canoe.

The meaning he intended to convey to the MaudO'
wcffies, and which I doubt not appeared perfc£lly
intelligible to ihem, was, that one of the Chipeway
chiefs had received a fpcecli from feme Naudowelllc
chiefs, at the town of the Ott ijTaumics, defiring him
to ^ondu£t the Engldhman, who had lately been a-
mong tlicm, up the Chiprwny river ; and that they
thereby re(]uired, that the Ciiip-'way, notwithfland-
ing he v is an pvov/ed enemy, (liouid not be molefl-
edby them on his pafl'.i'^e, as he had the care of a per-
ffen whom they elkcuicd as one of their nation.

Some

^

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

241

Somf authors have pretended that the Indians have
armorial bearings, vvl»Ich they blazon with great ex-
amine fs, and which diltin^uifli one nation from anoth-
er; but I never could obfcrve any other arms amorj;
thcni than the Tymbols already dcfcribcd.

iV'l

:l|"

'^

Afliort VOCABULARY of the Chipeway Lan-
guage.

V. B, Tliis people do not make ufc cither of the confonantj F, or K

A BOVE
Jt\_ Abandon

Spimtnk

Packiton

Admirable

Pilawah

Afterwards

Mlpklach

All

Kok'ttwm

Always

JCoka/i

Amifs

Napitch

Arrive

■^akouchtn

Axe

Agacwet

Allies

Pitigoe

AlFift

Maiuincwah

B

Ball

Alenuln

Bag, or tobacco-pouch

Cafpctnivgan

Barrel

Oiventoivgan

Beat

Pakiitc

Bear a

Jilaclwah

Bear, a young one

Mnkcn

Beaver

AmiJi

Beaver's fkin

Aphmn'iqus

Be, or to be

Tnpaig

Beard

Mifchllon

Becaufc

Atiio'nu'h

Bclieye

Ti/erimah

(

■ H

t

11

W

Bellf

242

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

j)

Belly

Mifljemotit

Black

AInrkaiite

Blood

Jiit/koiu

Body

•v

Toe

Bottle

Shi/begj

Brother

Neconnis

Br:indy or Rurn

Scuttaivawhah

Bread

Pabaujhigan

Breech

M'ljcoufab

Breeches

Klpok'Uie Kcufah

Buck

WaJJictch

Q

Canoe

Cheman

Call

TeJJjenehaw

Chief, a

Okemnw

Carry

Pctou .

Child, or Children

Bobchjhm

Coat

Capoteiv'ian

Cold, I am

Kekalcb

Come oa

Moppa

Come to

Pvmotcha

Comrade

Neechcg

Concerned

Tnllem'ilJi

Corn

Mehiiin

Covering, or !

I Blanket

IVaiubswion

Country

Endiiiula-wkeen

Courage

Tagivaiunijjjli

Cup

Olawgan

D

Dance

Nemch

Dart

Shc/hikiuci

Die, to

Nip

Dim

Mtichan

Dojr

Alim

Dead

Neqxi

Devil, or evil

Spirit

Alatcho-ALviUou

Dog, a Uttle

one

AUvioH

Done,

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

t)one, it is done

Bhiah

Do

TcllAton

Doubtlefs

Ontclatouhah

Drefs the kettl«

Pcutnvah

Drink

Mimhvcih

Drunken

Ouifqu'iba

Duck

Chidhip '

E

f

Earth

Auliviti

Eat

Oivijfine

Each

Vapcgik

Englifh

SagatwcJIj

Enough

Mimilic

Equal, or ahke

Tciivbifcctih

Efteem

J^anvjctdimciiu

Eyes

Wijkinhhie

F

Faft

Ji^aliebic

Fall

Pcfihifitt

Far off

JVotJaiu

Fat

Pimtuitee

Friend

l^icofiTiis

Father

loofah

Few, or little

Muurtgis

Fatigued

^auhivijfi

Field fovvn

Kitiegaitmic

Fire

Scutta

Fire, to ftrikc

Scuicde

Find

JSJaniomiaivano

Fifh

Kidon

Fork

ruilfi.iudiuct

Formerly

Ptringo

Fort

Walaigcfr

Forward

t\cpoicitik

French

Kidttgccfi

Freeze, to

XllJ-.n

Freezes hard

liijfm Mogul

243

^Bt

f V

, ,

»

It ,

;»(,'

1

: J

If '•■

^\ •

*

;a1».

m

Jul!

I

i\ii

^4^ CARVER*

.' TRAVELS.

Full

Moujklmt

Fufec or Gun

Pd^'f'gan

G

God, or the Great Spirit

Kitchi AlamtQu

Go by water

Pimniifcaw

Girl

JeckivaJJln

Give

M'tllanu

Glafs, a mirror

Wa'whem$

Good

Caiulatch

Gonil for nothing

Malatal

Govern

Tiharimatu

General, or Comman- 1

Kitchi Ohimau^

(Icr in Chief 3

Simaugatiijb

Grapes

Shoamin

Great

Manatou

Greedy

SanvfaivhjJJi

Guts

OlaivhiJJj

U

Hare

IVaii'Poos

Heart

Mtckcioah

Hate

Shifigai/riwaiv

Half

Naivhal

Hair, Iiuman

'^iffis

Ha!r of beafls

Peival

Handfome

Canoginintie

Have

^amlaulaw •

ilead

Oujlecouati

Heaven

Spetiiinkakiuin

Herb

J^ajtjh

Here

Aconda

Hidd-iTl

Kemouch

Home

Etitaycnt

Honor

Jlackaiva/aitf

Hot .

Akejhotta

How-

^anvne

How many

7'aiunemilik

Hunt

Kcwajfa

Hut,

Hut, or Houfc

I

Indians

Iron

Ifland

Immediately

Indian Corn

Intirely

Impoftcr

It might be fo

K

Kettle

King, or Chief

Keep

Knife

Knife that is crooked

Know

L

Lake

Laugh

Lazy

Lame

Leave

Letter

Life

Love

Long fincc

Land Carriage

Lofe

Lie down

Little

M •
Meat
Much
Man

March, to go
Marry

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

245

Jfjjifiawhfih

Venvawblck

JMifiis

Webatch

Mitfawtnin

Kimvpitch

Maivlaivtllfte

V^awneeiido

Ackikons

Okeviaiu

Gan%ucrimavt

Mochtiian

Cootaivgon

Thuhereinaiu

Kitchigaivtnifik

Paivpi

Kittimi

Kikckaie

Pockiton

Maivfigiwugon

Nouchmowin

Sdidie

ShanvfJna

Cappatiivgon

Packildugue

JVi'ipenunu

Waubejhem

IVeas
Ktbhilaio
All'tjfumpe
Pitnrmujfie

W2

Medicine

34^

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

tH'^

:m; .

^i/t-,;. -^

ndife

Medicine

Mercl

Moon

Alortar to pound in

>Iillreffi

N
Needle
Near
Nation
Never
Night
No

Nofe •
Nothing
Not yet
Not at all

Nought, good for no-
, thing

O

Old
Otter

Other

P ,
Pipe •

Part, what part
Play

Powder, gur* or, dufl
Peace, to make
Pray
Proper
Prelently
Peninfula

O l^

i^uick

K

Ikt^^xtX

Mn/kihic

Alchochigon

Dcbicoi

Potttaivgo?i

Kape

Ni'yemoiiftn

Shaiubcnkin

Peiuitch

Ir'tnee

Cnivikhniv

Debicct

Kaiu

Toch

Kahego

Kx^nvmifchi

Kagutch

JMalulat

Nikkik
Ccuiack

Poagan

Taiiiiopec

Packdgo

Pingo

Pccacotiche

Taw/aimia

SiJii'ftga

IV t bat lb

Mifi/ii//iit

Ki'goich
IVaivbciiiO

Rc'l

CARVER'S

TRAVELS.

Kcd

Mi/coiu

Refolve

TibiTifidon

Relationj

Taiuivcnui'W

Refped):

Taivbawniliit

Rain

Kinmicwan

Robe

Ockolaiv

River

S'ippim

Run, to

Pitchfbot

S

Sad

^aliwijju'

Sail

Fewtfcaio

Sack, or Bag

Mn/kimot

Sea, Of large

Lake

u4gci/il:iti-higaivmiftk

Shoes

Mauhjfin

Ship, or larg

e Canoe

K'ltchi Chcman

Sorry

Nifcottjfic

Spirit

•

Jilanitott

Spoorx

»

Miciiivon-

Star

ylLvik

Steal

Kemautin

Stockings

Mlttaus

Strong

Mfijljkawwah

Sturgeon

Laiumack

Sun

Kfu

Sword

Hiwnitgan

Surprifinsj

Etivahy Et'cvah'

See

Waivhemo

Since

JMapt'doh

Shirt

Papci-u'kiviyt?i

Slave

Wackan

Sleep

«

Nippce

Sit ilowni

jMitit(pi?t

T

Take

hnmunJafi

Teeth

Tibhli

That

ALrii'bah

There

J

Watjaudcbi

H7

\^'^

)

f-

^

'Sk

mi

4 *

m

Thii

H$

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

m

h : h?

This

Maundah

Tiuly

Kikit

Together

Mawmawwsi

Tobacco

Semau

Tongue

Outon

Tired

Tanvhonfte

Too little

Ofaummangts

Too much

Ojpiuue

Thank you

Mfgnvatch

To-morrow

Wunx'bufik

Tomorrow the day after

Oufiva'wbutik

W

"VVarriorft

Stmaugafiaujh

Water

Kcbhi

War

JSatitaubaulavJ

Wav

JMl^kon

Weil then \

1 autiectuliih f

What is that ?

H (rii.ioi'ivin ?

Whai now ?

^inpfiie ?

Whence

^ aufiippi

Where

7i,.h

White

li 'aube

Who is there ?

^lagotiie Maubah f

Wind

Loutin

Winter

Pipoun

Woman

Ichivee

Wood

Mittic

Wolf

Maiu/.'ing9n

Y

Yefterday

PetchiUiLgo

Yet

Minntwatch

Young

WifiOiu'hiJJl

Yellow

tVazzo

The NUMERICAL Terms of the Chipe ways.

One
Two

Pnpk

Tkrce

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

245

)U

\nk

ujl
'aiu

hf

'in ?

Tlircc

Four

Five

Six

Seven*

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twenty

Thirty

Forty

Fifty

Sixty

S'vtnt|

Eighty

Ninety

Hundred'

Thoufand

^ijjou
JNeau
Naratt
Ntftgotitnvajfou

NiJIliunllhu
Shcngtijfou
Jilit:.'i:Jou
'Mittcwjfcu Palhik
Nimhtatunatu
Hijjlit Mittaivv.aio
Xeau J^::ttnnvrui%u
Karan M:ttaivna%v
yiingoutivajfm Mittatvnaw
J\^wchonva(Jbu Mittaivna'w
NiJfoivaJJou Mtttavjtia'W
Shoti^njjbu Mtttamfmio
Mittaujfou MHt aivnaio

C Mittaujjlu Mittaujfotf

\ MitiaWftaiu

Maubah ?

A fliort VOCABULARY of the Naudowejsh

Li^NGUAGE.

1^

TkKC

Axe

B

Afbpaw

M

Beaver

Chaivbab

■»

Buffalo

J awfon^o

Bad

Shejah

0

Broach

Muztihootoc

Bear, a
C

WahkonfJjejah

Cn\H)U

Waahtoh

Cold

Mecbuetab

'hipewats.

I'hihl, A

Mm1«

Weihctih/eh

Child, .1

I'^MI.flUl

Whachi'ilfeh

Coijie her«

ALctoyAtipre

Dead-

*5*

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

Dead
Deer
Dog

Eat
Ears
Eyes
Evil

^

Fire

Father

Frenchman

Falls of Water

Friend

G

Good

Give

Go awaif

God, or the Great Spirit

Gun

Great

Gold

H
Hear
Horfc

Home, or domellle
Houfe
Heaven

I

Iron
I^ or me

K

King, or' chief
Kill

L
little

Kegufi

Tohitijoh

Shtwguflj

Echaiumetia'W
Nookah
FJlH'ike
^hejab

Paahtah
Otah

Neehteegufh
Owah Mettai
Kitchiivab

Wofitah

Accooyeh

Accocnvah

JVakon

Muzah Wahti

^ong'o

Muzaham

ilooii/fjon
8huetofig9 'jj
Shtah
^eebee
jvofbtah Tehte

Muzah
Mech

Otah
NeguJhtauga'W

Long

CARVER'S

TRAVELS.

2; I

Tongoom
7o)igo Mcnch

Love

Ehwahnh'iili

M

Much

Qtah

More

OtcnaiD

Moon

Owech

Mouth

Eeh

Medal

Mnzr O^Cii

Mine

Me ''

Milk

HtJ'uiuLh

N

No
Near

0

Heyth
Jeejlinaw ,

.Oh!

P

Pipe

Pipe of Pel

Hopini^ahle !

ICC

Shanuapaiv
ShanuapavJ JVahii

R

Rain

Owah Mtnah

Ring

Muznmchupnb

Round

Chupah

S

Smoke

Ehanveah

Salt Water

Ah'nis ^ifab

See, to

Efita -D

Sleep
S-ake

Mfitenm
Om'ifhcav)

Sun

Piiahtab

Spirit
Spirituous

LiquOi'8

Wahon
Meneh JVahn

Snow

Sifinee

Surprifing
Silver

Hopirnaytwe
Muzaham

T

Tobacco

ShawfoJjd-jJ

m

m

.tf'

i -r

r va

Talk

fiSi CARVER'S

TRAVELS.

Talk

Oivehchln

Tree

OchaiJu

There

Vache

W

Woman

IVwuohejah

Wonderful

Hopinlyare

Water

Metieh

What

7'awgo

Who is there ?

Ta'-d'godache ?

Wicked

Heyahachta

Y

You

Chee

Young

Hawpawnait)

You are good

Wafjtah Chee

You are a Spirit

Wakon Chee

You are my good

friend

WaJJjtah Kitchiwah Chee

No Good

Heyah Wnfitah

A *H<

One

iFl •

Two

fe-,-' ■

Three

B., L4 ^ >

Four

Five

Six

'-I9H

'^i^^^^^H^

Seven

Eight
Nine

VV ■ r,.' .

Ten
Eleven

'^^f^

Twenty
Thirty

• ■ 1 i

ji

Forty
Fifty
Sixty

1

1

Seventy

The NUMERICAL Terms of theNAUDOWEssiEj.

JVoNchaw

Noompaiu

OTaivrnQHce

Toboh

Sanubuite

Shaivco

Sh.rvcopee

8h:il'iridoh:n

NebochNf\(ranong

tt'C'jorhu //i^' .-.• nong

H'l'gor.i itrgnnojig Wctichaw

F! 'i'gi^rbiffijj;afn> '^ Noompari)
Wcgochiing:?notig Tnivminee

y/tg'ji:bi.t:g anJKg Tohoh

lVcgjchtin\ ntijfig Kiiuh/ffe

JVegochufignfion\r Shaii r9
fVegochuiigdmiig Sha •( ^ ^pce
Eighty

bOWESSIEJ.

luiftgiitiong Ska-

(^ hlndoh'tn

V IvegochufigafiQUg Kt^-

Eighty ^

Ninety ^ .

^ ^ chunganong

Hundreti r Upohtig

Thoufand tvegochunganofig Opahng

To this fliort vocabulary of the Naudowflie lan-
guage, I fliall adjoin a fpecimcn of the manner in
which thcy^mite their words. I have chofen for this
purpofe a ihort fong, which they fing, with fomc
kind of melody, though not with any appearance of
poetical meafure, when they fet out on their hunting
expeditions : and have given as near a tranflation as
the difference of the idioms will permit.

Mioh accooivah ejhtaiv paatah negujhtawganv Jhejah
vxenah. Tongo Wakon meoh nvojhia^ paatah accooivah.
Hoplniyahie oweeh accooyee meohy ivoOjia patah otoh tO"
hitijoh meoh teebee,

I will rife before the fun, and afcend yonder hill,
to fee the new light chafe away the vapors, and dif-
pcrfc the cloudJ. Great Spirit, give me fuccefs.
And when the fun is gone, lend me oh moon, light
fufficient to guide me with lufety back to my tent
ioaden with deer !

k*^K

' ^x

CH AFTER XVIII.

»54

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

CHAPTER XVIIT.

OF THE BEASTS, BIRDS, FISHFS, REPTILES,
AXD INSECTS, iviircH are found in thI
INTERIOR PARTS OF NORTH-AMERICA.

O

F theft I (hall, in llie fifft place, give a ca-
talogue, and afterwardj a delcriptloii of fuch only av
arc cither peculiar to this country, or which difTcrin
fome material point from thofe that are to he mc:
1^'ith in other realms.

OF THE BEASTS.

The Ty;Ter, the Bear, Wolves, Foxcs,^Dog8, the
Cat of the Mountain, the Wild Cat, the ButFalo, the
Deer, the Elk, the Moofe, the Carrabou, the Carca-
jou, the Skunk, the Porcupine, the Hedge-ho^, the
VVoodchuck, the Racoon, the Martin, the Filhcr,
the Murquafli, Squirrels, Hares, Rabbits, the Mole,
the Weezel, the Moufe, the Dormoufc, the Beaver,
the Otter, the Mink, and Bats.

The TYGER. The Tygcr of America refembirs
in (liape thofc of Africa anil Afia, but is confulerably
I'maller. Nor does it appcur to be fo fierce and ra-
venous as thcv arc. The color of it is a darkifh fal-
lov/, and it is entirely free from fpots. I hw one on
an illand in the Chipeway Rive(;, of which I had a
very good view, as it was at no great diltance from
me. It fat up on its hinder parts like a dog ; and
did not fccm either to be apprchenfivcof our appro.icln,
or to difcover 'any ravenous inclinations. It is how-
ever very feldom to be met with iu this part of the
world.

The BEAR. Bears are very numerous on this
continent, but more particularly fo in the northern

pnrts

CARVER i TK^AVrLS.

25J

parts of it, nful contribute to furnlfli both food ar.d
beds for alinoll every Iiuliiin nation. Tliofj of Ame-
rica dirf'or in many reipedts from thole either rf
Greenland or Ruflia, ihcy being not only Ibmcwhat
fmallcr, but timorous and inoftVnfivc, unlcfs th^y arc
pinched by hunger, or fmarting from a wound. The
iij;ht of a man terrifies them ; and a dog will pu. f^ve.
ral to flight. They are extremely fond of grapes, and
wiil climb to the top of the highcfl: trees in quell ol
ihcm. T!ii;i kind of food renders their fklli^excct-
fivcly rich, and fiiicly flavored ; and it ia conletjuent-
iy preferred by the Indians and traders to that of any
other animal. The fat is very white, and befidcs be-
ing fwect and wholcfome, is pofTeflcd cf one valuable
quality, which is, that it never cloys. The inhab>
tants of thefc parts conftantly anoint themfelves with
it, and to its efficacy they in a great mcafure owe
their agility. The fcafon for hunting th6 bear is
during the winter ; when they take up tliclr abode i:i
hollow trees, or make themfelves dens in the roots
of thofe that are blown down, the entrance of which
they ftop up with branches of fir tliat lie fcattered
about. From thefe retreats it is faid they (tir rot
whilfl the weather continues fevere, and as it is well
known that they do not provide themfelves with food,
they are fuppf^fed to be enabled by nature to fubfilt
for fome months without, and during this time to
continue of the fame bulk.

The WOLF. The wolves of North -America at*
much Icfs than thofe which are met ^vith in other'
parts of the world. They have, l.r v ever, in com
mon with the reft of their fpecics, a wildnefs m their
looks, and a fiercenefs in their eyes j nctwithftanding
which, they arc far from being fo ravenous as the
European wolves, nor will they ever attack a man,
except they have accidentally fed on the ilefli of thofe
flain in battle. • When they lievd together, as they
often dQ in the winter, they make a hideous and ter -
» ri!)le

if

f ■*

(*•'
■^■H

11

»1'

' ;«ii;

2S€

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

. J-f i^ I

\m^M

riblc noifc. In thcfe parts there arc two kinds ; out
of which ia of a fallow color, the other of a dun, in-
clining to a black.

The FOX. I'here are two forts of foxes In North-
America, which ilifl'cr only in their color, one bcinj
of a rcdclifh brown, the other of a grey j thoie of the
Jatler kind that are found near the river Mifiifippj,
arc extremely beautiful, their hair being of a filvcr
grev.

DOGS. The (logs employed by the Indians in
Jiunting appear to be all of the fame Ipecics •, they
carry their ears erc£l, and greatly rcfemble a wolf
about the head. They are exceedingly ufeful to them
in their hunting excurfiuns, and will attack the fierc-
cll of the game tliey are in purfuit of. They are
tM'q remarkable for their fidelity to their maflers j hut
rbeing ill fed by them, are very iroublefome in their
huts or tents.

The CAT of the Mountain. This creature is in
{liape like a cat, only much larger. The hair or fur
refcmbles alfo the ikin of that domeflic animal ; the
color, however dililrs, for the former ib of a rcddifh
or orange cafl, but grows ligliter near the belly.
The whole Ikin is beautified with black fpots of dif-
ferent figures, of which thofe on tlie bick are long,
and thofe on the lower parts round. On the cars
there are black ftripes. Thi . creature is nearly as
iieree as a leopard, but will-feldom attack a man.

The BUFFALO. This bead, of which there arc
amazing numbers in thefc parts, is larger than an ox,
has fliort black horns, with a large beard under liis
chin, and his head is fo full of hair, that it falls over
his eyes, and gives him a frightful look. There io a
bunch on his back which begins at the haur.ches, and
increafing gradually to the (houlders, reaches 'on to
the neck. Both this excrefcence and its whole body
arc covered with long hair, or rather wool, of a duiv
or nioufc tolor, wliich is exceedingly valuable, efpc-

ci'-iily

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

257

kinds ; ont
f a dun, in-

cs in North-
one being

thofe of the
Ivlifllfippi,
of a filvcr

Indians In
pccics j they
T:blc a wolf
eful to them
ck the fierc-
They are
mafters y but
ome in their

reature Is in
c hair or fur
animal ; the
, of a rcdciifh
ir the belly.

fpoti of (lif-
nck are Icng,

On the cars
: is nearly as
:k a man.
lich there arc
r than an ox,
rd under his
L it falls over
Tliere ic. a
aunches, and
eaches 'on to
s whole body
ool, of a dun
>luable, efpc-
ci'-Uly

ciiilly that on the fore part of the body. Its head is
Jarger than a bull's with a very fhort neck •, the bread
is broad,and the body decreafes towards the buttocks.
Thefe creatures will run away at the fight of a man,
and a whole herd will make ofF when they perceive
a fingle dog. The fiefh of the buffalo is excellent
food, its hide is extremely ufeful, and the hair very
proper for the manufacture of various articles.

'J'he DEER. There is but one ipccies of deer
in North -America, and thefe nre higher and of a flim-
mer make than thofe in Europe. Their fliape is near-
ly the fame as the European, their color of a desp
fallow, and their horns very large and brancJiing.
'This bead is the fwiftefl on the American p!'.ilns, and
ihey herd together as they do in oth.cr countries.

The ELK greatly exceeds the deer in fize, being
in bulk equal to a horfc: Its body is flrantd like that
of a deer, only its tail is remarkably Ihort, being not
more than three inches long. The color of its hair,
which ij grey,- and not unlike that of a camel, but of
a more reddilh call, is nearly three inches in length,
and as coarfe as thai of a horfe. 'J'he horns of thiy
trearurs grow to a prodi^jious fize, extending fo wide
that two or three perfons mij'ht lit between them at
the fa^ne time. They arc not forked like thole of a
cieer,but have all their teeth or branches on the out-
er edge. Nor dres the form of thofe of the elk rc-
femble a deer's, the lormer being llat, and eight or
ten inches broad, whereas the latter are round and
confiderably narrower. They fhed their horns every
year in the month c>f February, anil by Ae.guft the
new ones are nearly arrived at their fvdl growth.
Notwiihflandinsy their fize, and the means of d( fence
nature has fitrnilhed them with, thev are as timorous
as a deer. 'I'hcir ik'm is very ufeful, and will drefs
j>s well as that of a buck. They- Iced on grafs in the
fummer, and on mofs or bu»** ''ni the winter.

^^yit. V The

-* 1!'

■"I

K I

I' I

358

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

The

MOOSE is nearly about the fizc of the cjk>
and the horns of it are almofl as numerous as due
animal's ; the (Icm of them, however, is not quite iu
wide, and they branch on both fides like thofc of 4
deer. This creaure alfo fheds them every year.
Though its hindc r parts are very broad, its tail if.
not above an iiuh long. It has feet and legs like a
camel \ its hca 1 r about two feet long, its upper lip
much larger than the under, and the noftrils of it arc
fo wide that a man nnght thrufl his hand into them
n conilderablc way. The hair of the moofe is light
jrrey, mixed with a blackifh ^-ed. It is very elailic,
lor though it be beaten ever fo long, it will retain its
original iJ)ape. The flclh is exceeding good food, ca-
fy of digcftion, and very nourifliing. The nol'c or
upper lip, which i^ large and loofe from the gums, is
ellecmed a groat delicacy, being of a firm confidence,
between marrow and griftlc, and when properly
drcfled, aflbrds a rich and lufclous difh. Its hide is
very proper for leather, being thick and itrong, yet
loft and pliable. The pace of thij creature is always
.\ trot, which is fo expeditious, that it is exceeded in
fvviftnefs but by few of it:, fellow iaihabitauts of tht'Tc
woods. It is generally found in the forells, where it
feeds on mofs and buds. Though this creature is of
the deer kind, it nevf.r herds as thofe do. Molt au-
thors confound it wilth the elk, deer .or carrabou, but
it is a fpecies totally different as might be difcovercd
by attendiiig to the defcription I have given of each.
The CARRABOU. This beall is not near fo tall
as the mooie, however it is foaiLthing like it in ihape,
only rather more heavy, and inclining to the form of
an afs. The horns ol it are not Hat as thofe of the
cik are, but round like thofe of the deer; they alfo
meet nearer, togqfher at the extremities, and bend
more over the hcc tiian either thofc of the elk or
moofe. It partaken of ^'jftjfwiftnefs of the deer, and

ii widi dijfiiculty ovcrtak is cxt^ purfucrs. The fldli

of

CARVER'S TRAVELS,

^$^

of the clk>

us as iliac

lot quite io

: thofc of a

every year.

d, its tail if.

legs like a

s upper lip

rils of it arc

1 into them

ofe is light

t'ery elailic,

'ill retain its

lOcl food, ca~

The nol'e or

the gums, is

confiflence,

en properly

Its hiv.le is

1 llrong, yet

nc is always

exceeded in

ants of thele

lis, where it

Tcaturc is of

Mofl au.

irrabou, but

c difcovercd

ven of each.

t near fo tall

: it in ihape,

the form of

thofe of the

r } they alfo

i, and bend

f the elk or

le deer, and

:. Theflelh

of

of it likewifc is equally as good, the tongue particu- •
larly is in high cfteeni. The Ikin being fmooth and
free from veins, is as valuable as fliamoy.

The CARCAJOU. Thlc creature, which is of the
cat kind, is a terrible enemy to the preceding four fpc-
cies of beads. He cither comes upon them from fomc
Luncealment unperccived, or climbs up into a tree,
and taking his (lation on fome of the branches, waits
till one of them driven by an extreme of heat or cold,
takes Ihclter under it ; when he faAens upon his
mck} and opening the jugular vein, foon brings his
prey to the ground. This he is enabled to do by his
long tail, with which he encircles the body of liis ad-
verfary *, and tlie only means they have to fhun their
fate, is by flying immediately to the water ; by this
method, as the carcajou has a great diflike to that ele-
ment, he is fometimes got rid of before he can effci^
his purpofe.

The SKUNK. This is the mod extraordinary an-
imal tint the American woods produce. It is rather
Icfs than a pole-cat, and of the fame fpecies ; it i»
therefore often miftaken for that creature, but is very
different from it in many points. Its hair is long
and fliining, variegated with large black and white
fpots, the former moflly on the Ihoulders and rump •,
its tail is very bufliy, like that of the fox, part bJack,
and part white like its body -, it lives chiefly in the
woods and hedges ; but its extraordinary powers are
only Ihewn when it ispurfued. As foon as he find*
himfclf in danger, he ejc^s, to a great diflance from
behind, a fmallftreain of water, of fo fubtile a nature,
and at the fame time fo powerful a finell, that the
air is tainted with it for half a mile in circumference -,
and his purfuers, whether men or dogs, being almoft
fuflbcuted v'ith the ilcncli, are obliged to give over
the {Miffuit. On this account he is called by the French,
Enfant du Diable, the Child of the Devil j or Bete
Puaute^ the Stinking Bead. It is nlmod impolhble to

dcfcribe

I «♦

''^^«

•j/>o

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

n ^i

I J

^■b

i^H

n^

fr

J^H

^■^^^^HtM^^B^H <

%

^pfc^^

^

KSifi

■^P

1

HHB^^^^^Hri^HI^^^^B

HkI^

■1

I^F^^^^^^Hi^^^^^^H

dcfcribc the noifome cffecls of the h'quid with which
this creature is fupplied by nature for its defence. If
a drop of it falls on your clothes, they arc rendered
fo difagreeable that it is impofliblc ever after to wear
them ; or if any of it enters your eyelids, the pain be-
comes intolerable for a long time^ and perhaps at lad
you lofe your fight. The lii -dl of the Ikunk, though
thus to be dreaded, is not like that of a putrid' car-
cafe, but a ftrong foetid ef^uvia of niulk, which dif-
pleal'es rafher from its pcno^riting power than from
its ru^ufeoufnefs. It is noriiKiirtanding confidcrcdas
conducive to clear tlu! i*ea(*i «;id to raife the fpirits.
This water is fuppnievi b/ r«^t\iralifls to be its urine \
but I have dilllclcd ni;iii, of them tliat I have (hot,
and have foup I witluJi i: "t bodies, near the urinal
veflli, a fnuill rt':*"nr • ..c or v. Jter, totally diltincfl from
tlic bladder w'^iclr cGuta.nied the urine, and from
\vhich alone I am fatisfiCvi the horrid ilcnch proceeds.
Af*cv h'ving taken out with great care the bag where-
in %\m w . :er is lodged, I lliuve frequently feil on them,
anu Lave found them very fwc't and good ; but one
drop emitted taints notoidy the carcafe, but the whole
houfej and renders every kind of proviiions, that are
in it, unfit for ufe. With great jullice therefore do
the French give it fuch a dii^bolical name.

The rORCUl INE. The body of an American
porcupine i& in bulk about the fize of a fniall dog, but
it is both (horter in length, and not fo Iiigh from the
ground. It varies very much fidm thofe of other
countries both in its fliape 3nd the length of its Cjuills.
Tlie former is like that of a fox, except the hea<i, which
is not fo iharp and long, but relembles more thnt of
a rabbit. Its body is covered with hair of a dark
brown, about four inches long, great part of which
arc the thitknefs of a llraw, and are termed its quiiis.
Thcfeare white, with black points, hollow afTd very
flrong, tfpecially thofe that gi"ow on the back. TiJC
quiiis fervc thiii ti^aturc for oiTenlive and^dcfenfivc

weapons,

LS.

luid with which

r its defence. If

ey arc rendered

er after to wear

ids, the pain be-

d perhaps at lad

e Ikunk, though

of a putrid' car-

lulk, which dif.

owcr than from

ng conficicicd ai

aife the fpirits.

to be it3 urine j

liat I have (hot,

near tlie urinal

>dlydiltin<Sl from

urine, and from

ilcnch proceeds.

c the bag wlicre-

itiy fetl on them,

i good ; but one

fe, but the wliolc

jvilions, that are

ice therefore do

amc.

of an American
a fniall dog, but
fo liigh from ilie
I thofe of oilier
ngthoi its quills.
t the hea<l, which
es more that of
liair of a dark
,U part of wliich
erircd its quiils.
hollow affd very
the back. Tiie
e and^dclenfivc

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

261

weapons, which he darts at his enemies, and if they
p'crce the ficfli in the leaft degree, they will fmk ouitc
into it, and arc not to be extracted without incilion.
The Indians ufe ihem for boring their cars and nofcs,
to infert their pendants, and alfo by way of ornament
in their (lockings, hair, &c. befides which, they gieat-
Iv elleem the flefh

' Tlie WOOD-CHUCK is a ground animal of the
fur 1 ind, about thv? Cizc of a martin, being nearly fii-.
tccu inches long •, .cs body however is rounder, and
its leg (liorter ; the fore-paws of it are broad, ar.d
conftrudcd for the purpofc of digging holes in the
ground, where it burows like a rabbit j Its fur is of a
grey color, on the reddifli caft, and it$ ilcfh tolerable
food.

The RACOON is fomewhat lefs in Hze than a bcs-
ver, and its feet and legs arc like thofe of that crca.
turc, but (hort in proportion to its body, which !«,«
fumbles that of a badger. The (iirj'e of its head is
much like a fox's, only the cars are (horter, met'?
round and naked j and its hair is alfo fimiiar to W.At
animal's, being thick, long, foft, d black at r^-i;
ends. On its face there is a bro; .tripe that runs a-
crofs it, and includes the eyes, v. ich are large. Its
muzzle is black, and at the end undifti like that of
a dog; the teeth arc alfo fnr.il r to thofe of a dog
in number and fliape ; the tail long and round, wi»li
annular ftripes on it like tliofe of a cat ; the feet have
five long (lender toes, armed with fliarp ciaws, by
which it is enabled to climb up trees like a monkev,
and to run to the very extremities of the boughs. It
makes ufe of its fore feet, in the manner of hands,and
feeds itfelf with them. The &■ (li of this creature i»
very good in the months of Sep* :mbfr and 0£lobcr,
when fruit and nuts, on which it likes to feed, are
plenty.

The MARTIN is rather larger than a fquirr'-l,
•nd fomewhat of the fame make } its kgs and claws,

however,

li

"ii

262

CAKVER'5 TRAVELS.

M ■^.l^m■fn

m

however, are confulerably fiiortcr. Its ears are fiiort,
broad, and roundifh, and its eyes Oiine in ihe night
like thofe of a cat. The whole body is covered with
I'ur of a brownifli fallow color, and there are fon'.e in
the more northern parts which are black ; the iking
of the latter are of much greater value than the oth-
ers. The tail is covered with long hair, which makes
it appear thicker than it really is* Its iiefh is fomc-
timcs eaten, but is not in any p;reat efleem.

The MUSQtTASH, or MUSK-RAT, Is fotcrm-
cd for thccxquiiite muik which it affords. It appears
to be a diminutive of the beaver, being endowed with
all the properties of that fagacious animal, and wants
not hi n- but fizc and ftrength, being not much bigger
than a large rat of the Norway breed, to rival the
creature it fo much refembles. Was it not for its
tail, which is exactly the fame as that of an Europe-
an rat, the ftrud^ure of their bodies is fo much alike,
efpccially the ii?ad, that it might be taken for x\ fmall
beaver. Like that creature it builds itfelf a cabin,but
of a lefs pcrfc<SV coiiftru£lion, and takes up its abode
near the fide of fomc piece of water. In the fpring
they leave their retreats, and in pairs fubfift on leaves
3iid roots till the fummer comes on, when they feed
on ftrawbcrrles, ralherries, and fuch other fruits as
they can reach. At the approach ofwinter they fep-
arate, when each takes up its lodging apart by iti'clf in
fomc hollow of a tree, where they remain quite un-
provided with food, and there is thegreateft reafon to
'jelicve, fubfift without any till the return of fpring.

SQUIRRELS. Thtre are five forts of fquirrcls
in America *, the red, the grey, the black, the varie-
gated and the flying. The two former are ex^iSliy the
fame as thofe of Europe ; the black are fomewhat
larger and differ from them only in color ; the vari-
egated alfo refemble them in fliape and figure, but are
very beautiful, being finely ftriped with white or grey,
and fomctimc$ with red and black. The American

flying

CARVKR-s TRAVELS.

26i

flying fquirrel is much lefs than the European, being
not above five inches long, and of a ruflet grey or afh-
color on the back, and white on the under parts. It
h:is black prominent eyes, hke thofe of the moufe,
with a long, flat, broad tail. By a membraiie on each
fide, which reaches from its fore to its hind legs, this
creature is enabled to leap from one tree to another,
even if they iland a confiderable diftancc apart ; this
loof<' Ikin, which it is enabled to ftretch out like a fiil,
and by which it is buoyed up, is about two inches
broad, and is covered with a line hair or down. It
feeds upon the fame provifions as the others, and is
cafily tamed.

The BEAVER. Thii CKw,turc has been Co often
treated of, and his uncommon abilities ib minutely
defcribcd, that any further account of it v/ill appear
imneceflary -, lnowevcr for the benefit of thofe of my
readers who are not fo well acquainted with the form
and properties of this fagacious and ufeful animal, I
(liall give a concifc dcfcription of it. The bci-.ver is
an atnphibious quadruped, which cannot live for any
long time in the water, and it is faid is even able to
cxill entirely without it, provided it has the conveni-
ence of fometimes bathing itfelf. Tl»e largcft beavers
arc nearly four feet in length, and about fourteen or
fifteen inches in breadth over the haunches ; they
weigh about fixty pounds. Its head ivS like that of
the otter, but larger j its fnout is pretty long, the eyes
fniall, the ears fliort, round, hairy on the outride,and
fmooth within, and its teeth very long ; the under
teeth Hand out of their mouths about the breadth of
three fingers, and the upper half a finger, all of which
arc broad, crooked, ftrong,- and fliarp ; befidcs thofe
teeth called the incifors, which grow double, are fet
very deep in their jaws, and bend like the edge of an
axe, they have fixteen grinders, eight on each fide,
four above and four below, dircdly oppofite to each
otlicr. With the former they are able to cut dowti

trees

I

il^

-fet

264

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

n 1

treff«5 of a confulerable fize, with the latter to brcnk
the hanieft fubdanccs. Its legs arc fliort, particular-
ly the fore-legs, which are only four or five inchcr.
long, ami not unlike tliofc of a badger j the toes of the
fore-feet are fcparatc, the nails^ placed obliquely, and
are hollow like quills ; but the himl feet are quite
tlilFcrcnt, and furnilhed with membranes between the
toes, fly this means it can walk though but llowly,
and is able to fwim with ns much cafe as any other
aquatic animal. The tail has fomewhat in it that rc-
fembles a fifli, and feems to have no manner of rela-
tion to the reft of the body, except the hind feet, all
the other parts being fimilar to thofe of land animals.
The tail is covered with a fkin furniflied with fcales,
that are joined together by a pellicle ; thcfe fcales arc
about the ihickncfs of parchment, nearly a line and
a half in length, and generally of a hexagonical fi-
gure, having fix corners j it is about eleven or twelve
inches in length, and broader in the middle, where
It is four inches over, than either at the root or the
extremity. It is about two inches thick near the bo-
dy, where it is almoft round, and grows gradually
thinner and Hatter to the end. The color of the
beaver is diflferefht according to the ditlerent climaiPi
in which it is found. In the moll northern parts
they are genernlly quite black ; in more temperate,
brown ; theiv eolnr becoming lighter and lighter as
they approach towards the fonth. The fui is of two
forts all over the b'>dy, except at the feet, where it is
very fiiort .; that which is the longeil, is generally ill
length about an inch, l)ut on the back it fometimcs
extends to two inches, gradually diminilliing towards
the head and tail. This part ot the fur is !i.ufli,
coarfc and Ihinii.^, and of little ufe ; the otlui part
confifts of a very thick and fine do\vt\, i'o loft th.it it
feels aimed like lilk, about three qu;trters of pn irch
in length, and is what is eomr.^only juanul.tclurcd.
Caflor, which is ufeful in medicijiic, is pruducco Iroin

the

ah

V

til
th:
fvv

ih
Ih
lb

CO

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

2G5

ter to break
t, particular-

five inelicr.
\C toes of the
liquely, and
ft are qtiite
between the
h but llou'ly,
as any other
in it that rc-
nner of rela-
lind feet, all
land animals.

with fcales,
hcfe fcales ure
rly a line and
exagonicnl fi-
von or twelve
nKklle, where
le root or the
k near the bo-
oWvS gradually
2 color of the
crent climnifj
northern parts
F)rc temperate,
antl lighter as
le fui is of two
tet, where it is
is generally in
i it fomctimcs
iiliitipr towards
ic fur is l^ardi,
the other part
, fo loft that it
"ters of ;in inch
nvanufacVurcd.
produccti from
the

the body of this creature ; it was formerly believed
to be its.telHclcs, but later difcovcries have fliowii
that it is contained in four bags, fituatcd in the lower
belly. Two of which, that are called the fuperior,
from their being more elevated than the others, arc
filled with a foft, rcfinous, adhefive matter, mixed
with fmall fibres, greyifh \\rhout,and yellow within,
of a ftrong, difiigreeable, and penetrating fcent, and
very inflammable. This is the true cartoreum j it
hardens in the air, and becomes brown, brittle, and
friable. The inferior bags contain an undluous li-
quor like honey j the color of which is a pale ycliow,
and its odor fomewhat different from the other, being
rather weaker and more difagreeable j it how-
ever thickens as it grows older, and at length be-
comes about the confiflcncc of tallow. This has al-
fo its particular ufe in medicine -, but it is not fo val-
uable as the true cafloreum.

The ingenuity of thefc creatures in building their
cabins, and in providing for their fubfiltcnce, is true-
ly wonderful. When they are about to chufe ihem-
felves a habitation, they alfemble in companies fome-
times of two or three hundred, and after mature de-
liberation fix on a place where plenty of provifions
and all nec^ifl'aries are to be fountl. Their houl'es are
always fituaied in the water, and when they can find
neither lake nor pond adjace'-t, they endeavour to
fupply the defc*^ by flopping the current of fomc
brook or finall river, by means of a cauleway or dam.
Tor this purpofe they fct about felling of trees, and
they take care to chufc out thofe that grow above
the place where they intend to birld, \]\M (hey may
fwim doVn witli the current. Having fixed on
thofe that are proper, three or four beavers phicing
themfwlves round n l\rge one, find means with their
itrono teeth to brins^ it down. They alfo prudently
cor.trive that it Ihall fall towards the water, that they
may have the Icfs way to carry it. After they hav«

m

i66

CARVER'S TRAVFX6.

11.:'' ■

• ' ri,

by a continuance of the fame l.ibour and ImUiflry,
cut it into proper lenj;ths, they roll thcfc iuto tlic
\A atcr, ami navigate them toward'* the place where
they ard to be employed. Witliout cnttring more
minutely into the meafures they purfuc in the cori-
llru£lion of their dams, I fliall only remark, that hav-
ing prepared a kind of mortar with their feet, and
laid it on uith their tails, which they had before nndc
ufe of to tranfport it to the place where it is requifit*:,
they conflrudl them with as much folidity and regu-
larity as the n\o(t experienced workmen could do.
The formaticMi of their cabins is no Ids amazin",
Thcfe are either built on poles in the middle of the
fuiall lakes they have thus formed, on tJie bank of a
river, or at the extremity of fome point of land that
advances into a lake. The figure of them is round
or oval, and they are failiioned with an Ingenuity e-
qual to their dams. Two thirds of the edifice Hand.;
above the water, and this part i;i fulficicntly capacious
to contain eight or ton inhabitants. Each beaver
has his place afllgned him, tlie floor of which he cu-
rioudy ftrews with leaves, or fmall branchoi of tlie
pin?-tree, fo as to render it clean Xtid comfortable ;
and their cabins arc all fituatetl (o contigiouj to each
other, as to allow of an oafy communication. The
winter nc/er furpriies thcfe animals before their bufi-
nefa is completed ; for by the latter end of September
their houfes are finilhed, and their Hoc!: of proviuons
is generally laid in. Thefe eonlill of fmall pieces of
wGod whofe texture is foft, fuch as the poplar, the
afpln> or willow, &c. which they lay up in piles, and
ullpofe of in fuch manner as to preferve their moif- .
ture. Was I to enumerate every inflance of fagacity
that is to be difcovered in thefe animals, they vvoulil
fdl a volume, and prove not only entertaining but in-
ftru£ling.

The OTTER. This creature alfo is amphibious,
and greatly rcfemblcs a beaver, but is very different

irom

CARVF.R's TRAVKLS.

t^)^

f.

: iuto the

ICC vvhcio

ing more

1 the coii-

tliat hav-

feet, and

Tore nndc

rcquifito,

and rcgu-

could do.

aniazi'i'.

IdJe of the

bank of a

f land that

\ is round

geiiuity e-

liice iland;

r capacious

;ich beaver

lich he cu-

:h-i3 of tlie

n fort able ;

►uj to each

OM. 'n;e

their bu ii-

Septenib'ir

provifions

II pieces of

oplar, the

piles, and

their moii-

of fagacity

iiey vvouM

ing but ia-

iiphibious,
y different
from

from It In mnny rcfpc£\s. Its boily is ncr.vly ns lor.j^
as a beaver's but confidcriibly lefi. in all its parrs. The
muzale, eyes, and the form of the head ;irc nearly
the fame, but the teeth are very unlike, for the otter
wants the large incifors or ni]>per:. tliat a bcr.ver has*,
inftead of thefe, all his teeth, Mithout any dilliiu'^^ion,
are fliaped like thcfe of a dog or wolf. The hair aU
fo of tlie former is not half lo long a* tliat belon-^in;!
to the latter, nor is the color of it exactly the iam?,
for the hair of an otter under tl e neck, llomach, and
belly, is more greylfli than that of a beaver, and In
many other r< lpr<^{s it likewife vaiies. This animal,
which is met with in moll parts of the world, but in
much greater numbers in North- America, is \cry
mifchievous, and when he is tloftly puifued, will not
only attack dogs but men.

It generally feeds upon fifli, cfneeinlly in tic fum-
mcr, but in the winter is contented with tie b.uk of
trees, or the produce of the fiehis. It?, fltfli botli
tafles and fmells of fifli, and is not whoUf( n^e food,
though it is fometimes eaten through neecllity.

The MINK is of the otter kind, and ftd^dtft'i In
the fame manner. In fhiipe and fize it rcfemLles a
pole-cat, being equally long and lleiuh r. Iir, fi;in is
blacker than that of an ctrcr, or nlintfl any other
creature *, ** as black as a mink," being a proverbia!
exprellion in America ; it is not however fc vr.luable,
though this greatly depends on the feafon in whieli
it is taken. Its tail is round like that of a fnnke, hut
growing flattKh towards the eiiil, and is entindy with-
out hair. An agreeable muficy fccnt exhaks from
» its body •, and it is m.et with near the fourccs of rivers
on whofe banks it chiefly lives.

OP THE BIRDS.

THE Eagle, the Ilavvk, the Ki>:Ki ll.c.vk, the 1 ilh
Hawk, the Whippervvill, the Kavcn. the C'kv-, the

Owl,

' t

1

•#'^::

%- ^ n'V,

.^.^.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

■ 4 5

I.I

M |25
2.2

US

^ U£. Ill 2.0

L25 iU 11.6

^f-

«5^

/A

7

^>

'/

/^

Sciences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

'^

p. 4^

s\

^

2 68

CARVER s TRAVELS.

Owl, Parrots, the Pelican, the Crane, the Stork, the
Cormorant, the Heron, tlieSwan, the Goofe, Ducks,
Teal, the Loon, the Water-Hen, the Turkey, the
Heath Cock, the Partridge, the Quail, Pigeons, the
Snipe, Larks, the Woodpecker, the Cuckoo, the Blue
Jay, the Swallow, the Wakon Bird, the Black Bird,i
the Red Bird,-the Thrufli, the Whetfaw, the Night-,
ingale, the King Bird, the Robin, the Wren, and the'
Humming Bird.

The EAGLE. There are only two forts of eagles
in thefc parts, the bald and thcgrey, which are much
the fame in fize, and Cmilar to the (hape of thofe of
other countries.

The NIGHT HAWK. This bird is of the hawk
fpecies, its bill being crooked, its wings formed for
l\viftnff«, and its Ihape nearly like that of the com-
mon hawk i but in lize it is confiderably lefs, and in
■j*-:^lor rather darker. It is fcarccly ever fcen but in
xbe evening, when at tlie approach of twilight, it flics i
about, and darts itft Tin wanton gambol* at the head
of the belared traveller. Before a thundtr-lliowcr
thefe birds ajp feen at an amazing height in the air
afltfmbled together in great numbers, asfwallows are
obfer^ed t.ojda oii tiir lame occaficn.

The WlllPPERWILL, or, as it is termed by the
Indians, the Muckawits'. This extraordinary bird is
fomevvhat like the laft mentioned in its fliape and co-
lor, only it has fome whitifh ftripes acrofs the wingSj
and like that is feMom ever feen till after fnn-fct. It
alfo is never met with but during the fpring and
fummer months. As foon as the Indians are inform-
ed by its notes of its return, they conclude that the
froft is entirely gone, in which they are feldom de-
ceived ; and on receiving this afl'urance of milder
v/eather, begin to fow their corn. It acquires ito
name by the noife it makes, which to the people of
the colonies founds like tlie name they give it, Whip-
per-will i to an Indian ear, Muck-a-wifs. I'he words,

it

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

269

Ducks,
^ey, the
)ns, the
the Blue
:k Bird,

Night-
and the

>f eagles
|re much
thofe of

he hawk
mcd for
he com-
and in
11 but in l;
t, it flics ^
the head
i*-lliowcr .
11 the air f
lows are

d by the
f bird is
and co-
^ wings,
i-fet. It
ing and
in form-
hat the
lorn de-
mildtr
jires itc
opic of
Whip-
words,
it

I

f»

it is true, arc not alike, but in this manner they flrlke
the imagination of each 5 and the circumftantc is a
proof that the fame founds, if they are not rendered
certain by being reduced to the rules of orthography,
might convey difTercnt ideas to dilfcrent people. As
foon as night comes on, thefe birds will place thcm-
felves on the fences, flumps, or ftones that lie near
fome houfe, and repeat iheir melancholy notes with-
out any variation till midnight. The Indinns, and
fome of the inhabitants of the back fettlcments, think
if this bird perches upon any houfe, that it betokens
fome mifliap to the inhabitants oi' it.

The FiSH HAWK greatly refemblcs the latter in
its fliape, and recei^/es his name from his food, which
is generally filh j it ikims over the lakes and rivers
and fcmctimes iecms to lie expanded on the water, as
he hovers fo clofe to it, and having by fome attractive
power dravv'n the fiili within its reach, darts fudden-
ly upon tlicm. The charrn it makes ufe of is fuppt;!-
cd to be an oil contained in a fmall bag in the body,
and which nature has by fome means or other, fu^:-
].lied him with the power of ufnig for tills pu.rpofe ;
it is however very certain ♦^hat any bait touched with
a drop of the oil colic(rted from this bin} is an irrciif-
tible lure for all forts of fifli, and infurcs the angler
great fucccfs.

The OWL. The only fort of owls that is found
on the banks of the Miffifippi is extremely beautiful iu
3ts plumage, being of a fine deep yeUow or gold co-
lor, pkafingiy (haded and fpotted.

The CRANE. There is a kind of a crane in thcfc
parts, v/liich is called by Father Hennipin a peiican,
that is about the lize of the European crane, of u
greyidi color, and with long leas; but this fpecies
ciifrlrsfrom all others in its bill, which is about twelve
inches long, and one inch and an half broad, of which
breadth it continues to the end, M-hcre it is blunted,
and round like a paddle ; its tongue is of the fiune
kneth. Y -i DUCKS

a74

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

DUCKS. Among a variety of wild ducks, tic
•liflerent fpecies of which amount to upwards of tweL-
ty, I (hall confine my defcription to one fort, that is,
the wood duck, or, as the French term it, Canard
Branchus. 1 his fowl receives its name from its fre-
quenting the voods and perching on the branches of
irees, which no other kind of water fowl (a charad^cr-
iftic that thi- It 1 preferves) is known to do. It is
nearly of a fize with other ducks j its plumage is
beautifully variegated, and very brilliant. The flefli
of it alfo, as it feeds but little on fifh, is finely flavour-
ed, and much fuperior to any other fort.

The TEAL. I have already remarked in my jour-
nal, that the teal found on the Fox River and the
head branches of the MiflTifippi, are perhaps not to
be equalled for the fatnefs and delicacy of their flelh
by any other in the world. In colour, fliape, and
lize they are very little different from thofc found in
other countries.

The LOON is a water fowl, fomewhat lefs than a
teal, and is a fpecies of the dobchick. Its wings are
(liort, and its legs and feet large in proportion to the
body; tl)e color of it is a dark brown, nearly ap-
proaching to black } and as it feeds only on fifh, the
Jlefh of it is very ill flavoured. Thefe birds are exceed-
ingly nimble and expert at diving, fo that it is almoft
impoffible fcr one perfon to fhoot them, as they wiH
dextroufly avoid the fliot by diving before they reach
them i fo thar it requires three perfons to kill one of
them, and this can only be done the .noment it raifes
its head ouf o!: the water as it returns to the furfacc
after diving. It however only repays the tioubleta*
ken to obtain it, by the excellent fport it affords.

The PARTRIDGE. Tlicre are three forts of par-
tridges here, t le biown, the red, and the black, the
firft of which is molt efteemeJ. They are all mucR
larger than the European partridges, being nearly the
fize of » hen pliesiff^nt ^ tlieir head and eyes are alfa

like

r:

f."

fine red

uoife tl

tured hi

The

the Euri

top of i

raifed o

neck be

and the

the low

blue j t

\y tind

other

in an el

fcarceb

inhabit

jetting

far mo

ine

dians,

of par;

five of

have f

I

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

ijf

s, ll,C
tvveh-
lat is,
Janard
ts frc-
les of
atler-
It is
age is
leflefh
avour-

like that bird, and they have all long tails, vhich they
fpread like d fan, but not ereft ; but contrary to
the cuftom of thofe in other countries, they will perch
on the branches of the poplar and black birch, on the &
buds of which they feed early in the morning and in
the twilight of the evening, during the winter months,,
when they are eafily (hot.

The WOOD PIGEON is nearly the fame as ours,
and there are fuch prodigious quantities of them on
the banks of the Miffifippi, that they will fometimes
darken the fun for feveral minutes.

The WOODPECKER. This is a very beautiful
bird J there is one fort whofe feathers are a mixture
of various colors ; and another that is brown all over
the body, except the head and neck, which are of a
fine red. As this bird is fuppofjdto make a greater
uoife than ordinary at particular times, it is conjee--
tured his cries then denote rain.

The r>LUE JAY. This bird is fhaped nearly like
the European jay, only that its tail is longer. On the
top of its head is a creft of blue feathers, which is
raifed or let down at pleafure. The lower part of the
neck behind, and the back, are of a purplilh color,
and the upper fide of the wings and tail, as well as
the lower part of the back and rump, are of a fine
blue ; the extremities of the wings are blackiHi, faint-
ly tin£lured with dark blue on the edges, whilft the
other parts of the wing are barred acrofs with black
in an elegant manner. Upon the whole this bird can'
fcarcely be exceeded in beauty by any of the winged-
inhabitants of this or other climates. It has the fame
jetting motion that jays generally have, and its cry is
far more pleafing.

The WAKON BIRD, as it is termed by the In-
dians, appears to be of the fame fpecies as the birds
of paradife. The name they have given it. i^ expref-
five of its fuperior excellt^nce, and the veneration they
huve for it j the vvakon bird being in their language

the

^: W

m

■If
■if

i-JZ"

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

the bird of the Great Spirit. It is nearly the fize of
a fwallow, of a brown colour, Hiadcd about the neck
with a bright green ; the wings are of a darker brown
than the body ; its tail is compofed of four or five
feathers, which are three times as long as its body,
and v/hich are beautifully (haded with green and pur-
ple. It carries this fine length of plumage in the fame
manner as a peacock does, but it is not known wheth-
er it ever raifes it into the ere£t pofition that birds
fometimes does. I never faw any of thefe birds in the
colonies, but the Naudoweflie Indians caught fevenu
of them when I was in their country, and feemed to
treat them as if they were of a fuperior rank to any
other of the feathered race.

Tlie BLACK BIRD. There are three forts of
birds in North-America that bear this name ; the firfi:
is the common, or as it is there termed, the crovv-
black bird, which is quite black, and of the hme fizc
andihape of thofe in Europe, but it has not that me-
lody in its notes which they have. In the month of
September this fort fly in large flights, and do great
milchief to the Indian Corn, which is at that time
juft ripe. The fecond fort is the red-wing, which is
rather fmaller than the firft fpecies, but like that it is
black all over its body, except on the lower rim of
the wings, where it is of a fine, bright, full fcarlet. It
builds its neft, and chiefly reforts among the fmail
bufiies that grow in meadows and low, fwampy pla-
ces. It whiftles a few notes, but is not ccjual in
its fongtothe European blackbird. The third fort is
of the fame fize as the latter, and is jet black like
that but all the upper part of the win;.;, jufl below the
back, is of a fine clear white ^ as if nature intended
to diverfify the fpecies, and to attone for the want of
a melodious pipe by the beauty of its plumage ; for
this alf*is deficient in its mufical powers. The
beaks of every fort are of a full yellow, and the fe-
males ofcachof a rudy black like the European.

The

f1'

m

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

*73

The RED BIRD is about the fize of a fparrow,
but with a long tail, and is all over of a bright Ver-
million color. I favv many of them about theOttawaw
Lakes, but I could not learn that they fung. I alfo
obferved in fome other parts a bird of much the
fame make, that was entirely of a fine yellow.

The WHETSAW is of the cuckoo kind, being
like that, a folitary'bird, and fcarcely ever feen. In
the futtimer months it is heard in the vroves, where
it makes a noife like the filing of a faw, from which
it receives its name.

The KING BIRD is like a fwallow, and feems to
be of the fame fpecies as the hhqk martin or fwift.
It is called the King Birdbeciiufe it is able tomafter
almoft every bird that flies. I have often feen it bring
down a hawk.

The HUMMING BIRD. Th-s beautiful bird,
which is the fmalleft of the feathei d inhabits J.ts of
the air, is about the third part of th'. fize of a wren,
and is fhaped extremely like it. It; legs, which are
about an inch long, appear like two fmall ne( v-J.es,
and its body is proportionable to them. But its plu-
mage exceeds defcription. On its head it has a Imall
tuft of j tty, fhining black ; the brcaft of it is red,
the belly white, the back, wings, and tailof thefineft
pale gretn ; and fmall fpecks of gold are fcattered
with inexprelfiblc grace over the whole ; befides this,
an almoft impreceptiblc down foftens the colors, and
produces the moft pleafing (hades. With, its bill,
which is of the fame diminitive fize as the other parts of
its body, it extra£^s from the flowers a moifture which
is its nourilhment *, over thefe it hovers like a bee, but
jiever fights on them, moving at the fame time its
wings with fuch velocity that the motion of them is
imperceptible j notwithftanding which they make a
humming noife, from whence it receives its name.

l^' I

!■

Q»

2 74

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

of the fishes which are found in 7he
Waters of the Mjssisiffi, •

I have already given a difcription of thofe that are
taken in the great lakes.

The Sturgeon, the Pout or Cat Fifli, the Pike, the
Carp, and the Chub.

Ihe STURGEON. The frtfh water fturgeon is
fliaped in no other refpcft hke thofe taken near the
fca, except in the formation of its head and tail j
which are fafliioned in the finie manner, but the bo-
dy is not fo angnjated, nor are there fo many horny
fcales about it as on the latter. Its length is general-
ly about two feet and a half or three feet long, but
in circumference not proportionable, being a flender
filh. The flelh is exceedingly delicate and finely fla-
voured ; I caught fome in the head waters of the riv-
er St. Croix that far exceeded trout. The manner
of taking them is by watching them as they lie un-
der the banks in a clear dream, and darting at them
with a fifh-fpear ; for they will not take a bait. There
is alfo in the Miilifippi, and there only, another fort
than the Ipecies I have d«"fcribed, which is fimilar to
it in every refpeft, except that the upper jaw extends
fourteen or fifteen iriches beyond the under ; this
extenfive jaw, which is of a griflly fubftance, is three
inches and a half broad, and continues of that breadth,
fomewhat in the fliape of an car, to the end, which
is flat. The flefh of this ffh, however, is not to be
compared with the other fort, and is not fo much ef-
teemed even by the Indians.

The CAT FISH. This flfli is about eighteen
inches long ; of a brownifh color, and without kales.
It has a large rcmd head, from whence it receives
its name, on different parts of which grows three or
four flrong, fharp horns about two inches long. Its
£ns are alfo very bony and Ihong, and wiihottt great

care

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

s,.

275

^,

jc.'.rc will pierce tlie hands of thofe who take them.
It weighs commonly about five or fix pounds j the
flcfh of it is cxceffively fat and lufcious, and greatly
rtfembles that of an ell in its flavor.

The CARP and CHUB arc much the fame as
thofe in Kngland, and nearly about the fame fize.

Oi' SERPENTS.

The Rattle Snake, the Long Black Snake, the
Wall or Houfe Adder, the Striped or Garter Snake,
the WattT Snake, the HiflingSnake> the GreenSnake,
the Thorntai! Snake, the Speckled Snake, the Ring
Siiake, the Two-headed Snake.

The RATTLE SNAKE. There appears to he
two fpecies of this reptile; one of which is com-
monly termed the Black, and the other the Yellow ;
and of thefe the latter is generally confidercd as the
largeft. At their full growth th^y are upwards of
five feet long, and the middle part of the body, at
which it is of the greatefl bulk, meafures about nine
inches round. From that part it gradually decreafes
both towards the head and the tail. The neck is
proportionably very fmall, and the head broad and
deprefled. Thefe arc of a light brown color, the i-
ris of the eye red, and all the upper part of the body-
brown, mixed with a ruddy yellow, and chequerd
with many regular lines of a deep black, gradually
fhading towards a gold color. In Ihort the whole of
this dangerous reptile is very beautiful, and could it
be vicv/cd with lefs tenor, fuch a variegated arrange-
ment of colors would be extremely pleafing. But
thefe are only to be feen in their higheft perfeftion
at the time this creature is animated by refentment ;
then every tint rufhcs from its fubcutaneous recefs,
and gives the furface of the ikin a deeper (tain. The
belly is ot a palifh blue, which grows fuller as it ap-
proaches tlie fides, and is at length intermixed witli

the

■K'f,

t|

<'■

I H

"SJiii

,276

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

the cplor of the upper part. The rattle at its tail,
from which it receives its name, is compofed of a
.firm, dry, callou8,or horny fubftanceof a light brown,
and conlifts of a number of cells which articulate one
within another, like joints ; and which increafe eve-
ry year, and make known the age of the creature.
Thefe articulations being very loofe, the included
points ftrike cgainft the inner furllice of the concave
parts or rings into which tkey are admitted, and as
the fnakc vibrates, or fhakes its tail, makes a rattling
noife. This alarm is always given when it is appre-
henfive of danger ; and in an inftant after forms itfelf
into a fpiral wreath, in the centre of which appear
tlie head ere£l, and breathing forth vengancc againft
either man or beaft that fliall dare to come near it.
In this attitude he awaits the approach of his ene-
mies, rattling his tail as he fees or hears them coming
on. By this timely intimation, which heaven f-^ems
to have provided as a means to counteradl the mif-
chief this venomous reptile would otherwife be the
perpetrator of, the unwary traveller is apprifed of his
danger, and has «n opportunity of avoiding it. It
is however to be obferved, that it never a£^s offen-
fivcly •, it neither purfues nor flies from any thing
that approaches it, but lies in tbe pofition defcribcd,
■rattling his tail, as if reluttant to hurt. The teeth
with which this fcrpcnt ctle£ls his poifonous purpo-
fes arc not thole he nnikes ufe of on ordinary occa-
fions, t>iey are only two in number, very fjnall rmd
iharp ^-ointed, and fixed in a finewy fubftance that
lies iieir the extremity of the upper jaw, rereuibllng
;the ^i iws of a cat; at the root of each of th^-^fc, might
be extended, contra 6led, or entirely hi Am, as need
.requires, are two fmall bladders v.'hich nature has fo
■condrudted, that at the fame inftant an incifion is
made by the teeth, a drop of a <j;reeni(h, poifonous li-
qui(^ mtcrs the wound, and taints with its deftruc-
tive quality the whole mafs of blood. In a moment

the

imong
eg, abo
luring 2
ner, its
liate ap
/idence
Ac Snak
Ton of t
»ver th(
everal <
ts bite:
)fthc M
:ious ei
md if a
be waft
fat of t\
to be V€
perfons
thefe; a
they an
ful fym
lation.

CAP VSR'S TRAVELS.

•77

its tail,
"ed of a
t brown,
ilate one
?afe eve-
:rcature.
included
concave

and as
I rattling
s appre-
ms itfelf
I appear
: againft
near it.
lis ene-

coming
;n r^ems
the mif-

be the
td of his

it. It
5 ofFen-
ly thing
ifcribcd,
'he teeth
s purpo-
ly oc ca-
nal i -Mid.
ice that
femblliig
*c, might
as need
re has fo
cifion is
Dnous li-

deftruc-

moment

the

^,

he unfortunate vidim of its wrath feels a chilly trc-
nor run through all his frame ; a fwcUing immccli-
itely begins on the fpot where the teeth had entered,
vhich fpreads by degrees over the whole body, and
iroduces on every part of the fkin the variej^atcd
me of*the fnake. The bite of this reptile is more or
■.'i!(| venomous, according to the f^lwJn of the year
n which itjs given. In the dog days, it often prove.";
'nftantly mortal, and efpecially if the wound is made
imong :he finews fituated in the back part of the
eg, above the 'heel ; but in the fpring, in autumn, or
luring a cool day which might happen in the fum-
ner, iti bad effe£ls are to be prevented by the immc-
liate application of proper remedies ; and thefe Pro-
;idence has bounteoufly fupplied, by caufing the Rat-
de Snake Plantain, an approved antidote to the poi-
fon of this creature, to grow in great profulion where
;ver they are to be met with. There arc ftkewifc
everal other remedies befides this, fer the venom of
ts bite. Adecoftion is made of the buds or barjj
)f the white afti, tak-en internally, prevents its pernr-
:iou8 cffedls. Stilt is a newly difcovered remedy^
md if applied immediately to the part, or the wound
be waflied with brine, a cure might be aflured. The
fat of the- reptile alio rubbed on it, is frequently found
to be very efficacious. But though the lives qi^lhe
perfons ^ho have been bitten might be preferv^l by
thefc; and their health in fome degree feftored, yet
they annually experience'a flight returii^?! the dread-
ful fymtcms about the time they received the inftil-
lation. However remarkable it may appear, it is cer-
tain, that though the vtnom of this creature afte£l3,
in a greater or lefs degree, all animated nature, the
hog is an exception to the rule, as that animal will
readily deftroy them without dreading their poi-
fonous fangjs, and fatten on their flefh. It has been
often obferved, and I 'can confirm the cbfcrvation,
that tlve Rattle Snake is charmed with any harmoni-

Z 0U4

.-t

278

CARVKKP.'i TVRVLS.

ous founds, whether vocal or inflrumcntal ; I have
nvAny times ftcn them, even when they have been
enraged, plaee ihemfclvcs in a liltenini; pofturc, and
continue immoveably atteniive and iulctptlble of de-
light all the time the mufie has lallctl. lihould have
remarked, that when the Rattle wSnakc bites, it drops
itsnnder jaw, andholding the upper jawere^Jt, throws
itfelf in a curve fine, with great force, and as quick
as lightning, on the obje6l of its refontment. In a
moment after, it returns again toitsdefenfive -poflure
having difengaged its teeth from the wound with
j;reat celerity, by means of the polition in which it
had placed its head when it made the attack* It ne-
ver extends itfelf to a greater diflancc than half its
length will reach, and though it fometimes repeats
the blow two or three times, it as often returns with
a fuddcn rcbourid to its former ftalfc. The Black
Rattle Snake differs in no other refpecl from the
"Yellow, than in being rather fmaller, and in the va-
riegation of its colours, which are exactly ifeverfed :
one is black where the other is yellow, and vice verfa.
They are equally venomous. It is not known hovr
thefe creatures engender ; I have often found the
eg^s of feveral other fpecies of the fnake, but notwith-
flanding no one has taken more pains to acquire a
^lerfecl knowledge of every property of thefe reptiles
than myfelf, I never could difcover the m amer in
which*they bring forth tlieir young. I o;ice killed a
female that had. fcventy young ones in irs belly, but
thefe were perifeclly formed, and I faw them juft be-
fore retire to the mouth of their mother, as a place
of fecurity, on my approach. Th:; gali oftliii Icr-
pcnt, mixed witkchalk, are formed into little balls,
and exported from America, for medical purpofes.
"They are of the nature of Gafcoign's powders, and
an excellent remedy for complaints incident to chil-
dren. The tleih of the fnake alfo dried, and made

into

CARVER'S TKAVELS. z-«

intooroth, Is much more nntritive tlinn that of .vi-
pers, ami very efluacious af?;anff confumptions.

The LONG DLACK SN Ai;K. 'ihclc art^alfo of
two forts, both of which arc exactly fimilar inlhiinc
and fize, only the Ijelly of one is a light red, the oili-
er a faint blue ; all the upper parts of their bodies;
are black and fcaly. They are in general from fix to
eight feet in length, and carry their heads, as they
crawl along, about afoot and an half from tlie ground.
They i^afdy climb the highoit trees in purfuit of bird-;
tind fquirrels, vhich are their chief food j and tlicfc,
It is faid, they charm by their locks, and rcnJcr in-
capable of efeaping from them. Their appearance
carries terror wiihit to thofe wl.o are unacquainted
with their inability to hurt, but they are perfectly in-
offenfive and free from venom. _ ^

The STRIPED or GARTER ^AKE, Is exacl^
ly the fr.me a8 that fpecies found in other climsttr..

The ^ ATER SNAKE is much like tlie Rattle
Snake in fliape and fize, hut is not endowed with ihe
fame venomous powers, being quite liarmlelf.

The HISSING SNAKE t have ahtn.ly particu-
" larly defcribcd, when I treated, in my journal, cf

"The GREEN SNAKE is about a foot and an naif
long, and in color fo near to grafs and herbs, that it
cannot be difcovcred as it lies on the ground •, hap-
pily, however, it is free from venom, otnerwife it
would do an infinite deal of niifchief,.as thofe who
pafs through the meadows, not being able to perceive
it, are deprived of the power of avoiding it.

The THORN-TAIL SNAKE. This reptile Is
found in many parts of America,,h|it it iy \ery feldcm
to be feen. It is of a middle fizei and receives its
name from a thorn-lik^ dart in its tail, with which it
is faid to infli£l a rnoiLal wound.

The SPECKLED SNAKE is an aqu us reptile
•about two feet and an half in length, .t without

','11

,11

M

venom.

28o

CARVER'S TRAVZLb^i

I'm

i'vi

I

venom. Its flcin which, is. brown and whiielfvi'ith
fome fpots of yellow in it, is iifed bjr the Americans
as a cover for ^he handles of whips, and it renders
them very pleafing to the fight. *

The RING SNAKE is about twelve inches long ;
'''the body of it is entirely black, except a yellow ring
which it haf, about its neck, and which appears like
a iiqrrow piece of riband tied round it. This ocUi
reptile is frequently found in the bark of trees and
among old logs. *

The TWO-HEADED SNAKE. The only fnake
of this kind that was ever iccn in x^merica, was found
■^kbout the year 1762, ne?r Lake Champlain, by Mr.
Park, a gentleman of New-England, and made a pre-
fent to Lord Amherft. It was about a foot long, and
in fliape like the common fnake, but it was furnifl^ied
with two heads Exactly fimilar, whidHf. united at the
neck. Whether this was a diftindl fpecies of fnakes,
and was :ible to propagate its likenefs, or' whether it
wis an accidental*tormation, I know not.

The TORTOISE or LAND TURTLE. The
i*iape of this creature is fo well known that it is un-
necclTirv to defcribe it. There are {even or eight
forts or.hcni in Anicvica, fome of which arebcautiJ
fully virieg.itcd, even beyond defcription. The {l^.elld
of mai:y have fpots of red, green, and yellow in them,
and the chequer work, is compofed of fmall fquarei^
cujioufl^'difpofed. The mod beautiful fort of theft}
■clfatures are the fmalleft, and the bite of theniiifaiU
10. be venomous.

LIZJRDSy iSf:. ■

Though there jre numerous kinds of this clafs oJ
•the animal cieatllfl, in the vountry I treat of, J dial)
only take notice of two of them ; which are |ermed
the Swift and Slow Liz^.rd.

The SWIlT LIZARD is about fix inches- long>
and has four logs and a tail. Its body, which is blue^

IS 4

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

;8i

lericans
renders

IS long ;
|w ring
|ars like
ns o(J«l
;s and

found
>y JNIr.

apre-
'gj and
niflied
at the
nakes,
tlier it

The
is un-
eight

>eautiJ

: fliellij

them,

luared

is fai(|

xCi oi

fl:ali

rmcd

ong>
is

^0-

13 prettily ilriped uiih dark lines fliaded with yel-
low ; but the end of the tail is totally blue. It is fo
remarkably agile, that in an inftant it is out of fight,
nor can its mo]^ement be perceived by the quickeP:
eye ; fo that it might more juftly be faid to vanifti,
than to run away. ThiS fpecies are fuppofed to poi-
fon thofe they bite, but are not dangerous, as they ne-
ver attack perfons that approach them, chufing ra-
ther to get fuddenly out of their reach.

Tht SLOW LIZARD is of the fame fliape as the
Swift, but its color is brown j it is mcieove'r cf an
oppofite difpofitlon, being altogether as flew in itj
movements as the other is fwift. It is remarkable
that thefe lizards are extremely brittle, and will brealc
off near the tail as eafily as an icicle.

Among the reptiles of North-Air.erica, there 's a
fpecies of the toad, termed the TREE TOAD, which
is nearly of the fame fliape as the com men lort, but
fmaller and with larger cluws. It is ufually found on
trees, flicking clofe to the bark, or laying in the cre-
vices of it ; and fo nearly does it refemble the color
of the tree to which it cleaves, that it is with difiicul-
ty difl:ingu*.(hed from it. 1 hefe creatures are only
hp?.:d during the twilight of the morning and evening,
or juft before and after a flicwer of rain, when they
make a croaking noife fomcwhaf fliriller than that of
a frog, which might be heard to a great dift;:nce.
They infeft the woods in fuch numbers, that their
refpom:ve notes at thefe times make the air refour^i.
Xt is only a fummer animal, and never to be found
during the winter. i

. INSECTS.

The interior pnvts of North- America itbound with
nearly the fame infecls as are met with in the fame
parallels of latitude ; and the fpecies of them are i'o
numerous and diverlified that even a fuccin^!^ defcrip-

Z 2, ' lion

2 82

CARVER'i TRAVELS.

tion of the whole of them would fill a volume i I
{\^ therefore coniine myfelf to a few, which I be-
lieve are alnaoll peculiar to tins country ; the Silk
Worm, the Tobacco Worm, the Bee, the Lightnino-
Bug, the Water I ug, and ^e Horned Bua.

The SILK W. RM is nearly the rame Js thofe of
France and Italy, but Mill not produce the fame vjuan-
titv of filk.

The TOBACCO WORM is a caterpillar of the
flze ard figure of a filk worm, it is of a line fca green
color, on its rump it has a Iling or horn near a. quar-
ter of an inch long.

The BEES, in America, principally lodge their ho-
ney in the earth to fccure it from the ravages of the
bears, who are remarkably fond of it.

The LIGHTNING BUG or FIRE FLY is about
the fize of a bee, but it is of the beetle kind, having
Uke that infe6l two pair of wings, the upper of w aicli
are of a firm texture, to defend it from danger.
When it flies, and the wings are expanded, there is
under thefe a kind of coat, conlhudlcd alfo like wing?,
which is luminous ; and as the irifed: palVes on, caufeb
all the hinder part ot its body to appear like a
bright fiery coal. Having placed one of them on
your hand, the under part only ihines, and throws
the light on the fpace beneath ; but as foon as it
fpreads its upper wings to fly away, the whole body
which lies behind them appears illuminated all around.
The light it gives is not conllantly cf the fame mag-
nitude, even when it flies j but feems to depend on
the expanfion or contraftion of the luminous coat or
wings, and is very different from that emitted in a
dark night by dry wood or fome kinds of lilh, it hav-
ing much more the appearance of real fire. They
leem to be fenfibliS'of the power they are poflefled of,
and to know the moil fuitable time for exerting it,
as in a very dark night they are much more nume-
rous than at anyotltcr tinie. 'iliey arc oulyfc^n during

the

CARVER'S TRAVELi.

2«3

the fummer months of June, ^uly, and Auguft, and
then at no other time but in the flight. , Wlictto
from their cp,lp,r, which i$ a duiky brown, they are not
then difcernible, or from their retiring to holes and
crevices, I Icnow ^ot, hut^tJxey are never tpbc diiiiovr
^red in the day. They chiefly are feen in low fwam-
py land, and appear like innumerable tranfient gleams
of light. In dark nights when there is much lightn-
ing without ra^in, they feem as if they wilhcd either
to imitate or affiil the fiaflies ; for during the inter-
val^, they a,re uncommonly agile, and endeavour to
. throw out every ray they can coUe<ft. Notwithlland:-
jng this efJuIg.ent appearance, thefc infedU are per"
fe<Stly harmlcfs, you may permit them to cravi'l upon
your hand, when five or fix, if they freely exlilbit
their glow together, will enable you to read ah. oft
the fmalleft print.

The WATER BUG is of a brown color, about

the fize of a pea, and in ftiape 'nearly oval ; 't has

many legs, by means of which it pafies over the fur-

. face of the witer witl^uch incredible fwiftnefs, that

it feems to Aide or dart itfeif along.

The HORNLD BUG, or as it is Sometimes term-
ed the STAG BEETLE, is of a dufky brown color
nearly approaching to black, about an inch and an
half long, aiid half ;»n inch broad. It has tvvro large
horns, which grow on each fide of the head, and meet
horizontally, and with thefe it pinches very hard i
they are branched like thofe of a flag, from whence,
it receives its name. 'Ihey fly about in the evening,
znd prove very troublefome to thofe who are in th-^
fields at tha: tim^.

I mull not cina that the LOCUST is a fcptennial
infe^l, as they are only feen, a fmall^umber of flrag-
glers excepted, every feven years, "«^en they infeft
theie parts and the interior colonies in large fvvarms,
nnd do a great deal of mifchief. The years Vv'hen
they thus arrive are denominated the locuft years.

CHAPTER XiX.

*3

:fl ■'

''hi

9P

f*f

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

CHAPTER XIX.

rH£ TREES, SHRUBS, ROOTS, HERBS^
FLOWERS, (s-r.

I

SHALL here obfcrvc the fame method that
r have purfued in the preceding chapter, and having
given a lift cf the trees, &c. which are natives of the
interior parto of North America, particularize fuch
only as differ from the produce of other colihtries, or,
being little known^ have not been dcferibed.

6P TREES, .,

" The Oak, the Pine Tree, the Maple, the Afli, the
Hemlock, the Bafs or "White Wood, the Cedar, the
Elm, the Birch, the Fir, the Locuft Tree, the Poplar,
the Wickopic, or t)uckwic> Jjhc Sprufccj the Horn-
beam, and the Button Wood 'l^ee.

The OAK. There are feVeral forts of oaks in thefe
parts ; the black, the white, the red, the yellow, the
grey, the fwaixp oak, and the chefnut oak: the five
former vary but little in their external appearance,the
fhape of the leaves, and the color of the baric being
fo much alikeipthat they are fcarcely didinguifhable ;
but the bodv'i^the tree when fawed difeovers the va-
riation, whidh chiefly confifls in the cokr of the
wood, they being all very hard, and proper for build-
ing. The fwamp oak differs materially from the oth-
ers both In the fhape of the leal, which is fmaller, and
in the bark, which is fmoother j, and likewife as it
grows only in a*fnoift, gravelly foil. It is efteemed
the tougheft of all woods, being fo ftrong yet pliable,
that it is. often made ufe of inftead of whalebone, and
is equally ferviceable. 1 he chefrut oak alio is great-
ly ^ifSsrent from the others, paniculariv in the iliapc

# of

CARVER'S TRAVEL'S.-

285

^£RSS,

hod that
d having
es of the
ize fuch
tries, or>

Afli, the
Jdar, the
J Poplar,
ic Horn-

; in thcfe
low, the
the five
ance,the
fk being
iHiable ;
s the va-
r of the
r build-
the oih-
ller, and
fe as it
[teemed
pliable,
ne, and
s great-
e 111 ape
of

of the leaf, which much refemblcs that of; the dilf-
nut-trec, and for this reafon is fo denominated. It
is neither fo ftrong as the former fpecies,nor fo tough
»s the latter, but xS of a nature proper to be fplit in-
to rail* for fences, in which ftate it will endure a
confiderable time.

The PINE TREE. That fpecies of the pine tree
peculiar to this part of the continent, is the white,
the quality of which I need not defcribe, as the tim-
ber of it is fo'Well known under the name of deals.
It grows |icre in great plenty, to an amazing height
and fizc, alid yields an excellent turpentine, though
not in fuch quantities as thofe in the northern parts
ofEui'ope.

The MAPLE. Of this tree there are two forts,
the hard and the foft, both of which yield a lufciou^
juice, from which the Indians, by boiling, make very
good fugar. The fap of the former is much richer
and fweeterthan the latter, but the foft produces a
greater quaiftity. THpwood of the hard maple is ve-»
ry beautifully veined and curled, and when wrought
into cabinets, tables, gunftocks, &c. is greatly valued,
l^at of the foft fort difiers-in its texture, wanting
the variegated grain of the hard j it alfo grows more
ftraight and free from branches, and is more eafily
fplit. It likewife may be diftinguifhcd from the hard,
as this grows in meadows and lovv-lands, that on the
hills and uplands. The leaves are (haped alike, but
thofe of the foft maple are much the large ft, and of a
deeper green;

The ASH., 'There are feveral forts of ihis tree in
thefe parts, but that to which 1 fhall confine my de-
feription, is the yellow afli, which isjonly found near
me head branches of the MifBfippi. This tree grows
to an amazing height, and the body of it is fo firm
and found, that the French traders wlio go into that
country from Louifiana, to purchafe Turs, make of
them periagua^s » this (hey ^io by ei^cMrating them

it /

t >

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«y

CARVER'S TRAVELS*

^ fire, and when they arc completed, convey in thcwt
the produce ot their trade to New-Orleans, wl ere
they find a good market both for their vcffels and
cargoes. The wood of this tree greatly refembles
that of the common afh ; but it might be diftinguifh-
cd from any other tree by its bark ; the rofs oroutfide
bark being near eight inches thick, and indented with
furrows more thaii Hx inches deep, which make thofe
that are arrived to a great bulk appear uncommonly
rough; and by this peculiarity they may be readily
known. The rind or infide bark is of the fame thick-
ncfs as that of other trees, but its color is a fine bright
yellow, infomuch that if it is but flightly handled, it
will leave a ftain on the fingers, which cannot eafily
lie waihed away i and if in the fpring you.peel off the
bark, and touch the fap, which then lifes between
^that and the body of the tree, it will leave fo deep a
tin£l:ure that it will require three or four days to wtar
it ofi^". Many ufeful qualities belong to this tree, I
doubt not will be difcovere(?^ time, beiides its prov-
U\s a valuable acquifition to the dyer.

The HEMLOCK TREE grows in every part of
America, in a greater or lefs degree. It is an ever-
green of a very large growth, and has leaves fome-
what like that of the yew ; it is however quite nfe-
lefs, and only an incumbrance to the ground,the wood
being of a vety coarfe grain, and full of wind-lhakes
-fjr cracks.

The BASS or WHITE WOOD is a tree of a mid-
dling fize, and the whiteft and fofteft wood that
grows i when quite dry it fwims on the water like a
€ork ; in the fettlements the turners make of it bowls,
Irencherr, and diflies, which wear fmooth, and will
Ifift a long time ; but when applied to any other pu;-
poie it is far from durable.

The WICKOPICK or SUCKWIK appears ito be
» fpccies of the white wood, and is diftinguiflied
ii^m it by k fsmMlm, <|ualky io^e h^ih, whiqh whea

^ poKindcdj

"^

y?;

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

2S7

founded, and moiftencd with a little water, Inftantlm
becomes a matter of the confiftence and nature of fizd
With this the Indians pay their canoe.% and it great-
ly exceeds pitch, or any other material ufually appro-
priated to tliat purpofe ; forbefide^ its adhcfive qual-
ity, it is of fo oiiy a nature, that th? -A'ater cannot pen-
etrate through it, and its repelling power abates not for
A conddcrable time.

The BUTTON WOOD Is a tree of the largeft
fize, and ipight be diftinguilhed by its bark, which is
quite fmooth and prettsly mottled. The wood is ve-
ry proper for the ufe of c iblnet-makcrs. It is cover-
ed with fmall hard burs v/hichlpring from its branches,
that appear net ualike buttoifs, and from thcfe it
receives its name.

■m

NUT TREES.

The Butter or Oil Nnt, the Walnut, the Hazel
Nut, the Beech Nut, ijbe Pecan Nut, the Chefnut,
the Hickory.

The BUTTER or OIL NUT. As no mention
has been made by any author of this nut, I fliall be the
more particular in my account of it. The tree grows
in meadows where the foil is rich and warm. The
body of it feldom exceeds a yard in circumference, is
full of branches, the twigs of which are Ihort and
blunt, and its leaves refemble thofe 6f the walnut.
The nut has a fliell more likcthat fruit|; which when
ripe is more furrowed, and more eafily cracked ; it is
alio much longer^and largey than a walnut, and con-
tains a greater qu;nulty of kernel, which is very oiiy,
and of a rich, agreeable flavour., I am perfuaded tliat
a much purer oil than that of olives might be extra£t-
ed from this nut. The inftde bark of this tree dyes a
good purple ; and it is fiid, varies in its (hade, being
either darker or lighter, according to the month in
which it is gathered.

*'i

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^-

288

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

The BEECH NUT. Though this free grdws cic-»
a^ly like that of the fame name in Europe, yet it
produces nuts equally as good as chefnuts j on which
bears, martins,fqairrcls, partridges, turkies, and many
other birds and bcafts feed. The nut is contained,
whilfl growing, in an outHde cafe, like that of a chef-
nuf, but not ib prickly ; and the coat of the infide
fheil isalfo fmooth like that } only its form is nearly
triangalar. Vail quantities of them lie fcattered a-
bout in the woods, and fupply with food great num-
bers of the creatures juft mentioned. The leaves,
which are white, continue on the trees during the
whole winter. A decoftion made of them is a cer-
tain anJcxpcditious.cupcfor wounds which arife from
turning or fcalding, as well as a reftorative for thofc
members that are nipped by the froft.

. The PECAN NUT is fomcwhat of the walnut
kind, but rather fmaller than a walnut, being about
the fize of a middle acorn, and of an oval form ; the
Ciell is eafily cracked, and the kernel fhaped like that
of a walnut. This tree grows chiefly near the Illi-
rpis River.

The HICKORY is alfo of the walnut kind, and
bears a fruit nearly like that tree. There are feveral
ibrts of them, which vary only in the color of the
wood. Being of a very lou^j^h nature, the wood is
generally ufed for the handles of axes, &c. It is al-
fo very good fire-wood, and as it burns, an excellent
■fugar diitils itom it. ^

. J.I*

FRUIT TREE^.

«^

I need not to obferve that thcfe are all the fponta-
ncous produ6J:ions of nature, which have neverreceiv-
ed the advantages of ingrafting, tranfplanting, or ma-

nuring.

The Vine, the Mulberry Tree, the Crab Apple
Tree, the Plum Tree, the Cherry Tree, and the Sweet
Cum Tree. The

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

289

IT'

The VINE k very common here, and of three
kinds ', the firft fort hardly defcrves the name of a
grape ; the fecond much refcmbles the Burgundy

pe, and if expofed to the fun a good wine might
be made from them. The third lort refemblcs Zant
currants, which are fo frequently ufed in cakes. &c.
in England, and if proper care was taken of them,
would be equal, if not fuperior,to thofe of that coun-
try.

The MULBERR Y-TREE is of two kinds, red and
white, and nearly of the fame fize of thofe of.France
^lid Italy, and grow in fuch plenty, as to feed any
i|uantity of filk worms.

The CRAB APPLE TREE bears a fruit that is
much larger and better flavoured than thofe of Eu-
rope.

Thfe PLUM TREE. There are two forts of
plums |n this country, one large fort of a purple caft
4an one fide, and<red on the reverfc, the fecond total-
ly green, an*cl much fmaller. Both thefe are of a
good flavor, and are greatly eflieended by the Indians,
whofe tafte is not refined, but who are fatisfied with
the produ£l:ions of nature, in their unimproved ftate.

The CHERRY TREE. There are three forts of
cherries in this country ; the black, the red, and the
fand cherry ; the two latter may with more proprie-
ty be ranked among the ihrubsi,as the bufh that bears
the fand cherries almoft creeps aloi|g the ground,
and the other rifes not above eight or ten feet in
height ; however, I fliall give an account of them in
this place. The black cherries are about the fize of
a currant, and hang in clufl;ersj like grapes ; the
trees which bear theih^ being very fruitful, they are
generally loaded, but thcfrui^ Is not good to eat,
however they give an agreeable flavor to brandy, and
turn it to the color of claret. The red cherries grow
in the greateft profufion, and hang in bunches, like
the black fort juft defcribed j fo that the bufiies

A a which

i .

m

1 , 1

m

H^'^fl

'k

:i

Wo

■

\> '

■ i

w

'•1

1

■'Mr.'

ayo

CARVER'S TRAVEi^S.

which bear them appear at a^ diftanci|,Hkc folid bo-
dies of red matter. Some pcopU admire this fruit,
but they partake of the nature and tafte of alum,
leaviiig a difagrecivblc voughnefs in the throat, and
being very altringent. As 1 have already dcfcribed
the fand cherries, which greatly exceed the two other
forts, both in flavor and lize, 1 fliall give no farther
defcription of them. The wood of tlic black cherry,
tree is very ufeiul,and works well into cabinet ware.
The 5WEET GUM TREE or LIQUID AM-
BER (Copalni) is not only q;{tremcly common, but
it affords a balm, the virtues ^of which are infinite, '
Its bark is black and hard, and its wood fo tender
and fupple, that when the tree is felled, you may
draw from the middle of it rods of five or fix feet in
length. It cannot be employed in building or fur-
niture, as it warps continually, its leaf is ioAwited
with five points, like a ftar. This balm is reckoned .
by the Indians to be an excellent febrifuge, and it ^,
cures wounds in two or three days. ' ■

SHRUB $,.

The Willow, Shin Wood, Shumack, Saflafras,
the Prickly Afh, Moofe Wood, Spoon Wood, Large
Elder, Dwarf Elder, Poifonous Elder,Juni per, Shrub
Oak, Sweet Fern, the Laurel, the Witch Hazle, the
Myrtle WaX^J^ree, Winter Green, the Fever Br.lh,
the Cranberry feufh, the Goofeberry Bufli, the Cur-
rant Bufh, the Whirtle Berry, the Rafberry, the
Black Berry, and the C&blk jBerry.

ThbWILLO^^*' There" are feyeral fpecies of.
the willow, the mdft remarkable of which is a fmall
fort that grows on the banks of tlie Mlflifippi, and
and fome other places adjacent. The hark of this
fhrub fupplies the beaver with its winter food ; and
where the water has waflicd the foil from its roots,
tlxey appear to confifl of fibres interwoven together

like

^^■^

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

291

5(1 bo-
fruit,
Jalum,
Jt, and
fcribed
other
farther
:herry,
ware.
AM-

Hkc thread, the color of which is of auincxprcfTibly
fine fcarlet ; with this the Indians tinge many of
the ornamental parts of their dreft;.

SHIN WOOD. This extraordinary flirub grows
in^ the forefts, and rifing like a vine, runs near the
ground for fix or eight feet, and then takes root a-
gain j in the fame manner taking root, and fprinf-
ing up fucceffivelyi one ilalk covers a ir.rge fpuce -,
this proves very trouVlcfomfc to the ha fly traveller,
by llriking againft hisiliins, and entangling his legs j
from which it has acquired its name.

Ihe .tSAiSSAFRAS is a uocd well known for its
medicinal qualitiHs. It migh<^ with equal propriety
be termed a tree as a flirub, as it fomctimes urows
thirty feet high; but in general it docs net reach
higher than thofe of the ILrub kind. The leaves,
which yield an agreeable fragrance, are large, and
nearly feparated into three divillons. It bears a red-
difh bro\*'n berry, of the fize and Ihape of Pimento,
and which is fometimes uf^d in the colonies as a fub-
flitute for that fpice. The bark or roots of this tree,
is infinitely fuperior to the wood for its ufe in nvv^di-
cine, and I am fiirprifed it is fo feldom to be met
with, as its eiTicacy is fo much greater.

The PRICKLY ASH is a ihrub that fomctimes
grows to the height of ten or fifteen feet, and has a
leaf exactly refembling that of an alh, but it receives
the epithet to its name from the abundance of fliort
thorns with which every branch is covered,and which
renders it very troublefoimc to thofe who pafs thro*
"die fpot where they- grow thick. It alio bears a
fcarlet berry, wJxlcK when ripe, has a fiery tafte,like
pepper. . Th^lv^xk of tjhis tree, particularly the bark
of the ,rdots,>i-|s highly efteemed by the natives fcr
ih mei3icina|jiS^)itie'8.^^' I have already mentioned
one inl|a^ce of its efficacy, and there is no doubt
b ut t%t iliie decoftion of if'Xvill expediticufly and ra-
dically remove all impurities of the blcod. •

The

f,^-

i

m

2()l

CARVER'* TRAVKLS.

The IMOOSE WOOD grows about four lecfs
high, and is very full of branchts ; but what renders
it worth notice, is its bank, which is ot fo ftionjjr
and pliable a texture, that being peeled oil' at a uy
fcafon, and twilled, makes equally as good cordage
as hemp.

The SPOON WOOD is a fpccles o^ the laurel,
and the wood when fawed reicn>blcs box wood.

The ELDER, commonly tei-nied the poifonous
elder, nearly refembles the other forts in its leaves and
branches, but it grows much ftraighter, and is only
found in fwamps and moiu foils. Thisfhfi^b is en-
dowed with a very extraordinary quality,that render*
it poifonous to fomc conftitutions, which it affects
if the perfon only approaches within a few yards of
it, whilft others may even chew the leaves or the rind
without receiving the leaft detriment from them :
the poifon, however, is not mortal, though it ope-
rates very violently on the infedled perfon, whofe
body and head fwell to an amazing lize, and are co-
vered with eruptions, that at their height refemble the
ionfluent fmall pox. As it grows alfo in many of
the provinces, the inhabitants cure its venom by
drinking faffron tea, and anointing the external parts
with a mixture compofed of cream and marfli mal-
lows.

The SHRUB OAK is exaaiy iimilar to the oak
tree, both in wood and leaves, and like that it bears
an acorn, but it never riles from the ground above
four or five feet, growing crooked and knotty. It
is found chiefly on a dry grfveHy foH. , *»•.:

The WITCH HA2LE grows very btifhy, about
ten feet high, and is covered esitly u^ May with nu^
merous white bloflbms. When,"j^is mrub is in
bloom, the Indians efleem'it a fuctber indication
that the froft is entirely gone, and that ihey might
fow their'corn. It has jbeen faid, that it^^ipofleiTed
of the power of attracting gold or filvcr> and thjit

twiga^^'

an

J¥|?

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

>W

ft long
at auy
orcj.jgc

twigs of it arc made ufq of to difcover where the
veins of thefe metals lie hid ; but 1 am apprchcnfivc
this 18 only a fallacious ftcry, and not to be depend-
ed on i however that fuppofition has given it the
name of Witch Hazle.

The MYRTLE WAX-TREE is a (hrub about
four or five feet high, the leaves of which are larger
than thofe of the common myrtle, but they fmell
cxa£^ly alike. It bears ^its fruit in bunches, like a
nofegay, rifmg from the fame place in various ftalks,
about two inches long : at the end of each of thefe
S8 a little nuty containing a kernel, which is wholly
covered with a gluey fubftance, which being boiidd in
water, fwims on the furface of it, and becomes a kind
of green wax ; this is more valuable than bees-wax,
being of a more brittle nature, but mixed with it
makes a good candle, which as it burns, fends forth
an agreeable fcent.

WINTER GREEN. This is an ever green, of
the fpecies of the myrtle, and is found oniry heaths;
the flowers of it are white, and in the form of a rofe,
but not larger than a lllver penny ; in the winter it
is full of red berries, about the fi2e of a floe, which
arc frnooth and round ; thefe are preferved during
th^ fevere feafon by the fnow, and are a,t this time in
the higheft perfection. The Indians eat thefe ber^
ries, elteeming them very balfamic, and invigorating
to the ftomach. The people inhabiting the interior
colonies deep both the fprigs and berries in beer,
and ufe it as a diet drink for cieanfing the blood
from fcorbutic difordcrs. . ^i^

ThCiEEVER BUSH groiJ|(p about five or fix feet
high ; its leaf is like that of a lilach, and it bears a
reddilh berry of a fpicy flavor. The ftalks of it arc
exceflively brittle. Adeco£Hph of the buds or wood
IS an excellent febrifuge, anoTrom this valuable pro-
perty it receives its name., ft is an ancient Indian
lemcdy for all inflammate#^' complaints, and likc-

A a 2 wife

h

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*^4

•s TRAVELS.

X

wife much efteemed 6n tjie fame account, by tho
inhabitants of the interior parts of the colonies.

The CRANBERRY BUSH. Though the fruit
of this b^lh gratly rcfemb^esirt fize and appearance
tliat of the coHimon fort which grows on a fmall
vine, in moralTes and bogs, yet the bufli, runs to the
height of ten or twelve feet *, but^t is very rarely to
be met with. " As thie meadow cranberry, being of a
local growth, and flourilhtiig only in morafT^i can-
not be tranfplanted or cultivated, the former, if re-
moved at a proper feafon, would be a valuable ac-
quifition to the garden^j. and with . jJ^per nurture,
prove equally as good', if ngt better.

The CHO AK BEHR Y. The (hrub thus termed
by the natives giowf about five ox Qpn feet high, and
bears a berry about the fizc of a flgte, of a jet black,
which contains feveral ftijall feeds within the pulp..
The juice of this fi-uit, tho* not of a difagreeable fla-
vor, is extremely tart, and leaves a roughnefs iii the
mouth and.throat when eaten, that has gamed itthe
name of choak berry.. . *

ROOTS AND PLANTS,

Elecamparie, Spikenard, Angelica, Sarfaparilla,
Ginfang, Ground Nuts, Wild' Potatoes, Liquorice,
Snake l^oot, Gold Thread, Solomon's Seal, Devil's
Bit, Blood Root, Onions, Garlick, Wild Parfnips,
Mandrakes, Hellebore White and Black.

SPIKENARD, vulgarly called in the Colonics
Petty-Morrel. This plant appears to-be exa£lly the
fame as the Afiatic ^ikcnard, fo much valued by
the ancients. It grows near the fides of brooks in
rocky places, and its ftcm v/hich is about the fizeof
a goofe quill, fprings i^p like that of angelica, reach-
ing about a foot and tin half from the ground. It
bears bunches of berf jes in all refpetts like thofe of
the elder, only rather larger* Thefg are of fuch \

baUamic

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

*9^f

by the
lies.

he fruit
earance

a fmall
s to the
arely to
ing of a
JSi can-
if re-
able ac-
lurture,

termed
gh, and
t black,
le pulp;;,
able fla-
*s in the
d it- the

pariila,
[ijorice.
Devil's
irfnips,

"clonics
aiy the
!ued by
ooics in
fizeof
reach-
id. It
lofe of
fuck i
imic

balfamic nature, that when infufed in fpirits, they
make a moil' nal?.table and reviving cordial.

SARSAPARILLA. The root of this ,%ntj^
which is the moft eftiraable part of it, is about the -
fize of a goofe quill, and runs indifferent dire£lions,
twined and crooked to a great length in the ground^,
from the principal ftem of it fprings many fmaller fi-
bres, all of which are tough and flexible. From the
root immediately (hoots a ftalfc about a foot and an
half long, which at the top branches into three ftems;
each of thefe has three leaves, much of the (hape and
fize of a walnut leaf •, and horn the fork of each of
the three fternsgrows^a bunch of bluifh white flow-
ers, referifibling thpfe of the fpikenard. The bark of
the roots; which alone fliould be ofed in medicincjis
of a bitterifh flavor ^ut aromatic, it is defervedly ,
efteemed for its medicinal virtues, being a gentle lu-
dorific, and very powerful in attenuating the bloody
when impeded by grofs hiimojars.^

GINSANG fff a root that was once- fuppofed io
grow only in KoTea^ from wiisnce it was ui'ually ex-
ported to Japan, and by that mean^ found its way
to Europe i but it has been lately "^difcovered to be'
alfo a native ^3f;Ncrth-America, where it grows to
as great perfection, and is equally vaiuable. Tts root
is like a Imall carrot, but not fo tc'per at the end ; .^^
it is fometin^es divided into two or more branches,^'
in all other refpe^ls it reiembles fariaparilla, in its
growth. The talle of the root is bitteriili. in th^
eaftern parts of Afia it bears a great price, being
there confidofed as a panacea, and is the laft refuge
of the inhabHantsj^ ju all diforders. When chewed
it certainly ia a greMftrertgthener of tiie ftomacii.

GOLD THREAT). This is a nlant of the fmall
vine kind, which grov/^^ in fwampy places, and lies
on the ground. The roots fpread themfclves juft
under the furface of the morafs, and are eafiiy drawn
up by hi\adfui5. They refembie ^ large entangled

ikaift

* 'E

1^6

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

r

jBcain of thread, of a fine, bright gold color 5 and I
am perfuaded would yield a beautiful and permanent
yellow dye. It is alfo greatly cfteemed both by the
Indians and colonifts, as a remedy for any forenefs
in the mouth, but the rafte of it is exquifitely bitter.

SOLOMON'S SEAL is a plant that grows on the
fides of rivers, and in rich meadow land. It rifes in
the whole to about' three feet high, the ftalks being
two feet, when the leaves begin to fpread themfelves
and reach a foot fi.ither. A part in every root has
an impreffion upon it about the fize of a fixpence,
which appears as if it was made by a feal, and from
thefe it receives its name. It is greatly valued on
account of its being a fine purifier of the blood.

DEVIL'S BIT is another wild plant which grows
in the fields, and receives its name from a print that
feems to be made by teeth in the roots. The In-
dians fay that this was once an univerfal remctly for
every diforder that human nature is incident to ; but
fome of the evil fpirits envying mankind the pofl'ef-
fion of fo efficacious a medicine, gave the root a bite,
which deprived it of a great part of its virtue.

BLOOD ROOT. A fort of plaiiitain that fprings
out of the ground in fix or feven long rough leaves,
the veins of which arc red ; the root of it is like a
fmall carrot, both m nolor and appearance \ when
broken, the infide of it is of?, deeper color than the
cutCde, and dillils feveral drops of jnice, that look
like blood. This is a ftrong emetic, but a very dan-»
gerous one.

HERBsM

Balm, Nettles, Cinqixt Foil, Eyehri^ht, Sanicle,
Plantain, Rattle Snake Pla:|bin, Poor Robin's Plan-
tain, Toad Plantain, Maiden HHlr,WiUl Dock, Rock
Liverwort, Noble Liverwort, BIoodwort,WildBcans,
Ground Ivy, WattfJr Crefles^ Yarrow, May Weed,

Gargit,

Gargit,
tonv, S
Wild Ii
SAN
upper p
of it aK
ihining
height
from ki
flowers
A tea n
RA1
herb is
fpread t
and an
centre <
long, w
about tl
divided
herb ar
for the
name •,
to the ^
dom fa
convini
lible ar
liquor,
drive h
that d\
creatui
in its
growtl
P0(
fpecies
fped •,
land c
herb,
aud in

CARVER'S. TRAVELS,

297

^

$ and I

manent

by the

forepefs

y bitter.

on the

rifes in

:s being

mfeJves

oot has

xpence,

id from

ued on

id.

1 grows
int that
rhe Jn-
cc!y for
to ; but
poflef-
t a bite^

fprings
leaves,
s like a
; when
lan the
at look
ry dan-»

•anicle,
sPlan-
:,Rock
Beans,
Weed,

Gargit, Skunk Cabbage or Poke, "Wake Robin, Be-
tony, Scabious, Mullen, Wild Pcafe, Moufc Ear,
Wild Indtgo, Tobacco and CatMint*

S ANICLE has a root which is thick towards the
upper part, and full of fmall fibres below ; the leaves
of it aje broad, roundiili, hard, fmoath, and of a fine
(hining green ; a italic rifes from thele to the
height ot a foot, which is quite fmopth and free
from knots, and on the top of It ^f e feveral fmall
llowers of a ir^ddifh white, fhaped Hkca wild rofe.
A tea made of the root is vulnerary kz^G balfamic.

RATTLE SNAKE PLANTAIN. This ufeful
herb is of the plantam kind,' and its leaves, which
fpread themfelves on the ground, are about one inch'
and an half wide, a\id five inches long •, from the
centre of thefe arifes a fmall jllaik, nearly fix inches
long, which bears a little white flower ; the root is
about the fixe of a goofe quUl, and much bent, and
divided into feveral branches. The leaves of this
herb are more efficacious than any other part of it
for the bite of the reptile from which it receives its
name ; and being chewed and applied immediately
to the wound, and fome of thf juice fwallowed, fel-
dom fails of averting every dangerous fymptom. So
convinced are the Indians of the power ^f this iiifal-
lible antidote, that for a trifling bribe of fpirituous
liquor, they will at any time permit a rattle fnake to
drive his fangs into tneir flv^.Ti. It is to be remarked
that during thcfe months in which the bite of thefe
creatures is moft venonjous, that this remedy for it is
in its greatcil perfe£tion, and moil luxuriant in its
growdi.

POOR ROBIN'S PMINTMN is of the f^me
fpecies as the lailj but inoye diminutive in every re-
ipciX •, it receives its name ftom its fize, and the poor
land on which it grows. It is a good medicinal
herb, and often adminiilered with.fuccefs in fevers
and internal weaknei&s*

TOAD

,1

2yt

CARVER*s TRAVELS':.

TOAD PLANTAIN refembles the common plan-
'^'tain, Qnly it grows much ranker, and-is thiis denomi-
nated, becaufetoads love to harbor under it.

ROCtC I^iipiRWORT is a fort of Liverwort
that grow$ on rocks, and is of the natuje«f)f kelp or
mofs. It'ia efteenficd an excellent remedy againft
declines. ^'' " ': ' *

GARGIT of'SKfeRE is a> large kind ©f weed,
the leaves bf ^ivjlikh are about fix inches long, and
two inches al)d ,!4n half broad ; they refemble thofe
of fpinaj^c irtth^it. color and texture, but not in
ihape. The root is very large, from which fpring
different ftalks that run eight or ten feet high, and
are full of red berries : Thefe hang in clufters in the
month of September, and are generally called pigeon
berries, as thofe birds then feed on them. When
the leaves firft fpring from the ground, after being
boiled, they are a n'-'^itious and wholefome vegeta-
ble, but when they are grown nearly to their full
fize, they acquire a poifonous quality. The roots
applied to the hands or feet of a perfon affli£led with
a fever, prove a very powerful abforbent.

SKUNK CABBAGE or POKE is an herb that
grows in moid and fwampy places. The leaves of;
it arc about a foot long, and fix inches broail,nearlyj
oval, but rather pointed. The roots are compofed]
of great number of fibres, a lotion of which is made
life of by the people in the colonies for the cure ofl
the itch. There ifTues a flrong mulky fmell from
this herb, fomething like the animal of the fame
name Sefore defcribcd^' and on that account it is fo
termed.

WAKE R OBIj^Jis an herb that grows in fwampy
lands i its ro ot fdfcmbles a fmall tiirhip, and if tail-
ed will greatl y infl^ttie the tongue, a|l4 immediately
convert it from jts natural fhape into a round hard
fubftance i|r:ia^which ftate it will continue for feme
time, and (ftlKig thW no other part of the mouth

will

%

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

3P9

: »

will be affeded. But when dried, it lofcs its aftriii-
gent quality, and becomes benelicial to mankind, ior
if grated into cold water, and taken internally, it is
very good for all complaints of the bowels.

WILD INDIGO is an herb of the fame fpecies
as that from whence indigo is made in -the fouthcrn
colonies. It grows in one ilalk jto the height of five
or fix inches from the groun^L. when it divides into
many branches, from which iifue a great number of
fmall hardbluifhleaves that/preatd to a great breadth,
and among thefe it bears ^%elLow ilower ; the j .i
of it has a very dif-igreeable fCi^ot.

CAT MINT has a wooily root, divided into fev-
cral. branches, and it fends forth a ftalk about three
feet high ; the leaves are like thofe of the nettle or
betony, and they have a ftrong fmcU of inint^ with
a biting acrid tafle ; the flowcvr, grow on Llie tops ot
the branches, and arf; of ^ fnlit purple or whitifli
color. It is c.;dled cat mint, bvcaufe it is faid cats.
have an antipathy to it, and v/ii] not let it grow. \t
has nearly the virtue of common mint.*

FLOWERS.

.?wi

Heart's Eafe, Lillies red and yellow, Pond Lillles,
Cowflips, May Flowers, ' Jeffamine, Honcyfuckles,
Rock Honeyfuckles, Rofes red and white, Wild Hol-
lyhock, Wild Pinks, Golden Rod.

I fliall not enter into a minute defcription of (^iC
fiowers above recited, but only juO: obferve,that they
much reiemble thofe of the fame name which grow
in Europe, and arc as beautiful in color, and as per-
fcdt in odor, ar, they can be fuppofed to be in their
vvili^ uncultivated Hate.

* For an account of Tobacco, fee a treatife I Lave publlflied on
i\\c culture of that plant.

FARINACEOm

..J3» •

<^''

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

FARINACEOVS anb LEGUMINOUS
ROOTS, ^c.

Maize or Indian Corn, Wild Rice, Beans, the
Squafh, &c.

MAIZE or INDIAN CORN grows from fix to
ten feet high, on a fli^k full of joints, which is ftiflF
and folid, and wEidi gre^n, atbounding with a Tweet
juice. The leaves are like tjiofe of the reed, about
two feet in length, d^^ tkree or four inches broad.
The flowers which 1^ produced at fome diftance
from the fruit on the fame plant, grow like the ears
<i»f oats, and are fomctimes white, yellow, or of a pur-
j^ e^qr. The feeds are as large as peafe, and like
them quite naked and fmooth, but of a roundifti
fm'face, rather compreiTed. One fpike generally
confifts of about fix hundred grains, which are plac-
^ed clofely together in rows, to the number of eight
or ten, and fometimes twelve. 'This corn is verv
wholefome, eafy of digeflion, and yi&kls as good
nouriihment as any other fort. After the Indians
have reduced it into meal by pounding it, they make
cakes of it, and bake them beforje the fire. I have
already mentioned that fonife iia5^l)nr, cat it in cakes
before it is ripe, in which ftate it is very agreeable to
the palate, and extremely nutritive.

WILD RICE. This grain, which grows in the
greateft plenty throughout tlie interior parts of
North America, is the moft valuable of all the fpon-
taneous productions of that country. Excludve of
its utility as a fupply of food for thofe of the liuman
fpecies, who inhabit this part of the continent, and
obtained without any other troubie than that of ga-
thering it in, the fweetnefs and nutritious quality of
it attrafts an infinite number of wild fowl of every
kind, which flock from diflant ciimes, to enjoy this
rare repaft j and by it become iuexpreflibly fat and

delicious.

other

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

30*

OUS

-ans, the

■m fix to
h is ftiff

a Tweet
d, about
s broad,
diftance
: the ears
of a pur-
and like
roundifh
generally
are plac-
of eight
is very
as good
■ Indians
ley make
I have
in cakes
ceable to

'S in the
)arts of
be fpon-
LiQve of
: Iiuman
-nt, and
t of ga-
ality of
o( every
joy tliis
fat and
:ious.

dclIcxouR: In future periods it will be of great fer-
vice to the infant colonies, as it will afford them a
profent fupport, until in the courfe of cultivation,
other fupplies may be produced j whereas in thofe •
realms which are not furnifhei^ with this bounteous
jrift of nature, even if the climate is temperate and
the foil good, the iirft fettlers are often expofed to
Ijreat hardfhTps from the wmt of ^n immediate re-
jfource for neceflary food. This ufeful grain grows
in the water where it is about two feet deep, and
where it finds a rich, muddy foil. The ftalks of it,
and the branches or ears tfiatbear the fe^ed, refemblc
oats both in their appearance and manner of growing.
The ftalks are full of joints, and rife more than eight
feet above the water. The natives gather the g?;ain
3n the following manner : Nearly about the tiftie
that it begins to turn from its milky ftate andto ripen,
they run their canoes into the njidft of it, and tying
bunches of it together, juft below the ears, with bark,
leave it in this fituation three or four weeks longer,
till it is perfectly ripe. About the latter end of Sep-
tember they return to the river, when each famjiy
having its feparate allotment, and being able to <5if-
linguilh their own property by the manner of faften-
ing the {heaves, gather in the portion that belongs
to them. This they do by placing their canoes
-clofe to the bunches of rice, in fuch pofition as to
receive the grain when it faDs, and then beat it
out, with pieces of wood foriped for that purpofe.
Haviiig done this, they dry it with fmoke, and after-
wards tread or rub off the outfide huik ; when it is
iit for ufe they put it into the (kins of fawns, or
young buffaloes, taken off nearly whole for this pur-
pofe, and fewed into a fort of fack, wherein they
preferve it till the return of their harveft. It has
been the fubjedl of much fpeculation, why this fpon-
taneous grain is not found in any other regions of
.Ame^-ica, or in thofe countries fituated in the famp

3 b -p^rgUeJ^

ai

3M

CARVER'S TRAVELS.

parallels of latitude^ where the waters are as apparent-
ly adapted for its growth as in the climate I treat of.

' As for inftance, none of the countries that lie to the

fouth and eaft of the great lakes, even from the pro-
vinces north of the CaicJlinaSjto the extremities of La-

\ bradorc, produce any of this grain. It is true I

4 found great, quantities of it in the waterjqd lands near

Petroit, between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, but
on inquiry I learned that it never arrived nearer to
' maturity than juft to blofTom ; after which it appear-
ed" blighted, and died away. This convinces nie that
the north" Wjcft wind, as I have before hinted, is much
more powerful in thefe than in the interior parts;
and that it is more inimical to the fruits of the earth,
after it has pafled over the lakes, and become united
with the wind which join§ it from the frozen regi-
I ons of the north, than it is further to the weftward.

BEANS. Thefe are nearly of the fame fhape as
the European beans, but are not much larger than
the fmajleft fize of them. They are boiled by^he
Indians, and eaten chiefly with beards flefh.

The SQUASH. They have alfo feveral fpecies
<)f the MEtON or PUMPKIN, which by fome are
called fquafhes, and which ferve many nations part-

' ly as a fubftitute for bread. Of thefe there is the

round, the crane-neck, the fmall flai, and the large
oblong fquafh. The fmallcr forts being boiled, are
eaten during the fummer as vegetables ; and are all
of a pleafing flavor. The crane-neck, which great-
ly excels all the other;, are ufually hung up for a
winter's ftore, and in thii tnanher might be preferv-
«d for feVeral months.

AOTENDl^.

APPENDIX.

30|

APPENDIX-

T -

X HE countries that lie between the great
lakes and River Miflifippi, and from thence fouth-
ward to Weft Florida, although in t^ midft of a
large continent, and at a great diftance from the fea,
are fo (ituatcd, that a communication between them
and other realms might conveniently be opened ; by
which means thofe empires or colonies that may
hereafter be founded or planted therein, will be ren-
dered commercial ones. The great River Miflifip-
pi, which runs through the whole of them, will ena-
ble their inhabitants to eftablifli an intercourfe with
foreign climes, equally as well as the Euphrates, the
Nile, the Danube, or the "Wolga do thofe people
which dwell on their banks, and who have no other
convenience for exporting the produce of their own
country, or for importing thofe of others, than boats
and veflek of light burden : notwithftanding which^
they have become powerful and opulent ftates.

The Miflifippi, as I have before obferved, runs
from north to fouth, and paffes through the moft
fertile and temperate part of North-America, ex-
cluding only the extremities of it, which verge both
on the torrid and frigid zones, Thus favorably fitu-
ated, ^'hen once its banks arc covered TJvith inhabi-
tants j they need not long be at a lofs for mei^ns to
eftablifli an extenfive and profitable commerce.
They will find the country towaj'ds the fouth almoft
fpontaneoufly producing filk, cotton, indigo, and to-
bacco 'y and the more northern parts, wine, oil, beef,

tallow^

304

APPE>J DIX.

tallow, (kins, buffalo -wool, and furs } with lead, coji-
per, iron, coals, lumber, corn, rice, and fruits, be-
fides earth and barks for^dying.

* Thefe articles, with which it abounds even to pro-
fufion, may be tranfported to the ocean through this
river without greater difficulty than that which at-
tends the conveyance of merchandize down fome of
thofc I have jull mentioned. It is true that the
MifTifippi being the boundary between the Englilh
and Spanilh fcttici'nents, and the Spaniards in pof-
icnion of the mouth of it, they may obilru£l the paf-
fige of it atid greatly dilheartcn thofe who make the
ilrll attempts *, yet when the advantages that will
certainly arifc to fcttlcrs, are known, multitudes of
adventures, allured by the profpeft of fuch abun-
dant riches, will flock to it, and eftablidi themfclves,
though at the expcnce of rivers of blood.

But (liould the nation that happens to be in pof-
fcfllon of New-Orleans prove unfriendly to the inter-
.nal fcttlers, they may find a way into the Gulf of
Mexico, by the river Iberville, which empties itfelf
from the Miinfippi, after palling through LakeMau-
repus, into Lake Ponchartrain, which has a conmiu-
I'.ic.ilVdn with the Tea within the borders of Weii
Fioiid.i. The River Iberville branches off from the
iViilTifippi aboxit eighty miles above New Orleans,
and though it is at prefent choaked up in fome parts,
it might at an Inconfiderablc expence be made navi-
gable, fo as to aniwer all the purpofcs propofed.

Akhough the EngliOi have acquired fince the lait
peace a more extenilve knowledge of the interior
parts than were ever obtained btfore, even by the
French, yet many of their productions ftill remain
unkiROwn. And though I was not deficient either in
alfiduity or attention during the fliort time I remain-
rd in them, yet I muft acknowledge that the intelli-

. gence I gained was not fo perfe£t as I could wiHi,
and that it requires further refeaches to make th&

world

APPENDIX.

305

litSj bc-

i to pro-
ngh this
hich at-
fome of
hat the
Englilh
in pof-
thc paf.
nake the
lac will
tudes of
abuii-
mfclves,

in pof-
[le inter-
Gulf of
ies itfclf
ke Mau-
conriiu-
jf Well
from the
Orleansj
ne pvirt:?,
tie navi-

the lait
iutcrior
I by the
I remain
either in
remain-
e intelli-
Id wiih,
nake the.
world

•world thoroughly acquainted with the real value of
theffi long hidden realms.

The parts of the Miffifippi of which no furvey has
hitherto been taken, amount to upwards of eight •
hundred miles, following the courfe of the llrtam,
that is, from the Illinois to the Ouifconfm Rivers.
Plans of fuch as reach from the former to the Gulf
of Mexico, have been delineated by feveral hands
and I have the pleafure to find that an a£lual furvey
of the intermediate parts of the Miflifippi, between
the Illinois River and the fea, which the Ohio, Che-
rokee, and Ouabache Rivers, taken oa the ipot by a
very ingenious Gentleman,* is now publiflied. I
flatter myfclf that the oblervations therein contained,
which have been made by one whofe knowledge of
the parts therein defcribed was acquired by a perfon-
al inveftigation, aided by a folid judgement, will
confirm the remarks I have made, and promote the
plan I am here recommending.

I fliall alfo here give a coiKife defcription of each,,
beginning, according to the rule cf geographers, with
that which Kes moil to the north.

It is however neceflnry to obferve, that before thefe
fettlements can be eilablifhed, grants mull be pro-
cured in the manner cuftomary on fuch occafions,
and the lands he purchafed of thofe who have ac-
quired a right to them by a long pofleflion ; but no
greater difficulty will attend the completion of this
point, than the original founders of every colony on
the contiifent met with to obftru<Sl their intentions ;
and the number of Indians who inhabit thefe trails
being greatly inadequate to their extent, it is not to
be doubted, but they will readily give up for a rea-
fonable confideration, territories that are of little uf-c
to them ; or remove for the accommodhtion of their

* Thomas Hutchings, E q Captain in hij Maicfty'8 60th, or
Royal American Regimr nt of Foot.

Bb2

11CV7

■m

3o6

APPENmx;

new neighbours, to lands at a greater Jirtancc from
the Miflifippi, the navigation of whicli is not cfleiv-
tial to the welfare ot' their communities.

No. I. The country within thefe lines, from its
fituation, is coKler than any of the others ; yet I am
convinced that the air is much more temperate than
in thofe provinces that lie in the fum«f degree of lati-
tude to thccaftofit. The foil is excellent, anil
there is a great de:il of land that is free from wood-^
in the parts adjoining to the Miififippi ; wiiillt on the:
contrary the north eadern borders of it are well
wooded. Towards the heads of the River St. Croix,
rice grows in great plenty, and there is abundance
of copper. Though the falls of Saint Anthony are
fituatcklfiat the fouth-eail corner of this divifinn, yet
that impediment will not totally obftruft the naviga-
tion, as the River St. Croix, which runs through a
g : t part of the fouthern fide of it, enters the Mifli-
lippi jufl below the Falls, and flows with fo gentle ;i
current, that it affords a convenient navigation for
boats. This tra£l: is about one hundred miles from
noirth-weft to fouth-eaft, and one hundred and twen-
ty miles from north-eaft to fouth-weft.

No. II. This tra<St, as I have already defcribcd
it in my Journal, exceeds the higheft encomiums I
can give it ; notwithftanding which it is entirely un-
inhabited, and the profufion of bleiTings that nature
has fliowered on this heavenly fpot> return unenjoy-
cd to the lap from whence they fprang. Lake Pe-
pin, as I have termed it after the French, lies within
thefe bounds ; but the lake to which that name pro-
perly belongs is a little above the River St. Croix ;
however, as all the traders call the lower lake by that
flame, I have fo denominated it, contrary to the in-
formation I received i^m the Indians. This colony
lying in unequal angles, the dimenfions of it cannot
be exa<rt:ly given, but it appears to be on an average
about one hundred and ten miles long, and eighty
broad. No III.

ATPI'N Dl X%

StTf

e

e from

om its
:t I am
c tl^ati
of lati-
it, anil
wood.'i
on the

Croix,
ndance
ny are
^n, yet
naviga-
jugh n
e Mifl'i-
;entlc :i
ion for
2S from
J twen-

fcribeJ
liums I
ely un-
naturc
nenjoy-
ike Pe-
\ within
nc prc-
Croix 5-
by that
the in-
colony
cannot
iverage
. eighty

No. III. The greatcft part of this dlvlfion is fitu
attd on the River Ouifconfin, which is navigable fcv
boats about one hundred and eighty miles, till it
reaches the carrying place that divides it from the
Fox River. 'I'hc land which is contained within its
lintttS) is in fome parts mountainous, and in the o-
thcr confills of fertile meadows and fine pafturnge.
It is furnilhcd alfo with a great deal of good timber,
and, as is generally the cafe on the banks of the Mif-
fifippi and its branches, has much fine, open, clear
land, proper for cultivation. To thefe are added an
inexhaufUble fund of riches, in a number of lead
mines which lie at a little diilancd from the Ouil-
confiti towards the fouth, and appear to be uncom-
monly full of ore» Although the Saukies and Otta-
gaumics inhabit a part of this trad:, the whole of the
lands under their cultivation does not exceed three
hundred acres. It is in length from eafl to weft a-
bout one hnndred and fifty miles, and about eighty
from north to fouth. ^

No. IV. This colony confifts of lands of various
denominations, fome of which are very good, and o-
thers very bad. The beft is fituated on the borders
of the Green Bay and the Fox River, where there
are innumerable acres covered with fine grafs, moft
part of which grows to an aftoniftiing height. This
river will afford a good navigation for boats through-
out the whole oi its courfe, which is about one hun-
dred and eighty miles, except between the Winne-
bago Lake, and the Green Bay v where there are fe-r
veral carrying-places in the fpace of thirty miles.
The Fox River is rendered remarkable by the abun-
dance of rice that grows on its fhores, and the al-
mofl infinite numbers of wild fowl that frequent its
banks. The land which lies near it appears to be
very fertile, and promifes to produce a fufiicient fup-
ply of all the neceflhries of life for any number of
inh;\bitants, A communication might be opened by

thofe

3^8

APPENDIX.

itlicr

through the .GreeiY
Bay, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, anc.
Lake Ontario with Canada, or by way of the OuiC-
confin into the Miflifippi. This divifion is about oni
hundred and fixty miles long from north to fouth,'
and one hundred and forty broad.

No. V. This is an excellent tra£l of land, and,
confidering its interior fituation, has greater advan-
tages than could be expelled ; for liaving the Miffi-
fippi on its weftern borders, and the Illinois on its
fouth-eaft, it has as free a navigation as moft of the
others. The northern parts of it are fomewhat
mountainous, but it contains a great deal of clear
land, the foil of vrhich is excellent, with many fine
fertile meadows, and not a few rich mines. It is up-
wards of two hundred miles from north to fouth,
and one hundred and fifty fsom eaft to weft.

No. VI. This colony being fituated upon th<J
heads of the Rivers Illinois and Ouabach^, the former
of which empties itfelf immediately into the MilH-
fippi, and the latter into the fame river by means of
the Ohio, will readily find a communication with
the fea through thefe. Having alfo the River Mia-
mis paffing through it, which runs into Lake Erie,-^
an intercourfe might be eftabliflied with Canada alfo
by way of the lakes, as before pointed out. It con-
tarns a great deal of rich fertile land, and though
more inland than any of the others, will be as valu-
able an acquifition as the beft of them. From north
to fouth it is about one hundred and fixty miles, from
eaft to weft one hundred and eighty.

No. VII. This divifion is not inferior to any of
the foregoing. Its northern borders lying adjacent
to the Illinois river, and its weftern to the Miflifippi,
the fituation of it for eftabliftiing a commercial inter-
courfe with foreign nations is very commodious. It
abounds with all the necefiaries of life, and is about
wiQ hundred and fifty miles from north to fouth, and

fixty

APPEND I X.

.GreeiY
ne, anc.

)out ont
fouth,'

id> and,
advan-
c Miffi-
on its
of the
newhat
of clear
my fine
U is up-
fouth,

)on the
former
e Miin.
leans of
n with
Jr Mia-
ce Erie,
ida aJfo
It con-
though
18 valu-
n north
s, from

any of
:ijacent
[lifippi, •
I inter-
IS. It
about
h, and
ixty

309

.

fixty miles from eafl to weft -, but the confines of it
being more irregular than the others, I cannot exafti.
]y afcertain the dimenfions of it.

No. VIII. This colony liaving the River Ouaba-
che running through the centre of it, and the Ohio
for its fouthern boundary, will enjoy the advantages
of a free navigation. It extends about one hundred
and forty miles from north to fouth, and one hundred
and thirtv from eaft to weft.

No. IX. X. and XI. being fimilar in fituation, and
furnilhed with nearly the fame sonvcniences as all
the others, I fliall only give their dimenfions. No.
IX. is about eighty miles each way, but not exa£l:ly
fquare. No. X. is nearly in the fame form, and a-
bout the fame extent. No. Xf. is much larger, be-
ing at leaft one hundred and fifty miles from north
to fouth, and one hundred and forty from eaft to
weft, as nearly as from its irregularity it is pofiible to
Calculate.

After^ the defcription of ^.his delightful country I
have already given, I need not repeat that all the
fpots I hayc thus pointed out 33 proper for coloniza-
tion, abound not only with the neccfniri^s of life, be-
ing well ftor'!' ' with rice, deer^ buffaloes, bears, &c.
but produce in equal abundance fuch as may be term-
ed luxuries, or at leaft thofe articles of commerce
before recited which the inhabitants of it will have
an opportunity of exchanging for the needful produc-
tions of other countries.

The difcovery of a north-weft paifage to India has
been the fubje^ of innumerable (lifquifitions. Ma-
ny efforts likewife have been made by way of Hud-
fon's Bay, to penetrate into the Pacific Ocean, though
without fuccefs. . I fliall not therefore trouble iriy-
fclf to crvmerate the advantages that would refult
from this much-wiflied for difcovery, its utility being
already too well known to the commercial world to
need any elucidation ; I Ihall only confine myfelf to

i,h« .

,/»

^r H

W

3IO

APPENDIX.

m

rm

t' , :t

i \

the methods that ap pear itiofl probable to enfure fuc-
cefs to future adventurers.

The many attempts that have hitherto been made
for this purpofe, but vhich have all been rendered
abortive, fecm to have turned the fpirit of making
ufeful refeaches into another channel, and this mo(t
intcrefting one has almoft been given up as impra£ti-
cable ; but, in my opinion, their failure rather pro-
ceeds from their being begun at an improper place^
than froni their impradlicability.

All navigators that have hitlierto gone in fearch of
this paffage, have firft entered Hudfon's Bay \ the
confequence of v^hich has been, that having fpcnt
the feafon during which only thofe feas are naviga-
ble, in exploring many of the numerous inlets lying
therein, and this without difcovering any opening,
terrified at the approach of winter, they have haften-
ed back for fear of being frozen up, and confecjuent-
ly of being obliged to continue till the return of
fummer in thofe bleak and dreary realms. Even fuch
as have perceived the coafts to enfold themfelves,
and ttrho have 6f ccurfe enteriaiued hopes of fuc-
^eeding, have been deterred from profecuting their
voyage, left the winter (hould fet in before they could
reach a more temperate climate.

Thefe apprehenlions have difcouraged the boldeff
adventurers from completing the expeditions in
which they have engaged, and fruftrated every at-
tempt. But as it has been difcovered by fuch as have
failed into the northern parts of the Pacific Ocean,
that there are many inlets which verge towards Hud-
Con's Bay, it is not to be doubted but that a pafiage
might be made out from that quarter, if it be fought
for at a proper feafon. And IhoiiUl thefe cxpc^a-
tions be difappointed, the explorers would not be in
the fame hazardous fituation with thofe who fet out
from Hudfon'j Bay, for they will always be fure of :\

fafe

APPENDIX.

3J«

fafc retreat, through an open fea, to warmer regions,
even after repeated difappointmcnts. And this con-
fidence will enable them to proceed with greater re-
folution, and probably be the means of elfefting
what too much circumfpedlion or timidity has pre-
vented.

Thcfe reafons for altering the plan of inquiry af-
ter this convenient paflage, carry with them inch
conviction, that in the year 1774, Richard Whit- •
worth, Efq. member of Parliament for Stafford, a gen-
tleman of an extenfive knowledge in geography, of
an a£\;ive enterprifing difpofition, and whofc benevo-
lent mind is ever ready to promote the happinefs of
individuals, or the welfare of the pubUc, from thei re-
prefentations made to him of the expediency of it by
myfelf and others, intended to travel acrofs the con-
tinent of America, that ha might attempt to carry a
fcheme of this kind into execution.

He defigned,to have purfued nearly the fame route
that I did ; and after having built a fort at Lake Pe-
pin, to have proceeded up the River St. Pierre, and
from thence up. a branch of the River Mefforie, till
having difcovered the fource of the Oregan or River
of the Weft, on the other fide the fummit of the
lands that divide the waters which run into the Gulph
of Mexico from thofe th-..t fall into the Pacific Ocean,
he would have failed down that river to the phcc
where it is faid to empty itfelf near the Straits of
Annian.

Having there eftablifhed another fettlement on-
fome fpot that appeared beft calculated for the fup-
port of his people, in the neighboudiood of fome of
the inlets which tend towards the north-eaft, he
would from thence have begun his refearches. This
gentleman was to have been attended in the expedi-
tion by Colonel Rogers, myfelf, and others, and to
have taken out with him a fufficlent number of arti-
ficers and mariners for building the forts and veficls

nccefl'ary

3IS

APPENDIX.

neceffaty on the occafion, and for navigating tlie
latter ; in all, not lefs than fifty or fixty men. The
grants and other re^uifites for this purpofe were even
nearly compleated, when the prefent troubles in A-
merica began, which put a ftop to an enterprife that
promifed to be of inconceivable advantage to the
Britiih dominions.

FINIS.

\\

ig t^he
The

re even

i in A-

ife that

to the