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THROUGH THE

INTERIOR PARTS

O F

NORTH-AMERICA,

1 N T H E

Years 1766, 1767, and 1768*

" Br J. C A R V E R, Esq.

CAPTAIN OF A COMPANY OF PROVINCIAL
TROOPS DURING THE LATE
WAR WITH FRANCE.

ILLUSTRATED WITH COPPER PLATES.

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D U B L 1 Nt

Printed for S. Price, R. Cross, W. Watson, W. and tt.

Whitestone, J. Potts, J. Williams, W. Colles,

W. Wilson, R, Moncrjeffe, C. Jenkin, G.

Burnet, T. Walker, W. GiLnERT, L. L.

Flin, J.Exshaw, L. Wiiite, J. Beattt,

and B. Watson.

JVtOCCLXXIX. \

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JOSEPH BANKS, Efq- F.R.S-

SIR,

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WHEN the Public are
formed that I have long had
the Honour of your Acquaintance

that my Degfin in pubhfliing the

following Work has received your

Sanftlon that the Compofition of

it has flood the Teft of your Judg-
ment— and that it is by your Per-
miflion a Name fo defervedly emi-
nent in the Literary World is prefix-
ed to it, I need not be apprehenfive
of its Succefs; as your Patronage will
unqueftionably give them Afliirance
of its Merit.

For

1

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DEDICATION.

For this public Teftimony of your
Favour, in which i pride myfelf, ac-
cept, Sir, my moft grateful Acknow-
ledgments; and believe me to be,
with great Refpedt, • * \

a

Your obedient

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"IS

humble Servant,

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L.0NDOK,

June 20, 1778.

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ne Author fits out frojn Bojion on his

'" Trave/si — — -i— i c

Defcrtption of Fort MichillimackiricfCt " / 1 6

' Fort La bayi\ i^^ 19

— ' ' the Green Bayt -^— * 23

'' '- — Lake Michigan t — ^ 25

Arrives at the Town of the Winnehagofs,

^Ixcurfion of the tVinnebago^s toWarJs t£e

, Spantfh Settlements, -^ . 3,1

t)efcription of the Winnebago Lake, — - 33

ihfiance of Refolution of an LidiarilVoman^ 37

befcription of the Fox River ^ ' \-^*'^ 3?

Remarkable Story of a Rattle Snake ^ 39

The great Town of the Saukies, — - 42

Upper Town of the Ottagaumies, - — ,44

Defcription of the Ouifconfin River,, ib.

Lower Town of the Ottigaumies, gr La

\ \ Prairie Le Chien, ■ . 46

. ^n Attack by fome Indian F kinder ers, 47

b Defcription

CONTENTS.

if

Defcription of the MiJJiJippi from the Mouth
of the Ouifconjin to Lake Pepin, - 50

' '. Lake Pepin ^ - 51

Remarkable Ruins of an ancient Fortifica-
tion^ — — — 52

I'be River bands of the Naadowefjie Indians,

Adventure with a Party of tbefe^ and fome
"^ of the Chipkvays, — ouj\c; SS

Defcription of a remarkable Cave, -^ 59
Uncommon Behaviour of the Prince of the
^ Winnebagoes at the Falls of St. Anthony,

"Defcription of the Falls, ^ — 64

Extent of the Author s Travels, — 66
Defcription of the River St, Pierre, — 69
Sources of the Four great Rivers of North

America, — r — 7^

Reflexions on their Afinity, — ,,,,x 71
The Naudowejpes of the Plains, with whom

the Author wintered in the Tear 1766,

The Author returns to the Mouth of the

River St. Pierre, — — 79

Account of a violent Thunder -form, ib.

Speech made by the Author in a Council held

Att> -.'\^-.^.. ........ . %X

♦•;

^'^ix^wuiQ

1 d

CONTENTS.

held by the NaudotveJ/ies at the great

. Cave, — -^ ' — . 8i

Adventure with a Party of Indians near

Lake Pepin, — — 89

Defcription of the Country adjacent to the

River St, Pierre, — * -^ 93

Account, of different Clays found near the

^''^"^ Marble River, — — . 95

» Defcription of the Chipeway River, 96

V Extraordinary Effects of a Hurricane, 97

^ I'he Author arrives at the Grand Portage

on the North-weji Borders of Lake Su^

perior, — — 100

■ Account of the Lakes lying farther to the

* North-weji: Lake Bourbon, Lake Win^

^^ nepeek, Lake Du Bois, Lake La Pluye^

*" Ued Lake, ^c. — — loi

^ Account of a Nation of Indians fuppofed to

have been tributary to the Mexican Kings,

■III

id

WV<^;\,,ii'?l*-Sr ' V«-*^'V -.'ic-^ciiv-V*. Vz^--

Af\'

'the Jhining Mountains, ^ 113
Afmgular Predidlion of the Chief Prieft of
the Killiflinoes verified, -''^^ '~'ii6

^ Dfcription of Lake Superior, — 124
' Stofy of the two Chipeway s landing on the
^ IJland of Mauropas, 'wr^y^ iiy

' Account of great ^amities of Copper Ore,

^.,..^-v, ' 131

b 2 Defcription

• ii'i. »it

i

■

i

1^

I

CONTEN^TSl

Defeription of the Falls of St, Marie,- ^'^134

J -...^Luke Huroriy — -^^^^ 1 36

■"' ' ' ' ' Saganaum and 'Thunder Bays,

Extraordinary Pbanomenon in the Straights
■ of MichillimackinaCy 138

'Defeription of' Lake St. Claire, -— 142
* " * '^fhe River, Town, and Fort of

Detroit^

'-.' >« > .4^ »H

Kemarkabie Rain at Detroit, -^— " ' 1 44
"Attack of Fort Detroit by Fontiae, 146

Defcriptim of Lake Erie y — ^ ^* 157

: — the River and Falls of Niagara,

— Lake Ontana, — r .' 16 1

— /he 0?iiada Lake, Lake Qham-

1^

^lain, and Lake George,

».f "^'^ v>-^

162

-^f:

Account of a Tra5i of Land granted to Sir
Ferdinando Gorges, and Captain John
Mafon, — ,f Vf. -«— 164

The Author s Motives for undertaking his
Travels, — - , — :\ 167

"^'t - CHAP. L

The Origin of the Indians, — 171

'Sentiments of various Writers otk this Point,

■*^^ • '..'- . ■ • ■ . ' ■• ■ 172

"■ ■■ ' ■ Monfenr Charlevoix, — 182

i\^\<nv,>Cl 2: d Scntimeiits

•5

CONTENTS.

Sentiments oj James Adair, Efq-, — r 191

-*— ■ '. the Author of this JVork^ 1 97

Corroboration of the Latter by DoBor Ro-
u binfon, --— \^ ^f»4ti^-^^\J 205

~!'i.

CHAP. IL

•^;i\Vi-.v^-,'

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Of the Perjbns, Drefs, &c. of the Indians, 207
jiu Account of thofe who have written on

AjhuSuhjeSl, — — Av.Vi.,;^^^

jDefcription of the Perfons of the Indians, 2 n

cT-: -■ -i^Jeir Drefs, ; ;— .a 213

■ — the Drefs of the Chipeways,

with a Plate, ..'--. — 217

' the Drefs of the Naudowejpes,

r.y with Ditto, . -^ A.v.iiis^-\VJc'w^ 218

. Hhe Manner in which th^ build their 'Tents

' and Huts, -T^.A.i'ilp— i-^w v:—- ' 21Q

Their domejlic XItenJi(s^\' \iiL\ isi>»^ 221

^ L L ' . t . _

'}\k»J

•, » M ^ a J.

-^t 1

C HA P. III.

Cff the Manners, Salifications, tic, of the

^.Indians, , — ,— 223

Peculiar Cuftoms of tbfi Women, — 224

The circumfpe6i and fioical Difpoj4i{ f of the

Men, — — -» 225

xft Their

CONTENTS.

Their amazing Sagacity, ' — 22^9

Remarkable Story of one of the Naudowejie

- Women, — - — 235

The Liberality of the Indians, and their

Opinion refpe5ling Money, — 234

% : "

C H A P. IV. / ,, ^

Their Method of reckoning Time, &c. "^ 2X7
The Names by which they dijiinguijh the
^ Months, — ^ ib.

Their Idea of the Ufe of Figures, •^'" '235

CHAP. V. I ii u.U.r

Of their Government, &c. ^-^ *r*». \v. .242

Their Divifim into Tribes, ? \. .-rr. . . ib.

The Chiefs of their Bands, • ,-^.il \v 243

:Xhe Members that comfofe their Councils, 245

Ors:

.CHAP. VI.

..Ivf

>j:^if*>^«a— — W

. Qf their, Feafs, „ -, i^...-- ,,•..,.. -^^ 'ji^:. 2^48

. Their ufual Food, -^- -^ ^ .^.u-ii:. ,249

7fe> Manner of dreeing and eating .their

^,,yi^Uals,:,.,.j^ , ^ ' _ .^ _. 2CO

CHAP.

!;

CONTENTS.

I :^,>

^ .'.ts^

C H A P. VIL

Of their Dancest — -— "^ ^S^

^he Manner in which they dance t 252

ne Pipe or Calumate Dance ^ — 253
T!be War Dance ^ — — 254.

l^he Pawwaw Dance, — 256

A^ uncommon Admijion into a Society ^ among

the Naudoweffiesi — '257

^he Dance of the Indians on the Banks of

the MiJ/iJippif referred to in the Journal,
..-.^ ,^ 263

ne Dance of the Sacrifice, — z6y.

m^

\

^ \\\ VT'

C H A P. VIII.

Of their Hunting, ' — — ^
Their Preparation before theyfet out,
< Their Manner of hunting the Bear,

ti^^.

%W*I

267
269
270

- Buffalo, Deer,

— Beaver,, 273

>^^'

CHAP.

'I A Hi

p Q r? T E K T S.

.C H.A p. IX.

Of4heir Mxtnner of -making Wary Cjc\ ^yy
^hi Indian W6apoHs\ \iitb a PJcite^ • -^ 1279
fpbiir Motives for makiti^ Waf, — • ^280
J^reparathms beforr^hey take the Fi^ld, 284
3^ Manner-in which they folicit otheh^Na-'
\ytions f^ b^mn » their- Aumliariesi^ '-^^'j' '■ 28^
^h^ir Manner of declaring W^rf^ '*'^- ^-^ 8 9
U'^hdtr Method of engaging their Erremfei} 2:^2
]^n Inji^rtce of the Efficacy of< it in tf/e Defeat
; of General Braddocky ' — ' 293
A Detail of the Maffacre at Fori- William

- Henry in the Tear ij^'j, -r-? 295

Acuienefs and Alacrity of the Indians in pur-

' fuing their Enemies ^ — 308

T^heir manner offcalping^ ^M " -.^^ '3^9

'Tke Manner in which they retreat and carry

0^' their FrifonerSf . ,v> J,;a •'^-^-w'' ,;< . .v>p • 3 ^ ^

-■^ remarkable Inflance ofHe.rqiJk iua. Emak

Frifaner^ — 1 — ."312

treatment of their Frifgneri,^ _rT..._ 315

the Origin of their fellifig Slaves, 325

,1 /. n n

CHAP.

C O M T E N T S.

y 'T

• (i H A P: X.

* • T •

f *^ . * '

Off/jeir Manner of making' Peace, &c, 329
jiccGunt of an- Bingage^tjk between the
^ c Iroquois and the Ottagaumiss and Saukies,
oc\ «• ,- V; . < - 330

Manner in which they.condu^.a Treaty of

^. Peace, , . — \. '^h'vF^'^-H.'"^^^^ -33^
Defcription of the Pipe of Peace, jb.

> Belts of Wampum ^^^ —

^0:^ ^.C H A.P.. X^../ l-tl^^V^vP

Of their Games, — ^ — .-" ,,, * j^^^
T!he Game of the Ball,^ ., -— . . ?ij
—the Bowl or Plai'fer, * -.

34^

4 "■'

V*A >.

-\:;J, -uv^A Q n A p. Xfl.

^ iheir M^arrkge Qermmip^ ' -r- ./j^.^

!r^^ Manner in which t^jeTriks near Qanada

celebrate their Marriages, — 346

The Form of Marriage among the Naudowejics,

• ■ " 349

'J'heir Manner of carrying on an Intrigue, 352

Of the Indian Names, """^'^ * — 354-

^^' ' CHAP,

;. 1

C O' N: T E NTS.

CHAP. XIII.

Of their Reiigicin, • ■ . -r- 1 . „ , — 356

T^eir Ideas of a Supreme Being, 357

' ■ ajul^re State, — 359

Of their Priefis, — — 360
The Sentiments of ^0/ hers on the religious

Principles of the Indians oppofedf ' 362

\ <. -^

CHAP. XIV.

Of their Difeafes^, fifr, -' *" < — 3^5

The Complaints to which they are chiefly Jub-

7te Manner in which they xonflru^ their

Sweating Stoves , — — 366

The Methods in which they treat their Dif"

eafeSf — — , "*" 3^^

j^ extraordinary In/lance of the judgment of
• an Indian Woman in a deJperaieCafe, 371

Tte Manner tn *which they treat their Dead^

2. 1: ^ K a e ^ ^s^^-

o-r^-

C H A P. XV.

,1

***—

CONTENTS.

A Specimen of Heir Funeral 'Harangues , 374
T^heir Metfo^id. of burying {be -P^ad, ;,^\ 376
ji^ngular Ir^ance of parental AffeBian in H
.;\J^imdoweff^^s}f^oMan, ^-uj T~j .• 3Z?

^.C H A P,.„XVI. .,., ' ,.K^.\

A concife Chara^er of the Indians, ^''^A'jV ;^^^
^beir perfonal and mental i^ualijicdthnsi 383
1! heir public ChardtTeir as Members of a Com-'

. ► ■ . •••■- ~ < A\' .>.\U #»i.

muntty, — — 305

^^>, - c Kk^r^W''^'^''-^

Of their Language, TlierogJyphickf, &c^ 387
Of the Chipeway U^onguer-^- t^i-^v:^'^ 3^
Psfcriptive- Speciftten of their Hie^Qgfyphicks^

.tjrX -- is-i'"'^'^ • " ;*iA- 39®

Vocabulary of the Chipeway Language, 393

— — ^^^ N<^udoweffie luangu/tge, 40 j

^^^ ■■'CH A P. xviir.^^^'^^'^ "^

"t

•^ ,^

^-■V'^'A

Of the Beaftsy Birds, Fijhes'r^l^eptiks, and
?'::InfeBs^ which are fouid h' tht Jp^^
q ;, Parts of North America, '-u r -ȴ.^ c ' . 4 it

''^'' V BEASTS,

•t I. '.^

4'5

Tie

4'7
*5.

.CONTENTS.

^L-^f .\v.«. "K.-.".t J! JS ^. <$ T S.y^.v\wci^i,\^
Tie Tyger. the Bear, ^ ' " ^^^

ntWolf. The Fox, —

ii^s. The Cat of the Mountain

Buffalo. —

The Deer, •»'''•■_

.420

424
^426

4«7
433

iTi^^ Carrabou. The Carcajou^
the Skunk, — _ '_

W^ Porcupine, — — .'

7'he Woodchuck* T!he Racoon,
^be Martin. The Mujquajh, —

lS^t4irreb,''ivJ. ^^ .«. ./I v:

?*/&<? Beaver, — — . ««

Ti^^ M//y^,

t'i'^tt^ifo

"" "" — ... 434

xi»«i

BIRDS.

"t&e Eagle. The Night Hawk, _ - ™^
The Fijh Hawk, '^ — 4^^

TheWhipperwill^ . . — Jb,

^f O-raiS. 51$^ Chi/?^ '. '/: . r-.^ -;• 437

^Jk Loon^ The Pdrtrtdget ■ -,--• 439

«^

CONTENTS.

^be Woodpecker, The Blue Jay, 440

ne Wakon Bird. T!he Blackbird^ 441

The Redbird.,: . ^ — — 44*

The Whetjaw. The King Bird. The

Humming Birdy — — 443

^•M" • FISHES, :^'J^^'>^il'

The Sturgeon, — ' — **^^ 44^1.

The Cat Fi/b. The Carp, The Chtd, 44^

A

\i>:^ -^

S E Jl P E NT S.
The Rattle Snake, — — 446

THe Long Black Snake. The Striped or Gar*
• ter Snake. The Water Snake, ^ « 453
The Hijjing Snake. The Green Snake. The
Thorn-tail Snake. The Speckled Snake.
^ The Ring Snake, — 4t;4

The Two- headed Snake > The Tortoifi or Lana
\^ Turtle^ — — 455

c LIZARD S. , -^

The Swift Lizard, The Slow Lizard, 456
The Three Toad, — — 4^7

7' I N s E c r >$"..> _

3j5^ Lightning Bug or Fire Fly, — 45$
The Water Bug. The Horned' Bug, 460
The Locuflp — — Aj^i

■'T

CHAP.

-C Q N T. n N: X; 9^

O/'^/jc Trees, Shrubs, Roots, Herh\ F/oii'srs,

The Oak,

46

W^ P/«^ Tree. The Maple, ^,, — ^ ^ 463

The Ajh, -_ . .s ---^.^ ;; ;:^ 464

The Hemlock Tree, .^ 46 c

Sn^^ 5^ or White Wood, The Wickotick or
Suckivick, The Button Wood, ^ 46(5

NUT TR E ES. ^^ "
The Butter or Oil Nut, — . -^ ^^ 467

The Beech Nuf. The Pecan Nut, . .^■^^„\-^i^6S
The Hickory, . : 469

F R U IT T R B E S.

The Crab Apple Tree. The^ Plumb tree,\6()
The Cherry Tree, — "^ si- 470

^^ ■■> « -r, -r^ -rr -,> ' 'r^' ^-^^^ "^'ii ^^^^ ■^* ^^

U IJ

SHRUB S.,

... . . ., ■ , '

TheWilloWy / — / ~- *^^^ 471
31&^ Shin Wood. The Sa/lafrasi . An 2.

%he Prickly AJh. The Moofe Wood. The

Spoon Wood. ' An/y

Sra^ Alder, i. ^ 474

The

luiijiiiimmwiiii

CONTENTS.

ne Shrub Oak, — 474

The Witch Haz^eV Thi' l!^yrke[' ^js

Winter Green^ The Fever Bujb^ ^^.^ 476
The Cranberry Bujb. TheChoakBerr^^^yj

.^QK ; R OOTS and PL.ANTS. vX?

Spikenard. ISdrjafarilla, . "— 47°

Gtnjang, '^ — ^ — ^y^

Gold Thread. Solomon* s Seal DeyiFs

Bit, ^' —
Blood Root, —

-^•'4^

481

' • • . •!►• ..1 ■

^..^:^'M ^ ^ "^ *•'

..Tl

Sanicle, Rattle Snake Plantain, — 482
Poor Robin's Plantain, Toad Plantain.
;, i?0£:^ Liverwort. Gar git or Skoke, 483
Skunk Cabbage or Poke. Wake Robin, 484

Wild Indico. Cat Mint, —

485

FLOWERS, ,. , 486

FARIB ACEOUS and LEGU-
MINOUS ROOTS, &c.t'SY

Maize or Indian Corn. Wild Rice, " ' 4S7
Beans, — •— 490

The Squajh, — _ ^ '491

APPEN-

i

C O N T B N! T> a

•^;i'

' .-.V ', r •, T'-«

AP.P E N D I X.

?Xe Probability of the mtenof Parts of North

• JImericdbtcomwgcominerctaWolomef, 493

jT^e meawj ^^ wbiSi^is mighi be^ijff^^led^ 495

Trails of Land pointed out, on which Colonies

jnay be ejlablijhed with the greatefi 4d^

. : vantage, ^ ., . • -:. ,., ., .-^ v , 49;^

D^ertation on the Difco^iery of a ^rth-

vjejl Paffage^ ~ — ., ; ^o^

2l&i? mq^ certain Way of attaining ity 505

Plan propofed by Richatd trhitworth, Efq^

' for making an .4ttempi: fftm a garter

^^x hitherto unexplored^ — — . S^

5% Reafofi of iti being pojiponeit ^rr. J^oy

*-Xr

V ■, \ v..

<>x<^'

i^>

'. ^ A /\

iNtRQ-

■ I 1,1 .millBllHHiUUPJJ

*

INTRODUCTIO

■5 •

NO fooner was the late War with
France concluded, and Peace efta-
blifhcd by the Treaty of VerfailJes in the
Year 1763, than I began to confider (hav-
ing rendered my country fome fervices dur-
ing the war) how I might continue ftill fer-
viceable, and contribute, as much as lay in
my power, to make that vaft acquifition
of territory, gained by Great Britain, in
North America advantageous to it. It ap-
peared to me indifpenfably needful, that Go-
vernment Ihould be acquainted in the firft
place with the true flate of the dominions
they were now become poffelTed of. To
this purpofe, I determined, as ♦he next proof
of my zeal, to explore the moft unknown parts
of them, and to fpare no trouble or expence
in acquiring a knowledge that promifed to be
fo ufeful to my countrymen. I knew that
many obflrudions would arife to my fcheme

B . frpm

r I

1^

t

i I

- [ ii J

from the want of new Maps and Charts ;
for the French, whilft they retained their
power in North America, had taken every art-^
ful method to keep all other nations, particu-
larly the Englifh, in ignorance of the con».
cerns of the interior parts of it : and to ac-
complifh this defign with the greater certain-^
ty, they had publifhed inaccurate maps and
falfc accounts -, calling the different nations
of the Indians, by nicknames they had given
them, and not by thofc really appertaining to
them. Whether the intention of the French
in doing this, was to prevent thefe nations
from being difcovered and traded with, or
to conceal their difcourfe, when they talked
to each other of the Indian concerns, in theit
prefence, I will not determine ; but whatfo-
ever was the caufe from which it arofe, it
tended to miflead, i

As a proof that the Englifh had been
greatly deceived by thefe accounts, and that
their knowledge relative to Canada had ufu-
ally been very confined, before the conqucft
of Crown-point in 1759, it had been e-
ftceimed an impregnable fortrefs : but no
fooner was it taken, than we were convinc-
ed that it had acquired its greateft fecurity

from

vTI

[ iii ]

'yt'^t' nir>''\.

from felfe reports, given out by its poITef-
fors, and might have been battered down
with a few four pounders. Even its fitua-
tion, which was reprefented to be fo very
advantageous, was found to owe its advan-
tages to the fame fource. It cannot be de-
nied but that fome maps of thefe countries
have been publifhed by the French with an
appearance of accuracy ; but thefe are of fo
fmall a fizc and drawn on fo minute a fcale,
. that they are nearly inexplicable. The four-
ccftof the MilTiffippi, I can aifert from my
own experience, are greatly mifplaced; for
when I had explored them, and compared
their iituation with the French Charts, I
found them very erroneoufly reprefented, and
am fatisfied that thefe were only copied from
the rude iketches of the Indians.
Of Even fo lately as their evacuation of Ca-
nada they continued their fchemes to de-
ceive; leaving no traces by which any know-
ledge might accrue to their conquerors : foi^
though they were well acquainted with all the
I>akes, particttlarly with Lake Superior,' hav-
ing conftantly a veffel of confiderable biir-
then thereon, yet their plans of them ar^
very incorrcv'Lt. I difcovered many errors in

B 2 the

ll

[ iv ]

the defer! ption given therein of its lll^nds
and Bays, during a progrefs of eleven hun-
dred miles that I coafted it in canoes. They
likewife, on giving up the pofTeflion of
them, took care to leave the places they
had occupied in^e fame uncultivated ftate
they had found them ; at the fame time dc-
flroying all their naval force. I obferved
myfelf part of the hulk of a very large vef-
fel burnt to the water's edge, jufl at the
opening from the Straits of St. Marie's into
the Lake. v;jii4 „^44,

^/ Thefe difficulties, however, were not fufr
ficient to deter me from the undertaking,
and I made preparations for fetting out.
What I chiefly had in view, after gaining a
knowledge of the Manners, Cuftoms, Lan-
guages, Soil, and natural Produdions of the
different nations that inhabit thfe back of
the Mifliirippi, was to afoertain the Breadth
of that vail continent, which extends fron^
'ihe Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, in its
broidefi: part between 43 and 46 Degrees
Northern Latitude. Had I been able Jta ac-
compliflithis, I intended to have propofedto
Oovernrfieftt to eft-abhfh a Poft . i^i fon^e x)f
thofe parts about the Straits of Annian^

which

a

u

■ [ V ]

v?hich having been firft difcovered by Sir
Francis Drake, of courfe Ix'long to the Eng-
lifh. This I am convinced would greatly fa-
cilitate the difcovery of a North- Well Paf-
fage, or a communication between Hudfon'a
Bay and the Pacific Ocean. An event fo de-
firaWe, and which has been fo often fought
for, but without fuccefs. Befides this im-
portant end, a fettlement on that extremity
of America would anfwer many good pur-
pofes, and repay every expence the eftablifh-
ment of it might occafion. For it would
not only difclofe new fources of trade, and
promote many ufeful difcoveries, but would
open a paiTage for conveying intelligence to
China, and the Englifti fettlemenls in the
Eaft 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 fueh
^n enterprize may extend, can only be af-
certained by the favourable concurrence of
future events. But that the completion of
the fcheme, I have had the honour of finft
planning and attempting, will fome time ot
other be effeded, I make no doubt. From
the unhappy divifions that at prefent fubfift

i.,ii,.

,i,i.

:.!j

B 3

'Out. .:i'

between

I

. 1

. [ vi ]

between Great Britain and America, it will
probably be fome years before the attempt
is repeated; but whenever it is, and the exe-
cution of it carried on with propriety, thofe
who arc fo fortunate as to fucceed, will reap,
cxclulive of the national advantages that
muft enfue, emoluments beyond their moft
fanguine expedlations. And whilft their fpi-
rits are elated by their fuccefs, perhaps they
may beftow fome commendations and blef-
lings on the perfon that firft pointed out to,
them the way. Thefe, though but a fha-
dowy recompence for all my toil, I fhall re-
ceive with pleafure.

To what power or authority tbis new
world will become dependent, after it has
arifen from its prefent uncultivated Hate,
time alone can difcover. But as the feat of
Empire, from time immemorial has been gra-
dually progrelfive towards the Weft, there is
no doubt but that at fome future period,
mighty kingdoms will emerge from thefe wil-
derneifes, and ftately palaces and folemn
temples, with gilded fpires reaching the
{kies, fupplant the Indian huts, vdiofe only
decorations are the barbarous trophies of their
vanquvilied enemies. .. ...

' ■/ :. ■ As

mmm

" f vli ]

As fome of the preceding paUages have
already informed the Reader that the plan I
had laid down for penetrating to the Pacific
Ocean, proved abortive, it is neceflary to
add, that this proceeded not from its im-
pradicability {for the farther I went the more
Convinced I was that it could certainly be ac-
compliflied) but from Unforefeen difappoint-
ments. However, 1 proceeded fo far, that
I was able to make fuch difcoveries as will
be ufeful in any future attempt, and prove
a good foundation for fome more fortunate
SuccefTor to build upon. Thefe I fhall now
lay before the Public in the following pages;
and am fatisfied that the greateft part of
them have never been publifhed by any per-
fon tnat has hitherto treated of the interior
Nations of the Indians j particularly, the
account I give of the Naudowefies, and the
fituation of the Heads of the fout great ri-
vers that take their rife within a few leagues
of each other, nearly about the center of
tliii great continent ; viz. The River Bour-
bort, which empties itfelf into Hudfoii's
Bay J the.Waters of St. Lawrence j the Mif-
fidippi, and the River Oregon, or the River

B4 of

•,l

L>,!

1^

[ viii ]

of the Well, that falls into the Pacific Ocean
at the ftraits of Annian.

The impediments that occ^fioned my re-
turning, before I had accomplifhed my pur-^
pofes, were thefe. On my arrival at Mi-
chillimackinac, the remoteft Enghfh poft, in
September 1766, I applied to Mr. Rogers,
who was then governor of it, to furnllh me
yvith a proper affortment of goods, as pre-
fents for the Indians, who inhabit the track
I intended to purfue. He did this only in
part ; but promifed to fupply me with fuch
as were necelTary, when I reached the Falls
of Saint A nthon y. I afterwards learned, that
the governor fulfilled his promife in ordering
the goods to be delivered to me; but thofe to
whofe care he intruded them, inftead of
conforming to his orders, difpofed of them
clfe where.

Difappointed in my expedations from this
quarter, I thought it necefl^ry to return to
La Praiic Le Chien ; for it was impoffible to
proceed any further without prefents to en-
furemea favourable reception. This I did
in the, beginning of the year 1767, and find-
ing my progrefs to the Weftward thus retard-
ed, I determined to di^edi my courfe North-

ward.

ik

..kU,

wwww-fT-ssrsBra

ward. I took this flep with a view of find-
ing a communication from the Heads, of the
Mifliffippi into Lake Superior, in order ta
meet, at the grand Portage on the North->
weft fide of that lake, the traders that ufually
<;ome, about this feafon, from Michillimac-.
kinac. Of thcfe I intended to purchafe goods^
and then to purfue my journey from that
quarter by way of the lakes Le Fluye, Dur
bois, and Ouinipique to the Heads of the ri^
yer of the Weft, which, as I have faid be*
fore, falls into the ftraits of Annian, the ter^r
min^tion of my intended progrefs,

I accomplifhed the former part of my de-
fign, and reached Lake Superior in proper
time 5 but unluckily the traders I met there
acquainted roe, that they had no goods to
fpare ; thofe they had with them being bare-i
ly fufficient to anfwer their own demands ia
thefe remote parts. Thus difappointed a fe-
cond time, 1 found niyfelf obliged to return
to the place from whence I began my expedin
tion,. which I did after continuing fomo
months on the North and Eaft borders of
Lake Superior, and exploring the Bays an4
Rivers that empty themfelvcs into this large
body of water. >

: ...^ . • " As

i.

if

to

As it may be expeded that 1 fhduld lay
before the Public the reafons that thefe difco-
Veries, of fo much importance to every one
that has any connedions with America, have
not been imparted to them before, notwith-
flanding they were made Upwards of ten
years ago, I will give them to the w^orld in a
plain and Candid manner, and without ming- '
liiig with them arty complaints on account of
the ilUtreatment I have received*

On my arrival in England, I prelented a"
petition to his Majefty in coTincil, praying
for a reimburfement of thofe fums I had ejt-'
pendcd in the fervice of government. This'
w^B referred to the Lords CommiHioners of
Trade and Plantations. Their Lordfhips'
from the tenof of it thought the intelligence'
I could give of fo much importance to the/^
nation that they ordered me to appear before '^
the Board. This mcffage I obeyed, and tinder-
went a long examination j much I believe iS
thd fatisfaaion of every Lord prefent. When '.
It \^ds feiifhed, I rcquefted ''to know what I' ; ^
flioiiicf do with my papers; without hefitati^;
on tHe firft Lord replied, that I might publifll
thenfwh^never I pleafed. In confequcnce of
this permiflion, I difpofed of them to a book- '

^iW'^Kk

feller:

[ xi ]

feller: but when they were nearly ready for
the prefs, an order was iffued from tlie coun-
cil board, requiring me to deliver, without
delay, into the Plantation Office all my
charts, and journals, with every paper rela-
tive to the difcoveries I had made. In order
to obey this command, I was obliged to re-
purchafe them from the bookfeller, at a very
great expence, and deliver them up* This
frefh difburfement I endeavoured to get an-
nexed to the account I had already delivered
but the requeft was denied me, notwith-

m

(landing I had only aded, in the difpofal of
my papers, conformably to the permiflion I
had received from the Board of Trade. This
lofs, which amounted to a very conliderable
fum, I was obliged to bear, and to reft fatis-
fied with an indemnification for my other ex-
pences.

Thus fituated, my only expedations are
from the favour of a generous Public; to
whom I fhall now communicate my pkns,
journals, and obfervations, of which I lucki-
ly kept copies, when I delivered the origi- ,
nals into the Plantation Office. And. this l"
do the more readily, as I hear they are-mifi-:*
Iai<}| and there is no probability pf their cvfjr..
' . being

T

■1

hi"

t xii ]

being publiflied. To thofe who are intereft-
cd in the concerns of the interior parts of
North America, from ine contiguity of their
pofTeflions, or commercial engagements, they
"will be extremely ufeful, and fully repay the
fym at which they are purchafed. To thofe,
who, from a laudable curiofity, wifh to be
acquainted with the manners and cuiloms of
every inhabitant of this globe, the accounts
here given of the various nations that inhabit
fo vaft a track of it, a country hitherto al-
moft unexplored, will furnifh an ample fund
of amufement, and gratify their moft curious
Qxpe(ftaition9. And I flatter myfelf they will
be as favourably received by the Public, a^
defcriptions of iflaiads, whi^h afford no other
entertainment than what arifcs from their
novelty j and difcoveries, th^t feem to pro-
mife very few advantages to this country,
though acquired at an immenft expcnce.
c; To make the fpllowing Work as comprc-
henfible and entertaining as poflible, I fhall
firftgive my Readers an account of the routa
I purfued over this immeufc continent
Ctbrough which they will be ab^ to attend
ihe "by referring to the plan prefixed) and as
I pafs on, defcribe the number of Inhabitants,

the

[

Xlll

]

the fifuation. of the Rivers and Lakes, and
the produdions of the country. Having done
this, I (hall treat, in diftindl Chapters, of the
Manners, Cuftoms, and Languages of the
Indians, and to complete the whole, add a
Vocabulary of the Words moflly in ufe a-
jmong them.

And here it is neceflary to befpeak the
candour of the learned part of my Readers in
the perufal of it, as it is the production of a
perfon unufed, from oppofite avocations, to
literary purfuits. He therefore begs they
would not examine it with too critical an eye ;
efpecially when he aflures them that his at-
tention has been more employed on giving a
juft defcription of a country that promifes, in
fome future period, to be an inexhauftible
fource of riches to that people who (hall be
fo fortunate as to poiTefs it, than on the ftilc
or compofition j and more careful to render
his lansuage intelligible and explicit, than

■v.» i)f.'J i

fmooth and florid.

"In'irvflilOl

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giJ UxiJi {bM'

^ Dil'

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^If£n o-v ? -nD/ioS m':-l

i-iiiin^iui (Hi

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r2iTlAfino/i lo

;.«L

• ■ •

JOURNAL OF THE TRAVELS,

W I T H A

DESCRIPTION

O F T H E

COUNTRY, LAKES, &c.

IN June 1766, I fet out from Bofton, and
proceeded by way of Albany and Niagara,
to Michillimackinac ; a Fort fituated between
the Lakes Huron and Michigan, and diftant
from Bofton 1 300 miles. This being the ut-
termoft of our fadories towards the north-
weft, 1 confidered it as the moft convenient
place from whence I could begin my intend-
ed progrefs, and enter at once into the Re-
gion., I (lefigned to explore.

Referring my Readers to the publications
already extant for an Account of thofe Parts
of North America, that, from lying adjacent
to the Back-Settlements, have been frequcHt-

ly

' ■ )

( i6 )

ly defcribed, I fhall confine myfelf to a Dc-
fcript'on of the more interior parts of it,
which having been but feldom vifited, arc
confequcntly but little knovrn. In doing
this, I fhall in no inftance exceed the bounds
of truth, or hav6 recourfe to thofe ufelefs
and extravagant exaggerations too often
made ufe bf by travellers, to excite the cu~
riofity of the public, or to increafe their own
importance. Nor fhall I infert any obferva-
tions, but fuch as I have made myfelf, or,
from the credibility of thofe by whom the\
were related, am enabled to vouch for their
authenticity. |

Michillimackinac, from whence I began
my travels, is a For^ cottipofed of a llrong
itockade, and is ufually defended by a gar-
rifon of one hundred men. It contains a-
bout thirty houfcs, one of which belcags to
the governor, and another to the commiffary.
Several traders alfo dwell within its fortifi-
cations, who find it a convenient fituation to
traffic with the neighbouring nations. Mi-
chillimackinac, in the language of the Chi-
peway Indians, fignifies a Tortoife ; and the
place is fuppofed to receive its name from
arilfland, lyi g abotrt fix or feven miles to

the

> a Dc-

of it,
ed, arc
I doing
bounds
ufelefs

> often
he cu-
sir own
►bferva-
felf, or,
m the^y

Dr their

'. ^

began
ftrong
^ gar-
:^iM a-
cags to
niffary.
fortif!-
ition to
Mi-
le Chi-
and the
e from
liles to
the

.^'?

( 17 )

the north-eaft, within light Qf the Fort, whiq^i
has the appearance of that animal.

During the Indian war that followed foo^
after the Conqueft of Canada in the year
^7^3* &nd which was carried on by an ariny
of confederate i^ations compofed of the
Hurons, Miamies, Chipeways, Qttoways,
Pontowattimies, Mifliflauges, and fome ei-
ther tribes, under the dire<f^ion cf Pontiac, a
celebrated Indian warrior, who had always
been in the French intereft, it was taken by
furprize in the following manner. The In-
dians having fettled their plan, drew near
the Fort and began a game at Bail, a paflime
much ufed among them, and not unlii^e ten-
nis. In the height of their game, at which
fome of the Englifh officers, not fufpeding
any deceit, Hood looking on, they ftruck the
ball, as if by accident, over the ftockadej
this they repeated two or three times, to
make the deception more complete, till at
length, having by this means lulled every
fufpicion of the centry at the fouth gate, a
paiL^ rufhed by himj and the reft foon fol-
lowing, they took pofleffion of the Fort,
without meeting with any oppofition. Hav-
ing accomplilhed their defig-n. the Indians

ing

'g'

had

1 I

( i8 )

had the humanity to fpare the lives of the
greateft part of the garrifon and traders, but
they made them all prifoners, and carried
them off. However fome time after they
took them to Montreal, where they were re-
deemed at a good price. The Fort alfo was
given up again to the Englifh at the peace
made with Pontine by the commander of
Detroit the year following. . ji/tiJ viito i

Having here made the neceflary difpofi-
tions foi uing my travels, and obtained

a credit from Mr. Rogers, the governor, on
fome Englifh and Canadian traders who were
going to trade on the MiflilTippi, and receiv-
ed alfo from him a promife of a frefh fupply
of goods when I reached the Falls of Saint
Anthony, I left the Fort on the 3d of Sep-
tember, in company with thefe traders. It
was agreed, that they fhould furnifli me with
fuch goods as I might want, for prefents to
the Indian chiefs, during my continuance
with them, agreeable to the governor's or- /
der. But when I arrived at the extent of
their route, I was to find other guides, and
to depend on the goods the governor had

promifed to fupply me with.

Wc

■M

( 19 )
We accordingly fet out together, and on
the 1 8th arrived at Fort La Bay. This Fort
is fituated on the fouthern extremity of a
Bay in Lake Michigan, termed by the French
the Bay of Puants ; but which (ince the Eng-
lifh have gained poffeflion of all the fettle-
ments on this part of the Continent, is called
by them the Green Bay. The reafon of its
being thus denominated, is from its appear-
ance ; for on leaving Michillimackinac in the
fpring feafon, though the trees there have
not even put forth their buds, yet you
find the country around La Bay, notwith-
llanding the paflage has not exceeded four-
teen days, covered with the fineft verdure,
and vegetation as forward as it could be were
it fummer.

This Fort, alfo, is only furrounded by a
ftockade, and being much decayed is fcarcely
defenfible againft fmall arms. It was built
by the French for the protedion of their
trade, ibme time before they were forced to
relinquish it; and when Canada and its de-
pendencies were furrendered to the Englifh,
it was immediately garrifoned with an officer
and thirty men. Thefe were made prifoners
by the Menomonies foon after the furprife

C 2 of

I"

( 20 )

of Michlllimafckinac, and the Fort has nei-
ther been garrifoned or kept in repair fince.

The Bay is about ninety miles long, but
differs much in its breadth j being in foihe
places only fifteen miles, in others from
twenty to thirty. It lies nearly from north-
eaft to fouth-weft. At the entrance of it
from the Lake aire a ftring of iflands, extend-
ing from north to fbuth, called the Grand
Traverfe. Thefeare abbut thirty miles in
length, and ferve to facilitate the paffagfe
of canoes, as they fhelter them frorti the
winds, which fometimes come with violence
acrofs the Lake. On the fide that lies to the
fouth-eaft is the neareft and beft naviga-
tion.

The ifiands of the Grand Traverfe are
mofily fmall and rocky. Many of the rocks
are of an amazing fize, and appear as if they
had been fafliioned by the hands of artifts.
On the largeft and beft of thefe iflands ftands
a town of the Ottowaws, at which 1 found
one of the moft confiderable clliefs of that
nation, who received me with every honour
hie could pofiibly fhow to a 'ftranger. But
what appeared extremely fingular to me at
the time, and muft do fo to every perfoh

unac-

^L.M

■■MNMI

IS nei-
fince.
g, but
i fotive
I frbm
north-
; of it
xtend-
Grand
lies in
paffagfe
irti tht
ioletice
1 to the
laviga-

rfe are

e rocks

if fhey

artifts.

ftands

fouild

)f that

lonoiir

But

me at

perfon

unac-

( 21 )

unacquaipted with the cuftoins of the In-
dians, was the reception I met with on land-
ing. As our canoes approached the fhore,
and had reached within about threefcore rods
of it, the Indians began a feu-de-joy -, in
which they tired their pieces loaded with
balls ; but at the fame time they took care
to difcharge them in fuch a manner, as to fly
a few yards above our heads : during this
they ran from one tree or flump to another,
(houting and behaving as if they were in the
heat of battle. At firft I was greatly furprif-
ed, and was on the point of ordering my
attendants to return their fire, concluding
that their intentions were hoflile ; but being
undeceived by fame of the traders, who in-
formed me that this was their ufual method
of receiving the chiefs of other nations, I
Gonfidered it in its true light, and was pleaf-
c4 with the refped thus paid me.

I remained here one night. Among the
prefents I made the chiefs, were fome fpiri-
tuous liquors ; with which they made them-
felves merry, and all joined in a dance, that
lafled the greateft part of the night. In the
morning when I departed, the chief attend-
ed me to the fhore, and, as foon as I had

embarked,

I

( 22 )

embarked, ofFered up, in an audible voice,
and with great folemnity, a fervent prayer
in my behalf. He prayed " that the Great
Spirit would favour me with a profperous
voyage ; that he would give me an uncloud-
ed iky, and fmooth waters, by day, and that
I jnight lie down by night, on a beaver blan-
ket, enjoying uninterrupted deep, and plea-
fant dreams : and alfo, that I might find con-
tinual protection under the great pipe of
peace." In this manner he continued his pe-
titions till I could no longer hear them.

I mull here obferve, that notwithftanding
the inhabitants of Europe are apt to entertain
horrid ideas of the ferocity of thefe favages,
as they are termed, I received from every
tribe of them in the interior parts, the moft
hofpitable and courteous treatment ; and am
convinced, that till they are contaminated by
the example and fpirituOus liquors of their
more refined neighbours, they retain this
friendly and inofFenfive conduct towards
flrangers. Their inveteracy and cruelty to
their enemies I acknowledge to be a great
abatement of the favourable opinion I would
wifh to entertain of them -, but this failing
is hereditary, and having received the fanc-

tion

•!-'^iit»it'i.i'"i'i.MBii^

nn't TrTiir i" •- r -''i "':* '

voice,
prayer
Great
perous
:loud-
dthat
blan-
plea-
dcon-
ipe of
[lis pe-
1. ''
inding
tertain
ivagps,
every

moft
nd am
ted by

their
1;his
)wards
;lty to

great
would
failing
; fanc-
tion

( 23 )

lion of immemorial cuftom, has taken too
deep root in their minds to be ever extir-
pated.

Among this people I eat of a very uncom-
mon kind of bread. The Indians, in general,
ufe but little of this nutritious food : whilft
their corn is in the milk, as they term it,
that is, juft before it begins to ripen, they
dice off the kernels from the cob to which
they grow, and knead them into pafte. This
they are enabled to do without the addition
of any liquid, by the milk that flows from
them J and when it is efFeded, they parcel
it out mto cakes, and inclofing them in leaves
of the baffwood tree, place them in hot em-
bers, where they are foon baked. And bet-
ter flavoured bread I never eat in any
country, .-j^^j,.

vrr This place is only a fmall village, contain-
ing about twenty-five houies anri fixty or
feventy warriors. I found nothing there
worthy of further remark.
. The land on the fouth-eaft fide of the
Gn^en Bay is but very inc^'fFerent, being
oveifpread with a heavy growth of hemlock,
pine, fpruce and fir trees. The communis
cation betwper* Lake Michigan, and the

Green

.; ( 44 )

Gfe^ri Bay has been reported by fomc td be
impra6!icablc for the paflfage of any vefTels
larger than canoes or boats, on account of
the fhoals that lie between the iflands in the
Grand Traverfe ; but on founding it, I found
fufficient depth for a veflej 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 perfpedive view of it pleafing
and extenfive. *

A fevir families live in the Fort, which lies
on the wefl*fide of the Fox river, and op-
pofite to it, on the eaft-fide of its entrance,
are fome French fettlers who cultivate the
hnd, afid appear to live very comfortably.

The Green Bay or Bay of Puants is one
of thofe places to which the French (as I
ftientioned in the introdudion) have given
flick-names. It is termed by the inhabitants
of its cordis, the Menomonie Bay, but why
the French have denominated it the Pu^nt
or Stinking Bay I kribw not. The reafon
thfey themfelves give for it is, that it was hot
with a view td miflead ftrangers, but that by
adopting this method they could converfe
with each other, concernins the Indians, in

their

I lies
op-

( *5 )
their prefcnce, without being underftood by
them. For it was remarked by the perfons
who firft traded among them, that when they
were fpeaking to each other about them,
and mentioned their proper name, they in-
ftantly grew fufpicious, and concluded that
their vifiters were either fpeaking ill of them,
or plotting their deftrudion. To remedy
this they gave them fome other name. The
only bad confequences arifing from the prac-
tice then introduced is, that Englifh and
French geographers, in their ()lans of the
interior parts of America give different names
to the fame people, and thereby perplex
thofe who have occafion to refer to them.

Lake Michigan, of which the Green Bay
is a part, is divided on the north-eaft from
Lake Huron by the Straits of Michillimac-
kinae ; and is fituated between forty-two and
forty-fix degrees of latitude, and between
eighty-four and eighty-ieven degrees of weft
longitude. Its greateft length is two hun-
dred and eighty miles, its breadth about forty,
and its circumference nearly fix hundred.
There is a remarkable ftring of fmall iflands
beginning over againft Aikins's farm, and
running about thirty miles ibuth-weft

into

-

M

( 26 )

into the Lake. Thefe are called the Beaver
Iflands. Their fituation is very pleafant,
but the foil is bare. How^evcr they afford a
beautiful profpe(!l. '

On the north-wcfl parts of this Lake the
waters branch out into two Bays. That
which lies towards the north is the Bay of
Noquets, and the other the Green Bay juft
defcribed. ^

The waters of this as well as the other great
Lakes are clear and w'holefome, and of fuf-
ficient depth for the navigation of large
ihips. Half the fpace of the country that
lies to the eaft, and extends to Lake Huron,
belongs to the Ottowaw Indians. The line
that divides their territories from the Chi-
peways, runs nearly north and fouth, and
reaches almofl from the fouthern extremity
of this Lake, acrofs the high lands, to Mi-
-chillimackinac, through the center of which
it palTes. So that when thefe two tribes hap-
pen to meet at the faciory, they each encamp
on their own dominions., at a few yards dif-*
tance from the ftockade.

The country adjacent either to the eafl or
weft iide of this Lake is compofed but of an
indifferent foil, except where fmall brooks or

I rivers

I .''

y

I

* ^-Mt-W-rtrf" -iiO *»

^S!SS!mM^^^*o-*^e^-*--'^''^"'-'^

( 27 ;

rivers empty thenifclvcs into it ; on the banks
of thcfe 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
exquifite flavour. They grow upon a fmall
flirub not more than four feet high, the
boughs of which are fo loaded that they lie
in chUters on the fand. As they grow only
on the fand, the warmth of which probably
contributes to bring them to fuch perfedion,
they are called by the French cerifes de fa-
ble, or fand cherries. The (ize of them does
not exceed that of a fmall nufket ball, but
they are reckoned fuperior to any other fort
for the purpofe of fteeping in fpirits. There
alfo grow around the Lake goofeberries,
black <:urrants, and an abundance of juniper,
bearing great quantities of berries of the
fineft fort.

Sumack likewife grows here in great
plenty •, the leaf of which, gathered at Mi-
chaelmas when it turns red, is muchefteera-
ed by the natives. They mix about an equal
quantity of it with their tobacco, which cau-
fes it to fmoke pleafantly. Near this Lake,
and indeed all the great lakes, is found a

kind

I 28 )

kind of v.'illow, termed by the French, bois
rouge, in Englifh red wood. Its bark, when
only one year's growth, is of a fine fcarlet
colour, and appears very beautiful ; but as
it grows older, it changes into a mixture of
grey and red. The ftalks of this (hrub grow
many of them together, and rife to the height
of fix or eight feet, the lirgeft not exceed-
inf^ an inch di;?iieter. The bark being. fcrap-
cd from the flicks, and dried and powdered,
is alfo mixed by the Indians with their to-
bacco, and is held by them in the higheft
eftimation for their winter fmoaking. A
weed that grows near the great lakes, in
rocky places, they ufe in the^ fummer fea-
fon. It is called by the Indians, Segockimac,
and creeps like a vine on the gyound, fome-
times extending to eight or ten feet, and
bearing a leaf about thefize of a filver penny,
nearly round; it is of the fubftance and
colour of the laurel, and is, like the tree
it refembles, an evergreen. Thefe leaves,
dried and powdered, they like wife mix
with their tobacco j and, as faid before,
fmoak it only during the fummer. By thefe
three fucccdancums the pipes of the Indians
are well fupplicd through every feafon of the

ycarj

( 29 )
year; and as they are great fmoakers, they
are very careful in properly gathering and
^preparing them.

On the 20th of September I left the Green
Bay, and proceeded up Fox river, ftill in
•company with the traders and fome Indians.
On the 25th I arrived at the great town of
the Winnebagoes, lituated on a fmall illand
jiift as you enter the eafl end of Lake Win-
nebagoe. Here the queen who prefided over
this tribe inftead of a Sachem, received mf,
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
•w4th the chiefs, of whrtm I afked permiffion
to pafs through their country, in my way to
more remote nations on bufmefs of import-
ance. This was readily granted me, the
requeft being efteemed by them as a great
compliment paid to their tribe. The Qiieen
iat in the council, but only afked a few
qudftions, or gave fome trifling diredions in
matters relative to the flate; for women are
never allowed to fit in their councils, except
they happen to be invefted with the fupreme
authority, and then it is not cuftomary for

them

( 30 )

tfiem fo make any formal fpeeches as the
chiefs do. She was a very ancient woman,
fmall in ftature, and not much diftinguifhed
by her drefs from feveral young women that
attended her. Thefe her attendants feemed,
greatly pleafed whenever I fhowed any tokens
of refpedl to their queen, particularly when
I faluted her, which I frequently did to ac-
quire her favour. On thefe occafions the
good old lady endeavoured to affume a juve-
nile gaiety, and by her fmiles fhowed (he
was equally pleafed with the attention I paid
her. ^ri^ ^''■

The time I tarried here, I employed in
making the beft obfervations poflible on the
country, and in colleifling the moft certain
intelligence I could of the origin, language,
and cuftoms of this people. From thefe en-
quiries I have reafon to conclude, that the
Winnebagoes originally refided in fome of
the provinces belonging to New Mexico;
and being driven from their native country,
cither by intefline divifions, or by the exten-
lion of the Spanifli conquefts, they took re-
fuge in thefe more northern parts about a cen-
tury ago.

My

( 31 )

My reafons for adopting this fuppofition,
are, firft from their unalienable attachment
to the Naudoweflie Indians (who, they fay,
gave them the earlieft fuccour during their
emigration) notwithftanding their prefent re-
fidence is more than fix hundred miles diftant
from that people.

Secondly, that their dialed totally differs
from every other Indian nation yet difcover-
edj it being a very uncouth guttural jargon,
which none of their neighbours will attempt
to learn. They converfe with other nations
in the Chipeway tongue, which is the pre-
vailing language throughout all the tribes,
from the Mohawks of Canada to thofe who
inhabit the borders of tJie Mifliflippi, and
from the Hurons and Illinois to fuch as dwell
near Hudfon's Bay.

Thirdly, from their invetc^rntr hatred to
the Spaniards. Some of them informed me
that they had made many excurfions to the
fouth-weft, which took up feveral moon .
An elderly chief more particularly acquainted
me, that about forty-fix winters ago, he
marched, at the head of fifty warriors, towards
the fouth-weft, for three moons. That dur-
ing this expedition, whilft they were croffmg

a plain.

1 1

U

( 32 )

a plain, they difcovered a body of men on
horfeback, who belonged to the Black Peo-
ple ; for fo they call the Spaniards. As foon
as they perceived them, they proceeded with
xaution, and concealed themfelves till night
came on ; when they drew fo near as to be
able to difcern the number and fituation of
their enemies. Finding they were not able
to cope with fo great a fuperiority by day-
light, they waited till they had retired to reft^
when they rufhed upon them, and after hav-
ing killed the greatefl part of the men, took
eighty horfes loaded with what they termed
white ftone. This I fuppofe to have been
filver, as he told me the horfes were fhod
with it, and that their bridles were orna-
mented with the f'lme. When they had fa-
tiated their revenge, they carried off their
fpoil, and being got fo far as to be out of the
rcach-of the Spaniards that had efcaped their
fury, they left the ufelefs and ponderous bur-
then, with which the horfes were loaded, in
;the woods, and mountinii themfel\^e5, In this
manner returned to their friends. The party
they had thus defeated, I conclude to be the
caravan that annually conveys to Mexico, the
filver which the Spaniards findin s;reat quan-
tities

• » ■

a

\'.!::;-4^-».nu,ijiiiiii i i.i wmii llMf^iL

( 33 )
titles on the mountains lying near the heads
of the Coloredo River: and the plains where
the attack was made, probably, fome they
were obliged to pafs over in their way to the
heads of the River St. Fee, or Rio del Nord,
which falls into the gulph of Mexico to the
weft of the Miffiflippi.

The Winnebagoes can raife about two
huadred warriors. Their town contains a-
bout fifty houfes, which arc ftrongly built
with palifadoes, and the ifland on which it is
fituated nearly fifty acres. It lies thirty-five
miles, reckoning according to the courfe of
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. At
many places we were obliged to land our ca-
noes, and carry them a confiderable way.
Its breadth, in general, from the Green Bay
to the Winnebago Lake, is between feventy
and a hundred yards : the land on its borders
very good, and thinly wooded v\ith hickery,
oak, and* hazel.

The Winnebago Lake is about fifteen
miles long from eaft to wef^, and fix miles

D wide.

^

'I:-!

l\

( 3+ )
wide. At its fouth-'vveft corner a river falls-
into it that takes its rife near fome of the^^
northern branches of the Illinois River. This
I called the Crocodile River, in confequence
of a ftory that prevails among the Indians, of
their having deftroyed, in fome part of it, an
animal, which from their defcription muft be
a crocodile or an alligator. ' '

The land adjacent to the Lake is Very fer-
tile, abounding with grapes, plumbs, and
other fruits, which grow fpontaneoufly. The
Winriebagoes raife on it a great quantity of
Indian corn, beans, pumpkins, fquafh, and
water melons, with fome tobacco. The Lake
itfelf abounds with filli, and in the fall of the
year, with geefe, ducks, and teal. The lat-
ter, which refort to it in great numbers, are
remarkably good and extremely fat, and arc
much better flavoured than thofe that are
found near the fea, as they acquire their ex-
celFive fatnefs by feeding on the wild rice,
which grow fo plentifully in thefe parts. *

Having made fome acceptable prefents to
the good old queen, and received her bleffing,
I left the town of the Winnebagcfes on the
.29th of September, and about twelve miles
from it arrived at the place where the Fox

River

( 35 )
River enters the Lake on the north fide of It.
We proceeded up this river, and on the 7th
of Odtober reached the great carrying Place,
which divides it from the Ouifconfin.

The Fox River, from the Green Bay to
the Carrying Place, is about one hundred and
eighty miles. From the Winnebago Lake to
the Carrying Place the current is gentle, and
the depth of it confiderable ; notwithftand-
ing which, in fome places it is with difficulty
that canoes can pafs, through theobftrudlons
they meet with from the rice ftalks, which
are very large and thick, and grow here in
great abundance. The countrv around it is
very fertile and proper in the higheft degree
for cultivation, excepting in fome places near
the River, where it is rather too low. It is
in no part very woody, and yet can fiipply
fufHcient to anfwer the demands of any num-
ber of inhabitants. This river is the greateft
refort for wild fowl of every kind that 1 met
with in the whole covjrfe of my travels ; fre-
quently the fun w^ould be obfcured by them
for fome minutes together.

About forty miles up this river, from the
great town of the Winnebagoes, ftands a
frnaller town belonging to that nation.

Da Deer

<• » II

i 36 )

Dcet and bears are very'nijttierous m thefe
parts, and a great many beavers and other
furs are taken on the ftreams that empty
tbemfelves into this river.

The River I am treating of, is remarkable
for having been, about eighty years ago, the
refidence of the united bands of the Ottigau-
mies and the Saukies, whom the French had
nicknamed, according to their wonted cuf-
tom, Des Sacs and Des Reynards, the Sacks
and the Foxes, of whom the following anec-
dote was related to me by an Indian. ,j

About fixty years ago, the French miflion-
aries and traders having received many in-
fults from thefe people, a party of French
and Indians under the command of Captain
Morand marched to revenge their wrongs.
The captain fet out from the G^een Bay in
the winter, when they were unfufpicious of
a vifit of this kind, and purfuing his route
over the fnow to their villages, which lay
about fifty miles up the Fox River, came up-
on them by furprize Unprepared as they
were, he found them an eafy conqueft, and
confequently killed or took prifoners the
greateft part of them. On the returh of the
French to the Green Bay, one of the Indian

( 37 )
chiefs in alliance with them, who had a con-
(iderable band of the prifoners under hio care,
flopped to drink at a brook j in the mean
time his companions went on : which being
obferved by one of the women whom they
had made captive, fhe fuddenly feized him
with both her hands, whilH he Hooped to
•drink, by an exquifitely fufceptible part, and
held him faft till he expired on the fpot. As
the chief, from the extreme torture he fufFer-
ed, was unable to call out to his friends, or
to give any alarm, they pafTed on without
knowing what had happened ; and the wo-
man having cut the bands of thofe of her fel-
*"low-prifoners who were in the rear, with
^them made her efcape. This heroine was
-ever after treated by her nation as their de-
^ liverer, and made a chiefefs in her own right,
with liberty to entail the fame honour on her
defcendants : an unufual diftindion, and per-
tnittedonly on extraordinary occafions.
About twelve miles before I reached the
, Carrying Place, I obferved feveral fmall
^, mountains which extended quite to it. Thefe
g J indeed would only be efteemed as mplehills
jj^when compared with thofe on the back of
^ytbc colonies, but as they were the firll I had

feen

( 38 )

Teen fincc my leaving Niagara, a track of
nearly eleven hundred miles, I could not
leave them unnoticed.

The Fox River, where it enters the Win-
nebago Lake, is about fifty yards wide, but
it gradually dccreafes to the Carrying Place,
where it is no more than five yards over, ex-
cept in a few places where it widens into
fmall lakes, though flill of a confiderable
depth. I cannot recoiled any thing elfe that
is remarkable in this River, except that it fo
Terpentines for five miles, as only to gain in
that place one quarter or a mile.

The Carrying Place between the Fox and
Ouifconfin Rivers is in breadth not more than
a mile and three quarters, though in fome
maps it is fo delineated as to appear to be ten
miles. And here I cannot help remarking,
that all the maps of thefe parts, I have ever
■ feen, are very erroneous. The rivers in ge-
neral are defcribed as running in different di-
redions from what they really do ; and ma-
ny branches of them, particularly of the
"MiiTiffippi, omitted. The diftances of places,
likewife, are greatly mifreprefented. Whe-
ther this is done by the French geographers
(for the Englifh maps are all copied from

theirs)

^Bommmmmmi^ n wiiiwiiiiimwiiiiiyiiiiiiij

( 39 )

theirs) through defign, or for want of a juft
knowledge of the country, I cannot fay j but
I am fatisfied that travellers who depend up-
on them in the parts I vifited, will find them-
felves much at a lofs. Having furveyed with
the greateft care, every country through
which 1 pafTed, I can affert that the plan
prefixed to this work is drawn with much
greater precifion than any extant. ^^

Near one half of the way, between the ri-
vers is a morafs, over-grown with a kind of
long grafs, the reft of it a plain, with fbme
few oak and pine trees growing thereon. I
obferved here a great number of rattle-fnakes.
Monf. Pinnifance, a French trader, told me
a remarkable ftory concerning one of thefe
reptiles, of which he faid he was an eye-wit-
nefs. An Indian, belonging to the Menomo-
nie nation, having taken one of them, found
means to tame it ; and when he had done
this, treated it as a Deity ; calling it his
Great Father, and carrying it with him in a
box wherever he went. This the Indian had
done for feveral fummers, when Monf Pin-
nifance accidentally met with him at this Car-
rying Place, juft as he was fetting off for a
winter*s hunt. The French gentleman was

furprized,

fi

!■

( 40 )

fuyprized, one day, to fee the Indian place
the box which contained his god on the
ground, and opening the door give him his
liberty i telling him, whilft he did it, to "be
fure and return by the time he himfelf fhoUld
come back, which was to be in the month ox
May following. As this was but October,
Monfieur told the Indian, whofe fimplicity
aftoni filed him, that he fancied he might
wait long enough when May arrived, 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 wa-
ger of two gallons of rum, that at the time
appointed he would come and crawl into his
box. This was agreed on, and the fecond
w^eek in May following fixed for the deter-
mination of the wager. At that period they
both met there again -, when the Indian fet
down his box, and called for his great father,
Thefnake heard him not j and the time be-
ing now expired, he acknowledged that he
had loft. However, without feeming to be
-difcouragcd, he offered to double the tett if
"his gr^at father came not within two days
mbrei This was further agreed on 5 when
behold on the fecond day, about one o'clock,

the

.J..^MIlWi!lliJ.WJ.t|li....i!i.i a '-Ij ■ i. IM^U^ik

( 41 )

the fnake arrived, of his own accofd, crawl-
ed into the box, which was placed ready for
him. The French gentleman vouched for the
truth of this ftory, and from the accounts I
have often received of the docility of thofe
creatures, I fee no reafon to doubt his ve-
racity.

I obferved that the main body of the Fox
River came from the fouth-weft, that of the
Ouifconfin from the north-eafl; and alfo
that fome of the fmall branches of thefe
two rivers, in defcending into them, doubled
within a few feet of each other, a little to
the fouth of the Carrying Place. That two
fuch Rivers fhould take their rife fo near
each other, and after running fuch different
courfes, empty themfelves into the fea at a
diilance fo amazing (for the former having
pafTed through feveral great lakes, and run
upwards of two thoufand miles, falls into the
gulph of St. Lawrence, and the other, after
joining the Miffiflippi, and running an equal
number of miles, difembogues itfelf into the
' Gulph of Mexico) is an inftance fcarcely to
be met in the extenfive continent of North
rAmerica. I had an opportunity the year
following, of making the fame obfervations

on

( 42 )

on the affinity of various head branches of
the waters of the St. Lawrence and the
MiiTifflppi to each other j and now bring
them as a proof, that the opinion of thofe
geographers, who aflert, that rivers taking
their rife fo near each other, mult fpring
from the fame ^ource, is erroneous. For I
perceived a. vifibly diftinf^ feparation in all
of them, nctwithftanding, in fome places,
they approached fo near, that I could have
fiepped from one to the other.

On the Sth of Odober we got our canoes
into the Ouifconfm Rive, which at this
place is more than an hundred yards wide;
and the next day arrived at the Great Town
of the Saukies. This is the largeft and beft
built Indian town 1 ever faw. It contains a-
bout ninety houfes, each large enough for
feveral famiHes. Thefe are built of hewn
plank neatly jointed, anJ covered with bark
fo compadtly as to keep out the moll pene-
trating rains. Before the doors are placed
comfortabie flieds, in which the inhabitants
fit, whc.i the weather vvill permit, and fmoak
thdr pipes. The ftreels are regular and fpa-
cious", fo that it appears more like a civilized
town than the abode of favages. The land

.■t\ It

near

( 43 )

nt?x the town is very good. In their plan-
tations, which lie adjacent to their houfes,
and which are neatly laid out, they raife
great quantities of Indian corn, beans, me-
lons, &c. fo that this place is efteemed the
beft market for traders to furnifh themfelves
with provifions, of any within eight hun-
dred miles of it.

The Saukies can raife about three hundred
warriors, who are generally employed every
fummer in making incurfions into the terri-
tories of the Illinois and Pawnee nations,
from whence they return with a gieat num-
ber of flaves. But thofe people frequently
retaliate, and, in their turn, deftrby many
of the Saukies, which I judge to be th6
reafon that they increafe no fafter.

Whilfl I ftaid here, I took a view of fome
mountains that lie about fifteen miles to the
fouthward, and abound in lead ore. I af-
cended one of the higheft of thefe, and had
an extenfive view of the country. For many
miles nothing was to be feen but Icficr
mountains, which appeared at a diftance like
haycocks, they being free from trees. Only
a few groves of hickery, and iluntcd oaks,
covered fome of the vallies. So plentiful is

lead

( 44 )

^Cad.heixf, that I faw brge quantities of it
lying about the ftreets in the town belonging
to the Saukies, and it feemed to be as good
-as the produce of other countries.

On the loth of Odober we proceeded
down the river, and the next day reached
-the firfl town of the Ottigaumies. This
town contained about fifty houfcs, but we
■found moft of them deferted, on account of
an epidemical diforder that had lately raged
-among them, and carried off more than one
half of the inhabitants. The greater part
-of thofe who furvived had retired into
woods to avoid the contagion.
'^ On the 15th we entered that extenfivc
river the Mifliflippi. The Ouifconfin, from
the Carrying Place to the part where it falls
into the MifTifTippi, flows with a fmooth L v
a flrong current ; the water of it is exceed-
ingly clear, and through it you may pe'r-
iceive a fine and fandy bottom, tolerably
free from rocks. In it are isL few iflands, the
^ibil of which appeared to be good, though
'.fomewhat woody. The land near the river
alfo feemed to be, in general, excellent;
"but that at a diftance is very full of moun-
tains, where it is faid there are many lead
mines. q awoi i^

A ■

^ About

p}ai,ip»jiiM,miwiii^,w»iii

■•^.■K•^l|lm

( 45 )

About five miles from the jun<^ion of the
rivers, I obferved the ruins of a large town
in a very pleafing fituation. Gn enquiring
of the neighbouring Indians why it was
thus deferted, I was informed that about
thirty years ago, the Great Spirit had appear-
ed on the top of a pyramid of rocks, which
lay at a little diftance from it, towards the
v^eft, and warned them to quit their habita-
tions; for the land on which they' were
built belonged to him, and he h^d occafion
for it. As a proof that he, who gave them
thefc orders, was really the Great Spirit,
he further told them, tha): the grafs fhould
imipediately fpring up on thofe very rocks
from whence he now addrelTed them, which
they knew to b? bare and barren. The In-
dians obeyed, and foon after diftqvered that
this miraqylous alteration had taken place.
They fhewed me the fpot, but the growth
of the grafs appeared to be no ways fuper-
i^tural. I apprehended this to have been a
itratagem of the French or Spaniards to an-

fwer fome felfifh view, but in what manner
they effe(51ed their purpofes I know not.
This people, foon after their removal, built

a town on the bank of the Mifliffippi, near

the

( 46 )

the mouth of the Ouifconfin, at a place
called by the French La Prairies les Chiens,
which fignifies the Dog Plains ; it is a large
town, and contains about three hundred fa-
milies, the houfes are well built after the
Indian manner, and pleafantly iituated on a
very rich foil, from which they raife every
necelTary of life in great abundance. I faW
here many horfes of a good lize and fhape.
This town is the great mart, where all the^
adjacent tribes, and even thofe who inhabit^
the moft remote branches of the Miffiflippi,
annually affemble about the latter end of M ay^
bringing with them their furs to difpofe of
to the traders. But it is not always that they
conclude their fale here •, this is determined
by a general council of the chiefs, who con-
fult whether it would be more conducive
to their intereft, to fell their goods at this
place, or carry them on to Louifiana, or Mi-
chillimackinac. According to the decifion of
this council they either proceed further, or
return to their different homes.

The Miffiflippi at the entrance of the
Ouifconfin, near which flands a mountain of
confiderable height, is about half a mile o-
ver J but oppofite to the laft mentioned town

it

•.impjAjuJf

Pi

( 4^ )
it appears to be more than a mile wide, and
full of iflands, the foil of which is extra-
ordinarily rich, and but thinly wooded.

A little farther to the well, on the contra-
ry fide, a fmall river falls into the MiiFif-
fippi, which the French call Le Jaun Ri-
viere, or the Yellow River. Here the tra-
ders who had accompanied me hitherto, took
"up their refidence for the winter. I then
bought a canoe, and with two fervants, one
a French Canadian and the other a Mohawk
of Canada, on the 1 9th proceeded up the
Miffiffippi.

About ten days after I had parted from
the traders, I landed as I ufually di,il every
evening, and having pitched my tent, 1 or-
dered my men, when night came on, to lay
themfelves down to lleep. By a light that
I kept burning I then fat down to copy the
minutes I had taken in the courfe of the pre-
ceding day. About ten o'clock having juft
finifhed my memorandums, I ftepped out of
my tent to fee what weather it wras. As I
• caft my eyes towards the bank of the river,
I thought I faw by the light of the ftars

which fhone bright, fomething that had the
appearance of a herd of beaJfts coming down

■** a defccnt

!i

( 48 )

a defcent at fome diflance; whilft I was
wondering what they could be, one of the
number fuddenly fprung up and difcovered'
to me the form of a man. In an inflant they
were all on their legs, and I could count a-
bout ten or twelve of them running towards
me. I immediately re-entered the tent, and
awaking my men, ordered them to take
their arms, and follow me. As my firft ap-
prehenfions were for my canoe, I ran to the
water's fide, and found a party of Indians
(for fuch I now difcovered them to be) on the
point of plundering it. Before I reached
them I commanded my men not to fire till
I had given the word, being unwilling to be-
gin hoftilities unlefs occafion abfolutely re-
quired. I a cordingly advanced with refo-
lution, clofe to the points of their fpears,
they had no other weapons, and brandifhing
my hanger, ^ ^ed them with a ftern voice,
what they wanted. They were daggered at
this, and perceiving they were like to meet
a warm reception, turned about and preci-
pitately retreated. We purfued them to an
adjacent wood, which they entered, and we
faw no more of them. However, for fear
of their return, we watched alternately dnr*

ing

( 49 )

ing the remainder of the night. The next
day my fervants were under great appre-
henfions, and earneftly entreated me to re-
turn to the traders we had lately left. But
I told them, that if they would not be ef-
teemed old women (a term of the greateft
reproach among the Indians) they muft follow
me J. for I was determined to purfue my
intended route, as an Englifhman, when
onpe engaged in an adventure, never re-
treated. On this they got into the canoe,
and I walked on the (hore 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 Itraggling
bands, that having been driven from among
the different tribes to which they belonged
for various crimes, now affociated themfelves
together and living by plunder, prove very
troublefome to travellers who pafs this way ;
nor are even Indians of every tribe fpared
by them. The traders had before cautioned
^ me to be upon my guard againft them, and
I would repeat the fame caution to thofe
whofe bufinefs might call them into thefe
parts. . ,^ . ,.

. E On

I;fif I

u

( 50 )

On the firft of November, I arrived at
Lake Pepin, which is rather an extended
part of the River Miinffippi, that the French
have thus denominated, about two hundred
miles from the Ouifconfin. The MifTilfippi
below this lake flows 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. This Ri»
ver has a range of mountains on each i\d6
throughout the whole of the way*, which in
particular parts approach near to it, in others
lie at a greater diftance. The land betwixt
the mountains, and on their fides, is gene*
rally covered with grafs with a few groves
of trees interfperfed, near which large droves
of deer and c!k are frequently feen feeding.
In many places pyramids of rocks appear,
re fembling old ruinous towers i at others a-
mazing precipices: and what is very remark-
able, whilit this fcene prefented itfelf on
One fide, the oppofite fide of the fame moun-
tain was covered with the fineft herbage,
which gradually afcended to its fummit.
From thence the mott beautiful and extenfive
profpedl that imagination can form opens flo
your view. Verdant plains, fruitful meadows,
numerous iflands, and all thefe abolind-

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.Ywf tnnnfij >i fnK-:ixft oti: -. jni oioiii 4'^i^y

'Oiinty^

( 5' )
«ng with a variety of trees that yield amazing
tjuantitics of fruit, without care or cultiva-*
tion, fuch as the nut-tree, the maple which
produces fugar, vines loaded with ricl) grapes,
and plumb-trees bending under their bloom-
ing burdens, but above all, the fine River
Howing gently beneath and reaching as far
as the eye can extend, by turns attrad your
admiration and excite your wonder.

The Lake is about twenty miles long and
near fix in breadth ; in fome places it is very
deep, and abounds with various kinds of
fifli. Great numbers of fowl frequent alfo
this Lake and rivers adjacent) fuch as Horks,
fwans, geefe, brants, and ducks : and in the
groves are found great plentjT of turkeys and
partridges. On the plains are the largeft
buffaloes of any in America. Here I obferv-
cd the ruins of a French fadory, where it is
faid Captain St. Pierre refided, and carried
on a very great trade with the Naudowef-
fies, before the redudion of Canada.

About fixty miles below this Lake is
a mountain remarkably (ituated ^ for it ilands
by itfelf exadly in the middle of the River,
and looks as if it had Hidden from the adja-
cent fhore into the ftream. It cannot be

E 2 termed

• ( 52 )
termed an ifland, as it rifes immediately from
the brink of the water to a confiderable
height. Both the Indians and the Frfcnch call
it the Moijntain in the river.
• '■ One day having landed on the fhore of the
Miffillippi, fome miles below Lake Pepin,
wliilfl my attendants were preparing my
dinner, f walked out to take a view of the
adjacent country. I had not proceeded far,
before I came to a fine, level, open plain, on
which I perceived, at a little diftance, a par-
tial elevation that had the appearance of an
intrenchment. On a nearer infpedlion I had
greater reafon to fuppofe that it had really
been intended for this many centuries ago.
Notwilhftanding it was now covered with
grafs, I could plainly difccrn that it had
once been a breaft-work of about four feet
in height, extending the bell part of a mile,
and fuiiiciently capacious to cover five thou-^
fand men. Its form was fbmewhat circulafj
and its flanks reached to the RiVcr. Though
much defaced by time, every angle was di-
ftinguifhable, and appeared as regular, and
fafbioned with as much military {kill, as if
planned by Vauban himfelf. The ditch was
not vifible, but 1 thought on examining more

curioufly,

( 53 )

curioufly, that I could perceive there certain-
ly had been one. From its fituation al fo, I
am convinced that it muft Imve been dc/i^;n-
cd for this purpole. It fronted the country,
and the rear was covered with the river -, nor
was there any rifing ground for a comiderable
way that commanded it; a few flr:u^L;ling
oaks were alone to be feen near it. In many
places fmall tracks were worn acrofs it by
the feet of the elks and deer, and from the
depth of the bed of earth by which it was co-
verpd, I was able to draw certain conclufions
of its great antiquity. I examined all the
angles and every part with great attention,
and have often blamed myfelf fmce, for not
encamping on the fpot, and drawing an ex-
ad plan of it. To fhew that this dcfcrip-
tion is not the offspring of a heated imagina-
tion, or the chimerical tale of a miftaken tra-
veller, I find on enquiry fince my return,
that Monf. St. Pierre, and fevcral traders
have, at different times, taken notice of
fimilar appearances, on which they have
formed the fame conjectures, but without r
examining them fo minutely as I did. How
Bf . woik of this I^iind could exill in a country
t)iat has hitherto (according to the general

received

( S4 )
rccciVecl opirtlon) been the ft^at of war to
untutcred Indians alone, whofe whole Itock
of military knowledge has only, till v/ithin
two centuries, amounted to drawing the
bow, and whofe only breaft-work even at
prefent is the thicket, I know not. I have
given as exad an account as pofliblc of this
fingular appearance, and leave to future ex-
plorers of thefe diftant regions to difcover
whether it is a produdion of nature or
art. Perhaps the hints I have here given
might lead to a more perfed inveftigation of it,
and give us very different ideas of the an-
cient ftate of realms th it we at prefent be-
lieve to have been from the earlieft period
only the habitations of favages.

The MifliiTippi, as far as the entrance
of the river St. Croix, thirty miles above
Lake Pepin, is very full of iflands j fome of
which are of a confiderable length. On
thefe, alfo, grow great numbers of the ma-
ple of fugar tree, and around them vines
loaded with grapes creeping to their very
tops. From the Lake upwards few moun-
tains are to be feen, and thofe but fmalL

Near the Rivei* St. Croix refide three bands

* .■

,.A of

y-ifygyy

-

( 55 ) "

of the NawdowelTie Indians, called the Ri-
ver Bands.

This nation is compofed, at prefent, df
eleven bands. They were originally twelve ;
but the AfTinipoils Tome years ago revolting,
and feparating themfelves from the others,
there remained only at this time eleven :
Thofe I met here are termed the River
Bands 5 becaufe they chiefly dw^ell near the
banks of this River : the uher eight are ge-
nerally diftinguilhed by the title of the
NaudowcjTies of the Plains, and inhabit a
country that lies more to the weftward. The
names of the former are the Nchogatawo-
nahs, the Mawtawbauntowahs, and the
Shahfweentow^ahs, and confift of about four
hundred warriors.

A little before I met with thefe three
bands I fell in with a party of the Mawtaw-
bauntowahs, amounting to forty warriors
and their families. With thefe I refided a
day or tw^o, during which time five or fix
of their number, who had been out on an
cxcurfion, returned in great hafte, and ac-
quainted their companions that a large party
of the Chipeway warriors, " enough," as
they cXpreiTed tliemlclves, " to fwallow them
' all

( 56 )
all up," were clofe at their heels, and on
the point of attacking their little camp.
The chiefs applied to me, and defired I
would put myfelf at their head, and lead
them out to oppofe their enemies. As I was
a firanger, and unwilling to excite the anger
of cither nation, I knew not how to ad;
and never found myfelf in a greater dilemma.
Had 1 refufed to alTift the Naudoweffies I
1 fhould hrive drawn on myfelf their difplea-
fure, or had I met the Chipeways with hof-
tile intentions, I flioiild have made that peo-
ple my foes, and had I been fortunate enough
to have cfcaped their arrows at this time,
on fome future occafion I fhould probably
have experienced the fevcrity of their re-
venge. In this extremity I chofe the middle
courfe, and delired that the Naudoweffies
would fuffcr me to meet them, that I might
endeavour to avert their fury. To this they
reludantly alfcnted, being perfuaded, from
the inveteracy which had long prevailed be-
tween them, that my remonflrances would
be vain.

Taking my Frenchman with me, who
could fpeak their language, I haflencd to-
wards the place where the Chipeways were

fuppo fed.

I

ll

•( 57 )
fuppofed to be. The Namio we flies during
this kept at a diilance behind. As I ap-
proached them with the pipe of peace, a
fmall party of their chiefs, coniifting of a-
bout eight or ten, came in a friendly man-
ner towards me ; with whom, by means of
my interpreter, I held a lon^ converfatlon ;
the refult of which was, that their rancour
being by my perfualions in foire meafurc
mollified, they agreed to return back with-
out accomplifliing their favage piKpofes. Dur-
ing our difcourfe I could perceive as they lay
fcattered about, that the party was very nu-
merous, and many of them armed with muf-
kets.

Having happily fucceeded in my under-
takhig, I returned without delay to the Nau-
doweiries, and defired they would inftantly
remove their camp to fo;ne other part of the
country, left iheir enemies fhould repent of
thepromife they had given, and put their
intentions into execution. They according-
ly followed my advice, and immediately pre-
pared to ftrike their tents. Whilft they were
doing this they loaded me with thanks , and
when I had feen them on board their canoes
I purfued my route.

To

f

f 58 )

To this adventure I was chiefly indebted
for the friendly reception I afterwards met
-with from the NaudoweflTies of the Plains,
and for the refped and honours I received
during my abode among them. And when
I arrived many months after at the Chip6-
way village, near the Ottowaw lakes, I found
that my fame had reached that place before
me. The chiefs received me with great cort-
diality, and the elder part of them thanked
me for the mifchief I had prevented* They
informed me, that the war between their na-
Xix^a and the NaudowefTies had continued
without interruption for more than forty
winters. That they had long wiflied to put
an end to it, but this was generally prevent-
ed by the young warriors of cither nation,
who could not reftrain their ardour when
they met. They faid, they (hould be happy
if fome chief of the fame pacific difpofition
as myfelf, and who poffeflfed an equal de-
gree of refolution and coolnefs, would fettle
in the country between the two nations ; for
by the. interference of fuch a perfon an ac-
commodation, which on their parts they fin-
cerely defired, might be brought about. As
I did not meet any of the Naudoweffies af*
.jfiirfuri terwards,

( 59 ;

tcrwards, I had not an opportunity of for.
warding fo good a work.

About thirty milea below the Falls of St
Anthony, at which I arrived the tenth day
after I left Lake Pepin, is a remarkable cave
of an amazing depth. The Indians term it
Wakon-tecbe, that is, the Dwelling of the
Great Spirit. The entrance into it is about
ten feet wide, the height of it five feet. The
arch within is near fifteen feet high and a-
bo«t thirty feet broad. The bottom of it
confifts of fine clear fand. About twenty
feet from the entrance begins a lake, the
water of which is tranfparent, and extends,
to an tinfearcnable diftance ^ for the darknefs
of the cave prevents all attempts to acquire
a knowledge of it. I threw a fmall pebble
towards the interior parts of it with my ut*
moft ftrength : I could hear that it fell into
the water, and notwithftanding it was of fo
fmall a fize, it caufed an aftonifhing and hor-
rible noife that reverberated through all thofe
glnomy regions. I found in this cave many
Indian hieroglyphicks, which appeared very
ancient, far time had nearly covered then»
with moi's, fo ihat it was with difEculty I
could trace them. They were cut in a rude

manner

'

( 6o )

manner upon the infide of the walls, which
were compofed of a ftone fo extremely foft
that it might be eafily penetrated witJi a
knife : a ftone every where to be found near
the Miffiflippi. The cave is only acceflible
by afcending a narrow, fteep pafTage that
lies near the brink of the river. --^

At a little diftance from this dreary cavern
IS the burying-place of feveral bands of the
Naudoweffie Indians: though thefe people
have no fixed refidence, living in tents, and
abiding but a few months on one fpot, yet
they always bring the bones of their dead to
this place ; which they take the opportunity
of doing when the chiefs meet to hold their
councils, and to fettle ::11 public affairs for
theenfuing fummer. *"

Ten miles below the Falls of St. Anthony
the River St. Pierre, called by the natives
the Wadapawmenefotor, falls into the Mifllf-
lipi from the weft. It is not mentioned by
Father Hennipin, although a large fair river :
this omilHon, I conclude, muft have pro-
ceeded from a fmall ifland that is (ituated ex-
a(ftly at its entrance, by which the light of
it is intercepted. I ftiould not have difcover-
cd this river rnyfelf, had F not taken a view,

when

0^f!f^!^^^^-

( 6i )

when I was fearching for it, from the high
lands oppoiite, which rife to a great height.
. Nearly over-againftthis river I was obliged
to leave my canoe, on account of the ice,
and travel by land to the Falls of St. Antho-
ny, where I arrived on the 17th of Novem-
ber. The Miffiflippi from the St. Pierre to
this place is rather more rapid than I had
hitherto found it, and without iflands of any
confideration.

j), Before I left my canoe I overtook a, young
prince of the Winnebago Indians, who was
going on an embafTy to fome of the bands of
the Naudoweflies. Finding that I intended
to take a view of the Falls, he agreed to
accompany me, his curiofity having been of-
ten excited by the accounts he had received
from fome of his chiefs: he accordingly left
his family (for the Indians never travel
without their houfliolds) at this place, under
the care of my Moha^vk fervant, and v;e
proceeded together by land, attended only by
my Frenchman, to this celebrated place.

We could diftincfily hear the noile of the
water full fittccn miles before we reached the
falls; and I was greatly pleafed and furprized.
w^hen I approached this aflonilhing work of

nature:

( 62 )

nature: but I was fit t long at liberty to in-
dulge thefe emotions, my attention being
called off by the behaviour of my compa-
nion.

The prince had no iboner gained the point
that overlooks this wonderful cafcade, than
he began with an audible voice to addrefs the
Great Spirit, one of whofe places of refidence
he imagined this to be. He told him that
he had come a long way to pay his adoratioft
to him, and now would make him the bed
offerings in his power. He accordingly firft
threw his pipe into the ftream ; then the roll
that contained his tobacco ; after thefe, the
bracelets he wore on his arms and wrifts;
next an ornament that encircled his neck,
compofed of beads and wires ; and at laft the
ear-rings from his ears j in ihort, he prefent-
ed to his god every part of his drefs that was
valuable ; during this he frequently fmote his
breaft with great violence, threw his armd
about, and appeared to be much agitated.

All this while he continued his adoratiofi^g,
and at length concluded them with fervent
petitions that the Great Spirit would con-
liantly afford us his protedion on our travels,
giving us a bright fun, a blue flcy, and clear
* ' ' untroubled

(. 63 )

untroubled waters ; nor would he leave the
place till we had fmoaked together with my
pipe in honour of the Great Spirit.

I was greatly furprized at beholding an in-
ftance of fuch elevated devotion in fo young
an Indian, and inttead of ridiculing the ce-
remonies attending it, as 1 obferved my ca-
tholic fervant tacitly did, 1 looked on the
prince with a greater degree of refped for
thcfe {incere proofs he gave of his piety ; and
I doubt not but that his offerings and prayers
.were as acceptable to the univerfal Parent of
mankind, as if they had been made with
greater pomp, or in a confecrated place.

Indeed the whole condud of this young
prince at once amazed and charmed me.
During the few days we were together his at-
tention feemed totally to be employed in
yielding me every alfiftance in his power ;
and even in fo Ihort a time he gave me in-
numerable proofs of the moft generous and
diiinterefted friendfliipi fo that on our re-
turn I parted from him with great reluctance.
Whilft I beheld the artlefs, yet engaging
manners of this unpolifhed favage, 1 could not
help drawing a comparifon between him and
fomc of the more refined inhabitancs of ci-
vil izeel

I !

I

I \

( 64 )

vilized countries, not much, I own, in fa-
vour of the latter.

The Falls of St. Anthony received their
name from Father Louis Hennipin, a French
milTionary, who travelled into thofe parts
about the year 1 680, and was the firft Eu-
ropean ever feen by the natives. This amaz-
ing body of waters, which are above 250
yards over, form a moft pleafing catarad;'
they fall perpendicularly about thirty feet,
and the rapids below, in the fpace of 300
yards more, rendered the dcfcent confidera-,
bly greater; fo that when viewed at a diftance
they appear to be much higher than they
really are. The above-mentioned traveller has
laid them down at about fixty feet ; but he
has made a greater error in calculating the
height of the Falls of Niagara; which he
afferts to be 600 feet •, whereas from lat-
ter obfervations accurately made, it is well
known that it does .not exceed ^40 feet.
Bi?t tlie .good father I fear too often had no
ot]]_ej:, foundation for Ws accounts than re-
pOjL't^ qr^-at beft, a flight- infpedion.

^Ijc^vjt^ljienfiiddlQ oiih^ Falk ftands a fmall
ifland,, about forty feet ba*oad and; feinewhat
longer, J on which grow- a- few cr^ged henW;'?
..v^^-^. ^ lock

■''WWif'WW''

( 65 )
lock and fpriice trees; and about half way
between this ifland and the eaftern fhorc, is
a rock, lying at the very edge of the fall, in
an oblique pofition, that appeared to be a-
bout five or fix feet broad, and thirty or forty
long. Thefe falls vary much from all the
others I have feen, as you may approacli
clofe to them without finding the leaft ob-
ftrudion from any intervening hill or pre-
cipice.

The country around them is extremely
beautiful. It is not an uninterrupted plain
where the eye finds no relief, but compofed
of many gentle afcents, which in the fummer
are covered with the fineft verdure, and in-
terfpcrfcd with little groves, that give a pleaf-
ing variety to the profpejSt. On the whole,
when the Falls are included, which may be
feen at the diftancc of four miles, a more
pleafing and pidlurefque view cannot, I be-
lieve, be found throughout the univerfe. I
could have wifhed that I had happened to
enjoy this glorious fight at a more feafona-
ble time of the year, whilft the trees and
hillixks were clad in nature's gayeft livery,
as this mt ft hive greatly added to the plea-
furc I received •, however, even then it ex-
t F cecded

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WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) S73-4S03

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( 66 )

cccdcd my warmeft expedations. I have en-
deavoured to give the reader as yaH an idea
of this enchanting fpot as poflible, in the
plan annexed ; but all defcription, whether
of the pencil or the pen, muft fall infinitely
fhort of the original. /„ .... ^,i. ,

At a little diftance belov^r the falls flands a
fmall ifland, of about an acre and half, on
wrhich grov^ a great number of oak trees,
every branch of which, able to fupport the
weight, was full of eagles nefts. The rea-
fon that this kind of birds refort in fuch
numbers to this fpot, is that they are here
fecure from the attacks either of man orbeaft,
, their retreat being guarded by the Rapids,
which the Indians never attempt to pafs.
Another reafon is, that they find a conllant
fupplyof food forthemielvesand their young,
from the animals and fifh which are daflied
to pieces by the falls, and driven on the ad-
jacent fliore. '

Having latisfied my curiofity, as far as the
eye of man can be fatisfied, 1 proceeded on,
flill accompanied by my young friend, till I
had reached the River St. Francis, near fixty
miles above the Falls. To this River father
Hennipin gave the name of St. Francis, and

this

.;

•-*■-*

( 67 )

this was the extent of his travels, as well as
mine, towards the north- weft. As the fea-
fon was fo advanced, and the weather ex-
tremely cold, I was not able to make fo many
obfervations on thefe parts as I otherwifc
fhould have done.

It might however, perhaps, be neceffary
to obferve, that in a little tour I made about
the Falls, after travelling fourteen miles,
by the fide of the Miffiflippi, I came to a
river nearly twenty yards wide, which ran
from the north-eaft, called Rum River. And
on the 20th of November came to another
termed Goofe River, about twelve yards
wide. On the 2ift I arrived at the St. Francis,
which is about thirty yards wide. Here the
Mifiiflippi itfelf grows narrow, being not
more than ninety yards overj and appears
to be chiefly compofed of fmall branches.
The ice prevented me from noticing the
depth of any of thefe three rivers.

The country in fome places is hilly, but
without large mountains; and the land is
tolerably good. • I obferved here many deer,
and carraboes, fome elk, with abundance of
beavers, otters, and other furs. A little
above this, to the north-eaft, are a number

Fa «^

' di

'4.
■I

■ '«

'

(. ^8 )
of fmall lakes, called the Thoufand lakes ;
the parts about which, though but little fre-
quented, are the beft within many miles for
hunting, as the hunter never fails of return-
ing loaded beyond his expedtations. j /

The MifTilTippi has never been explored
higher up than the River St. Francis, and
only by Father Hennipin and myfelf thus
far. So that we are obliged folely to the In-
dians, for all the intelligence we are able to
give relative to the more northern parts. As
this River is not navigable from the fea for
velTels of any confiderable burthen, much
higher up than the Forks of the Ohio, and
even that is accomplifhed with great difficul-
ty, owing to the rapidity of the current,
and the winding of the river, thofe fettle-
ments that may be made on the interior
' branches of it, muft be indifputably fecure
from the attacks of any maritime power. But
at the fame time the fet tiers will have the
advantage of being able to convey their
produce to the fea-ports with great facility,
the current of the river, from its fource to
• its entrance into the Gulph of Mexico, be-
ing extremely favourable for doing this in
f.nall craft. This might alfo in time be facili-

' tated

( 69 )

tated by canals or fhorter cuts ; and a com-
munication opened by water with New- York,
Canada, &c. by way of the lakes. The
Forks of the Ohio are about nine hundred
miles from the moi.rh of the Mifliffippi, fol-
lowinj? the courfe of the river -, and the
Mefforie two hundred miles above thefc.

r From the latter it is about twenty miles to
the Illinois river, and from that to the Ou-
jfconlin, which I have given an account of,
jibout eight hundred moi'e. y, - i^-

. On the 25th I returned to my canoe, which
I had left at the mouth of the Rivi^r St.

I Pierre ; and here 1 parted with regret from
my young friend the prince of the Winneba-
goes. This river being clear of ice by reafori
of it«fouthcrn fituation, 1 found nothing to
obftru£l my pafTage. On the 28th, being
advanced about forty miles, I arrived at a
fmall branch that fell into it from the north ;
to which, as it had no name that I could
diftinguifli it by, I gave my own ; and the
Reader will find it in the plan of my travels

''denominated Carver's River. About forty
miles higher up I came to the Forks of Verd
and Red Marble Rivers, which joir. At fome
little diftance before they enter the St. Pierre.

The

Vi

■■f
A

m

'i .

il'

%

h Mil

( 7° )

The River St. Pierre, at its jundion with
the Miflilfippi, 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 fome places runs very brifk-
ly» About fifty miles from its mouth are
fome rapids, and much higher up there are
many others. ,, ,^

I proceeded up this river about two hun-
dred miles to the country of the Naudowef-
fies of the Plains, which lies a little above
the Forks formed by the Verd and Red
Marble Rivers, juft mentioned, where a
branch from the fouth nearly joins the Mef-
forie River. By the accounts I received from
the Indians, I have reafon to believe that
the River St. Pierre and the Mefforie, though
they enter the MiiTilTippi twelve hundred
miles from each other, take their rife in the
fame neighbourhood j and this within the
fpace of a mile. The River St. Pierre's
northern branch rifes from a number of lakes
near the Ihining mountains; and it is from
fome of thefe, alfo, that a capital branch of
the River Bourbon, which runs into Hud-^
fon's Bay, has its fources. i"?-f;i . ;^t>,.

. ( 71 ) ■

From the intelligence I gained from the
Naudoweflie Indians, among whom I arrived
the 7th of December, and whofe language I
perfectly acquired dunng a refidence of feven
months ; and alfo from the accounts T after-
wards obtained from the Affmipoils, who
fpeak the fame tongue, being a revolted
band of the Naudoweffies ; and from the
Killiftinoes, neighbours of the Aifinipoils,
who fpeak the Chipeway language, and
inhabit the heads of the River Bourbon •, I
fay, from* thefe nations, together with my
own obfervations, I have learned that the
four moft capital rivers on the Continent of
North America, viz. the St. Lawrence, the
Miirifli"ppi, the River Bourbon, and the Ore- '
gon or the River of the Weft (as I hinted in
my Introdudlion) have their fources in the
fame neighbourhood. The waters of the
three formrr are within thirty miles of each
other; the latter, however, is rather farther
weft. ,'fi^ini

This fhows that thefe parts arc the higheft
lands in Nurth America i and it is an in-
ftance not to be paralleled on the other three
quarters of the globe, that four li vers of fuch
magnitude (hould take their rife together,
"•*'* ■ and

'■m

'' m

: ' S ■ .
•r

'•f

. ( 72 )

and each, after running feparate courfes,

difcharge their waters into different oceans

at the diftance of two thoufand miles from

'^ their fources. For in their pafTage from this

fpot to the bay of St. Lawrence, eaft, to the

bay of Mexico, fouth, to Hudfon's Bay,

•north, and to the bay at the freights of An-

i nian, weft, each of thefe traverfe upwards

of two thoufand miles. ' • t '•" :
i I fhall here give my Readers fuch reflec-
tions as occurred to me when I had received
/ this interefting information, and had, by
^ numberlefs inquiries, afcertained the truth
^/ of it; that is, as far as it was pofilble to ar-
'*, rive at a certainty without a perfonal invef-
. tigation. ■'

fa J h is well known that the Colonies, parti-
pularly thofe of New England and Canada,
•^ are greatly afFeded, about the time their win-
•/ ter lets in, by a north-weft wind, which con*
tinu^s for feveral months, and renders the
'V cold much more intenfe there- than it is in
i the interior parts of America. This I can,
..- from my own knowledge, aftert, as I found
• -the winter, that I pafTed to the weft ward of
-the Miftilfippi, far from fevere 5 and the
' noxth-weft wind blowing on thofe countries
^ ^*;t ,i;i fc confiderably

•V

( 73 )

conliderably more temperate than I have
often experienced it to be nearer the coaft.
And that this did not arife from any uncer-
tainty of the feafons, but was annually the
cafe, I concluded, both from the fmall quan-
tity of fnow that then fell, and a total dif-
ufe of fnow fhoes by thefe Indians, without
which none of the more eaftern nations can
poffibly travel during the winter. •» - - <
♦ * As nat^ralifts obferve, that air refembles
water in many refpeds, particularly by of- .
ten flowing in a compad body j and that this
is generally remarked to be with the current
of large ftreams, 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 fame diredion as the Mifliffippi does ; till
meeting with the north winds (that from a
iimilar caufe blow up the Bourboti from
Hudfon's Bay) they are forced acrofs the great
lakes, down the current of the waters of the
St. Lawrence, and united, commit thofe rava-

^ ges, and occafion thofe fevere winters, expe-

' rienced in the before mentioned countries ?

' During their progrefs over the lakes they

become expanded, apd confequently affed

^1 >n'^nnr>o, a greater

! 'Mi

f[>

■ ■■ "M

Ill

( 74 )

a greater tradl of land than they othervvifd '
would do.

According to my fcanty knowledge of na-
tural philofophy this does not appear impro-
bable. Whether it is agreeable to the laws
eftabliflied by naturalifts to account for the
operations of that element, I know not.
However, the defcription here given of the
fituation of thefe vaft bodies of water, and
their near approach to each other, with my
own undigefted fuppofitions of their effe^
on the winds, may prove perhaps, in abler '
hands, the means of leading to many ufeful
difcoveries.

' On the 7 th of December, I arrived (as I
faid before) at the utmoft extent of my tra-
vels towards the weft j where I met with a '
large party of the Nandowefiie Indians, a-
mong whom I refided feven months. Thefe
conftitiited a part of the eight bands of the
Naudoweffies of the Plains-, and are termed
the Wawpeentow^ahs, the Tintons, the Af-
rahcootans, the Mawhaws, and the Schians.
The other three bands, whofe names are the
Schianefe, the Chongonfceton, and the Wad- -^
dapawjeftin, dwell higher up, to the weft of*'
tlie River St. Pierre, on plains that, accord- *

f 75 )
ing to their account, are unbounded; and pro-
bably terminate on the coaft of the Pacific
Ocean. The Naudoweflie nation, when unit-
ed, confiftsof more than twothoufand war-
riors. The Aflinipoils, who revolted from
them, amount to about three hundred ; and
leagued with the Killiflinoes, live in a con-
tinual ftate of enmity with the other eleven
bands. ^ . r . ;1 . .* » ,;.; i *

As I proceeded up the River St. Pierre, and
had nearly reached the place where thefe pro-'
pie were encamped, I ubferved two or three
canoes coming down the flream ; but no
fooner had the Indians that were on board
them difcovered us, than they rowed toward
the land, and leaping afhore with precipita-
tion, left their canoes to float as the cur-
rent drove them. In a few minutes I per-
ceived fome others; who, as foon as they
came in fight, followed, with equal fpeed,
the example of their countrymen.

I now thought it neceflary to proceed with
caution ; and therefore kept on the fide of
the river oppofite to that on which theln^
dians had landed. However, I ftill continued
my courfe, fatisfied that the pipe of peace
which was fixed at the head of my canoe,

and

il'l

'tH:!

' " t

fir'

M

« V

. 1

i

''•A

( 76 )

^ and the Englifli colours that were flying at
the flern, would prove my fecurity. After
rowing about half a mile farther, in turning
a point, I difcovereda great number of tents,
and more than a thoufand Indians, at a Httle
diilance from the fliore. Being now nearly
oppoiite to them, I ordered my men to pull
dircdly over, as I was willing to convince
the Indians by fuch a flep, that I placed fome
confidence in them. ■n'Ti' '^rr-

As foon as I had reached the land, two of
the chiefs prefented their hands to me, and
led me, amidfl the aftonifhed multitude, who
had mofl of them never feen a white man be-
fore, to a tent. Into this we entered, and
according to the cuftom that univerfally pre-
vails among every Indian nation, began to
fmoke 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 cruihed by its fall. On this

.we returned to the plain, where having gra-
tified the curioljty of the common people, their
wotider abated, and ever after they treated
me with great refped. . „

;, J, From the chiefs I met with the moft friend-
!y and hofpitable reception; which induced

t-t

me,

•J:'^:ii"

( 77 )
XTie, as the feafon was fo far advanced, to
take up my refidence among them during the
winter. To render my flay as comfortable
as poflible, 1 firft endeavoured to learn their
language. This I foon did fo as to make my-
felf ^erfedlly intelligible, having before ac-
quired fome (light 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 a-
mufements as tended to make fo long a period
pafs chearfuUy away. I frequently hunted
with them; and at other times beheld with
pleafure their recreations andpaftimes, which
I (hall defcribe hereafter.

Sometimes I fat with the chiefs, and w^hilfl
we fmoked the friendly pipe, entertained
them, in return for the accounts they gave
me of their wars and excurfions, with a nar-
rative of my own adventures, and a defcrip-
tion of all the battles fought between the
Engliih and the French in America, in many
of which I had a perfonal fhare. Thejr al-
ways paid great attention to my details, and
aiked many pertinent queftions relative to the
European methods of making war.
, '. .. > 1 held

m

Ill

( 78 )

I held thefe converfations with them in a
"great ineafure to procure from them fbme in-
formation relative to th'e chief point I had
conftantly in view, that of gaining a know-
ledge cf the fituation and produce, both of
their own country, and thofe that lay to the
weflward of them. Nor was I difappointed
in my defignsj for I procured from them
much ufeful intelligence. They likewife
drew for me plans of all the countries with
which they were acquainted 5 but as I enter-
tained no great opinion of their geographical
knowledge, I placed not much dependence
on them, and therefore think it unneceiTary
to give them to the public. Such as I after-
wards found confirmed, by other accounts,
or by my ow^n obfervations, make a part of
the map prefixed to this work. 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
fame purpofes, notwithflanding it is of a yel-
low cafl. Their fleet ches are made in a rude
manner, but they feem to give as jufl an idea
of a country, although the plan is not fo ex-
ad, as more experienced draughtfmen could

4o.

., .►n.) ' I left

/

( 79 )

I left the habitations of thefe hofpitabic
Indians the latter end of April 1767 j but did
not part from them for feveral days, as I ^\as
accompanied on my journey by near three
hundred of them, among 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 j wherein
they fettle their operations for the enfuing
year. At the fame time they carry with
them their dead for interment bound up in
buffaloes fkins. Befides thofe that accompa-
nied me, others were gone before, and the
reft were to follow. ifv^ " '. > h »j

Never did I travel with fo cheerful and
happy a company. But their mirth met with
a fudden and a temporary allay from a vio-
lent ftorm that overtook us one day on our
pafTage. We had juft landed, and were pre-
paring to fet up our tents for the night, when
a heavy cloud overfpread the heavens, and
themoft dreadful thunder, lightning, and rain "
ifTued from it, that ever I beheld.

The Indians were greatly terrified, and
ran to fuch fhelter as they could find ; for
only a few tents were as yet ere6led, Appre- .
, henfivc

i\

'i

Mi

i I

I

1^'

I ,

^

( 8b ) •

henfive of the danger that might enfue frbm
ftanding near any thing which could ferve
for a condudlor, as the cloud appeared to con-
tain fuchan uncommon quantity of the elec-
trical fluid, I took my ftand as far as poflible
from any covering; chufing rather to be ex-
pofed to the peltings of the ftorm tlian to re-
ceive a fatal ftroke. At this the Indians were
greatly furprized, and drew conclufions from
it not unfavourable to the opinion they alrea-
dy entertained of my refolution. Yet I ac-
knowledge that I was never more aifeded in
my life ; for nothing fcarcely could exceed the
terrific fcene. The peals of thunder were fo
loud that they fhook the earth ; and the
lightning flaflied along the ground in ftreams
of fulphur J fo that the Indian chiefs them-
felves, although their courage in war is
ufually invincible, could not help trembling
at the horrid combuftion. As foon as the
ftorm was over, they flocked around me, and
informed me that it was a proof of the anger
of the evil fpirits, whom they were apprehen-
iive that they had highly offended. ' -

When we arrived at the Great Cave, and
the Indians had depofited the remains of their
deccafed friends in the burial-place that

%.

'>rf'^*^.

flands

( 81 )

ftands adjacent to it, they held their great
council, into which I was admitted, and at
the fame time had the honour to be inllalled
or adopted a chief of their bands. On this
occalion I made the following fpeech, which
I infert to give my readers a fpecimen of the
language and manner in which it is necefTary
to addrefs the Indians, fo as to engage their
attention, and to render the fpeaker's ex-
prefiions confonant to their ideas. It was
delivered on the firftday of May 1767. t /
" My brothers, chiefs of the numerous and
" powerful NaudowefTies ! I rejoice that
" through my long abode with you, I can
" now fpeak to you (though after an imper-
" fed 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 Englifh
*' and other nations; who is defcended from
'* a very ancient race of fovereigns, as old as
'* the earth and waters ; whofe feet ftand on
" two great iflands, larger than any you have '
" ever feen, amidft the greateft waters in the
" world; whofe head reaches to the fun, 3nd
" whofe arms encircle the whole earth.. Thq
*» nx-i) Q " number

fit

( 82 )
.•* number of whofe warriors arc equal to the
** trees in the vallies, the ftalks of rice in
"yonder mar&es, oi; the blades of grafs on
" your great- plains. Who has hundreds of
canoes of his own, of fuch amazing big-
nefs, that all the waters in your country
*' would notfuflice for one of them to fwim
each of which have guns, not fmall

<c

«

m

" like mine which you fee before you, but
*' of fuch magnitude, that a hundred of your
" jftouteft young men would with difficulty
'^ be able to carry one. And thefe are equal-
" ly furprizing in their operation againft the
'' great king*s enemies when engagea in bat-
*' tie J the terror they carry with them your
*' language wants words to exprefs. You
" may remember the other day when we were
" encamping at Wadawpawmenefoter, the
*' black clouds, the wind, the fire, the ftu-
" pendous noife, the horrible cracks, and the
*^ trembling of the earth which then alarmed
" you, and gave you reafon to think your
" gods were angry with you ; not unli*i
**' thefe are the warlike implements of the
" Englifh when they are fighting the battles
*' of their great king. '•H)')05 ^^' ^'

.•5*tB^frtar*f:*^'^ : ; .;.•,- ^ •; - -.-f te* " Several-

( 83 )

" Several of the chiefs of your bands have
" often told me, in times paft, vv'hen I dwelt
" with you in your tents, that they much
" wifhed to be counted among the children
" and allies of the great king my matter. You
** may remember how often you have defired
" me, when I return again to my own coun-
" try, to acquaint the great king oLyour good
" difpofition towards hiin and his fubjedts,
" and that you wifhed for traders from the
" Englifh to come among you. Being now
" about to take my leave of you, and to re-
" turn to my own country, a long way to-
" wards the rifing fun, I again afk you to tell
" me whether you continue of the fame mind
** as when I fpoke to you in council laft win-
" ter ; and as there are now feveral of your
" chiefs here, who came from the great plains
" towards the fetting of the fun, whom I
" have never fpoke with in council before, I
" afk you to let me know if you are all Willing
" to acknowledge yourfelves the children of
*' my great mafler the king of the Englifh
" and other nations, as I fhall take the firfl
" opportunity to acquaint him of your de-
*' fires and good intentions, I charge you not
" to give heed to bad reports 5 for there are
. .' •' Q 2 " wicked

''■■■ m

\l

IW

If

ft

( 84 )

" wicked birds flying about among the neigh-
" bouring nations, who may whifper evil
" things in your ears againft the Englifh, con-
" trary to what I have told you ; you muft
*' not believe them, for I have told you the
" truth.

*' And as to the chiefs who are about to go
" to Michillimackinac, I fhall take care to
*' make for them and their fuite, a ftraight
" road, fmooth waters, and a clear llcy -, that
*■' they may go there, and fmoke the pipe of
" peace, and reft fecure on a beaver blanket
'' under the fhade of the great tree of peace.
*' Farewell." . ,

« 'To this fpeech I received the following
anfwer, from the mouth of the principal
chief.

^ . *' Good brother! I 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 Naudoweffies. We
" believe and are- well fatisfied in the truth of
"every thing you have told us -about your
" great nation, and the Great King our

greateft father ; for whom we fpread this
" beaver blanket, that his fatherly prote6tion

may ever reft eafy and fafe among us
. • . . "his

(C

u

1 1

n'A- ytfikf '-•'"' '^.

<c

l(

( 85 )

" his children : your colours and your arms
** agree with the accounts you have given us
*' about your great nation. We defire that
when you return, you will acquaint the
Great King hew much the Naudoweflies
" wifh to be counted among his good children.
" You may believe us when we tell you that
" we will not open our ears to any who may
" dare to f*peak evil of our Great Father the
" king of the Englilh and other nations. >i

" We thank you for what you have done
" for us in making peace between the Nau-
*^ dowefTies and the Chipeways, and hope
" when you return to us again, that you will
" complete this good work ; and quite difpel-
" ling 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.
,., ^*' We wifh you to remember to reprefent
" to our Great Father, how much we deli re
" that traders may be fent to abide among us,
*/ w;ith' fuch things as we need, that the
*' hearts of our young men, our wives, and
" children may be made glad. And may
.'' peace fubfift between us, fo long as the fun.

'■m

■•''1

M

m.

^■ :'lHf7r!t« vi.;- i\.'<. yij^. Mri »'7;

'* the

If: '-'

( 86 )

*' the moon, the earth, and the waters fhall
*' endure. Farewell."

I thought it necelTary to caution the In-
dians againft giving heed to any bad reports
that may reach tbem from the neighbouring
nations to the difadvantage of the Enghfh, as
I had heard, at different places through which
1 paffed, that emiifaries were ftill employed
by the French to detach thofe who werie
friendly to the Englifh from their intereft.
And I faw, myfelf, feveral belts of Wampum
that had been delivered for this purpofe tQ
fome of the tribes 1 was among. On the de-
livery of each of thefe a Talk was held,
wlierein the Indians were told that the Eng-
lifh, who were but a petty people, had ftolen
that country from their Great Father the king
of France whllfl he was afleep ; but that he
would foon awake, and take them again un-
der his protedion. Thefe I found were fent
from Canada by perfons who appeared to be
Well afTected towards the government under
v\hich they li ved. '^^^^ 4 ^ '' *^'" '* '-*^- • ^'^^^' " ^
Whilfl I tarried at the mouth of the 'River
St. Pierre with thefe friendly Indians, I en-
deavoured to gain intelligence whether any
goods had been fent towards the Falls of St.
■6h^h\ bhd I p-'.r::-^_^^:'i:. , . ■ Anthony '

I

( 87 )

Anthony for my ufe, agreeable to the pro-
mife I had received from the governor when I
left Michillimackinac. But finding from fome
Indians, who paffed by in their return from
thofe parts, that this agreement had not been
fulfilled, I was obliged to give up all thoughts
of proceeding farther to the north- weft by
this route, according to my original plan. I
therefore returned to La Prairie le Chien,
where I procured as many goods from the tra-
ders I left there the preceding year as they
could fpare. :

As thefe however were notfufEcient to en-
able me to renew my firft defign, I determin-
ed to endeavour to make my way acrofs the
country of the Chipeways to Lake Superior j
in hopes of meeting at the Grand Portage on
the north fide of it, the traders that annually
go from Michillimackinac to the north-weft j
of whom 1 doubted not but that Lfhould be
able to procure goods enough to anfwer my
purpofe, and alfo to penetrate through thofe
more northern parts to the Streights of An-

nian.

,Sftfi;Dn?

QIT

And I the more readily returned to La

Prairie le Chien, as I could by that means

the better fulfil the engagement I had made

' to

I

I

I I

I

( 88 )

to the party of Naudoweffies mentioned at
the conclufion of my fpeech. During my
abode with this people, wifhing to fecure
them entirely in the intereft of the Englifh,
I had advifed 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 furnifhed them with a re-
commendation to the governor, and given
them every diredion necefTary 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 refl of their band to attend
the grand council at the mouth of the River
St. Pierre. Being obliged, on account of the
difappointment I hadjufl been informed of,
to return fo far down the Miffiffippi, I dould
from thence the more eafily fet them on their
journey. - y v^ ?; -

-As the intermediate parts of this river are
much frequented by the Chipeways, with
whom the Naudpweffies are continually at

war.

( 89 )

war, they thought it more prudent, being but
a fmall party, to take the advantage of the
night, than to travel with me by day j accord-
ingly no fooner was the grand council broke
up, than I took a friendly leave of thefe
people, from whom I had received innume-
rable civilities, and purfued once more my
voyage. - ...^ --. ; - -.

I reached the eaftern fide of Lake Pepin
the fame night, where I went alhore and
encamped as ufual. The next mofning, when
I had proceeded fomc miles farther, I per-
ceived at adiftance before me a fmoke, which
denoted that fome Indians were near ; and
in a fhort time difcovered ten or twelve tents
not far from the bank of the river. As I was
apprehenfive that this was a party of the
Rovers I had before met with, I knew not
what courfe to purfue. My attendants per-
fuaded me to endeavour to pafs by them on
the oppofite fide of the river -, but as I had
hitherto found that the beft way to enfure a
friendly reception from the Indians is to meet
them boldly, and without fiiewing any tokens
of fear, I would by no means confent to their
propofal. Infiead of this i croiTed diredly
over, and landed in the midft of them, for

\ I

m
m

"sm

-mK

^

.( 90 )

by this time the greateft part of them were
ftanding on the (here.

The firfl 1 accofted were Chip^ways inha-
biting near the Ottowaw lakes ; who receiv-
ed me with great cordiality, and fhook me by
the hand in token of friendship. At fome
little diftance behind thefe ftood a chief re-
markably tall and well made, but of fo flern
an afped that the moft undaunted perfon
could not behold him without feeling fomc
degree of terror. He feemed to have palTed
the meridian of hfc, and by the mode in
which he was painted and tatowcd, I difco-
vered that he was of high rank. However^
I approached him in a courteous manner, and
expeded to have met with the fame reception
I had done from the others : but to my great
furprize he with-held his hand, and looking
fiercely at me, faid in the Chi pe way tongue,'
" Cawin nifhifhin faganofh," that is, " Tha
Englifh are no good." As he had his toma-
3iav/k in his hand, I ej^pejifjed th^it this la«
conick fentence would have been followeid byr
a blow ; to prevent which I drew a piftot
from my belt, and, holding it in a careleiff
pdfition, pafTed clofe by him,^ to let hini'

fee I was not afraid of him. ♦*

\ / I learned

( 9' >

I learned foon after from the other Indians
that ihis was a chief, called by the French
the Grand Sautor, or the Great Chipeway
Chief, for they denominate the Chipcways
Sautors. They likewife told me that he had
been always a Heady friend to that people,
and when they delivered up Michillimac-
kinac to the Englifh on their evacuation of
Canada, the Grand Sautor had fworn that
he would ever remain the avowed enemy of
its new poffelTors, as the territories on which
the fort is built belonged to him.

Finding him thus difpofed, I took care to
be conftantly upon my guard whilft I ftaid j
but that he might not fuppofe I was driven
away by his frowns,! took up my abode there
for the night. I pitched my tent at fome diA
tance from the Indians, and had no fooner
laid n^yfelf down to reft, than I was awaked
by my French fervant. Having been alarm-
ed by the found of Indian mufic, he had run
to the outfide of the tent, where he behel4
a party of the young favages dancing to-
wards us in an extraordinary ii?ianner, each :
carrying in his hand a torch fixed on the,
top of a long pole. But I fhall defer any
further account of thi^ uncomip^ion entertain-r ,
I ment,

I:

' mcnt, which at once furprized and alarrtied
me, till I treat of the Indian dances.
' The next morning I continued my voyage,
and before night reached La Prairie leChien -,
at which place the party of Naudoweflies
foon overtook me. Not long after the Grand
^autor alfo arrived, and before the Naudo-
weflies left that place to continue their jour*
ney to Mich ill imackinac, he found means,
in conjundion with fome French traders
from Louifiana, to draw from me about ten
of the NaudowxiTie chiefs, whom he prevail-
ed upon to go towards thofe parts. > i^ifini)
<-' The remainder proceeded according to my
directions, to the Englifh fort ; from whence
I afterwards heard that they returned to their
own country without any unfortunate acci-
dent befalling them, and greatly pleafedwitH
the reception *hey had met with. Whilft
not more than half of thofe who went to the
fouthward, through the difference of that
fouthern climate from their own, lived to
reach their abode. And (ince I came to Eng-
land I have been informed, that the Grand
Sautor h ving rendered himfelf more and
more difguftful to the Englifh by his invete-
rate enmity towards them, was at length
: ' flabbed

^( 93 V
dabbed in his tent, as he encamped near Mi-
chillimackinac, by a trader to whom I had
related the foregoing ftory.

I fhould have remarked, that whatever In-
dians happen to meet at La Prairie leChien,
the great mart to which all who inhabit the
t^djacent countries refor*", ihough the nations
to which they belong are at war with each
other, yet they are obliged to reflrain their
enmity, and to forbear all hoftile ads during
their ftay there. This regulation has been
long eftablifhed among them for their
mutual convenience, as w^ithout it no trade
coiild be carried on. The fame rule is ob-
ferved alfo at the Red Mountain (afterwards
defcribed) from whence they get the ftone
of which they make their pipes: thefe being
indifpenfable to the accommodation of every
neighbouring tribe, a fimilar redridion be-
comes needful, and is of public utility.

The River St, Pierre, which runs through
the territories of the NaudowefTies, flows
through amoift delightful country, abounding
with all the neceffaries of life, that grow
-fpontaneoufly ; and with a little cultivation
it might be made to produce even the lux-
uries of life. Wild rice grows here in great
DAcat;^ abundance i

' 1^

( 94 )

abundahcfc; and every part is filled with
trees bending under their loads of fruits, fuch
as plums, grapes, and apples j the mea-
dows are covered v\^ith hops, and many-
forts of vegetables ; whilft the ground is
ftored with ufeful roots, with angelica, fpike-
nard, and ground-nuts as large as hens eggs.
At a little diftance from the fides of the river
are eminences, from which you have views
that cannot be exceeded even by the mofl
.beautiful of thofe I have already defcribed ;
amidfl thefe are delightful groves, and fuch
amazing quantities of maples, that they
would produce fugar fufficient for any num-
ber of inhabitants. i"^
A little way from the mouth of this river,'
on the north fide of it, flands a hill, one
part of which, that towards the MifTiffippi,
is compofed entirely of white ftone, of the
fame foft nature as that I have before def-
cribed j for fuch, indeed, is all the flone in
this country. But what appears remarkable
is, that the colour of it is as white as thcf
driven fnow. The outward part of it was
crumbled by the wind and weather into
heaps of fand, of which a beautiful compo-
fition might bo made 5 or, I am of opinion'
. • - that

( 95 )
that when properly treated the ftone itfelf
would grow harder by time, and have a very
noble efFed in arch i tenure.

Near that branch which is termed the Mar-
ble River, is a mountain, from whence the
Indians get a fort of red ftone, out of which
they hew the bowls of their pipes. In fome
of thefe parts is found a black hard clay, or
rather llone, of which the Naudo wellies makd
their family utenfils. This country likewife
abounds with a milk white clay, of which
China ware might be made equal in good-
nefs to the Afiaticj and alfo with a blue
clay that ferves the Indians for paint ; with
this laft they contrive, by mixing it with the
red ftone powder, to paint themfelves of dif-
ferent colours. Thofe that can get the blue
clay here mentioned, paint themfelves very,
mueh with it ; particularly when they arc
about to begin their fports and paftimes. It
is alfo efteemed by them a mark of peace, as
it has a refemblance of the blue iky, which
with them is a fymbol of it, and made ufe of
in their fpeeches as a figurative expreiTion to
denote peace. When they wifh to fhcw that
their inclinations are pacific towards other
• »•' / tribes.

I #((

4

( 96 )

tribes, they greatly ornament both them-
felves and their belts with it.

■^ Having concluded my bufinefs at La Prairie

le Chien, I proceeded once more up the Mif-

filfippi, as far as the place where the Chi-

p6way River enters it a little below Lake

Pepin. Here, having engaged an Indian

pilot, I direded him to lleer towards the

Ottow^aw Lakes which lie near the head of

this river. This he did, and I arrrived at

them the beginning of July. ,;

The Chipeway River, at its jundion with

the Miififlippi, is about eighty yards wnde,

but it is much wider as you advance into

it. Near thirty miles up it feparates into

two branches, and T took my courfe through

that which lies to the eallward.

The country adjoining to the river, for a-
bout fixty miles, is very level, and on its
banks lie fine meadows, where larger droves
of buffaloes and elks wxre feeding, than I
had obfervcd in any other part of my tra^
vels. The track between the two branches
of this river is termed the Road of War be-
tween the Chipeway and NaudoweiTie la-

'/f.

dians.

j"*.t,u c'iiJ Ji>

ilii i'

■ ' ( 97 ) ' '

The country to the Falls marked in the
plan at the extent of the traders travels, is
almoft without any timber, and above that
very uneven and rugged, and clofely wood-
ed with pines, beach, maple, and birch.
Here a moft remarkable and aftonifhing fight
prefented itfelf to my view. In a wood^ on
the caft of the river, which was about thee
quarters of a mile in length, and in depth
farther than my eye could reach, I obferved
that every tree, many of which were more
than fix feet in circumference, was lying
flat on the ground torn up by the roots.
This appeared to have been done by fome '
extraordinary hurricane that came from the
wefl fome years ago, but how many I could
not learn, as I found no inhabitants near it,
of whom I could gain information. The
country on the weft fide of the river, from
being lefs woody, had efcaped in a great mea-
fure this havock, as only a few trees were
blown down.

Near the heads of this river is a town of
the Chip6ways, from whence it takes its
name. It is fituated on each fide of the river
(which at this place is of no confiderable
breadth) and lies adjacent to the banks of a

H foiajl

lit

!

*•

r :,

I

'■

'(..98 )

fmall lake. This town contains about forty
houfcs, and can fend out upwards of one
hundred warriors, many of whom were fine
flout young men. The houfes of it are
built after the Indian manner, and have neat
plantations behind them; but the inhabi-
tants, in general, feemcd to be the nafliell
people I had ever been among. I obferved
that the women and children indulged them-
felves in a cuftom, which though common, in
fome degree, throughout every Indian na-
tion, appears to be, according to our ideas,
of the moft naufeous and indelicate nature;
that of fcarching each other's head, and
eating the prey caught therein.

In July I left this town, and having crof-
fed a number of fmall lakes and carrying pla-
ces that intervened, came to a head branch
of the River St. Croix. This branch I dcf-
cended to a fork, and then afcended ano-
ther to its fource. On both thefe rivers I
difcovered feveral mines of virgin copper,
which was as pure as that found in any other
country.. ,-i.i . v**

;• Here I came to a fmall brook, which my
guide thought might be joined at fome di-
fiance by ftreams that would at length render

Zilit'tmiiik

l \

it

( 99 )

it navigable. The water at firfl was fo fcanty,
that my canoe would by no means fwim in
it ; but having flopped up feveral old beaver
dams which had been broke down by the
hunters, I was enabled to proceed for fome
miles, till by the conjundion of a few
brooks, thefe aids became no longer necef-
fary. In a fhort time the v.ater increafed
to a moft rapid river, which we defcended
till it entered into Lake Superior. This ri-
ver I named after a ffcntleman that defired
to accompany me from the town of the Ot-
tagaumies to the Carrying Place on Lake
Superior, Goddard's river. t^Au

' To the weft of this is another fmall river,
which alfo empties itfelf into the Lake. This
I termed Strawberry River, from the great
number of ftrav/berries of a good fvzQ and
•fine flavour that grew on its banks. •■'^'

The country from the OttowaA/v Lakes to
Lake Superior is in general very uneven and
thickly covered with w^oods. The foil in
fome places tolerably good, in others but
indifferent. In the beads of the St. Croix,
.. and the Chipeway Rivers, are exceeding fine
■fturgeon. All the wildcrnefs between the
MiiTifTippi. and Lake Superior is called by the

H 2 Indians

111

IH

( 100 )

Indians the Mofchettoe country, and I
thought it moft juftly named ; for, it being
then their feafon, I never faw or felt fo
many of thofe infeds in my Hfe.

The latter end of July I arrived, after
having coafted through Weft Bay, at the
Grand Portage, which lies on the north-weft
borders of Lake Superior. Here thofe who
go on the north-weft trade, to the Lakes De
Pluye, Dubois, &c. carry over their canoes
and baggage about nine miles, till they come
to a number of fmall lakes, the waters of
fome of which defcend into Lake Superior,
and others into the River Bourbon. Lake
Superior from Weft Bay to this place is
bounded by rocks, except towards the fouth-
weft part of the Bay where I firft entered
it, there it was tolerably level.

At the Grand Portage is a fmall bay, be-
fore the entrance of which lies an ifland that
intercepts the dreary and uninterrupted view
over the Lake which otherwife would have
prefented itfelf, and makes the bay ferene
and pleafant. Here I met a large party of
Killiftinoe and Affinipoil Indians, with their
refpedive kings and thefr families. They
were come to this place in order to meet the

traders

H* ..

( lOI ) . ,

traders from Michillimackinac, who make
this their road to the north-weft. From them
I received the following account of the
Lakes that lie to the north-weft of Lake
Superior.

Lake Bourbon, the moft northern of thofe
yet difcovered, received its name from fome
French traders who accompanied a party of
Indians to Hudfon's Bay fome years ago:
and was thus denomir-ated by them in ho-
nour of the royal family of France. It is
compofed of the waters of the Bourbon Ri-
ver, which, as I have before obferved, rifcs
a great way to the fouthward, not far from
the northern heads of the Milliffippi.
. This Lake is about eighty miles in length,
north and fouth, and is nearly circular. It
has no very large iflands on it. The land
on the eaftern lide is very good 5 and to the
fouth-weft there are fome mountains: In
many other parts there are barren plains,
bogs, and moraftes. Its latitude is between
fifty-two and fifty-four degrees north, and it
lies nearly fouth-weft from Hudfon's Bay. As
through its northern fituation the weather
there is extremely cold, only a few animals
are to be found in the country that borders

'(■■■ :i

on

( 102 )

on it. They gave me but an indifFerent ac-
count either of the beafls, birds, or fiflies.
There are indeed fome buffaloes of a fmall
fize, which are fat and good about the latter
end of the fummer, with a few moofe and
carriboo deer; however this deficiency is
made up by the furs of every fort that are
to be met with in great plenty around the
Lake. The timber growing here is chiefly
fir, cedar, fpruce, and fome maple.

Lake Winncpeek, or as the French write
it Lac Ouinipique, v/liich lies neareft to the
foregoing, is compofed of the fame waters.
It is in length about two hundred miles north
and fouth ; its breadth has never been pro-
perly afcertained, but is luppofed to be a-
bout one hundred miles in its wideft part.
This Lake is very full of illands ^ thefe are,
however, of no great magnitude. Many
confiderable rivers empty ihemfelves into it,
which, as yet, arc not diftinguiflied by any
names. The waters are ftored with fifli,
fuch as trout and fturgeon, and alfo with
others of a fmaller kind peculiar to thefe
kikes. , ,i . , • .{jrH K

_, The land on the fouth-wcft part of it is
very good, efpccially about the entrance of

a large

;^j*

/

( 103 ) . -

a large branch of the River Bourbon which
flows from the fouth-weft. On this River
there is a fadory that was built by the French
called Fort La Reine, to which the traders
from Michillimackinac refort to trade with
the Afllnipoils and Killiftinoes. To this
place the Mahahs, who inhabit a country-
two hundred and fifty miles fouth-weft,
come alfo to trade with them ; and bring
great quantities of Indian corn to exchange
for knives, tomahawks, and other articles.
Thefe people are fuppofed to dwell on fome
of the branc es of the river of the weft, r
Lake Winncpeek has on the north-eaft
fome mountains, and on the eaft many bar-
ren plains. The maple or fugar tree grows
here in great plenty, and there is like.vife
gathered an amazing quantity of rice, which
proves that grain will flourifh in thefe north-
ern climates as well as in warmer. Buffaloes,
carraboo, and moofe deer, are numerous in
thefe parts. The buffaloes of this country
difter from thofe that are found more to the
fouth only in fiZvij the former being much
fmaller : juft as the black cattle of the nor-
thern parts of Great Britain differ from Eng-
lifhoxen. ^o^^^rv

^ ^ Oa

y^'M

Iff

'I ;

! I

ii

( 104 )

On the waters that fall into this Lake,
tlic neighbouring nations take great num-
bers of exc, ilcnt furs. Some of thefe they
carry to the factories and fcttlements belong-
ing to Hudfon's Bay Company, fituated a- ^
bout the entrance of the Bourbon River: but
this they do with reludance on feveral ac-
counts ; for fome of the Aflinipoils and Kil-
liftinoes, who ufually traded with the Com-
pany's fervants, told me, that if they could
be fure of a conflant fupply of goods from
Michiilimackinac, they would not trade any
w^here elfc. They Ihewed me fome cloth and
other articles tliat they had purchafed at
Hudfon's Bay, with which they were much
diffatisfied, thinking they had been greatly
impofed upon in the barter. ii,

s Allowing that their accounts were true, I
could not help joining in their opinion. But
this diffatisfiidion might probably proceed,
in a great meafiare, from the intrigues of the
Canadian traders: for whililthe French were
in pofTe'lion of Pvlichillimackinac, having ac-
quired a thorough knowledge of the trade of
the north-weft countries, they were employ-
ed on that account, after the redudion of Ca-
nada, by the Englifli traders there, in the
-,---' ' eftablifhment

ers.

f ^/"V

( '05 )
eftablifhment of this trade with which they
were thcmfclves quite unacquainted. One
of the methods they took to withdraw thefe
Indians from their attachment to the Hud-
fon's Bay Company, and to engage their
good opinion in behalf of their new employ-
ers, was by depreciating on all occafions the
Company's goods, and magnifying the advan-
tages that would arife to them from traffick-
ing entirely with the Canadian traders. In
this they too well fuccceded, and from this,
doubtlefs, did the diilatisfadion the Affini-
poils and Killiftinoes expreffed to me, partly
proceed. But another reafon augmented
it J and this was the length of their journey
to the Hudfon's Bay fa6lories, which, they
informed me, took them up three months
during the fummer heats to go and return,
^ and from the fmallnefs of their canoes they
could not carry more than a third of the
beavers they killed. So that it is not to be
wondered at, that thefe Indians fhould wifh
to have traders come to refide among them.
It is true that the parts they inhabit are with-
in the limits of the Hudfon's Bay territories,
but the Company muft be under the necef-
fity of winking at an encroachment of this
., kind,

Il!i

■'

I

U

II '

:

i i°6 )

kind, as the Indians would without doubt
protcdl the traders when among them. Be-
fides, the pailports granted to the traders that
go from MichilHmackinac give them liberty
to trade to the north-weft about Lake Supe-
rior •, by which is meant Fort La Reine,
Lake Winnepeek, or any other parts of the
waters of the Bourbon River, where the
Couriers de Bois, or Traders may make it
moft convenient to refide. '

Lac du Bois, as it is commonly termed by
the French in their maps, or in Englifh the
Lake of the Wood, is To called from the mul-
tiplicity of wood growing on its banks; fuch
as oaks, pines, firs, fpruce, &. This Lake
lies ftill higher up a branch of the River
Bourbon, and nenrl^^ "if!: from the fouth end
of the Lalii Winnepeek. It is of great depth
in feme places. Its length from eall to weft
about feventy miles, and its greateft breadth
about forty miles. It has but few iflands,
and thefc of no great magnitude. The fifties,
fowls, and quadrupeds that are found near it,
vary but little from thofc of the other tv/o
lakes. A few of the Killiftinoe Indians fome-
times encamp on the borders of it to fifti and

hunt.. '*'*'''' " Z**:^'' ^! i.i4.;; ly ,Uu»

'■'•: This

( 107 )
This Lake lies in the communication be-
tween Lake Superior, and the Lakes Win-
nepeek and Bourbon. Its waters are not
efteemed quite fo pure as thofc of the other
lakes, it having, in many places, a muddy
bottom.

Lac La Pluye, {q calkd by the French, in
Englifh the Rainy Lake, is fuppofed to have
acquired this name from the firft travellers,
that pafTed over it, meeting with an uncom-
mon deal of rain J or, as fome have affirmed,
from a mid like rain occ^ifioned by a perpen-
dicular water-fall that empties itfelf into a ri-
ver which lies to the fouth-weft.

This Lake appears to be divided by an Ifth-
mus, near the middle, into two parts : the
weft part is called the Great Rainy Lake, the
eaft, the Little Rainy Lake, ?.s being the
leaft divifion. It lies a few miles farther to
the eaftward, on the fame branch of the
Bourbon, than the lall-mentioned lake. It
is in genei-al very ftiallow in its depth. The
broadeft part of it is not more than twenty
miles, its length, including both, about three
hundred miles. In the weft part the water
is very clear anr" good ; and fome excellent
fifli are taken in it. A great many fowl re-

Ibrt

i I

i-:

If

i

I'
I

( loS )

fort here at the fall of the year. Moofe deer
are to be found in great plenty, and likewife
the carrabooj whofe fkin for breeches or
gloves exceeds by far any other to be met
with in North-America. The land on the
borders of this Lake is efleemed in fome
places very good, but rather too thickly co-
vered with wood. Here refide a confiderable
band of the Chipeways.

Eaftward from this Lake lie feveral fmall
ones, which extend in a firing to the great
carrying place, and from thence into Lake
Superior. Between thefe little ^-^k ' are fe-
veral carrying places, which render ttie trade
to the north-weft difficult to accomplifh, and
exceedingly 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 th-^ Bourbon River,
which is called by fome Red River. Its fcym
is nearly round, and about fixty miles in i • -
cumference. On one fide of it is a tolerable
large ifland, clofe by which a fmall river en-
ters. It bears almofl fouth-eafl both from
Lake Winncpeek and i.om Lake du Bois.
The parts adjacent are very little knjvn,

.>-'i.

or

ii '»

( 109 )

or frequented, even by the favages them*
felves.

Not far from this Lake, a little to the
fouth-weft, is another called White Bear
Lake, which is nearly about the fize of the
laft mentioned. The waters that compofe
this Lake are the moft northern of any tlat
fupply the Mifliffippi, and may be called with
propriety ils moft remote fource. It is fed by
two or three fmall rivers, or rather lar2;e
brooks.

A few miles from it, to the foiith-eaft, arc
a great number of fmall lakes, none of which
are more than ten miles in circumference,
that are called the Thoufand Lakes. In the
adjacent country is reckoned the lineft hunt-
ing for furs of any on this continent; the
Indians who hunt here feldom rcturnino^
without having their canoes loaded as deep
as they can fwim. r . ^, >
- Having juft before obfervcd tliat this Lake
is the utmoft northern fource of the Milfiflip-
pi, I Ihall here further remark, that before
this river enters the Gulph of Mexico, it has
notrunlefs, through all its meanderings, than
three thoufand miles; or, in a ftrait line
from north to fouth, about twenty degrees,
* which

if

!i

. ■ ( no )

which is nearly fourteen hundred Englifli
miles.

Thefe Indians informed me, that to the
north-well of Lake Winnepeek lies another
whofe circumference vaftly 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
ihould imagine that it was not a lake, but
rather the Archipelago or broken waters that
^orm the communication between Hudfon's
3ay and the northern parts of the Pacific

Ocean. K^nrfl >..rl.

There are an infinite number of fmall
lakes, on the more wcftern parts of the weft-
ern head-branches of the MilTilfippi, as well
as between thefe and Lake Winnepeek, but
none of them are large enough to fuppofe ei-
ther of them to be the lake or waters meant
by the Indians. ' ' ''^^

; They likewife informed me, that fome of
the northern branches of the MefTorie and
the fouthern branches of the St. Pierre have
a communication with each other, except for
a mile; over which they carry their canoes.
And by what I could learn from them, this is
the road they take when their war parties
u jj - make

( ni ) .

. make their excurfions upon the Pawnees
and Pawnawnees, nations inhabiting fome
branches of the Mefforie River. In the coun-

' try belonging to thefe people it is faid, that
Mandrakes are frequently found, a fpecies of
root refembling human beings of both fexes ;
and that thefe are more perfed than fuch as
are difcovered about the Nile in Nether-
Ethiopia. '

A little to the north- weft of the heads of
the Mefforie and the St. Pierre, the Indians
further told me, that there w^as a nation ra-
ther fmaller and whiter than the neighbour-
ing tribes, who cultivate the ground, and (as
far as I could gather from their expreflionsj
in fome meafure, the arts. To this account
they added that fome of the nations, who in-
habit thofe parts that lie to the weft of the
Shining Mountains, have gold fo plenty a-
mong them that they make their moft com-
mon utenlils of it. Thefe mountains (which
I fhall defcribe more particularly hereafter)
divide the waters that fall into the South
Sea from thofe that run into the Atlantic.
. The people dwelling near them are/fup-
pofed to be fome of the different trib'es that
were tributary to the Mexican kings, and

who

m

. ■ ( 112 )

who fled from their native country to feek
an afylum in thefe parts, about the time of
the conqueft of Mexico by the Spaniards,
more than two centuries ago.

As fome confirmation of this fuppofition it
is remarked, that they have chofen the moft
interior parts for their retreat, being liill pre-
poflefTed with a notion that the fea coafts
have been infefted ever iince with monfters
vomiting fire, and hurling about thunder and
lightning; from whofe bowels ifTued men,
who, with unfeen inflruments, or by the
power of magic, killed the hai mlefs Indians
at an aftonifhing diflance. From fuch as
thefe, their fore-fathers (according to a tradi-
tion among them that flill remains unim-
paired) fled to the retired abodes they now
inhabit. For as they found that the floating
monfters which had thus terrified them could
not approach the land, and that thofe who
had defcended from their fides did not care
to make excurfions to any confiderable dif-
tance from them, they formed a refolution
to betake themfelves to fome country, that
lay far from the fea-coafts, where only they
could be fecurc from fuch diabohcal enemies.
They accordingly fet out with their families,

and

«>

( 113 )

and after a long peregrination, fettled thciri-
felves near thefe mountains, where they con-
cluded they had found a place of pcrfed fe-
curity.

The Winnebagoes, dwelling on the Fox
River (whom I have already treated of) are
like wife fuppofed to be fome ftrolling band
from the Mexicaaa countries. But they are
able to give only an imperfect account of
their original refidence. They fay they for-
merly came a great way from the weftward,
and were driven by wars to take refuge a-
mong the Naudoweffies ; but as they are en-
tirely ignorant of the arts, or of the value of
gold, it is rather to be fuppofed, that they
were driven from their ancient fettlements
by the above-mentioned emigrants, as they
paffedon towards their prefent habitation.

Thefe fuppofitions, however, may want
confirmation ; for the fmaller tribes of Indians
are fubjed to fuch various alterations in Lheir
places of abode, from the wars they are con-
tinually engaged in, that it is almoft impoifi-
ble to afcertain, after half a century, the
original fituation of any of them.
' That range? of mountains, of which the
Shining Mountains area part, begin at Mex-

I

( IH )

ico, and continuing northward on the back,
or to the eaft of California, feparate the wa-
. ters of thofe numerous rivers that fall cither
into the Gulph of Mexico, or the Gulph of
California. From thence continuing their
courfe ftill northward, between the fources
of the MilTiflippi and the rivers that run into
the South Sea, they appear to end in about
forty-feven or forty-height degrees of north
latitude; where a number of rivers arife, and
empty themfelves either into the South Sea,
into Hudfon's Bay, or into the waters that
communicate between thefe two feas. i^^ -,n
Among thefe mountains, thofe that lie to
the weft of the River St. Pierre, are called
the Shining Mountains, from an infinite
number of chryftal ftones, of an amazing
fize, with which they are covered, and
w^hich, when the fun fhines full upon them,
fparkle fo as to be feen at a very great dif-
tance.

This extraordinary range of mountains is
calculated to be more than three thoufand
miles in length, without any very confider-'
able intervals, which I believe furpafles ^ny
thing of the kind in the other quarters of
the globe. Probably in future agesthey may •
':< ': . " be '

( 115 )

* ...

be fouiid to contain more riches in theif
bowels, than thofe of Indoftan and Malabar,
or that are produced on the Golden Coaft of
Guinea -, nor will I except even the Peru-
vian Mines. To the weft of thefe mountains,
when explored by future Columbufes or Ra-
leighs, may be found other lakes, rivers, and
countries, full fraught with all the necefia-
ries or luxuries of life ; and where future ge-
nerations may find an afylum, whether
driven from their country by the ravages of
lawlefs tyrants, or by religious perfecutions,
or reludantly leaving it to remedy the incon-
veniencies arifing from a fuperabundant in-
creafe of inhabitants; whether, I fay, im-
pelled by thefe, or allured by hopes of com-
mercial advantages, there is little doubt but
their expedations will be fully gratified in
thefe rich and unexhaufted climes. .• ,

But to return to the Aflinipoils and Killifli-
noes, whom I left at t le Grand Portage, and
from whom I received the foregoing account
of the lakes that lie to the north- weft of this
place. ^ ^

The traders we expeded being later this
feafon than ufual, and our numbers very con-
fidejatle, for there were more than thfee

I 2, hundred

r i

1: :

ill:

'!

M

1 'i

„;

( i'6 )

hundred of us, the flock of provifions we had
brought with us was nearly exhauftcd, and
we waited with impatience for their arrival.
• One day, whilft we were all exprefTing our
wifhes for this defirable event, and looking
from an eminence in hopes of feeing them
come over the Lake, the chief prieft belong-
ing to the band of the Killiftinoes told us,
that he would endeavcfur to obtain a confer-
ence with the Great Spiiit, and know from
him when the traders would arrive. I paid
little attention to this declaration, fuppofing
that it would be produdive of fome juggling
trick, juft fufiiciently covered to deceive the
Ignorant Indians. But the king of that tribe
telling me that it was chiefly undertaken by
the priell to alleviate my anxiety, and at the
fame time to convince me how much intereft
he had with the Great Spirit, I thought i|:
neceiTary to reftrain my animadverfions on
his delign.

The following evening was fixed upon for
this fpiritual conference. When every thing
had been properly prepared, the king came to
ine and led me to a capacious tent, the cover-
ing of which was drawn up, fo as to render
what was tranfacling within vifible to thofe

who

I

( "7 )
who ftood without. Wc found the tent fur-
rounded by a great number of the Indians,
but we readily gained admiffion, and feated
ourfelves on ll<ins laid on the ground for that
purpofe. :

In the centre I obferved that there was a
place of an obtong lliape, which was cora-
pofed offtakes ftuck in- the ground, with in-
tervals between, fo as to form a kind of chcft
or coffins krge enough to contain the body •
of a man. Thefe were of a middle fize, and
placed at fuch a dii'lance from each other,
that whatever lay within them was readily-
to be difcerned. The tent was perfedly
illuminated by a great number of torches
mtid'c of fptinters cut from the pine or birch
tree, which the Indians held in their hands.

In a few minutes the prieft entered j when
an amazing large elk's fkin being fpread on
the ground, juft at my feet, he laid himfelf
down upon it, after having ftripped himfelf
of every garment except that which he wore
clofe about his middle. Being now proftrate
on his back, he firft laid hold of one fide of
the fkin, and folded it over him, and then
the other; leaving only his head uncovered.
Thi§ w^as no fooner done, than two of the

young

I

m^

( n8 )

young men who flood by took about forty
yards of ftrong cord, made alfo of an elk's
hide, and rolled it tight round his body, fo
that he was completely fwathed within the
ikin. Being thus bound up like an Egyptian
Mummy, one took him by the heels, and
the other by the head, and lifted him over
the pales into* the inclofure. I could now
alfo- difcern him as plain as I had hitherto
done, and I took care not to turn my eyes a
moment from the objed before me, that I
might the more readily dete*^ the artifice, for
fuch I doubted not but th^t it would tyr^

out to b!?. - ^■' f^- 'rfri^ ^

The prieft bad not Iain in t^ fituation
more than a few feconds, when n^. began to
mutter. . This he continued to do fqr fome
tipe, and then by degrees grew louder and
louder, till at length he fpoke articulately 5
however what he uttered was in fuch a mix-
ed jargon of the Chipeway, Qttawayv, and
iJ^illillinoe languages,, that I could pnder-
ftand but.yerylitUeof it. . Having continued
in -this tone for a cqnfiderable while, he at
laft exerted his voice to it;s utraoftpitch, fome-
timea raving and fometimes praying,, till he
■ .g Aw ;?iTi fi^ ^^,i,-; ....V Vh^qaiQS s»iil fed >,

f 119 )

had worker! himfclf into fuch an agitation,
that he foamed at his mouth. -^ ^^tt ^

After having remained near three quarters
of an hour in the place, and continued his
vociferation with unabated vigour, he Teem-
ed to be quite exhaufted, and remained
fpeechlefs. But in an inftant he fprung upon
his feet, notwithftanding at the time he was
put in, it appeared impoflible for him to move
cither his legs or arms, and (baking off his
covering, as quick as if the bands with which
it had been bound were burned afunder, he'
began to addrefs thofe who flood around in .
a firm and auc^bie voice. "My Brothers "^
faid he, *' the Great Spirit has deigned to
*' hold a Talk with his fervant at my earned '
" requeft. He has not, indeed, told me when
" the pcrfons we exped will be here, but to-i-
" morrow, foon after the fun has reached his '
" highefl point in the heavens, a canoe will '
" arrive, and th^ people in that will inform "
** us when the traders will come.'' Having ^i
faid this, he ftepped gut of the inclofure, and '^
after he had put on his robes, difmilTed the ■
aflembly. I own I was greatly aftonifhed at 1
what I had feen, but as I obferved that every *
eye in the company was fixed on me with a

view

r

I

I :

( I20 )

view to difcovcr my fentiments, I carefully
concealed every emotion.

The next day the fun flione bright, ard
long before noon all the Indians were gather-
ed together on the eminence that overlooked
the lake. The old king came to me and afk-
ed me, whether I had fo much conhience in
what the priefl had foretold, as to join his
prople on the hill, and wait for the com-
pletion of it ? I told him that I was at a lofs
what opinion to form of the prediction, but
that I would readily attend him. On this
we walked together to the place whf »'e the
others were affembled. Every eye was again
fixed by turns on me and on the lake ; when
juft as the fun had rcac' ed his zenith, agree-
able to what the prieft had foretold, a canoe
came lound a point of land about a league
diilant. The Indians no fooner beheld it,
than they fent up an univerfal fhout, and by
their looks feemed to triumph in the intereft
their prieft thus evidently had with the Great
Spirit.

In lefs than an hour the canoe reached the
fhore, when I attended the king and chiefs
to receive thofe who were on board. As
foon as the men were landed, we walked all

together

^ BS-r r

( 121 )

together to the king's tent, where accordliig
to their invariable cuftoni we began to fmoke;
and this we did, notwithftanding our impa-
tience to knovvT the tidings thry brought,
without afking any queftions j for the In-
dians are the moil deliberate people in the
world. However, after fome trivial conver-
fstion, the king enquired of them whether
they had feen any thing of the traders ?
the men replied, that they had parted from
them a few days before, and that they pro-
pofed being here the fecond day from the
prefent. They accordingly arrived at that
time greatly to our fatisfadion, but more
particularly fo to that of the Indians, who
found by this event the importance both of
their prieft and of their nation, greatly aug-
mented in the fight of a ftranger.

This ftory I acknowledge appears to carry
with it marks of great credulity in the rela-
tor. But no one is lefs tindured with that
w^eaknefs than myfelf. The circumftances
of it I own are of a very extraordinary na-
ture ; however., as I can vouch for their be-
ing free from either exaggeration or mifrepre-
fentation, being myfelf a cool and difpafli-
pnate obferver of them all, I thought it ne-

ccfTary

( 122 ) .

cefTaiy to give them to the public. And this
I i}o without wifhing to miflead the judg-
ment of my readers, or to make any fuper-
ftitious impreflions on their minds, but leav-
ing them to draw frojii it what concluiions
they pleafe, "

J have already obferved that the Affini-
poils, with a party of whom I met here, are
a revolted band of the Naudoweflies ; who on
account of fome real or imagined grievances,
for the Indians in general are very tenacious
of their liberty, had feparated themfelves
from their countrymen, and fought for free-
doin at the expence of their eafe. For the
country they now inhabit about the borders
of Lake Winnepeek, being much farther
norrh, is not near fo fertile or agreeable as
that they have relinquilhed. They ftill re-^

tain the language and manners of their for^^
mer afTocjates.

The Killiftinoes, now the neighbours and
allies of the Affinipoils, for they alfo dwell
near the fame Lake and on the waters of the
River Bourbon, appear to have been origin
nally a tribe of the Chip^ways, as.they fpeak
their language, though in a different diale^l.
Their nation confifls of about three or four

hundred

- . ( 123 ;

hundred warriors, and they feem to be a har-
dy brave people. I have already given an
account of their country when I treated of
Lake Winnepeek. As they refide within
the limits of Hudfon's Bay, they generally
trade at the fadories which belong to that
Company, but, for the reafons mentioned
before, they frequently come to the place
where I happened to join them, in order to
meet the traders from Michillimackinac.

The anxiety I had felt on account of the
traders dejay, was not much alleviated by
their arrival. I again found my expedations
difappojnted, for I was not able to procure
the goods I wanted from any of them. I
w^s therefore obliged to give over my de-
jfigns, and return to the place from whence •
I firfl began my extcnfive circuit, I accord-
ingly took lea^ '^ of the old king of the Kil-
liilinoes, with tlie chiefs of both bands, and '
departed. This princ^ was upwards of lixty
years of age, tall and flightly made, but he
carried himfeff very ered. He was of a "
courteous, affable difpofitioii, and treated 1
me, as did all the chiefs, with ^reat civi-

Vfil

•*"l

I obferved

l*M

.15'

m

V

II

!^:

lit

( 124 )
1 obierved that this people ftill conttnrred
a cuftom, that appeared to have been uni-
verfal before any of them became acquaint-
ed with the Manners of the Enropeans, that
of complimenting llrangers with the com-
pany of their wives ; and this is not only
pra£tffed by the lower ranks, but by the
chiefs thcmfelves, who efteem it the great-
eft proof of courtefy they can give a ftran-

The beginning of Odober, after having
coafted round the north and eaft borders of
Lake Superior, I arrived at Cadot's Fort,
which adjoins to the Falls of St. Marie, and
is fituated near the fouth-weft corner of it.

Lake Superior, formerly termed the Upper
Lake from its northern iituation, is fo called
on account of it& being fuperior in magni-
tude to any of the lakes on that vail conti-
nent. It might juftly be termed the Cafpian
of America, and is fuppofcd to be the largeft **
body o£ frefh water on the globe. Its cir- *
cumftrencc, according to the French charts,
is about fifteen hundred miles ; but I believe,
that if it was coafted round, and the ut-
moft extent of every bay taken, it wouM
exceed iixteen hundred. . •

After

( 125 )

After I firft entered it from Goddard's
Kiver on tlie welt bay, I coafted near twelve
iiundred miles of the north and eaft (bores
of it, and obferved that the greatell part of
that extend ve track was bounded by rocks
and uneven ground. The water in general
appeared to lie on a bed of of rocks. Wlieu
it was calm, and the fun fho.nc bright, I
could fit in my canoe, where the depth was
upwards of fix fathoms, and plainly fee huge
piles of ftone at the bottom, of different
fhapes, Ibme of which appeared as if they
w'ere hewn. The water at this time was as
pure and tranfparent as air ; and my canoe
feeraed as if it hung fifpended in that ele*
ment. It was impoflible to look attentively
through this limpid medium at the rocks be-
low, without finding, before many minutes
were elapfed, your head fwim, and your
eyes no longer able to behold the dazzling
fcene.

I difcovered alfo by accident another ex-
traordinary property in the waters of this
lake. Though it was in the month of July
that I paffed over it, and the furface of the
water, from the heat of the fuper-ambient
air, impregnated with no fmall degree of

warmth.

ii

'8' '
11'

s<

n

("126 )

waFmth, yrt on letting down a cup to the
depth of about a fathom, the water drawn
from thericd was fo exceflively cold, that it
had the fame efFed when received into the
mouth as ice. ♦

The fituation of this lake is varioufly laid
down ; but from the moft exad obfervations
I could make, it lies between forty-fix and
fifty degrees of north latitude, and between
eighty-four and ninety-three degrees of weft
longitude from the meridian of London.

There are many iflands in this lake, two
of which are very large ; and if the land of
them is proper for cultivation, there appears
to be fufficient to form on each a confidera-
ble province ; efpecially on Ifle Royal, which
cannot be lefs than an hundred miles long,
and in many places forty broad. But there
is no way at prefent of afcertaining the ex-
ad length or breadth of either. Even the ..
French, who always kept a fmall fchooner
on this lake whilft they were in pofi^efilon of ,
Caiiada, by vvhich they could have made this
difcovery, have only acquired a flight know;- .
ledge of the external parts of thefe iflands ; .^
at leafithey have never publiflied any account

•-'■'• -"-- ' ' ■ *'^ : ' . ■;■ ■ "of'

( r27 )

of the internal parts of them, that I could
get intelligence of. ^ njiT'^t

Nor was I able to difcover from any of the
converfations which I held with the neigh-
bouring Indians, that they had ever made any
fettlements on them, or even landed there in
their hunting excurfions. From what I could
gather by their difcourfe, they fuppofe
them to have been, from their firft informa-
tion, the refidence of the Great Spirit j and
relate many ridiculous fiories of enchant-
ment and magical tricks that had been expe-
rienced by fuch as were obliged through
ftrefs )f wfeather to take fhelter on them.

One of the Ch-pdway chiefs told me, that
fome of their people being once driven on
the ifland of Maurepas, which lies towards
the nofth-eaft part of the lake, found on it
large quantities of a heavy fhining yellow
fand, that from their defcription muft have
been gold dull. Being ftruck with the beau-
tiful appearance of it, in the morning, when
they re-entered their canoe, they attempted >
to bring fome away j but a fpirit of an amaz- ^
ing fize, according to their account lixty feet i
in height, ftrode into the water after them, .
and commanded them to deliver back what
- . .» ^ they

I i«.

i

!■

I

I

'( 12^ )

they had tal^en away. Terrified at his gi-
gantic flature, and feeing that he had nearly
overtaken them, they were glad to reftore
their lliining treafure; on which they were
fufFered to depart without further molefta-
tion. Since this incident, no Indian that has
ever heard of it, will venture near the fame
haunted coaft. Befides this, they recounted
to me many other ftories of thefe iflands,
equally fabulous.

The country on the north and eaft parts
of Lake Superior is very mountainous and
barren. The weather being intenfely cold in
the winter, and the fun having but little pow*
er in the fummer, vegetation there is very
(lowj and confequently but little fruit is to
be found on its fhore. It however produces
fbme few fpecies in great abundance. Whir-
tle-berries of an uncommon frze, and fine
flavour, grow on the mountains near the lake
in amazing quantities j as do black currants
and goofberries in the fame luxuriant man-
ner.

But the fruit which exceeds all the others,

is a berry refemblinga rafberry in its manner

of growth, but of a lighter red, and much

larger ; its taftc is far mor^ delicious than the

"•-- • ' - fruit

( 129 )

fruit I have compared it to, riotwithflanding
that is fo highly efteemeJ in Europe : it
grows on a fhrub of the nature of a vine,
with leaves fimilar to tliofc of the grape ; and
I am perfuaded that wi's it tranfplanted into
a warmer and more kindly climate, it would
prove a moft rare und delicious fruit.

Two very large rivers empty themfelves
into this lake, on the north and north-raft
fide ; one is called the Nipegon River, or, as
the French pronounce it, the AUanipegon,
which leads to a hand of the Chipdways, in-
habiting a lake of the fame name, and the
other is termed the Michipicooton River, the
fource of which is fituated towards Jameses
Bay, from whence there is but a fhort car-
riage to another river, which empties itfelf
into that bay, at a fort belonging to the
Company. It was by this palTage that a parly
of French from Michillimackinac invaded
the fettlements of that Society in the
reign of queen Anne. Having taken and
deftroyed their forts, they brought the can-
non which they found in them to the fortrcfs
from whence they had iffued : thefe were
fmall brafs pieces, and remain there to this
prefent time; having, through the ufual re-

K volutions

It

1

( 130 )

Tolutions of fortune, returned to the poflif-
fions of their former matters.

Not far from the Nipegon is a fmall river,
that, juft before it enters the lake, has a
perpendicular fall from the top of a moun-
tain, of more than fix hundred feet. Being
very narrow, it appears at a diftance like a
white garter fufpended in the air,

A few Indians inhabit round the eaftern
borders of this lake, fuppofcd to be the re-
mains of the Algonkins, who formerly pof-
feiTed this country, but who have been near-
ly extirpated by the Iroquois of Canada.
Lake Superior has *iear forty rivers that fall
into it, fome of which are of a confiderable
fize. On the fouth fide of it is a remark-
able point or cape, of about fixty miles in
length, called Point Che^omegan. It might
as properly be termed a peninfula, as it is
nearly feparated from the continent, on the
eaft fide, by a narrow bay that extends
from eaft to weft. Canoes have but a fiiort
portage acrofs the ifthmus, whereas if they
coaft it round, the voyage is more than an
hundred miles. '

About that diftance to the weft of the
cape juft defcribed, a confiderable river falls

into

( '3' )
into the lake, the head of which is compof-
ed 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 is met with alfo in
feveral other places on this coaft. I obferved
that many of the fmall iflands, particularly
thofe on the eaftern fhores, were covered
with copper ore. They appeared like beds
of copperas, of which many tuns lay in a
fmall fpace.

A company of adven^.urers from England
began, foon after the conqueft of Cana-
da, to bring away fome of this metal, but
the diftraded fituation of affairs in America
has obliged them to relinquifh their fcheme.
It might in future times be made a very ad-
vantageous trade, as the metal which cofts
nothing on the fpot, and requires but little
expence to get it on board, could be con-
veyed in boats or canoes through the Falls of
St. Marie to the Ifle of St. Jofeph, which lies
at jhe bottom of the Straights near the en-
trance into Lake Huron j from thence it
might be put on board larger veffels, and in
them tranfported acrofs that lake to the Falls
of Niagara 5 there being carried by land a-

' K a crofs

' ' ( 132 ) .

crofs the Portage, it might be conveyed with-
out much obftrudion to 0)iebec. The cheap-
nefs and eafe with which any quantity of it
may be procured, will make up for the
length of \A ay that it is necefTary to tranf-
port it before it reaches the fea-coaft, and
enable the proprietors to fend it to foreign
markets on as good terms as it can be ex«
ported from other countries.

Lake Superior abounds tvitli variety of fifh,
the principal and beft are the trout and ftur-
geon, which may be caught at almoll any
fcafcn in the greatefl abundance. The trouts
in general weigh about twelve pounds, but
fome are caught that exceed fifty. Befides
thefe, a fpecies of white fifh is taken in great
quantities here, that refemble a fhad in tneir
fhape, but they arc rather thicker, and lefs
bony ; they weigh about four pounds each,
and are of a delicious tafte. The beft way
of catching thefe fifh is with a net j but the
trout might be taken at all times with the
hook. There are likewife many forts of
fmaller fifh in great plenty here, and which
may be taken with eafe j among thefe is a
fort r^fembling a herring, that are generally
made vife of as a bait for the trout. Very

fmall

|J33 )
fmall crabs, not larger than half a crown
piece-, arc found both in this and Lake Mi-
chegan.

This lake is as much affcdcd by ftorms as
the Atlantic Ocean ; the waves run as high, and
are equally as dangerous to (hips. It difcharg-
es its waters from the fouth-eaft corner,
through the Straights of St. Marie. At the
upper end of thefe Straights ftands a fort that
receives its name from them, commanded by
Monf. Cadot, a French Canadian, who be-
ing proprietor of the foil, is flill permitted
to keep polTeflion of it. Near this fort is a
very ftrong rapid, againft which, though it is
impoffible for canoes to afcend, yet when
conducted by careful pilots, they might pafs
down without danger.

Though Lake Superior, as I have before
obferved, is fupplied by near forty rivers,
many of which are confiderable ones, yet it
does not appear that one-tenth part of the
waters which are conveyed into it by thefe
rivers are carried off at this evacuation. Ho'W
fuch a fuperabundance of water can be dif-
pofed of, as it muft certainly be by fome
means or other, without which the circum-
ference of the lake would be continually en-
: . . larging,

lit;

PPVMHPV"

C ^34 )
largmg, I know not : that it docs not empty
itfelf, as the Mediterranean Sea is fuppofed
to do, b; an under current, which perpetu-
ally countera6ls that near the furface, is cer-
tain J for the flreirn which falls over the rock
is not more than five or fix feet in depth,
and the whole of it paffes on through the
Straights into the adjacent lake ; nor is it
probable that fo great a quantity can be ab-
forbed by exhalations ; confcquently they
muft find a pafTage through fome fubterra-
nean cavities, deep, unfathomable, and never
to be explored.

, The Falls of St. Marie do not defcend per-
pendicularly as thofe of Niagara or St. An-
thony do, but confifl of a Rapid which con-
tinues near three quarters of a mile, over
which canoes well piloted might pafs.

At the bottom of thefe Falls, nature has
formed a moil commodious flation for catch-
ing the fifh which are to be found there in
immenfe quantities. Perfons Handing on the
rocks that lie adjacent to it, may take with
dipping nets, about the months of Septem-
ber and Odober, the white fifh before-men-
tioned ; at that feafon, together with feveral
other fpecies, they croud up to this fpot in

fuch

( 135 )
fuch amazing fhoals, that enough may be
taken to fupply, when properly cured, thou-
fands of inhabitants throu.^hout the year.
.: The Straights of St. Mirie are about forty
miles long, bearing fouth-eaft, but varying
much in their breadth. The current between
the Falls and Lake Huron is not fo rapid as
might be expeded, nor do they prevent the
navigation of fhips of burden as far up as
the ifland of St. Jofeph.

It has been obferved by travellers that the
entrance into Lake Superior, from thefe
Straights, affords one of the moft plead ng
profpeds in the world. The place in which
this might be viewed to the greateft advan-
tage, is juft at the opening of the lake, from
v/hence may be feen on the left, many beau-
tiful little iflands that extend a confiderablc
way before you; and on the right, an agree-
able fuccefTion of fmall points of land, that
projed a little way into the water, and con-
tribute, with the iflands, to render this de-
lightful bafon (as it might be termed) calm
and fecure from the ravages of thofe tcm-
peftuous winds by which the adjoining lake

is frequently troubled.

Lake

I

!

( 136 ) .

Lake Huron, into which you now enter
from tlie Straightsr of St. Marie, is the next
in magnitude to Lake Superior. It hes be-
tween forty-two and forty-fix degrees of
north latitude, and feventy-nine and eighty-
five degrees of weft longitude. Its fhape is
nearly triangular, and its circumference about
one thoufand miles. . ;

On the north fide of it lies an illand that
is remarkable for being; near a hundred miles
in length, and no more than eight miles
broad. This ifland is known by the name
of Manataulin, which fignilies a Place of
Spirits, and is confidered by the Indians as
facred as thofe already mentioned in Lake
Superior.

About the middle of the fouth-weft fide
of this lake is Saganaum x y. The capes
that feparate this bay from the lake, are a-
bout eighteen raiies diftant from each other j
near the middle of the intf^rmediate fpace
ftand two iflands, which greatly tend to fa-
cilitate the pafTage of canoes and fmall vefTels,
by affording them fhelter, as without this
fecurity it would not be prudent to venture
acrofs fo wide a fea; and the coafling round
the bay would make the voyage long and

tedious.

' C 137 )

tedious. This bay is about eiglity miles
in length, and in general about eighteen or
twenty miles broud.

Nearly half way between Saganaum Bay
and the north- weft corner of the lake lies a-
nother, which is termed Thunder Bay. The
Indians, who have frequented thefe parts
from time immemorial, and every European
traveller that has paffed through it, have
unanimoufly agreed to call it by this name,
on account of the continual thunder they
have always obferved here. The bay is about
nine miles broad, and the fame in length,
and whilft I was pafling over it, which took
me up near twenty-four hours, it thundered
and lightened during the greateft part of the
time to an exceffive degree.

There appeared to be no vifible reafon for
this that I could difcover, nor is the country
in general fubjed to thunder ; the hills that
ftood around were not ofa remarkable height,
neither did the external parts of them (eem
to be covered with any fulphureous fubftance;
But as this phaenomenon muft originate from
fome natural caufe, I conjeflure that the
fhores of the bay, or the adjacent mountains,
are either impregnated with an uncommon

quantity

!

I

1.1

.1

( 138 )

quantity of fulphureous matter, or contain
fome me||^tal or mineral apt to attrad in a
great degree the elcdrical particles that arc
hourly borne over them by the paflant clouds.
But the folution of this, and thofe other
philofophical remarks which cafually occur
throughout thefe pages, I leave to the difcuf-
fion of abler beads.

The fifh 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
fcparates this lake from Lake Michegan, is
compofcd of a vail plain, upwards of one
hundred miles long, but varying in its breadth,
being from ten to fifteen miles broad. This
track, as I have before obferved, is divided
into almoft an equal portion between the Ot-
towaw and Chip6way Indians. At the north-
call corner this lake has a communication
with Lake Michegan, by the Straights of
Michillimackinac already defcribed.

I had like to have omitted a very extra-
ordinary circumftance relative to thefc
Straights. According to obfervations made
by the French, whilft they were in polTeffion

of

( 139 )
of the fort, although there is no diurnal floocl
or ebb to be perceived in thefe waters, yet
from an exad attention to their ftate, a
periodical alteration in them has been difco-
vered. It was obferved that they arofe by
gradual, but almoft imperceptible degrees till
they had reached the height of about three
feet. This was accompli fhed 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 ob-
fervations could not be confirmed by the
Englifh, as they had then been only a few
years in pofTeffion of the fort ; but they all
agreed that fome alteration in the limits of
the Straights was apparent. All thefe lakes
are fo affeded by the winds, as fometimes to
have the appearance of a tide, according as
they happen to blow, but this is only tempo-
rary and partial.

A, great number of the Chip^v/ay Indians-
live fcattered around this lake, particularly
near Saganaum Bay. On its banks are found
^n amazing quantity of the fand cherries, and
in the adjacent country nearly the fame

fruits

( 140 )

fruits as thofe that grow about the othef
lakes.

. From the Falls of St. Marie I leifurely pro*
ceeded back to Michillimackinac, and arriv-
ed there the beginning of November 1767,
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 my arrival, I was oblig-
ed to tarry there till the June following, the
navigation over Lake Huron for large veffels
not being open, on account of the ice, till
that time. Meeting here with fociable com-
pany, I paffed thefe months very agreeably,
and without finding the hours tedious.

One of my chief amufements was that of
fifhing for trouts. Though the Straights were
covered with ice, we found means to make
holes thro' it, and letting down ftrong lines
of fifteen yards in length, to which were
fixed three or four hooks baited w^ith the
fmall fi(h before defcribed, we frequently
caught two at a time of forty pounds weight
each-, but the common fize is from ten to
twenty pounds. Thefe are moft delicious'
food. The method of prefcrving them dur-i

\

■( 141 )

ing the three months the winter generally
lafts, is by hanging them up in the air; and
in one night they will be frozen lb 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
Michillimackinac till I arrived again at that
fort. Thofe countries that lie nearer to the
colonies have been fo often and fo minutely
defcribed, that any further account of them
would be ufelefs. 1 fhall therefore only give
my readers in the remainder of my journal, as
I at firft propofed, a defcription of the other
great lakes of Canada, many of which I have
navigated over, and relate at the fame time
a few particular incidents that I truft will
not be found inapplicable or unentertain-^
ing.

In June 1768 I left Michillimackinac, and
returned in the Gladwyn Schooner, a vefTel
of about eighty tons burthen, over Lake
Huron to Lake St. Claire, where we left the
fhip, and proceeded in boats to Detroit.
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

I

1'

• ( H2 )

receives the waters of the three great lakes;
Superior, Miehegan, and Huron. lis form
is rather round, and in fomc places it is deep
enough for the navigation of large veffels, but
towards the middle of it there is a bar of fand,
which prevents thofe that arc loaded from
pafling over it. Such as are in ballall only
may find water fufEcient to carry them quite
through ; the cargoes, however, of fuch as
are freighted mud be taken out, and after
being tranfported acrofs the bar in boats, re-
ftipped again.

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

Almofl oppofite, on the eaitern fhore, is
the village of the ancient Hurons : a tribe of
Indians which has been treated of by fo many
writers, that adhering to the reftridions I have
laid myfelf under of only defcribing places and
people little known, or incidents that have

pafTed

1R

( 143 )

paffed unnoticed by others, I fhall omit giv-
ing a defcription of them. A miflionary of
the order of Carthufian Friars, by permifli-
on of the bifhop of Canada, refides amo.ig
them.

The banks of the River Detroit, both above
and below thefe towns, are covered with fet-
tlements 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 alfomany fpots
of fine pafturage i but as the inhabitants, who
are chiefly French that fubmitted to the En-
gl ifh government after the conqueft of thefe
parts by General Amherft, are more attentive
to the Indian trade than to farming, it is but
badly cultivated.

The town of Detroit contains upwards of
one hundred houfes. The ftreets are fome^
what regular, and have a range of very con-
venient and handfome barracks, with a fpaci-»
ous 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
confift of a firong ftockade made of round
piles, fixed firmly in the ground, and lined

with

nr:'

'"( 144 ) ,

with palifades. Thefc are defended by fomc
fmall baftions, on which arc mounted a few
indilFerent cannon of an inconfidcrable fize,
juft fufficient for its defence againft the In-
dians, or an enemy not provided with ar-
tillery.

The garrifon, in time of peace, confifts
of two hundred men commanded by a field
officer, who ads as chief magiftrate under
the governor of Canada. Mr. Turnbull, cap-
tain of the 6oth regiment or Royal Ameri-
cans, was commandant when I happened to
be there. This gentleman was defervedly
efteemed and refpedted both by the inhabi-
tants and traa^rs for the propriety of his con-
dud ; and I am happy to have an opportuni-
ty of thus publickly making my acknowledg-
ments to him, for the civilities I received
from him during my ftay.

In the year 1762, in the month of July,
it rained on this town and the parts adjacent,
a fulphureous water of the colour and con-
fiftence of ink -, fome of which being colled-
ed into bottles, and Wrote with, appeared
perfedly intelligible on the paper, and an-
fwered every purpofe of that ufeful liquid.
Soon after, the Indian wars already fpoken
.V ./ of.

( H5 )
of^ broke out in tbefc parts. I mean not to
iay that this incident was ominous of them,
notwithftanding it is well known that innu-
merable well attefted inftances of extraordi-
nary phsenomena happening before extraor-
dinary events, have been recorded in almoft
every age by hiftoi ians of veracity \ I only re-
late the circumftance as a fad of whi^h I was
informed by many perfons of undoubted pro-
bity, and leave my readers, as 1 have hither-
to done, to draw their own conclufions from
it.

Pontiac, under whom the party that fur-
prifed Fort Michillimackinac, as related in
the former part of tliis work, aded, was an
enterprifing chief or head-warrior of the Mi-
ames. Durina; the late war between the En-
glifh and the French he had been a fleady
friend to the latter, and continued his inve-
teracy to the former even after peace had
been concluded between thcfe two nations.
Unwilling to put an end to the depredations
he had been fo long engaged in, he colleded
an army of confederate Indians, confifting of
the nations before enumerated, with an inten-
tion to renew" the war. However, inllead
of openly attacking the Englifh fettlements,

L he

( 146 )

he laid a fcheme for taking by furprize thofe
forts on the extremities which they had lately
gained pofTeflion of.

How well the party he detached to take
Fort Michillimackinac fucceedcd, the reader
already knows. To get into his hands De-
troit, a place of greater confequence, and
much better guarded, required greater refo-
lution, and more confummate art. He of
courfe took the management of this expediti-
on on himfelf, and drew near it with the
principal body of his troops. He was how-
ever prevented from c:*rrying his defigns into
execution by an apparently trivial and unfore-
feen circumftance. On fuch does the fate of
mighty Empires frequently depend!

The town of Detroit, when Pontiac form-
ed his plan, was garrilbned by about three
hundred men commanded by Major Gladwyn,
a gallant ofiicer. As at that time every ap-
pearance of war was at an end, and the In-
dia ns feemed to be on a friendly footing, Pon-
tiac approached the Fort without exciting
any fufpicions in the breafl of the governor
or the inhabitants. He encamped at a little
diftance from it, and fent to let the com-
mandant know that he was come to trade ;

and

Is

e

( H7 )
and being defirous of brightening the chain of
peace between the Englifli and his nation,
defircd that he and his chiefs might be admit-
ted to hold a council with him. The gover-
nor ftill unfufpicious, and not in the lead
doubting the fincerity of the Indians, grant-
ed their general's requeft, and fixed on the
next morning for their reception.

The evening of that day, an Indian wo-
man, who had been employed by Major Glad-
wyn to make him a pair of Indian ihoes, out
of curious elk-{kin, brought them home. The
Major was fo pleafcd with them, that, in-
tending thefe as a prefent for a friend, he or-
dered her to take the remainder back, and
make it into others for himfelf. He then
direded his fervant to pay her for thofe fhe
had done, and difmiffed her. The woman
went to the door that led to the ftreet, but
no further; (he there loitered about as if (he
had not finifhed the bufinefs on which fhe
came. A fervant at length obferved her, and
afked her why fhe flaid there-, fhe gave him,
however, no anfvver.

Some fhort time after, the governor him-
felf faw her; and enquired of his fervant
what occafioned be^ Itay. Not being able

L 2 to

. I

( 148 )

to get a fatisfadory anfwer, he ordered the
woman to be called in. Wher file came in-
to his prefence he dclired to know what was
the reafon of her loitering about, and not
haftening home before the gates were fhut,
that fhe might complete in due timc'the work
he had given her to do. She told him, after
much hefitation, that as he had always be-
haved with great goodnefs towards her, file
was unwilling to take away tlie renuiindtr of
the fkin, becaufe he put fo great a value up-
on it; and yet had not been able to prevail
upon herfelf to tell him fo. He then aiked
her, why (he was more reluctant to do i'o now,
than fhe had been when flie made the former
pair. With increafed reludance fhe anfwer-
cd, that file never fliould be able to bring
them back.

His curiofity being now excited, he infilled
en her difcloling to him the fecret that fcem-
ed to be flruggling in her bofom for utterance.
At laft, on receiving a prornife that the intel-
ligence file was about to give him fliould not
turn to her prejudice, and that if it appeared
lu he benelln'a! file Tnould be rewarded for it,
llic informtd [iim, tiiat at the council to be
lu Id with the ludi.ms vlie follow in'j; day, Pon-

tiac

"Ill

( H9 )
liac and his chiefs intended to miinlcr him •,
and after having maifacrcd the garrlfon and
inhabitants, to phinderthe town. That for
this piirpofc all the chiefs who were to be ad-
mitted into the council-room had cut their
guns fhort, fo that they could conceal them
under their blankets j with which, at a fig-
nal given by their general on delivering; the
belt, they were all to rife up, and inftantly
to fire on \\m and his attendants. Having
cfFeded this they were immediately to rufli
into the town, where they would find tliem-
felves fupported by a great number of their
warriors, tliat were to come into it duiinn;
the fitting of the council, under pretence of
trading, but privately armed in the fame
manner! Having caincd from the woman
every neccfiTary particular relative to the plot,
and alfo the means by which flie acquired a
knowledge of them, he difmifiTed her with
injundions of fecrccy, and a promifc of ful-
filling on his part with punctuality the cn-
gagcmtnts he had entered into.

The intelligence the governor had juft re-
ceived, gave him great uneafincfs; and he
immediately confujtcd the ofiiccr wiio was
next to him in command on the fubjed. But
. that

I- WPJimHBPiiM™""

*m^mmm

( 150 )

that gentleman confidering the information as
a ftory invented for fonie artful purpofes, ad-
vifed him to pay no attention to it. This
conclufion however had happily no weight
with him. He thought it prudent to con-
clude it to be true, till he was convinced
that it was not foj and therefore, without
revealing his fufpicions to any oth&r perfon,
he took every needful precaution that the
time would admit of. He walked round the
fort during the whole night, and faw him-
felf that every centinel was on duty, and
every weapon of defence in proper order.

As he traverfed the ramparts which lay
neareft to the Indian camp, he heard them in
high feftivity, and, little imagining that their
plot was difcovered, probably pleafing them-
felves with the anticipation of their fuccefs.
As foon as the morning dawned, he ordered
all the garrifon under armsj and then im-
parting his apprehenfions to a few of the
principal officers, gave them fuch diredions
as he thought neceffary. At the fame time
he fent round to all the traders, to inform
them, that as it was expeded a great number
of Indians would enter the town that day,
who might be inclined to plunder, he defired

they

( '5' )

they would have their arms ready, and repel
every attempt of that kind.

About ten o'clock, Pontiac and his chiefs
arrived ; and were conduded to the council-
chamber where the governor and his principal
officers, each with piftols in their belts, await-
ed his arrival. As the Indians pafTed on, they
could not help obferving that a greater num-
ber of troops than ufual were drawn up on
the parade, or marching about. No fooner
were they entered, and ieated on the fkins
prepared for them, than Pontiac afked the
governor on what occafion his young men,
meaning the foldiers, were thus drawn up,
and parading the Itreets. He received for
anfwer, that it was only intended to keep
them perfed in their exercife.

The Indian chief-warrior now began his
fpeech, which contained the ftrongeft profef-
Cions of friendfhip and good-will towards the
Engliih; and when he came to the delivery of
the belt of wampum, the particular mode of
which, according to the woman's information,
was to be the fignal for his chiefs to fire, the
governor and all his attendants drew their
fwords half-way out of their fcabbards; and
the foldiers at the fame inftant made a clatter-
ing

( i;2 ).

ing with their arrrs before the doors, which
had been purpofcly left open. Fontiac, though
one of the boldeft of men, imaiediately turn-
ed pale, and trembled; and inflead of giving
the belt in the manner propofed, delivered it
according to the ufual way. His chiefs, who
had impatiently expelled the lignal, looked
at each other with aftonilhment, but conti-
nued quiet, waiting the refult.

The governor in his turn made a fpeech ;
but inftead of thanking the great warrior for
the profeifions of friendfhip he had juft utter-
ed, he accufed him of being a traitor. He
told him that the Englifh, who knew every
thing, wxre convinced of his treachery and
villainous dellgns; and as a proof that they
were wxll acquainted with his moft fecret
thoughts and intentions, he ftepped towards
the Indian chief that fat nearefl to him, and
drawing afidehis blanket difcovered the fliort-
encd fiiclcck. This entirely difconcerted the
Indians, and fruflratcd their dcfign.

He then continued to tell them, that as he
had given his \vord at the time tiiey defirejl
an audience, that their pcrfons fhould be fafc,
he would hold his promife inviolable, tVongh
they fj little defer ved it. However he ad-

vifcu

( 153 )
vifed them to make the beft of their way out
of the fort, lell his voung; men, on bein^ ac-
quainted with their treacherous purpofes,
fhould cut every one of them to pieces.
Pontiac endeavoured to contradict the accu-
fation, and to makecxcufes for his fufpiclous
condu6t ; but the governor, fatisfied of the
falfity of his proteftations, would not
liflen to him. The Indians immediately left
the fort, but inftead of being; fenfiblc of the
governor's generous behaviour, they threw
off the mafk, and the next day made a re-
gular attack upon it.

Major Gladwyn has not efcaped cenfure
for this miftaken lenity; for probably had he
kept a few of the principal chiefs prifoners,
w^hilft he had them in his power, he might
have been able to have brought the whole
confederacy to terms, and have prevented a
war. But he atoned for this overfight, by
the gallant defence he made for more than a
year, amidft a variety of difcouraf^ements.

During that period fome very fmart ll<ir-
mifhcs happened between the befiegers and
the garrifon, of which the follovvii!'!; was the
principal and moft bloody. Captain Dclzel,
a brave officer, prev^ailedon the governor to

give

( '54 )

give him the command of about two hun-
dred men, and to permit him to attack the
enemy's camp. This being complied wiih,
he fallied from the town before day-break ;
but Pontiac, receiving fromfome of his fwift-
footed warriors, who wereconftantly employ-
ed in watching the motions of the garrifon,
timely intelligence of their defign, he col-
ledcd together the choiceft of his troops, and
met the detachment at fome diflance from
his camp, near a place fince called Bloody-
Bridge. As the Indians were vaftly fuperior
in numbers to captain Delzel's party, he was
foon overpowered and driven back. Being
now nearly furrounded, he made a vigorous
effort to regain the bridge he had juft crofTed,
by which alone he could find a retreat ; but
jn doing this he loft his life, and many of
his men fell with him. However, Major Ro-
gers, the fecond in command, aflifted by Lieu-
tenant Breham, found means to draw off the
fhattered remains of their littlq army, and
conduded them into the fort.

Thus confiderably reduced, it was with
difficulty the major could defend the town ;
notwithftanding which, h^ held out againft
the Indians till he was relieved, as after this

they

( 155 ;

they made but few attacks on the place, and
only continued to blockade it.

The Gladwyn Schooner (that in which I
afterwards took my pafTage from Michillimac-
kinac to Detroit, and which I fmce learn was
loft with all her crew on the Lake Erie,
through the obftinacy of the commander,
^ho could not be prevailed upon to take in
fufficient ballaft) arrived about this time near
the town with a re-inforcement and necefTarjr
fupplies. But before this veiTel could reach
the place of its deftination, it was moft vi-
goroufly attacked by a detachment from Pon-
tiac*s army. The Indians furrounded it in
their canoes, and made great havock among
the crew. At length the captain of the
fchconer with a confiderable number of his
men being killed, and the favages beginning
to climb up its fides from every quarter, the
lieutenant (Mr. Jacobs, who afterwards com-
manded, and was loft in it) being determin-
ed that the ftores fhould not fall into the
enemy's hands, and feeing no other alterna-
tive, ordered the gunner to fet fire to the
powder room, and blow the ftiip up. This
order was on the. point of being executed,
when a chief of the Hurons, who underftood

the

'

&

( 156 )

the Englifh language, gave out to his friends
the intention of the commander. On receiv-
ing this intelligence the Indians hurried down
the fides of the fhip with the greateft preci-
pitation, and got as far from it as pofTible;
whilll the commander immediately took ad-
vantage of their confternation, and arrived
without any further obftrud^ion at the town.

This feafonable fupply gave the garrifon
frefh fpiritsj and Pontiac being now con-
vinced that it would not be in his power to
reduce the place, propofed an accommoda-
tion •, the governor wifhing as much to get rid
of fuch troublefome enemies, who obftrud-
ed the intercourfe of the traders with the
neighbouring nations, liftened to h'*s propo-
fals, and having procured advantageous
terms, agreed to a peace. The Indians foon
after feparatcd, and returned to their diffe-
rent provinces ; nor have they fince thought
proper to difturb, at leafl in any great degree,
the tranquillity of thefe parts.

Pontiac henceforward feemed to have laid
afide the animofity he had hitherto borne to-
wards the Englifh, and apparently became
their zealous friend. To rewarrt this new
attachment, and to infufe a continuance of

it,

(157 )
it, government allowed him a handfome pen-
fion. But his reftlcfs and intriguing fpirit
would not fufFer him to be grateful for this
allowance, and his condud at length grew
fufpicious ; fothat going, in the year 176':,
to hold a council in the country of the Illi-
nois, a faithful Indian, who was either com-
miflioned by one of the Englifli goveinors,or
inftigated.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 flill retained his former
prejudices againft thofe for whom he now
profefTed a friendfhip, he plunged his knife
into his heart, as foon as he had done fpcak-
ing, and laid him dead on the fpot.
But to return from this digreflion. '
Lake Erie receives the waters by which it
isfupplied from the three great lakes, through
the Straights of Detroit, that lie at its north-
weft corner. This lake is (ituatcd between
forty-one and forty-three degrees of north
latitude, and between feventy-elght and
eighty-three degrees of weft longitude. It
is near three hundred miles long from caft to
weft, and about forty in its broadeft part :
and a remarkable long narrow point lies on

its

II

( >58 )

its north fide, that projeds for feveral miles
into the lake towards the fouth-eaft.

There are feveral iflands near the weft end
of it fo infefted with rattle- fnakes, that it is
very dangerous to land on them. It is im-
poffible that any place can produce a greater
number of all kinds of thefe reptiles than
this does, particularly of the water-fnake^
The lake is covered near the banks of the
iflands with the large pond-lily-, the leaves of
which lie on the furface of the water fo thick,
as to cover it entirely for many acres toge-
ther } and on each of thefe lay, when I paf-
fed over it, wreaths of water-fnakes balking
in the fun, which amounted to mvriads.

The moft remarkable of the different fpc-
cies that infeft this lake, is the hiffing-
fnake, which is of the fmall fpeckled kind,
and about eighteen inches long. When any
thing approaches it, it flattens itfelf in a mo-
ment, and its fpots, which are of various
dyes, become vifibly brighter through rage;
at the fame time it blows from its mouth with
great force a fubtile wind, that is reported
to be of a naufeous fmell; and if drawn in
with the breath of the unwary traveller, will
infallibly bring on a decline, that in a few

months

( 159 )
months muft prove mortal, there being no
lemedy yet difcovered which can counteract
its baneful influence.

The ftones and pebbles on the (hores of
this lake are moftofthem tinged, in a greater
or lefs degree, with fpotsthat refcmble brafs
in their colour, but which are of a fulphu-
Teous nature. Small pieces, about the llze of
hazle-nuts,of the fame kind of ore are found
on the fands that lie on its banks, and under
the water.

The navigation of this lake is efteemed
more dangerous than any of the others on
account of many high lands that lie on the
borders of it, and projed into the water in a
perpendicular diredlion for many miles toge-
ther ; fo that whenever fudden ftorms arife,
canoes and boats are frequently loft, as there
is no place for them to find a fhelter.

This lake difcharges its waters at the
north-eaft end, into the River Niagara, which
runs north and fouth, and is about thirty-
fix miles in length; from whence it falls into
Lake Ontario. At the entrance of this river,
on its eaftern fhore, lies fort Niagara ; and,
about eighteen miles further up, thofe re-
markable

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markable Falls which are efteemed one of the
moft extraordinary produdions of nature at
prefenc known. :

As thefe have been vifited by fo many
travellers, and fo frequently defcribed, I fhall
omit giving a particular defcription of them,
and only obferve, that the waters by which
they are fuppHed, after taking their rife near
two thoufand miles to the north-weft, and
pailing through the Lakes Superior, Miche-
gan, Huron, and Erie, during which thejr^
have been receiving conftant accumulations,*
at length rufh down a ftupendous precipice
of one hundred and forty feet perpendicular;-^
and in a ftrong rapid, that extends to the dif-^
tance of eight or nine miles below, fall
nearly as much more : this lliver foon after
empties itfelf into Lake Ontario.

The noife of thefe Falls might be heard
an amazing way. I could plainly difdnguifh
them in a calm morning more than twenty
milf s. Others have faid that at a particular
time, and when the wind fits fair, the found
of them reaches, fifteen leagues.

The land about the Falls is exceedingly
billy and uneven, but the greateft part of

tlut

( i6i )

that on the Niagara River is very good, efpe-
cially for grafs and pafturage.

Fort Niagara ftands nearly at the entrance
of the weft end of Lake Ontario, and on the
eaft part of the Straights of Niagara. It was
taken from the French in the year 1759 by
the forces under the command of Sir William
Johnfon, and at prefent is defended by a
confiderable garrifon.

Lake Ontario is the next, and leaft of the
five great lakes of Canada. Its (ituation is
between forty-three and forty-five degrees
of latitude, and between feventy-fix and
feventy-nine degrees of weft longitude. The
form of it is nearly oval, its greateft length
beins: from north- eaft to fouth-weft, and in
circumfeFcnce about fix hundred miles. Near
the fouth*eaft part it receives the waters of
the Ofwego River, and on the north-eaft dif-
charges itfelf into the River Cataraquit. Not
far from the place where it ifTues, Fort Fron-
tenac formerly ftood, which was taken from
the French during the laft war, in the year
1758, by a fmall army of Provincials under
Colonel Bradftreet.

At the entrance of Ofwego River ftands a
fort of the fame name, garrifoned only at

M prefent

(V i62 )

* ,

prefent by an inconfiderable party. This fort
was taken in Xhc >ear 1756 by the French,

• when a great part of the garrifon, which con-
fided of the late Shirley's and Pepperil's re-
giments^ were mafiacred in cold blood by the
favages.

In Lake Ontario are taken many forts of
fifh, among which is the Ofwego Bafs, of an
excellent flavour, and weighing about three
or four pounds. 1 here is alfo a fort called the
Cat -head or Pout, which are in general very •
large, fome of them weighing eight or ten
pounds J and they are efteemed a rare difh
when properly drelTed. . ^ . .,

.. On the north-welt parts of this lake, and
to the fouth-eaft of Lake Huron, is a tribe
of Indians called the MifTifauges, whofe town
is denominated Toronto, from the lake on
which it lies, but they are not very nume-
rous. The country about Lake Ontario, ef-
pecially the more north and eaftern parts, is
compofed of good land, and' in time may
make very flourifhing fettlements.

The Oniada Lake, fituated near the head

- of the River Ofwego, receives the waters of

Wood-Creek, which takes its rife not far.

t

from the Mohawks River. Thefe two lie fo ^
adjacent to each other, that a jundion is ef-

feded

K

<

H
xi

r 163 )

feded by fluices at Fort Slanwix, about twelve
miles from the mouth of the former. This
lake is about thirty miles long from eail to
weft, and near fifteen broad. The co^^ntry
around it belongs to the Oniada 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 its broadeft part fourteen. It
is well ftored with fifli, and the lands that
He on dl the borders of it, or about its rivers,^
very good. Imuov^

Lake George, formerly called by the
French Lake St. Sacrament, lies to the fouth-
w^eft of the laft-mentioned Lake, and is a-
bout thirty-five miles long from north-eaft to
fouth-weft, but of no great breadth. The
country around it is very mountainous, but
in the vallies the land is tolerably good.

When thefe two lakes were firft difcover-
ed, they were known by no other name than
that of the Iroquois Lakes j and I believe
in the firft plans taken of thofe parts were
fo denominated. The Indians alfo that were
then called the Iroquois, are fmce known by
the name of the Five Mohawk Nations, and
the Mohawks of Canada. In the late war,

M 2 , the

:n\1 \d.,h.jai: ( 164 )

the former, which confift of the Onondagoes,
the Oniadas, the Senecas, the Tufcarories,
and the Iroondocks, fought on the fide of the
Englifh: the latter, which are called the
Cohnawahgans,and St. Francis Indians, join-
ed the French.

A vaft trad of land that lies between the
two laft-rnentiond lakes and Lake Ontario,
was granted in the year 1629 by the Ply-
niouth Company, under a patent they had
received from King James I. to Sir Ferdi-
nando Gorges, and to Captain John Mafon,
the head of that family, afterwards diflin-
guifhed from others of the fame name by the
Mafons of Connedticut. The countries fpe-
cified in this grant are faid to begin ten miles
from the heads of the rivers that run from
the eaft and fouth into Lake George and
Lake Champlain j and continuing from thefe
in a dired line weftward, extend to the mid-
dle of Lake Ontario j from thence, being
bounded by the Cataraqui, or the river of
the Iroquois, they take their courfe through
Montreal, as far as Fort Sorell, which lies
at the jundion of this river with the Rich-
lieu ; and from that point are inclofed by the
laft-mentioned river till it returns back to the

two lakes.

This

( 165 )

This immenfe fpace was granted, by the
name of the. Province of LacDnia, to the a-
forefaid gentlemen, on fpecified conditions,
and under certain penalties ; but none of
thefe amounted, in cafe of omilfion in the
fulfilment of any part of them to forfeiture,
a fine only could be exaded.
V On account of the continual wars to which
thefe parts have been fubjed, from their fitu-
ation between the fettlements of the Englifh,
the French, and the Indians, this grant has
. been fufFered to lie dormant by the real pro-
prietors. Notwithftanding which, feveral
towns have been fettled fince the late war,
on the borders of Lake Champlain, and grants
made to different people by the governor of
New York of part of thefe territories, whicl^
are now become annexed to that province.
i.. There are a great number of lakes on the
north of Canada, between Labrador, Lake
Superior, and Hudfon's Bay, but thefe are
comparatively fmall. As they lie out of the
track that I purfued, I fhall only give a fum-
^ mary account of them. The moft wefterly
^ of thefe are the Lakes Nipifmg and Tamif-
caming. The firil lies at the head of the
French river, and runs into Lake Huron j

the

9

( 166 )

tHe otfier on tlie Ottawaw River, wliicli emp-
ties itftlf into the Catarnqiij, at Montreal.
Thefe lakes are each about one hundred
miles in circumference.

The next is Lake MiftafTin, on the head
of Rupert's River, that fiills into James's Bay.
This lake is fo irregular from the large points
of land by which it is intcrfeiled on every
fide, that it is difficult either to defcribe its
fhape, or to afcertain its fize. It hov^ever
appears on the whole to be more than two
hundred miles in circumference. 4"-".-4-
, , Lake St. John, which is about eighty miles
round, and of a circular form, lies on the
Saguenay River, diredly north of Quebec,
and falls into the St. Lawrence, fomewhat
north-eaft of that city. Lake Manikouagone
lies near the head of the Black River, which
empties itfclf into the St. Lawrence to the
eaflwardof the laft-mentioned river, near the
t:oaft o£ Labradc and is about fixty miles
in circuniference. Lake Pertibi, Lake Winck-
tagan, Lake Etchelaugon, and Lake Pape-
nouagane, 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 unneceflary to particularize here,

-fi

are

( i67 )

are alfo found between the Lakes Huron
and Ontario.

The whole of thofe I have enumerated,
amounting to upwards 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 quant i'y of
water than any other quarter of the globe. *

V- c , .-J '.

In Odober 1768 I arrived at Bofton, hiv-
ing been abfeut froa. it on this expedition
two years and five months, and during that
time travelled near feven thoufand miles.
From thence, as foon as I had properly di-
gefted 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 advantpgcs have hi-
therto been obftruded by the unhappy divi-
fions that have been fomented between Great
Britain and the Colonies by their mutual
enemies. Should peace once m.ore be reftor-
ed, I doubt not but that the countries I have
defcribed wnll prove a more abundant fourcc
of riches to this nation than either its Eaftor
Weft Indian fettlements ; and I fliall not only

pride

pride myfelf, but fincerely rejoice in being
the means of pointing out to it fo valuable
an acquifition.

I cannot conclude the account of my ex-
tend ve travels, without expreffing my grati-
tude to that beneficent Being who invifibly
protedled me through thofe perils which un-
avoidably attend fo long a tour among 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 Jntrodudtion of this
work, were not the only ones that induced
me to engage in this arduous undertaking.
My views vere not folely confined to the
advanl - that might accrue, either to my-
{e\£, or the community to which I belonged ;
but nobler purpofes contributed principally
to urge me on.

The confined fiate, both with regard to
civil and religious improvements, in which fo
many of my fellow creatures remained, a-
roufed within my bofom an irrefiftible incli-
nation to explore the almoft unknown regions
\yhich they inhabited; and, as a preparatory
Itep towards the introdudion of more polifh-
ed manners, and more humane fent-iments,

to

( 1^9 )
to gain a knowledge of their language, cuf-
toms, and principles. "^

I confefs that the little benefit too many
of the Indian nations have hitherto received
from their intercourfe with thofe who deno-
minate themfelves chriftians, did not tend to
encourage my charitable purpofcs ; yet, as
many, though not the generality, might re-
ceive fome benefit from the introdudion a-
mong them of the polity and religion of the
Europeans, without retaining only the er-
rors or vices that from the depravity and
perverfion of their profefibrs are unhappily
attendant on thefe, I determined to perfe-
vere.j j^..,

?. Nor could I flatter myfelf that I fliould be
able to accomplifh alone this great defign ;
however, I was willing to contribute as much
as lay in my power towards it. In all public
undertakings would every one do this and
furnifh with alacrity his particular fhare to-
wards it, what llupendous works might not
be completed !

It is true that the Indians are not without
fome fenfe of religion, and fuch as proves
that they worfhip the Great Creator with a
degrcQ of purity unknown to nations who

have

' ( 170 )
have greater opportunities of improvement;
but their religious prineiples are far from be-
ing fo faultlefs as defcribed by a learned wri-
ter, or unmixed with opinions and ceremo-
nies that greatly lefTen their excellency in this
point. So that could ihe dodrines of genu-^
ine and vital chriftianity be introduced among
them, pure and untainted as it flowed from
the lips of its Divine Inftitutor, it would
certainly tend to clear away that fuperfti-
tious or idolatrous drofs by which the rati-
onality of their religious tenets are obfcured.
Its mild and beneficent precepts would like-
wife conduce to foften their implacable dif-
pofitions, and to refine their favage manners;
an event moft defirable ; and happy fhall I
efteem myfclf if this publication fhall prove
the means of pointing out the path by which
falutary inftrudions may be conveyed to
them, and the converfion, though but of
a few, be the confequence. '/.

Conclufion of the J O U R N A L, &c.

6f.

OF

;. lie; J tor

OF THE

ORIGIN, MANNERS, CUSTOMS,
RELIGION, AND LANGUAGE

O F T H E

INDIANS.

Vtib'-oiij fi-

Ijr.Idi;. CHAPTER L
Of fheir Origin.

TFIE means by v^hich America received
its firft inhabitants, have, fince the
the time of its difcovery by the Europeans,
been the fubje<St of nutnberlefs difquifitions.
Was I to endeavour to colled the different
opinions and reafonings of ^ the various wri-
ters that have taken up the pen in defence
of their conjedures, the enumeration would
much exceed the bounds I have prefcribed
myfelf, and oblige me to be lefs explicit oQ
points of greater moment.

i

From

( 172 )

From the obfcurity in which this debate
Js enveloped, through the total difufe of let-
ters among every nation of Indians on this
cxtenfive continent, and the uncertainty of
bral tradition at the diftance of fo many
ages, I fear, that even after the mod minute
inveftigation we (hall not be able to fettle it
with any great degree of certainty. And
this apprehenfion will receive additional force,
when it is confidered that the diverfity of
language which is apparently diftindl be-
tween moft of the Indians, tends to afcertain
that this population was not efFeded from
one particular country, but from feveral
neighbouring ones, and completed at diffe-
rent periods.

Moft of the hiftorians or travellers that
have treated on the American Aborigines dif-
agree in their fentiments relative to them.
Many of the ancients are fuppofed to have
known that this quarter of the globe not
only exifted, but alfo that it was inhabited.
Plato in his Timseus has afferted, that be-
yond the ifland which he calls Atalantis, and
which according to his defcription was fitu-
ated in the weftern Ocean, ther^ were a great

. ijumber.

rv

''Vi^f

.V,

,.v/'T

( 173 )

number of other iflands, and behind thofe. a

vafl continent. omr. -r)?"

Oviedo, a celebrated Spanifh author of a

much later date, has made no fcruple to

affirm that the Antilles are the famous Hef-

perides fo often mentioned by the poets ;

which are at length reftored to the kings

of Spain, defcendents of King Hcfperus,

who lived upwards of three thoufand years,

ago, and from whom thefe iflands received

their name.

Two other Spaniards, the one Father Gre-
gorio Garcia, a Dominican, the other Father
Jofeph De Acofta, a Jefuit, have written on
the origin of the Americans.

The former, who had been employed in the
miflions 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 characters,
cuftoms, languages, and religion obfervable in
the different countries of the new world,
that different nations had contributed to the
peopling of it. 'hf^^o;>r H'^rHvr

The latter. Father De Acofta, in his exav-
mination of the means hy which the firft
Indians of America might have found a paf-

I

( 174 )

fage to that continent, difcredits the conclu-
fions of thofe who have fuppofed it to be by
fea, becaufe no ancient author has made
mention of the compafs: and concludes, that
it muft be either by the north of Afia and
Europe, which adjoin to each other, or by
thofe regions that lie to the fouthward of the
Straights of Magellan. He alfo rejeds the
affertions of fuch as have advanced that it-
was peopled by the Hebrews. ' ' Vv>2'

John De Laet, a Flemifh writer, has con-
troverted the opinions of thefe Spanifh fa-
thers, and of many others who have writ- »
ten on the fame fubjed. The hypothefis he
endeavours to eftablifh, is, that America was
certainly peopled by the Scythians or Tar-
tars; and that the tranfmieration of thefe
people happened foon after the difperfion of
Noah's grandfons. He undertakes to fhow,
that the moft northern Americans have a
greater refemblance, not only in the features '
of their countenances, but alfo in their com-^
plexion and manner of living, to the Scy-
thians, Tartars, and Samoides, than to any*
other nations. v

: In anfwer to Grotius, who had aflerted
that fome of the Norwegians paffed into

America

c 175 )

America by way of Greenland, and over a
vaft continent, he fays, that it is well known
that Greenland v/as not difcovered till the
year 964, and both Gomera and Herrera in-
form us that the Chichimeques were fettled
on the lake of Mexico in 721. He adds, that
thefe favages, according to the uniform tra-
dition of the Mexicans who difpoffefTed them,
came from the country fince called New
Mexico, and from the neighbourhood of Ca-
lifornia-, confequently North America muft
have been inhabited many ages before it
could receive any inhabitants from Norway
by way of Greenland.

It is no lefs certain, he obferves, that the
real Mexicans founded their empire in 902,
after having fubdued the Chichimeques, the
Otomias, and other barbarous nations, who
had taken pofTeflion of the country round
the Lake of Mexico, and each of whom fpokc
a language peculiar to themfelves. The real
Mexicans arelikewife luppofed to come from
fome of the countries that he near California^
and that they performed their journey for
the moft part by land 5 of courfe they could
not come from Norway,

ijti.>.» i-

Dc

( 176 )

•' De Laet further adds, that though fbmc of
the inhabitants of North America may have
entered it from the north-weft, yet, as it is
related by Pliny and fome other writers, that
on many of the iflands near the weftern coaft
of Africa, particularly on the Canaries, fome
Ancient edifices were feen, it is highly pro-
bable from their being nowdeferted, that the
inhabitants may have pafled over to Ameri-
ca j the pafTage being neither long nor diffi-
cult. This migration, according to the cal-
culation of thofe authors, muft have happen-
ed more than two thoufand years ago, at a
time when the Spaniards were much troubled
by the Carthaginians; from whom having
obtained a knowledge of Navigation, and
the conftrudion of fhips, they might have
retired to the Antilles, 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 limilar conjedurc. As a proof, he
inferts the following paftage from the hiftory
of Wales, written by Dr. David Powel in the^
year 1170.

:0

a

This

( 177 )
This hiilorian fays, that Madoc, one of
the fons of Prince Owen Gvvynnith, being
difgufled at the civil wars which [broke puf
between bis brothers, after the death of their
father, litted out feveral vefTcls, and having
provided them with every thing neceffary for
a long voyage, went in queft of new lands to,
the weftward of Ireland ; there he difcoyered
very fertile countries, but deftitute of inha-
bitants; when landing part of his people, he
returned to Britain, where he raifed new Le-
vies, and afterwards tranfported them to hi^

colony. .^ „ji^

The Flemifh author then returns to thp
Scythians, between whom and the Ameri-
cans he draws a parallel. He obferves that
feveral nations of them to the north of the
Cafpian Sea led a wandering life -, which, as
well asrrjany other of their cufloms, and way
of living, agrees in many circumflances with
the Indians of America. And though the
refemblances are not abfolutely perfed, yet
the emigrants even before they left their own
country, differed from each other, and v/ent
not by the fame name. Their change of a.-
bode aifcded what remained.

-/■

m
i

I

1 •■

(

, ( 178 )

He further fliys, that a fimilar likenefs
exifts between feveral American nations, and
the Samoeides who are fettled, according to
the Rullian accounts, on the great River Oby.
And it is more natural, continues he, to fup-
pofc that Colonies of thefe nations pafled
over to America by croffing the icy Tea on
theiy fledges, than for the Norwegians to tra-
vel all the way Grotius has marked out for
them.

This writer makes many other remarks
that are equally fenfible, and which appear
to bejuil J but he intermixes with thefe fome
that are not fo wxll-founded. •

Emanuel de Moraez, a Portugueze, in his
hidory of Brazil, alTcrts that America has
been wholly peopled by the Carthaginians
and Ifraelitcs. He brings as a proof of this
alTcrtion the difcoveries the former are known
to have made at a g;reat diftance beyond the
coaft of Africa. The progrefs of which be-
ing put a flop to by the fehate of Carthage,
thofc who happened to be then in the newly
difcovered countries, being cut off from all
communication with their countrymen, and
jdeftitute of many neceiTaries of life, fell into
a Hate of barbarifm. As to the Ifraelites,

this

II

(:■

i

■ff.

[|

9.

i.i'

( 179 )

this author thinks that nothing but circum-
cifion is wanted in order to conflitute a per-
fed refemblance between them and the Bra-
zilians.

George De Hornn, a learned Dutchman,
has likewife WTitten on this fubjed. He fets
out with declaring, that he does not believe
it poflible America could have been peopled
before the flood, conlidering the ihort fpace
of time which elapfed between the creation
of the world and that memorable event. In
the next place he lays it down as a principle,
that after the deluge, men and other terreftri-
al animals penetrated into that country both
byfea and by land; fome through accident,
and fome from a formed deilgn. That birds
got thither by flight ; which they were en-
abled to do by refting on the rocks and
iflands that are fcattered about in the ocean.:
He further obferves, that wild beads may
have found a free paffage by land ; and that
if we do not meet with horfes or cattle (to
which he might have added elephants, ca-
mels, rhinoceros, and beafts of many other
kinds) it is becaufe thofe nations that paflTcd
thither, were either not agquainted with
• N 2 their

I \
I

I

Ml

i I

(- i8o )

their ufc, or had no convenience to tranfport
them.

Having totally excluded many nations that
others have admitted as the probable firll fet-
tlers of America, for which he gives fubftan-
tial reafons, he fuppofts that it began to be
peopled by the north ; and maintains that
the primitive colonies fpread themfelves by
means of the ifthmus of Panama through the
whole extent of the continent. '-

il He believes that the firft founders of the
Indian Colonies w^ere Scythians. That the
Phoenicians and Carthaginians afterwards got
footing in America acrofs the Atlantic Ocean,
and the Chinefe by way of the Pacific. And
that ot 'ler nations might from time to time
have landed there bv one or other of thefe
ways, or might polllbly have been thrown on
the coafl by tempefls: fince, through the
whole extent of that Continent, both in its
northern and fouthern parts, we meet wMth
undoubted marks of a mixture of the northern
nations with thofe who have come from other
places. And laftly, that fome Jews and
Chriftians might have been carried there by
fuch hke evejUs, but that this muft have hap-
pened

^■^ .-

by

( i8i )
pened at a time when the whole of the new
world was already peopled.

After all, he acknowledges that great difli-
culties attend the determination of the quefti-
on. Thefe, he fays, are occafioned in the
firft place by the imperfeiS knowledge we
have of the extremities of the globe, towards
the north and fouth pole ; and in the next
place to thehavock which the Spaniards, the
firft difcoverers of the new world, made a-
mong its moft ancient monuments j as wit-
nefs the great double road betwixt Quito and
Cuzco, an undertaking fo ftupendous, that
even the moft magnificent of thofe execut-
.ed by the Romans cannot be compared to
it.

He fuppofes alfo another migration of the
Phoenicians, than thofe already mentioned,
to have taken place •, and this was during a
three years voyage made by the Tyrian fieet
in the fervice of King Solomon. He alTerts
on the authority of Jofephus, that the port
at which this embarkation was made lay in
the Mediterranean. The fleet, he adds,
went in queft of elephants teeth and pea-
cocks, to the weftern Coaft of Afric«;i, which
is Tarfifhj then to Ophir for gold, which

is

II

r i

)

'

( 1S2 )

is Haite, or the ifland of Hlfpaniola -, and in
the latter opinion he is fupported by Co-
lumbus, who, when he difcovered that illand,
thought he could trace the furnaces in which
the gold was refined.

To thefe migrations, which preceded the
Chriftian aera, he adds many others of a later
date from different nations, but thefe I have
not time to enumerate. For the fame rea-
fon I am obliged to pafs over numberlefs wri-r
ters on this fubjed; and fhall content my-r
felf with only giving the fentiments of two
or three more,

- The firft of thefe is Pierre De Charlevoix,
a Frenchman, who in his journal of a voyage
to North America, made fo lately as the year
1720, has recapitulated the opinions of a
variety of authors on this head, to ^-hich
he has fubjoined his own conjedures. But
the latter cannot without fome difficulty be
cxtradied, as they are fo interwoven with the
paffages he has quoted, that it requires much
attention to difcriminate them. 'i.!"^^

a J He fecms to allow that America might
have received its firfl inhabitants from Tar-
tary and Hyrcania. This he confirms, by ob-
ferving that the lions and tigers which are
-l^rovt ' found

( i83 )
found In the former, mnft have come from
thofe countries, and whofe paflage ferves for
a proof that the two hemifphcres join to the
northward of Ada. He then draws a corro-
boration of this argument, from a ftory he
fays he has often heard related by Father
Grollon, a French jefuit, as an undoubted
matter of fad.

This Father, after having laboured fome
time in the miffions of New France, pafTed
over to thofe of China. One day as he v/as
traveHing in Tartary, he met a Huron wo-
man whom he had formerly known in Ca-
nada. He afl<ed her by what adventure f])e
had been carried into a country fo diftant
from her own. She made anfwer, that hav-
ing been taken in war, Ihe had been con-
duced from nation to nation, till (he had
reached the place at which fhe then was.

Monfieur Charlevoix fays further, that he
had been afTured, another Jefuit, paiTmg
through Nantz in his return from China, had
related much fuch another affair of a Spanifh
woman from Florida. She alfo had been
taken by certain Indians, and given to thofe
of a more diftant country ; and by thefe a-
gain.to another nation, till having thus been
^'"^'"^ fuccef.

"'11
'I
I!

I

( 184 ) •
fucccflivcly pafTed from country to country,
and travelled through regions extremely cold,
fhe at lafl found herfelf in Tartary. Here
fhe had married a Tartar, who had attended
the conquerors into China, where fhe was
then fettled.

He acknowledges as an allay to the proba-
bility of thefc ftorics, that thofe who had
failed fartheft to the eaOward of Alia, by pur-
fuing the Coaft of Jeilo or Kamtfchatka,
have pretended that they had perceived the
extremity of this Continent 5 and from thence
have concluded that there could not polfibly
be any communication by land. But he adds
that Francis Guclla, a Spaniard, is faid to
have afferted, that this feparation is no more
than a llraip;ht, about one hundred -miles
over, and that fome late voyages of the Ja-
ponefe give grounds to think that this ftraight
is only a bay, above which there is a paffage
over land.

r... He goes on to obferve, that though there
are few wild beafts to be met with ih North
•-America, except a kind of tygers without
:fpots, which are found in the country of the
Iroquoife, yet towards the tropics there are
' lions and real tygers, which, notwrthftahdihg,

might

( 1.85 ) .

might h:ive come from Hyrcania and Tar-
tary; for as by advancing graduully fouth-
ward ihcy met with climates more agreeable
to their natures, they have in tmie abandon-
ed the northern countries.

He quotes both Sohnus and Phny to prove
that the Scythian Anthropophagi once depo-
pulated a great extent of country, as far as
the promontory Tabin ^ and alfo an author
of later date, Mark Pol, a Venetian, who,
he fays, tells us, that to the north eaft of
China and Tartary, there are vaft uninhabit-
ed countries, which might be fufficient to
confirm any conjedures concerning the re-
treat of a great number of Scythians into
America.

To this he adds, that we find in tlie an-
tients the names of fome of thefe nations.
Pliny fpeaks of the Tabians ; Solinus men-
tions the Apuleans, who had for neighbours
the Maffagetes, whom Pliny lince afTures us
to have entirely difappeared. Ammianus
Marcellinus exprefsly tells us, that the fear of
the Anthropophagi obliged feveral of the
inhabitants of thofe countries to take refuge
elfewhere. From all thefe authorities MonC
Charlevoix concludes, that there is at leaft

room

I

! i

( 186 )

room to conjedurethat more than one nation
in America had a Scythian or Tartarian ori-
ginal.

He finifhes his remarks on the authors he
has quoted, by the following obfervation : It
appears to me that this controverfy may be
reduced to the two following articles ; firft,
how the new world might have been peo-
pled, and fecondly, by v^^hom, and by what
means it has been peopled. -^^ ^^i>iw>

'^''Nothing, he afTerts, may be more ealily
anfwered than the firfl. America might have
been peopled as the three other parts of the
world have been. Many difficulties have
been formed on this fubjed, which have been
deemed infolvable, but which are far from
being To. The inhabitants of both hemif-
pheres are certainly the defcendents of the
fame father; the common parent of mankind
received an exprefs command from heaven to
people the whole world, and accordingly it
has been peopled, ^-^^i^-

To bring this about it was necefTary to
•vercome all difficulties thp.t lay in the way,
and they have been got over. Were thefe
difficulties greater with refped to peopling
the extremities of Afia, Africa, and Europe,

f rt '., I ' »

or

;'■

L_

( 187 )

or the tranfporting men into the iflands
which lie at a confiderable diftance from
thofe continents, than to pafs over into Ame-
rica? certainly not.

Navigation, which has arrived at fo
great perfedion within thefe three or four
centuries, might pofTibly have been rriuiie
perfed in thofe early ages than at this day.
Who can believe that Noah and his imme-
diate defcendents knew lefs of this art than
we do ? That the builder and pilot of the
largeft fhip that ever was, a fhip that was
formed to traverfe an unbounded ocean, and
had fo many fhoals and quick- fands to guard
againft, ihould be ignorant of, or fhould
not have communicated to thofe of his def-
cendents who furvived him, and by whofe
means he was to execute the order of the
Great Creator j I fay, who can believe he
fhould not have communicated to them the
art of failing upon the ocean, which was not
only more calm and pacific, but at the fame
time confined within its ancient limits ?

Admitting this, how eafy is it to pafs, ex^
clufive of the paffagc already defcribed, by
land from the coaft of Africa to Brazil, from
the Canaries to the weftern Iflands, and from

them

k

l\- '

( i88 )

them to the Antilles ? From the Britifh ifles^
or the coaft of France, to Newfoundland, the
pafTage is neither long nor difficult j I might
fay as much of that from China to Japan ;
from Japan, or the Philippines, to the ifles
Mariannes; and from thence to Mexico.

There are iflands at a confiderable diftance
from the continent of Ada, where w^e have
not been fuf prized to find inhabitants, why-
then fhould we wonder to meet with people
in America ? Nor can it be imagined that the
grandfons of Noah, when they were obliged
to feparate and fpread themfelves, in con-
formity to the defigns of God, over the whole
earth, fhould find it abfolutely impoffible to
people almoft one half of it.
. I have been more copious in my extrids
from this author than I intended, as his rea-
fons appear to be folid, and many of' his ob*
fervations juft. From this encomium, how-
ever, I muft exclude the flories he has intro-
duced of the Huron and Floridan women,
which I think I might venture to pronounce
fabulous.

I fhall only add, to give my readers a more
comprchenfive view of Monf. Charlevoix's

difler-

( i89 )
diflertation, the method he propofes to come
at the truth of what we are in fearch of.

The only means by which this can be
done, he fays, is by comparing the langua-
ges of the Americans with the different na-
tions, from whence we might fuppofe they
have peregrinated. If we compare the for-
mer with thofe words that are confidered
as primitives it might poitibly fet us upon
fome happy difeovery. And this way of af-
cending to the original of nations, which is
by far the leaft equivocal, is not fo difficult
as might be imagined. We have had and
ftill have, travellers and miffionaries who
have attained the languages that ai« fpoken
in all the provinces of the new world; it
would only be neceffary to make a colledion
of their grammars and vocabularies, and
to collate them with the dead and living lan-
guages of the old world, that p^fs for origi-
nals, and the fimilarity might eafily be traced.
Even the different diabdfe, in fpite of the
alterations they have undergone, ftill retaiji
enough of the mother tjongue tp fqriiifh con-
fiderable 4ight«.

;/.fAny enquiry into ;tlie manners, cuftoms,
leligiQiii, .or tr,^ditipn^ pf ti}^ Amm(;ms, in

. order

t>

w

k

( 190 )

order to difcover by that means their "origin,
he thinks would prove fallacious. Adifqui-
fition of that kind he obferves is only capable
of producing a falfe light, more likely to daz-
zle, and to make us wander from the right
path, than to lead us with certainty to the
point propofed. '»*

Ancient traditions are effaced from the
minds of fuch as either have not, or for fe-
veral.ages have been without, thofe helps
that are neceflhry to preferve them. And in
this fituation is full one half of the world.
New events and new arrangement of things,
give rife to new traditions, which efface the
former, and are themfelves effaced in return.
After one or two centuries have pafTed, there
no longer remain any traces of the firft tra-
ditions ; and thus we are involved in a flate
of uncertainty.

He concludes with the following remarks,
among many others. Unforefeen accidents,
tempef^s, and (hipwrecks, have certainly con-
tributed to people every habitable part of the
world: and ought we to wonder, after this,
at perceiving certain refemblances, both of
perfons and manners, between nations that
are moit remote from each other, when we

find

m

( 19' )

find fuch a difference between thofe that bor-
der on one another? As we are deftitnte of
hiftorical monuments, there is nothing, I re-
peat it, but a knowledge of the primitive
languages that is capable of throwing any-
light upon thefe clouds of impenetrable dark-
nefs.

By this enquiry we fhould at leafl be fa-
tisfied, among that prodigious number of va-
rious nations inhabiting America, and differ-
ing fo much in languages from each other,
which are thofe who make ufe of words to-
tally and entirely different from thofe of the
old world, and who confequently muft be
reckoned to have paifed over to America in
the earlieft ages, and thofe, who from the
analogy of their language with fuch as are at
prefent ufed in the three other parts of the
globe, leave room to judge that their migra-
tion has been more recent, and which ought
to be attributed to fhipwrecks, or to fome ac-
cident fimilar to thofe which have been,
fpoken of in the courfe of this treatife.

1 fhall only add the opinion of one author
more before I give my own fentiments on
the fubjed, and that is of James Adair, Efq;
who refided forty years among the Indians,

and

11

> !

( ^92 )

and publiihcd the hillory of them in the year
1772. In his learned and fyftematical hiflory
of thofe nations, inhabiting the weftern parts
of the moft fouthern of the i^merican colo-
nies, this gentleman without hefitation pro-
nounces that the American Aborigines are
delcended from the Ifraelites, either whilft
they were a maritime power, or foon ^fter
their general captivity. ' '

This defcent he endeavours to prove from
their religious rites, their civil and martial
cuftoms, their marriages, their funeral cere-
monies, their manners, language, traditions,
and from a variety of other particulars. And
fo complete is his convidion on this head,
th^t he fancies he finds a perfed and indif-
putable fimilitude in each. Through all thefc
I have not time to follow him, and ihay
therefore only give a few extrads to (how oa
what foundation he builds his conjedur^s,
^nd what degree f>£ credit he is entitled to
on this point.

He begins with obferving, that though
fome have fuppofed the Americans to be
defcended from theChinefe, yet neither their
religion, laws, or cuftoms agree in the leaft
"■■ *th thofe of the diinefe -, which fafiiciently

prove*

( 193 )

proves that they are not of this line. Be-»
fides, as our bell (hips are now almoft half a
year in failing for China (our author does not
here recoiled that this is from a high northern
latitude, acrofs the Line, and then back
again greatly to the northward of it, and not
diredly athwart the Pacific Ocean for only
one hundred and eleven degrees) or from
thence to Europe, it is very unlikely they
fhould attempt fuch dangerous difcoveries,
with their fuppofed fmall veffels, againft
rapid currents, and in dark and fickly Mon-
foons. *

He further remarks, that this is more par-
ticularly improbable, as there is reafon to
believe that this nation was unacquainted
with the ufe of the loadftone to diredt their
courfe. China, he fays, is about eight thou-
fand miles diftLut from the American conti-^
nent, which is twice as far as acrofs the At-
lantic Ocean. And we are not informed by
any ancient writer of their maritime fldll, or
fo much as any inclination that way, befides
fmall coafting voyages. The winds bloW--
likewife, with little variation from eaft to
weft within the latitudes thirtv and odd,
north and fouth ; and therefore thefe could

:i\

o

not

;

11

ill '

ijii'l

V'.

*' ' !'

iiii

( 194 )

not drive them on the American coaft, it ly-
ing diredly contrary to fucb a courfe.

Neither could perfons, according to this
writer's account, fail to America from the
north by the way of Tartary or Ancient
Scythia ; that from its fituation never hav-
ing been or can be a maritime power: and it
is utterly impradlicable, he fays, for any to
come to America by fea from that quarter.
Befides, the remaining traces of their religi-
ous ceremonies and civil and martial cuftoms
are quite oppofite to the like veftiges of the
Old Scythians. Even in the moderate north-
ern climates there is not to be feen the
leaft trace of any ancient iiately buildings, or
of any thick fettlements, as are faid to remain
in the lefs healthy regions of Peru and Mexi-
co. Andfeveral of the Indian nations aiTurc
us, that they croiTed the MiiTilfippi before
they made their prefent northern feitlements ;
which, conneded with the former argu-
ments, he concludes will fufficiently explode
that weak opinion of the American Abori-
gines being lineally defcended from ihe Tar-
tars or ancient Scythians.

Mr. Adair's reafons for fuppofing that the
Americans derive their origin from the Jews

are.

Firft,

m

w*Wa* <in<.ilg»>WHi>«MWIi

( 195 )
Fiift, hccaufc tlicy are divided into tribes,
and have chiefs over them as the Ifraelites
had.

Secondly, becaufe, ns by a flrid permanent
divine precept, the Hebrew nation were or-
dered to worfhip, at Jerufalem, Jehovah the
true and living God, {o do the Indians, ftil-
ing him Yohewah. The ancient Heathens,
he adds, it is well known worfhipped a plu-
rality of Gods, but the Indians pay their reli-
gious devoirs to the Great beneficent fupreme
holy Spirit of Fire., who refides, as they
think, above the clouds, and on earth alfo
with unpolluted people. They pay no ado-
ration to images, or to dead perfons, neither
to the celeftial luminaries, to evil fpirits, nor
to any created beings w^hatever.

Thirdly, becaufe, agreeable to the theo-
cracy or divine government of Ifrael, the In-
dians think the deity to be the immedinte
head of their flate.

Fourthly; becaufe, as the Jews believe
in the minillration of angels, the Indians ahb
believe that the higher regions are inhabited
by good fpirits.

Fifthly, becaufe the Indian language and
dialeds appear to have the very idiom and

O 2 senius

T

II : !

( 196 )

genius of the Hebrew. Their words and
fentences being exprcflive, concife, empha-
tical, fonorous, and bold; and often, both in
letters, and fignification, are fynonimous with
the Hebrew language.

Sixthly, becaufe they count their time af-
ter the manner of the Hebrews.

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

Eighthly, becaufe their feftivals, fafts, and
religious rites have a great refemblance to
thofe of the Hebrews.

Ninthly, becaufe the Indians, before they
go to war, have many preparatory ceremo-
nies of purification and failing, like what is
recorded of the Ifraelites.

Tenthly, becaufe the fame tafte for orna-
ments, and the fame kind are made ufe of by
the Indians, as by the Hebrews.

Thefe and many other arguments of afimi-
lar nature, Mr. Adair brings in fupport of
his favourite fyftem ; but I fhould imagine,
that if the Indians are really derived from
the Hebrews, air.ong their religious ceremo-
nies, on which he chiefly feems to build his
v-jr hypothelis,.

is and
;mpha-
30th in
us with

me af-

to, or

M|

^e their

'^

iligious

• J

[Is, and

■1

jnce to

■ J

•e they

Si> 'i^^B

;remo-

/hat is

' t

9

' orna-

; of by

afimi-

ort of

agine,
from

remo-

ild his

1

:heiis,

.■J yJW

( 197 )

hvpothefis, the principal, that of circumci-
fion, would never have been laid afide, and
its very remembrance obliterated.

Thus numerous and diverfe are the opini-
ons of thofe who have hitherto written on
this fubjed! I (hall not, however, either en-
deavour to reconcile them, or to point out
the errors of each, but proceed to give my
own fentiments on the origin of the Ameri-
cans j which are founded on conclufions
draw^n from the moft rational arguments of
the writers I have mentioned, and from my
own obfervations : the confiftency of thefe
I (hall leave to the judgment of my Rea-
ders.

The better to introduce my conjedures on
this head, it is neceffary firft to afcertain the
diftances between America and thofe parts
of the habitable globe that approach neareft
to it.

The Continent of America, as far as we
can judge from all the refearches that have
been made near the Poles, appears to be en-
tirely feparated from the other quarters of
the world. That part of Europe which ap-
proaches neareft to it, is the coaft of Green-
land, lying in about feventy degrees of north

latitude;

r

!i:

i

I,

ii ' i

( 19S )

latitude i and which reaches within twelve
degrees of the coaft of Labrador, lituated on
the north-caft borders of ih continent. This
coalt of Guinea is the neareft part of Africa ;
which lies about eighteen hundred and fixty
miles north-eaft from the Brazils. The moft
caftern coaft of Alia, which extends to the
Korean Sea on the north of China, projeds
north-eaft through eaftern Tartary and Kam-
fchatka and Siberia, in about fixty degrees of
north latitude. Towards which the weflern
coafts of America, from California to the
ftraights of Aunian, extend nearly north- weft,
and lie in about forty fix degrees of the fame
latitude.

"Whether the continent of America ftretches
any farther north than thcfe ftraights, and
joins to the eaftern parts of Afia, agreeable
to what has been alTcrted by fome of the
writers I have quoted, or whether the lands
that have been difcovered in the intermediate
parts are only an archipel,ir;o of iflands verg-
ing towards the oppolite continent, is not yet
afcertained.

It being, however, certain that there are
piany confiderable iflands which lie between
the ej^tremities of Afia and America, viz.

Japon,

( 199 )
Japoti, Ycfo or Jedfo, Gama's Land, Bch-
ring's lile, wiih many others difcovercd by
Tfcliirikow, and befidcs thcfe, from fifty de-
grees north there appearing to be a cluftcr of
iilands that reach as far as Siberia, it is pro-
bable from their proximity to America, that
it received its firfl inhabitants from them.

This conclufion is the moft rational I am
able to draw, fuppofmg that lince the Abo-
rigines got footing on this continent, no ex-
traordinary or fudden change in the pofition
or furfacc of it has taken place, from inunda-
tions, earthquakes, or any revolutions of the
earth that we are at prefent unacquainted
with.

To me it appears highly improbable that it
fbould have been peopled from different quar-
ters, acrofs the Ocean, as others have afferted.
From the fize of the (liips made ufe of in
thofe early ages, and the want of the compafs,
it cannot be fuppofed that any maritime na-
tion would by choice venture over the un-
fathomable Ocean in fearch of diflant conti-
nents. Had this however been attempted,
or had America been firft accidentally peo-
pled from fhips freighted with paffengers of
both fexes which were driven by ftrongeafter-

I

i

I )i

'Hi.:

( 200 )

ly winds acrofs the Atlantic, thefe fetJers
muft have retained fome traces of the lan-
guage of the country from whence they mi-
grated ; and this fince the difcovery of it by
the Europeans muft have been made out. It
alfo appears extraordinary that feveral of
thefe accidental migrations, as allowed by
fome, and the fe from different parts, fhould
have taken place.

Upon th^ whole, after the moft critical
enquiries, and the rnaturelt deliberation, 1 am
of opinion, that America received its firft
inhabitants from the north-eaft, by way of
the great Archipelago juft mentioned, and
from thefe alone. But this might have been
effeded at different times, and from various
parts; from Tartary, China, Japon, or Kamf-
chatka, the inhabitants of thefe places refem-
bling each other in colour, features, and
fhape ; and who, before fome of them acquir-
ed a knowledge of the arts and fciences, might
have likewifc refembled each other in their
manners, cuftoms, religion, and language. •

The only difference between the Chinefe
nation and the Tartars lies in the cultivated
ftate of the one, and the unpolifhed fitua-
tion of the others. The former have be-
come

f 201 )

come a commercial people, a^nd dwell in
houfes formed into regular towns and cities-,
the latter live chiefly in tents, and rove about
in different hords, without any fixed abode.
Nor can the long and bloody wars thefe two
nations have been engaged in, exterminate
their hereditary fimilitude. The prefent fa-
mily of the Chinefe emperors is of Tartarian
extradion ; and if they were not fenfible of
fome claim befides that of conqueft, fo nu-
merous a people would fcarcely fit quiet
under the dominion of Grangers.

It is very'evident that fome of the manners
and cuftoms of I'ae American Indians refem."
ble thofe of the Tartars ; and I make no
doubt but that in fome future aera, and this
not a very diflant one, it will be reduced to
a certainty, that during fome of the wars be-
tween the Tjrtars and the Chinefe, a part
of the inhabitants of the northern provinces
were driven from their native country, and
took refuore in fome of the ifles before-men-
tioned, and from thence found their way
into America. At different periods each
nation might prove vidorious, and the con-
quered by turns fly before their ccaquerors;
and from hence might arife the fimilitude of

the

( 202 )

the Indians to all thefe people, and that ani-
molity which exilis between fo many of their

tribes.

It appears plainly to me that a great fimi-
larity between the Indian and Chinefe is
confpicuous in that particular cuilom of
ihaving or plucking off the hair, and leav-
ing only a fmall tuft on the crown of the
head. This mode is faid to have been en-
joined by the Tartarian emperors on their
accellion to the throne of China, and confe-
nuenlly is a further proof that this cuftom
was in uCc among the Tartars ; to whom, as
well as the Chinefe, the Americans might be
indebted for it.

Many words alfo are ufed both by the
Chinefe and Indians, which have a refem-
blance to each other, not only in their found,
but their fiimilication. The Chinefe call a
flave, {hunt!;o ; and the Naudowcflie Indians,
whofc language from their little intercourfe
with the Europeans is the leafc corrupted,
term a dog, fhungufh. The former deno-
minate one fpccies of their tea, flioufong ;
the latter call their tobacco, flioufaffa Many
other of the words ufcd bv the Indians con-r
./ tain

i.
f

r

it ani'
f their

efe is
pm of

leav-
of the
n en^
I their
confe-
cuftom
om, as
ghtbq

by the
re fern-
found,

call a
idians,
courfe
upted,

deno-

jfong ;

Many

5 con-'

tain

't:

hi

( 203 )

tain the fyllables che, chaw, and chu, after
the diuledl of the Chinefe.

There probably might be found a fimllar
connexion between the language of the Tar-
tars and the American Aborigines, were we
as well acquainted with it as we are, from a
commercial intercou.fe, with that of the
Chinefe.

I am confirmed in thefc conjectures, by the
accounts of Kamfchatka publiflied a few
years ago by order of the emprefs of Ruliia,
The author of which fays, that the fea which
divides the peninfula from America is full of
iflandsj and that the diilance between Tfchu-
kotflioi-Nofs, a promontory which lies at the
eaitern extremity of that country, and the
coafl of America, is not more than two de-
grees and a half of a great circle. He iurther
fays, that there is the greatefi reafon to fup-
pofe that Aim and America once joined at
^ bis place, as the coafts of both continents
appear to have been broken into capes and
bays, which an fwer each other j more efpe-
ciallv as the inhabitants of this part of both
refemble each other in their perfons, habits,
cufioms, and food. Their language, indeed,
)i(S pbferves, does not appear to be the fame,

but

;t|f

f i

4

t' I

( 204 )

but then the inhabitants of each diftrid in
Kamfchatka fpeak a language as different
from each other, as from that fpoken on the
oppolite coaft. Thefc obfervations, to which
he adds, the (imilarity of the boats of the in-
habitants of each coaft, and a remark that the
natives of this part of America are wholly
Grangers to wine and tobacco, which he looks
upon as a proof that they have as yet had
no communication with the natives of Europe,
he fays amount to little lefs than a demon-
llration tl ' " merica was peopled from this
part of Aiia. .».

The limits of my prefent undertaking will
not permit me to dwell any longer on this
fubjed, or to enumerate any other proofs in
fovour of my hypothefis. I am however fo
thoroughly convinced of the certainty of it,
and fo delirous have I been to obtain every
teftimony which can be procured in its fup-
port, that I once made an offer to a private
fociety of gentlemen, who were curious in
fuch refcarches, and to whom I had commu-
nicated my fcntiments on this point, that I
would undertake a journey, on receiving
fuch fupplics as were needful, through the
north-call parts of Europe and Afia to the

interior

rJ

ftrid in
iifFerent
1 on the
) which

the in-
that the

wholly
le looks
^et had
Europe,
demon-
om this

ing will
an this
oofs in
ever fo
J of it,
every
ts fup-
private
iOus in
)mmu-
that I
:eiving
^h the
to the
iterior

( 205 )

interior parts of America, and from thence to
En2;land j making, as I proceeded, fuch ob-
fervations both on the language and manners
of the people with whom I fhould be con-
verfant, as might tend to illuftrate the doc-
trine 1 have here laid down, and to fatisfy
tile curiofity of the learned or inquifitivc;
but as this propofal was judged rather to re-
quire a national than a private fupport, it was
not carried into execution.

I am happy to find, lince I formed the fore-
going conclufions, that they correfpond with
the fentiments of that aireat and learned
hiftorian Dodor Robertfon; and though, with
him, I acknowledge that the inveftigation,
from its nature, is fo obfcure and intricate
that the conjedures I have made can only be
confidered as conjedures, and not indifputa-
ble conclufions, yet they carry with them a
greater degree of probability than the fup-
pofitions of thofe who afifert that this con-
tinent was peopled from another quarter.

One of the Dodor's quotations from the
Journals of Behring and Tfchirikowwho fail-
ed from Kamfchatka about the year 1741 In
queft of the New World, appears to carry
great weight with it, and to afford our con-
clufions

( 2C6 )

clufions firm fupport. " Thefe commandefS
" having fhaped their courfe towards the eaft,
" difcovcred land, which to them appeared
" to be part of the American continent; and,
" according to their obfervations, it fecms to
" be fituated w^ithin a few degrees of the
" north-weft coaft of Cahfornia. They had
" there fome intercourfe with the inhabi-
" tants, who feemed to them to refemblc the
*' North Americans j as they prefented to the
" Ruffians the Calumet or Pipe of Peace,
" which is a fymbol of friendfliip univerfal
" among the people of North America, and
" an ufage of arbitrary inftitution peculiar to
'' them."

One of this incomparable writer's own ar-
guments in fupport of his hypothefis is alfo
urged with great judgment, and appears to be
nearly concluiive. He fays, " We may lay
*' it down as a certain principle in this en-
" quiry, that America was not peopled by
" any nation of the ancient continent, which
" had made confiderable progrefs in ciriliza-
" tion. The inhabitants of the New World
" were in a ftate of focietv fo extremely rude,
" as to be unacquainted with thofe arts

which are the firft effays of human inge-

" nuity

f

K

207

^

** nulty in its advance towards improvement.
*^ Even the moft cultivated nations of Anie-
'* rica were {lran8;ers to many of thofe fimple
" inventions, which were almofi: coeval with
*' fociety in other parts of the world, and
" were known in the earlieft periods of civil
" life. From this it is manifefl that the
" tribes which originally migrated to Ame-
*' rica, came off from nations which mufl:
" have been no lefs barbarous than their
" pofterity, at the time w^lien they were firft
" difcovered by the Europeans. \i ever the
" ufe of iron had been know^n to the fiva-
*' ges 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 im-
" poff »-le that they fliould have been aban-
*' doned or forgotten."

CHAP. 11.

. Of ihetr Persons, Dress, ^c,

FPvOM the firft fettlement of the French
in Canada, to the conqueft of it by
the Englilh in 1760, feveral of that nation,

who.

1

i

\

■M

i \il^

■^\.i

( 4,03 )

who had travelled into the interior parts of
North America, either to trade with the In^
dians, or to endeavour to make converts of
them, have publifhed accounts of their cuf-
toms, manners, &c.

The principal of thefe are Father Louis
Hennipin, Monf. Charlevoix, and the Baron
Le Hontan. The firft, many years ago,
publifhed fome very judicious remarks, which ■
he was the better enabled to do by the affiii-
ance he received from the maps and diaries'
of ., the unfortunate Monf. De la Salle, who.
was affaflinated whilft he was on his travels^ '
by fome of his own party. That gentleman's
journals falling into Father Kennipin'shandsi j
he was enabled by them to publifli many in- ?
terefting particulars relative to the Indians. |
But in fome refpeds he fell very fhort of that t
knowledge which it was in his power to havcr^
attained from his long refidence among them.i
Nor was he always (as has been already* ob-:'i:
fea^yed) exa£l in his calculations, or juft inj
the intelligence he has given us. . .^a^iuni

The accounts publifhed by the other two,-r
parti^larly thofe of Charlevoix, are very
crroQeoUs in the geographical parts, and many *l

f 209 )

of the ftorica told by the Baron are mere de-

lufions.

Come of the Jefuits, who heretofore travel-
led into thefe parts, have alfo written on this
fubjed i but as few, if any, of their works
have been tranflated into the Englifh lan-
guage, the generality of readers are not be-
nefitted by them; and, indeed, had this been
done, they would have reaped but few ad-
vantages from them, as they have chiefly con-
fined their obfervations to the religious prin-
ciples of the favages, and the fteps taken for
their converfion.

Since the conqueft of Canada, fome of our
own countrymen, who have lived among the
Indians, and learned their language, have
pubhfhed their obfervations ; 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
fettlements, a knowledge of the genuin** and
uncontaminated cuftoms and manners of the
Indians could not have been acquired by
them. ,

The fouthern tribes, and tho's that have
held a oonftant intercourft with the French
or Englifh J cannot have preferved their man-*

P ners

i

ncrs or their cuftoms in their original purity.
They could not avoid acquiring the vices
with the language of thofe they converfed
with J and the frequent intoxications they
experienced through the baneful juices in-
troduced among them by the Europeans,
have completed a total alteration in their
charaders. • •. .: -

In fuch as thefe, a confufed medley of
'principles or ufages are only to be obferved ;
l^heir real and unpolluted cuftoms could be
*'feeri among thofe nations alone that have
^held but little communications with the pro-
Virices. Thefe I found in the north-weft
par'ts/and therefore flatter myfelf that I am
able to give a more juft account of the cuf-
toms and manners of the Indians, in their
ancient purity, than any that has been hi-
therto publilhed. 1 have made obfervations
on thirty nations, and though moft of thefe
; have YiiSfiered in their languages, there has
"appeared a great irmilarity in their manners,
and from thefe have I endeavoured to extrad
the "folldwmg remarks.
^^ 'As I do hot propdfe to give a regular and
.'conrieded fyftem oflndian concerns, but oniT
toVelate fuch particulars of their "xtidititi&tS^
^'- cuftoms,

iropeans,
in their

ediey of
ibferved ;
could be
lat have
the pro-
rth-weft
lat I am
the cuf-
in their
been hi-
Tvations
of thefe
lerc has
nanners,
D extrad

liar and
but only
ria^flfieTS,
cuftoms,

I '-1

( 211 )

cufloms, &c. as I thought moft worthy of
motice, and which interfere as little as pof-
fible with the accounts given by other wri*
ters, I muft beg my readers to excufe their
not being arranged fyftematically, or treated
of in a more copious manner.

The Indian nations do not appear to me to
difTer fo widely in their make, colour, oj- con-
ftitution from each other, as rcprefented by
fome writers. They are in general flight
,made, rather tall and ftrait, and you feldom
fee any among them deformed j their fkin is
of a reddifh or copper colour j their eyps arc
large and black, and their hair of the fame
hue, but very rarely is it curled j they have
good teeth, and their breath is as fweet as
the air they draw inj their cheek-bones rather
raifed, but more fp in the women than the
men; the former are not quite fo tall as the
.European women, hpvyever you frequently
meet with good faces and agreeabl.^ perfons
among them, although they are more inclined

to be fat than the other fex* , .-...•, 11.

* - . • ■ ■■■.)(

I fhall not enter into, a particular enquiry

whether the Indians are indebted to nature,

^rt., or the temperature of the climate for the

.^9^c^iir^9f ^l^eir fkin, nor (hall I quote any of

:crvoJ

s

tr

I

. ( 212 )

the contradictory accounts I have read on
this fubjcd ; I (hall only fay, that it appears
to me to be the tindure they received origi*
nally from the hands of their Creator ^ but
at what period the variation which is at pre*-
fent vifible both in the complexion and fea-
tures of many nations took place, at what
time the European whitenefs, the jetty hue
of the African, or the copper caft of the Ame,-
jican were given them, which was the origi-
nal colour of the firft inhabitants of the earth,
or which might be efteemed the moft perfed,
I will not pretend to determine. * o\ ^^r*

-s Many writers have aflerted, that the In-
dians, even at the matured period of their
exiftence, are only furnifhed with hair on
their heads j and that notwithftanding the
profufion with which that part is covered,
thofe parts which among the inhabitants of
other climates are ufually the feat of this
excrefcence, remain entirely free from it.
Even Do(3or Robert fon,- through their mifre-
prefcntations, has contributed to propagate
the error J and fuppofing the remark juftly
founded, has drawn feveral conclufions from
it relative to the habit and temperature of
their bodies, which are confequently invalid.

But

.Ia •

<tlSimaiii»Btrf">fi>n I f ■»'

( 213 )

But from minute enquiries and a curious in-
fpcdlion, I am able to declare (however re-
fpedable I may hold the authority of thefe
hiftorians in other points) that their aiTerti-
ons 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
their natural ftate, are covered in the fame
manner as thofe of the Europeans. The
men, indeed, efteem a beard very unbecom-
ing, 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 be-
come inattentive to their appearance. Every
crinous efflorefcence on the other parts of the

«

body is held unfeemly by them, and both
fexes employ much time in their extirpa-
tion.

The Nawdoweffies, and the remote nati-
ons, pluck them out with bent pieces of hard
wood, formed into a kind of nippers ; whilft
thofe who have communication with Euro-
peans procure from them wire, which they
. twift into $ fcrew or worm ; applying this
' tp^tJie part, they prefs the rings together,

and

k..i^

m

vu

( 214 )

and with a fudden twitch draw out all
hairs that are inclofcd between them.

The men of every nation differ in their
drefs very little from each other, except thofe
Vvho trade with the Europeans ; thefe ex-
change their furs for blankets, fhirts, and
other apparel, which they wear as much foi*
ornament ?.s ne:efrity. The latter fafteii by
a girdle around their waifls about halfayaW
of broadcloth, which covers the middle p^t^
of their bodies. Thofe who w ear fhirtd tle-
yer make them fu.ft either at the wrift or col-''
lar; this would he a moft infufferable cott-^
fincment to them. They throw theit blatii^
kel loofe upon their fhoulders, and holdings
the upper fide of it by the two corners,' "With'
a knife in one hand, and a tobacco-pouch,
pipe, &c. in the other, thtis accoutred they
walk about in their villages or camps : • biit
in th^ir dances th^v feldbrn w0ar this coYCr^

'""iiioife amorigih^ fell v(rho wifh to aj^picaf
eayer than the reft, pluck from their hezltls
all the ^ air except from a fpot dti the top of
it abbut the fize or a crown-piece, \vh^re it
is permitted to grow to a confiderabld lengtli'i
on this arc faftened plumes of feathef s of va»
I rioys

( «i5 )
rious colours with filver or ivory quills. The
iRcnner or cutting and ornamenting this part
of the head diftinguiflies different nations
from each other.

They paint their faces red and black, which
they efteem as g'-eatly ornamental. They
alfo paint themfelves when they go to war;
but the method they make ufe of on this oc-
cafioa differs from that wherein they ufe it

merely ais a decoration. _ '^hs^r^^y-

The young Indians, who are defirous of
excelling their companions in finery, flit the
outward rim of both their ears 5 at the. fame
time they take care not to feparate them en-
tirely, but leave the flefh thus cut flill un-
touched at both extremities: around this
fpongy fubflance, from the upper to the low-
er part, they twifl brafs wire, till the weight
draws the amputated rim into a bow of five
or fix inches diameter, and drags it almpfl
down to the fhoulder. This decoration is
efleemed to be excefllv^ly gay and becom-

^ It is alfo a common cuflom among therii
to bore, their nofes, and wear in them pen-
dants of different forts. I obiferved that fea
fhells^werc much worn by ihofe of the inte-

.►^ . nor

; '

( ai& )

riof parts, and reckoned very ornamental ;
but how they procured them I could not
Jearn : probably by their traffick with other
nations nearer the fea.

They go without any covering for the
thigh, except that before fpoken of, round
the middle, which reaches down half way the
thighs i but they make for their legs a fort of
flocking either of ikins or cloth : thefe are
fewed as near to the ftjape of the leg as pofli*
ble, fo as to admit of being drawn on and
off. The edges of the fluff of which they
are compofed are left annexed to the fcam,
and hang loofe for about the breadth of a
hand : and this part, which is placed on the
outfide 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 or porcupine
quills curioufly coloured. Strangers who
hunt among the Indians in the parts where
there is a great deal of fnow, find thefe
flockings much more convenient than any
others.

Their fhoes are made of the ikin of the
deer, elk, or buffalo : thefe, after being {(Jtae"
times drcffed according to the European man-.

ner,

( 217 )
titti at others with the hair remai ing on
them, are cut into Ihoes, and fafhioned o
as to be eafy to the feet, and convenient for
walking. The edges round "he ankle are de-
corated with pieces of brafs or tin fixed a-
round leather ftrings, about an inch long,
which being placed very thick make a cheer-
ful tinkling noife either when they walk or

dance.

. The women wear a covering of fome kind

or other from the neck to the knees. Thofe
who trade with the Europeans wear a linen
garment the fame as that ufed by the men j
the flaps of which hang over the petticoat.
Such as drefs after the ancient manner make
a kind of fhift with leather, which covers
the body but not the arms. Their petticoats
are made either of leather or cloth, and reach
from the waifl to the knee. On their legs
they wear ftockings and (hoes, made iiid or-
namented as thofe of the men. ^^^^i
. They differ from each other in the mode
of dreffing their heads, and each follow the
cuflom of the nation or band to which they
belong, and adhering to the form made ufe
of by their ancellors from time iramemo-
rial.

A-

'•D c:>

S^a

Ire-

ml

!

:^i

' ' 1

. wl

' ' 'll

1

i

■1

; h ■••(.

( 2l8 )

I icm''»'ked that moft of the females, who
dwell on the eaft fide of the MiflilTippi, de-
corate their heads by inclofing their hair ei^
ther in ribbands, or in plates of filver : the lat-
ter is only made ufe of by the higher ranks,
as it is a coftly ornament. The filver they
ufe on this occafion is formed into thin plates
of about four inches broad, in feveral of
which they confine their hair. That plate
which is nearefl the head i? of a condderablt
width ; the next narrower, and made fo as
to pafs a little way under the other j and in
this manner they fallen into each other, and,
gradually tapering, defcend to the waift.
The hair of the Indian women being in ge-
neral very long, this proves an expeufive
method.

But the women that live to the weft of
the MifTiflippi, viz. the Naudoweflies, the
AfRnipoils, &c. divide their hair in the mid-
dle of the head, and form it into two roll's,
one againft each ear. Thefe rolls are ab(3Ut
three inches long, and as large at: their wrifts.
They hang in a perpendicular attitude at the
front of each ear, and defcend as far as the
lower part of it,

' The

lie.

,t

( 219 )

The women of every nation generally place
a fpot of paint, about the fize of a crown
piece, againlt each earj feme of them put
paint on their hair, and fometimes a fmall
fpot in the middle of their forehead.

The Indians, in general, pay a greater at-
tention to their drefs and to the ornaments
with which they decorate their perfons, than
to th ? accommodations of their huts or tents.
They conftrud the latter in the following
iimple, and expeditious manner.

Being provided with poles of a proper
length, they faften two of them acroff, near
their ends, with bands made of bark. Hav-
ing done this, they raife them up, and ex-
tend the bottom of each as wide as they pur-
pofe to make the area of the tent : they then
credl others of an equal height, and fix them
fo as to fupport the two principal ones. On
the whole they lay fkins of the elk or deer,
fewed together, in quantity fufEcient to co-
ver the poles, and by lapping over to form
the door. A great number of fkins are fome-
times required for this purpofe, as fome of
their tents are very capacious. That of the

chief

( a20 )

cliief warrior of the Naudoweffies was at
leaft forty feet in circumference, and very
commodious.

They obferve no regularity in fixing their
tents when they encamp, but place them juft
as it fuits their conveniency.

The huts alfo, which thofe who ufe not
tents, ered when they travel, for very few
tribes haves fixed abodes or regular towns or
villages, are equally fimple, and almoft as
foon conftruded. '

They fix fmall pliable poles in the ground,
and bending them till they meet at the top
and form a femircircle, then la(h them toge-
ther. Thefe they cover with mats made of
nifhes platted, or with birch bark, which
they carry with them in their canoes for this
purpofe. ~;f)

Thefe cabins have neither chimnies nor
windows ; there is only a fmall aperture Je£t
in the middle of the roof, through which the
fmoke is difcharged, but as this is obliged to
be flopped up when it rains or fnows vio-
lently, the fmoke then proves exceedingly
troublefome.

They lie on lldns, generally thofe of th«
bear, which are placed in rows on the ground ;

and

C 221 )

and if the floor is hot large enough to con-
tain beds fufficient for the accommodation of
the whole family, a frame is e reded about
four or five feet from the ground, in which
the younger part of it deep. . .: i

As the habitations of the Indians are thus
rude, their domeftic utenfils are few in num-
ber, and plain in their formation. The tools
wherewith they fafhion them are fo aukward
and defedive, that it is not only impoffiblc
to form them with any degree of neatnefs or
elegance, but the time required in the execu-
tion is fo confiderable, as to deter them from
engaging in the manu.adurc of fuch as arc.
not abfolutely neceflary.

The Naudoweflles make the pots in which
they boil their victuals of the black clay or
ftone mentioned in my Journal ; which refifta
the efieds of the fire nearly as well as iron*
When they roaft, if it is a large joint or a
whole animal, fuch as a beaver, they fix it
as Europeans do, on a fpit made of a hard
wood, and placing the ends on two forked
props, now and then turn it. If the piece is
(mailer they fpit it as before, and fixing the
fpit in an ered but flanting pofition, with
the meat inclining towards the fire, frequent-

I'dl

( .. ii^2 )
ly change the fides, till every part is fuffi-
ciently roafled.

They make their difhes in which they
ferve up their meat, and their bowls and
pans, out of the knotty excrefcences of the
maple tree, or any other wood. They fafhi-
on their fpoons, with a tolerable degree of
neatnefs (as thefe require much lefs troitble
than larger utenfils) from a wood that is term*
ed in America Spoon Wood, and which great-
ly refcmbles Box Wood. n j «

Every tribe are now pofTefTed of knives,
and Heels to ftrike fire with. Thefe being
fo e^i^ntially needful for the common ufcs of
life, thofe who have not an immediate com-
munication with the European traders, pur-
chafe them of fuch of their neighbours as arc
fituated nearer the fettlem'^nts, and generally
give in, exchange for them flaves.

'^riB aoojr n?)ibiifb '^i'>ii

C HA P.

J'^Ox

■r>,,A

viij:.v/

^iui

n

^oiWii..

.t'w

ob

-m

'"''M

( 223 )

rt is fuffi.

hich they
30 wis and
ces of the
hey fafhi-
<legrec of
fs tifoUblc
at is term-
lich great-

of knives,
leie being
on ufcs of
iiate com-
ders, pur-
3urs as are
I generally

HA P.

i'jl.

M

-iitia ci. ii'^<^l

CHAP. III.

Of their Manners, Qjuali ficati-
ons, ^c,

WHEN the Indian wonr.jn fit down,
they place themfelves in a decent at-
titude, with their knees cldfe together J but
from being accuftomed to this pofture, they
walk b-idly, and appear to be lame.

*rhey have no midwives amongft them,
their climate, or fome peculiar happiriefs in
'their conftitutions, rendering any alfiftance
at that time unnecefTary. On thefe occafions
they are confined but a few hours from their
\ifual employments, which are commonly ve-
ry laborious, as the men, who are remark-
ably indolent, leave to them every kind of
drudgery ; even in their hunting parties the
former will not deign to bring home the game,
but fend their wives for it, though it lies at
a very confiderable diftance.
"The women place their children foon aftcf
they are born on boards fluffed with ibft
mofs, fuch as is found in moraffes or mea-
dows.

( 224 )

dows. The child is laid on its back in one
of thefe kind of cradles, and being wrapped
in fkins or cloth to keep it warm, is fecured
in it by fmall bent pieces of timber.

To thefe machines they faflen ftrings, by
which they hang them to branches of trees j
or if they find not trees at hand, faften them
to a flump or flone, whilft they tranfadJ any
needful bufinefs. In this pofition are the
children kept for fome months. When they
are taken out, the boys are fufFered to go
naked, and the girls are covered from the
neck to the knees with a fhift and a fhort
petticoat^ i.—j -t

The Indian women are remarkably decent
during their menflrual illnefs. Thofe nati-
ons that are mofl remote from the European
fettlements, as the Naudoweflies, &c. are
more particularly attentive to this point ;
though they all without exception adhere in
fome degree to the fame cuflom.

In every camp or town there is an apart-
ment appropriated for their retirement at this
time, to which both fingle and married re-
treat, and feclude themfelves with the utmofl
flridnefs during this period from all fociety.
Afterwards they purify themfelves in run-
V> ning

in one

1

rapped

m

recured j

ft -''

gs» by .
trees ; 1

1

1 them

.*>.■

lO. any ;

,S'

ire the |

H

n they

H

to go

H

>m the

H

a (hort

I

decent

'ii

'e nati-

I' '

ropean

h.

X. are *

^'. ,

point j

• 1

■«(■

lere in

apart-

-i^^^^^H

at this

led re-

utmoft

i'^^H

bciety.

1 run-

ning

C 225 )

tiing ftreams, and return to their diflercnt
employments.

The men on thefe occafions moft care-
fully avoid holding any communication with
them; and the NaudowefTies are fo rigid in
this obfervance, tliat they will not fufFer any
belonging to them to fetch fuch things as are
ncceflarv, even lire, from thefe female lunar
retreats, though the want of tht m is attend-
ed with the greateft inconvenience. They
are alfo fo fuperftitious as to think, if a pipe
ftem cracks, which among them is made of
wood, that the pofTefTor has either lighted
it at one of thefe polluted fires, or held fome
cbnverfe with a woman during her retire-
ment, which is efteemed by them mod dif-
graceful and wicked.

The Indians are extremely circumfped and
deliberate in every word and apion j there is
nothing that hurries them into any intem-
perate warmth, but that inveteracy to their
enemies which is rooted in every Indian
heart, and never can be eradicated. In all
other inftaiices they are cool, and remarkably
cautious, taking care not to betray on any
account whatever their emotions. If an In-'
dian has difcovered that a friend is in danger
i -i . Q^ of

( 226 )

of being intercepted and cut ofF by one to
whom he has rendered himfelf obnoxious, he
does not inform him in plain and explicit
terms of the hazard he runs by purfuingthe
track near which his enemy lies in wait for
him, but he firft coolly a{l« him which way
he is going that day ; and having received
his anfwer, with the fame indifference tells
him that he has been informed that a dog
lies near the fpot, which might probably do
him a mifchief. This hint proves fufficiemt ;
and his friend avoids the danger with as much
caution as if every defign and motion of his
enemy had been pointed out to him.

This apathy often fhewsitfelfon occafions
that would call forth all the fervour of a fuf-
ceptible heart. If an Indian has been abfent
from his family and friends many months,
either on a war or hunting party, when his
wife and children meet him at fome diftance
from his habitation, inftead of the affedi-
onate fenfations thaf would naturally arife
in the breafl of more refined beings, and be
produdive of mutual congratulations, he con-
tinues his courfe without paying the leall
attention to thofe who furround him, till he
arrives at his home.

He

ftW

Qccafions

of a fuf-

n abfent

months,

;vhen his

diftance

afFeai-

illy arife

, and be

, he con-

the leafl

till he

-^%

1.

J

( 227 )

He there fits down, and with the fame un-
concern as if he had not been abfent a day,
fmokcs his pipe -, thofe of his acquaintance
who have followed him, do the famej and
perhaps it is feveral hours before he relates
to them the incidents vhich have befallen
him during his abfence, though, perhaps he
has left a father, brother, or fon on the field,
whofe lofs he ought to have lamented, or has
been unfuccefsful in the undertaking that
called him from home.

Has an Indian been engaged for feveral
days in the chace, or any other laborious
expedition, and by accident continued thus
long without food, when he arrives at the
hut or tent of a friend where he knows his
wants may be immediately fupplied, he takes
care not to fhow the leafl fymptoms of im-
patience, or to betray the extreme hunger
by which he is tortured •, but on being in-
vited in, fits contentedly down, and fmokes
his pipe with as much compofure as if every
appetite was allayed, and he was perfedly at
eafe ; he does the fame if among ftrangers.
This cuftom is ftridly adhered to by every
tribe, as they efteem it a proof of fortitude,

Cy 2 and'

He

\h

I

( 2:l8 )

and think the reverfe would entitle them to
the appellation of old women.

If you tell an Indian that his children have

i

greatly fignalized themfelves againft an ene-
my, have taken many fcalps, and brought
home many pri Toners, ho does not appear to
feel any extraordinary pleafure on the occa-
lion; hi: anfwer generally is, 'Mt is well,"
and he makes very little further enquiry a-
bout it. On the contrary, if you inform
him that his children are flain or taken pri-
foners, he makes no complaints, he only re-
plies, " It dots not fignifyj" and probably,
for fome time at leaft, ail<.s not how it hap-
pened.

This feeming indifferoncc, however, does
not proceed from an entire fuppreinon of the
natural afFedions ; for notwithstanding they
are efteemed favages, I never faw among any
other people greater proofs of parental or
filial tendernefs; and although they meet
their wives after a long abfence with the
Stoical indifference juft mentioned, they are
not in general void of conjugal affe^^tion.

Another peculiarity is obfervable in their
manner of paying their vifits. If an Injjian
gpcs tQ vifit a particular perfon in a family,

he

jldibji-'i

■i

m to
•Jiu •
. have
1 ene-
ought
ear to
occa-
well,"
liry a-
nform
n pri-
ly re-
>bably,
t hap-

■j'' "'■'■
, does
of the
I they
ig any
tal or

meet
;h the

y are
|>n.
their

njjian
amily,
he

( 229 )

he mentions to whom his vifit is intended,
and the reft of the family immediately re-
tiring 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 purfued if a man goes
to pay his refpeds to one of the other fcx ;
but then he muft be careful not to let love
be the fubjed of his dilbourfe whilft the day-
light remains.

The Indians difcover an amazing fagacity,
and acquire with the greateft readinefs any
thing that depends upon the attention of the
mind. By experience and acute obfervation,
they attain many perfedions to which Euro-
peans arc ftrangers. For inftance, they will
crofs a foreft or a plain which is two hundred
miles in breadth, ami reach with great exad-
nefs the point at which they intend to ar-
rive, keeping during the whole of that fpace
m a diredt line, without any material devia-
tions ; and this they will do with the fame
eafe, whether the weather be fair or cloudy.

With equal acutenefs will they point to
that part of the heavens the fun is in though
it be intercepted by clouds or fogs. Befides
this, they are able to purfue with incredible

facility

ri

i

^

1

( 230 )

facility the traces of man or beaft, either on
leaves or grafs ^ and on th s account it is
with great difficulty a flying enemy efcapes
difcovery.

They are indebted for thefe talents not
only to nature, but to an extraordinary com-
mand of the intelledual faculties, which can
only be acquired by an unremitted attention,
and by long experience.
" They are in general very happy in a re-
tentive memory j they can recapitulate every
particular that has been treated of in council,
and remember the exad time when thefe
were held. Their belts of wampum preferve
the fubftance of the treaties they have con-
cluded with the neigbouring tribes fo- nges
back, to which they will appeal, and^xxfer
with as much perfpicuity and readinefs as
Europeans can to their written records.

Every nation pays great refped to old age.
The advice of a father will feldom meet with
an extraordinary attention from the young
Indians, probably they receive it with only
a bare affent ; but they will tremble before a
grandfather, and fubmit to his injundions
with the utmoft alacrity. The words of the
ancient part of their community are elleemed

by

( 231 )

by the young as oracles. If they take during
their hunting parties any game that is rec-
koned by them uncommonly delicious, it is
immediately prefentcd to the oldeft of their
relations.

"They never fufFer themfelves to be over-
burdened w^ith care, but live in a ftate of per-
fe6l tranquility and contentment. Being na-
turally indolent, if provifion juft fufficiqnt
for their fubfiftence can be procured with
little trouble, and near at hand, they will
not go far, or take any extraordinary pains
for it, though by fo doing they might acquire
greater plenty, and of a more eflimable kind.

Having much leifure time they indulge
this indolence to which they are fo prone,
by eating, drinking, or fleeping, and rambling
about in their towns or camps. But when
necefiity obliges them to take the field, either
to oppofe an enemy, or to procure themfelves
food, they are alert and indefatigable. Many
inftanccs of their activity on thefe occafions
will be given when I treat of their wars.

The infatuating fpirit of gaming is not
confined to Europe; the Indians alfo feel the
bewitching impulfe, and often lofe their
arms, their apparel, and every thing they are

pofTefrtd

I ,'1

vi

^^

f

( 232 )

polTefled of. In this cafe, however, they do
not follow the example of more refined
gamefters, for they neither murmur nor re-
pine 5 not a fretful word efcapes them, but
they bear the frowns of fortune with a phir
lofophic compofure.

The greateft blemifh in their charader is
that favage difpofition which impels them to
treat their enemies with a feverity every
pthpr nation fhydders at. But if they are
thus barbarous to thofe with whom they are
^t war, they are friendly, hofpitable, and hu-
mane to thofe with whom they are at peace.
It may with truth be faid of them, that they
^re the worft enemies, and the beft friends,
of any people in the whole world. ^

The Indians in general are Grangers to the
pnfTions of jealouly ; and brand a man with
folly that is diftruftful of his wife. Among
fome bands the very idea is not known ; as
the moll abandoned of their young men very
rarely attempt the virtue of married women?
nor do thefe olten put themfelves in the way
of folicitation. Yet the Indian women in ge-
neral are of an amorous temperature, and be-
fore they are married are not the lefs efteem-
pd for the indulgence of their paflions. .

Whim

viiUlJV.

/

( 233 )
Whilft I was among the Naudowcffies I
obferved that they paid uncommon refped
to one of their women, and fonnd on en-
quiry that {he was intitled to it on account
of a tranfadion, that in Europe would have
rendered her infamous.

They told me that when fhe was a young
woman, for at the time I faw her file was
far g.dvanced in life, fhe had given what
they had termed a rice feafl. According to
an aijcient butalmofl obfolete cufiom (which;
as Hamlet fays, would have been honoured
in the breach, than the obfervance) fhe in-
vited forty of the principal warriors to her
tent, where having feafled them with rice
and venifon, fhe by turns regaled each of
them with a private deffert, behind a fcrene
fixed for this purpofe in the inner part of the
tent.

She had the happinefs to obtain by this
profufion of courtefy, the favour of her guelb,
and the approbation of the whole band. So
fenfible were the young Indians of her ex-
traordinary merit, that they vied with each
other for her hand, and in a very fhort time
one of the principal chiefs took her to wife,
pyer whom fhe acquired great fway, and from

whom

(9 t

i:!

,

m

I !

lb

( 234 )

whom fhe received ever after inceiTant to-
kens of r^fped and love.

It is however fcarccly once in an age that
any of their females are hardy enough to
make this feaft, notwithftanding a hiifband
of the firfl rank awaits as a fure reward the
fuccefsful giver of it ; and the cuftom, I lince
find, is peculiar to the Naudoweffies.

The Indians in their common ftate are
Grangers to all diftindion of property, except
in the articles of domeftick ufe, which every

• one confiders as his own, and increafes as
circumftances admit. They are extremely
liberal to each other, and fupply the defici-
ency of their friends with any fuperfluity of
their own*

In dar :;ers they readily give afliftance to

• thofe of their band who ftand in need of it,
without any expedation of return, except of
thofe jul> rewards that are always conferred
by the Indians on merit. Governed by the
plain and equitable laws of nature, every one
is rewarded folely according to his deferts ;
and their equality of condition, manners, and
privileges, with that conftant and fociable
familiarity which prevails throughout every
Indian nation, animates" them with a pure

' and

/ •

'11

l!: 11 1 tip'

( 235 )
and truly patriotic fpirit, that tends to the
general good of the fociety to which they
belong.

If any of their neighbours are bereaved by
death or by an enemy of their children, thofe
who are poffelTed of the greateft number of
flaves, fupply the deficiency ; and thefe are
adopted by them and treated in every refpedt
as if they really were the children of the per-
fon to whom they are prefented.

The Indians, except thofe who live adjoin-
ing to the European colonies, can form to
themfelves no idea of the value of money;
they confider it when they are made ac-
quainted with the ufes to which it is applied
•by other nations, as the fource of innume-
rable evils. To it they attribute all themif-
chiefs that are prevalent among Europeans,
fuch as treachery, plundering, devaftations,
and murder.

They efteem it irrational that one man
fhould be poffefTed of a greater quantity than
another, and are amazed that any honour
Ihould be annexed to the poiTeffion of it. But
that the want of this ufelefs metal fhould be
the caufe of depriving perfons of their li-
berty, and that or account of this partial

diftribution

i f

■ \ '

Hi:

( 236 )

diftribution of of it, great numbers fliould be
immured within the dreary walls of a prifon,
cut off from that fociety of which they con-
ftitute a p;irt, exceeds their belief. Nor do
they fail, on hearing this part of the Euro-
pean fyftem of government related, to charge
the inftitutors of it with a total want of hu-
manity, and to brand them with the names
of favages and brutes.

They (hew almoQ an equal degree of indif-
ference for the produdions of art. When
any of thefe are (hewn to them, they fay,
'' It is pretty, I like to look at it," but are not
inquilitive about the conftrudion of it, nei-
ther can they form proper conceptions of its
life. But if you tell them of a perfon who
is able to run with great agility, that is well
ikilled in hunting, can dired with unerring
aim a gun, or bend with eafe a bow, that can
dexteroully w^ork a canoe, underftands the
art of war, is acquainted with the fituation of
a country, and can make his way without a
guide, through an immenfe foreft, fubfifting
during this on a fmall quantity of provifions,
they are in x-aptures ; they liften with great
attention to the pleafing tale, and beftow the
higheft commendations on the hero of it.

CHAP.

237

CHAP. IV.

Their Meihod of reckoning Tim e, ^c.

CONSIDERING their ignorance of
aftronomy, time is very rationally di-
vided by the Indians. Thofe in the interior
parts (and of thofe I would generally be iin-
derftood to fpeak) count their years by win-
ters; or, as they exprefs themfelvcs, by
fnows.

Some nations among them reckon their
years by moons, and make them confift of
twelve fy nodical or lunar months, obferving
\/^hen thirty moons have waned, to add a
fupernumerary one, which they term the loft
moon J and then begin to count as before.
They pay a great regard to the firft appear-
ance of every moon, and on the occafion al-
ways repeat fome joyful founds, ftretching
at the fame time their hands towards it.

Every Month has with them a name ex-
preflive of its feafon ; for inltance, they call
the month of March (in which their year
generally begins at the firft New Moon after
the vernal equinox) the Worm Month or

Moon ;

( 238 )
Moon ; bccaufe at this time the worms quit
their retreats in the bark of the trees, wood,
&c. where they have (heltered themfelves
during the winer.

The month of April is termed by them
the Month of Plants. May, the Month of
Flowers. June, the Hot Moon. July, the
Buck Moon. Their reafon for thus deno-
minating thefe is obvious.

Augull, the Sturgeon Moon ; becaufe in
this month they catch great numbers of that
fifh.

September, the Corn Moon ; becaufe in
that month they gather i^ their Indian corn.

Odober, the Travelling Moon; as they
leave at this time their villages, and travel
towards the place where they intend to hunt
during the winter. '

November, the Beaver Moon j for in this
month the beavers begin to take fhelter in
their houfes, having laid up a fufficient ftore
of provifions for the winter feafon.

December, the Hunting Moon, becaufe
they employ this month in purfuit of their
game.

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

February

( 239 )

February they call the Snow Moon, bc-
caufe more fnow commonly falls during this
month, than any other in the winter.

When the moon docs not fliine they fay
the moon is dead j and fome call the three
lafl days of it the naked days. The moon's
firfl appc arance they term its coming to life
again.

They make no divifion of weeks, but days
they count byfleeps; half days by pointing
to the fun at noon ; and quarters by the
rifmg and fetting of the fun : to exprefs
which in their traditions they make ufe of
very fignificant hieroglyph icks.

The Indians are totally unfkilled in geo-
graphy as well as all the other fciences, and
yet as I have before hinted, they diaw on
their birch-bark very exadl charts or maps of
the countries with which they are acquainted.
The latitude and longitude is only wanting
to make them tolerably complete.

Their fole knowledge in aftronomy con-
fifts in being able to point out the pole-ftar ;
by which they regulate their courfc when
they travel in the night.

They reckon the diilance of places, 'not by
miles or leagues, but by a day's journey,

. which.

) !

;i' ^

( ^4C2> )
which, according to the bed calculations t
could make, appears to be about twenty
E;n:rlilli miles. Thefe they alfo divide into
halves and quarters, and will demonftrate
them in their maps with great exadlnefs, by
the hieroglyphicks juft mentioned, when they
regulate in council their war parties, or their
moft diftant hunting excurfions.

They have no idea of arithmetic ; and
though they are able to count to any number,
figures as well as letters appear myfterious to
them, and above their comprehenfion.

During my abode with the Naudoweflies,
fome of the chiefs obferving one day a draft
of an eclipfe of the moon, in a book of af-
tronomy which I held in my hand, they de-
fired I would permit them to look at it. Hap-
pening to give them the book fhut, they
began to count the leaves till they came to
the place in which the plate was. After
they had viewed it, and afl<ed many quef-
tions relative to it, I told them they needed
not to have taken fo much pains to find the
leaf on which it w^as drawn, for I could not
only tell in an inftant the place, without
counting the leaves, but alfo how many pre-
ceded it.

They

( 241 )

They fcemed greatly amazed at my afTer-
tion, and begged that I would demonftrate
to them the poflibility of doing it. To this"
purpofe I defired the chief that held the
book, to open it in any particular place, and
juft (bowing me the page, carefully to con-
ceal the edges of the leaves, fo that I might
not be able to count them.

This he did with the greateft caution;
notwithftanding which, by looking at the
folio, I told him to his great furprize the
number of leaves. He counted them regular-
ly over, and difcovered that I was exa6t.
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 raif-
ed the dead. The only way they could ac-
count for my knowledge, was by concluding
that the book was a fpirit, and whifpered me
anfwers to whatever I demanded of it.

This circumftance, trifling as it might ap-
pear to thofe who are lefs illiterate, contri-
buted to increafe my confequence, and to
augment the favourable opinion they already
entertained of me.

R

CHAP.

ji.'.'"',!

( 242 )

li! ';■'!!!

CHAP. V. .

Of //)^/r Government, ^c.

EVERY feparate body of Indians is di-
vided into bands or tribes 5 which band
or tribe forms a little community within the
nation to which it belongs. As the nation
has fome particular fymbol by which it is
diftinguifhed from others, fo each tribe hac
a badge from which it is denominated : as
that of the Eagle, the Panther, the Tiger, the
Buffalo, &c. &c. One band of the Naudo-
weflie is reprefented by a Snake, another a
Tortoife, a third a Squirrel, a fourth a Wolf,
and a fifth a Buffalo. Throughout every
nation they particularize themfelves in the
fame manner, and the meaneft perfon among
them will remember his lineal defeent, and
diflinguifh himfdf by his refpedive family.

Did not mtiny circumftances tend to con-
fute the fuppofilion, I fhould be almofl in-
duced to conclude from this diftindion of
tribes, and the particular attachment of the
Indians to them, that thev derive their origin
as fome have afTerted, from the Ifraelites.

Befides

( 243 )

Befidcs this, every nation diftinguifhthem-
felves by the manner of conftruding their
tents or huts. And fo well verfed arc all
the Indians in this diftindion, that though
there appears to be no difference on the niceft
obfervation made by an European, yet they
will immediately difcover, from the pofition
of a pole left in the ground, what nation has
encamped on the fpot many months before.
Every band has a chie^ vho is termed the
Great Chief or the Chief Warrior ; and who
is chofen in confideration of his experience
in war and of his approved valour, to diredl
iheir military operations, and to regulate all
concerns belonging to that department. But
this chief is not confidered as the head of the
ftate ; befides the great warrior who is eled-
ed for his warlike qualifications, there is an-
other who enjoys a pre-eminence as his he-
reditary right, and has the more immediate
management of their civil affairs. This chief
might with greater propriety be denominat-
ed the Sachem j whofe afTent is nccefTary in
all conveyances and treaties, to which he af-
fixes 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

R a fenfiblc

( 244 )

fenfible of neither civil or military fubordina-
tion. As every one of them entertains a
high opinion of his confequence, and is ex-
tremely tenacious of his liberty, all injuncti-
ons that carry with them the appearance of
a pofitive command, are inftantly rejeded
with fcorn.

On this account, it is feldom that theii*
leaders are fo indifcreet as to give out any of
their orders in a peremptory ftile ; a bare hint
from a chief that he thinks fuch a thing ne-
ceffary to be done, inftantly aroufes an emu-
lation among the inferior ranks, and it is im-
mediately executed with great alacrity. By
this method the difguftful part of the com-
mand is evaded, and an authority that falls
little fnort of abfolute fway inftituted in its
room.

Among the Indians no vifible form of go-
vernment is eftahlifhed j they allow of no fuch
diftindlion as magiftrate and fubjcdt, every
one appearing to enjoy an independence that
cannot be controlled. The objed of govern-
ment among them is rather foreign than do-
meftick, for their attention feems more tO be
employed in prcferving fuch an union among
the members of their tribe as will enable them
to watcli the motions of their enemies, and

to

^ 245 )
to ad againft them with concert and vigour,
than to maintain interior order by any pub-
lic regulations. If a fcheme that appears to
be of fervice to the community is propofed
by the chief, every one is at liberty to chufe
whether he will airill in carrying it onj for
they have no compulfory laws that lay them
under any reftridion*^ If violence is com-
mitted, or blood is fhed, the right of reveng-
ing thefe mifdemeanonrs are left to the fa-
mily of the injured j the chiefs airume nei-
ther the power of infliding cr moderating
the punifhment.

Some nations where the dignity is heredi-
tary, limit the fuccefiion to the female line.
On the death of a chief, his fifter's fan fome-
tiraes fucceeds him in preference to his own
fon ; and if he happens to have no fifter, the
nearefl female relation affumes the dignity.
This accounts for a woman being at the head
of the Winnebagoe nation, which, before I
was acquainted with their laws, appeared
ftrange to me.

Each family has a right to appoint one of
its chiefs to be an alfiilant to the principal
chief, who watches over the intcreil of his fa-
mily, and without whofe confent nothing of
a public nature can be carried into execution.

Thefe

( 246 )

Thefe are generally cliofen for their ability
in fpeaking ; and fuch only are permitted f.o
make oratipns in their councils and general
alTemblies.

In this body, with the hereditary chief at
its head, the fupreme authority appears to
be, lodged j as by its determination every
tranfadion relative tq their hunting, to their
making war or peace, and to all their public
concerns are regulated. Next to thefe, the
body of warriors, which comprehends all that
are 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, fome chief that has
rendered himfelf famous.

In their councils vv'hich are held by. the
foregoing members, every affair of confe-
quence is debated; and no enterprize of the
leall moment undertaken, unlefs it there
meets the general approbation of the chiefs.
They commonly aflemble in a hut or tent
appropriated to this purpofc, and being feat-
ed in a circle on the ground, the eldeft chief
rifes and makes a fpeech; when he has con-
cluded, another gets up ; and thus they all
fpcak, if neceifary, by turns.

"On

( 247 )

On this occafion their language is nervous,
and their manner of expreffion emphatical.
Their ftile is adorned with images, compari-
fons, and ftrong metaphors, and is equal in
alle2;ories to that of any of the eaftern nati-
ons. In all their fet fpeeches they exprefs
themfelves with much vehemence, but in
common difcourfe, according to our ufual
method of fpeech.

. The young men are fufFered to be prefent
at the councils, though they are not allowed
to make a fpeech till they are regularly ad-
mitted: they however liften with great atten-
tion, and to fhew that they both underftand,
and approve of the refolutions taken by the
afTcmbled chiefs, they frequently exclaim,
" That is right." " That is good.".

The cuftomary mode among all the ranks
of exprefling their alTent, and which they
repeat at the end of almoft every period, is
by uttering a kind of forcible afpiration,
which founds like an union of the letters
OAH.

C H A F

.fl.to V''

( 848 )

' 1

CHAP. VI.

i'i'Z

Of thetr Feasts.

MA N Y of the Indian nations neither
make ufe of bread, fait, or fpices;
and fome of them have never feen or tailed
of either. The Naudoweffies in particular
have no bread, nor any fubftitute for it.
They eat the wild rice which grows in great
quantities in different parts of their territo-
ries ; but they boil it and eat it alone. They
alfo eat the flefh of the beafts they kill, with-
out having recourfc to any farinaceous fub-
ftance to abforb the grofler particles of it.
And even when they con fume the fugar
which they have extracted from the maple
tree, they ufe it not to render fome other
food palatable, but generally eat it by itfelf.
Neither have they any idea of the ufe of
milk, although they might colled great quan-
tities from the buffalo or the elk ; they only
confider it as proper for the nutriment of the
young of thefe beal^s, during their tender
date. I could not perceive that any incon-
veniency attended the total difufe of articles

efleemed

( 249 )
cftccmed fo neceffary and nutritious by other
nations, on the contrary, they are in general
healthy and vigorous.

One difli however, which anfwers nearly
the fame purpofe as bread, is in ufe among
the Ottagaumies, the Saukie«, and the more
eaflern nations, where Indian corn grows,
which is not only much efleemed by them,
but it is leckoned extremely palatable by all
the Europeans who enter their dominions.
This is corapofed of their unripe corn as be-
fore defcribed, and beans in the fame ftate,
boiled together with bears flefh, the fat of
which moittens the pulfe, and renders it be-
yond comparifon delicious. They call this
food Succatofh.

The Indians are far from being canibals as
they are faid to be. All their viduals are ei-
ther roafted or boiled ; and this in the ex-
treme. Their drink is generally the broth
in which it has been boiled.
. Their foodconfiftsof the flefh of the bear,
the buffalo, the elk, the deer, the beaver,
and the racoon ; which they prepare in the
manner juft mentioned. They ufually eat
the flefh of the deer which is naturally dry,
with that of the bear which is fat and juicy;

and

( 250 )

and thoir];li tl ^ latJer is extremely rich and
lufcious, it is never known to cloy.

ii- the fpring oi the year, the Naudoweflies
Cfit the infide bark of a (hrub, that they ga-
ther in foine part of their country; but I
could neither learn the name of it, or difco-
ver from whence they got it. It was of a
brittle nature and eafily mafticated. The
tafte of it was very agreeable, and they faid it
was extremely nourifhing. In flavour it was
not unlike the turnip, and when received in-
to the mouth refembled that root both in its-
pulpous and frangible nature.

The lower ranks of the Indians are exceed-
ingly nafty in drefling their viduals, but
fome of the chiefs are very neat and cleanly
in the'r apparel, tents, and food.

They commonly eat in large parties, fo
that their meals may properly be termed
feafts : and this they do without being re-
flri^3ed to any fixed or regular hours, but juft
as iheir appetites require, and convenience
fuits.

They ufually dance either before or after
every meal: and by this chcerfulnefs, pro-
bably, render the Great Spirit, to whom they'
conlider themfclves as indebted for every'
good, a more acceptable facrifice than a for-*

mat

( 2.^1 ;

itiaT and vinanimated thankfgiving. The
men and women feaft apart : and each fex
invite by tnrns their companions to partake
with them of the food they happen to have,
but in their domcftic wav of livino; the men
nnd women eat together.

No people are more hofpi table, kind, and
free than the Indians. They will readily
fhare with any of their own tribe the laft
part of their provifions, and even with thofe
of a difi^rent nation, if they chance to come
in when they are eating. Though they do
not keep one common flock, yet that com-
munity of goods which is fo prevalent among
them, and their generous difpofition, render
it nearly of the fame effed.

When the chiefs are convened on any pub-
lic bufinefs, they always conclude with afeaft,
at which their feftivity and cheerfulnefs know
|io limits.

CHAP. VII.

Of their Dances.

DANCING is a favourite exercife
among the Indians; they never meet
on any public occafion, but this makes a part

of

■; .

«!■■ '1

li'lll:! J'i

•ll

11

jl

•1

*( 252 )

of the entertainment. And when they arc
not engaged in war or hunting, the youth
of both fcxes amufc themfclves in this man-
ner every evening. ,,

They always dance, as I have juft obfcrv-
ed, at their fealls. In thcfe as well as all
their other dances, every man rifes in his
turn, and moves about with great freedom
and boldncfs; finging, as he does £0, the ex-
ploits of his anceflors. During this the com-
pany, who are feated on the ground in a cir-
cle, around the dancer, join with him in
marking the cadence, by an odd tone, which
they utter all together, and which founds
*' Heh, hch, hch." Thefe notes, if they
might be fo termed, are articulated with a
harfh accent, and ftrained out with the ut-
mofl force of iheir lungs; fo that one would
iinagine their llrength mufl be foon exhaufled
by it y inflcad of \\ hich, they repeat it with
the fame violence during the whole of their
entertainment.

The women particularly thofe of the wefl-
ern nations, dance very gracefully. They
carry themfclves ered, and with their arms
hanging down clofe to their fides, .move firil
a few yards to the right, and then back again
to the left. This movement they perform

without

( 253 )
without taking any ftcps as an European
would do, but with 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 ; and let
thofe who join in the dance be ever fo nu-
merous, they keep time fo exadUy with each
other that no interruption cnfues. During
this, at Itated periods they mingle their flirill
voices with the hoarfer ones of the men who
fit around (for it is to be obferved that the
fexes never intermix in the fame dance)
which, with the mulic of the drums and chi-
chicoues, make an agreeable harmony.

The Indians have feveral kinds of dances
which they ufe on different occafions, as the
Pipe or Calumate Dance, the War Dance,
the Marriage Dance, and the Dance of the
Sacrifice. The movements in every one of
thefe are diffimilar, but it is almoft impoffi-
ble to convey any idea of the points in which
they are unlike.

Different nations likewife vary in their
manner of dancing. The Chipcways throw
themfelves into a greater variety of attitudes
than any other people; fometimes they hold
their h ^acb ered, at others they bend them
almoft to the ground; then recline on one

fide.

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( 25+ )
fide, and immediately after on the other.
The Naudowell-es carry themfclves more up-
right, ftep firmer, and move more gracefully,
Eut they all accompany their dances with the
difagreeable noifc jufl mentioned. ...;.,..
The Pipe Dance is the principal, and the
moft pleafmg to the fpedators of any of them,
being the lead frantic, and the movements of
it the mofl graceful. It is but on particular
occafions that it is ufcdj as when ambafTadors
from an enemy arrive to treat of peace, or
when Grangers of eminence pafs through
. their territories. »^^

The War Dance, which they ufe both be-
fore they fet out on their war parties, and on
their return from them, ftrikes terror into
Grangers. It is performed, as the others, a-
midft a circle of the warriors ; a chief gene-
rally begins it^ who moves from the right to
the left, fm^iino; at the fame time uoth his
own exploits, and thofe of his anceftors.
When he has concluded his account of any
memorable adion, lie gives a violent blow
with his war- club againft a pofl that is fixed
in the ground, near the centre of the afTem-
bly for this purpofe.

Every one dances in his turn, and recapi-
tulates the wondrous deeds of his familv, till
^' they

.■t-255 )
they all at laft join in the dance. Then it
becomes truly alanyiing to any llran^er that
happens to be among ihcm, as they throw
themfelves into every horrible and terrilying
poflure that can be imagined, rehearfmg at
the fame time the parts they exped to aCl a-
gainfl their enemies in the llJd. During
this they hold t'leir fliarp knives in their
hands, u'ith which, as they wlurl about, tliey
are every moment in danger of cutting
each others throats ; and did they not ihuu
the threatened mifchief with inconceivable
dexterity, it could not be avoided. By thefe
motions they intend to reprtfent the manner
in which they kill, fcalp, and take their pri-
foners. To heighten the fcene, they fet up
the fame hideous yells, cries, and war-hoops
they ufe in time of adion: fo that it is im-
polTiblc to confider them in any other light
than as an alTembly of demons.

I have frequently joined in this dance with
them, but it foon ceafed to be an arnufement
to me, as I could not lay afide my apprehen-
(ions of receiving fome dreadful wound, that
from the violence of their geflures muft liave
proved mortal.

I found that the nations to tlie wc fhvard
of the MifTiliippi, and on the borders of Lake

Superior,

III

3 »

> 'i

RSI.

^Hi

m

Jfii ■ 'tlj

f

1, ;

^ 1

!i; J

{ 256 )

Superior, ftill continue to make ufe of the
Pawwaw or Black Dance. The people of
the colonies tell a thoufand ridiculous ftories
of the devil being raifcd in this dance by the
Indians. But they allow that this was in
former times, and is now nearly extind a-
mong thofe who live adjacent to the Euro-
pean fettlements. However I difcovered that
it was itill ufed in the interior parts j and
though I did not adually fee the devil raifed
by it, I was witnefs to fome fcenes that
could only be performed by fuch as dealt
with him, or were very expert and dexterous
jugglers. • '

Whilft I v/as among the Naudoweflies, a
dance, which they thus termed, was per-
formed. Before the dance began, one of the
Indians was admitted into a fociety which
they denominated Wakon-Kitchewah, that
is, the Friendly Society of the Spirit. This
fociety is compofed of perfons of both fexes,
but fuch only can be admitted into it as are
of unexceptionable charader, and who re-
ceive the approbation of the whole body.
To this admilTion fucceeded the Pawwaw
dance (in which I few nothing that could give
rife to the reports I had heard) and the whole,
^.- .... _ according

( 457 )

according to their uTuat cuftom concluded
with a grand feaft.

The initiation being attended with foiftd
very fingular circumftances, which, as I hav6
before obferved, muft be either the tikOi of
magick, or of amazing dexterity, I (hall giv6
a particular account of the whole procedure-
It was performed at the tim^ of the neW
moon, in a place appropriated to the purpofd
near the centre of their camp, that would con*,
tain about two hundred people. Being d
ftrai.ger, and on all occafions treated by them
with great civility, I was invited to feo th^
ceremony, and placed clofe to the raik of the
inclolure. - ^ ^^

About twelve o'clock they began to afTem-
ble; when the fun fhone bright, which they
confidered as a good omen, for they never by
choiceholdany of their public meetings unlefs
the Hey be clear and unclouded A gr^at num-
ber of chiefs firft appeared, who were dreiTed
in their beft apparel j and after them came the
head-warrior, clad in a long robe of rich furs
that trailed to the ground, attended by a reti*
nue of fifteen or twenty perfons, painted and
dreiTed in the gayelt manner. Nett follow-
ed the wives of fuch as had been already ad-

S mitted

m »■'

m ii'4

( 258 )

mitted into the focietyj and in the rear a
confufiid heap of the lower ranks, all contri-
buting as much as lay in their power to
make the appearance grand and fhowy. ^ ■

When the afTembly was reated,and filence
proclaimed, one of the principal chiefs arofe,
and in a fhort but mafterly fpeech in-
formed his audience of the occ:ilion of their
meeting. He acquainted them that one of
their young men wifhed to be admitted into
their fociety -, and taking him by the hand
prefented him to their view, alking them, at
the fame time, whether they had any ob-
jedion to his becoming one of their com-

muniiy. ,. •■ « 'i^ji-j ci.\:, sipji? '> ^nt ^ »,fM->.iv.*vi^*t*t'-
No objedion being made, the young can-
didate was placed in the centre, and four of
the chiefs took their flations clofe to him ;
after exhorting him, by turns, not to faint
under the operation he was about to go
through, but to behave like an Indian and a
man, two of them took hold of his arms,
and caufed him to kneel 5 another placed
himfelf behind him fo as to receive him
w hen he fell, and the laft of the four re-
tired to the diftance of about twelve feet
irom him exadly in front. 4 l^^i^:^^\:ik ^

'■■t^HViiu . :. ■* Diiin; QJ b€i. 'cnii 'M dwi This ^

( 259 )

This difpofition being completed, thecliief^
that ftood before the kneelina: candidate be-
gan to fpeak to him with an audible voice.
He told him that he himfelf was now agitated
by the fame fpirit which he fliould in a few
moments communicate to him ; that it
would flrike him dead, but that he would
inftantly be reftorcd again to life ; to this he
added, that the communication, however ter-
rifying, was a necefTary introduction to the
advantages enjoyed by the community into
which he was on the point of being ad-
mitted. • :-,f V ' ^ -

„ As he fpoke this, he appeared to be great-
ly agitated ; till at laft his emotions became
fo violent, that his countenance was diftort-
ed, and his whole frame convulfed. At this
jundure he threw fomething that appeared
both in (hape and colour like ? fmall bean, at
the young man, which feemed to enter his
mouth, and he inftantly fell as motionlefs as
if he had been fhot. The chief that was
placed behind him received him in his arms,
and, by the affiftance of the other two, laid
him on the ground to all appearance bereft
of life.

' Having done this, they immediately be-
gan to rub his limbs, and to flrike him on the
; • S 2 back,

^■■}

">' i mi * f-'f T''

'' Rfel

i

■Is

1

1 ' Itl^l
1' l^^l

III

II

1

1

1

II

r"l {I ' WD

( 260 )

back, giving him fuch blows, as feemed more
calculated to ftill the quick, than to raife the
dead. During thefe extraordinary applica-
tions, the fpeaker continued his harangue,
defiring the fpedators not to be furprized, or
to defpair of the young man's recovery, as
his prefent inanimate fituation proceeded
only from the forcible operation of the fpirit,
on faculties that had hitherto beenunufed to
infpirations of this kind. •"" '"*'"' '^'^^

. • The candidate lay feveral minutes without
fenfe or motion •, but at length, after rece'v-
ing many violent blows, he began to difco-
ver fymptoms of returning life. Thefe, how-
ever, were attended with ftrong convulfions,
and an apparent Gbftru<flion in his throat,
but they were foon at an end ; for having
difcharged from his mouth the bean, or what-
ever it was that the chief had thrown at
him, k ; which on tho clofeft infpedion I
had not perceived to enter it, he foon after
appeared to be toleriibly recovered. :> a ij ^ant:.
This part of the ceremony being happily
cfFeded, the officiating chiefs difrobed him
of the cloaths he had ufually wornt, and put
on him a fet of apparel entirely new. When
he was dreffed, the fpeaker oncie more took
him by the hand, and pr^fcntQd Vxm to the

^fiitoiq

fociety

( 26l )

fociety as a regular and thoroughly initiated
member, exhorting them, at the fame time,
to give him fuch necefTary alTiftance, as be-
ing a young member, he might ftand in need
of. He then alfo charged the newly eleded
brother to receive with humility, and to fol-
low with pundluality the advice of his elder
brethren. /h,. ' n ;^;

All thofe who had been admitted within
the rails, now formed a circle aroi^nd this
new brother, and the mufic flrikinr up, the
great chief fung a fong, celebrating as ufual
their martial exploits.

The only mufic they make ufe of is a
drum, which is compofed of a piece of a hol-
low tree curioufly wrought, and over one
end of which is ftrained a fkin, this they
beat with a (ingle flick, and it gives a found
that is far from harmonious, but itjuftferves
to beat time with. To this they fometimes
add the chichicoe, and in their war dances
they likew^ife ufe a kind of fife, formed of a
reed, which makes a fhrill harfh noife.
, The whole affembly were by this time
united, and the dance began 5 feveral fingers
alTifted the mufic with their voices, and the
women joining in the chorus at certain in-
tervals, they produced togetlier a not un-
'<" ' pleafing

fill'''; ■

'.■t;^.

•1%

i\

;i . '■ ■:

( 262 )

plcafing but favage harmony. This was one
of the molt agreeable entertainments 1 faw
whilft I was among them. , ; p

I could not help laughing at a fingular
childifh cuftom I obferved they introduced in-
to this dance, and which was the only one
that had the 1 afl appearance of conjuration.
Moft of the members carried in their hands
an otter or martin's flcin, which being taken
whole from the body, and filled with wind,
on being comprefTed, made a fqueaking noifc
through a fmall piece of wood organically
formed and fixed in its mouth. When this
inftrument was prefented to the face of any
of the company, and the Ibund emitted, the

rfon receiving it inftantly fell down to ap^
pearance dead. Sometimes two or three, both
men and women, wxre on the ground toge-
ther ; but immediately recovering, they rofe
up and joined again in the dance, Thig
feemed to afford, even the chiefs themfelves,
infinite diverfion, I afterwards learned that
thefe were thoir Dii Penates or Houfholcj
Gods. , - , ,, . . . •.--v.f) ^'- -

After fome hours fpent in this manner the
feafl began i the difhes being brought near
me, I perceived that they confifted of dog's
fliefhj and 1 was informed that at all their

public

ff '■»>

*»-*!. V W

,1 .T(.! r---' - •>* ^.-

■}'J.

( 263 )

public grand feafts they never made life of
any other kind of food. For this pnrpofe,
at the feafl I am nowTpcaking of, the new
candidate provides fat dogs, if they can be
procured at any price.

'^ In thiscuftom of eating dog's flefh on par-
ticular occafions, they refemble the inhabi-
tants of fome of the countries that lie on
the north-eafl borders of Afia. The au-
thor of thp account of Kamfchatka, piiblifh-
ed by order of the Emprefs of RufTia (before
referred to) informs us, that the people inha-
biting Koreka, a country north of Kamf-
chatka, who wander about in hords like the
Arabs, when they pay their worfhip to fhc
evil beings, kill a rein-deer or a dog, the
flefh of which they eat, and leave the head
and tongue flicking on a pole with the front
towards the eaft. Alfo that when they are
afraid of any infedious diftemper, they kill
a dog, and winding the guts about two poles,
pafs between them. Thefe cuftoms, in which
they are nearly imitated by the Indians, feem
to add ftrength to my fuppofition, that Ame-
rica was firft peopled from this quarter.
-*' 1 know not under what clafs of dances to
rank that performed by the Indians who came
to my tent when I landed near Lake Pepin,

' rftf""""'*-!

on

•'■*?' It?

Ml .('■- K,H;

'^ 'dl IIS:

f: ■

( 264 )

on the banks of the MifTiffippi, as related in
my Journals. When i looked out, as I there
mentioned, I faw about twenty naked young
Indians, the moft perfect in their fliape, and
by far the handfomeft of any I had ever feen,
comijig towards me, and dancing as they ap-
proached, to the mufic of their drums. At
every ten or twelve yards they halted, and
fet up their yells and cries. .,,t.v^ i,.... .

./»i When they reached my tent, I aflced them
to come in; which without deigning to make
me any anfwer, they did. As I obferved that
they were painted red and black, as they
aifually are when they go againft an enemy,
and perceived that fome parts of the war-
dance were intermixed with their other move-*
ments, I doubted not but they w^ere fet on
}3y the inimical chief who had refufed my fa-
lutation : I therefore determined to fell my
life as dpar as pofllble. To this purpofe, I re-
ceived them fitting on my cheft, with my gun
and piftols befide me, and ordered my men
te keep a watchful eye on them, and to be
alfo upon their guard.

- The Indians being entered, they continu-
ed their dance alternately, finging at the
fame time of their heroic exploits, and the
filperiority of their ^-ace over eyery other peo-
ple*

( 2^5 )
pie. To enforce their language, thougli it
was uncommonly nervous and exprcfTive,
and fuch as would of itfelf have carried ter-
ror to the firmeft heart, at the end of every
period they ftruck their war-clubs againft the
poles of my tent, with fuch violence, that 1
expe(f^ed every moment it would have tum-
bled upon us.' As each of them, in dancing
round, paiTed by me, they placed their right
hands over their eyes, and coming clofe to me,
looked me fteadily in the face, wi»'ch I could
not conftrue into a token of friendfhip. My
men gave themfelves up for loft, and 1 ac-
knowledge for my own part, that I never
found my apprehcnfions more tumultuous
on any occafion. ^'^ ir>rair -u •• v r^iva-
'• When they had nearly ended their dance,
I prefented to them the pipe of peace, but
they woi^ld not receive it. I then, as my
laft refource, thought 1 would try what pre-
fents would do ; accordingly i took from my
cheft fome ribands and trinkets, which I laid
before them. Thefe feemed to ftagger their
rcfoiutions, and to avert in fome degree
their anger j for after holding a confultation
together.they fat down on the ground, which
I considered as a favourable omen.

Hi J

n.'

t >* 1

, ,\t'.-f: Thus

■ll.-i

1

<l

m

f

ft

m

if

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( 266 )

Thus it proved, as in' a fhort time they
received the pipe of peace, and lighting it,
firii prelented it to me, and then fmoakevl
with ]! themfelves. Soon after they took up
the prefents, which had hitherto lain ne-
gleded, and appearing to be greatly pleafed
with them, departed in a friendly manner.
And never did I receive greater pleafure than
at getting rid of fuch formidable guefts.
-.1 It was not ever in my power to gain a tho-
rough knowledge of the deiigns of my vifiters.
I had fufficlent reafon to conclude that they
were hoftile, and that their vilit, at folate an
hour, was made through the iniiigation of
the Grand Sautor ; but I was afterwards in-
formed that it might be intended as a com-
pliment which they ufually pay to the chiefs
of every other nation who happen to fall in
with them, and that the circumflances in
their condud v/hich had appeared fo fufpi-
dous to me, were merely the effeds of their
vanity, and dcfigned to imprefs on the minds
of thofe whom they thus vifited an elevated
opinion of their valour and prowefs. In the
morning before I continued m.y route, feve-
ral of their wives brought me a prefent of
fome fug-^.r, for whom I found a few more
ribands.' ...-- ,...^^..^ . ;- .^^. .---^

^=' . The

f 267 )

The Dance of the facrifice is not fo deno-
minated from their offering up at the fame
time a facrifice to any good or evil fpirit, but
is a dance to which the Naudowelfies give
that title from being ufed when any public
fortunate clrcumftance befalls them. Whilljt
I redded among them, a fine large deer acci-
dentally ftrayed into the middle of their en-
campment, which they fopn deitroyrd. As
this happened jufl at the new moon, theyef-
teemed it a lucky omen ; and havmg roafled
it whole, every one in the camp partook of
it. After their feaft, they all joined in a
dance, which they termed from its being
fomewhat of a religious nature, a Dance of
the facrifice. ,. i > v' -, 1 i : .■ • •

/ Mi^jf

•Cf

>i:>>nf CHAP. VIII. >ai ,!t»?f

m

;tqif/i o'

VIII.

•*io-) ^vnfM

«orl tlo ^f ^^^^ Hunting. ?.oo^

•fi-v

HUNTING is the principal occupation
of the Indians 3 they are trained to it
from their earliefl youth, and it is an exer-
cife which is efleemed no lefs honourable
than necefTary towards their fubliflence. A
dextrous and refolutc hunter is held nearly

i«i

f ( 268 )

in as great eftimation by them as a diftin-
gui(hed warrior. Scarcely any device which
the ingenuity of man has difcovcred for en-
fnaring or dcftroying thofc animals that fup-
ply them with food, or whofe fkins are valu-
able to Europeans, is unknown to them.

Whilft they are engaged in this exercife,
they fhake off the indolence peculiar to their
nature, and become adive, perfevering, and
indefatigable. They are equally fagacious
in finding their prey, and in the means they
ufe to deftroy it. They difcern the footfteps
of the beafts they are in purfuit of, although
they are imperceptible to every other eye, and
can follow them with certainty through the
pathlefs foreft.

The beafls that the Indians hunt, both for
their flefli on which they fubfift, and for their
fkins, of which they either make their appa-
rel, or barter with the Europeans for necef-
faries, are the buffalo, the elk, the deer, the
raoofe, the caraboe, the bear, the beaver,
the otter, the martin, &c. I fhall defer giv-
ing a defcription of thefe creatures, and fhall
only at prefent treat of their manner of hunt.^
ing them.

The route they fhall take for this purpofe,
and the parties that fliall go on the different
^^' ' expeditions

( 2^9 )

expeditions are fixed in their general councils
jpirhich are held fome time in the fummer,
when all the operations for the endiing win-
ter are concluded on. The chief-warrior,
whofe province it is to regulate their proceed-
ings on this occ^lion, with great folemnity
iffues out an invitation to thofe who chufe
to attend him ; for the Indians, as before ob-
ferved, acknov^rkdge no fuperiority, nor have
they any idea of compullion; and every one
that accepts it prepares himfelf by fafting
during feveral days. s

The Indians do not fail as fome other na-
tions do, on the richeft and moft luxurious
food, but they totally abftain from every kind
either of viduals or drink ; and fuch is their
patience and refolution, that the moft ex-
treme tbirft could not oblige them to tafte a
drop of water; yet amidlt this fevere abfti-
nence they appear cheerful and happyi * <
:yr The reafon they give for thus fafting, are,
that it enables them freely to dream, in which
dreams they are informed where they fhall
find the greateft plenty of game; and alfo
that it averts the difpleafure of the evil fpi-
rits, and induces them to be propitious.
-They alfo on thefe occafions blacken thofe
parts of their bodies that are uncovered.

eitOfjiboqx^ ^^^

'f.

\i

" ?■

I

C 270 )

'The faft being ended, and the place of
hunting made known, the chief who is to
condud them, gives a grand fcaft to thofc
who are to form the different parties; of
which none of them dare to partake till they
have bathed themfelves. At this feaft, not-
withftanding they have fafted fo long, they
eat with great moderation -, and the chief
that prefides employs himfelf in rehearfing
the feats of thofe who have been moft fuc-
cefsful in the bufinefs they are about to en-
ter upon. They foon after fet out on the
march towards the place appointed, painted
or rather bedaubed with black, amidfl the?
acclamations of all the people. l

It is impoflible to dcfcribe their agility or
perfeverance, whilft they are in purfuit of
their prey; neither thickets, ditches, torrents,
poo's, or rivers ftop ihem ; they always go
ftrait forward in the moft dired line they
pofTibly can, and there are few of the favage
inhabitants of the woods that they cannot
overtake.^ ^'

When they hunt for bears, they endea-
vour to find out their retreats; for, during
the winter, thefe animals conceal themfelves
in the hollow trunks of trees, or make them-
felves holes in the ground, where they con-;

veijr

tmue

( 271 )
tinue without food, whilft the feverc weather
lafts. fijiji.i

When the Indians think they have arrived
at a place where thefe creatures ufually
haunt, they form themfelves into a circle ac^ '
cording to their number, and moving on-.i
ward, endeavour, as they advance towards
the centre, to difcover the retreats of their
prey. By this means, if any lie in the inter-
mediate fpace, they are fure of roufingthcm,' *
and bringing them down either with their,
bows or their guns. The bears will take to
flight at fight of a man or a dog, and will
only make refiftance when they are extremely
hungry, or after they arew^oundcd.

%.i\:tH :iti'

The Indian method of hunting the buffalo
is by forming a circle or a fquare, nearly in
the fame manner as when they fearch for
the bear. Having taken their different Na-
tions, they fet the grafs, which at this time is
rank and drv, on fire, and thefe animals, who
are extremely fearful of that element, flying
with precipitation before it, great numbers
are hemmed in afmall compafs, and fcarcely
a fingle one efcapes.

They have different ways of hunting the
elk, the deer, and the caraboe. Sometimes
they ieek them out in the woods, to w^hich

they

yS

,1 i

i

4

;■" '

( 272 )

they retire during the fcverity of the cold,
where they are eafily fhot from behind the
trees. In the more northern chmates they
take the advantage of the weather to deftroy
the elk J when the fun has juft ftrength
enough to melt the fnow, and the froft in the
night forms a kind of cruft on the furface,
this creature being heavy, breaks it with his
forked hoofs, and with difficulty extricates
himfelf from it ; at this time therefore he is
foon overtaken and deftroyed.

Some nations have a method of hunting
thefe animals, which is more eafily executed,
and free from danger. The hunting party^
divide themfelves into two bands, and choof-
ing a fpot near the borders of foine river, one
party embarks on board their canoes, whilft
the other forming themfelves into a femi-cir-
cle on the land, the flanks of which reach
the fhore, let loofe their dogs, and by this
means roufe all the game that lies within
thefe bounds •, they then drive them towards
the river, into which they no fooner enter,
than the greateft part of them are immediate-
ly difpatched by thofe who remain in the
canoes.

Both the elk and the buffalo are very fu-
rious when they are. wounded, and will re-
' ^ * turn

( 273 ) ;

turn fiercely on their purfuers, and trample
them under their feet, if the hunter finds not
means to complete their deftrudion, or feeks
for fecurity in flight to fome adjacent tree;
by this method they are frequently a /oided,
and fo tired with the purfuit, that they volun- '
tarily give it over.

MBut the hunting in which the Indians, par-
ticularly thofe who inhabit the northern parts,
chiefly employ themfelves, and from which
they reap the greateft advantage, is the bea-
ver hunting. The feafon for this is through-
out the whole of the winter, from November
to April ; during which time the fur of thefe
creatures is in the greateft perfedion. A de-
fcription of this extraordinary animal, the
conflrudtion of their huts, and the regulati-
ons of their almoft rational community, I
fhall give in another place.

.'The hunters make ufe of feveral methods
to deftroy them. Thofe generally pradifed,
are either that of taking them in fnares, cut-
ting through the ice, or opening their caufe-
ways.

*, Asthe eyes of thefe animals are very quick,

and their hearing exceedingly acute, great

precaution is necefTary in approaching their

abodes j for as they feldom go far from the

^ T water,

S !l

4

*■'■'

f. '■:0

M

C »74 )
water, and their houfes are always built clofc
to the fide of feme large river or liake, or
dams of their own conftruding, upon the
Icaft alarm they h^ften to the deepeft part of
the water, and dive immediately to the bot-
tom J as they do this they make a great noife
by beating the water with their tails, an
purpofe to put the wholb fraternity on their
guard. ' ^

,,(They take them witl^fnares in the follow-
ing manner : though the beavers ufuaHy lay
up a fufficient ftore of providons to ierve for
their fubfillence during the winter, they make
from time to time excurfions to the neigh-
bouring woods to procure further fupplies of
food. The hunters having found out their
haunts, place a trap in their way, baited with
fmall pieces of bark, or young (hoots of trees,
which the beaver has no fooner laid hold of,
than a large log ©f wood falls upon him, and
breaks his back j his enemies, who ar« upon
the watch, foon appear, and inflantly dis-
patch the helplefs animal.

At other times, when the ice on the rivers
and lakes is about half a foot thick, they
make an opening through it wit-h their
hatchets, to which the beavera will foon
haften, on being difturbed at their houfes, fbr

afupply

or

i 275 )

a fiipply o£ frefh air. As their breath occa-
lions a confide rable oaotion in the uatep, \}ie
hunter has fufficieut notice of their approach,
and) methodB are ea-fily taken for knocking
them on tbe head the moment they appear
above the furfacc* ^, ,,.,.:^

When the hjoufes of the beavers happen
to be near a rivulet, they are more eaiily
deftroyed : the hunters then cut the- ice, and
Spreading a net under it, break down the
cabins of the beavets, who never fail to
make towards the deepeft part, where they
arc entangled and taken. But they mud nut
be fufFered to remain there long, as they
would foon extricate themfelves with their
teetli, which are well known to be exceHivCi-
ly £barp and ftrong.

The Indians take great care to hinder theif
dogs'ffom touching the bones of the beavers.
The reafons they give for thefe precautions
are, firft, that the bones are fo exceliively
hardj that they fpoil the teeth of the d^gs j
and^ feeondly, that they are apprehenfivc
they ihal!^ fo exafperate the fpirits of the bea-
vers by this permfffion, as to render the next
hunting fca^n unfuccefsful.

The iftins of theie animals the hunters ex-
change with the Europeans for lieceifaries.

A^r

r 2

and

W'

,H:

U.Am

■ I

■ ( 276 )

and as they are more valued by the lattei
than any other kind of furs, they pay the
greateft attention to this fpecies of hunting.

When the Indians deftroy bufFalos, elks,
deer, &c. they generally divide the flefh of
fuch as they have taken, among the tribe to
which they belong. But in hunting the bea-
ver a few families ufually unit0 and divide
the fpoil between them. Indeed, in the
firft inftance, they generally pay fome atten-
tion in the divifion to their own families;
but no jealoufies or murmurings are ever
known to arife on account of any apparent
partiality. 'Hpynr^'r*^'

Among the Naudoweffies, if a perfon
fhoots a deer, buffalo, &c. and it runs to a
confiderable diftance before it drops, where a
perfon belonging to another tribe, being
nearer, firft fticks a knife into it, the game
is confidered as the property of the latter,
notwithftanding it had been mortally wound-
ed by the former. Though this cuftom ap-
pears to be arbitrary and unjufl, yet that peo-
ple cheerfully fubmit to it. This decifion is,
however, very different from that pradifed
by the Indians on the back of the colonies,
where the firft perfon that hits it is entitled to
the beft fhare.

CHAP.

( 277 )

CHAP. IX.

Of their Manner of making War, ^c.

TH E Indians begin to bear arms at the
age of fifteen, and lay them afide
when they arrive at the age of fixty. Some
nations to the fouthward, I have been in-
formed, do not continue their military exer-
cifes after they are fifty.
""^ In every band or nation there is a feled
number who are ftiled the Warriors, and
who are always ready to ad either ofFenfively
or defenfively, as occafion requires. Thefe
are well armed, bearing the weapons com-
monly in ufe among them, which vary ac-
cording to the fituation of their countries.
Such as have an intercourfe with the Euro-
peans make ufe of tomahawks, knives, and
fire-arms 5 but thofe whofe dwellings are
fituated to the wcflward of the MifTiflippi,
and who have not an opportunity of pur-
chafing thefe kinds of weapons, ufe bows
and arrows, and alfo the CafK Tete or war.
club.

I 0

The

Mm

viiV.!^ tbd ^fi'

H , . <■■■ w

U '^ nu

1 'Jm

1 ill

( 27-8 )

The Indians that inhabit ftill farther to the

wcftward, a country whidi extends to the

South Sea, life in fight a warlike inftrument

that is very lancommon. Having great plenty

of horfes, they always attack their enemies

on horfebackj and encumber themfelves with

no other weapon, than a Hone of a middling

fize, curioufly wrought, which they faften

by a itring, about a yard and half long, to

their right arms, a little above the elbow.

Thefe flones they conveniently carry in tbeir

hands till they reach their enemies, and then

fwinging them with great dexterity, as they

ride full fpeed, never fail of doing execution.

The country which thefe tribes poiTefs, a^

bounding with large extenfive plains, thofe

who attack them feldom return j as the fwift-

nefs of the horfes on which they are mounts

cd, enables them to overtake even the fleet-r

eft of their invaders.

The Naudoweflies, who had been at war
with this people, informed me, that unlcfs
they found morafles or thickets to which they
could retire, they were fure of being cut off:
to prevent this they, always took care when-,
ever they made an onfet, to do it near fuch
retreats as were impafTable for cavalry, they
then having a great advantage oVer their ene-
mies,

( 8-ff

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^ifi'? If

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fT rtti-'f

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f'j-i iH>.^<y?

v>i»; ' ■' >

t:»<

l>=v 41.'UV

!U?.

oi

a'j

ft]

( «79 )
mics, whofc weapons would not there reach
throtn. •

Some nations make ufe of a javelin jpoinfted
with bofte worked i-nto different forms ; hut
their Indian weajpons in general ai^ bows and
arrows, and the (hort club already mention-
ed. The latter is made of a very »hard wood^
and the head of it fafliioned round like a bai'l,
about three inches and a half diameter:; in
this ^cfiund part is fixed an edge re-fembling
that of a tomahawk, cither of 4loel or fiiiit^
whichever they can procure ; fimilar to that
r^refented in Plate No. IV.

'^he dagger placed near it in the fame
plat6^ is peculiar to the Naudowdlie nation,
and of ancient conflrudion, but they can give
no atcofUiit how long it has been in ufe a-
mong them. It was originally made of flint
or bone, but fiuce they have had coimnttrti-
cation with the European traders, they hav^
formed it of fled. The length of it is about
ten inches, and that part clofe to the handle
fi?6ariy thr^e iiKjhes broad. Its edges are keen,
and it gradually tapers towards a poiiit: They
wear it in a (heath made of deer's leatherv
tieatly otnamentcd with porcupines quills 5
«ind it is ufually hvng by a firing, decorated
ki the fame manner) which reaches as low

only

B'Fl

1

I

( 28o )

only as the breaft. This curious weapon is
Ivorn by a few of the principal chiefs alone,
and confidered both as a ufeful inflrument,
and an ornamental badge of fuperiority.

I obferved among the Naudowellies a few
targets or fhields made of raw buffalo hides,
and in the form of thofe ufed by the ancients.
But as the number of thefe was fmall, and
'I could gain no intelligence of the aera in
which they firft were introduced among them,
I fuppofe thofe I favv had defcended from fa-
ther to fon for many generations.

The reafons the Indians give for making
war againft one another, are much the fame
as thofe urged by more civilized nations for
' difturbing the tranquillity of their neighbours.
The pleas of the former are however in gene-
ral more rational and juft, than fuch as are
brought by Europeans in vindication of theif
proceedings.

The extcnfion of empire is feldom a mor
tiv^ with thefe people to invade, and to comr
mit depredations on the territories of thofe
who happen to dwell near them. To feciire
the rights of hunting within particular li*-
mits, to maintain the'liberty of pafling through
their accuflomed tracks, and to guard thofe
lands which they contider from a long tenilre

C aSi )

as their own, againft any infringement, arc
the general caufes of thofe diflfenfions that f«
often break out between the Indian nations,
and which are carried on with fo much ani-
niofity. Though ftrangers to the idea of fepa-
rate property, yet the moft uncuhivated a-
mong them are well acquainted with the
rights of their community to the domains they
poflefs, and oppofe with vigour every en*
croachment on them.

- Notwithftanding it is generally fuppofed
that from their territories being fo extenfive,
the boundaries of them cannot be afcertained,
yet I am well affured that the limits of each
nation in the interior parts are laid down in
their rude plans with great precifion. By
theirs, as I have before obferved, was I ena-
bled to regulate my own j and after the moft
exadl obfervations and enquiries found very
few inftances in which they erred.
, But intercft is not either the moft frequent
or moft powerful incentive to their making
war on each other. The paflion of revenge,
which is the diftinguiijiing charaderiftic of
tliefe people, is the moft general motive. In-
juries are felt by them with exquifite fenfibi-
lity, and vengeance purfued with unremitted
firdpun To this may be added, that natural

excitation

i I

f

m

f 282 )

excitation wbich every Indian becomes fenfi-
re of as foon as he approaches the age of
manhood, to give proofs of his valour and
prowefs.

As they are early pofTefTed with a notion
that war ought to be the chief bufinefs of
their lives, that there is nothing more defi*
rous than the Testation of bein[g a great
warrior, and that the icalps of their enemies
or a number of prifoners are alone to be ef^
teemed valuable, it is not to be wondered at
that the younger Indians are continually reft*
lefs and uneafy if their ardour is rcprefied,
and they are kept in a ftate of inadivity.
Esther of thefe propenfities, the defire-ef re*
venge, or the gratification of an irapulfe that
by degrees becomes habitual to them» is fuf*

ficient, frequently, to induce them to cotn^'
mit hoftilities on fome of th* iitighboQlilig
nations. auixi n

When the chiefs find any occa^ofa for rtia*
king war, they endeavbut to aroul€ thefe ha-
bitudes, and by that means foon excite their
warriors to take arms. To this purpofe they
make ufe of their martial eloquence nearly in
the following words, which never fails of
proving effectual. " The bones of <mT de-
" ceafcd countrymen lie uncovered, th6y call
--* • " out

•' oQt to US to revenge their wrongs, and wc
*' muft fatisfy their Teqiiell. Their fpirits
*' cry out agairift us, they muft he appcrifed.
** The genii, who are the guardians of our
" honour, infpirc us with arefolution to fcek
•^ the enennics of our murdered brothers. Let
" us go and devour thofe by whom they were
** flain. Sit therefore no lonqer inadive, give
•* way to the impulfe of your natural valour,
** anoint your hair, paint your faces, fiil your
*♦ quivers, caufe the forefts to refound with
" your fongs, confole the fpirits of the dead,
** and tell them they fhall be revenged."

Animated by thefe exhortations the war-
riors fnatch their arms in a tranfport of fury ,^
fing the fong of war, and bum with impati-
ence to imbrue their hands in the blood of
their enemies.

Sometimes private chiefs aflemble fmall par-
tics, and make excurlions ag-iinfl thofe with
whom they are at war, or fuch as have injured
them. A fingle warrior, prompted by re-
venge or a defire to (how his prowefs, will
march unattended for feveral hundred miles,
to furprize and cut off a llraggling party.

Thefe irregular fallies, however, are not al-
ways approved of by the elder chiefs, though
they are often obliged to connive at them ; as

m

If-'j ■■--■■ :y

m

Am

I

I

ll
J

t ll

It

■- ( 284 )

in the inftance before given of the Naudow-
cffie and Chip^way nations.

But when a war is national, and underta-
ken by the community, their deliberations
are formal and (low. The elders aflemble in
council, to which all the head warriors and
young men are admitted, where they deliver
their opinions in folemn fpeeches, weighing
with maturity the nature of the enterprize
they are about to engage in, and balancing
with great fagacity the advantages or incon-
veniencies that will arife from it.

Their priefts are alfo confulted on the fub-
je6l, and even, fometimes, the advice of the
nioft intelligent of their women is aiked.

If the determination be for war, they pre-
pare for it with much ceremony.

The chief warrior of a nation does not on
all occafions head the war party himfelf, he
frequently deputes a warrior of whofe valour
and prudence he has a good opinion. The
perfon thus fixed on being firft bedawbed
with black, obferves a faft of feveral days,
(Juring which he invokes the Great Spirit, or
deprecates the anger of the evil ones, hold-
ing whilft it lafts no converfe with any of his
tribe.

He

■*,-> »»<ftjiJi,'

p

( 2S5 )

He is particularly careful at the fame time
to obferve his dreams, for on theie do they
fuppofe their fuccefs will in a great meafure
depend ; and from the firm perfuailon, every
Indian aduated by his own prefumptuous
thoughts is imprefied with, that he fhall
march forth to certain vidlory, thefe are ge-
nerally favourable to his wifhes.

After he has fafted as long as cuttom pre-
fcribes, he alTembles the warriors, and hold-
ing a belt of wampum in his hand thus ad-
dreiTes them: .

" Brothers ! by the infpiration of the Great
Spirit I now fpeak unto you, and by him
am I prompted to carry into execution the
*' intentions which I am about to difclofe to
" you. The blood of our deceafed brothers
*' is not yet wiped away ; their bodies arc
" not yet co\ ered, 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
againft the nation with whom they are to en-
gage, he thus proceeds : " I have therefore
refolved to march through the war-path
to furprize them. We will eat their fleih
" and drink their blood j we will take fcalps,
and make prifoners ; and fhould we perifh

(C

cc

tc

IC

i(

«(

in

( 286 )

•* m this glorious enterprizvi, we fllall not be
" for ever hid in the duft, for this belt fha-ll
•' be a recompence to him who buries the
" dead." Having faid this, he lays the belt
on the ground, and he who takes it up de^
clares himfelf his lieutenant^ and is eonfider-
ed as the fecond in command ; this, however,
is only done by fbme diftinguiihed warrior
who has a right, by the number of his fcalps,
to the poi^»

Though the Indians thus aflert that they
will eat the flefh and drink the blood of their
enemies, the threat is only to be confidered
as a figurative exprefiion. Notwithftanding
they fometimes devour the hearts of thofe
they flay, and drink their blood, by way of
bravado, or to gratify in a more complete
manner their revenge, yet they are not na-
turally anthropophagi, nor ever feed on the
flefh of men.

The chief is now wafhed from his fable
covering, anointed with bears fat, and paint-
ed, with their red paint, in fuch figures as
will make him appear mofl terrible to his
enemies. He then fings the war-fong, and
enumerates his warlike adhons. Hf,ving done ■
this he fixes his eyes on the fun, and pays his
t>H^ adorations

( 2S7 )

adorations 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
confifts of dogs flefh.

This feaft is held in the hut or tent of the
chief warrior, to which all thofe who intend
to accompany him in his expedition fend their
difhes to be filled j and during the feaft-,
notwithftanding he has fafted fo long, he
fits compofedly with his pipe in his mouth,
and recounts the valorous deeds of his fa-
mily.

As the hopes of having their wounds, fhould
they receive any, properly treated, and ex*-
peditioufly cured, muft be fome additional in*-
ducement to the warriors to expofe them-
felves more freely to danger, the priefts, who
alfo arc their dodlors, prepare fuch medicines-
as will prove efficacious. With great cere-
mony they colled various roots and plants,,
and pretend that they impart to them thc.^
power of healing. .*

• Notwithftanding this fuperftitious method ^
of proceeding, it is very certain that they s
have acquired a knowledge of many plants j

and

■s

•\V'

>

;v<

T*^

fir

'y-JlX

'?'«■'

M $rj

( 288 )

and herbs that are of a medicinal quality, and
which they know how to ufe with great fkill.

From the time the refolution of engaging
in a war is taken, to the departure of the
warriors, the nights are fpent in fcfiivity,
and their days in making the needful pre-
parations.

»,; If it is thought neceflary by the nation go-
ing to war, to folicit the alliance of any
neighbouring tribe, they fix upon one of
their chiefs who fpeaks the language of that
people well, and who is a good orator, and
fend to them by him a belt of wampum, on
which is fpecified the purport of the embaffy
in figures that every nation is well acquaint-
ed with. At the fame time he carries with
him a hatchet painted red.

As foon as he reaches the camp or village
to which, he is deflined, he acquaints the
chief of the tribe with the general tenor of
his commiflion, who immediately affembles
a council, to which the ambafTddor is invited.
There having laid the hatchet on the ground,
he holds the belt in his hand, and enters
more minutely into the occafion of his cm-
bafTy. In his fpeech he invites them to tak^
irp the hatchet, and as foon as he hasfinifh-
cd. fpeaking delivers the belt. ? tQ Jf,{ioju^ §

1{,u If

( 289 ) I

I, y •

If his hearers are inclined to biecbme anxT-
Ifaries to his nation, a chief fteps forward
and takes up the hatchet, and they immedi-
ately efpoufe with fpirit the caufe they have
thus engaged to fupport. But if on this ap-
pircation neither the belt or hatchet are ac-
cepted, the emifTary concludes that the peo-
ple whofe aiTiftance he folicits have already
entered into an alliance with the foes of his
nation, and returns with fpccd to inform his
countrymen of his ill-fuccefs.
" the manner in which the Indians declare
w^ar agairift each other, is by fending a flave
with a hatchet, the handle of which is paint-
ed red, to the nation which they intend to
break with; and themcflenger, notwithftand-
ing the danger to which he is expofed from
the fudden fury of thofe whcm he thus fcts
at defiance, executes his commilTion with
great fidelity.

Sometimes this token of defiance has fuch
an inftantaneous efFed on thofe to whom it
is prefented, that in the firft tranfports of
their fury a fmall party will iffue forth with-
out waiting for the permifiion of the felder
chiefs, and flaying the firft of the oftendirig
natibn they meet, cut open the body and flick
a hatchet of the" fame kind'as that they have
V- U . juft

'Ai

^ >

( 290 )

juft received, into the heart of their flaugh-
tered foe. Among the more remote tribes
this is done with an arrow or fpear, the end
of which is painted red. And the more to cx-
afperate, they difmember the body, to fliow
that they efttem them not as men but as old
women.

The Indians feldom take the field in large
bodies, as fuch numbers would require a
greater degree of induftry to provide for their
fubfittence, during their tedious marches
through dreary forefts, or long voyages over
lakes and rivers, than they would care to
beftow.

Their armies are never encumbered with
baggage or military ftores. Each warrior, be-
fides his weapons, carries with him only a
mat, and whilft at a diftance from the fron-
tiers of the enemy fupports himfelf with the
game he kills or the fifh he catches. .to,rT.

When they pafs through a country where
they have no apprchrafions of meeting with
an enemy, they ufe very little precaution :;
fometimes there are fcarcely a dozen vvarriors
left together, the reft being difperfed in pur-
fuit of their game-, but though they fhould
have roved to a very confiderable diftance
from the war-path, they are fiire to arrive at

the

; ; n '

i-'ir

¥

!*/i*

^-rU

( 291 )

the pTabe of rendezvous by the hour appolnt-

They always pitch their tents long before
fun-fet 5 and being naturally prefumptuons
take very littlecare to guard agiinft a furprize.
They plate great confidence in their Mani-
tous, or houfhold gods, which they always
carry with them; and being perfuaded that
they take upon them the office of centinels,
they deep very fecurely under their pro-
teftion.

Thefe Manltous, as they are called by
fome nations, but which are termed Wakon,
that is, fpirits, by the NaudowcfTies, are no-
thing more than the otter and martins fkins I ;
have already defcribed, for which, however,
they have a ereat venerat-'o'f. . , ./v
' After they have entered the enemies coun- .
try, no people can be more cautious and cir-
cumfped : fires are no longer lighted, no more
fhouting is heard, nor the game any longer •
purfued. They are not even permitted to
fpeak 5 but muft convey whatever they have
to impart to each other by (igns and motions.
■ They now proceed wholly by ftratagem
and'ambufcade. Having^difcovercd their ene-.
mieSj they fend to reconnoitre them j and a
council is immediately held, during which

U 2 they

I ' ,

ii

,S'

,V*'.v

1

( 292 )

they fpeak only in whifpers, to confidcr of
the intelligence imparted by thole who were
fent out. r '-^t /'•

The attack is generally made jufl before
day-break, at which period they fuppofe their
foes to be in the foundell ileep. Through-
out the whole of the preceding, night; they
will lie flat upon their faces, without ilir-
ring ; and make their approaches in the f^me.
poftnre, creeping upon their luads^nd feet
till they are got within bow-fhot 'of thofe*
they have deftined to deftrudion- On a llg-
nal given by the chief warrior, to which the
whole body makes anfwer by the moft hide-
ous yells, they all ftart up, and difcharging
their arrows in the fame inftant, without
giving their adverfaries time to recover from
the confufion into which they are, thrQwn,
pour in upon them with their war-clubs qr
tomahawks. ;* - '^'

The Indians think there is little glory to
be acquired from attacking thei • enemies, o-
penly in the field -, their greateil pride is to
furprize and deftroy. They feldom engage
without a manifeft appearance of advantage.
If they find the enemy on their guar<i, too
ftrongiy entrenched, or fuperior in numbers,
they retire, provided there is an, opportunity

of doing fo. And they efteem it the" great-
eft qualification of a chief warrior, to be
able to manage an attack, fo as to dcftroy as
many of the enemy as poflibk, at the ex-
pence of a few men.

Sometimes they fecure themfelves behind
trees, hillocks, or ftones, and having given
one or two rounds retire before they are dif-
covered. Europeans who are unacquainted
with this method of fighting too often find
to their coft the deftrndive efficacy of it.

General Braddock was one of this unhap-
py number.' Marching in the Year 1755, to
attack Fort Dj Quefne., he was intercepted
by a party of confederate Indians in the inte-
reftof the French, who by this infidious me-
thod of engaging found means to defeat his
army, which confifted of about three thou-
fand brave and well difciplined troops. So
fecurely were the Indians pofted, that the
Englilh fcarcely knew from whence or by
whom they were thus annoyed. During the
w^hole of the engagement the latter had
fcarcely a fight of an enemy 5 and were ob-
liged to retreat without the fatisfadion of be-
ing able to take the leaft degree of revenge
for the havock made among them. The
general paid for his temerity with his life,
IQ ' ' , and

t>^, I

fi

i^rn

( 294 )
and was accompanied in his fall by a great
number of brave fellows j whilft his invifiblq
eneir>ies had only two or three of their num--
ber wounded.

' , , ! i»-f '. rr»- - 1 *»■«* ' "+''?

When the Indians fucceed in their £lent
approaches, and are able to force the camp
which they attack, a fcene of horror, that
exceeds defcription, enfues. Tljp favage
fiercenefs of the conquerors, who well know
what they have to exped fhould they fall
alive into the hands of their aflailants, oc-
cafion the moft extraordinary exertions on
both fides. The figure of the combatant
all befmeared with black and red paint, and
covered with the blood of the flain, their
horrid yells, and ungovernable fury, are not
to be conceived by thofa who have never
croffed the Atlantic. \_ > r .

-'^' I have frequently been a fpedator of them,
and once bore a part in a fimiiar fcenf , But
what added to the horror of it, was, that
I had not the confolatjon of being able to op-
pofe their favage attacks. Every circum-
ftance of the adventure ftiU dwells on my
remembrance, and enables me to defcribq
with greater perfpicuity the bru al fierce-
nefs of the Indians when they have furprized
or overpowered an enemy.

( 295 )

• As a detail of the maffacre 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 fervetogive my .
readers a juft idea of the ferocity of this peo-
ple, I fhall take the liberty to infert it, apo-
logizing ^t the fame time for the length of
the digrelTion, and thofe egotifms which the
relation renders unavoidable.
' General Webb, who commanded the Eng-
lifh army in North America, which was then
encamped at Fort Edward, having intelligence
that the French troops under Monf. Montcalm
were^ making fome movements towards Fort
William Henry, he detached a corps of about
fifteen hundred men, confifting of Englifhs
and Provincials, to ftrengthen the garrifon.
In this party I went as a volunteer among the
latter.

' The apprehenfions of the Englifh general
were not without foundation ^ for the day
dt^er our arrival we faw Lake George (for-
merly Lal^e Sacrament) to which it lies con-
tiguous, covered with an immenfe number of
boats; and in a few hours we found our lines
attacked by the French general, who had juft
landed with eleven thoufand regulars and
Canadians, and two thoufand Indians. Co-
lonel

' ^1

T'.l

lonel Monro, a bfayej pgiqer, commanded in
the fort, and h^d no more than two thoufand
tliree hundred mcnvy^thhim, our detachment

included.

;-:? h n* t-fi] K! <i! ^y.tUry ?»•-** ^^

^^Wijth thefe he n>^(W. ^ gaUant defence, and
palpably would have been able at l^ft to pre-?
feiye the Fort, had h^ been properly fupport-
Qd, ^n,d,pcnnitted 19 coatinue his efforts.. On
every fummons to furrender fent by the French
general, who offered the moft honourable
tjerm§,/' 'y anfwer repeatedly was, That he yet
found hui f in a condition to repel the nioft
vigorous attacks his beliegers were able to
make; and if he th( ught his pre fent force
infufEcient, he could foon be fupplied with a
greater number from the adjacent army. />^*v
But the colonel having acquainted Getic^r
ral Webb with his fituation, and defired he
would fend him fome frclli troops, the gene-
ral difpatcheda raeiTepgcr to, him with a let-
ter, wherein he inforn^ed him that it was not
ii^ his povver to alTift him, and therefore gave
hini orders to furrender up the fort on the
beft terms he could procure. This packet
fell Iht^o the hands of tie French general,
who iinmcdii^tcly fent a flag of truce, defifr-^
•^RS f^ 9-^^^^J'c/l'^? with the goyornor.. -, ^5^-'»
tiw'jj-ib^ia,v7v i ;aa.o^/]'^4>i^.3^^^'^^ 'They

( «97 )
-*'*Fhey accordingly met, attended only by i
fmail guard, in the centre between the lines;
when Monf. Montcahii told the colonel, thaf
he was come in perfon to demand polTeflioa
of the fort, as it belonged to the king his
maficn The colonel replied, that he knew
not how that could be, nor fhould he furren-
der it up whilft it was in his power to defend

It.

lii .'

■:,U »<.i- ■ii'-iVW— .i-i^Xli^i

' < '.

'? The French general rejoined, at the fame
time delivering the packet into the colonel's
hand, " By this authority do I make the re-
*^ quifition.'' The brave governor had no
fooner read the contents of it, and was con-
vinced that fueh were the orders of the com-
mander in chief, and nottobedifobeyed, than'
he hung his head in filence, and reluctantly
entered into a negociation. • ^

In confiderat^on of the gallant defence tlie
garrifon had made, they were to be permit-
ted to march out with all the honours of war^
to he allowed covered waggons to tranfport
their baggage to Fort Edward, and a guard
to proted them from the fury of the favages. ;.

The morning after the capitulation wai
ijgned, as foon as day broke, the whole gar-
rifon, now confifting of about two thoufand
fnen, befides women and children, were drawn

up

'M 1

'tl,

\

1" >
yV'ji:

I 5 1 (i

'-«'!|i
0

i m

T 298 )

up within the lines, and on the point of march-
ing ofF^ when great numbers of the Indians
gathered about, and began to plunder. We
were at firft m hopes that this was their only
view, and fufFered them to proceed without
oppofition. Indeed it was not in our power

, to make any, had we been fo inclined ; for
though we were permitted to carry off our
arms, yet we were not allowed a (ingle round
of ammunition. In thefe hopes however we
were difappointed; for prefently fome of
them began to attack the iick and wounded,
when fuch as were not able to crawl into the
ranks, notwithflanding they endeavoured to
avert the fury of their enemies by their (hrieks
or groans, were foon difpatched. '±nui^p.

Here we were fully in expedation that the
diflurbance would have concluded ; and our
little army began to move; but in afhorttime
we faw the front divifion driven back, and
difcovered that we were entirely encircled by
the favages. We expeded every moment
that the guard, which the French, by the ar-
tides of capitulation, had agreed to allow us,
would have arrived, and put an end to our
apprehenfions ; but none appeared. The In-

• jfiians now began to ftrip every one without
exception, of their arms and cloaths, and thofe
igfuji who

( 299 )
who made the leaft refiftance felt the weight
of their tomahawks. . ''

I happened to be in the rear divifion, but
it was not long before I fhared the fate of my
companions. Three or fonr of the favages
laid hold of me, and whilft fome held their
weapons over my head, the others foon dif-
robcd me of my coat, waiflcoat,- hat, and
buckles, omitting not to take from me what
money I had in my pocket. As this was tran-
faded clofe by the pafTage that led from the
lines on to the plain, near which a French
centinel was polled, I ran to him and claimed
his protection $ but he only called mean Eng-
li(h dog, and thruft me with violence back
again into the midft of the Indians. -^'^ -^
I now endeavoured to join a body of our
troops that were crowded together at fome
diftancci but innumerable were the blows
that were made at me with different weapons
as I paffedr^qn ; luckily however the favages
were fo clofe together, that they could not
Itrike at me without endangering each other.
Notwithftanding which one of them found
means to make a thruft at me with a fpear,
which grazed my fide, and from another I re-
ceived a wound, with the fame kind of wea-
pon, in my ankle. At length I gained the

if 'I ih

■ M

kh:>

I SCO )

fpot where my coiantrymen flood, and forced
myfelf into the midft of them. But before I
got thus far out of the hands of the Iriidians,
the collar and wriftbands of my fhirt were all
that remained of it, and my flelh was fcratched
and torn in many places by their favage
gripes. ^:v'nii-.h\fr ' »F

By this time the war-hoon was given, ktid
the Indians began to murder thofc that were
neareft to them without diftincfiion. It is not
in the power of words to give any tolerable
idea of the horrid fcene that now cnfued ;
jnen, women, and children were difpatched in
the moll wanton and cruel manner, and im-
mediately fcalpcd. Many of thefe favages
drank the blood of their vi6tims, as it flowed
warm from the fatal v^ovtnap'^"^'^^- ^^^ ^^^^^^
-- We now perceived, though toolaf^to dvail
us, that wc were to exped no relief from the
French ; and that, contrary to the agreement
they had fo lately figned to allov^ us a fuffi-
cient force to proted us from thefe infults,
they tacitly permitted them ; for I could plain-
ly perceive the French officers walking about
at fome diftance, difcourfing together with
apparent uTiconcern. For the honour of hu-
man nature i would hope that this flagrant
breach of every facred law, proceeded rather
^ from

j^

• «,0'-''

' (( 5CI ) ■

ixAca the fi^vage difpofitioa of tl><3 Iridians
whieh 1 ^cknov\ ledge it is fomctiaics almoft
im^^olTible to controul, and which might now
unexpctSVedly have arrived to a pitch not cafily
to. be .reii rained, than to any prcpxdi.t.-.tcd de-
fign in the French coBnniaiKicr. An unpre-
judiced ohferver would, however, be apt to
conciuJe, that a body of, ten thoul^jwd Ghrif-
tian. troops, raoft Chriftiap Uoops, had it ii>
their power to prevent the maifacre fr^om be-
corning (6 general. But whatever was tlie
c^ufe froqoi^ which it arofe, the confequences
of it were dreadful, and not to be paralleled ia
modern hip.ory», .»^ -,•;,,.,,,. ,1^ ,,^ ^ ...%.. *.^-;
. J., As thC; circle in which I flood inclofcd by
tjiis time was much thinntKl, ai^d death feenv-
cdto be approaching witl^haftyftrides, it wa&
pfapofedt^- ibi;iaie of the m&^ tcfolwte tp j^ake
Qoe vijgorous etfort, and.enxieavour to force
our way thiough the fa^ages, the only proy
bable ipethprt. of preijbyv^ our li"e». t;h«it;
npw reniaine^. .This^ .however defpcrate,,
w^, re(bLv,ed qn, and. about, twenty of u&
fp^ung, at qncc into the cfiidjft of them. . t m -
In a moment wf yve^rc aH ieparated,;ap4>
what was the fat^ of my companions I could,
not learn till fome months^after, when I found;
that only fix or feven of them cfl'cded their

1!

h 1'

,H1

.n-fno ^vj i

'i}~'.\

( 302 )

dcdgn. Intent only on my own hazardmis
fituation, I endeavoured to make my way
through my favage enemies in the beft man-^ '
ner poflible. And 1 have often been aftonifhed
fince, when I have recolleded with what
compofure I took, as I did, every necefTary
ftep for my prefervation. Some I overturned,
being at that time young and athletic, and
others I pafTed by, dexteroufly avoiding their
weapons ; till at laft two very ftout chiefs, of
the moft favage tribes, as I could diftinguifh
by their drefs, whofe ftrength I Could not
refift, laid hold of me by each arm, arid be-
gan to force me through the crowd. ' ^^H*:.

I now refigned my felf to my fate, not
doubting but that they intended to difpatch
me, and then to fatiate their vengeance with
my blood, as I found they were hurrying me
towards a retired fwamp that lay at fome di-
ftaace. But before we had got many yards,'*'
an Englifh gentleman of fome diftirididn, as I
could difcovcr by his breeches, the only cover-^
ing he had on, which were of fine fcarlet vel-
vet, rulhed clofe by us. One of the Indians in-'
ftantly relinquifhed his hold, and fpringing
on this new objetl, endeavoured to feize
hin^ as his prey ; but the gentleman being

r/ciii t ftrong,

\ i

( 303 )
ftrong, threw him on the ground, and would'
probably have got away, had not he who
held my other arm, quitted me Jto aflift his
brother. I feized the opportunity, and haf-
tened away to join another party of Englifh
troops that were yet unbroken, andftood.in
a body at fome diftance. But before I had,
taken many fteps,,,! haftily caft my eyes to*^
wards the gentleman, and faw the Indian's
tomahawk ga(h into his back, and heard him
utter his laft groan *, this added both to my.
fpeed and defperation. ^.. n ir!

I had left this fhocking fcene but a few
yards, when a fine boy about twelve years
of age, that had hitherto efcaped, came up
to me, and begged that I would let him lay
hold of me, fo that he might ftand fome
chance of getting out of the hands of the
favages. I told him that I would give him
every affiftance in my power, and to this^
purpofe bid him lay hold j but in a few mo-
ments he was torn from my fide, and by his
fhrieks, Ir judge was foon demolifhed. I
could not help forgetting my own cares for
a minute, to lament the fate of fo young a
fufferer j but it was utterly impoflible for me
to take any methods to prevent it. *

:s>-wl ^.. I now

^ 3-

■■i • I

iim

? \-h

.' .4

( 3^4 - )

*• I now got once more into the midff of
friends, bnt we were unable to afford each
other any fiiccour. As thfs was the dlvifion
that had advanced the furthcfifrom the fort,
I thought there might be a poiTibility (thouo^h
but a very bai^e one) of my forcing a way
through the outer ranks of the Indians, and
getting to a neighbouring wood, which' I per-
ceived at fome diftanc*. I was ftill encon-
raged to hope by the almoft miraculous pite-
fervation I had already experienced.

Nor were my hopes vain, or the e'ffortB^I
made ineffectual. SulHc© k to fay that I
reached the wood, but by the time I had pe-
netrated a little way into it, my breath-;
fo cxhaufted that I threw myfelf into a brake^
and lay for fome minutes apparently at th«
laftgafp. At length I recovered the poWer
of refpiration, but my apprieheniions re^
turned with all their former force^ wlien I
law feveral favaiges pa^ by, prtjbably in puFi-
fuit of me, at no: vei*y great diftance. Jn this
fitualioti I khev/ not whether it was better
to proceed, or endeavour to conceal myfelf
where I lay, till night came on •, fearing, how-
ever, that tfeey would ri^turri the iame way,
I thought it' mod prudent to get- farther from
the dreadful fcene of my pafl diftrelTes. Ac-
^i^y§ .- cordingly,

ij

( 305 )
cordingly, linking into another part of the .
wood, I haftencd on as fait as the briars and
the lofs of one of my {hoes would permit me j
and after a flow progrefs of fomc hours,
gained a hill that overlooked the plain which "
I had jult left, from whence I could difccrn
that the bloody ftorm ftili raged with un-
abated fury. V !i.. ' Mn
But not to tire my readers, I fhall only
add, that after piffmg three days without
fubfiftence, and enduring the feverity of the
cold dews for three nights, I at length reach-
ed Fort Edward ; where with proper care my
body foon recovered its wontc. ftrength,and
my mind, as far as the rccolledion of the
late melancholy events would permit, its ufual
compofure. *^*..ih.t

It was computed that fifteen hundred per-
fons were killed or made prifoners by thefc
favages during this fatal day. Many of the
latter were carried oft by thcQi and nevtr re-
turned. A few, through favourable accidents,
found their way back to their native country,
after having experienced a long and fevere
captivity.

The brave Colonel Monro had haflened a-
way, foon after the confulion began, to the
French camp to endeavour to procure the

guard

Jr^

1 tin

^1i

i "' Nil

* ' ' , )

( 3o6 )

guard agreed by the llipulation ; but his ap-
plication proving inefFedual, lie remained
there till General Webb fcnt a party of
troops to demand and proted him back to
Fort Edward. But thefe unhappy occurren-
ces, which would probably have been pre-
vented, had he been left to purfue his own
plans, toi;c.:her with the lofs of fo many
brave fellows, murdered in cold blood, to
whofe valour he had been fo lately a wit-
nefs, made fuch an imprelTion on his mind,
that he dia .^ot long furvive. He died in
about three montlis of a broken heart, and
with truth might it be faid, that he was an
honour to his country. i ih\i. *'*

- I mean not to point out the following cir-
cumilances as the immediate judgment of
heaven, and intended as an atonement for this
daughter, but 1 cannot omit that very few of
thofr. different tribes of Indians that fhared
in it ever lived to return borne. The fmall
pox, by means of their communication with
the Europeans, found its way among them,
and made an equal havock to what they
themfelves had done. The 'methods they
purfued on the tirft attack of that malignant
diforder, to abate the fever attending it, ren-
dered it fatal. Whilfl their blood was in a

i>j:i»jj.li

•^

ftatc

( '307 )
ftate of fermentation, and nature was ft: iving
lb throw out the peccant matter, they check-^ '
ed her operations Dy plunging into the water:
the confequence was, that they died by hun-
dredSi The few that furvived were tranf-
formed by it into iiideous objeds, and bore
with them to the grave deep indented marks
of this mucb-dreaded diicafe.

Monfieur Montcalm fell foon after on the
plains of Ouebec.

That the unprovoked cruelty of this com-
mander was not approved of by the generality
of his coun'.rymen, I have fince been con-*
Vinced of by many proofs. One only how-
ever, which I received from a perfon who was *^:
witnefs to it, fliall I at prefent give. A Ca-
nadian merchant, of fome confidcration, hav-
ing heard of the furrendcr of the Englifli
Fort, celebrated the fortunate event with
great rejoicings and hofpitality, according to
the cuftom of that country; but no fooner
did the news of the mailacre which cnl'"ned
reach his ears, than he put an immediate flop
to the feftivity, and exclaimed in the fevered
terms againft the inhuman pcrmiffion ; de-
claring at the fame time that tbofc who had
connived at it, had thereby drawn down on
that pait of their king's dominions the ven-

X 2 gcancc

( 3o8 )

ixi lid

geance of hei: ven. To this he added, that
he much feared the total lofs of them would
defervedly be the confequence. How truly
this predidion has been verified we all

know.

But to return: though the Indians arc
negligent in guarding againft furprizes, they
are alert and dextrous in furprizing their ene-
mies. To their caution and perfeverance in
ftealing on the party they defign to attack,
they add that admirable talent, or rather in-
flindive qualification, I have already def-
cribed, of tracing out thofe they are in pur-
«fuitof. On the fmootheft grafs, on the hardeft
earth, and even on the very flones, will they
difcover the traces of an enemy, and by the
fhape of the footfteps, and the diftance be-
tween the prints, dillinguilh not only whe-
ther it is a man or a woman who has paffed
that way, but even the ngtion to which they
belong. However incredible this might ap-
pear, yet from the many proofs I received
whilfl among them of their amazing fagacity
in this point, I fee no reafon to difcredit
even thefe extraordinary exertions of it.

When they have overcome an enemy and
vidory is no longer doubtful, the conquerors
firll difpatch all fuch as they think they Ihall
V • -* not

( 3^9 )

not be able to carry off without great trouble,
and then endeavour to take as many pri-
foners as poffiblej after this they return to
fcalp thofe who are either dead, or too much
wounded to be taken with them.

At this hulinels they are exceedingly ex-
pert. They feize the head of the difablcd
or dead enemy, and placing one of their feet
on the neck, twift their left hand in the hair 5
by this means, havjng extended the fkin that
covers the top of the head, they draw out
their fcalping knives, which are always kept
in good brder for this cruel purpofe, and
with a few dextrous Ikokes take off the part
that is termed the fcalp. They are fo expe-
ditious in doing this, that the whole time re-
quired fcarcely exceeds a minute. Thefe
they preferveas monuments of their prowefs,
and at the fame time as pr Ts of the ven-
geance they have inflided on their enemies.
^- If two Indians feize in the fame iaftant
a prifoner, and feem to have an equal claim,
the conteft between them is foon decided i
for to put a fpeedy end to any difpute that
might arife, the peifau that is anprehenlive
he fhall lofe his expeded revv^ard, immediate-
ly has recourfe to his tomahawk or war

iliiti) 7'jii.r • , ; . ,

-club,
and

f

'

i'Wfi

( 310 )
&nd knocks on the head the unhappy caufe
of their contention. • -r^--" rr

Having completed their purpofes, and
made as much havock as poflible, they imme-
diately retire towards their own country, with
the fpoil they have acquired, for fear of being
purfued.

Should this be the cafe, they make ufe of
many flratagems to elude the fearches of
their purfuers. They fometimes fcatter leaves-
fai;id, or duft over the prinvs of their feet ;
fometimes tread in eacn others footfteps;;
and fometimes lift their feet fo high, and
tread fo lightly, as not to make any impref-i
fion on the ground. But if they find all thefe
precautions unavailing, and that they are
near being overtaken, they firft difpatch and
fcalp their prifoners, and then dividing, each
endeavours to regain his native country by
a different route. This prevents all farther
purfuitj for their purfuers now defpairing,
either of gratifying their revenge, or of re-
leafins; thofe of their friends wiio were made
captives, return home.

If the fuceefsful party is fo lucky as to'
make good their retreat unmolefted, they ha-
ften with the greateft expedition to reach a
pountry where they may be pcrfedly fecure-,

an.d

( 311 )
and that their wounded companions may not
retard their flight, they carry them by turns
in litters, or if it is in the winter feafondraw
them on (ledges.

Their litters are made in a rude manner of
the branches of trees. Their fledges condft
of two fmall thin boards about a foot wide
when joined, and near fix feet long. The
fore part is turned up, ai:d the fides are bor-
dere ! with fmall bands. The Indians draw
thefe carriages with great eafebe they ever fo
much loaded, by means of a firing which paf-
fes round the breafl. This collar is called a
Metump, and is in ufe throughout America,
both in the fettlements and the internal parts,
Thofe ufed in the latter are made of leather
and very curioufly wrought.
' The prifoners during their march are
guarded with the greatelt care. During the
day, if the journey is over land, they are al-.
ways held by fome of the vidorious party ;
if by water, they are faftened to the canoe.
In the night-time they are flretched along
the ground quite naked, with their legs,
arms, and neck failened to hooks fixed in
the ground. Bcfides this, cords are tied to
their arms or legs, which are held by an In-

.,_ , ;^,v dian,

mmm

i

%

^J;l,u^.Jt /ija /i,

-f. >,"

.'♦4

• ( 3T2 )

dian, who initantly awakes at the leaft mo*
tion of them. * •

* ' Notwithftanding fuch precautions are
nfually taken by the Indians, it is recorded
in the annals of New England, that one of
the weaker fex, almoft alone, and iinafTifted,
found means to elude the vigilance of a party
of warriors, and not only to make her es-
cape from them, but to revenge the caufe of
her countrymen. . u jUi: j>

' Some years ago, a fmall band of Canadian
Indians, confiftmg 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 extericr towns, and at length
after having killed and fcalped feveral peo-
ple, found means to take prifoner a woman
who had with her afon of about twelve years
of age. Being fatisfied with the execution
they had done, they retreated towards theif
native country, which lay at three hundred
miles diftance, and carried off with thcm^
their two captives. ; . . >>^

The fccond night of their retre^, the
woman^ whofe name if I miilake not w^'
Rowe, formed a refolution worthy of the'
moft intrepid hero. She thought (he (hould

( 313 )

be abie to get from her bands the manacles
by which they were confined, and determin-
ed if (he did fo to make a defperate effort for
the recovery of her freedom. To this pur-
pofe, when fhe concluded that her conque-
rors were in their foundeft fleep, flie ftrove
to flip the cords from her hands. In this Ihc
fucceededj and cautioning her fon, whom
they had fufKred to go unbound, in a whif-
per, againft being furprized at what fhe was
about to do, fhe removed to a diftance with
great warinefs the defenfive weapons of the
Indians, which lay by their fides.
' Having done this, ihe put one of the to-
mahawks into the hands of the boy, bidding
him to follow her example-, and taking ano-
ther herfelf, fell upon the fleeping Indians,
feveral of wliom fhe inftantly difpatched.
But her attempt was nearly fruftrated by the
imbecility of her fon, who wanting both
ftrength and refolution, made a feeble flroke
at one of them which only ferved to awaken
him ; fhe however fprung at the rifing war-
rior, and before he cculd recover his arms,
made him fink under the weight of her to-
mahawk; and this fhe alternately did to all
the refl, except one of the women, who a-
woke m time, and made her efcape.

the

m

■IE- * i''^\

1 It ■"» In--^- H

( 3H )

The heroine then took off the fcalps of her
vanquiflicd enemies, and feizing alfo thofe
they were carrying away with them as proofs
of their fuccefs, ihe returned in triumph to
the town from whence flie had fo lately be n
dragged, to the great aitonifhment of her
neighbours, who could fcarcely credit their
fenfes, or the teflimonics (he bore of her
Amazonian intrepidity. -^

During their march they oblige their pri-
foners to iing their death-fong, which gene-
rally confifts of thefe or fimilar fentences.?
" I am going to die, 1 am about to fuffer j but
'' I will bear the fevereft tortures my ene-
" mies can inflid with becoming fortitude. I
" will die like a brave man, and I (hall then
** go to join the chiefs that have fuffexed on
** the fame account.'* Thef" fongs^^re con-
tinued, with neceffary intervals, until they
reach the village or camp to which they ere

When the Vv'arriors are arrived within
hearing, they fct up different cries, which
communicates to their friends a general hif-
tory of the fuccefs of the expedition. The
number of the death-cries they give, declares
how many of their own party are loft^ the

number.

■ a

■u»

. . • ( 3>5 )

number of war-hoops, the number of pri-
fcners they have taken. '

It is difficult to defcribe thefe cries, but the
beft idea I can convey of them, is that the
former confiils of the found Whoo, Whoo,
Whoop, which is continued in a long iThrill
tone, nearly till the breath is e^inufted, and
then broken off with a fudden elevation oF
the voice. The latter of a loud cry, of much
the fame kind, which is modulated into notes
by the hand being placed before the mouth.
Both of them might be heard to a very con-,
fiderable diftan^e.

Whilft thefe are uttering, the perfons to
whom they are deligned to convey the intel-
ligence, continue motionlefs arid all atten-
tion. When this ceremony is performed, the
whole village iflue out to learn the particu-
lars of the relation they have juft heard in '
general terms, and according as the news^
proves mournfal or the contrary, they an-
fwer by fo many acclamations or cries of la*
mentation. -

Being by this time arrived at the village
or camp, the women and children arm them-'
felves with flicks and bludgeons, and form '
themfelves into two ranks, through which the
prifoners are obliged to pafs. The treatment '

they

(316)

they undergo before they reach the extremity
of the line, is very fevere. Sometimes they
arc fo beaten 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 beings. But their
tormentors take care that none of the blows
they give prove mortal, as they wifli to re-
fer ve the miferable fufFerers for more fevere
inilidlions.

After having undergone this introductory
difcipline, they are bound hand and foot,
whilft the chiefs hold a council in which their
fate is determined. Thofe who are decreed
to be put to death by the ufual torments, are
delivered to the chief of the warriors j fuch
as are to be fpared, are given into the hands
of the chief of the nation : fo that in a fhort
time all the prifoners mjiy be affured of their
fate, as the fentence now pronounced is irre-
vocable. The former they term being con-
figned to the houfe of death, the latter to the
houfe of grace.

"' Such captives as are pretty far advanced
in life, and have acquired great honour by
their warlike deeds, always atone for the
blood they have fpilt by the tortures of fire.
Their fuccefs in v^^ar is readily knovsrn by the

)..

( 3n )
blue marks upon their breafts and arms,
which are as legible to the Indians as letters
are to Europeans.

The manner in wliich thefe hieroglyphicks
are made, is by breaking the fkin with the
teeth of fi(h, or (harpened flints, dipped in
a kind of ink made of the foot of pitch pine.
Like thofe of the ancient Pidls of Britain
thefe are efteemed ornamental-, and at the
fame time they ferve as rcgifters of the herok
adions of the warrior, who thus bears about
him indelible marks of his valour.

The prifoners deftined to death are foon
led to the place of execution, which is gene-
rally in the centre of the camp or village j
where, being ftript, and every part of their
bodies blackened, the ikm of a crow or ra-
ven is fixed on their heads. They are then
bound to a flake, with faggots heaped around
them, and obliged, for the lafl time, lo ling
their death-fong.

The warriors, for it is fuch only who
commonly fuffcr this puniihment, now per-
form in a more prolix manner this fad folem-
nity. They recount with an audible voice
all the brave adions they have performed,
and pride themfelves in the number of ene-
mies they have killed. In this rehearfal they

fpare

< ^(

mm

km

■ (i

( 3'8 )

fpare not even their tormentors, but ftriVc
by every provoking talc they can invent, to
irritate and infult them. Sometimes this has
the defired efFe^fl, and the fufFerers are dif-
patclied fooncr than they otherwife would
have been.

There are many other methods which the
Indians make ufe of to put their prifoners to
death, but thcfe are only occafional; that of
burning is mofl generally ufed.

Whilft I was at the chief town of the Otta-
gaumies, an Illinois Indian was brought in,
who had been made prifoner by one of tht ir
war parties. I had then an opportunity of
feeing the cudomary cruelties infli^^cd by
thefe people on their captivCvS, through the
minuteft part of their procefs. After the
previous fteps ncceffary to his condemnation,
he was carried, early in the morning, to a
httle diftance from the town, where he was

bound to a tree. a •..fiji^ioi lO itomn

This being done, all the boys, wh.a amount-
ed to a great number, as the place was po- '
pulous, were permitted to amufe themfelves
with fhooting their arrows at the unhappy i
vidim. As they were none of them more
than twelve years 'old, and were placed at a
coniiderable diflance, they had not Ib'ength i

to

( 31.9 )
to penetrate to the vit;il parts, To that thti
poor wretch ftood pierced with arrows, and
futFcring the confequcnt agonies, for more
than two days.

During this time ht Tung his warhke ex-
ploits. He recapitulated every ftratagem he
had made ufe of to fur{)iize his enemies-, he
boalled of the quantity of fcalps he poflefTed,
and enumerated the prifoners he had taken.
He then defcribed the different barbarous
methods by which he had put the latter to
death, and feemed even then to receive in-
conceivable pleafure from the recital of the
horrid tale.

But he dwelt more particularly on the cru-
elties he had pradifed on fuch of the kindred
of his prefent tormentors as had fallen into
his hands; endeavouring by thefe aggravat-
ed infuits to induce them to incrcafe his tor-
tures, that he might be able to give greater
proofs of fortitude. Even in the laft ftmg-
gles of life, when he was no longer able to
vent in words the indignant provocation his'
tongue would have uttered, a fmile of ming- ,
led fcorn and triumph fat on his counte-
nance. ''^'''^''

This method of tormenting their enemies

is conlidered by the Indians as produdive of

' • ' " more

n*

'( 320 )

nior^* 'llian one beneficial confequ^nce. It
fatiatcs, in a greater degree, that diabolical
Iviil of revenge, which is the predominant
paffion in the breaft of every individual of
every tribe, and it gives the growing warriors
an early propcniity to that cruelty and thirft
for blood, which is fo neceffary a qualifica-
tion for iuch as would be thoroughly Ikillcd
in their favage art of war,

I have been informed, that an Indian who
was under the hands of his tormentors, had
the audacity to tell thtm, that they were ig- .
ijorant old vv^omen, and did not know how to
put brave pnfoners to death. He acquaint-
ed them that he had heretofore taken fome
of their warriors, and inflead of the trivial
punifhments they inflicted on him, he had
devifed for them the moft excruciating tor-
ments: that having bound them to a ftake,
he had lluck their boHies full of (harp fplin-*»
ters of turpentine ^vood, to which he then
f^^t fire, and dancing around them enjoyed
the agonizing pangs of the Haming vidims.

This bravado, which carried with it a de-
gree of infult that even the accuftomed ear
of an Indian could not liften to unmovedv'^
threw his' tormentors off their guard, and
Shortened the duration of his torments; for-

one

( 321 )

one of the chiefs ran to him, and ripping
one his heart, ftoppv^d with it the moutli
from which had ifTued fuch provoking lan-
guage.

Innumerable are the ftories that may be
told of the courage and refolutlon of the In-
dians, who happen to be made prifoners by
their adverfaries. Many that I have heard
are fo aftonifhinp;, that they feem to exceed
the utmoft limits of credibility j it is, how-
ever, certain that thefe favages are poiTeffed
with many heroic qualities, and bear every
fpecies of misfortune with a degree of forti-
tude which has not been outdone by any of
the ancient heroes of either Greece or Rome.

Notwithftanding thefe ads of feverityex-
ercifed 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 belong-
ing to the Englifli colonies as have happened
to be taken by them. Women of great beau->i
ty have frequently been carried off by them,'*
and during a march of three or four hundred
miles throupfh their retired forcits, have lain
by their fides without receiving any infult,
and their chaftity has remained inviolate.-:
Inflances hav^ happened where female cap- .,

Y tivcs,

li^ I'' '

■■*»:*™ "«-*t:'J 4i

' if-'H\

( 322 )

lives, wh6 have been pregnant at the time
of their being taken, have found the pangs
of child-birth come upon them in the midft
of fohtary woods, and favages their only
companions; yet from thefe, favages as they
were, have they received every affiftance their
fituation would admit of, and been treated
with a degree of delicacy and humanity they
little expeded. aim., :>/i;qj^

This forbearance, it muft be acknowledg-
ed, does not proceed altogether from their
difpofitions, but is only inherent in thofe
who have held fome communication with
the French milfionaries. Without intending
that their natural enemies the Englifh fl^ould
enjoy the benefit of their laboursv thefe fa-
thers have taken great pains to incu'. ueon
the minds of the Indians the general princi-
ples of humanity, which has diffufed itfelf
through their manners, and has proved of
public utility. ■ ^lOornnl ^ '^' |M>f';;

^,;Thoie prifoners; that are configned to the
houfe of grace, and thefe are commonly the
young men, women, and children^ await the
difpofal of the chiefs, who after the execu-
tion of fuch as are condemned to die, hold a
council for this purpofc. jnr // '• ■ ^\

.cuiUii. A herald

( 323 )

^p A herald is fent round the village or catTlp^
to give notice that fuch as have loft any rela-
tion in the late expedition are defired to at-
tend the difttibution which is about to take
place. Thofe women who have loft their
fons or hufbands are generally fatisHed in
the firft place; after thefe, fuch as hive
been deprived of friends of a more remote
degree of confangninity, or who chofe to
adopt fome of the youth.
:jr The divifion being made.« which is done,
as in other cafes, without the Icaft d.fpute,
thofe who have received any (hare lead them
to their tents or huts-, and having unbound
them, Wafh and drefs their wounds if they
happen to have received atiy-, they then
cloath them, and give them the moft com-
fortable and refrefhing food their ftore will
afibrd. t.[ ^ -'un^

Whilft their new domefticks are feeding,
they endeavour to adminifter confolation to
them; they tell them that as they are re-
vdeemed from deaths they muft now be cheeN
ful and happy J and if they ferve them well,
without murmuring or repining, nothing
fhall be w-anting to make them fuch atone-
ment for the lofs of their counti*}' and friends,
as circumilances will allow of.

Y 2 If

Ik't H '

i;A 'I :?; i

i

> M'.ll

( 324 )

If any men are fpared, they are common-
ly given to the widows that have loft their
hufbands by the hand of the enemy, fhould
there be any fuch, to whom if they happen
to prove agreeable, they are foon married.
But fhpuld the dame be otherwife engaged,
the life of him who falls to her lot is in great
danger; efpecially if fhe fancies that her late
hufband wants a Have in the country of fpi-
rits to which he is gone.

When this is the cafe, a number of young
men take the devoted captive to fome difl-
ance, and difpatch him without any ceremo-
ny : after he has been fpared by the council,
they confider him of too little confequence
to be intitled to the torments allotted to
thofe who have been judged worthy of
them.

The women are ufually diftributed to the
men, from whom they do not fail of meet-
ing w ith a favourable reception. The boys
and girls are taken into the families of fuch
as hav^ need of them, and are confidered as
flavcs; and it is not uncommon that they are
fold in the fame capacity to the European
traders who come among them.

The Indians have no idea of moderating
the ravages of war, by fparing their prifoners,

and

i^Aii*

( 325 )

and entering into a negotiation v/iih the
band from whom they have been taken, for
an exchange. All that are captivated by
both parties, are either put to death, adopted,
or made Haves of. And fo particular are
every nation in this refped, that if any of
their tribe, even a warrior, fhould be taken
prifoner, and by chance be received into the
houfe of grace, either as an adopted perfon
or a flave, and fhould afterwards make his
efcape, they will by no means receive him,
or acknowledge him as one of their band.

The condition of fuch as are adopted dif-
fers not in any one inftance from the chil-
dren of the nation to which they now belong.
They afTume all the rights of thofe whofe
places they fupply, and frequently make no
difficulty of going in the w^ar- parties agninfl
their own countrymen. Should, hov/ever,
any of thefe by chance make their efcape,
and be afterwards retaken, they are cfteem-
ed as unnatural children and ungrateful per-
fons, who have deferted and made w^ar upon
their parents and benefadors, and are treat-
ed with uncommon feveritv.

0

That part of the prifoners which are con-
fidered as flaves, arc generally diftributcd
among the chiefs ; w^ho frequently make pre-

fents

m

^:\

Silk

l*:i

'k

i» it'lSi

fm.

W I'

( 326 )

fents of fome of them to the European gover-
ncYS of the out-poftg, or to the fuperintcn^
dants or commiffaries of Indian affairs. I
have been informed that it was the Jefuits,
and French miflionaries that firft occafioned
the introdudion of thefe unhappy captives
into the fettlements, and who by fo doing
taught the Indians that they were valuable. .^
Their views indeed were laudablcj as they
imagined that by this method they ihould not
only prevent much barbarity and bloodfhed,
but find the opportunities of fpreading their
religion among them increafed. Tfl ,this pur-
pofe they encouraged the traders to purchafe
fiich flaves as they met with, r.^yt-'r,^, ,.\^,.^Ursi
The good effeds of this mode of proceed-
ing was not, however, equal to the expeda^
tions of tnefe pious fathers. Inftead of be-r
ing the means of preventing cruelty and
bloodfhed, it only caufed the diffenfions be^
tween thv Indian nations 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 fpirituous liquors, for whicl^
their captives wei:e to be cKchanged, and of
which almoft every nation is immoderately
fond, they fought for their enemies with un-
wonted

■^p

hh

( 327 )

wonted alacrity, and were conflantly on the
watch to furprize and carry them ofF.

It might ftill be faid that fewer of the cap-
tives are tormented, and put to death, fince
thefe expedations of receiving fo valuable a
conlideration for them have been excited,
than there ufu ally had been; but it does not
appear that their accuftomed cruelty to the
warriors they take, is in the leaft abated ;
their natural delire of vengeance muft be
gratified ; they are now only become more
afliduous in fecuring a greater number pf
young prifoners, whilft thofe who are made

captive in their defence are tormented and put
to death as before.

The mifTionaries finding that contrary to
their wifhes their zeal had only ferved to en-
creafe the fale of the noxious juices, .applied
to the governor of Canada in the year 1693,
for a prohibition of this baneful trade. An
order was iflued accordingly, but it could not
put a total ftop to it ; the French Couriers
de BoTs were hardy enough to carry it on
clandeftincly, notwithftanding the penalty
annexed to a breach of the prohibition was a
confiderable fine and imprifonment.

Some who were deteded intheprofecution
i)f it withdrew into the Indian countries,
r . where

I w-

-i-Y .1

}W

( 328 )

where they intermarried with the natives and
. underwent a voluntary banishment. Thefe,
however, being an abandoned and debauched
fet, their condud contributed very little ei-
tiier towards reforming the manners of their
new relations, or engaging them to entertain
a favourable opinion of the religion they pro-^
feficd, Thus did thefe indefatigable religious
men fee their deHgns in fome meafure once
more fruftrated.

However, the emigration was produdivc
t)f an effed which turned out to be beneficial
to their nation. By the connexion of thefe
refugees with the Iroquois, MiffifTagues, Hu-
rons, Miamies, Powtowottomies, Puants,
Menomonies, Algonkins, &c. and the con-
flant reprefentations thefe various nations re-
ceived from them of the power and grandeur
of the French, to the aggrandizement of whofe
monarch, notwithftanding their banifhment,
they flill retained their habitual inclination,
the Indians became infenfibly prejudiced in
favour of that people, and I am perfuaded
will take every opportunity of fhewing their
attachment to them.

And this, even in defpite of the difgraceful
eftimation they mult be held by them, fince
they have been driven out of Canada; for the

Indians

( 329 )
Indians confider ^very conquered people as
in a ftate of vaffalage to their conquerors. Af-»
ter one nation has finally fubdued another,
and a conditional fubmifljon is agreed on, it
is cuftomary for the chiefs of the conquered,
when they lit in council with their fubduers,
to wear petticoats, as an acknowledgment
that they are in a ftate of fubjedion, and
ought to be ranked among the women. Their
partiality to the French has however taken
too deep root, for time itfelf to eradicate it

<E!;><) ;n"}r! ^td

?i

CHAR X.

i:-- > ■*i

. , Of /heir manner of making Peace, £s?r,

TH E wars that are carried on between
the Indian nations are in general he-
reditary, and continue from age to age with
a few interruptions. If a peace becomes ne^
cefTary, the principal care of both parties is
to avoid the appearance of making the firft
advances.

When they treat with an enemy, relative
to a fufpenfion of hoftilities, the chief who is
commiflioned to undertake the negotiation,
if it is not brought about by the mediation of

fome

i^

t: •';

i 1 "■ ii

m
Pi

Urn

( 330 )

ibmc neighbouring band, abates nothing of
his natural haughtinefs : even when the pf-
fairs of his country are in the worft lituation,
he makes no conceflions, but endeavours to
perfuade his adverfaries that it is their intereft
to put an end to the war.

Accidents fometimcs contribute to bring
about a peace, between nations, that other-
wife could not be prevailed on to liften to
terms of accommodation. An inftanceof this,
which I heard of in almoft every nation I
paiTed through, I (hall relate.

About eighty years a?o, the Iroquois and
Chipeways, two powen..! nations, were at
war with, the Ottagaumies and Saukies, who
were much inferior to their adverfaries both
in numbers and ftrength. One winter near a
thoufand of the former made an excurfion
from Lake Ontario, by way of Toronto, to-
wards the territories of their enemies. They
coafted Lake Huron on its eafl and northern
borders, till they arrived at the ifland of St.
Jofeph, which is (ituated in the ftraights of
St. Marie. There they croffed thefe ftraights
upon the ice about fifteen miles below the
falls, an'd continued their route ftill weft-
ward. As the ground was covered with fnow,
to prevent a difcovery of their numbers, they

marched

f*M Ml

( 331 )

marched in a fingle file, treading in each others
footfteps.

Four Chipfiway Indians, palFing that way,
obfervcd this army, and readily gnefled from
the diredion of their march and the precau-
tions they took, both the country to which
they were haftening, and their defigns.

Notwithftanding the nation to which they
belonged was at war with the Ottagaumies,
and in alliance with their invaders, yet from
a principle which cannot be accounted for,
they took an inftant refolution to apprize the
former of their danger. To this purpofe tliey
haftened away with their ufual celerity, and,
taking a circuit to avoid difcovery, arrived at
the hunting grounds of the Ottagaumies, be-
fore fo large a body, moving in fo cautious a
manner, could do. There they found a party
of about four hundred warriors, fome of
which were Saukies, whom th^y informed of
the approach of their enemies.: ; >.^

The chiefs immediately coUeded their whole
force, and held a council on the fteps that were
to be taken for their defence. As they
were encumbered with their families, it was
impoffible that they could retreat in time-,
they therefore determined to chufe the moft

advantageous

.i 'i

r> M

i'

f 332 )

advantageous fpot, and to give the Iroquois
the bcft reception in their power.

Not far from the place where they then
happened to be, ilood two fmall lakes, be-
tween 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 defile,
the united bands divided their little party in-
to two bodies of two hundred each. One of
thefe took poft at the extremity of the pafs
that lay neareft to their huntinp; grounds,
which they immediately fortified with a
breaft-work formed of palifades; whilft the
other body took a compafs round one of the
lakes, with a defign to hem their enemies m
when they had entered the defile.

Their ftratagem fuccceded; for no fooner
had the whole of the Iroquois entered the pafs,
than being provided with wood for the pur-
pofe, they formed a fimilaf breaft-work on
the extremity, and thus enclofed their ene-
mies.

The Ircquois foon perceived their fituation,
and immediately held a council on the mea-
furcs that were necefTary to be purfued to
extricate themfelves. Unluckily for them, a
thaw had juft taken place, which had fo far

diflblved

( 333 )
diflblved the ice as to render it impaffablc,
and yet there ftill remained fufHcicnt lo pre-
vent them from either palFing over the 1 'kes
on rafts, or from fvvimmino; acrofs. Jn this
dilemma it was agreed th it they fhould en-
deavour to force one of the breaft-works ; but
they foon found tiicm too well defended to
effedt their purpofe.

Notwithftanding this difappointment, with
the ufual compofure and unapprchenfivenefs
of Indians, they amufed themfelves three or
four days in fifhing. By this time the ice be-
ing quite difTolved, they made themfelves
rafts, which they were enabled to do by fome
trees that fortunately grew on the fpot, and
attempted to crofs one of the lakes.

They accordingly fet off before day-break,
but the Ottagaumies, who had been watch-
ful of their motions perceiving their defign,
detached one hundred and fifty men from
each of their parties, to oppofc their landing.
Thefe three hundred marched fo expediti-
oully to the other fide of the lake, that they
reached it before their opponents h:;d gained
the fhore, they bemg retarded by their poles
nicking in the mud.

As foon as the confederates arrived, they

poured in a very heavy fire, both from their

^ bows

1 I ■

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t,

^^^^B
^^^^B

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hI^I ^

di

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'i '334 ) ■

,...♦., i>,f, .wpf'
bows and mufquetry, on the Iroquois, wlilch

greatly difconcerted them j till the latter find-
ing their fituation defperate, leaped into the
water, and fought their way through their
enemies. This however they could not do
without lofing more than half their men.

After the Iroquois had landed, they made
good their retreat, but were obliged to leave
their enemies maftersof the field, and in pof-
fcfllon of all the furs they had taken during
their winter's hunt. Thus dearly did they
pay for an unprovoked excurfion to fuch dif-
tance from the : oute they ought to have pur*
fued, and to which they were only impelled
by a fudden defire of cutting off fome of their
ancient enemies. ,^.^ ^^^,^, ^^^^

But had they known their ftrength they
might have deftroyed every man of the par-
ty that oppofed them ; which even at the firfl
onfet was only inconfiderable, and, when di-
rninifhed by the adlion, totally unable to
make any flan J againft them.

The victorious bands rewarded the Chip6-
ways who had been the means of their fuc-
cefs with a (hare of the fpoils. They preiTed
them to take any quantity they chofe of the
richeft of the furs, and fent them, under an
efcort of fifty men, to theit own country.

. si The

( 335 )

The difinterefted Chipt' ways, as the Indians
in general are feldom adluated by mercenary
motives, for a confidcrable time refufed thefe
prefents, but were at length perfuaded to ac-
cept of them.

The brave and well-concerted redftance
here made by the Ottagaumics and Saukies,
aided by the mediation of the Chipeways,
who laying afide on this occalion the animo-
fity they had fo long boir j thofe people, ap-
proved of the generous condud of their four
chiefs, were together the means of efleding
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 inhabit-
ing that extcnfive country, which lies be-
tween Qjaebec, the banks of the Miffiffippi
north of the Ouifconfin, and the fcttlemcnts
belonging to the Hudfon's Bay Company, are
at prefent in a ftate of profound peace.
When their reftlefs difpofitions will not fuffer
them to remain inadive, thefe northern In-
dians feldom commit hollilities on each other,
but make excurfions to the fouthw^ard, againft
the Cherokees, Chodahs, Chickafaws or Illi-
nois,

Sometimes

( 336 )

Sometiiiies the Indians grow tired of a war,
which they have carried on againft feme
neighbouring nation for many years without
much fuccefs, and in this cafe they feek for
mediators to begin a negotiation. Thefe be-
ing obtained, the treaty is thus conducted.

A number of their own chiefs, joined by
thofe who have accepted the friendly office,
fct out together for the country of their
enemies ; fnch as are chofen for this purpofe,
are chiefs of the moft extenfive abilities and
of the greateft integrity. They bear before
them the pipe of peace, which I need not in-
form my readers is of the ftime nature as a
Flag of Truce among the Europeans, and is
treated with the greateft refpe^l and venera-
tion, even by the moft barbarous nations. I
never heard of an inftance wherein the bear-
ers of this facrcd l)adge of friendfliip were
ever treated difrcfpedifully, or its rights vio-
lated. The Indians believe that the Great
Spirit never fuifcrs an infraction of this kind
to go unpunifhed.

The pipe of peace, which is termed by the
French, the Calumet, for what rcafon I could
never learn, is about four feet long. The
bowl of it is made of red marble, and the
ftcm of it of a light wood, curioufly painted

witji

■M:

( 337 )
with hieroglyphicks in various colours, and
adorned with the feathers of the moft beau-
tiful birds. 1 have endeavoured to give as
exad a reprefentation of it as poffible in
Plate N°. IV, but it is not in my power to
convey an idea of the various tints, and pleaf-
ing ornaments of this much efteemed In-
dian implement.

Every nation has a different method of
decorating thefe pipes, and they can tell at
firft fight to what band it belongs. It is
ufed as an introdudion to all treaties, and
great ceremony attends the ufe of it on thefe
occafions.

. The afliftant or aid-du camp of the great
warrior, when the chiefs are afiembled and
feated, fills it with tobacco mixed with the
herbs before mentioned, taking care at the
fame time that no part of it touches the
ground. When it is filled, he takes a coal
that is thoroughly kindled from a fire which
is generally kept burning in the midti of the
afiTembly, and places it on the tobacco.

As foon as it is lufficiently lighted, he
throws off the coal. He then turns the fteni
vi it towards the heavens, after this towards
the earth, and now holding it horizontally
moves himfelf round till he has completed a

Z circle:

:i '

■ ■•: •< 'lil [i

?j ft Hi

■ '■ ■'■■ ( H ti
< 1 I f fl

mi
mi

il'if

^1

-

M

ft

1

I

1

( 338 )
circle: by the iirfl action he is fuppofed to
prefent it to the Great Spirit, whofe a'd is
thereby fupplicated, by the ftxond, to avert
any malicious intcrpofilion of the evil fpirits,
and by the third to gain the prolcciion of the
Spirits inhabiting the a^r, the earth, and tlie
waters. Havin'j; thus fec^ired the favour of
thofe invifiblc agents, in whofe power they
fuppoie it is either to forward or obftrnd the
ifTue of their prefent deliberations, he pre-
fents it to the hereditary chief, who having
taken two or three whifTs, blows the fmoak
from his month firft towards heaven, and
around him upon the ground.

It is afterwards put in tlie fame manner
into the mouths of the ambaffaciors or ftran-
gers, who obferve the fame ceremony, then
to the chief of the V\'arriors, and to all the
other chiefs in turn accord" n^ to their grada-
tion. Ijurlng this time the pcrfon who cx-
•ccutes this honourable ollice holds the pipe
(lightly in his liand, as if he feared to prefsthc
facrcd inf^rument; nor does any one pre-
fumc to truc'i it but with his bus.

When the cliiefs who are intrufled will]

•nroach

ing pe;

i I'

the low.i or camp to Vvhich they arc going,
they begin to fin^ ::nd dance the fongs and

v.» dancer

dances n
time the
arrival,
wonted
peace, ii
Great C
convenie

A C01
fpcechei
tions ari
painted 1
memoria
contendi
taken plj
as have
peans, a
(lead of

A belt
cccadon,
peace, ar
the hier
arc form
ti -ity.

Thefe
coalis of
are fdwe(
about a c
like othc

♦ - 1

'iiiy'lil-

( 339 )
dances appropriated to tliis occafion. By this
time the adverfe party arc apprized of their
arrival, and divefting thcrnfclvcs of their
wonted enmity at the fight of the pipe of
peace, invite them to the habitation of the
Great Chief, and furnifh them with every
convenieney during the negociation.

A council is then held; and wlicn the
fpceches and debates are ended, if no obftruc-
tions arifc to put a flop to the treaty, the
paintnd hatchet is buried in the ground as a
memorial that all animofitics between the
contending nations have ceafed, and a peace
taken place. Among the ruder bands, fuch
as have no communication with the Euro-
peans, a war-club painted red is buried in-
flead of the hatclict.

A belt of wampum is alfo given on this
occaHon, which fervcs as a ratification of the
peace, and records to the latcfl poflerity, by
the hieroj^lyphicks into v/hich the beds
arc formed, every ihpulatcd ariiclc in the
ti . ity. >

Thefe belts aVe made of fliclls found on the
coaih of New England and Viri!;inia, which
are fiwed out into beads of an oblong form,
about a quarter of an inch long, and round
like other beads. Being ilruiig on 1 nther

Z 2 firings,

;i :•''♦

littfeJI

•i i

::.i^

( 340 )

firings, and feveral of them fewed neatly to-
gether with fine finewy threads, they then
compote what is termed a Belt of Wampum.

The fhells^are generally of two colours,
fome white and others violet ♦, but the latter
are more highly efleemed than tiie former.
They are held in as much eftimation by the
Indians, as gold, filver, or precious flortes
are by the Europeans.

The belts are compofed of ten, twelve, or
a greater number offerings, according to the
importance of the affair in agitation or the
dignity of the perfon to whom it is prefent-
ed. On more trifling occafions, firings of
thefe beads are prefented by the chiefs to
each other, and frequently worn by them a-
bout their necks, as a valuable ornament.

n-jh*j Hi

C II A P. XI.

'■'■#! ' ,

ijt

Of their Games.

AS I have before obferved, the Indians
are greatly addicted to gaming, and
will even flake, and lofe with compofure, all
the valuables they arc pofTcfTcd of They
amufe thcmfclves at feveral forts of games,

but

"i

< 341 )

but the principal and moft efteemed among
them is that of the ball, which is not unlike
the European game of tennis.

The balls they ufe are rather larger than
thofe made ufe of at tennis, and are formed
of a piece of deer-fkin ; which being moif-
tened to render it fupple, is (luffed hard with
the hair of tne fame creature, and fewed
with its finews. The ball-fticks are about
three feet long, at the end of which there
is fixed a kind of racket, refembling the palm
of the hand, and falhoned of thongs cut
from a deer-flcin. In thefe they catch the
ball, and throw it to a great diftance, if they
are not prevented by fome of the oppofite
party, who fly to intercept it.

This game is generally played by large
companies, that fometimes confift of more
than three hundred j and it is not uncom-
mon for different bands to play againft each
other.

They begin by fixing two poles in the
ground at about fix hundred yards apart, and
one of thefe goals belong to each party of the
combatants. The ball is thrown up high in
the centre of the ground, and in a diredt line
between the goals; towards v^hich each party
endeavours to flrike it, and which ever fide

firfl

ii ;

l'"|

( 3+2 )

lirft caufes it o reach their own goal, reckons
towards the game.

They are fo exceeding dextrous in thiji
manly exercife, that the hall is iifnally kept
flyini^ in different diredions by the force of
the rackets, without touching tlie 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 antago-
nill overtakes him, and by a fudden ftroke
dafhes down the ball.

They play with {o much vehemence that
they frequently wound each other, and fome-
times a bone is broken; but notwithftanding
thefe accidents there never appears to be any
fpite or wanton exertions of llrength to ef-
fetft them, nor do any difputes ever happen
between the parties.

There is another game alfo in ufe amon<i^
them worthy of remark, and this is the game
of the Bowl or Platter. This game is played
between two peifons only. Each perfon has
lix or eight little bones not unlike a peachflonc
either in {vac or Ihape, except that they are
(|uadrangular; two of the fides of which arc
coloured black, and the others white. Thefe

' . thcv

( 343 ) '
they throw up in the air, from whence they
fall into a bowl or platter placed underneath,
and made to fpin round.

According asthefe bones prefent the white
or black fide upwards tiiey reckon the game :
he that happens ti have the grcatclt num-
ber turn up of a fimilar colour, counts five
points; and forty is the game.

The winning party keeps his place, and
the lofer yields his to another who is ap-
pointed by one of the umpires ; for a whole
village is fometimes concerned in the party,
and at times one band plays agamfl another.

During this play the Indians appear to be
greatly agitated, and at every decifive throw
fet up a hideous fhout. They make a thou-
fand contortions, addrcfling themfclves at
the fame time to the bones, and loading with
imprecations the evil fpirits that alRfl their
fuccefsful antagonifts. At this game fome
will iofe their apparel, all the moveable^ of
their cabins, and fometimes even their li-
berty, notwithftanding there are no people
in the univerfe more jealous of the latter
than the Indians are.

ifn

I ;

CHAP.

(' 344 )

)V1 «•

/t»

CHAP. XII.

Of their Marriage Ceremonies, ^c.

THE Indians allow of polygamy, and
perfons of every rank indulge them-
felves in this point. The chiefs in particular
have a feraglio which confifts of an uncer-
tain number, ufually from fix to twelve or
fourteen. The lower ranks are permitted
to take as many as there is a probability of
their being able, with the children they may
bear, to maintain. It is not uncommon for
an Indian to marry two fifters ; fometimes,
if there happen to be more, the whole num-
ber ; and notwithftanding this (as it appears
to civilized nations) unnatural union, they
all live in the greatefl harmony.

The younger wives are fubmiflive to the
elder j and thofe who have no children, do
fuch menial offices for thofe who are fertile,
and caufes their fituation to differ but little
from a ftate of fcrvitude. However they
perform every injundion with the greateft
cheerfulnefs, in hopes of gaining thereby
the affedion of their hufband, that they in

their

( 345 )
their turns may have the happinefs of becom-
ing mothers, and be intillcd to the refped
attending on that ftate.

It is not uncommon for an Indian., al-
though he takes to himfclf fo many wives,
to hvein a ftatc of continence with many of
them for feveral years. Such as arc fo fortu-
nate as to g'in the favour of tlieir hufband
by their fubmifTive and prudent behaviour,
and by that means to (hare in his embraces,
continue in their virgin ftate during the whole
of their lives, except they happen to be pre-
fented by him to fome ftranger chief, whofc
abode among them will not admit of his en-
tering into a more lafling connexion. In this
cafe they fubmit to the injundion of their
hufband without murmuring, and are not
difpleafed at the temporary union. But if
at any time it is known that they take this
liberty without firfl receiving his confent,
they are punifned in the fame manner as if
they had been guilty of adultery.

This cuftom is more prevalent among the
nations which lie in the interior parts, than
amone thofe that are nearer the fcttlements,
as the manners of the latter are rendered
conforinabic in fome points to thofe of the

Europ'.^ans,

■in

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C/u

X

^

( 346 )

Europeans, by the inter courfc they hold with
them.

The Indian nations difFcr but little from
each other in their marriage ceremonies, and
lefs in the manner of their divorces. The
tribes that inhabit the borders of Canada,
make ufe of the following cuflom.

When a young Indian has fixed his incli-
nations on one of the otl^.er fex, he endea-
vours to c!;ain her confent, and if he fucceeds,
it is never known that her parents ever ob-
ftrud their union. When every preliminary
is agreed on, and the day appomted, the
friends and acquaintance of both parties af-
femble at the houfe or tent of the oldeft re-
lation of the bridegroom, where a feaft is
prepared on the occafion.

The company who meet to afTfl at the

fefiival are fomeiimcs very numerous j they

dance, they fing, and enter into e\ory other

diverfion ufually made ufe of on any of their

public rejoicings. When thefe are finifhed,

all thofc w^ho attend merely out of ceremony

depart, and the bride ^room and bride are left

alone with three or four of ihe neareft and

oldeft relations of either fide j thofe of the

bridegroom being men, thole of the bride,

women.

Prefently

'( 1

n

47 ;

t* Prefently the bride, attcneed by thefc few
friends, having withdrawn h.eiTelf for the
purpofe, appears at one of the doors of the
houfe, and is led to the bridegroom, who
ftands ready to receive her. Having now
taken their ftation on a mat placed in the
centre of the room, they lay hold of the ex-
tremities of a wand about four feet long,
by which they continue feparated, whilfl: the
old men pronounce fome fhort harangues
fuitable to the occafion. *i.

The married couple after this make a pub-
lie declaration of tlie love and regard they
entertain for each other, and flill holding the
rod between them, dance and fing;. When
they have finifhed this part of the ceremony,
they break the rod into as many pieces as
there are witneffes prefcnt, who each take a
piece, and preferve it with great care.

The bride is then re-conduded out of the
door at which (lie entered, where her young
companions wait to attend her to her fa-
ther's houfe J there the bridegroom is oblig-
ed to feek her, and the marriage is confum-
mated. Very often tl^e wife remains at lier
father's houfe till ihe has a child, when {l:e
^acks up her apparel which is all the fortune

fl:e

l.M Ills Ji

! IS

n

( 34B ) ,

/he IS p;enerally pofTcfTed of, and accompanies
her huiband to his habitation.

When from any diflike a feparation takes
place, for they are feldom known to quarrel,
they generally give their friends a few days
notice of their intentions, andfometimes offer
reafons to juftify their condud. The wit-
neffes who were prefent at the marriage, meet
on the day requefted at the houfe of the cou-
ple that are about to feparate, and bringing
wdth them the pieces of rod which they had
received at their nuptials, throw them into
the fire in the prefence of all the parties.

This is the whole of the ceremony requir-
ed, and the feparation is carried on without
any murmurings or ill-will between the cou-
ple or their relations, and after a few months
they are at liberty to marry again.

When a marriage is thus difTolved, the
children which have been produced from it,
are equally divided bfctw^een them ; and as
children are efteemed a treafure by the In-
dians, if the number happens to be odd,
the woman is allowed to take the better

,■ ; ( 1 : I i j V - , ; -

half p / \

Though this cuflom feems to encourage
ficklenefs and frequent feparations, yet there
are many of the Indians who have but one

wife,

m

y.>«=* . 11 C i. < .-CI

( 349 ) / >

wife, and enjoy with her a ftatc of connu-
bial happinefs not to be exceeded in more
refined focieties. There are alfo not a few
inftances of women preferving an inviola-
ble attachment to their hufbands, :^xcept in
the cafes before-mentioned, which are not
confidered as either a violation of their chafli-
ty or fidelity.

Although I have faid that the Indian na-
tions differ very little from each other in
their marriage ceremonies, there are fome ex-
ceptions. The Naudo wellies have a fingu-
lar method of celebrating their marriages,
which feems to bear no refemblance to thofe
made ufe of by any other nation I pafiTed
through. When one of their young men
has fixed on a young woman he approves of,
he difcovers his pafiion to her 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 character of a menial fervant.
During this time he hunts, and brings all the
game he kil'S to the family ; by Vvhich means
the father has an opportunity of feeing whe-
ther he is able to provide for the fupport of
his daughter and the children that might be

the

t'^ <

■;i^;!(;:'> 'P?'?;:! f

li

' '•

' ( 350 )

the confcqncncc of their union. Tins liow-
€ver is only done wliilfi they are youn^; men,
and for their firfl wife, and not repeated hke
Jacob's fervitudcs.

When this period is expired, the marriaGje
is folemnized after the eullom of the conn-
trv, in the followin? manner. Three or four
of the oldeft male relations of the bride-
groom, an! as many of the bride's, accom-
pany the young couple from their refpedlive
tents to an open part in the centre of the
camp.

The chiefs and warriors being here afTem-
bled to receive them, a party of the latter
are drawn up in two ranks on each fide of
the bride and bridegroom immediately oa
their arrival. The principal chief then ac-
quaints the whole aifembly with the defign
of their meeting, and tells them that the
couple before them, mentioning at tlie fai7:ie
time their names, arc come to avow publicly
their intentions of living; together as man
and wife. He then afks the two young peo-
ple 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 difcharge them
--H over

( 35' )
over the heads of the married pair \ this done,
the chief pronounces them man and wife.

The bridegroom then turns round, and
bending his body, takes his wife on his back,
in which manner he carries her amidft the ac-
clamations of the fpedlators to his tent. This
ceremony is lucceeded by the moil plentiful
feaft the new married man can afford, and
fongs and dances, according to the ufual cuf-
tom, conclude tlie feftival. ,

Divorces happen fo feldom among the
NaudoweiTies, that I h ;d not an opportunity
of learning how they are nccomphflied.

Adultery is eftccmed by them a heinous
crime, and punifhed with the greatefl rigour.
The huiband in tliefc cafes bites off the wife's
nofe, and a feparation iAftantly enfucs. I
faw an inftance wherein this mode of punifh-
ment was infiided, whi'ft I remained among
them. The children, when this happens,
are diftributed according to the ufual cufiom
obferved by other iiations, that is, tiiey are
equally divided. i

Among the Indian as well as European
nations, there are many that devote thcm-
felves to plcafure, and notwithftanding the

accounts given by fome modern writers of

*

^he frigidity of an Indian conflitution, bc-

^ • come

r-i

m bi

t' r'i

1 U

t¥r.\ i:>

( 35^ )
come the zealous votaries of Venus. The
young warriors that are thus difpofcd, fel-
dom want opportunities for gratifying their
paflionsi and as the mode ufu ally followed
on tliefe occafions is rather fmgular, I fhall
defcribe it.

When one of thefe young debauchees ima-
magines from the behaviour of the perfon
he has chofen for his miftrefs, that he fhall
not meet with any great obflrudion to his
fuit from her, he purfues the following
plan. ., . ^ ...;..

It has been already ob'erved, that the In-
dians acknowledge no fuperiority, nor have
they any ideas of fubordination, except in
the necefTary regulations of their war or
hunting parties j they confequcntly live near-
ly in a Hate of equality purfuant to the firft
principles of nature. The lover therefore is
not apprehenfive of any check or controiil
in the accomplifhment of his purpofes if he
can find a convenient opportunity for com-
pleating them. "JoiJ >(■ io*iifKj e*. u-j^jih

As the Indians are alfo under no appre-
hcnfion of robbers, or fecret enemies, they
leave the doors of their tenls or hutsunfaflen-
cd during the night, as well as in the day.
Tvv'o or three hours after fun-fet, the flavcs

.fvVi ■«*,..;. I V

«y ^-^

or

( 353 ) •
or old peop^'j cover over the fire, that is gene-
rally burniagin the midft of their apartment,
with aihes, and retire to their repofe.

Whilft darknefs thus prevails, and all is
quiet, one of their:- fons of pleafure, wrap-
ped up clofely in ! i? blanket to prevent his
being known, will fometimes enter the apart-
ment of his inteniicd miftr? fs. Having tlrfl
lighted at the fmothercd fire a fmall fplinter
of wood, which anfwers the purpofe of a
match, he approaches the place where fhe
repofes, and gently pulling away the cover-
ing from her head, jogs her till (be wakes.
If (he then rifes up, and blows out the light,
he needs no further confirmation that his
company is notdifagreeablej but if, after he
has difcovered himfelf (he hides her head, and
takes no notice of him, he might reft aftured
that any fun her folicitations will prove vain,
and that it is neceffary for him immediately
to retire.

During his ftay he conceals the light as
much as pofTible in the hollow of his hands,
and as the tents or rooms of the Indians are
ufually large and capacious, he efcapes with-
out detedion. It is faid that the young wo-
men who admit their lovers on thefe occa-
(ions, take great care, by an immediate ap-

A a plicatior^

■:i '.f

^ iit

I I-.

m„Y'

i'.f

( 354 ) .
plication to herbs, with the potent efficacy
^of which they are well acquainted, to pre-
vent the efFedls of thefe illicit amours from
becoming viliblej for fhould the natural con-
fequences enfue, they muft for ever remain
^unmarried. :'\

-*i3;The children of the Indians are always dif-
i tinguiftied by the name of the mother ; and
• * if a woman marries feveral hufbands, and has
^ iffue by each of them, they are all called af-
ter her. The reafon they give for this is,
that as their offspring are indebted to the
iL father for their fouls, the invifible part of
r their eifence, and to the mother for their
' corporeal and apparent part, it is more rati-
, onal that they fhould be diflinguifhed by the
* name of the latter, from whom they indubi-
tably derive their being, than by that of the
father, to which a doubt might fometimes
arife whether they are juflly intitled.

There are fome ceremonies made ufe of

by the Indians at the impofltidn of the name,

and it is confidered by them as a matter of

great importance; but what thefe are I could

never learn, through the ft crecy obferved on

. the occafion. I only know that it is ufually

: given when the children haye pafTed the flate

of infancy.

^«L- u ' ' Nothing:

C 355 ) . . .:* •'.
Nothing can exceed the tendernefs (hown
by them to their offspring j and a perfon can-
not recommend himfelf to their favour by
any method more certain, than by paying
fome attention to the younger branches of
their families. I can impute in fome tnea-
fure, to the prefents I made to the children
of the chiefs of the Naudoweflies, the hof-
pltable reception I met with when among
them.

There is fome difficulty attends an expla-
nation of the manner in which the Indians
diflinguiih themfelves from each other. Bc-
fides the name of the animal by which every
nation and tribe is denominated, there arc
others that are perfonal, and which the chil-
dren receive from their mother. ^

The chiefs are alfo diflinguifhed by a name
that has either fome reference to their abili-
ties, or to the hieroglyphick of their fami-
lies;' and thefe are acquired after they arrive
at the age of manhood. Such as have fig-
nalized themfelves either in their war or
hunting parties, or are pofTefTed of fome emir
nent qualification, receive aname thatferves
to perpetuate the fame of thefe adions, or
to make their abilities confpicuous.

A a 2 Thug

»■-

li!!' 1 *■; ti

ft

1)^

■I

Mr

■ft * I ill

1 ' I" !

T '. *<

KwThus the great warrior of the Naudo-
wcffics was named Ottahtongoomliihcah, that
is, the Great Father of Snakes ; ottah be-
ing in Englifli father, t'^ngoom great, and
lifhcah a fnake. Another chief was called
Honahpawj Jtin, which means a fwjft runner
over the mountains. And when they adopt-
ed me a chief among them, they named me
Shebaygo, which Ognifies a writer, or a per-
fon that is curious in mailing hieroglyphicks,
as they faw me often writing. qsiBrtj ^.aoii

^^J d CHAP. XIII.^^ ■m!m^v^
m*r«-. Of /heir R E L I G x'6"if."'^r «■"'*■

> i *T i

IT is very difficult to attain a pcrfedl
knowledge of the religious principles of
the Indians. Their ceremonies and dodrines
have been fo often ridiculed by the Europe-
ans, that they endeavour to conceal them ;
and if, after the greateft intimacy, you de-
fire any of them to explain to you their
fyftem of religion, to prevent your ridicule
they intermix with it many of the tenets they
have received from the French miffionaries, fo
that it is at laft rendered an unintelligible

jargon, and not to be depended upon.

/ Such

1W

T

.•«.*.

C 357 )

Such as I could difcover among the Nau-
doweffies, for they alfo were very refervcd
in this point, 1 (liall give my readers, with-
out paying any attention to the accounts of
others. As the religion of that people from
their lituation appears to be totally unadul-
terated with the fuperftitions of the church
of Rome, we fhall be able to gain from their
religious cuftoms a more perfed idea of the
original tenets and ceremonies of the Indi-
ans in general, than from £^ ofe of any na-
tions that approach nearer to the fettlements.

It is certain that they acknowledge one
Supreme Being or Giver of Life, who pre-
lides over all things. The Chipeways call
this being Manitou or Kitchi-Manitou ; the
Naudoweflies, Wakon or Tongo-Wakon,
that is, the Great Spirit ; and they look up
to him as the fource of good, from whom
no evil can proceed. They alfo believe in
a bad fpirit, to whom they afcribe great
power, and fuppofe that through his means
all the €vils which befall mankind are inflict-
ed. To him therefore do they pray in their
diftrelTes, begging that he would either avert
their troubles, or moderate them when they
are no longer avoidable. -*vy>..*3

viJit;:'ii;?j|iul LJ.'i'K TllCV

ihniji

t !■ si

4 n

i.

I

■ \'\

nil

Air

li-'-i*! I

-i-1 ^i

;!■,»

' ( 358 )

They fay that the Great Spirit, who is in-
finitely good, neither wifhes or is able to do
any mifchief to mankind, but on the contra-
ry, that he Ihowers down on them all the
bleffings they dcfervej whereas the evil fpi-
rit is continually employed in contriving how
he may punifh the human raccj and to do
which he is not only poiTefTed of the will,
but of the power.

They hold alfo that there are good fpirits
of a leffer degree, who have ther particular
departments, in which they are conftantly
contributing to the happinefs of mortals.
Thefe they fuppofe to prelide over all the
extraordinary produdions of nature, fuch as
thofe lakes, rivers or mountains that are of
an uncommon magnitude; and like wife the
bicafls, birds, fiilies, and even vegefables or
ftones that exceed the reft of their fpepies
in fiae or fingularity. To all of thefe they
pay fomp kind of adoration. Thus whea
they arrive on the borders of Lake Superior,
pn the banks of the MiffifTippi, or any other
great body of water, they prefent to the Spi-
rit who refides there fonie kind of offcripgas
the prince of the Winnebagpes did when he
attended pie to the Falls pf St. Anthony. ^

Bui

( 359 ) ^ ,,^^*

But at the fame time I fancy that the
ideas they annex to the word fpirit, is very
different from the conceptions more enligh-
tened nations entertain of it. They appear
to fafhion to themfelves corporeal reprefen-
tations of their gods, and believe them to
be of a human form, though of a nature
ihore excellent than man.

Of the fame kind are their fentiments re-
lative to a futurity. They doubt not but
they fhall exift in fome future ftate, they
however fancy that their employments there
"v^ill be fimilar to thofe they are engaged in
here, without the labour and difficulty an-
nexed to them in this period of their exift-
ence.

^,. They confequently exped to be tranflated
to a delightful country, where they fhall al-
ways have a clear unclouded fky, and enjoy
a perpetual fpring j where the forefts will
abound with game, and the lakes with fifh,
\vhich might be taken without requiring a
painful exertion of {kill, or a laborious pur-
fnit; in fhort, that they fhall live for ever
in regions of plenty, and enjoy every gra-
tificati(>fi,they delight in here, in a greater
degree.

To

t-i

;h I

( 36o )•

,To intellectual pleafures they are flran-
gers ; nor are thefe included in their fcheme
of happinefs. But they expedl that even
thefe animal pleafures will be proportioned
and diftributed according to their merit; the
fkilful hunter, the bold and fuccefsful war-
rior will be entitled to a greater fhare than
thofe who through indolence or want of lliill
cannot boafl of any Superiority over the
common herd. ^aon:

The priefts of the Indians are at the fame
time their phyficians, and their conjurors ;
wbilft they heal their wounds or cure their
difeafes, they mterpret their dreams, give
them protective charms, and fatisfy that de-,
fire which is prevalc^nt among them of fearch-
ing into fu'urity. /..oi... ..^.^ ;-

How well they execute the latter part of
their profeifional engagements, and the me-
thods they make life of on fome of thefe
occafions, I have already fhewn in the exer-
tions of the prieil of the Killiftinoes, who
\yas fortunate enough to fucceed in his ex-
traordinary attempt near Lake Superior.
They free] u en tly are fuccefsful likewife in
adminiflering the falubrious herbs they have
acquired a knowledge of; but that the cere-
monies they make ufe of during the admi-

niftration

uiir

( 36^ )
niftration of them contribute to their fuc-
cefs, I (hall not take upon me to afTert.
^ When any of the people are ill, the perfoa
who is invefted with this triple charader of
dodor, prieft, and magician, fits by the pa-
tient day and night, rattling in his ears a
goad-ftiell filled with dry beans, called a Chi-^
chicou^, and making a^ difagreeable noife
that cannot well be defcribed. -xi>V;2

This uncouth harmony one would im'a-*
gine fiiould difturb the fick perfon, and pre-
vent the good efFeds of the dodor'is pre-
fcription ; but on the contrary they believe
that the method made ufe of contributes to
hi:J recovery, by diverting from his malig-
nant purpofes the evil fpirit who has inflid-
ed the diforder ; or at leafl that it will take
off his attention, fo that he ftiall not increafe
the malady. This they are credulous enough
to imagine he is conftantly on the watch to
dp, and would carry his inveteracy to a fa-
tal length, if they did not thus charm him.',t

'J could not difcover that they make ufe
of any other religious; ceremonies than thofe
I have defcribed; indeed, on the appearance
of the new moon they dance and fi ng, but
it is not evident that they pay that planet
^ny adorations ; they only feem to rejoice at

' - . :.K; , the

-U-m

■fw

:m

■ '•■i>-

f,'J

UM

■ X ^362 )

the return of a luminary that makes the night
cheerful, and which ferves to light them ori
their way when they travel during the ab-

fence of the fun.

Notwithflanding Mr, Adair has afferted
that the nations among whorti he refided,
obferve with very little Variation all the rites
appointed by the Mofaic Law, I own I could
never Sifcover among thofe tribes that lie
but a few degrees to the north- weft, the
leaft traces of the Jewiih religion, except it
be admitted that one particular female cuf-
tom and their divifion into tribes^ carry with
them proof fufEcient to eftablifh this affer

*;-The Jefuits and French miflionai*ies Have'
alfo pretended that the Indians had, when
they firft travelled into America, fome no-
tions, though thefe were dark and confufed,
of the chriftian inftitution ; that they have
been greatly agitated at the fight of a crofs,
and given proofs by the impreflions made
on thetfi that they were not entirely un^
acquainted with the facred myfteries of chrif-
tianity. 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 endcavpured at once to

i>.ii> givQ

•4 -363 )

give the public a better opinion of the facr
cefs of their milTions, and to add fupport to
the caufe they were engaged in. ,j

The Indians appear to be in their religious
principles rude and uninftrucled. The doc-
trines they hold are few and fimple, and fuch
as have been generally imprefled on the hu-
man mind, by fome means or other, in the
moft ignorant ages. They however have
not deviated, as many other uncivilized na-
tions, and too many civilized ones have done,
i|ito idolatrous modes of worfliip ; they ve-
nerate indeed and make offerings to the
wonderful parts of the creation, as I have
before obferved, but whether thefe rites arc
performed on account of the impreffion fuch
extraordinary appearances make on them, ot
whether they confider them as the peculiar
charge, or the ufual places of refidence ©f
the invifible fpirits they acknowledge, I caot
not pofitively determine, ,.v(

* The human mind in its uncultivated ftate
is apt toafcribe the extraordir^ary occurrences
of nature, fuch as earthquakes, ihunder, or
hurricanes, to the interpofition of unfeen
beings; the troubles and difafters alfo that
are annexed to a favage life, the appreben-
f^^^^ J".^?^?P^ °^ ^ precarious fMbfiftence,

^nd

TriS

. 4 ■

'Hs:

m '

! '^ \

( 364 )

and thofe numberlefs inconveniencies which
man in his improved Hate has found means
to remedy, are fuppofed to proceed from
the interpofition of evil fpirits -, the favage
confequently lives in continual apprehenfi-
ons.of their unkind attacks, and to avert
them has recourfe to diarms, to the fantaf-
tic ceremonies of his prieft, or to the pow-
erful influence of his Manitous. Fear has
of courfe a greater fhare in his devotions
than gratitude, and he pays more attention
to deprecating the wrath of the evil than
to fecuring the favour of the good beings.

The Indians, however, entertain thefe ah-
furdities in common with thofe of every part
of the globe who have not been illumined
by that religion which only can difperfe the
clouds of fuperftition and ignorance, and
they are as free from error as a people can
be, that has not been favoured with its in^
ftrudive dodrines,^,,;.^*^; ^

• 9

' 1

r4 ,- 1 r •»

CHAP.

,^i\.

t *

( 365 )

;t

CHAR XJV.

Of their Diseases, ^c,

TFIE Indians in general are healthy,
and fubjed but to few difeafes, many
of thofe that afflid civilized nations, and
are the immediate confequences of luxury or
floth, being not known among them; how-
ever the hardlhips and fatigues which they
endure in hunting or war, the inclemency
of the feafons to which they are continually
expofed, but above all the extremes of hun-
ger, and that voracioufnefs their long ex-
ciirfions confequently fui:j''d them to, can-
not fail of impairing the conftitution, and
bringing on diforders.

Pains and weaknelTes in the flomach and
breaft are fometimes the refult of their long
fafting, and confumptions of the excelTive
fatigue and violent exercifes they expofe
themfelves to from their infancy, before they
have flrength fufficient to fupport them. But
the diforder to which they are moft fubjed,
is the pleurify \ for the removal of which,
they apply their grand remedy and preferva-

tive

n i:^'

{ 366 )
tive againft the generality of their complaints,
fweating.
The manner in which they conftrud their
ftoves for this purpofe is as follows : They
fix feveral fmall poles in the ground, the
tops of which they twift together to form a
rotunda : this frame they cover with fkins or
blankets ; 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 fufficient to creep in at, which is
immediately after clofed. In the middle of
this confined building they place red hot
ftones, on which they pour water till a fteam
arifes that produces a great degree of heat.

This caufes an inftantaneous perfpiration,
which they increafe as they pleafe. Having
continued in it for fome time, they imme-
diately haften to the neareft ftream, and
plunge into the water; and after bathing
therein for about half a minute, they put
on their cloaths, fit down and fmoak with
great compofure, thoroughly perfuaded that
the remedy will prove efficacious. They
often make ufe of this fudoriferous method
to refrefli themfelves, or to prepare their
mind* for the management of any bufinefs

./;,

■ T •

that

( 367 )

that requires uncommon deliberation and
fagacity. yy.

They are lil^ewife afflided with the dropfy
and paralytic complaints 5 which however are
but very feldom known among them. As a
remedy for thefe as well as for fevers they
make ufe of lotions and decodions, compof-
ed of herbs, which the phyficians know per-
fedly well how to compound and apply. But
they never truft to medicines alone ; they al-
ways have recourfe likcwife to fome fuperfti-
tious ceremonies, without which their patients
would not think the phyfical preparations
•fulficiently powerful.

With equal judgment they make ufe of
(imples for the cure of wounds, fradures, or
bruifes; and are able to extrad by thcfe^
without incifion, fplinters, iron, or any fort
of matter by which the wound iscaufed. In
cures of this kind they are extremely dex-
trous, and complete them in much lefs time
than might be expeded from their mode of
proceeding.

' With the Ikin of a fnake, which thofc
reptiles annually fhed, they will alfo extrad
fplinters. It is amazmg to fee the fudden ef-
ficacy of this application, notwi.thflanding

there

■1. X\

( 368 )
there does not appear to be the leafl moiflure

remaining in it.

It has long been a fubjed of dlfputc, on
what continent the venereal difeafe firft re-
ceived its defirudive power. This dreadful
malady is fuppofed to have originated in Ame-
rica, but the litery contefl ftill lema^ns un-
decided ; to give fome elucidation to it I fhall
remark, that as I could not difcover the leaft
traces among the NaudowefTies with whom I
refided fo long, and was alfo infcrmed that
it was yet unknown among the more weilern
nations, I think I may venture to pronounce
that it had not its origin in North America.
Thofe nations that have any communication
with the Europeans or the fouthern tribes are
greatly alflided v/ith itj but they have all of
them acquired a knowledge of fuch certain
and expeditious remedies, that the communi-
cation is not attended with any dangerous
confequences.

Soon after I fet out on my travels, one of
the traders whom I accompanied, complained
of a violent gonorrhoea with all its alarming
fymptoms : this increafed to fuch a degree,
that by the time we had reached the town of
the Winnebagoes, he was unable to travel,
Having made his complaint known to one of

, the

( 369 )
the chiefs of that tribe, he |old him not to he
uneafy, for he would engage that by follow-
ing his advice, he fliould be able in a few days
to purfue his journey, and in a httle longer
time be entirely free from his diforder.

..The chief had no fooner faid this than he
prepared for him a deeodion of the bark of
the roots of the prickly aih, a tree fcarccly
known in England, but which grows in great
plenty throughout North America; by the
ufe of which, in a few days he was greatly
recovered, and havins; received dircdions how
to prepare it, in a fortnight after his depar-
ture from this place perceived that he was
radically cured.

If from exceiTive excrcifc, or the extremes
of heat or cold, they are aiTcded with pains
in their limbs or joints, they fcarify the parts
affeded. Tbofe nations who have no com-
merce with Europeans do this Vvith a fliarp
flint , and it is furprizing to fee to how fine a
point they have the dexterity to bring them ;
a lancet can fcareely exceed in fnarpnefs the
inflruments they make of this unmalleabls ,

fubflancc. ,"^n*rrr^^

They never can be convinced a perfon is _.
ill, whilft he has an appetite ; but when he
rejeds all kind of nourifnment, they conlidetl-t'

B b tlie

1/ ■ t ■

e::;'|

III'

4 I.

:■/■

( 370 )
the difeafc as dangerous, and pay great atten-
tion to it. And during the continuance of
the diforder, the phyfician refufes his patient
no fort of fond that he is defirous of.

Their do£lors are not only fuppoftd to be
{l<illcd in the phyfical treatment ofdifeafes,
but the common people believe that by the
ceremony of the chichicoue 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 afflided,
and are thereby the better enabled to find
remedies for theiq. They difcover fomething
fupernatural in all their difeafes, and the
pnyfic adminiftered mufl invariably be aided
by thefe fuperflitions.

Sometimes a (ick perfon fancies that his
diforder arifes from witchcraft i in this cafe
the phyfician or juggler is coiifulted, who af-
ter the ufual preparations gives his opinion
on the llate of the difeafe, and frequently
finds fome means for his cure. But notwith-
llanding the Indian phyficians always annex
thefe fuperftitiovis ceremonies to their pre-
fcriptions, it is very certain, as I have alrea-
dy obferved, that they exercife their art by
principles which are founded oa the know-
ledge of fimples, and on experience which

they

VlS'^t

^ 1> c

^

i(

i 371 )

tKcy acquire by an indefatigable attention to
their operations.

The following ftory, which I received from
a perfon of undoubted credit, proves that
the Indians are not only able to rcafon with
great acutenefs on the caufes and fymptoms
of many of the diforders which are atten-
dant on human nature, but to apply with
equal judgment proper remedies.

In Penobfcot, a fettlement in the province
of Main, in the north-caft parts of New
England, the wife of a foldier was taken in
labour, and notwithftanding every necclHiry
afliftance was given her, could not be deliver-
ed. In this fituation fhe remained for two
or three days, the perfons around her ex-
peding that the next pang would put an end
to her exiflence.

"^ An Indian woman, who accidentally palTcd
by, heard the groans of ♦ihe unhappy fufferer,
and enquired from whence they proceeded.
Being made acquainted with the defpePA'tc
circumflances attending the cafe, flie told the
informant, that if fhe might be permitted to
fee the perfon, {he did not doubt but that
fte could be of great fcrvice to her.
""• The furgeon that attended, and the mid-
wife who v/as then prefent, having giv<^n up
^ "*" B b 2 every

t'

,ii

( 372 )

every hope of preferving their patient, the
Indian woman was allowed to make ufe of
any methods (he thought proper. She ac-
cordingly took a handkerchief, and bound it
tight over the nofe and mouth of the wo-
man: this immediately brought on a fufFo-
cationj and from the llruggles that confe-
quently enfued (he was in a few feconds de-
livered. The moment this was atchieved^
and time enough to prevent any fatal efFed,
the handkerchief was taken off. The long
fuiTering patient thus happily relieved from
her pains, foon after perfedly recovered, to
the aftonifhment of all thofe who had been
witnefs to her defperate fituation.

The reafon given by the Indian for this
hazardous method of proceeding was, that
defperate diforders r<.quire defperate reme-
dies ; that as fhe obferved the exertions of
nature were not fufliciently forcible to efFcd
the defircd ronfequence, fhe thought it ne-
cciTary to augment their force, which could
only be done by fome mode that was violent
in the extreme.

CHAP.

( 373 )

i! I ^1 <i I

C FI A P. XV.

Of the Manner in which they treat their

Dead.

AN Indian meets death when it ap-
proaches 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 apprehenfions to almofl every other
nation, is truly admirable. When his fate
is pronounced by the phyfician, and it re-
mains no longer uncertain, he harangues
thoft. about him with the greateft compo-
fure.

If he is a chief and has a family, he makes
a kind of funeral oration, which he con-
cludes by giving to his children fuch advice
for the regulation of their conduct as he
thinks ncceifary. He then takes leave of his
friends, and iffues out orders for the prepara-
tion of a feafl, which is defigncd to regale
thofe of his tribe that come to pronounce his
eulogium.

After

;:i^

i 1

( 374 )

" After the breath is departed, the body is
dreffed in the fame attire it ufaally wore
whilft living, his face is painted, and he is
feated in an erecSt poftnre on a mat or ikin
placed in the middle of the hut,' with his
weapons by his fide. His relations being
feated round, each harangues in turn the de-
ceafed ; and if he has been a great warrior
recounts his heroic adions nearly to the fol-
lowing purport, which in the Indian language
is extremely poetical and pleafing.

" You ftill fit among us, Brother, your
" perfon retains its ufual lefemblance, and
" continues fimilar to ours, without any vi-
*' fible deficiency, except that it has loft the
" power of adion. But whither is that
" breath flown, which a few ho'Trs ago fent
" up fmoke to the Great Spirit? Why are
" thofe lips fllent, that lately delivered to us
" expreflive and pleafing language ? why are
*' thofe feet motionlefs, that a fiiort time ago
" were fleeter than the deer on yonder moun-
" tains ? why ufelefs hang thofe arms that
" could climb the talleft tree, or draw the
'* tougheft bow? Alas! every part of that
" frame which we lately beheld with admira-
*' tion and wonder, is now become as inani-
■' mate as it was three hundred wi^nters ago.

" We

( 37S )

** We will not, however, bemoan thee as if

" thou waft for ever loft to us, or that thy

" name would be buried in oblivion; thy

" foul yet lives in the great Country of Spi-

*' rits, with thofe of thy nation that are gone

" before thee ; though vye are left behind to

" perpetuate thy fame, we fhall one day join

" thee. Aduated by the refped we bore

" thee whilft living, we now come to tender

" to thee the laft ad of kindnefs it is in our

" power to beftow : that thy body might not

" lie negleded on the plain, and become a

" prey to the beafts of the field, or the fowls

"of the air, we will take care to lay it with

*' thofe of thy predecefTors who are gone

*•• before thee ; hoping at the fame time, that

"thy fpirit will feed with their fpirits, and

" be ready to receive ours, when we alfo flwll

" arrive at the great Country of Souls."

In {hort fpeeches fomewhat fimilar to this
does every chief fpeak the praifes of his de-
parted friend. When they have fo done, if
they happen to be at a great diftance from
the place of interment appropriated to their
tribe, and the perfon dies during the winter
feafon, they wrap the body in fldns, and lay
it on a high ftage built for this purpofe, or
on the branches of a large tree, till th^ fpring

arrives.

: i::, I

ii

!■■ .i.

i ) I (■.

( 376 )

arrives. They then, after the manner dcf-
cribed in my Journal, carry it, together with
all thofc belonging to the fame nation, to
the general burial-place, where it is interred
w'ith fome other ceremonies that I could not
difcover.

When the Naudoweflies brought their
dead for interment to the great cave-, I at-
tempted to get an infight into the remaning
burial rites ; but whether it was on account
of the ftench which arofe from fo many bo-
dies, the w^eather being then hot, or whe-
ther they chofe to keep this part of their
cuftoms fccret from me, I could not difco-
ver ; I found, however, that they confidered
my curiofity as ill-timed, and therefore I
w^ithdrew.

After the interment, the band to which the
perfon belongs, take care to fix near the
place fuch hieroglyphicks as fhall fhew to
future anjes his merit and accomplifhments.
If any of thefe people die in the fummer
at a diilance fi'om the burying-ground, arid
they find it impoffible to remove the body
before it putrefies, they burn the flefh from
the bones, and preferving the latter, bury
them in the manner defcribed.

As

(.". ■ m

C 377 )

As the Indians believe that the fouls of the
deceafed employ tlieir.fcives in the fame
manner in the country of fplrits, as they
did on earth, that they acquire their food by
hunting, aiid have there, alfo, enemies to
contend with, they take care that they do
not enter thefe regions defencelefs and un-
provided : they coiifequcntly bury with them
theii bows, their arrows, and all the other
weapons ufed either in hunting or v^^ar. As
thev doubt not but they will hkewife have
occai]on both for the nece(Iciries of life and
thofe t!iir.T^s thev eileem as ornaments, they
ufuallv dcnolit in their tombs fuch Ikins or
fluffs as they commonly made their garments
of, domeftic utcnfiiSj and paint for ornament-
ing their pe^^ons.

The near relations of the deceafed lament
his lofs with an appearance of great forrow
and anguifli ; they weep and howl and make
ufe of many contortions, as they fit in the
hut or lent around the body, when the in-
tervals between the praifes of the chiefs will
permit.

One formality in mourn' ng for the dead
among the NaudowelTics is very different
from any mode I obferved in the other na-
tions through which I paffcd. The men, to

fhow

' »%

( 378 )
fhow how great their forrow is, pierce the
flefh of their arms, above the elbows, with
arrows ; the fears of which I conld perceive
on thofe of every rank, in a greater or lefs
degree ; and the women cut and galh their
legs with fliarp broken flints, till the blood
flows very plentifully. ;
A Whilft I remained among them, a couple
whofe tent was adjaeent to mine, loft a fon
of about four years of age. The parents
were fo much aifeded at the death of their
favourite child, that they purfued the ufual
teftimonies 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 woman, who had hitherto been
inconfolable, no fooner faw her hufband ex-
pire., than fhe dried up her tears, and ap-
peared cheerful and refigned. • .;
^^As I knew not how to account for fo ex-
traordinary a tranlition, I took an opportu-
nity to aik her the reafon of it; telling her
at the fame time, that I fhould have imag-ined
the lofs of her hufband would rather have
occafioned an increafe of grief, than fuch a
fudden diminution of it.

She informed me, that as the child was fo
young when it died, and unable to fupport

itfelf

( '379 )
itfelf in the country of fpirits, both flie and
her hufband had been apprehenfive that its
fituation would be far from happy ; but no
fooncr did (he behold its father depart for
the fame place, who not only loved the child
with the tendered aftcdion, but was a good
hunter, and would be able to provide plen-
tifully for its fupport, than fhe ceafed to
mourn. She added, that (he now faw no
reafon to continue her tears-, as the child on
whom fhe doated was happy under the care
and protedion of a fond father, and that
(he had only one wifli that remained ungra-
tified, which was that of being herfelf with
them. > (jin^h '

Expreflions fo replete with unaffeded ten-
dernefs, and fentiments that would have done
honour to a Roman matron, made an im-
preffion on my mind greatly in favour of the
people to which fhe belonged, and tended
not a little to counteract the prejudices I had
hitherto entertained, in common with every
other traveller, of Indian infenfibility and
want of parental tendernefs.

Her fubfequent condud confirmed the fa-
vourable opinion I had juft imbibed; and
convinced me, that notwithftanding this ap-
parent fufpenfion of her grief, fome parti-
cles

' ji

■yii.

I'll; 4 ii'..:!

'k\:'i

¥ '■'■■■ I

( 38o )
cles of that reluflance to be feparated from
a beloved relation which is implanted either
by nature or cuftom in every human heart,
ftill lurked in hers. I obferved that fhe
went almoft every evening to the foot of
the tree, on a branch of which the bodies of
her hufband and child were laid, and after
cutting off a lock of her hair, and throwing
it on the ground, in a plaintive melancholy
fong bemoaned its fate. A recapitulation of
the adt ons he might have performed, had his
life been fj:)a red appeared to be her favourite
theme ; and whilft (he foretold the fame that
would have attended an imitation of his fa-
ther's virtues, her grief feemed to be fuf-
pended: —

? "If thou hadfi continued with us, my dear
" Son, would llie cry, how well would the
*' bow have become thy hand, and how fa-
" tal would thy arrows have proved to the
*' enemies of our bands ! Thou wouldft often
" have drank their blood, and eaten their
" flelh, and numerous Haves would have re-
*' warded thy toils. With a nervous arm
*' wouldfl thou have feized the wounded
*' buffalo, or have combated the fury of the
" enra2;ed bear. Thou wouldft have over-
" taken the flying elk, and have kept pace

a

on

( 38i )

" on the mountain's brow with the flcctefl
" deer. What feats mie^htcft thou not liave
*' performed, liadft thou ftaid among us till
" age had given thcc ftrength, and thy fatlier
** had inftruvQed thee in every Indian accom-
" plifhment !" In terms hke thefe did this
untutored favage bewail the lofs of her fon,
and frequently would (he pafs the greatcfl
part of the night in the afledionate employ.
The Indians in general are very ftrid in
the obfcrvance of their laws relative to
mourning for their dead. In fome nations
they cut off their hair, blacken their faces,
and fit in an ered pollure with their heads
clofely covered, and depriving themfelvcs of
every pleafure. This feverity is continued
for feveral months, and with fome relaxati-
ons the appearance is fometimes kept up for
feveral years. I was told that when the
Naudoweffies recolleded any incidents of the
lives of their deccafed relations, even after
an interval of ten years, they would liow!
fo as to be heard at a great dillance. They
would fometimes continue this proof of re-
fpe6l and affedion for feveral hours j and^
if it happened that the thought occurred
and the noife was begun towards the even-
in^

■ £-''X

.t' i;^'m

Hi:

m

i?: '■':n

<( ^383 )
ing, thofe of their tribe who were at hand
would join with them.

:t

c H A P. xvr. ^

j4 cone fe Character of the Indians.

TH E character of the Indians, like that
of other uncivihzed nations, is com-
pofed of a mixture of ferocity and gentle-
nefs. They .are at once guided by pafTions
and appetites, which they hold in common
with the fiercefl beafts that inhabit their
woods, and are poffeffed of virtues that do
honour to human nature iroriji.

In the following eflimate I fhall endea-
vour to forget on the one hand the preju-
dices of Europeans, who ufually annex to
the word Indian epithets that are difgrace-
ful to human nature, and who view them
in no other light than as favages and canni-
bals ; whilft with equal care I avoid any
partiality towards them, as fome muft natu-
rally arife from the favourable reception T
met with during my ftay among them.

At the fame time I fhall confine my re- *
marks to the nations inhabiting only the

■ -!• ■• '*• ^^Weftern "^

{ 383 )

»

Weftern regions, fuch as the Naudoweffies,
the Ottagaumies, theChip6ways, the Wiri-
nebagoes, and the Saukies : for as through-
out that diverfity of climates the extcnfive
continent of America is compofed of, there
are people of different difpofitions and vari-
ous charaders, it would be incompatible with
my prefent undertaking to treat of all thefe,
and to give a general view of them as a con-
jundive body.

,:.. That the Indians are of a cruel, revenge-
ful, inexorable difpofition, that they will
watch whole days unmindful of the calls of
nature, and make their way through pathlcfs,
and almoft unbounded woods, fubfifting only
on the fcanty produce of them, to purfue and
revenge themfelves of an enemy, that they
hear unmoved the piercing cries of fuch as
unhappily fall into their hands, and receive
a diabolical pleafure from the tortures they
inflid on their prifoners, I readily grant \ but
let us look on the reverfe of, this terrifying
j)idure, and we (liall find them temperate
both in their diet and potations (it muft be
remembered, that I fpeak of thofe tribes who
have little communication with Europeans)
that they withftand, with unexampled pa-
tience, the attacks of hunger, or the incle-
mency

iii'f

. \

( 3^4 )
mcncy of the fcafons, and cflccm the gratifi-
cation of their appcMtes, but as a fccondary
confidcration.

Wc fliall like wife fee them fociable and
humane to thofc whom they confider as their
friends, and even to their adopted enemies;
and ready to partake with them of the laft
inorfel, or to riili thei^^livcs in their defence.

Incontradidion to the report of many other
travellers, all of whieh have been tindurcd
with prejudice, I can afiert, that notwith-
flandingthe apparent indifFerenee with vvhieh
an Indian meets his wife and children iifter a
long abfence, an inditFerence proceeding ra-
ther from cuflom than infenfibiltty, he is not
unmindful of the claims cither of connubial
or parental tendernefs; the little flory I have
introduced in the preceding chapter of the
Naudowefiie woman lamentin? her child,
■and the immature death of the father, will
elucidate this point, and enforce the aiTcrtion
much better t\wn the moil fludied arguments
I can make ufe of.

Aceufiomed from their youth to innumera-
ble hardihips, they foon become fu peri or to
a fenfe of danger or the dread of death; and
their fortitude, implanted by nature and nur-

:,.^*A tured

*pr»

C 385 )

tured by example, by precept, and accident,
never experiences a moment's allay.

Though llothful and inadive whilft their
ftore of provifion remains unexhaufted, and
their foes are at a diftance, they are indefati-
gable and perfevering in purfuit of their game,
or in circumventing their enemies.

If they are artful anA defigning, and ready
to take every advantage, if they are cool and
deliberate in their councils, and cautious in
the extreme either of difcovering their fen-
timents, or of revealing a fecret, they might
at the fame time boafl of pofTeffing qualifica-
tions of a more animated nature, of the fa-
gacity of the hound, the penetrating figlii: of
a lynx, the cunning of a fox, the agility of
a bounding roe, and the unconquerable fierce-
nefs of the tyger.

In their public oharaders, as forming part
of a community, they pofTefs an attachment
for that band to which they belong, unknown
to the inhabitants of any other country. They
combine, as if they were actuated only by one
foul, againft the enemies of their nation,
and banifh from their minds every confidera-
tion oppofed to this.

They confult without unneceflary oppofi-
tion, or without giving way to the excite-

C c ments

«, , I. .

U

( 386 )

ments of envy or ambition, on the meafures
necefTary to be purfued for the deftrudion
of thofe who have drawn on themfelves their
difpleafure. No felfifh views ever influence
their advice, or obftrud their confultations.
Nor is it in the power of bribes or threats
to diminifh the love they bear their country.

The honour of their tribe, and the wel-
fare of their nation, is the firf^ and moft pre-
dominant emotion of their hearts ; and from
hence proceed in a great meafure all their
virtues and vices. Aduated by this, they
brave every danger, endure the moil exqui-
lite torments, and expire truimphing in their
fortitude, not as a perfonal qualitication, but
as a national charaderiflic.

From thence al fo flow that infatiable re-
venge towards thofe with v hom they are at
war, and all the confequent horrors that dif-
grace their name. Their uncultivated minds
being incapable of judging of the propriety of
an adion, in oppofitioji to their palTions
vrhich are totally infenfible to the controuls
of reafon or humanity, they know not how
to keep their fury within any bounds, and
confeqiiently that courage and refolution
which would otherwife do them honour, de-
generates into a favagc ferocity.

But

( 387 ) '

But this fhort difTertatiori mufl fufHce ; the
limits of my work will not permit me to
treat the fubje6l more copioufly, or to purfue
it with a logical regularity. The obferva-
tions already made by my readers on the
preceding pages, will, I truft, render it un-
neceffary ; as by them they will be enabled
to form a tolerably jufl idea of the people I
have been defcrib'ng. Experience teaches,
that anecdotes, and relations of particular
events, however trifling they may appear,
enable us to form a truer judgment of the
manners and cufloms of a people, and are
much more declaratory of their real iftate,
than the moft ftudied and elaborate difquifi-
tion without thefe aids.

* •Milt

CHAP. XVII.

Of their Language, Hierogly-
ph i c k s, ^c.

.11

THE principal languages of the natives
of North America may be divided
into four claffes, as they confift of fuch as
are made ufe of by the nations of the Iro-
quois towards the eaftcrn parts of it, the

Co 2 Chip^-

m '. i

..' ( 388 )

Chip 6 ways or Algonkins to the north- weft,
the Naudowefiies to the weft, and the Chero-
kces, Chickafaws, &c. to the fouth. One or
other of thefe four arc ufed by all the Indians
who inhabit the parts that lie between ihe
coaft of Labradore north, the Floridas fouth,
tile Atlantic Ocean eaft, and, as far as we
can judge from the difcoveries hitherto made,
the Pacific Ocean on the weft.
** But of all thefe, the Chipeway tongue
appears to be the moft prevailing ; it being
held in fuch efteem, that the chiefs of e/'^r
tribe, dwelling about the great lakes, oi to
the wefiward of thefe on the banks of the
Miffiifippi, with thofe as far fouth as the
Ohio, and as far north as Hudfon's Bay, con-
lifting of more than thirty different tribes,
fpeak this language alone in their councils,
notwithftanding each has a peculi'.r one of
their own.

It will probably in time become Univetfal
among all the Indian nations, as none of them
attempt to make excurfions to any great dif-
tance, or are confidered as qualified to carry
on any negociation with a difta..t band, un-
lefs they have acq aired the Chip6way tongue.

At present, bcfides the Chip6 ways, to whom
it is natural, the Ottawaws, the Sa. ikies, the

Ottagau-

( 389 )

pttagaumies, the Killiftinoes, the Nipegons,
the bands about Lake Le Pleuve, and the re-
mains of the Algonkins or Gens de Terre,
all converfc in it, with fome Ijttle variation
of dialed : but whether it be natural to thefe
nations, or acquired, I was not able to difco-
ver. I ^m however of opinion that the bar-
barous and uncouth dialed of the Winne-
bagoes, the Mpnomonies, and many other
tribes will become in time totally extind, and
this be adopted in its ftead.

The Chi p^ way tongue is not incumbered
with any unnecefTary tones or accents, nei-
ther are there any words in it that are fuper-
fluous; it is alfo eafy to pronounce, and much
more copious th^ any other Indian lan-
guage."

As the Indians are unacquainted with the
polite arts, or with the fciences, and as they
are alfpftrangers to ceremony or compliment,
they neither have nor need an infinity of
words wherewith to embellifli their difcourfe.
plain and un,poli(hed in their manners, they
only make ufe of fuch as ferve to denominate
the neceilkries or conveniences of life, and to
exprefs their wants, whidhinaflateof nature

can be but few.

I have

».». V

>i

/t U Si'.

iSl:!

^'■M

Ul

( 390 )

I have annexed hereto a (hort vocabulary
of the Chipeway language, and another of
the Naudoweiues, but am not able to reduce
them to the rules of grammar.

The latter is fpoken in a foft accent, with-
out any guttural founds, fo that it may be
learnt with facility, and is not difficult either
to be pronounced or written. It is nearly as
copious and expreiTive as the Chipeway ton-
gue, and is the moft prevailing language of
any r ' ue w.llern banks of the Miffilfippi ;
being is ufe, according to their account, a-
mong all the nations that lie to the north
cf the Melforie, and extend as far weft as
tlie Ihores of the Pacific Ocean.

As the Indi.ins aie not acquainted with let-
ters, it is very difficult to convey with pre-
cifion the exact found of their words ; I have
however endeavoured to write them as near
to the manner in which they are expreffed,
as fuch an uncertain mode will admit of.
• Although the Indians cannot communicate
their ideas by writing, yet they form certain
hieroglyph icks, vvhich, in fome meafure, ferve
to perpetuate any extrao dinary tranfadion,
or uncommon event. Thus when they are
en. their cxcurfions, and either intend to
proceed, or have been, on any remarkable

, enterprize,

,,l^

A 391 )

enterprize, they psel the bark from the trees
which lie in their way, to give intelligence
to thoi'e parties that happen to be at a dif-
tancc, of the path they muft purfue to over-
ake them.

The following inftance will convey a more
perfed idea of the methods they make ufe
of on this occafion, than any exprcllions I
can frame.

When I left the MilTifTippi, and proceed-
ed up the Chipeway River in my way to Lake
Superior, as related in my Journal, my
guide, who was a chief of the Chipeways
that dwell on the Ottawaw Lake, near the
heads of the river we had juft entered,
fearing that fome parties of the Naudowef-
fies, with whom his nation are perpetually at
war, might accidentally fall in with us, and
before they were apprized of being in com-
pany, do us fome mifchief, he took the fol-
lowing fteps. "^^^ ' ^'^

He peeled the bark from a large tree near
the entrance of the river, and with wood-
coal mixed with bears-greafe, their ufual
fubftitute for ink, made in an uncouth but
exprelfive manner, the figure of the town
of the Ottagaumies. He then formed 'to the
left, a man dreffed in fliins, by which he

intended

li

I ill

r'i-rri

1' !■

:ri

&«

^Pt

If

:i li

(392 )

intended to reprefent a Naudoweflk, with a
line drawn from his mouth to that of a deer,
fhe fymbol of the Chip6ways. After this
he depidured flill farther to the left, a ca-
noe as proceeding up the river, in which he
placed a man fitting with a hat on •, this fi-
gure was defigned to reprefent an Englilh-
•man, or myfelf, and my Frenchman was
drawn with a handkerchief tied round his
head, and rowing the canoe j to thefe he
added feveral other fignificant emblems, a-
mong which the pipe of peace appeared
painted on the prow of the canoe.

The meaning he intended to convey to
the Naudowefiles, and which I doubt not ap-
peared perfedly intelligible to them, was,
that one of the Ghippway chiefs had receiv-
ed a fpeech from fome Naudowefile chiefs
at the town of the Ottagaumies, defiring
him to condud the Englifhman who had
lately been a aong them, up the Chipeway
river ; and that they thereby require, that
the Chipeway notwithftanding he was an a-
vowed enemy, fhould not be molefted by
them on his pafifage, as he had the care of
a perfoji whom they efteemed as one of their

nation.

Some

( 393 )

Some authors have pretended that the In-
dians have armorial bearings, which they
blazon with great exadnefs, and which dif*
tinguifh one nation from another ; but I ne-
ver could obferve any other arms among
them, than the fymbois already defcribed.

A fhort Vocabulary of the Chipeway

Language.

N. B. This people do not make ufe either
of the confonants F or V,

t-^iflsr*.

'■ •■

A

-■

Englijh.
A BOVE
Xjl Abandori

Chipewqy,
Spimink
Packiton

Admirable

Pilawah

Afterwards
All

Mipidach
Kokinum

y

Always

Amifs

Arrive

Kokali

Napitch

Takouchin

Ax

Agacwet

■t'

Afhes
AlTift

Pingoe
Mawincwah

:V

Ball

■1- «! t'

xwm

\ I

^ m

■f i;

\ 394 )

B

EngliJJj, Chipeway.

Ball Alewin

Bag, or tobacco-pouch Cafpetawgan

Barrel!

Owentawgan

Beat

Pakkite

Bear, a

Mackwah

Bear, a young one

Makon

Beaver

Amik

Beaver's {kin

Apiminiquc

Be, or to be

Tapaie

Beard

Mifchiton

Becaufe

Mewinch

Believe

Tilerimah

Belly

Mifhemout

Black

Markautc

Blood

Mifkow

Body

Yoe

Bottle

Shifhego

Brother

Neconnis

Brandy, or Rum

Scuttawawbah

Bread

Paboufhigan

Breech

Mifcoufab

Breeches

Kipokitie Koufab

Buck

Wafketch

Canoe

( 395 )
C

EngUJh.

Chiphoay,

I:jG.

Canoe

Che man

'• -'

Call

Tefhenckaw

■ *

4

Chief, a

Okemaw

. .

Carry-

Petou

Child, or Children

Bobelofhin

Coat

Capotewian

Cold, I am

Kekatcb

Come on

Moppa

Come to

Pemotcha

Comrade

'Nechee

Concerned

Tallemifli

Corn

Melomin

Covering, or a Blanket Wawbewion
Country Endawlawkeen

Courage Tagwawmiffii

Cup Olawgan

111 ■,. ■

1

■'•|

m%

D

Dance

Nemeh

Dart

Shelhikwee

Die, to

Nip

Difli

,

Mackoan

Dog

Alim

Dead

Neepoo

Devil, or

evil Spirit

Matcho-Manitou

Dog, a little one

Alemon

Done,

( 396 )

Englf/h.

Cbipewqy,

Done, it is dpnc

Shiah

Do

Tofhiton

Doubtlefs

Ontclatoubah

Drefs the kettle

Poutwah

Drink

j Minikwah

Drunken

Ouifquiba

Duck

Chickhip

P

Earth

Auk win

Eat

Owifrin6

Each

Pap gik

Englih

Sagaunofh

Enough

Mimilic

Equal, or alike

Tawbifcouch

Efteem

NawpetelimaW

Eyes

Wifkinkhie

F

Fall

Waliebic

Fall

Ponkifin

FarofF

Watfaw

Fat

Pimmitee

Friend

Niconnis

Father

^Noofah

Few, or litjtlp

Maungis

Futigued

Tauk\yifli

H

,s^ 1

Field

\

( 397 )

Engltjh,

Chipiway.

Field fown

Kittegaumic

.

Fire

Scutta

Fire, to ftrike

Scutecke

•

Find

Nantounawaw

Fifh

Kickon

- <.

Fork :*

iff -*^ NafTawokwot

%

Formerly ;

Pirwego

■ ■• it

Fort

Wakaigon

1
Forward

Nopawink

'

French

Neehtegoolh

■ r
1

Freeze, to

Kiffin

■ t

Freezes hard

KifTin Magat

•I

Full

Moulkinet

Fuzee or Gun

PalkefTigan

i.-—^

p

6

«4

God,ortheGre,

at Spirit Kitchi Manitou

■^

Go by water timmifcaw

Girl

Give

Glafs, a mirror

Good

Good for nothing

Govern

Jeckwaflin

Millaw

Wawbemo

Cawlatch

Malatal

Tibarimaw

General, or Cora- 1 K itchi Oki maw

mander in Chief jSmauganifh
Grapes Shoamin

Great Manatou

■ i\

<i • 1 i]

«--

' ' i

Greedy

( 398 )

Engli/h. -^'•
Greedy c i

Chipeway.
Sawiliivkiin

Guts

Olawbifh

H

Hare
Heart

Wawpoos
Michewah

Hate
Half

Shingaurimaw
Nawbal

H.iir, human

LifTis

Hair of beafts

Pewal

Handfome

Canogininne

Have .

Tandaulaw

Head

Ouftecouan

Heaven

Herb

Here

Speminkakwin
Mejafk
. Aconda

Hidden

Kemouch

Home

Entayent

Honour

Mackawalaw

Hot

rm3-

How

Akefhotta
Tawn6

How many

Tawnemilik

JIunt

KewafTa

Hut, or Houfe

Wig-Waum

Indians

I

Idiinawbah

Iron

Pewawbick

54^j

Ifland

( 399 )

EngliJJj
Ifland

Immediately
Indian Corn
Jntirtly
Impoilor
It might be fo

Kettle

King, or Chief

Keep

Knife

Knife that is crooked

Know

Lake

Laugh

Lazy

Lame

Leave

Letter

Life
Love

Long fince
Land Carriage
Lofe

ChipCwqy,
Minis
Wchatch
Mittavvmin
Nawpltch
MavlawtilFie
Tawneendo

K

Ackikons

Okemaw

Ganwerimaw

Mockoman

Coc'iwgon

Thickeremaw

Kitchigawmink

Pawpi

Kittimi

Kikekate

Pockiton

Mawfignaugon

Nouchimowin

Saukie

Shawfliia

Cappatawgon

Packilaugud

*

X

.1

I I"!

,' (
i/ I,

1

' "I rl

;' t

ft ■i

Li

le

( 400 )

Engt{/h.
Lie dowix
Little

Meat

Much

Man

March, to go

Marry

Medicine

Merchandise

Moon

\-yr}'^r^^:

Weepcmaw .im'*"!

Waubefheeft^^^*^^ '

Weas
^ Nibbilaw
m^uo Alliffinape
Pimmouffie
Wee win
Mafkikic
Alokochigon
Debicot

!n

'?ii:0

ilA.

-p,rV'^4

Mortar to potind in Poutawgon
Male Nape

Miftrefs Neremoufin

Ci'/r-^

^

i'iki.i I'

Needle

Near

Nation

Never

Night

No

Nofe

Nothing

Not yet

Not at all

^^"^^^'"Shawbonkin
Pewitch
Irinee
-^***<^^^ Cawikkaw
pebicot
Kaw
Yoch
Kakego
Kawmifchi
Kagutch

-Mir

Nought,

( 401 )

Englijh. ' Chipeway.

Nought, good for 7 ^^^^^^
nothing 3

0

Old

Kauwefliinc

Otter

Nikkik

Other

Coutack

Pipe Poagaa

Part, what Part Tawnapee

Play Packeigo

Powder, gun, or dyft Pingo

Peace, to make

Pray

Proper

Prefently

Peninfula

Qpick

Regard

Red

Refolve

Relation

Refpedl

Pecacotiche

Tawlaimia

Sawfega

Webatch

Minniffin

Kcgotch

n'
K

Wawbemo

Mifcow

Tibelindon

Tav/wemaw

Tawbawmica

Dd

A

m

Rain

( 402 )

Englijh.

Chipeway.

Rain

.■■j:?:M'

Rimmewaij

^

Robe

Ockoiaw ^

River

,Sippim

Run, tp

Pitchebot

i < »

Sad

-^^l

S
Talimiffie

Sail

pemilcaw

Sack, or Bag

Malkimot

Sea, or large Lake

Agankitcbigawminl|

Shoes

Maukiflin

Ship or large '

Canoe

Kitchi Cheman

Sorry-

NifcottilTie ,

Spirit

Manitou

.

Spoon

Mick won ^ffij.;

Vtx^V

Star

■

Aknk

Steal

Kemautin ^o/ .

AJ. Vii V

Stocking?

•

Mittaus

Strong

■ ■ h \ i I

IMaihkauwah

■'T*

Sturgeon

' i i.( V.

Lawmack

. ■'

Sun

KilTis

Sword

Simaugan

Surprizing

■'<Cf^*^07 '^'

'• Etwah, Etwah

. ff

See

Wawbemo

. ',

Since

Mapedoh

■/;.

Shirt

:-..;::-?

Papaw^kwean

Slave ■ -^^

Wackan

\\'>M4-

ii.

*

Sleep

( 403 )

Englijh.

Chipeway.

•\^.!l

Sleep '''

Nippee

...

Sit down

Mihtepin

' 'I'll'

T

V'

Take

Emaundah

Teeth

■ Tibbit

;e

That

"^^H^^ Mawbah

There

^ '"^ Watfaudebi

'^'H

This

n,i^. ;l Maundah k-

,,,-li^ >■'»'•*

Truly ^^^^'^

^ -'^^ Kikit

Together

Mawmawwee

bfT(^

Tobacc6 '

Semau

'■

Tongue

Outon

Tired

Tawkonfie

■

Too little

Ofaummangis

. y

Too much

OfTaune

Thank you

Ml ^tch

-

To-morrow

Wawounk

To-morrow,

^ > Oufwawbunk

•

after '

/

m'A

W

•".

Warriors .j

Semauganaufh

*»

Water

Nebbi

War

Nantaubaulaw

Way

Mickon

Weil then !

Tauneei\dahl

*'^^.♦•i<1

^M:

Dda

What

;i^- ' --III

■ <

'Kll

"J:

1 1' I

i'- jJ

( 404 )

Engli/h, .

Chipeway.

What is that ?

Wawwewin ?

What now ?

Qjiagonie ?

«

Whence

Taunippi

Where

Tah

White

Waube

Who is there?

Qjiagonie Maubahl

Wind

Loutin V .

Winter

Pepoun

Woman

Ickwee

•

Wood

Mittic • -^Tv^.v^

Wolf

Mawhingon

Y

Yefterday

Petchilawgo

Yet

Minnewatch

Young

Wifconekiffi t|

Yellow

Wazzo.

The Numerical Terms of the Chipheads,

One

Pafhik iV^oV ai</»i4^ A

Two

Ninch

Three

NifTou

Four

, , g Neau

Five

Naran

Six

Nin2;outwafrou

Sever;

Ninchowaflbu

Eight

T

NiliowafTou ^

Nine

Englijh.
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twenty

Thirty

Forty

Fifty

xty

Seventy

Eighty

Ninety

Hundred

iv

cy-

ii»Jt>V'.

SiiJ^

•>^^

Thoufand

( 405 )

Chipinuay, •
Shongaflbu
Mittauffou
Mittauffou Pafhik
Ninchtawnaw
NifTou Mittawnaw
Neau Mittawnaw
Naran Mittawnaw
Nigoutwaffou Mit-
tawnaw
' ' ^ ^ '^ Ninchowaffou Mit- '
tawnaw i '

f Niffowaffou Mit-
1^ tawnaw

{ShongalTou Mittaw-
naw
Mittauffou Mittaw-
naw
Mittauffou Mittauf-
fou Mittawnaw.

t--^t

A Short VocABUtARY of the Naudowefl»^

Language.

A
Englijh, NaiidavoeJJie,

Axe Aihpaw

Beaver Chawbah ^

Buffalo

■!'■ i.-

(

Enghjl.

406 )

'' NaudoweJ/te:\

-

1 En,

Buffalo

Tawtongo i//

A

I trails €

Bad

Shejah h

■ inn't

I f^rienc

Broach

Muzahootoo

1

Bear, a

Wahkonfhejah

I

. »

I ■ ' t ' '

,, ^

1 Good

G

■■ ■ •■)

1 Give

Canoe

Waahtoh

r;M'U

H Go aw

Cold

Mechuetah

/ ^U

I God,

Child, a Male

Wechoakfeh

>

■ Spi^

Child, af Female

Wahcheekfeh

•^

■ Gun

Come here

Accooyouiyare

I Great

•

•,

,. . ...a

I Gold

D

■

Dead

Negufh

I

Deer

Tohinjoh

'ivtufi

I Hear

Dog

Shungufh

•Si

1 Horfe

• --mob tr

■ '-ViT

I Home,

. ^

E

i y^

I Iloufe

Eat V

Echawmenaw

iJiii^M

Heaver

Ears

Nookah

Eyes

Efhtike

"1

Evil

n^i. Shejah

r:0-|

Iron

.■ '-' ']

I, orm

•

F

7

Fire

Paahtah

.

Father

Otah

King, <
Kill

Frenchman

Neehteegufli

■MM « «

FalU

ir t

'^

Engiijh,
Falls of Water
t'riend

( 407 )

liaudamffie,
Owah Menah
Kitchiwah

ij

Good
Give
Go away

God, or the Great J ^^j^^^
Spirit d-r'i^lfci/j; .^>\

G

Wofhtah
Accooyeh
lAccoowah

Gun

Great

Gold

^ Muzah Wakott
Tongo
Muzaham

r\ ,

Hear

Horfe

Home, or domeftjc

Iloufe

Heaven

Iron
I, or me

King, or Chief
Kill

Nodkifhon
Shuetongo
Shuah
Teebee
Wofhta Teebee

I

Muzah
Meoh

K

Otah
Neguftitaugaw

I * U •

.. T K^

: 'J

Little

II

( 408 )

Englijh.
Little

^' Naudmdijk. M
'^ Jeftin l^r -^

Long
Lake

r

Love

r

Tongoom
Tongo Meneh
•''^Ehwahmcah ''^^

1 f^

Willi-. f^ rr, ...^'

Much

' ''^Kjtah t^-^e

More

Otenaw

Moon

••■■''■%weeh ^-5^

Mouth

^Eeh ^'^-^

1 'T

Medal

MuzahOtah ^^"^^'

Mine

Mewah

Milk

; i ...

Etfawhoh

■'■w

N

No

Near . ^,

.1 -. ^ »

"^^^^^Jeeftinaw 3^<«f"

v^iJil iJQ

Oh!

*!»4.(T iHopiniyahie!

^ ^*

Pipe

Pipe of Peace

^^ Shanuapaw

Shanuapaw Wakon

. R ' ".I'

Rilla

Owah Meneh

Ring

(

409 )

Englijh,

Naudcfmeffie,

Ring

Muzamchupah 0^%;;^

Round

Chupah

x\:^\vy- '

S

Smoke :

Shaweah

Saltwater

Menis ^eah

See, to

E(htaw

Sleep

'lEfhteemo

Snake

Omlifhcaw

Suia

Paahtah

Spirit

Wakon

Spirituous Liquors

Meneh Wakon

Snow

Sinnee

Surprizing

Hopiniayare

Silver

Muzaham

T

Tobacco y,,

Shawfaflaw

Talk

Owehchin

Tree

fDchaw

There =-

; Dache

•

W

Woman

Winnokejah

Wonderful

tlopiniyare

Water

Meneh

What .

Tawgo ■

don^lC

L) ■ .W

-^-Ji

1^-

:i,:

;;M

'mm

*>

(

Who is there ?
Wicked

You
Young

You are good

You are a Spirit

4to )

I^audowe/ftfj

Tawgodache ^
Heyahachta

Y

Chee
Hawpawnaw

\f.j .Waflitah Chee

Wakon Chee
You are my good7Wafhtah Kitchiwab

Friend y Chee

No Good . Heyah Wafhtah.

The Numerical Terms of the NaudcnaeJJies,

%

One

Two

Three

Four

Five
Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

:i\.

Wonchaw

Noompaw

Yawmonee

Toboh

Sawbuttee
Shawco

Shawcopee

Shahindohin

Nebochunganong

Wegochu nganong

{Wegochnnganong
Wonchaw

> 1 i,

H^

fu

Twenty

. Englijh,
Twenty

Thirty

Forty

Fifty

«

( 4" )

CWegochunganong $.
\ Noompaw ,\j

WegocI iUnganong
Yaumonee
( Wegochunganong
I Toboh

' -5^i^V. ■

Sixty
Seventy

Eighty

Ninety

Hundred
Thoufand

^4

J Wegochunganong
'X Sawbuttee
»^-fii*!^^'-'^V Wegochunganong
[ Shawco

{Wegochunganong
Shawcopee
Wegoclmnganong
indohin

C WegocI 1
( Shahii

{Wegocljunganong
Nebochunganong

Opohng

{

Wegocb unganon g
Opohng

To this (hort vocabulary of the Naudo-
weflie language, I fhall adjoin a fpecimen of-
the manner in which they unite their words.
Ihave chofen for this purpofe a fhort fong,
which they fing, with fome kind of melody,'^
though not with any appearance of poetical
meafure, when they fet out on their hunting

expe-

■ Hi

! li i

' !,'f

;.- ::;it

( 412 )

expeditions : and have given as near a tran-
(lation as the difference of the idioms will
permit.

Afeoh accoawah e/htaw paatah negti/htawgaw
Jhejah menah, Tongo Wakon meoh wq/}jla^ paa-
tah acboawah, Ihpiniyah'e aweeh accoqyee meoh^
wo/hfa pat ah of oh tohinj h meoh feebee, ^

I will arifc before the fun, and afcend yo'n-
der hill, to fee the new light chafe away the
vapours, and difperfe the clouds. Great Spi-
rit give me fuccefs. And when the fun is
gone, lend me, oh moon, light fufHcient to
guide nic with fafety back to my te^t loaden
with deer !

S-4A

^\'

C H A P,

-'f.'fnT'ihTVnr.'j ?j

XVIII.

.\ ' 'J-

J ju ui aq a3

Of the Beasts, Birds, Fishes, Reptiles,*

and Insects, luhich are Jbimd in the inter ibr

' ' Parts of North America, . %

OF thefe I fhalli in the firft place, give a
catalogue, and afterwards a defcription
of fuch only as are either peculiar to this
country, or which differ in fome material point
from thofe that are to be met with in other

realms. - '^'^<^-i\^%

,7iv.dijei» ON

( 413 )

man ■

• «.tl UliH^^ ^

OF THE BEASTS, w ft

The Tygcr, the Bear, Wolves, Foxes, Dogs,
the Cat of the Mounlain, the Wild Cat, the
Buffalo, the Deer, the Elk, the Moofe, the
Carrabou, the Carcajo\j, the Skunk, the Por-
cupine, the Hedge-hog, the Wood-chuck, the
Racoon, the Martin, the Fifher, the Mufk-
quafh, Squirrels, Hares, Rabbits, the Mole,
the Weazle, the Moufe, the Dormoufe, the
Beaver, the Otter, the Mink, and Bats.

m

The TYGER. The Tyger of America re-
fembles in fhape thofe of Africa and Ada, bi^t
is confiderably fmaller. Nor docs it appear
to be fo fierce and ravenous as they are. The
colour of it is a darkifh fallow, and it is in-
tirely free from fpots. I {aw one on an ifland
in the Chipeway River, of which I had a very
good view, as it was at no great diftance from
me. It fat up on its hinder parts like a dog j
and did not fecm either to be apprehcnfivc of
our approach, or to difcover any ravenous in-i
clinat ions. It is however very fcldom to bq
met with in this part of the world, nuiuijj

The BEAR. Bears are very numerous on
this pontinent, but more particularly fo in the
^ ' ' northern

F'i 1,

^i 414 )

northern parts of it, and contribute to fur-
Tiifh both food and beds for almoft every In*
dian nation. Thufe of. America differ in
many reipeds from thofe cither of Greenland
or Ruffia, they being not only fo me what
fmaller, but timorous and inoffenfiVe, unlefs
they are pinched by hunger, or fmarting from
a wound. The fight of a man tetnnes them :
and a dog wiU put feveral to flight. They
are extremely fond of grapes, and will climb
to t'he top of the higheft trees in queft of
them. This kind of food renders their flefh
exceflively rich and finely flavoured ; audit
is confequently preferred by the Indians and
traders to that of any oiher animal. The fat
IS very v/hite, and befides being fweet and
wholcfome, is poiTefred of one valuable qua-
lity, \7l1ich is, thut it never cloys. The in-
habitants of thefe parts conftantly anoint
themfelves wnth it, and to its efficacy they in
a great meafure owe their agility. The fea-
ion for hunting the: bear is during the win-
ter ; when they take up their abode in hallow
trees, or make themfelves dens in the roots of
thofe that arc blown down, the entrance of
which they flop up with branches of fir that
lie fcattered about. From thefe retreats it is
(aid vhev flir not whilfl the weather continues

fevere,

(415 )
>evere, and as it is well known . that they
do not provide themfelves with food, they are
fupppfed to be enabled by nature to fqbfift
for fome months without, and during this
time to continue of the fame bulk.

The WOLF. The wolves of North Ame^
rica are much lefs than thofe which are met
with in other parts of the world. They have
however, in common with the reft of their
fpecies, a v.Iidnefs in their looks, and a fierce-
nefs in their eyes; notwithftanding which
they are far from being fo ravenous as the
European wolves, nor will they ever attack
a man, except they have accidentally fed on
the flefh of thofe llain in battle. Wnen they
Jierd together, as they often do in the winter,
they make a hideous and terrible noife. In
thefe parts there are two kinds ; one of which
is of a fallow colour, the other of a dun, in-
clining to black.

The FOX. There are two forts of foxes in
North America, which differ only in their co-
lour, one being of a reddilh brown, the other
of a grey -, thofe of the latter kind that are
found near the river Miffiflippi, are extreme-
ly beautiful, their hair being of a fine filver

grey.

^ DOGS.

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'(-4i6 )

DOGS. The dogs employed by the Indi-
ans in hunting appear to be all of the fame
fpccies ; they carry their ears ered, and great-
ly refcmble a wolf about the head. They
are exceedingly ufeful to them in their hunt-
ing excurfions^ and will attack the fierceft
of the game they are in purfuit gf. They
are alfo remarkable for their fidelity to their
malters, but being ill fed by them are very
troublefome in their huts or tents.

The CAT of the mountain. This crea^
ture is in ih«pe like a cat, only much larger.
The hair or lur refembles alfo the flcin of
that domeliic animal ; the colour however
differs, for the former is of a reddifh or Or
range caft, but grows lighter near the belly.
The whole fkin is beautified with W«' ' fpots
of different figures, of which thofe ^n the
back are long, and thofe on the lower parts
round. On the ears there are black llripc^.
This creature is nearly as fierce as a leopard,
but will feldom attack a man.

The BUFFALO. This beaft, of which
there are amazing tiumbers in thefe parts, i?
larger than an ox, has fhort black horns,
with a large beard under his chin, and his
head is fo full of hair, that it falls over his
eyes, and gives him a frightful look. There

is

*( 4^7 )

k a bunch on his back which begins at the
haunches, and incrcafing gradually to the
(houlders, reaches on to the neck. Both
this cxcrefcence and its whole body are co-
vered with long hair, or rather wool, of a
dun or moufe colour, which is exceedingly
valuable, efpecially that on the fore part of
the body. Its head is larger than a bull's,
with a very fhort neck j the breaft is brdad,
and the body decreafes towards the buttocks.-
Thcfe Creatures will run away at the fight
of a maU) and a whole herd will make ofF
when they perceive a fingle dog. The flefh
of the bufFalo is excellent food, its hide ex-
ceedingly ufeful, and the hair very proper for
the manufadlure of various articles.
' The DEER. There is but one fpecies of
deer in North America, and thefc are higher
and of a dimmer make than thofe in Europe.
Their (hape is nearly the fame as the Euro-
pean, their colour of a deep fallow, and their
horns very large and branching, This beaft
is the fwifteft on the American plains, and
they herd together as they do in other coun-
tries.

The ELK greatly exceeds the deer in
fize, being in bulk equal to a horfe. Its
body is (liaped like that of a deer, only its

E e tail

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1.11

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1

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^■''lli

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II

( 4i8 )

tail is reinarkably (hort, being not more than
three inches long. The colour of its hair,
which is grey, and not unlike that of a camel,
but of a more rcddifh caft, is nearly three
inches in length, and as coarfe as that of a
horfe. The horns of this creature grow to
a prodigious fize, extending fo wide that
two or three perfons might (it between them
at the fame time. They are not forked like
that of a deer, but have all their teeth or
branches on the outer edge. Nor does the
form of thofe of the elk refemble a deer's, the
former being flat, and eight or ten inches
broad, whereas the latter are round, and con-»
fiderably narrower. They fhed their horns
every year in the month of February, and
by Auguft the new ones are nearly arrived
at their full growth. Notwithftanding their
fize, and the means of defence nature has
furnifhed them with, they are as timorous as
a deer. Their fkin is very ufeful, and will
drefs as well as that of a buck. They feed
on grafs in the fummer, and on mofs or buds
in the winter.

The MOOSE is nearly about the fize of
the elk, and the horns of it are almoft as en-
ormous as that animal's ; the ftem of them
however are not quite fo wide, and they

branch

( 4^9 )
branch on both fides like thbfe of a deer.
This creature alfo fheds them every year.
Though its hinder parts ^re very broad, its
tail is not above an inch long,. It has ftet
and legs like a camel, its head is about two
feet long, its upper lip much larger than the
under, and the noftrils of it are To wide that
a man might thruft his hand into them a con-
fiderable way. The hair of the moofe is light
grey, mixed with a blackifh red. It is very
elaftic, for though it be beaten ever fo long,
it will retain its original (hape. The flefli is.
exceeding igood food, eafy of digeftion, and
very nourifliing. The nofe, or upper lip,
which is large and loofe from the gums, is
efteemed a great delicacy, being of a firm
confiftencc, between marrow and griftle, and
when properly drefiTed, affords a rich and luf-
cious difh. Its hide is very proper for leather,
being thick and llrong, yet foft and pliable.
The pace of this creature i5 always a trot,
which is (b expeditious, that it is exceeded in
fwiftnefs but by few of its fellow inhabitants
of thefe woods. It is generally found in the
forefts, where it feeds on mofs and buds.
Though this creature is of the deer kind, it
never herds as thofc do. Moft authors con-
found it with the elk, deer, or carrabou, but
ii^iU,id E e 2 it

H I

C 420 )

it is a fpecics totally different, as might be
difcovered by attending to the defcription I
have given of each.

The CARRABOU. This beaft is not
near fo tall as the moofe, however it is fotne-
thing like it in fhape, only rather more hea-
vy, and indining to the form of the afs. The
horns of it are not flat as thofe of the elk
are, but round like thofe of the deer j they
alfo meet nearer together at the extremities,
and bend more over the face, than either
thofe of the elk or moofe. It partakes of
the fwiftnefs of the deer, and is with diffi-
culty overtaken by its purfuers. The flefli
of it likewife is equally good, the tongue par-
ticularly is in high efleem. The fkin being
fmooth and free from veins, is as valuable as
fhamoy.

The CARCAJOU. This creature, which
is of the cat kind, is a terrible enemy to
the preceding four fpecies of beafls. He ei-
ther comes upon them from fome conceal-
ment unperceived, or climbs up into a tree,
and taking his llation on fome of the branches,
waits till one of them, driven by an extreme
of heat or cold, takes fhelter under it j when
he faftens upon his neck, and opening the
jugular vein, foon brings his prey to the

ground,

( 421 )

ground. This he is enabled to do by his long
tail, with which he encircles the body of
his adverfary j and the 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 element, he is fome-
times got rid of before he can effed his pur-
pofc. 1

The SKUNK. This is the moft extraor-
dinary animal that the American woods pro-
duce. It is rather lefs than a pole-cat, and
of the fame fpeciesj it is therefore often
miftaken for that creature, but is very dif-
ferent from it in many points. Its fkin or
fur is long and fhining, of a dirty white mix-
ed in fome places with black, fo that it ap-
pears to be fhaded in particular parts with
black, without being either fpotted or ftrip-
ed. Its tail is long and very bufhy like that
of a fox, and it lives chiefly in the woods
and hedges. But its extraordinary powers
are only fliewn when it is purfued. As foon
as he finds himfelf in danger he ejed^s to a
great diftahce from behind a fmall dream of
water, of fo fubtilc a nature, and at the fame
time of fo powerful a fmell, that the air is
tainted with it for half a mile in circumfe-
aud his purfuers, whether men or

dogs,

' f '"*

1, ^, f

rence

( 422 )

dog^; being almoft fufFocated with the ftench,
are obliged to give over the purfuit. On
this account he is called by the French, En-
fant du Diable, the Child of the Devil j or
Bete Puante, the Stinking Beaft. It is al-
moft impolTible to defcribethe noifortie efFedls
of the liquid with which this creature is fup-
plied by nature for its defence. If a drop of
it falls on your cloaths, they are rendered fo
difagreeable that it is impoflible ever after to
wear them ; or if any of it enters your eye-
lids, the pain becomes intolerable for a long
time, and perhaps at laft you lofe your fight.
The fmell of the fkunk, though thus to be:
dreaded, is not like that of a putrid carcafe,
but a ftrong foetid effluvia of muik, which
difpleafes rather from its penetrating power
than from its naufeoufnefs. It is notwith-
ftanding confidered as conducive to clear the
head and to raife the fpirits. This water is
fuppofed by naturalifts to be its urine j but
I have difleded many of them that I have
fiiot, and have found within their bellies,
near the urinal velTels, a fmall receptacle of
water, totally diftind from the bladder which
contained the urine, and from which alone I
am fatisfied the horrid ftench proceeds. Af-
ter having taken out with great care the bag

wherein

( 4^3 )
wherein this water is lodged, I have fre-
quently fed on them, and have found them
very fweet and good ; but one drop emitted
taints not only the carcafe, but the whole
houfe, and renders every kind of provifions
that are in it unfit for ufe. With great juf-
tice therefore do the French give it fuch a

diabolical name. ,,]>,,,., „ vd h.riq

, The PORCUPINE. The body of an Ame-
rican porcupine is in bulk about the (ize of a
fmall dog, but it is both ihorter in length,
and not fo high from the ground. It varies
very much from thofe of other countries both:
in its fliape and the length of its quills. The
former is like that of a fox, except the head,
which is not fo (harp and long, but refem-
bles more that of a rabbit. Its body is co-
vered with hair of a dark brown, about four
inches long, great part of which are the
thicknefs of a draw, and are termed its
quills. Thefe are white, with black points,
hollow and very flrong, efpecially thofe that
grow on the back. The quills ferve this
creature for ofFenfive and defenfive weapons,
which he darts at his enemies, and if they
pierce the flefh in the leaft degree, they will
fink quite into it, and are not to be extrad-
ed without incifion. The Indians ufe them ,

for

I i! i:

M 424 ')
for boring their ears and nofcs to infcrt their
pendants, and alfo by way of ornament to
their ftockings, hair, &c. befides which they
greatly cftecm the flcfh.

The WOOD-CHUCK is a ground animal
of the fur kind, about the fize of a martin,
being nearly fifteen inches longj its body
however is rounder, and his legs fhorter; the
fore paws of it are broad, and conflruded for
the purpofe of digging holes in the ground,
where it burrows like a rabbit ; its fur is of
a grey colour on the reddifli call, and its flefh
tolerable food.

The RACOON is '')mewhat lefs in fize
than a beaver, and its feet and legs are like
thofe of that creature, but fhort in proper*
tion to its body, which refembles that of the
badger. The fhape of its head is much like
a fox's, only the ears are fhorter, more round
and naked, and its hair is alfo fimilar to that
animal's, being thick,, long, foft, and black
at the ends. On its face there is a broad flripc
that runs acrofs it, and includes the eyes,
which are large. Its muzzle is black, and at
the end roundifh like that of a dog; the
teeth are alfo fimilar to thofe of a dog in
number and iliapc; the tail is long and round,
with annular ftripes on it like thofe of a cat ;

the

i" !'

( 425 )

the feet have five long (lender toes armed
with (harp chiws, by which it is enabled to
dimb up trees like a monkey, and to run to
the very extremities of the boughs. It makes
life of its fore feet in the manner of hands,
and feeds itfelf with them. ^ The flcfli of
this ereature is very good in the months of
September and Odober, when fruit and nuts,
on which it hkes to feed, are plenty. ^ " '''^^'*'
The MARTIN is rather larger than a
fquirrel, and fomewhat of the fame make ; its
legs and claws however are confiderably fhor-
ter. Its ears are fhort, broad and roundifh,
and its eyes fhine in the night like thofe of a
cat. The whole body is covered with fur of
a bfownifh colour, and there are ^ome in the
more northern parts which are black; the
iTiins of the latter are of much greater value
than the others. The tail is covered with
long hair, which makes it appear thicker than'
it really is. Its flefh is fometimes eaten, but
is not in any great efleem.
i, The MUSQJJASH, or MUSK-RAT, is fo
termed for the exqulfite mufli which it af-
fords. It appears to be a diminutive of the
beaver, being endowed with all the proper-
ties of that fagacious animal, and wants no-
thing but fize and llrcnglh, being not much

)igger

mt,

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Iili

-V- ^,A

( 4^-6 )

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 exa^Iy the fame as
that of the European rat, the ftrudure of
their bodies is fo much alike, efpecially the
head, th:it it might be taken for a finall bea-
ver. Like that creature it builds itfelf a cab-
bin, but of a lefs perfed conftrudion, and
takes up its abode near the fide of fome piece
of water. In the fpring they leave their re-
treats, and in pairs fubfift on leaves and roots
till the fummcr comes on, when they feed on
ftrawberries, rafberries, and fuch other fruits,
as they can reach. At the approach of win-
ter they feparate, when each takes up its
lodging apart by itfelf in fome hollow of a
tree, where they remain quite unprovided
with food, and there is the greateft reafon to
believe, fubfift without any till the return
of fpring. t

SQJJIRRELS. There are five forts of
fquirrels in America; the red, the grey, the
black, the variegated, and the flying. The
two former are exadly the fame as thofe of
Europe ; the black are fome what larger, and
differ from them only in colour ; the variegat-
ed a!fo refemble them in fhape and figure,
but are very beautiful, being finely ftriped

with

( 427 )

with white or grey, and fometimcs with red
and black. The American flying fquirrel is
much lefs than the European, being not above
five inches long, and of a rufTet grey or a(h-
colour on the back, and white on the under
parts. It has black prominent eyes like thofe
of the moufc, with a long flat broad tail. By
a membrane on each fide which reaches from
its fore to its hind legs, this creature is ena-
bled to leap from one tree to another, even
if they Hand a confiderable diftance apart ;
this loofe fkin, which it is enabled to ftretch
out like a fail, and by which it is buoyed up,
is about two inches broad, and is covered
with a fine hair or down. It feeds upon the
fame provifions as the others, and is eafily
tamed.

The BEAVER. This creature has been
fo often treated of, and his uncommon abi-
lities fo minutely defcribed, that any further
account of it will appear unneceflTary 5 how-
ever 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 fhall give a concife defcription of
it. The beaver is an amphibious quadruped,
which cannot live for any long time in the
water, and it is faid is even able to exift en-
tirely

'1

'i!,i

( 42S )

'irely without it, provided it has the conve-
nience of fometimes bathing itfelf. The larg-
efl beavers are nearly four feet in length,
and about fourteen or fifteen inches in breadth
over the haunches; they weigh about fixty
pounds. Its head is like that of the otter,
but larger; its fnout-is pretty long, the eyes
frndl, the ears ihort, round, hairy on the
outfide, and fmooth within, and its teeth very
long ', the under teeth ftand out of their
mouths about the breadth of three fingeio',
ami the upper half a finger, all of which are
broad, crooked, ftrong, and fharp; befidcs
thofe teeth called the incifors, which grow
double, are fet very deep in their jaws, and
bend like the edge of aii axe, they have fix-
teen grinders, eight on each fide, four above
and four below diredly oppofite to each other.
With the former they are able to cut down
trees of a confiderable fize, with the latter '
to break the hardcft fubftance. Its legs arc
ihort, particularly the fore legs, w^hich are'
only four or five inches long,, and not unlike
thofe of a badger-, the toes of the fore feet
arc feparate, the nails placed obliquely, and
arc hollow like quills ; but the hind feet arc'
quite ditferent, and fu-niflicd with mem-
brands between the toes. Bv this means it

f'dn

( 429 )
can walk, though but ilowly, and is able to
fwim with as much eafe as any other aqtiatie
animal. The tail has fomewhat in it that re-
fembles a fifh, and feems to have no manner
of relation 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 Ikin furnifhed with fcalcs, that arc
joined together by a pellicle ; thefe fcales arc
about the thicknefs if parchment, nearly
a line and half in length, and generally of a
hexagonical figure, having fix corners; it is
about eleven or twelve inches in lengtli, 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 body
where it is almoft round, and grows ejradu-
ally thinner and flatter to the end. The co-
lour of the beaver is different according to
the different climates in which it is found In
the moft northern parts, they are generally
quite black i in more temperate, brown ; their
colour becoming lighter and lighter as they
approach towards the fouth. The fur is of
two forts all over the body, except at the feet,
where it is very Ihort ; that which is the longeft
is generally in length about an inch, but on
the back it foa-cumes extends to two inches,

gradually

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li^

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( 430 )
gradually diminiflling towards the head and
tail. This part of the fur is harfh, coarfe,
and fhining, and of little ufe; the other part
confifts of a very thick and fine down, fo foft
that it feels almoft like filk, about three quar-
ters of an inch in length, and is what is com-
monly manufa<5lured. Caftor, which is ufe-
ful in medicine, is produced from the body of
this creature ; it was formerly believed to be
its tefticles, but later difcoveries have fhown
that it is contained in four bags fituated in
the lower belly. Two of which, that are
called the fuperior from their being more ele-
vated than the others, are filled wnth a foft
refinous adhefive matter, mixed with fmall
fibres, greyifli without, and yellow within, of
a ftrong difagreeable and penetrating fccnt, and
very inflammable. This is the true caftoreum ;
it hardens in the air, and becomes brown, brit-
tle and friable. The inferior ba2;s contain an
unduous liquor like honey ; the colour of
which is a pale yellow, and its odour fome-
what different from the other, being rather
weaker and more difagreeable; it however
thickens as it grows older, and at lengtn be-
comes about the confidence of tallow. This
has alfo its particular ufe in medicine, but it is •
not fo valuable as the true cufiorcum.

The

( 431 )
^ The ingenuity of thefe creatures in build-
ing their cabbins, and in providing, for their
fubfiflence is truly wonderful. When they
are about to chufe themfelves a habitation,
they afTemble in companies fometimes of two
or three hundred, and after mature delibera-
tion fix on a place where plenty of provifi-
ons, and all neceflaries are to be found. 1 heir
houfes are always (ituated in the water, and
when they can find neither lake nor pond
adjacent, they endeavour to fupply the de-
fed by flopping the current of fome brook or
fmall river, by means of a caufeway or dam.
For this purpofe they fet about felling of
trees,' and they take care to chufe out thofe
that grow above the place w^here they intend
to build, that they might fwim down with
the current. Having fixed on thofe that arc
proper, three or four beavers placing them-
felves round a large one, find means with
their ftrong teeth to bring it down. They'
alfo prudently contrive that it fliall fall to-'
wards the water, that they may have the lefs
way to carry it. After they have by a con-'
tinuance of the fame labour and induflry,
cut it into proper lengths, they roll thefe in-
to the water, and navigate them towards I ho
place where they are to he employed. With-
out

M

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h

ii

-I'll

nil

'Ml

I

1. I

out entering more minutely into the me^fut-es
they purfue in the conftru(Stion of their dams,
I (hall only remark, that having prepared a
kind of mortar with their feet, and laid it on
"with their tails, which they had before made
ufe of to tranfport it to the place where it is
requifite, they conftrud them with as much
folidity and regularity as the moft experienced
workmen could do. The formation of their
cabbins is no lefs amazing. Thefe are either
built on piles in the middle of the fmall lakes
they have thus formed, on the 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 fa-
shioned with an ingenuity equal to their
dams. Two thirds of the edifice Hand a-
bove the water, and this part is fufiiciently
capacious to contain eight or ten inhabitants.
Each beaver has his place afligned him, the
Hoor of which he curioully ftrews with leaves,
or fmall branches of the pine tree, fo as to
render it clean and comfortable j and their
cabbins are all fituated fo contiguous to each
other, as to allow of an eafy communication.
The winter never furprizes thefc animals be-
fore their bufinefs is completed, for by the
latter end of September their houfes are H^
*■ • : nilhcd,

( 433 ) ■
nifhcd, and their ftock of provifions arc ge-
nerally laid in. Thefe confift of ftDall pieces
of wood whofe texture is foft, fuch as the
poplar, the afpin, or willow, &c. which they
lay up in piles, and difpofe of in fuch in ai-
ner as to preferve their moiflnre. Was I to
enumerate every inltance of fagacity that is
to be difcovered in thefe animals, they would
fill a volume, and prove not only entertaining
but inflrudive. .v. i. .^ni..,

<;. The OTTER. This creature alfo is am-
phibious, and greatly refcinblcs a beaver, i)iit
is very different from it in many refpe<lis. lis
body is nearly as long as a beaver's, but con-
fiderably lefs in all its parts. The muzzlcj
eyes, and the form of the head are nearly thd
fame, but the teeth are very unlike, for thcJ
otter wants the large incifo s or nippers that
a beaver has ; inftead of thefe, all his tct^chj
without any dittindion, are (haped like thofe
of a do? or wolf. The hair alfo of the for-
mer 's not half fo long as that belonging to
the latter, nor is the colour of it exadi/ the
fame, for the hair of an o'ter under the neck,
ftomach, anJ U^llv, is more grcyiih th-nthat
of a beaver, and in many other refpeds it
likewifc varies. This anim i!, which is met
with in moft parts of the WOild, bat in much

n. ;i

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grea

ter

(• 43+ y-

greater numbers in North America, is very
mifchievous, and when he is clofely purfued,
will not only attack dogs but men. It gene-
rally feeds upon fifh, efpecially in the fum-
mer, but in the winter is contented with the
bark of trees, or the produce of the fields.
Its flefh both taftes and fmclls of fi(h, and
is not wholefome food, though it is fometimes
eaten through neccflity. . .

« The MINK is of the otter kind, and fub-
fifts in the fame manner. In fhape and fize
it refembles a pole-cat, being equally long
and (lender. Its flcin is blacker than that of
an otter, or almofl any other creature, " as
" black as a mink," being a proverbial expref-
fion in America; it is not however fo valua-
ble, though this greatly depends ort the fear
fon in which it is taken. Its tail is round
like that of a fnake, but growing flattifh to-
wards the end, and is entirely without hair.
An agreeable mufky fcent exhales from its

body; and it is met with near the fburces of
rivers on whofe banks it chiefly lives.

OF THE BIRDS.

The Eagle, the Hawk, the Night Hawk,
the Fifh Hawk, the Whipperwill, the Ra-
ven, the Crow, the Owl, Parrots, the Feli-

. , . can,

( 435 )
can, the Crane, the Stork, the Cormorant,
the Heron, the Swan, the Goofe, Ducks,
Teal, the Loon, the Water-Hen, the Tur-
key, the Heath-cock, the Partridge, the
Qjiail, Pigeons, ♦he Snipe, Larks, the Wood-
pecker, the Cuckoo, the Blue Jay, the Swal-
low, the Wakon Bird, the Blackbird, the
Redbird, the Thrufh;^ the Whetfaw, the
Nightingale, the King Bird, the Robin, the
Wren, and the Humming Bird. j i; ui ri*;^^

The EAGLE. There are only two forts
of eagles in thefe parts, the bald and the
grey, which are much of the fame fize, and
iimilar in fhape to thofe of other countries.

^Jhe NIGHT HAWK. This Bird is of
the hawk fpecies, its bill bein^ crooked, its'
wings formed forfwiftnefs, and its fhape near-
ly like that of the common hawk ; but in (izc
it is coniiderably lefsj and in colour rather
darker. It is fcarcely ever feen but in the
evening, when at the approach of twilight,
it flies about, and darts itfelf into wanton
gambols at the head of the belated traveller.
Before a thunder-fhower thefe birds are feen
at an amazing height in the air, affembled to-
gether in great nuitibers, as fwallows are oh-r

ferVed to do on the fame occafion.

y£z , The

( 436 )
The FISH HAWK greatly refembfes the
latter in itsfhape, and receives his name froni
his food, which is generally fi{h; it Ikims
over the lakes and rivers, and fometimes
feems to lie expanded on the water, as he ho-
vers fo clofe to it, and having by fome attrac-
tive power drawn the fi(h within its reach,
darts fuddenly upon them. The charm it
makes ufe of is fuppofed to be an oil con-
tained in a fmall bag in the body, and which
nature has by fome means or other fupplied
him w^ith the power of ufing for this pur-
pofe; it is however very certain that any bait
touched with a drop of the oil colleded from
this bird is an irrefiflible lure for all forts of
filh, and infures the angler great fuccefs.

The WHIPPERWILL, or as it is termed
by the Indians, the Muckawifs. This extra-
ordinary bird is fomewhat like the laft-men-
tioned in its fhape and colour, only it has
fome whitjfb jftripes acrofs the wings, and
like that is feldom ever feen till after fun-fet.
It alfo is never met w^ith but during the fpring
» and fummer months. As foon as the Indians
are inforfned by its notes of its return, they
conclude that the froft is entirely gan«, in
which they are feldom deceived ; and on re-
telving this aliurancc of milder weather, be-
' . ein

( 437 )

gin to fow their corn. It acquires its name
by the noife it makes, which to the people of
the colonies founds like the name they give it
Whipper-will j to an Indian ear Muck-a-wifs.
The words, it is true, are not alike, but in
this manner they ftrike the imagination of
each; and the circumftance is a proof that
the fame founds, if they are not rendered cer-
tain by being reduced to the rules of ortho-
graphy, might convey different ideas to dif-
ferent people. As foon as night comes on,
^ thefe birds will place themfelves on the fen-
ces, ftumps, or fto'aes that lie near fome houfe,
and repeat their melancholy notes without
any variation till midnight. The Indians,
and fome of the inhabitants of the back fet-
tlements, think if this bird perches on any
houfe, that it betokens fome mifhap to the
inhabitants of it.

The OWL. The only fort of owls that is
found on the banks of the MiiTiflippi, is ex-
tremely beautiful in its plumage, being of a
£ne deep yellow or gold colour, pleafingly
fhaded and fpotted.

The CRANE. There is a kind of crane in
thefe parts, which is called by Father Hennepin
a pelican, that is about the fizc of the Eu-
ropean crane, of a greyifh colour, and with

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( 438 )

long legs; but this fpecies differs from all
others in its bill, which is about twelve
inches long, and one inch and half broad, of
which breadth it continues to the end, where
it is blunted, and round like a paddle ^ its
tongue is of the fame length.

DUCKS. Among a variety of wild ducks,
the different fpecies of which amount to up-
wards of twenty, I (hall confine my defcrip-
tion to one fort, that is, the wood duck, or as
the French term it. Canard branchus. This
fowl receives its name from its frequenting
the Woods, and perching on the branches of
trees which no other kind of water fowl (a
charadleriflic that this.ftill preferves) is known
to do. It is nearly of a fize with other ducks,
its plumage is beautifully variegated, and ve-
ry brilliant. The lle(h of it alfo, a$ it feeds
but little ori fifh, is finely flavoured, apd
much fuperior to any other fort.

The TEAL. 1 have already remarked in
my Journal, that the teal found on the Fox
tivef, and the head branches of the Mifliffip-
pi, are perhaps not to be equalled for the fatr
nefs and delicacy of their flefh by any other
in the world. In colourv fhape, and fize they
are very little different from thpfp fonrld ii^
other countries.

Tl^e

i;.i'

( 439 )
The LOON is a water fowl, fomewhat lefs
than a teal, and is a ipecies of the dabchick.
Its wings are (hort, and its legs and feet large
in proportion to the body j the colour of it is
a dark brown, nearly approaching to black,
and as it feeds only on filh, the fleih of it is
very ill-flavoured. Thefe birds are exceed-
ingly nimble and expert at diving, fo th^t it
is almoft impofllble for one perfon to flioot
them, as they will dextroully avoid the (hot
by diving before they reach them; fo that
it requires three perfons to kill one of them,
and this can only be done the moment it raifes
his head out of the water as it returns to the
furface after diving. It however only repays
the trouble taken to obtain it, by the excel-
lent fport it affords. j,-,ft

The PARTRIDGE;. There arc three
forts of partridges here, the brown, the red,
and the black, thefirft of which are mofl cf-
teemed. They are all much larger than the
European partridges, being nearly the lize of
a hen pheafant ; their head and eyes are alfo
like that bird, and they have all long tails,
which they fpread like a fan, but not ereft;
but contrary to the cuftom of thofe in other
coun\.ri(^i, they will perch on the branch of
the poplar and black birch, on the buds of

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( 440 )

which they feed early in tlie morniiig and in
the twihght of tlie evening during the win-,
ter months, when they are eafiiy (hot, ^ '^'
Tiie VVOOOP. ClvE-<. This is a very
teauliful birdj there is one fort v;hofe fea-
thers are a mixture of various colours-, and
cinothcr that is bjovvn all over the body,
except the head and neck, which arc of a -fine
red. As this bird is funpofed to make a
greater noife than ordinary at particular
times, it is conjedured his cries then denote
rain. - .,r^^,y.y -3^**. *>■.., j,

The BLUE JAY. This bird is fhaped
nearly like the European jay, only that its
tail is longer. On the top of its head i? 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 purplifh
colour, and the upper iides of the wings and
tail, as v/ell as the lower part of the back

' and rump, are of a fine blue ; the extremities
of the Wings are blackifb, faintly tindlured
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 cnn fcarccly be exceeded in beauty by
ar]y of the winged inhabitants of this or other
climates. It has the fame jetting motion that

;!■

( H\ )

jays generally have, and its cry is far more
pleafing. ■ u^;/^ . i . .. ->* .

The WAKON BIRD, as it is termed by
the Indians, appears to be of the fame fpecies
as the birds of p iradife. The name they have
given it is expicifive of its fiiperior excellence,
and the veneration they h.ve for it j the
wakon bird being in th."ir language the bird
of the Great Spirit. It is nearly the fize of
a fwallow, of a brown colour, fliaded about
the neck with a bright green, the wings are of
a darker brown than the body ; its tail is com-
pofed of four or five feathers, which are three
times as long as its body, and which are beau-
tifully fhaded with green and purple. It car-
ries this fine length of plumage in the fame
manner as a peacock does, but it is not known
whether it ever raifes it into the ere6l pofiti-
on that bird fometimes does. I never faw
any of thefe birds in the colonies, but the
Naudoweiile Indians caught feveral of them
when I was in their country, and feemed to
treat them as if they w^erc of a fuperior rank
to any other of the feathered race.

?f. The BLACKBIRD. There are three forts
of birds in North- America that bear this
name; the firft is the common, or as it is
there termed, the crow blackbird-, which is

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( 442 )

quite black, and of the fame fize and fhape of
thofe in Europe, but it has not that melody
in its notes which they have. In the month
of September this fort fly in large flights, and
do great mifchief to the Indian corn which is
at that time juft ripe. The fecond fort is the
red-.wing, which is rather fmaller than thefirft
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
fmall buihes that grow in meadows and low
fwampy places. It whiftles a few notes, but
is not equal in its fong to the European blacks
bird. The third fort is of the fame fize as the
latter, and is jet black like that, but all the
upper part of the wing, juft below the back,
is of a fine clear w^hite; as if nature intended
to diverfify the fpecies, and to atone for the
want of a melodious pipe by the beauty of its
plumage J for this alfo is deficient in itsmufical
powers. The beaks of every fort are of a
full yellow, and the females of each of a ruf-
ty black like the European. '■^^''- ^>n^^^^¥{
The RED BIRD is about the fize of a
fparrow, but with a longer tail, and is all
over a bright vermillion colour. I faw many
of them about the Gttaw^aw Laki^^, but t-

could

.-!-.>■

( 443 )
could nat learn that they fung. I al fo ob-
ferved in fome other part, a bird of much
the fame make, that was entirely of a fine
yellow, rFf

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The WHETSz\W is of the cucko\r kind,
being like that a folitary bird, and fcarcely
ever feen. In the fummer months it is
beard in the groves, where it makes a noife
like the filing of a faw ; from which it re-
ceives its name, isi,' H*i' :^f^^1,>^ii ,f n vinx'

The KING BIRD is like a fwallow, and
feemsto be of the fame fpecies as the black
martin or fwift. It is called the King Bird
becaufe it is able to mafter almoft every bird
that flies. I have often feen it bring down

• a hawk,j.j-^^ ,iv^i **-'■' i- -i-- * " ■ ■• • •• •- - ' ' ' "
The HUMMING BIRD. This beautiful

bird, which is the fmalleft of the feathered
inhabitants of the air, is about the third
part the fize of a wren, and is fhaped ex-
tremely like it. Its legs, which are about an
inch long, appear like two fmall needles, and
its body i§ proportionable to them. But its
plumage exceeds defcription. On its head it
has a fmall tuft of a jetty fhining black ;
tljebreaftof it is red» the belly white, the
backs, wings, and tiil of the fineft pale
green J and fmall fpecks of gold are fcattered

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( 444 )
with InexprefTible grace over the whole : be-
(ides this an almoil imperceptible down fof-
tens the colours, and produces the moft pleaf-
ing Ih ides. With its bill, which is of the
fame diminutive fize as the other parts of its
body, it extrads from the ilowers a moiftnre
which is its nourifhment \ over thefe it ho-
vers ''ke a bee, but never lights on them,
moving at the fame time its wings with fuch
velocity that the motion of them is imper-
ceptible; notwithftanding which they make
a humming noife, from whence it receives ita

pame,

•■, V

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Of the FISHES which are found in th^

Waters of the Miffijftppi,

i \ JC

'^ I have already given a defcription of thofe
that are taken in the great lakes. ■^^>^oiui%^
'^ The Sturgeon, the Pout or Cat Fifh, the
Pike, the Carp, and the Chub. ' ^q«f^ ^^^tJ
/The STURGEON. The frefh water ftur-
geon is fhaped in no other refpe(fl like thofe
taken near the fea, except in the formation
of its head and tail ^ which are fafliioned ifl
the fame manner, but the body is not fo an-

'gulated,

( 445 ;

giilated, nor are there fo miny hoi'ny fcalcs
about it as on the latter. Its length is ge-*
nerally about two feet and an half or
three feet long, but in circumference not
proportionable, being a flcnder fiih. The
flelh is exceedingly delicate and finely fla-
voured; I caught fome in the he:id walers
of the River St. Croix-, that fnr exceeded
trout. The manner of taking tliem is by
watching them as they lie under the banks,
in a clear flream, and darting at them with a
fifh-fpear j for they will not take a bait.
There is alfo in the MiQiiTippi, and there
only, another fort than the fpecies I have
defcribed, which is fimilar to it in every ref^
ped, except that the upper jaw extends
fourteen or fifteen inches beyond the
under; this extenfive jaw which is of a
grifly fubflance is three inches and half broad,
and continues of that breadth, fomewhat in
the fhape of an oar, to the end, which is
flat. The flefh of this fifh, however, is not
to be compared with the other fort, and
is not fo much efteemed even by the In-
distns.

.. The CAT FISH. This fifh is about eigh-
teen inches long ; of a brownilli colour and

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.( 4+6 )
without fcales. It has a large rotind head,,
from whence it receives its name, on diffe- .
rent parts of which grow three or four (harp
horns about two inches long. Its fins are
alfo very bony andftrong, and without great
care will pierce the hands of thofe who take
them. It weighs commonly about five or
fix pounds ; the flefh of it is excelTively fat
and lufcious, and greatly refembles that of an^
eel in its flavour. ' < . > . .f„ c .
The CARP and CHUB are much the fame
as thofe in England, and nearly about the fame
fize. ,

■»•»

jil.»C!;.J' ':!>

' - OF SERPENTS.

'','■'. ■ ■ ' ' •

The Rattle Snake, the Long Blapk Snake,
the Wall or Houfe Adder, the Striped or;,
Garter Sna^ 3, the Water Snake, the Hif-.
fing Snake, the Green Snake, the Thorn-tail
Snake, the Speckled Snake, the Ring Snake^-r-.
the Two-headed Snake. ^/ ^^ ^^||^-

The RATTLE SNAKE. There appear
to be two fpecies of this reptile; one of
which is commonly termed the Black, and
the other the Yellow j and of thefe the latter
is generally confidered as the largeft. At

their

• C 447 )

their full growth they are upwards of five
feet long, and the middle part of the body
at which it is of the greateft bulk, meafures
about nine inches round. From that part it
gradually decreafes back towards the head
and the tail. The neck is proportionably
very fmall, and the head broad and deprefled
Thefe are of a light brown colour, tht, iris
of the eye red, and all the upper part of the
body brown, mixed with a ruddy yellow,.
and chequered wivh many regular lines of a
deep black, gradually (hading towards a gold
colour. In fhort, the whole of this danger-
ous reptile ?s very beautiful, and could it be
viewed with lefs terror, fuch a variegated
arrangement of colours would be extremely
pleafing. But thefe are only to be feen in
their highefl perfedion at the time this crea-
ture is animated by refentment ; then every
tint rufhes from its fubcutaneous recefs, and
gives the furface of the {kin a deeper ftain.
The belly is of a palifh blue, which grows
fuller as it approaches the fides, and is at
length intermixed with the colour of the up-
per part. The rattle at its tail, from which
it receives its name, is compofed of a firm,
dry, callous, or horny fubflance of a light

brown,

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( 448 )
brown, and confifts of a number of cells
Nvhich articulate one with another like joints }
and which incrcafe every year and make
known the age of the creature. Thefe ar-
ticulations being very loofe, the included
points ftrike agiiiiiil the inner furface of the
concave part or rings into which they arc
admitted, and as the fnake vibrates or
fhakcs its tail, makes a r:iU' n;:^ noife. This
alarm it always gives when it is apprehenfive
of danger; and in an inflant after forms
itfelfinto a fpiral wreath, in the centre of
which appears the head ered, and breathing
forth vengeance againft either m.an or beaft
*^'^ fhall dare to come near it. In this at-
titc.de he awaits the approach of his ene-
mies, rattling his tail as he fees or hears
them coming on. By this timely intima-
tion, which heaven feems to have provided
as a means to counterad the mifchief this
venemous reptile would otherwife be the
perpetrator of, the unwary traveller is ap-
prized of his danger, and has an oppor-
tunity of avoiding it. It is however to
be obferved, that it never ads ofFenfively •,
it neither purfues or flies from any thing
that approaches it, but lies in the pofition
' v" , defcribed,

[ 449 ]

defcribed, rattling his tail as if reludant to
hurt. The teeth with which this ferpcnt ef-
feds his poifonous purpofes arc not thofe he
makes ufe of on ordinary occafions, they are
only two in number, very fmall and fharp
pointed, and fixed in a finewy fubftance that
liesnear the extremity of the tipper jaw, rc-
fembling the claws of a cat ; at the root of
each of thefe, which might be extended^
contra61:ed, or entirely hidden, as need re-
quires, are two fmall bladders which
nature has fo conftrudled, that at the
fame inftant an incifion is made by thd
teeth, a drop of a greenifh poifcnoua
liquid enters the wound, and taints with
itsdeflrudive quality the whole mafsof blood.
In a moment the unfortunate vi6tim of its
wrath feels a chilly tremor runs through all
his frame j a fwellingimmediately begins on
the fpot. where the teqthhad entered, which
fpreads by degrees over the whole body, and
produces (m every part of the fkin the varie-
gated hue of thefnake. Thebjte of this reptile;
is more or lefs venomous according tothefea-
fonof the year in which it is given. In the dog-
days, it often proves inftantly mortal, and ef*-
pecially if the wound is made axong the
t, J A I G 2 fnievvs

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[ 450 ]

frnews fituated in the back part of the legabove
the heelj but in the fpring, in autumn, or du-
ring a cool day which might happen in fum-
mer, its bad efFedts are to be prevented b3^thc
immediate application of proper remedies;
and thefe Providence has bounteoufly fuppli-
ed, by caufmg the Rattle Snake Plantain, an
approved antidote to the poifbn of this crea-
ture, to grow in great profufion where- ever
they are to be met with. There are likewifc
feveral other remedies befides this, for the ve-
nom of its bite. A deco(5lion made of the
buds or bark of the white afh taken internal-
ly prevents its pernicious efFedts. Salt is
a newly difcovered remedy, and if applied
immediately to the part, or the wound be
wafhed with brine, a cure might be aflured.
The fat of the reptile alfo rubbed on it is fre-
quently found to be very efficacious. But
though the lives of the perfons who have been
bitten might bepreferved by thefe, and their
health in fome degree reftored,yet they annu-
ally experience a flight return of the dreadful
fymptoms about thetime they received the in-
jftillation. However remarkable it may ap-
pear it is certain, that though the venom

of

,. :">

[ 45' J

of this creature affcds in a greater or lefs de-
gree all animated nature, the hog is an excep-
tion to the rule, as that animal will readily
deftroy them without '^reading their poifon-
ous fangs, and fatten on their flefli. It has
been often obferved, and I can confirm the
obfervation, that the Rattle Snake is charmed
with any harmonious founds, whether vocal
or inftrumental; I have many times feen them
even when they have been enr^^ed, place
themfelves ina liftening pofture, andcontinuc
immovably attentive and fufceptible of de-
light all the time the mufick has lafled. I
Ihould have remarked, that when the Rat-
tle Snake bites, it drops its under jaw, and
holding the upper jaw erec^, throws itfelf
in a curved line, with great force, and as
quick as lightning, on the objed of its re-
fentment. In a moment after, it returns
again to its defenfive poflure, having difen-
gaged its teeth from the wound with great
celerity, by means of the pofition in
which it had placed its head when it
made the attack. It never extends itfelf
to a greater diftancc than half its length
will reach, and though it fometimes re-
peats the blow tw^o or three times, it as

G g 2 often

Hi

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,1

i N

I 452 3

often returns with a fudden rebound to its
former (late. The Black Rattle Snake dif-
fers in no other refped from the yeliow, than
in being father fmalier, and in the variega-
tion of its colours, which are exadly reverf-
ed : one is black where the other is yellow,
and vice verfa. They are equally , vcnonious.
It is not known how thefe creatures engen-
der ; 1 have often found the eggs of feveral
other fpecies of the fnake, but notwithftand-
ing no one has tak^n n>OTe pains to acquire
a perfe(^ knowledge of every property of
thefe reptiles than myfelf, I never could
difcover the manner in which they bring
forth their young. I once killed a female that
had feventy young ones in its belly, but thefe
^vere perfectly formed, and I faw them juft be-
fore retire to the mouth of their mother, as a
place of fecurity, on my approach. The gall
of this ferpent, mixed with chalk, are formed
into little balls, and exported from America
for medicinal purpofes. They are of the
nature of Gafcoign's powders, and are an
excellent remedy for complaints incident
to children. The fleih of the fnake alfo
dried, arid made into broth, is mucli

more

[ 453 ]

more nutritive than that of vipers, and very
efficacious ^igainft confumptions. '^

The LONG BLACK SNAKE.

Thefe are alfo of two forts, both of which
are exadlly fimilar in fliape and fize, only the
belly of one is a light red, the other a faint
blue 5 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 a foot and
half from the ground. They eafily climb the
higheft trees in purfuit of birds and fquirrels,
which are their chief food j and ihefe, it is
faid, they charm by their looks, and render
incapable of elcaping from them. Their ap-
pearance carries terror with it to thofe who
are unacquainted with their inability to
hurt, but they are pcrfedly inoffenfive and
free from venom.
The STRIPED or GARTER SNAKE,
is cxadly the fame as that fpecics found in
other climates.

The WATER SNA K E h much
like the Rattle Snake in /liapc and fjz,e, but
is not endowed with the fame venomous
powers, being quite harmlefs,

. . " The

. hBl6

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,1
1

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> [ 454 ]

The HISSING SNAKEI have
already particularly defcribed, when I treat-
ed, in my Journal, of Lake Erie.

The G R E E N S N A K E is about a foot
and half long, and in colour fo near to grafs
and herbs, that it cannot be difcovered as it
lies on the ground ; happily however it is free
from venom, otherwife it would do an infi-
nite deal of mifchief, as thofe who pafs
through the meadows, not being able to per-
ceive it, are deprived of the power of avoid*
ing it.

The T H O R N-T A I L S N A K E,
This reptile is found in many parts of Ame-
rica, but is very feldom to be feen. It is of
4 middle-fize, and receives its name from a
thorn-like dart in its tail, with which it is
faid to inflidt a mortal wound. ^ -

TheSPECKLEDSNAKEisan
aqueous reptile about two feet and half in
length, but without vepom. Its fkin, which
is brown and white with Ibme fpots of yel-
low in it, is ufed by the Americans as a
cover for the handles of whips, and it ren-
ders then^ very pleading to the fight.

The RING SNAKE is about twelve
^f^ches long j the body of it is entirely

Ijlack,

^

[ 455 ] ^ • •'

black, except a yellow ring which it has
about its neck, and which appears like a
narrow piece of riband tied around it. This
odd 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
feen in America, was found about the year

' T762, near Lake Cham plain, by Mr. Park, a
gentleman of New England, and made a
prefent to Lord Amherft. It was about a

• foot long, and in fhape like the common
fnake, but it was furnifhed with two heads
cxadly (imilar, which united at the neck.

• Whether this was a diftind fpecies of
fnakes, and was able to propagate its like-
nefs, or whether it was an accidental forma-
tion, I know not.

The TORTOISE or LAND TUR.
TLE. The fhape of this creature is fo
well known that it is unnecefTary to de-
fcribe it. There are feven or eight forts
of them in America, fome of which are
beautifully variegated, even beyond de-
fcription. The (hells of many have fpots
of red, green, alld yellow in them, and the
chequer work is compofed of fmall fquares,

curioufly

•Ir

I )U 'ti

• ' ' [ 456 ]

curioufty difpofed. The mod beautiful fort
of thefe creatures are the fmalleft, and tlic
bite of them is faid to be venomous.

LIZARDS, &c.

Though there are numerous kinds of this

clafs of the animal creation in thecouritry I

treat of, I Ihall only take notice of two of

them; which are termed the Swift and

^ Slow Lissard.

'I The SWIFT LIZARD is about fix-
'r

inches long, and has four legs and a tail. Its
body, which isblue,isprettily ftriped with dark
lines fhaded with yellow j 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
movement be perceived by the quickefl
.eye: fo that it might more juflly be faid
to vanifh, than to run away. This fpecies
are fuppofed to poifbn thofe they bite, but
are not dangerous, as they never attack per-
fons that approach them, chufing rather to
get fuddenly out of their reach.

TheSLOW LI 2 A RD is of the fame
ihape as the Swift, but its colour is brown ;

■ "it

I 457 ]

it is moreover of an oppofite difpofition,
being altogether as flow in its movements
as the other is fwift. It is remarkable that
thefe lizards are extremely brittle, and will
break off near the tail as eafiiy as an icicle.
Among the reptiles of North America
thereis afpeciesof thetoad termed the TREE
TOAD, which is nearly of -the fame ftiapc
as the common fort, but fmallcr aiid with
longer claws. It is ufually found on trees,
flicking clofe to the bark, or tying in the
crevices of it ; and fo nearly does it rcfem-
ble the colour of the trees to which it cleaves,
that it can with difiiculty be diftinguiflied
from it. Thefe creatures are only heard
during the twilight of the morning and
evening, or juft before and after a fliower
of rain, when they make a croaking noifo
fomewhat flifiller thanthat of a frog, which
might be heard to a great diftance. They
infeft the woods in fuch nurhbers, that their
refponfive notes at thefe times make th^
air refound. It is o;ily a fummer animal,
never to be. found during the winter.

!«<■•■

fiirr

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T

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C 458 ]

INSECTS.

^ The interior parts of North America
abound with nearly the fame infers as are
met with in the fame parallels of latitude j
and the fpecies of them are fo numerous and
diverfified, that even a fuccind defcription
of the whole of them would fill a volume ;
I ihall therefore confine myfelf to three
forts, which I believe are almoft peculiar to
this country j the Lightning Bug, the Water
Bug, and the Horned Bug.

The LIGHTNING BUG or FIRE
FLY 18 about the fize of a bee, but it is of
the beetle kind, having like that infed two
pair of wings, the upper of which^are of a
nrmtexturc,to defend itfrom danger. When
it flies, and the wings are expanded, there is
under thefe a kind of coat, conftru£led alfo
like wings, which is luminous ; and as the
infed palTes on, caufes all the hinder part of
>1ts body to appear like a bright fiery coal.
Having placed one of them on your hand,
the under part only fhines, and throws the
light on the fpace beneath j but as foon as

-,-.- .- ; -. -...---.. - , - ■ it

I 459 I

it fpreads its upper wings to fly away, the
ivhole body which lies behind them ap-
pears illuminated all around. The light
it gives is i)ot conftantly of the fame mag-
nitude, even when it flies j but fcems to
depend on the expanfion or contraction of
the luminous coat or wings ; and is very
different from that emitted in a dark night
by dry wood or fome kinds of fifh, it having
much more the appearance of real fire.
They feem to be fenfiblc of the power
they are poiTelTed of, and to know the
moft fuitable time for exerting it, as in a very
dark night they are much more numerous
than at any other time. They are only feen
during the fummer months, June, July, and
Auguft, and then at no other time but
in the night. Whether from their colour,
which is a duflcy brown, they are not then
difcernablej or from their retiring to holes
and crevices, 1 know not, but they arc
never to be difcovered in the day. They
chiefly are feen in low fwampy land,'
and appear like innumerable tranfient
gleams of light. In dark nights when there
is much lightning, without rain, they feem
as if they wifhed cither to imitate or aflift

Uurr i ' the

»

I 1"

' 1

..-^

r 460 J

# ■ ■ '

the flaflics -, for during the intervals, they
are uncommonly agile and endeavour to
throw out every ray they can colledl. Not-
withl^anding this effulgent appearance,
thefe infedts are perfedly harmlefs; you
may permit them to crawl upon your hand,
when five or fix, if they freely exhibit their
glow together, wili enable you to read al-
moft the fmalleft print.

The WATER BUG is of a brown
colour, about the fize of a pea, and in fhape
nearly oval : it has many legs, by means of
which it pafifes over the furface of the
water with fuch incredible fwiftnefs, that it
fcems to Aide or dart itfelf along.

The HORNED BUG, or as it is
fometimes termed the STAG BEETLE,
is of a dulky brown colour nearly approach-
ing to black, about an inch and half long,
and half an inch broad. It has two large
horns, which grow on each fide of the head,
and meet horizontally, and with thefc it
pinches very hard 5 they are branched like
thofe of a ftag, from whence it receives its
name. They fly about in the evening, and
prove very troublefome to thofe who are in
the fields at that timp, *

1 muft

[ 46i ]

I muft not omit that the LOCUST
is a. fcptenniai infed, as they are only.feen^
a fmall number of flragglers excepted, every
feven years^ when they infcft thefe parts^
and the interior colonies in large fwarms,
and do a great deal of mifchief. The years
when they thus arrive are denominated the
locuil years. . ^

.iii.i

CHAP. XIX.

Of the Trees, Shrubs, Roots, Herbs,

Flowers, ^c.

' f

! !

w

!

H m

I SHALL here obferve the fame method
that I have purfued in the preceding
chapter, and having given a lift of
the frees, &c. which are natives of the
interior parts of North America, particu-
larize fuch only as differ from the produce
of other countries, or being little knowny
have not been defcribed.

OF TREES.

The Oak, the Pine Tree, the Maple, the
A(b, the Hemlock, the Bafs or White

Wood,

i

1 .

'f,

I

i •
I.

|t

[ 4^^ ]

Wood, the Cedar, the Elm, the Birch, tha
Fir, the Locuft Tree, the Poplar, the
Wickopic or Suckwic, the Spruce, the
Hornbeam, and the Button Wopd Tree. '5'•^

The OAK. There are feveral forts o£

oaks in thcfe parts -, the black, the white,

the red, the yellow, the grey, the fwamp

oak, and the chefnut oak : the five former

vary but little in their external appearance,

the (hape of the leaves and the colour of the

bark being fo much alike, that they arc

fcarcely diflinguifhable j but the body of the '

tree when fawed difcovers the variation,

which chiefly confifts in the colour of the

wood, they being all very hard and proper

for building. The fwamp oak differs ma-

terially from the others both in the fhape

of the leaf, which is fmaller, and in the

bark, which is fmoother j and likewife as

it grows only in a mojft 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. The chefnut oak alfo is great- '

ly different from the others, particularly in ;

the (hape of the leaf, which much refembles

}iai>iai*3H

that

( 463 )

that of the chefnut tree, and for this reafon it
is fo denominated. It is neither fo ftrong as the
former fpecies, or fo tough as the latter, but
is of a nature proper to be fplit into rails for
fences, in which ftate it will endure a confi-
derable time, i

c The PINE TREE. That fpecies of
the pine tree peculiar to this part of the con-
tinent is the white, the quality of which I
need not defcribe, as the timber of it is fo
well known under the name of deals. It
grows here in great plenty, to an amazing
height and fize, and yields an excellent tur-
pentine, though not in fuch quantities as
thofe in the northern parts of Europe.

THE MAPLE. Of this tree there are two*
forts, the hard and the foft, both of which
yield a lufcious juice, from which the Indians
by boiling make very good fugar. The fap
of the former is much richer and fweeter
than the latter, but the foft produces a
greater quantity. The wood of the hard
maple is very beautifully veined and curled,
and when wrought into cabinets, tables,
gunftocks, &c. is greatly valued. That of
the foft fort differs in its texture, wanting the
* ^ variegated

I

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I

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ti

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!■

I 464 J

'variegated grain of the haifd j it alio grows
more (Irait and free from branches, and in
more eafily fplit. It likewife may be diftin*
gnifhed from the hard, as this grows in
meadows and low-lands, thai on the hill
and up-lands. The leaves are (haped alike,
but thofe of the foft maple arc much the
fargcft, and of a deeper greem &f

The ASH. There are fevcral forts of

' this tree, in thcfe parts, but that to which I
Ihall confine my defcription, is the yellow
a{h, which is only foond near the heacj
branches of the Miffiflippi. This tree grows
to an amazing height, and the body of it is fo
firm and found, that the French traders who
go into that country from Louisiana to piir-
chafe furs make of them periaguays ; this
they do by excavating them wit ti fire, and
when they are completed, convey in theni
the produce of their trade to New Orleans,
where they find a good market both for
their vefTels and cargoes. The wood of

this tree greatly refembles that of the com^
mon afl>, but it might be diftinguifhed from

any

((>

* * 1

{ 465 )

any other tree by its bark ; the rofs or outfidc
bark bcine near cidit inches thick, and in-
dented with furrows more than fix inches
deep, which make thofc that are arrived to a
great bulk appear uncommonly rough j and
by this pecLiHarity they may be readily known.
The rind or infide bark is of the fanie thick-
nefs as that of other trees, bul its colour is a
fine bright yellow; imomuch that if it is but
(lightly handled, it will leave a ftain on the
fingers, which cannot eafily be waHied away ;
and if in the fpring you peel off the bark,
and touch the fap, which then rifes between
that and the body of the tree, it will leave fo
deep a tindure that it will require three or
four days to wear it off. Many ufeful qua-
lities belonging to this tree I doubt not will
be difcovered in time, befides its proving a
valuable acqulfition 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 fomewhat like that of the yew -,
it is however quite ufelefs, and only an in-
cumbrance to the ground, the wood being of
a very coarfe grain, and full of wind-fliakes
or cracks. • . - v ,

nil ' ■ The

I

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1

( 466 )

The BASS or WHITE WOOD is a tree
of a middling fize, and the whiteft and fofu
eft wood that grows , when quite dry it
fwims on the water like a cork ; in the fettle-
ments the turners make of it bowls, trenchers
and difhes, and will laft a long timej but
when applied to any other purpofe it is far
from durable.

The WICKOPICK or SUCK WICK ap-
pears to be a fpecies of the white wood, and
is diftinguifhed from it by a peculiar quality
in the bark, which when pounded and moif-
tened with a little water^ inftantly becomes a
matter of the conliftence and nature of lize.
With this the Indians pay their canoes, and
it greatly exceeds pitch or any other material
ufually appropriated to that purpofe ; for be-
fides its adhefive quality, it isoffo oily a
nature, that the water cannot penetrate
througli it, and its repelling power abates not
for a confiderable time. *■

The BUTTON WOOD is a tree of the
largcft fize, and might be diftinguilTied by its
bark, which is quite fmooth and prettily
mottled. The wood is very proper for the
ufe of cabinet-makers. It is covered with
fmall hard burs which fpring from the branch-

'■ es,

( 46? )
cs, that appear not unlike buttons, and from
thefe I believe it receives its name.

NUT TREES.

The Butter or Oilnut, the Walnut, the
Hazlenut, the Beechnut, the Pecannut^ the
Chefnut, the Hickory. •.

The BUTTER or OILNUT. As no
mention has been made by any authors of
this nut, I fhall be the more particular in
my account of it. The tree grows in mea-
dows, where the foil is rich and warm. The
body of it feldom exceeds a yard in circum-
ference, is full of branches, the twigs of
which are fhort and blunt, and its leaves re-
femble thofe of the walnut. The nut has a
fhell like that fruit, which when ripe is more
furrowed, and more eafily cracked ; it is alfo
much longer and larger than a walnut, and
contains a greater quantity of kernel, which;
i? very oily, and of a rich agreeable flavour.
I am perfuaded that a much purer oil than
that of olives, might be extraded from this'
nut. The infide bark of this tree dyes a
good purple ; and it is faid, varies in its
jdyt H h 2 (hade,

i

II

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i" ■

■v

I

•I.

( 468 )

fhade, being either darker or lighter accord-
ing to the month in which it is gathered.

The BEECH NUT. Though this tree
grows exadly like that of the fame name in
Europe, yet it produces nuts equally as good
as chefnuts ; on which bears, martins, fquir-
rels,' partridges, turkies, and many other
beafts and birds feed. The nut is contained,
whilil growing, in an outfide cafe like that
of a chefnut, but not fo prickly; and the
coat of the iniide fhell is alfo fmooth like
that ; only its form is nearly triangular.
Vafl quantities of them lie fcattered about
in the woods, and fupply with food great
numbers of the creatures juft mentioned.
The leaves, w^hich are white, continue on
the trees during the whole winter. A de-
codion made of them is a certain and expe-
ditious cure for wounds which arife from
burning or fcalding, as well as a reftorative
for thofe members that are nipped by the
frcft.

The PECANNUT Is fomewhat of the
walnut kind, but rather fmaller than a wal-
nut, being about the fize of a middling acorn,
and of an oval form^ the Ihell is eafily
cracked, and the kernel /h^vped like that of a

walnut.

( 469 )

Walnut. This tree grows chiefly near the Il-
linois river.

The HICKORY is alfo of the walnut
kind, and bears a fruit nearly like that tree.
There are feveral forts of them, which vary
only in the colour of the wood. Being of a
very tough nature, the wood is generally
ufed for the handles of axes, &c. It is alfo
very good fire wood, and as it burns an ex-
cellent fugar diftills from it.

I

if

'?^%*:

FRUIT TREES.

'* " 1 need not obferve that thefe are all the
Spontaneous produdions of nature, which
have never received the advantages of in-
grafting, tranfplanting, or manuring.
"' The crab apple-tree, the plum-tree, and
' the cherry-tree.

The CRAB APPLE TREE bears a fruit

that is much larger and better flavoured than

' thofe of Europe. '"' " •

The PLUM-TREE. There are two

forts of plums in this country, one a large

fort of a purple caft on one fuie, and red on

the reverfe, the fecond totally green, and

\ much fmaller. Both thefe are of a good

•■ . . flavour,

I-

. I

f{

' C 470 ) '

flavour, and are gfeatly efteemed by the In-
dians, whofe talle is not refined, but who
are fatisfied with the produdions of nature
in their unimproved Itate.

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 fome propriety be ranked among
the fhrubs, as the buih that bears the fand
cherries almoll creeps along the ground, and
the other rifes not above eight or ten feet
in height j however I ihall give an account
of them all in this place. The black
cherries are about the fize of a currant,
and hang in clutters like grapes ; the trees
which bear them being very fruitful, they
are generally loaded, but the fruit is not
good to eat, however they give an agree-
able flavour to brandy, and turn it to the
colour of claret. The red cherries grow in
the greateft profufion, and hang in bunches
like the black fort juft defcribed; fo that
the buflies which bear them appear at a dif-
tance like folid bodies of red matter. Some
people admire this fruit, but rhey partake of
the nature and tafle of allum, leaving a dif-
agreeable roughnefs in the throat, and being
;•■-- V- . very

( 47' ) ^
very aftringent. As I have already defcribed
the fand cherries, which greatly exceed the
two other forts both in flavour and lize, I
fhall give no further defcription of them.
The wood of the black cherry-tree is very
ufeful, and works well into cabinet-ware.

SHRUBS.

» f

•T ?■'*'•■■:'* ^ ''•'■' ") }{*Y^

The Willow, Shin Wood, Shumack, Saf-
fafras, the Prickly Afti, Moofe Wood, Spoon
Wood, Large Elder, Dwarf Elder, Poifonous
Elder, Juniper, Shrub Oak, Sweet Fern, the
Laurel, the Witch Hazle, the Myrtle, Win-
ter Green, the Fever Bufh, the Cranberry
Bufh, theGoofberry Bulh, the Currant Bufh,
the Whirtle Berry, the Rafberry, the Black
Berry, and the Choak Berry.
T The WILLOW. There are feveral fpe-
cics of the willow, the moft remarkable of
which is a fmall fort that grows on the banks
of the MiiTiflippi, and fome other places ad-
jacent. The bark of this fhrub fupplies the
beaver with its winter food •, and where the
water has wafhed the foil from its roots, they
appear to confiit of fibres interwoven together
like thread, the colour of which is of an in-

^ expreflibly

)i^

i .

ii

■ C 472 )

cxprefTibly fine fcarlet ; with this the Indi-
ans tinge many of the ornamental parts of
their drefs.

SHIN WOOD. This extraordinary (hrub
grows in the forefts, and rifing like a vine,
runs near the ground for fix or eight feet, and
then takes root again ; in the fame manner
taking root, and fpringing up fucceflively,
one ftalk covers a large fpace-, this proves
very troublefonic to the hafty traveller, by
ftrikmg againft his (bins, and entangling his
legs ; from which it has acquired its name.

The SASSAFRAS is a wood well known
for its medicinal qualities. It might with
equal propriety be termed a tree as a flirub,

. as it fometimes grows thirty feet high j but
in general it dpes not reach higher than thofe
of the Ihrub kind. Tlx leaves, which yield
an agreeable fragance, are large and nearly

' feparated into three divifions. It hears a
reddilh brown berry of the fize and fhape of
Pimento, and which is fometimes ufed in the
colonies as a fubfiitute for that fpice. The
bark or roots of this tree is infinitely fupe-
rior to the wood for its ufe in medicine,
and I am furprized it is fo feldom to be met
with, as its efiicacy is fo much greater.

The

( 473 )

' The PRICKLY ASH is a fhrub that fome-
times grows to the height of ten or fifteen
feet, and has a leaf exadly refembling that
ofanafh, 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 troublefome to thofe
who pafs through the fpot where they grow
thick. It alfo bears a fcarlct berry, which
when ripe, has a fiery tafte like peppel*.
The bark of this tree, particularly the bark
of the roots, is highly efleemed by the na-
tives for its medicinal qualities. I have al-
ready mentioned one inftance of its efiicacy,
and there is no doubt but that the decodlion
of it will expeditioufly and radically remove
all impurities of the blood.

The MOOSE WOOD grows about four
feet high, and is very full of branches ; but
what renders it worth notice is its bark,
which is of fo ftrong and pliable a texture,
that being peeled off any feafon, and twilled,
makes equally as good cordage as hemp.
- The SPOON WOOD is a fpecies of the
laurel, and the WQod when fa wed refem-
bles box wood.

:' -^ ' 'A-': The

]'

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( 474 )

The ALDER or ELDER, termed the
poifonous elder, nearly refembles the othef
forts in its leaves and branches, but it grows
much ftraiter, and is only found in fwamps
and moift foils. Th"s fhrub is endowed with
a very extraordinary quality, that renders it
poifonous to fbme conftitutions, which it ef-
fects 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 how-
ever is not mortal, though it operates very
violently on the infeded perfon, whofe body
and head fwell to an amazing fize, and are
Covered with eruptions, that at their height
refemble the confluent 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 marfh mallows.

The SHRUB OAK is exadly fimilar to the
oak tree, both in its wood and leaves, and-
like that it bears an acorn, but it never rifes
from the ground above four or five feet,
growing crooked and knotty. It is found
chiefly on a dry gravelly foil. t*,.

>;-fl /.:^

The

7

( 475 )

The WITCH HAZLE grows very buihy,
about ten feet high, and is covered early in
May with numerous white bloiroms. When
this fhrub is in bloom, the Indians eftecm it
a further indication I hat the froft is entirely
gone, and that -they might fow their corn.
It has been faid, that it is pcirefTed of the
power of attrading gold or lilver, and that
twigs of it are made ufe of to difcover where
the veins of thefe metals lie hid ; but 1 am '
apprehenfive that this is only a fallacious *
ftory, and not to be depended on ; however
that fuppofition has given it the name of
witch hazle.

The MYRTLE is a fhrub about four or ^
five feet high, the leaves of which are larger
than thofe of the common myrtle, but they^
fmell exadtly alike. It bears fmall berries, "*
which are generally called Bay Berries, and
thefe are full of a gluey fubftance, which
being boiled in water, fwims on the fur-
face of it, and becomes a kind of green
wax; this is not fo valuable as bees-wax,
beins: of a more brittle nature, but mixed
with it makes a good candle, which as it
burns fends forth an agreeable fcent.

:i I

li

WINTER

( 476 )

WINTER GREEN. This is an ever-green
of the fpecies of the myrtle, and is found on
dry heaths; the flowers of it are white, and
in the form of a rofe, but not larger than a
filver penny -, in the winter it is full of red
berries about the fize of a floe, which are
fmooth and round ; thefe are preferred dur-
ing the fevere feafon by the fnow, and are at
that time in the higheft perfedion. The
Indians eat thefe berries, efleemingthem very
balfamic, and invigorating to the ftomach.
The people inhabiting the interior colonies
fteep both the fpringsand berries in beer, and
ufe it as a diet-drink for cleanfing the blood
(.from fcorbutick difprders,
y'' The FEVER BUSH grows abopt five or
' fix feet high; its leaf is like that of a lilach,
) and it bears a reddilh berry of a fpicy flavour,
i The ftalks of it are excefllvely brittle. A
« decodion of the buds or wood is an excellent
febrifuge, and from this valuable property it
* receives its name. It is an ancient Indian
remedy for all inflammatory complaints, and
likewife much efleemed on the fame account
by the inhabitants of the interior parts of
the colonies.

.^

r-

cn-

Th<

1 ' 1 *T^ » ^ 1 1 J >

, - ( 477 )

The CRANBERRY BUSH. Though the
fruit of this bufh greatly refcmbles in fize
and appearance that of the common fort,
which grows on a fmall vine in morafTes and
bogs, yet the bufh runs to the height of ten
or twelve feet j but it is very rarely to be met
with. As the meadow cranberry, being of a
local growth, and flourifhing only in morafles,
cannot be tranfplanted or cultivated, the
former, if removed at a proper feafon, would
be a valuable acquifition to the garden, and
with proper nurture prove equally as good,
jf not better.

The CHOAK BERRY. The fhrub thus
termed by the natives grows about five or fix
feet high, and bears a berry about the fize of
a floe, of a jet black, which contains feveral
fmall feeds jvithin the pulp. The juice of this
fruit, though not of a difagreeable flavour,
is extremely tart, and leaves a roughnefs in
, the mouth and throat when eaten, that has
gained it the name of choak berry.

^r

I

1 !
I I

ROOTS and PLANTS.

Elecampane, Spikenard, Angelica, Sarfapa-
j-filla, Ginfang, Ground Nuts, wild Potatoes,

Liquorice,

( 478 )
Liqurice, Snake Root, Gold Thread, Solo-
mon's Seal, Devil's Bit, Blood Root, Onions,
Garlick, Wild Parfnips, Mandrakes, Helle-
bore While and Black.

SPIKENARD, vulgarly called in the colo-
nies Petty-Morrell. This plant appears to be
cxadly the fame as the Afiatick fpikenard,
fo much valued by the ancients. It grows
near the (ides of biooks in rocky places, and
its ftem, which is about the fize of a goofe
quill, fprings up like that of angelica, reach-
ing about a foot and a half from the ground.
It bears bunches of berries in all refpedts like
thofe of the elder, only rather larger. Thefe
are of fuch a balfamic nature, that when in*
fufed in fpirits, they make a moll palatable
and reviving cordial.

SARSAPARILL A. The root of this plant,
which is the moft cftimable part of it, is a-
bout the fizs of a goofe quill, and runs in
different diredions, twined and crooked, to .
a great length in the ground j from the prin^-
cipal ftem of it fpring many fmaller fibres,
all of which are tough and flexible. From .
the root immediately (hoots a ftalk about a \
foot and a half long, which at the top branches

into three llems; each of thefe has three ,

leaves,

tj

( 479 )
leaves, much of the fliape and (ize of a wal-
nut leaf, and from the fork of each of the
three flems grows a bunch of bluilh white
flowers, refcmbling thofe of the fpikenard.
The bark of the roots, which alone fhouldbe
ufed in medicine, is of a bittcrifh flavour, but
aromatic. It is defervedly efteemed for its
medicinal virtues, being a gentle fudorific,
and very powerful in attenuating the blood
when impeded by grofs humours.

GINSANG is a root that was once fuppof-
ed to grow only in Korea, from whence it
was ufually exported to Japan, and by that
means found its way to Europe; but it hag
lately been difcovered to be alfo a native of
North America, where it grows to as great
perfedion and is equally valuable. Its root
is like a fmall carrot, but not fo taper at the
end; it is fometimes divided into two or more
branches, in all other refpedls it refembles
farfaparilla in its growth. The tafte of the
root is bitterifli. In the eaftern parts of Afia
it bears a great price, being there confidered
as a panacea, and is the laft refuge of the in-
habita; ts in all diforders. When chewed it
certainly is a great ftrengthener of the fto-
piach.

GOLD

. 1

( 48o )

a GOLD THREAD. This is a plant of
the fmall vine kind, which grows in fwampy
places, and lies on the ground. I'he foots
fpread themfelves juft under the furface of
the morafs, and are eafily drawn up by hand-
fuls. They refemble a large entangled Ikain
of thread of a fine bright gold colour ; and
I am perfuaded would yield a beautifnl and
permanent yellow dye. It is alfo greatly ef-
teemed both by the Indians and colcnifts as
a remedy for any forenefs in the mouth, but
the tafte of it is exquifitely bitter. ^ io
. 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 threb
feet high, the flalks being two feet, whert
the leaves begin to fpread themfelves and
reach a foot further. Every fibre of the root
has animprelTion upon it about the fise of a
fixpence, which appears as if it was made
by a feal, ;ind 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 fecms to be made by teeth
in the roolb. The Indians fay that this was
{iivlJi /,,-'• once

fl

( 481 )

once art univerfal remedy for every diforder
that human nature is incident toj but fome
of the evil fpirits envying mankind the pof-
fefllon of fo efficacious a medicine, gave the
root a bite, which deprived it of a great part
of its virtues.

BLOOD ROOT. A fort of plantain that
fprings out of the ground in fix or feven
long rough leaves^ the veins of which are
red i the root of it is like a fmall carrot both
in colour and appearance ; when broken, the
infide of it is a deeper colour than the out-
fide, and diftils feveral drops of juice that
look like blood. This is a Itrong emetic, but
a very dangerous one. .

y HERBS.

; Balm, Nf;ttles, Cinque Foil, Eyebright,
Sanicle, Plantain, Poor Robin's Plantain,
Maiden Hair, Wild Dock, Rock Liverwort,
Noble Liverwort, Bloodwort, Wild Beans,
Ground Ivy, Water Crefifes, Yarrow, May
Weed, Gargit, Skunk Cabbage or Poke,
Wake Robin, Betony, Scabious, Mullen,
Wild Peafe, Moufe Ear, Wild Indigo, and
Cat Mint.

li SANICLE

»,%;•

( 482 )

SANICLE has a root which is thick to-
wards the upper part, and full of fmall fibres
below ; the leaves of it are broad, roundifh,
hard, fmooth, and of a fine (hining green j a
ftalk rifes from thefe to the height of a foot,
which is quite fmooth and free from knots,
and on the top of it are feveral fmall flowers
of a reddifh white, (haped like a wild rofe.
A tea made of the root i^ vulnerary and baHk-

mick.

RATTLE SNAKE PLANTAIN. This
ufeful herb is of the pla|itain kind, and its
leavts, which fpread tbemfelves on the ground,
are about one inch and half wide, and five
inches long ; from the centre of theie arifes a
fmall flalk nearly fix inches lon^, which bears
a little white fipwer; t\e root is about the
fizeof a goofe quill, and much bent and divid-
ed into feveral brajoj^bea. The leaver of this
herb are more efficacious than any other part
of it for the bite of t,he reptile from which it
receives its name; and being chewed and ap-
plied i^imediatcly to the wound, and fome of
th0 juice fvvaUo wed, feldom fa^ls of averting
every d^ng^ifous fyrnptom. So coavir ed are
th^ Indians of the. power of tki*. ii^ifaUiole an-»
tidote, that for a trifling bribe of fpiiituous. lU

>v-

( 483 )

quor, thcjr will at any time permit a rattle
fnake to drive his fangs into their flefh. It
is to be remarked that during thofe months
in which the bite of thefe creatures is moft
venomous, that this rem*idy for it is in its
grcatefl perfections and moft luxuriant in its
growth. ^^'^' ''S-^Kon- 5;^?fe tt m q\- n<^ ')$us^

POOR ROBIN'S PLANTAIN is of the
fame fpecies as the laft, but more diminutive
in every refpeCl;. it receives its name from its
fize, and the poor land on which it grows. It
is a good medicinal herb, and often admmif-
tered with fuccefs in fevers and internal weak-
nefles.'^ ^^

TOAD PLANTAIN refembles the coml
mon plantain, only it grows much ranker,
and is thus denominated bccaufe toads love
toharboiirunder it. iw^.l

' ROCK LlVERWOR^'isafoVt of iiverl
wort that grows on rocks, and is of the na-
ture of kelp or mofs. It is efteemed as an
excellent rcftiiedy againfl declines.
' GARGIT or SKOK£ is a large kind of
weed, the leaves of which are about i\± inches
Fong, and two inches and half broad ; they
refemble thofe of fpinage in their colour
and texture, but not in fhtipe. The root

H

i!,

I'

li,

IS

*, % .' r*^ f

;,

( 4^4 )'

is very large, from which fpring different
ftalks that run eight or ten feet high, and
are full of red berries; thefe hang in cluf-
ters 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 nutritiotis and whole-
fome vegetable, but when they are grown
nearly to their full fize, they acquire a poi-
fonous q '^Hty. The roots applied to the
hands and i of a perfon afflided with a
fever, prove a very powerful abforbent.

SKUNK CABBAGE or POKE is an herb
that grows in moill and fwampy places. The
leaves of it are about a foot long^ and ^\%
inches broad, nearly oval, but rather pointed.
The roots are compofed of great numbers of
fibres, a lotion of which is made ufe of by the
people in the colonies for the cure of the itch.
There iffues a flrong,muflcy fmell from this
herb, fomething like the animal of the fame
name before defcribed, and on that account it
is fo termed.

* WAKE ROBIN is an herb that growls in
fwampy lands ; its root refembles a fmall tur-
nip, and if tailed will greatly inflame the
fei ' ■ ; . tongue,

?;

/ 485 )

tongue, and immediately convert it from its
natural fhape, into a round hard fubftance;
in which ftate it will continue for fome time,
and during this no other part of the mouth
will be afFeded. But when dried, it lofes its
.ftringent quahty, and becomes beneficial to
mankind, for if grated into cold water, and
taken internally, it is very good for all com*
plaints of the bowels. "

WILD INDIGO is an herb of the fame
fpecies as that from whence Indigo is made in
the fouthern colonies. It grows in one ftalk
to the height of five or fix inches from the
ground, when it divides into many branches,
from which ifiTue a great number of fmall
hard bluifh leaves, that fpread to a great
breadth, and among thefe it bears a yellow
flower ; the juice of it has a very difagreeable
icent. -, / . , T •

CAT MINT has a woody root, divided
into fcveral branches, and it fends forth a
ftalk about three feet high ; the leaves arc
like thofe of the iiettle or betony, and they
have a ftrong fmell of mint, with a biting
acrid tafte ; the flowers grow on the tops of
the branches, and are of a faint purple or
whitifh eolour. It is called cat mint, becaufe

i

I

till IM>m

'I i

( 486 ). '

it is iaki, thai cats have an antipathy to it,
and will not let it grow. It has nearly the
virtues of common mint. n ,chv

t)'.

t /

itnf

iS-'N'^' —

FLOWERS.

■ ^ i.ll }'.f.''t

i: Heart's Eafe, Lilies red and yellow. Pond
Liiics, Cowilips, May Fiower«, JefTamine,
Honeyfuckles, Rock Hpneyfuckles, Rofe« red
and white, Wild Hollyhock, Wild Pinks,
Golden Rod, ■■'■..

I fhall not enter into a minute defcription
of the flowers above-recited, but only juil
obferve, that they much refemble thofe of
the fame name which grow in Europe, and
are as beautiful in colour, and as perfedt in
odour, as they can be fuppofed to he iji their
wild uncultivatee ftatc^.^^^^^^^i ^iv^i^A.UinB

FARINACEOUS and LEGUMINOUS

Maize or Indian Corn, Wild Rice, Beans, ,

( 4^ ) •'
MAIZE Of INDIAN CORN grows to the
height of about five or fix feet, on a ftalk full
of joints, which is ftifFand folid, and when
green, abounding with ^ fweet juice. The
leaves are like thofe of the reed, about two
feet iri length, and three or four inches broad.
The flowers which are prdduiced at ibmc dif-
tance frorti the fruit oh the farrte plant, groW
like the eari of oats, arid are fometiities White,
yellow, or of a purple colour. The feeds are
as large as peas, and like them qiiite naked
and fmooth, but of a roundifh fuffacc, rathe i"
corilprefled. One fpike generally cdnfifts of
about fix hundred grains, Which are placed
clofbly tbgether in rows to the number of
eight or ten, and fometimes twelve. This
corn is very wholefome, eafy of digeftionj
artd yields as good nouriihment as any other
fort. After the Indians have reduced it into
meal by pounding it, they make cakes of it
dhd bake £hcm before the fife. I have alrea-
dy mentioned that forhe nations eat it in cakes
before it is ripe, in which ftatc it is very agree-

'aable to the palate atid exti-etnely nutritive.
■ WILD PICE. This grain, which grows '
in the greateft plenty throughout the inte-
rior parts of North America, is the mofl va-
' d luable .

A

( 488 )

luable of all the fpontaneous produdions of
that country. Exclufive of its utility, as a
fupply of food for thofe of the human fpecies
who inhabit this part of the continent, and
obtained without any other trouble than that
of gathering it in, the fweetnefs and nutriti*?
ous quality of it attracts an infinite number
of wild fowl of every kind, which flpck from
diilant climes to enjoy this rare repaft ; and
by it become inexpreflibly fat and delicious,
In future periods it will be of great fervice tq
the infant colonies, as it will afford them a
prefent fupport, until in the courfe of culti-
vation other fupplies may be produced j
whereas in thofe realms which are not fur-r
nifhed with this bounteous gift of nature,
even if the climate is temperate and the foil
good, the firft fettlers are often expofed to
great hardfliips from the want of an immedi-
ate refource for necefTary food. This ufeful
grain grows in the water where it is about
two feet deep, aild wbere it finds a rich mud-
dy foil. The ftalks of it, and the branches or
ears that bear the fe^d, refemble oats both in
their ajipearance and manner of growing.
Thefltalks are full of joints, and rife more
than eight feci above the water. The natives
^ M gathe^;

( 489 )

gather the grain in the following manner:
nearly about the time that it begins to turn
from its milky ftate and to ripen, they run
their canoes into the midft 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 perfedtly ripe. About
the latter end of September they return to
the river, when each family having its fepa-
rate allotment, and being able to diftinguifh
their own property by the manner of faften-
ing the fheayes, gather in the portion that
belongs to them. This they do by placing
their canoes clofe to thp bunches of rice, in
fuch pofition as to receive the grain when it
falls, and then beat it out, with pieces of
wood formed for that purpofe. Having done
this, they dry it with fmoke, and afterwards
tread or rub off the -outfide huik j when it
is fit for ufe they put it into the fkins of
^ fawns or young buffalos taken off nearly
^ whole for this purpofe and fewet^ into a fort
-j.pf fack, wherein they preferve it till the re-
turn of their haryeft. It has been the fubje(ft
rof much fpeculation why this fpontaneous
cj^vrain is not found in any other regions of
iimenca, or in thofe countries iituated in the

; - " ■ .' • f

ii

lu

h

I, m

!■ n ■■.

{ 490 )

iame parallels of latitude, where the waters
are as apparently adapted for its growth as in
the climates I treat of. As for inliance, fione
of the countries that lie to the fouth and eaft
of the great lakes, even fVom the provinces
north of the Carolinas to the extremities of
Labradore, produce any of this grain. It ii
thie I found great quantities of it Iti the water-
ed lands near Detroit, between Lake Huron
and Lake Erie, but on enquiry I learned that
it never arrived nearer to maturity than juft
to bloffom 5 after which it appeared blighted,
and died away. This convinces me that the
northweft wind, as I have before hinted, is
much more powerful in thefe than in the in-
terior parts; and that it is more inimical to the
fruits of the earth, after it has pafTed over the
lakes and become united with the wind which
joins it from the frozen regions of the north,
than it is farther to the weft ward. ^^ ^' '^'

BEANS. Thefe are nearly of the famc.^^
' fhape as the European beans, but are not*^^
much larger than the fmalleft fize of them. '^
They are boiled by the Indians, and eaten
cliicfly with beards fiefh. ^

.x

l)i.

* . *

''■¥^" The'^^^

c.jf

kl>

( 49^ )
\i%ti SQUASH. They have alfo fcvrral
fpcciesof tlic MELON or PUMPKIN, which
by fome arc called Squafncs, and which fcrve
many nations partly as a fubftitute for brfcad.
Of thefe there is the round, the crane-neck,
the fmall flat, and the large oblong Squafh.
The fmallcr forts being boiled are eaten du-
ring the fummer as vegetables; and are all of
a plcafing flavour. The crane-neck, which,
greatly excels all the others, are ufually hung
up for a winter's ftore, and in this manner
might be preferved for feveral months.

I am fcnlible that I have not treated the
foregoing Account of the natural produdions
of the interior parts of North America with
the precifion of a naturalift. I have neither
enumerated the whole of the trees, flirubs,
plants, herbs, &c. that it produces, nor have
I divided them into claflTes according to their
different genera after the Linnaean method :
the limits of my Work, in its prefent ftate,
would not permit me to purfue the Subject
more copioufly. However, if the favour of
the Public fliould render a future edition ne-
ceflTary, as I truft, from the number of Sub-
fcribers who have already favoured me with
their Names, will be the cafe, I then propofe

IfA

r^'

( 492 )
to enlarge it confiderably, and to infert many
interefling particulars and defcriptions, which
the fize of the prefent Edition obliges me to
curtail or entirely to omit.

ii ifi

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A P P E N.

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1070'

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yofTi h"**/!: ^'

( 493 )

*• -^••^ *■ I

nr - •^

^»->

APPENDIX.

TH E countries that lie between the great
lakes and River Milfiffippi, and from
thence fouthward to Well Florida, although
in the niidft of a large continent, and at a
great diftance from the fea, are fo- fituated,
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 rendered commercial ones. The great
River Miflilllppi, which runs through the
whole of them, will enable their inhabitants
to eftablifh an intercourfe with foreign climes,
equally as well as the Euphrates, the Nile,
the Danube, or the Wolga do thofe people
who 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 vefTels of light bur-
den: notwithftanding which they have be-
come powerful and opulent Hates.

The

t. .-

' f 444 )

"*" TWe MI<^.ffippi, as I have before obferved,
^ runs from north to fouth, and pafles through
the moft fertile and temperate part of North
. America, excluding only the extremities of it,
which verge both on the torrid and frigid
zones. Thus favourably fituated, v^hen once
fe banks are covered with inhabitants, they
netd not longj be at a lofs for means to eft&-
blifn an extei>fi\3 and profitable commctoe*
They will find the country towards the fouth
aJmoft fpontaneoufly producing fiik, cotton^
indigo, and tobacco; and the more northern
parts, wine, oil, beef, tallow, fkins, buffalo*
wool, and furs ; with lead, copper, iron, coa.U,
lumber, corn, rice, and fruits, bciides earth
and barks for dyeing. '^^"^^ ^^''^

Thefc articles, with which it abbufl-ds teveft
to profufion, may be tranfported to the Ocean'
through this rivtT without greater difficult3r
than that which attends the conveyance of
merchandize down fome of thofe I have juft
mentioned. It is true that the MifFiflippi be-^
ing tlie boundary between the Englifh and"'
Spanifh fettlements, and the Spaniards in pofl '
fefliofi of the mouth of it, they may obftru£l-
the paflage of it, and greatly difhearten thofe^ '
who make the firil attempts; yet when the

advantages

( 495 )
adyaijti^^^S that will certainly arifc to fettlers
are knQw;A,ipultitudes of adventurers, aUured
by tbcprpfpedl of fuch abundant riches, wiU
flock to it, ^nd etlablifli theralelves, thoug^^
at the expence of rivers of blood.

But ihould the nation that happens to be
in pofTeiTion of New Orleans prove unfriend-
ly to the internal fettlers, they may fin4 a
way into the Gulph of Mexico by the River
Iberville, ivhich empties itfelf from the Mil^
fiflippi, after paffmg through Lake Maurepas,
into Lake Ponchartrainj \yhich has a cpnu-
iRuniQation with the fea within the borders
of Weft I lorida The River Iberville branches
ofi from the MiiTiffippi about eighty miles a-t
bove New Orleans, and though it is. at pre^
fent cboaked up in fome parts, it might at an
inconfiderable e.%pence he made navigable fq
as to anfwer aU the purpofes propofed.

Although the Englilh h:ive acquired fince
tbe laft peace a more exteniive knowledge o^
the. interior parts than were ever obtained bcrv
fore^even by the French, yet many of their
ptTodudions ftiU rem^n unknown* And-
though I was not deficient either in afliduity
or attention during the fhort time I remaine<^^
ii^ thejp^^^.yet I muft acknowicflge that the in-
a*v. ' tclligence

f I

( 496 )

telfigen6e I gained was not fo ^perfed as f •
could wifh, and tl at it requires^ further re^
fearches to make uie world thorooghly ac^^
quainted with the real value of thefe long-^
hidden realms. sKi • i Kit

' The parts of the Mifliflippi of which no
furvey has hitherto been taken, amount to up-
wards of eight hundred miles, following thd
courfe ofthcftream, that is, from the Illinois^
to the Ouifconfin rivers. Thofe which lie to
the north of the latter are included in the mapi ,
of my travels. Plans of fuch as reach from
the former to the Gulpkof Mexico, have been '
dehneated by fcveral hands; one of the belt
of thefe, according to its fize, now extant, in
which is included the whole continent of A- >
merica, is annexed to this work. And I havej
the pleafure to find that an ^dlual furvey of
the intermediate parts of the Mifliflippi, be-
tween the Illinois river and the fea, with the
Ohio, Cherokee, and Ouabache rivers, takenf
on the fpot by a very ingenious Gctftleman*,
is in the prefs and will be foon publiflied. T

flatter myfclf that the obfervations thereiili;

• ■ '. -a

* Thomas Hutchins, Efq; captain in his Majefty's 6oth, or
Royal American Regiment of Foot. ^ ^.

contained.

( 497 )

- • - ' ' . . . f

contained, which have been made by one
whofe knowledge of the parts therein defcrib-
cd was acquired by a perfonal inveftigation,
aided by a folid judgment, will confirm the
remarks I have made, and promote the plan I
am here recommending.

In the map of North America adjoined, I
have partitioned the country which lies adja-
cent to the eaftern borders of the Miffifllppi
into plantations or fubordinate colonies ; chu-
fing fuch lands o^ly for this purppfe as by be-
ing contiguous to fome river, might enjoy all
the advantages I have before pointed out.
Thefe I have divided by dotted lines, and
numbered j that future adventurers may rea-
dily, by referring to the map, chufe a com-
modious and advantageous (ituation. I fhall
alfo here give a concife defcription of each,
beginning according to the lule pf ejeogra-
phers, with that which lies moft to the
aorth. H;.

It is however neceffary to obferve, that
before thefe fettlements can be eftablifbed, ^
grants muft be procured in the manner cuf- ,
tomary on fuch occafions, and the lands be
purchafed of thofe who have acquired aright
to them by a long poffeffion : but no greater
difficvilty will attend the completion of this

J'

Kk

pomt,

( 498 )
point, than the original founders of every
colony on the continent met with to obftrud
their intentions; and the number of Indians
who inhabit thefe trads being greatly inade-
quate to their extent, it is not to be doubted
but they will readily give up for a reafonable
confideration, territories that are of little
ufe to them ; or remove for the accommoda-
tion of their new neighbours to lands at a
greater diftance from the MifljlTippi, the na-
vigation of which is not effential to the wel-
iare of their communities.

No I, The country within thefe lines, from
its fituation is colder than any of the others ;
yet I am convinced that the air is much more
temperate than in thofe provinces that lie in
the fame degree of latitude to the eaft of it.
The foil is excellent, and there is a great
deal of land that is free from woods iii the
parts adjoining to the MifTiffippi ; whilft on
the contrary the north-eaftern borders' of it
are well wooded. Towards the heads of the
River Saint Croix, rice j^rows in great plen-
ty, and there is abundance of copper.
Though the falls of Sa,int Anthony are fitu-
ated at the fouth-eafl corner of this divifion,
yet that impediment will not totally obftrud
the navigation, as the River Saint Croix,

which

«•

( 499 )
which runs through a great part of the fou-
thern fide of it, enters the MifTiffippi juft
below the Falls, and flows with fo gentle a
current, that it affords a convenient naviga-
tion for boats. This trad is about one hun-
dred miles from north- weft to fouth-eaft,
and one hundred and twenty miles from
north-eaft to fouth-vieft.

No. 11. This trad, as I have already de-
fcribed it in my Journals, exceeds the higheft
encomiums I can give itj notwithftanding
■which it is entirely uninhabited, and the pro-
fufion of bleflings that nature har> fhowered
on this heavenly fpot return unenjoyedto the
lap from whence they fprung. Lake Pepin,
as I have termed it after the French, lies with-
in thefe bounds j but the lake to which that
name properly belongs is a little above in the
river St. Croix j however, as all the traders call

the lower lake by that name, I have fo deno-
ininated it, contrary to the information I re-
. eeived from the Indians. This colony lying
in unequal angles, the dimenfions of it can-
not be exadl^ given, but it appears to be on
an average about one hundred and ten miles
long, and eighty broad. -

■ Kk 2 No.

*■■■■'

t fe"

^%,

V ''I

No. III. The greateft part of this divillon
is fituated on the River Ouifconfin, which is
navigable for boats about one hundred and
eighty miles, till it reaches the Carrying-
place that divides it from the Fox river. The
land which is contained within its limits, ia
in fome parts mountainous, and in others con^
lifts of fertile meadows, and fine pafturage.
It is furnifhed alfo with a great deal of good
timber, and, as is generally the cafe on the
banks of the Mifliffippi and its branches, has
much fine, open, clear land, proper for cultif
vation. Tothefe are added, an inexhaufti-
ble fund of riches, in a number of lead mines
which lie at a little diftance from the Ouif-
confin towards the fbuth, and appear to be
uncommonly full of ore. Although the Saur
kies and Ottagaumics inhabit a part of this
track, the whole of the laiids under their
cultivation does not exceed three hundred
acres. It is in length from eaft to weft about
one hundred and fifty miles, and about eighty
from north to fouth. r '

No. IV. The colony here marked out con-
fifts of lands of various denominations, fome
of which are very good, and others very bad^
The beft is fituated on the borders of the

(jree?\

( 50I )
Gi-cdh Bay and the Fox River, where there
are innumerable acres covered with fine grafs,
moft part df which grows to an aftonifhing
height. This river will afford a good navi-
gation for boats throughout the whole of its
Gourfe, which is about one hundred and
eighty miles, except between the Winnebago
Lake, and the Green Bay j where there are
feveral Carrying- places in the fpace of thirty
mileSi The Fox River is rendered remarka-
ble by the abundance of rice that grows on
its fhores, and the almofl 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 fufficient
fupply of all the neceffaries of life for any
number of inhabitants. A communication
might be opened by thofe who (hall fettle here,
either through the Green Bay, Lake Michi-*
gan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake On-
tario with Canada, or by way of the:Ouifcon-
fin into the Miiriirippi. This divifion is
about one hundred and iixty miles long from
north to fouth, and one hundred and forty
broad^fMi3')^»7fijii •i'tan vrro; • ./i

No. V. This is an excellent track of land,
and confidering its interior fituation has great-

3ilj iO eiSDior:

Ux- er

( S02 )

cr advantages than could be expeded 5 for
having the Miffifllppi on its weftern bordersf,
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 mountai-
nous, but it contains a great deal of clear land,
the foil of which is excellent, with many fine
fertile meadows, and not a few rich mines. It
is upwards of two hundred miles from north
to fouth, and one hundred and fifty from call
to weft. -1

No. VI. This colony being fituated tipbn
the heads of the rivers Illinois andOuabache,
the former of which empties itfelf immediate-
ly into the MiiTilfippi, 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 Miamis paffing
through it, which runs into Lake Erie, an in-
tercourfe might be eftablifhed with Canada
alfo by way of the lakes, as before pointed
out. It contains a great deal of rich fertile
'land, and though more inland than any of
the others, will be as valuable an acquifition
as the beft of them. From north to fouth it
is about one hundred and fixty miles, from caft
to weft one hundred and eighty.

No.

( 503 )
* 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 Mifliffippi, the fituation of it
for eftablifliing a commercial intercourfe with
foreign nations is very commodious. It a-
bounds with all the necefTaries of life, and
is about one hundred and fix'ty miles from
north to fouth, and fixty miles from call to
weft 5 but the confines of it being- more irre-
gular than the others, I cannot exadly af-
certain the dimenfions of it.

No. VIII. This colony having the River

Ouabache 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

thirty from eaft to weft.

it No. IX, X. and XI. being fimilar in fttua-

tion, and furnilhed with nearly the fame

conveniencies as all the others, I (hall only

give their dimenfions. No. IX. is about

eighty miles each way, but not exadly fquare.

No. X. is nearly in the fame form, and about

the fame extent. No. XL la much larger

being at leaft one hundred and fifty miles from

north

I V.1

<! "1

■•■

'^r

( 50+ )

north to fouth, and one hundred and forty
from eaft to weft, as nearly as from its irre-
gularity it is poffible to calculate.

After the defcription of this delightful
country I have already given, I need not re-
peat that allthefpots I have thus pointed out
as proper for colonization, abound not only
with the necefTaries of life, being well ftored
with rice, deer, buffaloes, bears. Sec, but
produce in equal abundance fuch as may be
termed luxuries, or at leaft thofe articles of
commerce before recited, which the inhabi-
tants of it will have an opportunity of ex-
changing for the needful productions of other
countries.

' The difcovery of a north-weft paftage to
India has been the fubjed of innumerable
difquifitions. Many efforts likewife have
been made by way of Hudfon's Bay to pene-
trate into the Pacific Ocean, though withfmt
liiccefe.' I fhall not therefore trouble myfelf
to enumerate the advantages that would re-
fult from this much wiftied-for difcovery, its
utility being already too well known to the
commercial world to need any elucidation 5 I
ihall only confine myfelf to the methods that
appear moft probable to infure fuccefs to fu-
ture adventurers.-

The

f.nr

( 50s )

The many attempts that have hitherto
been made for this purpole, but which have
all been rendered abortive, feem to have
turned the fpirit of making ufeful refearches
into another channel, and this moft intereft-
ingonehas almoft been given up as imprac-
ticable 5 but in my opinion, their failure ra-
ther proceeds from their ,l)eing begun at an
improper place, than from their impra^ica-

All navigators that have hitherto gone in
fearch of this pafTage, have firft entered Hud-
fon*s Bay^ the confequence of which has
been, that having fpent the feafon during
■yvhich only thofe feas are navigable, in gx^
ploring many of the numerous inlets lying
therein, and this without difcovering any 0^
pening, terrified at the approach of winter,
they have haftened back for fear of being
frozen up, and confequently of being obliged
to continue till the return of fummer in thofe
bleak and dreary realms. Even fuch as have
perceived the coafts to unfold themfelves, and
who have of courfe entertained hopes of fuc-*
ceeding, have been deterred from profecuting
their voyage, left the winter fhould fet in
before they could reach a more temperate
dtmate.

,!f'a

/. ''3

.J

( 50^ )
Thcle apprehcnfions have difcouraged the
boldeft adventurers from compleating the ex-
peditions in which they have engaged, and
fruft rated every attempt. But as it has been
difcovered by fuch as liave failed into the
northern parts of the Pacific Ocean, that
there are many inlets which verge towards
Hudfon's Bay, it is not to be donated but
that a pafTage might be made qyt from that
quarter, if it be fought for at a proper fea-
fon. And fhould thefe expe^Stations be difap-
pointed, the explorers would not be in the
fame hazardous litu^lion with thofe who fet
put from Hudfon's Bay, for they will always
be fure of a fafe retreat, through an open fea^
to warmer regions, even after repeated dif^
appointments. Atid this confidence will ena-
ble them to proceed with greater refolution,
and probably be the means of efFe«3ing vvhat
too linuch circumfpedion or timidity has pte^
vented.' '-^'^ n J o t; h ' mi'.xiKh- nv'^ mdo rijiuv £rtj 03
^' Thefe reafons for altering the plan of en-
qu iry after this convenient; paffagCj carry
with them fti eh. con vi'dionv that in the year
1774 Richard Whitwtoth, Efq. membe^M
parliament f6r Stafford,' a g^ntl^man of an
extcnfive - knowledge in geography, of an
"■-'' adive

( 507 )
adlive entcrprizing difpofition, and whofe be-
nevolent mind is ever ready to promote the
happinefs of 'fncfividuals, or the v^'elfarc of
thc^'public; froAi the reprcfentations made to
hinvof the expediency of it by myfclf and
others, intended to travel acrofs the continent
of Artieriea, that!he n^ight attempt to ca^Vry
a fcheme' of this kind into execution. "^^*

Hedefigncd to have purfuel nearly the
fame route that r did ; and after liaving built '
a fort at Like l^epin, to have proceeded up
the River St. Pierre, and from thence up a
branch of the River Meflbrie, till having dif-
covered 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 that fall
into the Pacific Ocean, he would have failed
down that river to the place where it is faid
to empty itfelf near the Straights of Annian.
Having there eftablifhed another fettlemcnt
on fome fpot that' appeared beft calculated
for the fupport of his people, in the neigh-
bourhood 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 expedition

by

#'

-A

m

i -'--i

.1*^/

il

( So8 )

by Colon/'l {Rogers, myfelf, and others, and
to have taken out with him ?. f^ifficient num-
ber of artificers and mariners for building the
forts and veffels neceflary on the occaiion,
and fbr navigating the latter ; in all not lefs
than fifty or fixty men. The grants, and o-
tbcr requifites for this purpofc, were even
nearly completed, when the prefent troubles
in America began, which put a (top to an
enlerprizc that ppmifed to be of inconceiv-
able advantage to the Britifh dominions.

FINIS.

IS

■t.'J.i'

'♦• 1

;|i4;7 *Jfi

.•7.1

i»

i^-.