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S I R, WHEN the Public are in- formed that I have long had the Honour of your Acquam- tance that my Defign in pub- lifhing the following Work, has re- ceived your Sandlion that the Compofition of it has flood the Teft of your y-^dgment — and that it is by your Permiflion a Name fo defervedly eminent in the Literary World is prefixed to it, I need not be apprehenfive of its Succefs; as your DEDICATION. your Patronage will unqucftlon- ably give them Affurance of iti Merit. For tills public Teftimony of your Favour, in which I pride my- fclf, accept, Sir, my moft grateful Acknowledgments ; and believe me to be, with great Refpedl, W" his Defer i Your obedient London, June 2C, 1778. humble Servant, J. CARVER. Arrive g Excwj Spa) Defcrij. Inftanci man Defcrij Re mar 'The gr Upper Defcri^ Lower Pre. An At CONTENTS. JNTRODUCriON, i T'be Author Jets out from Bojlon on his 'Travels y — — 1 7 Defcripfion of Fort MichiUiniackinaCy i 8 Fort Le Bay, — 2 1 the Green Bnv, — 26 Lake Michigan, — 2 8 Arrives at the Town of the JVinneba- goes, — — 32 Excurfon of the JVinnebagoes towards the Spanifi Settlements, — 35 "Defcription of the Winnebago hake, 3 7 Injlance of Refolution of an Indian Wo' man, — — 40 Defcription of the Fox River, — 4 1 Remarkable Story of a Rattle Snake, 43 The great Town of the Saukies, — 46 Upper Town of the Ottagaumies, 48 Defcription of the Ouifconfn River, ib. Lower Town of the Ottigaumies, or La Prairie Le Chi en, — • — 50 An Attack by fome Indian Plunderers. 51 b Defer ipti.n I i,. frji P'*^ Wi CONTENTS. Defcription of the ^Ulllfippi from the Mouth of the Ouifcnnfin to Lake Pe- pin, — ^ — 54 Lake Pepin, — 55 Rema^kiible Ruins of an ancient Fortifi- cation, — — J 7 *'X'he River Bands of the Naudowejie In- dians, — — 59 Adventure with a Party of thefe, and fume of the Chipeways, — — 60 "Defcription of a remarkable Cave, 63 Uncommon Behaviour cf the Prince of the IVinneba^oes at 'he Falls of St. An- thony, — — 66 Defcription of the Falls, — 69 Extent of the Author s "Travels, — y i Defcription of the River St. Pierre, 74 Sources of the Four great Rivers of North America, — — 76 Reflections on their Affinity, — 77 The Naudowejies of the Plains, with whom the Author wintered in the Tear 1766, — — 80 The Author returns to the Mouth of the River St. Pierre, 8 Account of a 'j'lolent Thunder-ftorm, 8^ Speech made by the 4uthor in a Council held <^ CONTENTS. held by the NaudowcJJles ai the great Cave^ — — 86 Adventure with a Party of Indians near Lake Pepin, — — 95 Defcription of the Country adjacent to the River St. Pierre, — 100 Account of different Clays found near the Marble River, — — 10 1 Defcription of the Chipeway River, 102 Extraordinary Efedls of a Hurricane, 10^ The Author arrives at the Grand Portage on the North-wejl Borders of Lake Su- perior, — — 107 Account of the Lakes lying farther to the North-wejl : Lake Bourbon, Lake ffin- nepeek. Lake Du Bois, Lake La Pluye, Red Lake, ^c. — — ib. Account of a Nation of Indians fuppofed to have been tributary to the Mexican Kings, — — 118 the f dining Mountains, i 2 r A fngular Prediction of the Chief Priefl of the Killijiinoes verified, — 123 Defcription of Lake Superior, — 1 3 2 Story oj the two Crnpeways landing on the Ijland of Mauropas, — 135 Account of great ^antities of Copper Ore, — — _^39 b 2 Defcription ;> rll M CONTENTS. Defer iption of the Falls of Sf. Marie, 142 Lake Huron, — 144 Saganaum andl'hunder Bays, Extraordinary Phcenomenon in the Straights of Michilllmachinac , • — 146 Defer iption of Lake St. Claire, — 150 the River, '^own, and Fort of Detroit, — — 151 Remarkable Rain at Detroit, — 153 Attaek of Fort Detroit by Pontiae, 154 Defeription of Lake Erie, — 166 the River and Falls of Nia- gara, — — 169 ■■ — Lake Ontario, — 1 70 the Ow^da Lake, Lake Champlain^. and Lake George, 172 Aeeount of a T!ra6i of Land granted to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and Captain John Mafon, — — 173 ^he Author* s Motives for undertaking his travels, — — 177 CHAP. I. ^he Origin of the Indians, — 1 8 t Sentiments of various PFriters on this Point, 182 — Monjieur Charlevoix, - 192 Sentiments CO NTENTS. Sentiments of James Adair, Rfq\ 202 the Author of this fFor k,2 0^ Corroboration of the Latter by Do^or Ro- binfon^ —« — 216 CHAP, II. Of the Perfonsj Drefs, ^c, of the Indians y 2 19 An Account of thofe who have written on this Subject , — - — 220 Defer iption of the Perfons of the Indians y 223 their Drefs, — 225 , the Drefs of the Chi pew ay s^ with a Plate, — — 229 .^ — the Drefs of the Naudowef- fes, with Ditto, — 230 'T'he Manner in which they build their T'enis and Huts, — 2-31 T'heir domejiic Utenfls, — 233 CHAP. III. Of the Manners, ^alif cations, ^c. cf the Indians, — ■— 235 Peculiar Ciifioms of the IVomen^ b o J 2.36 yj r/j CONTENTS. The clrcumjpeci and fioical Difpofiiion of the Men, — 2 '^7 T'heir amazhig Sagacity, — 241 Remarkable Story of one of the NaudoweJJie Women, — — 245 "The Liberality of the Indians, and their Opinion rejpetiing Money ^ — 247 CHAP. IV, Their Method of reckoning Time, ^c, 250 The Names by which they diflinguifi the Months, — 2 c I Their Idea of the Ufe of Figures, 253 CHAP. V. Of their Government, &c. — 255 Their Divifm into Tribes, — — ib. Th^ Chiefs of their Bands, 257 The Members that comfofe their Councils^ 259 CHAP. VI. Of their Feajis, 262 Their ufual Food, — — 263 Their Manner of drejtng and eating their Vidhials, — . 264 CHAP. CONTENTS. CHAP. VII. 266 267 268 269 270 Of their Dances, — 'The Manner in which they dance, 'The Pipe or Caiumate Dance, — The JVar Dance, — The Paivwaw Dance, — An uncommon Jdmifion into a Society, among the Naudowejies, — 272 The Dance of the Indians on the Banks of the MiJJiJfippi, referred to in the Journal, — — ^79 The Dance of the Sacrifice, — 282 CHAP. VIII. Of their Hunting, — — ^^3 Their Preparation before they fet out, 285 Their Manner of hunting the Bear, 286 . Buffalo, Deer^ ^c, - - ^l7 Beaver, 209 m f b 4 CHAP. ; ft ! 1 1 CONTENTS. CHAP. IX. Of their Manner of making IVar^ &c. 293 'Tbe Indian Weapons^ ijoitb a Plate, 296 itheir Motives for making War^ 297 Preparations before they take the Field, ^he Manner in which they foUcit other Nations to become their Auxiliaries, 305 'Their Manner of declaring War, — 307 Their Method of engaging their Enemies, 310 j^ hflancf of the Efficacy of it in the Der feat of General Braddock, — 311 j^ Detail of the Majfacre at Fort William Henry 'n the Tear 1757, — 3 1 3 Acuienefs and Alacrity of the Indians in purfuing their Enemies, — 327 Their Manner of Scalping, — 328 The Manner in which they retreat and carry off their Prifoners, — 330 A remarkable Infiance of Heroifm in a Fe- male Prifoner, — 332 Treatment of their Prifoners, ~ 2^$ The Origin of their felling Slaves, 346 CHAP. CONTENTS. CHAP. X. Of their Manner of making Peace, £=?<:. 351 j^c count of an Engagement between the Iroquois and the Ottagaumies and Sau- kies, — — 352 Manner in which thy condudi a treaty of Peace, — — 358 Defcrlption of the Pipe of Peace,, — 359 -Belts of Wampum, 362 CHAP. XL Of their Games, — — The Game of the Ball, — : the Bowl or Platter, .*> ■ ' CHAP. XII. 3^3 364 365 Of their Marriage Ceremonies, — 367 T'he Manner in which the "Tribes near Ca- nada celebrate their Marriages, - 369 The Form of Marriage among the Nau- dowejies, — — 373 Their Manner of carrying on an Intrigue^ 31S Of the Indian Names, — 378 CHAP. t y ii O O N T E N T S. CHAP. XIII. Of their Religion , — — 380 fheir Ideas of' a Supreme Beings 3 8 i a future Siaie, — 383 Of their Priejis, — — 384 'the Sentiments of Others on the religious Principles of the Indians oppofed, 386 CHAP. XIV. Of their Difeafes, ^c, — 389 the Complaints to which they are chiefly fubje5i, — — ib. the Manner in which they conftru^ their • Sweating Stoves^ — 390 the Methods in which they treat their Dif eafes, — — 391 An extraordinary Inftance of the Judgment of an Indian Woman in a defperate Cafe, — _ 395 C H A P. XV. the Manner in which they treat their Beady — r —• 398 A Spe^ CONTENTS. A Specimen of their Funeral Harangues^ 399 I'heir Method of burying the Dead, 40 1 A fingular Inflance of pare fit al Affediion in a NaudoweJJie IVonian, — ^* 403 CHAP. XVI. A concife Charadier of the Indians 408 'Their perfnal a?id mental Salifications, 409 Their public Charadier as Members of a Community, — — 411 CHAP. XVII. Of their Language, Hieroglyphicks, &c, 414 Of the Chipeway Tongue, — 416 Defcriptive Specimen of their Hierogly- phicks, — — 4^7 Vocabulary of the Chipeway Language, 420 — the NaudoweJJie Language, 433 CHAP. XVIII, 0/ the Beajls, Birds, Fi/fjes, Reptiles, and Infedis, which are found in the Interior Jp arts of North America, — 441 BEASTS. I'," ' i '1^! 'fi! CONTENTS. B E A s r s, The Tyger. "The Bear, — "The Wolf, the Fox, — - — Dogs. The Cat of the Mountain, Buffalo, — — 'The Deer, — — — the Elk, — — 'The Moofe, — — — The Carrabou, — — The Carcajou. The Skunk, — The Porcupine, — — The Woodchuck. The Racoon, — The Martin. The Mujquap, — Squirrels, — — The Beaver, — — The Otter, — — — The Minh -^ — BIRDS. The Eagle. The Night Hawk, — The Ftp Hawk, — — The Whipperwill, — — The Owl. The Crane. Ducks, — The TcaL The Loon, — The Partridge. The IVoodpecker, — The Blue Jay, The IVakon Bird, - The Blackbird, — — 442 44 + The 445 446 447 448 449 45c^ 453 454 455 456 457 464 465 466 467 468 469 47^" 471 473 473 The I '3 CONTENT Sw The Redhhd, — — — 'The IVhctfaw. The King Bird. Humming Bird, 474 — 475 FISHES. — 477 T'/jc Sturgeon, — The Cat FiJJj. The Carp. The Chub, 478 SERPENTS. r The Rattle Snake, — — 470 The Long Black Snake, — 485 The Striped or Garter Snake. The Water Snake. The Hljfing Snake. The Green Snake. The Thorn-tail Snake, 486 The Speckled Snake. The Ring Snake. The Two-headed Snake, — — 487 The Tortoife or Land Turtle, — 488 LIZARDS. The Swift Lizard. The Slow Lizard. The Tree Toad, — 480 INSECTS. The Lightning Bug or Fire Fly, 491 The Water Bug. The Horned Bug. The Locujl, — — 4p^ C H A P. In ": y ' •jl CONTENTS. CHAP. XIX. Of the I'recSf Shrubs^ Roots, Hcrbsy Flowers, — — 4^4 "T R E E S. The Oak, — — — 495 'the Pine Tree. The Maple, — 496 The Ajh, — — — 497 The Hemlock Tree, — 498 The Bafs or IVbite JFood, The U^ickopick or Suckwick. The Button IFood, 499 NUT TREES. The Butter or Oil Nut, — 500 The Beech Nut» The Pecan Nut, 501 The Hickory, — - — 502 F R U s T TREES. The Crab Apple Tree, — 502 The Plum Tree* The Cherry Tree, 503 SHRUBS. The Willow. Shin J Food. The Sajfafras, The Prickly JJIj, — — 506 The Monfc Wood. The Spoon IFood. The Alder, — — . 507 Ihe CONTENTS. "The Shrub O^k. The IFitch Hazle, 508 ^he Myrtle, ll^inter Green, — 509 ^be Fever Buflj. ^heOiinberry BuJJj, ^10 7 he Choak Berry, — 511 ROOTS iwcl P LJl NT S. Spikenard, — — Siirfiiparllla, — — G'mfang. Gold Thread, — Solomon s Seal, Devil's Bit, Blood Root, — — 5'» 512 HERBS. Sanicle. Rattle Snake Plantain, 5 1 6 Poor Robin s Plantain. Toad Plantain. Rock Liverwort. Gargit or Skoke, 5 i 7 Skunk Cabbage or Poke, — 518 iFake Robin. IVild Indico. Cat Mini, 5 1 9 FLOirE RS, 520 FARINACEOUS and LEGU- MINOUS ROOTS, &c. Maize or Indian Corn, — 5 2 i IFild Rice, — — 522 Beans. The Squa/lj^ — 525 A P P E N- 4 V i.IlLt •1, ■ ' > A '■ ''i I ■t' tr.i 1 CONTENTS. APPENDIX. The Trobability of the interior Parts of North America becoming commercial Colonies, — - — S^^l The Means by which this might be effedied^ 529 Tra^s of Land pointed out, on which Co- lonies may be ejiablifned with the greateji Advantage, — — 531 Differtation on the Difcovery of a North- wejl Pafage, — _ " 539 The mojl certain Way of attaining it, 540 Flan propofed by Richard Whitworth, Efq\ for making an Attempt from a garter hitherto unexplored, — 541 The Reafon of its being pojiponed, - 543 u ' ii INTRO- ;ii '•' INTRODUCTION. NO foonef was the late War with France conchided, and Peace efta- bliihed by the Treaty of Verfailles in the Year 1763, than I began to confider (having rendered my country fome fer- vices during the war) how I might con- tinue ftill ferviceable, and contribute, as much as lay in my power, to make that vaft acquifition of territory, gained by Great Britain, in North America advan- tageous to it. It appeared to me indif- penfably needful, that Government Ihould be acquainted in the firft place with the true ftate of the dominions they were now become poflefled of. To this piir- pofe, I determined, as the next proof of my zeal, to explore the moft unknown A parts I';: [ " ] parts of them, and to fpare no trouble or cxpence in acquiring a knowledge that promifed to be fo ufeful to my country- men. I knew that many obftru£lions would arife to my fcheme from the want of good Maps and Charts ; for the French, whilft they retained their power in North America, had taken every artful method to keep all other nations, particularly the Englifli, in ignorance of the concerns of the interior parts of it : and to accompiifh this defign with the greater certainty, they had publilhed inaccurate maps and falfe accounts; calling the different nations of the Indians by nicknames they had given them, and not by thofe really ap- j^ertaining to them. Whether the intention of the French in doing this, was to pre- vent thefe nations from being difcovered and traded with, or to conceal their dif^ courfc, when they talked to each other of the Indian concerns, in their prefence, I will not determine ; but whatfoever was . tho :iir '*i [ i" 3 the caufe from which it arofe, it tended to miflead. As a proof that the EngTiHi had been greatly deceived by thefe accounts, and that their knowledge relative to Canada had ufually been very confined, before the conqucft of Crown-Point in 1759, it had been eftecmcd an impregnable fortrefs: but no fooner was it taken, than we were convinced that it had acquired its greatefl fecurity from falfe reports, given out by its pofleffors, and might have been battered down with a few four pounders. Even its fituation, which was reprefented to be {d very advantageous, was found to owe its advantages to the fame fource. It can* not be denied but that fome maps of thefe countries have been publifhed by the French with, an appearance of accuracy 5 but thefe are of fo fmall a fize and drawn on fo minute a fcale, that they are ]iearly inexplicable. The iources of tlic Miffillippi, I can aiilrt from my A z own fi\ yi U mh 1' I I I ' .it! > [ tv ] own experience, are greatly mirplaccd ; for when I had explored them, and compared then- (ituation with the French Charts, I found them very erroneoufly reprefentcd, and am fi tisfied that thefe were only copied from the rude fketchcs of the Indians. Even fo lately as their evacuation of Canada they continued their fchemcs to deceive; leaving no traces by which any knowledge might accrue to their con- querors : for though they were well ac- quainted with all the Lakes, particularly with Lake Superior, having conftantly a vefl'el of confiderable burthen thereon, yet their plans of them are very incorre(5t. I difcovered many errors in the defcriptions given therein of its Iflands and Bays, during a progrefs of eleven hundred miles that I coafted it in canoes. They like- wife, on giving up the pofleflion of them, took care to leave the places they had oc- cupied in the fame uncultivated ftate they had found them; at the fame time deilroy- t V ] deftfoylng all their naval force. 1 ob- ferved myfelf part of the hulk of a very large vcflel, burnt to the water's edge, juft at the opening from the Straits of St. Marie's into the Lake. Tliefe difficulties, however, were not fufficient to deter me from the undertaking, and 1 made preparations for fettlng out. What I cliiefly had in view, after gaiFiing ji knowledge of the Manners, Cufloms, Languages, Soil, and natural Produ(£lion$ of the different nations that inhabit the back of the MifTiffippi, was to afcertain the Breadth of that vaft continent, which extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, in its broadeft part between 43 and 46 Degrees Northern Latitude, Had I been able to accomplifh this, I intended to have propofed to Government to eihif blifh a Poll: in fome of thofe parts about tlic Straits of Annian, which having been fn/l difcovered by Sir Francis Drake, of courfi? belong to the Englifh, This 1 am con- A 3 vinced I [ vl ] vlncedwoukl greatly tacilitatc the clircoveiy of a North-Wefl Paflagc, or a communi- cation betv.ccii Hudlbii's Day and the Pacific Ocean. An event lb delirable, and which has been ih often fought for, but without fuccefs. Befidcs this impor- tant end, a fcttkrnent on that extremity of America would anfwer many good pur- pofes, and repay every expence the efta- blifhment of it might occafion. For it would not only difclole new fources of trade, and promote many ufeful difco,- veries, but would open a pafiage for con- v'eying intelligence to China, and the Englifh fcttlcments in the Eafl ludiea, with greater expedition than a tedious voyage by the Cape of Good Hope, or the Straits of Magellan will allow of. Plow far the advantages arifuig fron;i luch an enterprize may extend can only be aicertained by the flwourable concurrence of future events. But that the completion of the fchcme, 1 have had tlie honour of firft [ vli ] firfl planning and atiempting, will fomp time or other he cfFcded, I make no doiiht. From the unhappy divifions that at prcfent fubfift between Great Britain and America, it will probably be fome years before the attempt is repeated ; but whenever it is, and the execution of it carried on with propriety, thofe who are fo fortunate as to fuccced, will reap, ex- clufive of the national advantages that muft enfue, Emoluments beyond their moft fangulne expe6l:ations. And whilft their fpirits are elated by their fuccefs^ perhaps they may bellow fome commen- dations and bleffings on the perfon that firft po'n.ed out to them the way. Thefe, though but a fliadowy recompence for all my toil, I Ihall receive with pleafure. To what power or authority this new world will become dependent, after it has arifen from its prefent uncultivated flate, time alone can difcover. But as the feat pf Empire, from time immemorial has been A 4 gru- ;i j :■ 1' -ii '\. n ir [ y»»i ] p;radually progrcfiive towards tlie Well, there is no doubt hut that at fome future period, Jiiighty k'ligdoms will emerge from thefe wildernelies, and lately ])alaces and fohmn temples, with glUhd fpires reaching the Ikies, fupplant the Indian huts, whole only decorations are the barbarous trophies of their vanquiihed enemies. As fome of the preceding paflages have already informed the Reader that the plaa I had laid down for penetrating to the Paciiic Ocean, proved abortive, it is necefihry to add, that this proceeded not f om its impradicability (for the farther I went the more convinced I was that it could certainly be accompliflied) but from unforefeen difappointments. However, I proceeded fo far, that I was able to make fuch diicoveries as will be ufeful in any future attempt, and prove a good foundation for fome more fortunate Suc- colfor to build upon. Thefe I ihall now lay before the Public in the fullow-s ing [ ix ] ing pages ; and am fatlsried that the gicateft part of them have never been publifhed by any pcrfon that has hitherto treated of the interior Nations of the Indians ; particularly, the account I give of the Naudowefies, and the (ituation of the Heads of the four great rivers that take their rife within a few leagues of each other, nearly about the center of this great continent; viz. The River Bourbon, which empties itfelf into Hudfon's Bay; the Waters of Saint Lawrence; tlie Mif- fiflippi, and the River Oregon, or the River of the Weft, that fills into th^ Pacific Ocean at the ftraits of Annian. The impediments that occalioned my returning, before I had accomplifhed my purpofes, were tliefe. On my arrival at Michillimackinac, the remoteft Englifli poft, in September 1766, I applied to Mr. Rogers, who was then governor of it, to furnifh me with a proper alibrtment pf ^oods, as prefents for the Indians whoi in- lA m M ; iiiM ill ] i': II ;., -r ]'\ Mil [ ^ ] inhabit the track I Intended to pinTue. He did this only in part ; but promiled to fupply me with fuch as were nccelliuy, when I reached the Falls of Saint An- thony. I afterwards learned, that the fulfilled Ku lie in ordc governor the goods to be delivered to me ; b'lt thole to whofe care he intruded them, inftead of conforming to his orders, dilpofed of them elfewhcre, Dira]ipointed in my expe£lations from this quarter, I thought it neccflhry to re- turn to I.a Praire Le Chien ; for it was impofliblc to proceed any farther without prcfcnts to cnfure me a favourable reception. This I did in the beginning of the year J 767, and finding my progrefs to the Wcftward thus retarded, I determined to di- re fl my courfe Northward. I took this ftep with a view of finding a communication * from tixe Heads of the Mifiiflippi into Lake Superior, in order to meet, at the grand Por- ^ige on the Nprth-weft fide of that lake, the traders I 1 ■•■fi [ xi ] traders that ufLially come, about this feafbn, from Michillunacklnac. Of thcle I intend- ed to purcliafe goods, and then to purfue .my journey from that quarter by way qf the iak' s Le Pluyc, Dubois, and Ouini- pique to the H^ads of the river of the Weft, which, as 1 have faid before, falls into the ll:rait3 of Annian, the terminatiou o( my int.ncl'.d progrcfs. I accompli fhcd the former part of my defign, and reached Lake Superior in proper time; but unluckily the traders I rnet there acquainted me, that they had no goods to fpare ; thofe they had with thena being barely futficient to anfwer their own demands ki thefe rernote parts. Thus dif- appoiiited a feconJ time, I found myfelf obliged to return to the place from whence I began my expedition, which I did after continuing fome months on the North and Eaft borders of Lake Superior, and explo- ring the Bays and Rivers that empty them- felves into this large body of water, As i is [ "ii ] As it may he expc^S^ed that I (hould lay before the Public the rcafoiis that thefc difcoveries, oF fo much inipoitafKe to every one that has any coniiedUous with America, have not been imparted to them before, notwith (landing they were made tipwards of ten years ago, I will give fhem to the world in a plain and candid manner, and without mingling with them any complaints on account of the ill treat- ftiGHt I have received, On my arrival in England, I prefented a petition to his Majefty in council, pray- ing for a I'eimburfement of thofe fums I had expended in the fervice of government. This was referred to the Lords Commif- fioners of Trade and Plantations, Their T^rdfhips from the tenor of it bought the intelligence I could give of lo much importance to the nation that they or- dered me to appear before the Board. This mefliige I obeyed, and underwent ^ long examination^ much I believe to tiie f :mI the ratlsft£lioii of every Lord prefcnt. When it was fiiiiflied, I requcfted to know what I Ihould do witli my papers, without hefitation the firft Lord repUed, that I might pubhlh them whenever I plcafed. In confcquence of this permil^ fion, I dilpofcd of them to a bookfeller : but when they were nearly ready for the prefs, an order was iflbed from the council board, requiring me to deliver, without delay, into thj Plantation Office all my charts, and journals, with every paper re- lative to the difcoveries I had made. In order to obey this command, I was obli- ged to re-purchafe them from the book- feller, at a very great expcnce, and deliver them up. This frclh diiburlcment I en- deavoured to get annexed to the account I had already delivered in ; but the requefl was denied me, notwithflandijig I had only aded, in the difpofal of my papers, conformably to the permillion I had re- ceived from the Board of Tradi;. This lofs, ! -i-? 'i ^ III I- •'1 i' lofSj which amounted to a very confidcrablc* film, I was obliged to bear, and to reft fatisfied with an indemnification for my other expences. Thus fituated, my only expectations are from the favour of a generous Public i to whom 1 fliall now communicate my plans J journals^ and obfervations, of which I luckily kept copies, when I de- livered the originals into the Plantation Office. And this I do the more readily^ as I hear they are miflaid ; and there is no probability of their ever being publifliedk To thofe who are interefted in the concerns of the interior parts of North America, from the contiguity of their pofleffions, or commercial engagements^ they will be extremely ufeful, and fully repay the fum at which they are purcha- fed. To thofe, who, from a laildabld curiofity, wifh to be acquainted with the manners and cuftoms of every inhabitant of this globe, the accounts here given of the !!•' P ll [ XV ] the various nations that inhabit fb vaft a track of it, a country hitherto almoft un- explored, will furnifli an ample fund of amufement and gratify their moft curious expedtations. xA.nd I flatter myfelf they will be as favourably received by the Public, as defcriptions of iflanJs, which afford no other entertainment than what arifes from their novelty ; and difcoveries, that feem to promife very few advantages to this country, though acquired at aix immenfe expence. To make the following Work as com- prehenfible and entertaining as poffible, I Ihall firft give my Readers an account of the route I purfued over this immenfe continent (through which they will be able to attend me by referring to the plan prefixed) and as I pafs on, defcribe the number of Inhabitants, the fituatlon of the Rivers and Lakes, and the produdions of the country. Having done this, I Ihall treat, in diflind Chapters, of the Man- I .! ll [ XVI ] Manners, Cuftoms, and Languages of the Indians, and to complete the whole, add a Vocabulary of the Words moftly in u(e among 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 pro* dudion of a perfon unufed, from oppofite avocations, to literary purfuits. He there- fore begs they would not examine it with too critical an eye; efpecially when he afllires them that his attention 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 fhall be Co fortunate as to poflefs it, than on the ftile or compofition ; and more careful to rendet his language intelligible and explicit, than fmooth and florid. ; ipi i( \m < 'W ■ tmm^i /.■n,/i/ii./,- tl',>l /iriii /..■'/■/.■'I /•/;• ' ' .■'.' ■ ■ .<. w A'/i / /' \ """■ '^^ U j'l'i- t'liiti-i:, 'IV.lV.-l.'i '(■ f/./,,s- I , KXI laKaaq immi^K^ -' '■/■/, ''"--^ 'A ''''•-; ^ ~^- > -<,- i "^"//■/i„„V/, i: •* > > . '^v -'f ■•■--) :.0>^ -V ^■j X * '^z-,: -..' .\l.'" .Vi //:cs;'>i'' .''lii. .]>■•>, ,i^".>V** A. '■'/y^ •J '//> /-!•, '"'^ly "yt/>n '"/i-i^,^ \% I'lim- :v/^ , '''''■'nil,,. ^% -it '•////Ci. '^ '/Jw/ .•'U-A-A./- \^, I'.n^;,/ 'I r -„/,, A--~j '■"Ci. ''"•■>',.,„ \ ' V J' a 11 A ,'i //.' /V'.'' /('(' 'Wy^ ^'^■■^k^^-'^ •o--» i ^^}."'' ^^:fe■'^• i , I i 1 JOURNAL OF THE TRAVELS, W I T H A DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY, L A K E S, &c. IN June 1766, I Cx out from Buflon, and proceeded by way of Albany and Niagara, to Mlcluillm-cickinac; a Fort fi- tuatcd between the Lakes Huron and Michigan, ai:d dillant from Boiton 1300 miles. This bein^ the uttermolt of our fadlorics towards tlie r.orth-w^:ft, 1 con- fidercd it as the moil conve; ient place from whence 1 could b>-g"in my intended progrefs, and enter at once into the Re- gions 1 deiigned to explore. Referring my Rjad'.rs to tl. . publica- tions already extant for an Account of B thofe f'f [ '8 ] thofe Parts of North Amcric.i, that, from lying adjacent to the Back-Settle- ments, have been frequently dcl'cribed, I Ihall confine mylelf to a Defcription of the more interior parts of it, which having been but feldom vilited, arc confequently but little known. In doing this, I Ihall in no inftance exceed the bounds of truth, or have rccourfe to thofe ufekis and extra- vagant exaggerations too often made ule of by travellers, to excite the curiofity of the public, or to increafe their own importance. Nor fliall I inicrt any ob- Icrvations, hut fuch as 1 have made my- felf, e;r, from the credibility of thofe by whom th.y were related, am enabled to vouch tor their authenticity. MiciiiHImacklnac, from whc.ice I be- gan my travels, is a Fort compofed of a llrong fiockadc, and is ufually defended by a gariifun of one hundred men. It contains about thirty houfes, one of which belongs to the governor, and ano- ther to th' commlfiary. Several traders alfo dwell Vvithin its fortifications, who fjjid it a convenient iituation to tralHc with the nc],(>J]bourin(i nations. Michil- Ijmackinac, in the lano-uai-e of the Chi- pew ay of a licled It c of aiio- •aders vvho :i'aliic [ '9 ] pLway Indhins, lignlfics aTortoifc; an:! the place is fiippolcd to receive its nam ■ f •oin an Ifland, lying about fix or lev en mile:, to the nortli-eafl:, within light of tlic Fort, which has the appearance of that animah During the hu'.iaii war that fol- lowed foon after the Couqueft of Ca- nada in tl'.c year 1763, and whicli was carried on by an army of confede- rate 1 tions compofed of the Ilurons, Miai.iics, Chipeways, Ottowaws, Ponto- wattiniics, IMilhliauges, and fomc other tribes,' nndcr the direction of Pontiac a celebrated Indian warrior, who had alwavs been In the French interef}, it was taken by lurprize in the following maimer. The Indians having fettled their plan, drew near the Fort, and began a g.nne at Ball, a pailinic much uled among them and not unlike tennis. In the luip'ht of their game, at which fome of the Englilh officers not fufpecting any deceit Itood looking on, they ftruck the bail, as if by accident, over the flockad j ; this they repeated two or three times, to make the deception more complete, till at length, havin'^' bv this means lulled B 2 every i [ 20 ] every luipiclon of the ccntry nt tlic foutli gate, a party rulhed by him; and the rell iboii following, they took pollefhoii of the Fort, witliout meeting with any op- pofition. Ilavijig accom])hllud their de- llgn, the Indians had the humanity to fparc the lives of the greatefl: part of the garrifon and traders, but they made them all prlfoners, and carried them olT. How- ever Tome time after they took them to Montreal, where they were redeemed at n good price. The i\)rt alio was given lip again to the Englifh at the peace made with Pontiac by tlie comiiiandcr of Detroit the year following. Having here made the nccefliiry dlf- pofitions for puriuing my travels, and obtained a credit from Mr. Rogers, the governor, on lomc Englilh and Canadian traders who were going to trade on the Miirifii})pl, and received alio from him a promll'e of a fiefh fupply of goods when I reached the Falls of Saint An- thony, 1 left the Fort on the 3d of Scp- tcm'ner, In company with thclc traders. Jt w-as agreed, that they fhould furnilh me with i'uch goods as I might want, for (■ the dian the iiim oods Aii- Scp- aders. rii'ilh want, for [ 2 I ] for prefents to the Indian cliicfs, during mv continuance with tlicni, a)rc; they wcic; iorcM! to icliiujuiih It; and wluii Caiuiiia aiul iti cK [k iiuu.cii s wca: iliriMuUixd to til- ICiipJidi, it \\a.-> ini- nuiliai. Iv ii.iiiiloiuu witii an uMii.\r aiiJ m 4) thiitv i\w 'VUU \\\vc mat. )ii- loiKis l.v ilii' Mcnomoniis loon attv. r the fmjMiu^ ot Mit hiHiiuackiiiac, and tlic i'^ort has iu''irh>.r hcLii g.iriiloiRcl or kv[<\: ill r.rair iiiuw The J5av is about niiutv miles ]onc: but di {n» liicrs nuk h ill its bivadth ; l)(.iii^' in ionic phiccs or.ly ii.ti.xii miles, in otliers from twenty to thiity. It lies nearly from north-eall to iouth-wert. y\t the entrance ol it tt\im ti,e J.,akt are a il riDL of iilands, exteiuinio- fri)m nortli to fouth, called the (. jrandTrawrle. Thele arc about th M urtv miles \n Lnoth', and Icrvc to taci- 1 1; litate the nnliajre of cai ti levs, as lie y Ihel. ter them from the winds, which fomc- times come with viob. nee acrols the I.akc. On the (ide that lits to the fouth- e.ill ia the ncaicil: and bell: navigation. I'he '•^- \ 1 [ ^3 ] The Klaiuls ot' the (Jrand TnivciTc iw^ niolliy linall ami rocky. Many oi' tlic rocks arc ol' an aiua//uig li/.c, ami appear ;is If tlkv ha>l Iccii lalliioiud Uy the liaiuls ot artllls. On tiic kir!.;cll and \yA\ of tliLJc Ilkinils llancKs a town ol the Ortowaws, at which I found one of the moll: confide ral)k; ihiefs of that nation, wlio rcccivcil nic with every honour he could poffihly iliow to a Aran|;cr. Hut what appeared extremely iin^ular to nie at the time, and mull do lo to every jierfon unacquainted with the culloms of the Inilians, was the reception I met with on kuid uiti". A s our canoes ap- proached the Ihore, and had reached within ahout threefcore rods of it, the Indians hegnii a feu-dc-je.y ; in which they fired their pieces loaded with l)7ils ; but at the lame time they took care to dilcharpc them in lueh a manner, as to fly a few yards above our head.: diiiing this they ran from one tree or llum[) to th nnotner fliout lUP' ane: I bel lavHiLi' as it they were in the heat of battle. At fnll: 1 was greatly furprileil, anel was on the point of ordering my attendants to return 1] 4. their •:> ! it i <.i U. ■I ! . >il [ n ] their fire, concluding that their Inten- tIon?i wciC hoftll. ; hut being!; uixlecelved by lomj of the traders, who i'lfonncd me that tliis vva^ their uTual m.thod of receiving th ' chiefs of oth' r nations, I coi lit] rtd it in its true light, and was pleafjd wiih the refjx^cl: thus paid me. I r maineu her.- one niglit. Among the pr fe.its I made the chiefs, were fome fpirit'ious liquors; with winch they made thc'.ntelv.s ni.rrv, and all joined in a dance, ti at ^ulctl the greatcfl: part of the nigiit. In die inorniiig when 1 departed, the chief attended me to the (liore, aiid, as fi-ofi as I had embark -d, offered up, In an audible voice, and with great folem- nity, a fervent pray r in my bjhalf He prayed " that the Chvat S[)irit, would fa- vour me with a prolp^rous voyage ; that he would give me an unclouded iky, and fmooth waters, by day, and that I might lie dosvn, by niglit, on a braver blanket, fuj tying uninterrupted fl-ep, and pleafant dr^ am? : .uid alfo, that I mi,z;ht find con- tinual protection under the great pipe of jxacc." In this manner he continued his II. |: i! v. fit- . ii [ 25 ] his petitions till 1 could no longer hear them. I mufl: here obfcrve, that notwlth- ftandlng the inhi:blt:uits of Europe are apt to entertain horrid ideas of the ferocity of tliefe favages, as they are termed, I received from every tribe of them in the interior parts, the moft hofpitablc and courteous treatment ; and am con- vinceil, that till tJiey are contaminated by the example and fpirituous liquors of their more rediied neighbours, th.y retain this friendly and inuiienfive conducft to vards ftraijgers. Their inveteracy and cruelty to tiieir enemies I dcknowledge to be a great abatement of the favourable opinion 1 would wilh to entertain of them ; but this failing is hereditary, and hnvii;g re- ceived the lanC:l:ion of immemorial cul- tom, has taken too deep root in their minds to be ever extirpated. Among this people I eat of a very un- common kind of bread. The Indians, in general, ule hut little of this nutritious food : whliri: tiieir corn is in the milk, as they term it, that is, jufl before it bcr gins I :Xi. [ 26 ] gins to ripen, they flice off the kernels from the cob to which they grow, and knead them uito a p,;flc. This they arc enabled to do without the addition of any liquid, by the miJk that flows from them; and when it is effcded, they ]>arccl it out into cakes, and incloiiug them in knaves of the balhvood tree, place them in hot embers, where they :u-e foon baked. And better flavoured bread 1 never cat in any country. lliis place is only a fmall village con- taining alM3Ut tw^cnty-five houfes and lixty or fjvcnty warriors. I found nothing there worthy of further remark. The land on the fouth-eaft fide of the Green Bay is but very indifferent, beiug overfpread with a heavy growth of hem- lock, pine, fpruce and hr trees. The communication between Lake Alichigan, arid the Green Bay has been reported by lome to be impradVicable for the paflage of any veflels larger than canoes or boats, on account of the flioals that lie between the iflands in the Grand Traverfe ; but on founding it I found fufficicnt depth for i tie pth C 27 ] for a vcff.1 of fixty tons, and the breadth propoitionaMe. Tlv" laiul adjohiiiig to the bottom of this Bav is vi ly fertii •, the coiiutry in general Icvji, and the perfpcdive view of it picnling and "xtenfivc. A f w famihes Hv^e in tiie Fort, which lies on the wcft-llde of the Fox river, an>' oppoiite to it, on the eaft-lide or its entrance, arc lome French Icttlers who cc.'tivate the land, and appear to live vcr;' comfortably. The Green Bay or Bay of Pnants is one of thofe places to which the French (as I mentioned in the introduction) have given nicknames. It is termed by the in- habitants of its coafts, the JMenomonie Bay, but why the French have denomi- nated it the Pliant or Stinking Bay I know not. The reaion they tlicmfelves give for it is, that it was not with a view to miflead Grangers, but that by adopt- ing this metiiod they could converie with each other, concerning the Indians, in their preience, witiiout being underllood bv them. For it was remarked by the 1 pe rfon s who firit t raded amonp" them, that 't) when they were Ipeaking to each other about !■• |. nm w ■":». [ 28 ] about them, and mentioned their proper name, they inftantly grew iufpicious, and concluded that th(ir viliters wore citlier Tpeaking ill of thim, or plotting; their dcitruftion. To romcd}^ tliis they gave thcni lome other nr.me. The only bad confcqucncc ariiiiig from the practice then introduced i; , that Engihh and French geog!Mpli-ris l;i tlieirplansof the in- terior parts oF America give different names to the lame peoj^.le, and thereby perplex thok- who have occaiion to refer to them. Lake Michigan, of which the (ireen Bay is a part, is divided on the north- eall from l^ake Huron by the Straits of Michillimackinac ; and is fituated be- tween forty- two and forty- fix degrees of latitude, and between eighty- four and eighty-feven degrees of wefl longitude. Its greateft length is two hundred and eighty miles, its breadth about forty, and its circumference nearly lix hundred. There is a remarkable firing of fmall iflands be- ginning over again It Aikins's tarm, and running about thirty miles fouth-weft into the Lake. Thefe are called the Beaver llluuds. Their fiLuation is very pleafant, *t il [ ^9 ] pleafant, but the loll is bare. However they afford a b.Miitlfiil jirofptdl. On the iiorth-wefl parts of this Lake the waters branch out into two Bays. That which lies rowarJs the north is the Bay of Noquets, and the other the Green Bay juft delcrlbed. The waters of this as well as other great Lakes are clear and wholefome, and of fufficicnt depth for the navigation of large fhips. Half the fpace of the coun- try that lies to tiie call, and extends to Lake Huron, belongs to the Ottowaw Lidians. The line that divides their ter- ritories from the Chipeways, runs nearly north and fouth and reaches almoft from the fouthern extremity of this Lake, acrofs the high lands, to jMichillimackinac, through the center of which it pafles. So that when thcle two tribes happen to meet at tlie tadory, they each encamp on their own dominions, at a few yards diflance from the fcockade. The country atijacent either to the eaft or weft tide of this Lake is compofed but of an inJifferait full, except where fmall brooks or rivers empty themfelves into i'lV- \:m 'lU t M 1 -'■t-\ :' ■] Till n; ' Vp-i ..uh [ ] itito It; on the hank!; of tlicfc It is cx- trcnii \y fvilih N car tpc hord crs ol Ik: Lake ^row a great nuuihcr of liind cher- ries, which arc not Ids rcniaikahlc lor their manner of growth, than lor thelrcx- cjuHltc ilavonr. They grow \ipon a Ihiall (hriih not more than lour ilet hlch, the boughs of whieli are lo loaded tliat they lie In chillers on the iaiid. As they grow only on the iand, the warmth ot W'hlcli pr()l)ahly contriI)ute3 to hrlng them to ilich perfee^llon, they are called l)y the French cherries dc fahle, or land cherries. The li/eof them docs not exceed that of a fmall muiket hall, hut tlu y ar*; rcckonetl fuperlor to any other lort for the pin[)olc of fleeping In iplrits. 'I"h(-re alio grow 1 th(; Lake irooleherrles, hlack cur- ;\rouiK iy rants, and an ahundance of juniper hear- ing great quantities of the berries of the fuieil; fort. Snmack llkewife grows here in great plenty; the leaf of wiiich, gathered at Michaelmas when it turns red, is much tfleemed by tiie natives. They mix about an C(|ual quantity of it with their tobacco, wiiich cauies it to hiioke plea- fantly. it [ 3> ] faiirly. Near this J/ikt-, nnd indeed nl)()ut nil the }^ix it lakes, is found a kind* ot willow, termed hy the French, hols )()Uf a idver penny, nearly round; it is of the fubflancc and co- lour of the laurel, and is, like the tree it relemhles, an evergreen. Thele leaves, diicd and powdered, they llkewiie mix with ^ i ■ 5 'l^tt. :iil 111 ;i 1 ( I * [ 3^- ] witli their tobacco; and, as find hcforc, inioak it only during the funinicr. By tlicfc three lucccd.mcunis the plprs of the Indians arc well luppiled through every icaibn of the ytar; and as they arc great fmoakers, they are very careful in pro- perly gathering and prcpiilng them. On the 20th of September I left tlic Green liay, antl proceeded up Fox river, {till in company with the traders and fomc Lidlans. On the 25th I arrived at the great town of the Wiiuiebaiioes, fituated on a fmall ifland juft as you enter the cafl: end ot Lake Winn bago. Here the queen who prefukd over this tribe inlread of a Sachem, received me with great ci- vility, and entertained me in a very dif- tinguilhed manner, during the four days I continued with her. The day after my arrival I held a, council with the chiefs, of wiiom I alk- ed permiflion to pals through their coun- try, in my v.ay to more remote nations on bufincls of importance. This was readily granted me, the requell being cftecmed by them as a great compliment paid to their tribe. Tiie Queen lat la the ] I! '■ [ 33 ] the council, but only alkcd a few queA tions, or g;ive ibme tiifliiig dlretftions in matters relative to the ftatc ; for uomea are never allowed to lit in their councils, except they happen to be inverted with the Tuprcme authority, and then it is not cuflomary for them to make any formal fpeeches as the chiefs do. She was a very ancient woman, fmall in ftature, and not much difhlnguilhed by her drefs from fe- vernl young women that attended her. Thefc her attendants feemed greatly plealed whenever I Ihowed any tokens of refped: to their queen, particularly when I falutcd her, wliioh I frequently did to acquire her favour. On thefe occafions the good old lady endeavoured to aflume a juvenile gaiety, and by her fmiles fhowed fhe was equally pleafed wath the attention I paid her. The time I tarried here, I employed in making the heft obfervations polhbie on the country, and in colletSting the mofl certain intelligence I could of the origin, language, and cuftoms of this people. From thele enquiries 1 have reaibn to conclude, that the Winnebcigoes originally redded in iome of the provinces belonging to New C Mexico ; i \W .-^.^.^-V Itii I!. L 34 ] Mcxiio; ami being driven from their na- tive country, either by inteftine divifioiis, or by the cxtcnfion of the Spanifh con- quers, they took refuge in thefe more nortiicrii parts about a century ago. My reafoDS for adopting this fup- pofition, arc, firll: from their unaliena- ble attachment to the N.i.dovvellic In- dians (who, they lay, gj.ve them the earliefl fuccour auring tiieir emigration) notvvithftanding their prel'iit rcfidence is more than fix hundred miles dirtant from that people. Secondly, that their dialedl totally dif- fers from ever\ other Indian nation vet difcovered ; it being a very uncouth gut- tural jargon, which none of their neigh- bours will attempt to learn. They con- verfe with other nations in the Chipeway tongue, which is the prevailing language throughout all the tribes, from the Mo- hawks of Canada to thofe who inhabit the borders of the MilTiffippi, and from the Hurons and Illinois to iiieli as dwell near Hudfon's Bay. Thirdly, from their inveterate hatred to the Spaniards. Some of them in- formed me that they had made many ex- curfions - ^-K [ 35 1 curfioiis to the fouth-wen", which took up feveial moons. An elderly chief more particularly acquainted me, that about forty-lix winters ago, he marched, at the head ot fifty warriors, towards the fouth- wcfl, for three moons. That during this expedition, whilft they were crofTing a plain, they dlfcovered a body of men on horfeback, who belonged to the Black People ; for ih they call the Spaniards. As foon as they perceived them, they proceeded with caution, and concealed themfelves till night came on ; when they drew fo near as to '^c xible to difcern the number and fituation of their enemies. Finding they were not able to cope with fo great a fuperlorlty by djy-light, they waited till they had retired to reft; when they ruihed upon them, and after having killed the greatcft part of the men, took eighty horles loaded with what they termed white ftone. This I fuppofe to liave been lilver, as he told me the horfes were (hod with it, and that their bridles were ornamented with the fame. When they had fatlated their revenge, they car- ried off their fpoil, and being got fo far as to be out of the reach of the Spaniards C 2 that '■ I i'l . I 1' V •VA [ 36 ] lli.it IkuI ck\»iHd lluir liny, tlicy It It thf* uli'K'ls niul poiuK rolls l»iirtlKn, with which the hoiiis were lo.uKJ, in iho wotuls, and niDuntiiu; thcnilelvts, in this manner returned to their triends. Tho party they had thus deteatid, 1 eonchidc to Ikj the caravan that annually conveys to Mexico, the lilver which the Spaniards hnd in ji^reat ijiiantitirs on the mountains lying near the luails ol" the Coloredo River : and the plains where the attack was inadi', prohahly, lonie mey were ohligcd to pals over in their way to the* heads ol" the River St. Fee, or Rio del Nord, wiilch lails into the giilph of Mexico to the well ot the Millillippi. Tile W'iiHicb.igoes can raile about two hundred warriors. Their town contains about litty houlis, which arc llrongly built with palilades, and the illand v)ii which it is lituated nearly litty acres. It lies thirty-five miles, reckoning according to the courlcof the river, from the Grcea liay. The River, for about four or five miles from til e Bay, has a gciiilc current; after rliat fpace, till you arriva at the Winne- bago L;^ke, it is full of rocks and very rapid. {'I [ 37 ] iMplil. At many (ilarrs wc were ol»!i^\<(l to laiul our canoes, and carry tlhin a (.• )n- liJ*. ral)k' way. Irs brcailtli. In ^»<:ii«ul, iVom the CIrciii liay to tlu W'iiuultaj^o J .akc, Is lutwirfi icvcnty and a Iniiulriil yards: the hind on its hoidcr.s way gooiJ, and thndy wooded with hickory, oak, and ha/.ch The V\^inn(l);i«\o I.akc is ahont fifteen miles K)ng tVotn cafl to well, and \\k miUs widi'. At its loiuh-well corner, a river falls into it that takes its rile niar (onuj of the northern hranches of the Illinois River. This I called the C'rocoililc Ri- ve r, in coide(jiience of a ll(»iy that pre- vails among the Indians, ot th^.ir having deilroyed, in Ionic part of it, an animal, which from their iLlcription mull: be a crocodile or an alligator. The land adjacent to the Lake is very fertile, abounding with grapes, plums, and other fruits, which grow f[)ontanc- oully. The W'innebagocs railc on it a great quantity of Indian corn, beans, pumpkins, Iquaih, and water melons, with fome tobacco. The Lake itlelf abounds with filh, and in the fall of the year, with geeic, ducks, and teal. I'hc C 3 latter. •,.1 ■" 1 ill ■I' Ml I m i W:: t ■ [ 38 ] latter, which refort to it in great num- bers, arc remarkably good and extremely fat, and are much better flavoured than thole that are found near the fea, as they acquhe rh.-ir < xceilive fatncfs by feeding on the wild ri.e, which grow fo plcuti- fully in thcfc parts. Having made fomc acceptable prcfcnts to the good old queen, and received lier bleflmg, I Icfc the town of the Winne- biigoes on the 29th of September, and about twelve miles from it arrived at the place where the Fox River enters the Lake on the north lide of it. We pro- ceeded up this river, and on the ^th of Ovftober reached the great Carrying Place, which divides it from the Ouilconlin. The Fox River, from the Green Bay to the Carrying Place, is about one hun- dred and eighty miles. From the Winne- bago Lake to the Carrying Place the cur- rent is gentle, and the depth of it confi- derable; notwithflanding which, in fome places it is with difficulty that canoes can pais, through the obflru^lions they meet with from the rice ftalks, which are vf^ry large and tiiick, and grow here in great abundance. The country around it is very l^k [ 39 ] very fertile and proper in the hlgliefl de- gree for cultivation, excepting in fonie places near the River, where it is ratlier too low. It is in no part very woody, and yet can fupply fufficient to anfwer the demands of any number of inhabi- tants. This river is the greateft refort for wild fowl of every kind that I met with in the whole courfe of my travels ; frequently the fun would be obfcured by them for fome minutes together. About forty miles up this river, from the great town of the Winnebagoes, ftands a fmallcr town belonging to that na- tion. Deer and bears are very numerous in thele parts, and a great many beavers and otlier furs are taken on the ftreams that empty themfelves into this river. The River I am treating of, is re- markable for having been, about eighty years ago, the refidence of the united bands of the Ottigaumies and the Saukies, whom the French had nicknamed, accord- ing to tlieir wonted cuftom, Dcs Sacs and Des Reynards, the Sacks and tiie Foxes, of whom the following anecdote was re- lated to me by an Indian. C 4 About in m [ 40 ] About (ixty years ago, the French mifiionarics and traders liaving received many inliilts from thclc people, a party ot l*'reneh and Indians under the com- mand ot' Cajitain Moiatnl marched to rr- veng." their wrongs. I'he captalri let out from the Green H,,y in the winter, wlieii they were unh;fj)icious of a vifit of thl^ Jslnd, and purluini; his route over the lni)\v to their vilhigcs, whicli Jay about filty miles up tlie Fox River, came upon them by ivnpri/x. Unprepared as they were, he found them an tafy coiupicll, and confequently killed or took prilbiiers the greatelt jnirt of them. On the return of the French to the Grtcii Bay, one of the Indian chiefs in alliance with them, who had a confiderable band of the prifoners under his care, flopped to drink at a brook ; in the mean time his companions went on : which being obf rvcd by one of the women whom they had made cap- tive, fhe fuddenly tcized him with both her hands, whilfl: he ftooped to drink, by an cxquifitcly fufceptible part, and held hiin t\\\\ till he expired on the fpot. As the chief, from the extreme torture he fuffercd, was unable to call out to his fritudbi, I '& [ 41 ] friends, or to give any alarm, they pnfl'ed on without knowing what iiad ha; pinned ; and the woman havi.ig cut the b.mds of thofe of her fellow prifoners wno were in the rear, with them made h* r cfcapc. This heroine was ever after treated l)y her nation as tiieir djlivv rer, aiid made a chlefels In her own r ght, with liberty to entail the l.mie honour on her delcend- ants : an unufnal dWlinclion, and permit- ted omy on exU'aordinary occalions. About twelve miles K tore 1 reached the Carrying Plaei-, I oblerved t'everal fmall nuumtains which extended quite to it. Thele indeed woe.ld only be elteemed as molehills whi. n compared with thofc oix the back of the colonies, but as they were the firfl I had iccn fincc my leaving Nia- gara, a track of nearly eleven hu:idred miles, I could not leave them unno- ticed. The Fox River, where it enters the Winnebago Lake, is about fifty yards wide, but it gradually decrenfjs to the Carrying Place, where it is no more than five yards over, except in a few p; ices where it widens into fmall lakes, though itiU il 'II 5' llSt| I ill 0 •f!l Ii [ 42 1 {1111 of a confidcrablc depth. I cannot rc- colIc<5l any thing clfe that is remarkable in this River, except that it fo Terpentines lor live miles, as only to gain iii that place one quarter of a mile. The C;.rrying Place between the Fox and Onifconlin 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 jierc I cannot help remarking, that all the maps of thefe parts, 1 have ever feen, are very erroneous. The rivers in general arc dcl'cribed as running in different dirc6lions from what they really do ; and many branches of them, particularly of the Miihlhppi, omitted. The diflances of places, likewife, are greatly mifreprc- lented. Whether this is done by the French geographers (for the Englifh maps arc all copied from theirs) through dellgn, or for want of a jull: knowledge of the country, I cannot fay ; but 1 am Ihtishcd that travellers who depend upon them in the parts 1 vifited, will hnd them- lelves much at a lofs. Having furvcyed with the greateft care, every country through which I palVcd, 1 can aflert tliat thu I wnl wa> plaJ tliel bin did [ 43 ] the plan prefixed to this work is drawn witli much greater prccifioii than any ex- tant. Near one half of the way, between the rivers is a morafs, over-grown with a kind of long grafs, the reft of it a plain, with fome few oak and pine trees grow- ing thereon. J obfervcd here a great number of rattle-fnakes. Monf. Pinni- fance, a French trader, told me a remark- able ftory concerning one of thefe rep- tiles, of which he laid he was an cye- witnefs. An Indian, belonging to the Menomonie 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 fe- veral fumm.crs, when Monf. Pinnifancc accidentally met with him at this Carry- ing Place, juft as he was fetting off for a winter's hunt. The French gentleman was furprized, one day, to fee the Indian place tlie box which contained his god on the ground, and opening the door give him his liberty ; telling him, whilll: he did it, to be fure and return by the time ho ■1 •?i) . -li [ 44 3 he himfcif fhould come back, which was to be in the month of May following. As this was but Otflober, Monfieur told the hidian, whofe limpiicity artonifhed him, that nc fanciea he might wait long enough when May arrived, for the arrival of his great father. The Indian was lb confident of his creature's obedience, that he offered to lay the Frenchman a wager 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 week in May following fixed for the determination of the wager. At that period they both met there again ; when the Indian fet down his box, and called for his great father. The fnakc heard him not ; and the time being now ex- pired, he acknowledged that he had loft. However, without feeming to be dif- couraged, he offered to double the bett if his great father came not within two days more. This was further agreed on ; when behold on the fecond day, about one o'clock, the fnake arrived, and, of his own accord, crawled into the box, which was placed ready for him. The French gentleman vouched for the truth of t 4J ] of this ftory, and from the accounts I have often received of the docility of thofe creatures, I fee no rcafon to doubt his veracity. I obferved that the nr^ain body of the Fox River came from the fouth-weft, that of the Ouifconfin from the north- eaft ; and alfo that fome of the fmall branches of tliefe two rivers, in de- fcending 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 differ- ent courfes, empty themlelves into the lea at a diflance fo amazing (for the for- mer having paffed through feveral great laker., and run upwards of two thouland miles, falls into the gulf of St. Law- rence, and the other, after joining the Mllfiliippi, and run an equal number of miles, difembogues itlllf into the Gulpli of Mexico) is an inlhuice fcarcely to be met in the extenfive continent i4 North America. I had an opportunity the year following, of making tlie lame obferva- tioiis on the affinity of various head brancl.es of the waters of the St. Law- rence H i'l w hf i'\ [ -1" I rriicc ntul tlic MiHillippi to rnih otiirr ; a!ul now biiiii', tluin .is a proof, that \\\c opinion ol tliolc groj',i.iplRMs, who .iUnt, thit livers taking thtir rili- 1») ncai' t.icli tillur, nuid Iprin}; hvni the lanu' roincc, is nioncons. l'\)r I pcrccivitl a vilihly tlidiiu^l 1cp.u;'hon i'\ ;ill of thiin, not- withllanthnp n liV ihui'S, 1 >ro;ulu I 1 1 o ilrppid from onv lO .1 Miat I tl'^ oth( 1' tl M y •'! iU>- cou Kl t \;\VC 0\\ the Htl» olOk^'tobci uc got onr cm- to the Ouii'conlin River, wliich at iK^es ni this j^l ice IS more than an huiuhiil ym\U ani .1 tl \e ne \t ilav arriveil at the Circnt Town of the Savikies. This is the Uugell aiul hcl^ huilt hulian town I ever taw. It contains about ninety lioules ach large enoii o h for ieveral laniiUes. Thcie are built of hewn plank neatly joii^tcd, and covered with bark \o coni- "ivaif^ly as to keep out the molV penetrating rams. Before the doors are placed com- fortable Iheds, in which the iidiahitanls tit, wlun the weather will permit, and I'm'oak thtlr pipes. The Iheets arc vegu- re lar anil fpaclous ; lb that it appears mo li/.ed town than the abode oi The land ntar the tow^n is lik e a civi lavages. vcrv whie incp.; vv fbnic iiiilcs Ii ad 0 of tin 'lie c( \vas tl •>i>peaij being <>i' hit ^1 [ 47 ] very good. In lluli phintJllons, wliicli lie adjacent to tluii lioulcs, and wlildi arc neatly laid out, tlicy raifc great t[iuin- titles ol Indian ccMn, beans, melons, &:e- lo that this place is elKcmed the hefl: market For traders to t'urnKh theinlelves with provliions, of any wltliin eight hun- dred miles ot it. The Saukles can raife ahout three hun- dreil warriors, who are gv-nerally em- ployed every funimer in making incur- lions into the territories ol" the Illinois and Pawnee Jiations, from whence they return with a grea*: number ol (laves. Hut tho'e ])eople tVe(]uently retaliate, and, in their turn, deilroy many ot" the Saukies, which I judge to be the realon that they incrvale no taller. VVhilil 1 llald here, I took a view of ibmc mountains that lie ahout fitteen miles to the iouthward, and abound in li;ad ore. 1 aicended one oF the highcll ot thelc, and bad an cxtenlive view oi the country. I'^or many miles nothing was to be feen but lefler mountains, which appeared at a diflatice like iiay cocks, they being free from trees. Only a few grow s of hickcry, and lUiutcd oaks, covered louie i '■'•,(. I ' iil [ 48 ] fome of the vallies. So plentiful Is lead here, that I faw large quantities of it lying about the ftreets in the town be- longing to the Saukics, and it fcemed to be as good as the produce! of other coun- tries. ^^' On the I oth of O^ber we proceeded down the river, andRhe next day reached the firft town of the Ottigaumies. This town contained about fifty houfes, but we found moll of them deferted, on ac- count 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 furvlved had retired into woods, to avoid the con- tagion. On the 15 th we entered that extenfive river the Mlffilfippi. The Ouifconfin, from the Carrying Place to the part where it falls into the MiflifTippI, flows with a fmooth but a ftrong current ; the water of it is exceedingly clear, and through it you may perceive a fine and fandy bottom, tolerably free from rocks. In it are a few Iflands, the foil of which appeared to be good, though fomewhat woody. The land near the river alfo fcemed ich rhat allb med [ 49 ] fcemctl to bo, i/i gciK-ral, excellent; but tbat at a diilaiicc is very full of moun- tains, wlicrc it is faitl tbcre are many lead mines. About tivc miles from the jun(5lion of the rivers, I obfer^ed the ruliib of a large toun in a very pl|afiiig iituation. On enquiring cf the nofjji^jbouridg Indians why it was thus dclerted, i was inform- ed, that about thirty years ago, the Great Spirit had iip|. uued on the top of a pyramid of rocks, which Iny at a little didance from it, towards the wefl:, and warned them to quit their habitations; for the land on which they were built belonged to him, and he had occafion for it. As a pruof that he, who gave them thefe orders, was really the Great Spirit, he furtl.er tc.ld ihem, that the grafs Ihould immediately fpring up on thole very rocks from Vviienee ne now addreil- ed them, which rhcy knew to be bare and baircn. 'Ib.e liiciians obey-:d, and foon after dllcovered that this miraculous alteration had taken place. They fhcued me the fpot, but the gro'.vth of the grals appeared to L»., no ways fupernatur il, I apprehend tliii to have been a ftratagem of D the : :.^ : :i I ^ ■ '3' 1 !■! n i ^ [' ' A U 4\ tw [ 5° ] the FrcDch or Spniiiarils to afifwcr foinr iMtini view, hul in what iiianiur tlicy ctlcx'Kil thiir purpolc's I kr.ow not. This jK'opIf, loon after thrir iiinoval, huilt a town on the bank oltlic Miflifrijipi, near tlic moutli ot t!ie Onlleonlin, at a place called by the Frcneh La Prairies Ics C'hicns, which lij>tiirKS the Dog Plains; it is a largi' town, ami contains about three luuKheil t'ai\ulies, the houKs arc well built alter the I.ulian manner, ami jilea- •iantly lituated on a very rich U)il, from which they rail'c every necellary ot lite in. great abundance. 1 law lure many horles ot" a good li/.c and llia[)e. This town is the great mart, wlure all the ndjacent ti;bet:, ami even ihole who in- liabit the moll renune branches of the iMiliillippi, annually afknible about the latter tnd of May, bringing \y\x\\ them their furs to dijpofe of to the traders. But it is m-it always that they conclude their lale licrt. ; tliis is determined by a general council oi the chiefs, who con- lult whether it would be P-i:)re conducive to their Intereil, to iell tb.eir goods at this jilace, or carry them on to Louiliana, or Michillimackinac. Accordincr to the decl- o fioa 4 1 [ 5. ] . Cum of* this council tlicv iltlicr procct'd furtlicr, or rituiii to their dillcrciiC homes. I'hc Mifli(ri|ipi nt the entrance of tlic Ouifconlin, near which (hiiuls a nioimtaiii of conliilerahlc' hciiilit, is ahoiit half a mile over ; hut ojipoiitc to the lafl: men- tioned town it appears fl) he more than a mile wide, and full of illands, the ibil of which is extraordinarily rich, and but thinly wooded. A little farther to the weft, on the conrrary fide, a fina.. river fdls into fho Miflidippi, whieh the I'rench call Lc Jauii Riviere, or the Yellow Rivtr. Here the traders who had accompanied me hitherto, took uj) their rcfiilence for the winter. I then bought a canoe, and with two fcr- vants, one a Frencli Canadian and the other a Mohawk ot Canada, on the i9tli proceeded up the Mifhllippi. About ten day^ after 1 had parted from the traders, I landed as I ulually did every evening, and having pitched my tent, 1 ordered my men, wjien night came on, to lay themlelves down to flcrp. By a llglit that I kept burnin-; 1 then iht down to copy the minutes 1 had taken in the D i courfe ft 1 f 1 \ " ^ m •j'S ■;r [ 5^ ] courfe of the preceding day. About ten o'clock having jull: finilhed my me- morandums, I ftepped out of my tent to fee what weather it was. As I cafl my eyes towards the bank of the river, I thought I faw by the light of thie flars which (hone bright, fomcthing that had the appearance of a herd of bcails coming- down a defcent at fomc difhuicc; wliilll I v/ns wondering what tluy could be, one of the number fuddenly Iprung up and difco- vered to me the form of a man. In an inftant they were all on their legs, and 1 could count about 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 fol- low me. xAs my i'nil apprchcniions were for mv canoe, 1 ran to the water's iide, and found a party of Indians (for luch 1 now dilcovcred them to be) on the point of plundering it. Before I reached them J commanded my men not to hre till I had iTjlven the word, being unwilling to be- gin hoftllltics unlefs occaiion ablolutely re(juired. I accordingly advanced with rclolution, ciofe to tiie points of their fpears, they had no other weapc^iis, and brandifliing bra: I a /^ wen tiiev cepn rctre jacen iaw feai- natcl; The I great treated had Jai if tiicy («i tt r/r hidians deternii as an in a/1 tliis till walked any t\iv. ans will Jne, / tliofe Hi drive /I t| wiiidi :u 1 o\nt ml had be- itcly with ihcir -anti bins [ 53 ] brandlfliing my haiip^cr, aiked tlicm with a fteni voic?, what they wanted. They were flaggered at tliis, and perceiving thev were like to meet with a warm re- ccptioii, turned about and precipitately retreated. We purkied them to an ad- jacent wood, which they entered, and we law no more of them. However, for fear of their return, wc watched ahcr- iiately during the remainder of tlie night. The next day my fervants were under great apprehenfioiis, and earneOly en- treated me to return to the traders we had lately left. But 1 told them, that if they would not he cfteemed old women (a term of the greateft reproach among the Indians) they mulf follow mj; for I was determined to purilie my intendetl route, as an Efiglilhman, when once engaged in an adventure, never retreated. On this they got into the canoe, and I walked on the ihore to guard them from any further attack. The party of Indi- ans who had thus intended to plunder Hie, I afterwards found to be lome of thoie flraggling bands, that having been (hivi (1 from among the different tribes to wiiicli they belonged for various cranes, D 3 now ^.it if 'fi t 54 ] now aflbciated thcmfclvcs together nnd Jiving by plunder, prove very troubkionic to travellers v/ho pafs this way ; nor are even Indians of every tribe fpared by them. The traders had before cautioned me to be upon my guard ;igainil them, and I would repeat the fame caution to thofc whofe bufinels might call them into thefc parts. On the firfl: of November, I arrived at ].ake Pepin, which is rather an ex- tended part of the River Miffiillppi, that the French have thus denominated, about two hundred miLs from the Ouil- confin. The Miiiiirippi below this lake flows with a geutle current, but the breadth of it is very uncertain, in fomc jilacts it bein;:;, up-wards of a mile, in others net more than a quarter. Hiii River has a laige ot mountains on each fide throughout the whole of tlic way; which in i articular parts approach near to it, in others lie at a greater dlfl:ance. The land betwixt the mount.ilns, and on their fides, is generally covered with grafs \\ltli a few groves of trees inter- iperled, near which large droves of .deer aud tik are frecjuently feen feeding. In many w [ 55 ] many places pyramids ox rocks appeared, icfembllng old ririnous towers; at others aina/incr precipices : and what is very remarkable, whilfl this fcene prcfcnted it- iclf on one fide, the oppofite fide of the famj mountain was covered witii the fineft herbage, wliich gradually afcend-jJ to its fammit. From thence the moil: beautiful and exttnUvc profpev5t that imagination can form opens to your view. Verdant plains, fruitful meadows, numerous illands, and all thefe abound- ing with a variety of trees that yield amazing quantities of fruit, without care or cultivation, I'uch as the nut-tree, the maple which produces fugar, vines load- ed with rich grajxs, and plum-trees bending under tlieir blooming burdens, but above all, the line River flowing gently beneath and reaciiing as tar as the eye can extend, by turns attract your admiration and excite your wonder. The Lake is about twenty miles long and near fix in breadth ; in fome places it is very di ep, and abounds with various kinds of hill. Cireat numbers of fowl fre- quent alio this Lake and riv;':-> adjacer.t, fuch as llorks, i'wans, geele, brants, and D 4 ducks : im B' 1 m M^ ' I • ill' fl „ „j„g-Te, ".T-irt.V^ f vl [ 56 ] c'lcks : and In the groves arc found great plenty of turkeys and partrld-^es. On tlie plains arc the largeil: buHhloes of any in America. Here 1 obkrvt.d the ruins of a French fadory, w here It is faid Cap- tain St. Pierre rcfided, and cnrried on a very great trade wirh the Naudoweifics, before the redudion of Canada. Ahoiit fixty miles below tin? Lake is a mountain remarkably fituatcd; for it ftands by itfelf e\artlv in t!ie niidtlle of the River, and looks as if it had Hidden from the adjacent fhorc into the fin am. It cannot be termed an illand;, as it riles immedi;ite]y from th j briiik of the wat-jr to a conlidcrable height. Both tlie In- dians and the i^'rcnch call it tne Moun- tain in the river. One dav having kuided nti the fhore of the IMIlhirippi, lomc mile^ be' r.v Lake Pepin, Avhilfl my ar*->ndan'. ^ v.'. re pre- jiarlng my dinner, I walk_d uut to take a view of the adjacent country. I had not proceeded far, before 1 came to a fine, level, open plain, on which I per- ceived, at a little dillance, a partial ele- vation that had the appearance of an in- trenchment. On a nearer infpeillion I had places I 'jy thi from which! »h [ 57 J had greater reafon to fuppofe that it had really b(\n intended for this many cen- turies ngo. Nofvvithilanding it was now covered with grai's, J could jilai:dy dif- cern that it had (v -c h.cn a hrcaft-work of about four feet in lu;g'it, < xttnling the heft part of a mile and fu Hide: itiy capacious to cover five thouland men. 'ts form was foinewhat circular, and its flanks reach- ed to the River. Though mucli defactd by time, every angle was diftinguilhable, and appeared as regular, and fafhioned with as much niilitary Ikill, as if plan- ned l)y Vauban hirnfclf. The ditch was not vifible, but I thought on examining more curioufly, that I could perceive there certainly liad been one. From its fiiuation alio, I am convinced that it muft have be"IW*'*t«'HWr»i»inn "WW 1^ % [ 58 ] certain conclufions of its great antiquity. I examined all the angks and every jvut with great attention, and have often blamed myfelf fmce, for not encamping on the fpot, and drawing an exad j)lan of it. To fliew that this defcription is not the offspring of a heated imagination, or the chimerical tale of a miftakcn travel' ler, I find on enquiry fmce my return, that Monf. St. Pierre and feveral traders have, at different times, taken notice of ■Similar appearances, on which they have formed the i\\w' conjectures, hut without examining tiicm io minutely as 1 did. How a work of tliis kind could exlft in a country that has hltlierto (according to the general received opinion) heen the feat of War to untutored Indian:: alone, whofe whole ilock of military knowledge has oidy, t 11 witliin two centuries, a- mounted io drawing tlie how, and whole only hreafl-work cv\n at prelent is the thicket. 1 know not, 1 liave given as exacl an account as pofiible of ihl^ fm- gular appearance, and Lave to future cx^ plorers of thele diflant ri:gions to dii- cover whether it is a production of na- ture or art. Perhaps the hints I liavc here oft twcl ago fjOilj this termi chiel vcr; [ 59 ] here given might lead to a more pcrfefb invciligation of It, ami give us very dit- fertiit idrnr, of the aiKleiit (latt- of realms that we at pnt'ent b.lievc to have been from the cailiell period only thj habita- tions of favacrcs. Till- Millidippi, as far as the entrance of tile rive- St. Croix, tliirtv miles above Lake Pepin, is very full of illatids; fome of which arc of a coniiderable length. On thcie, alfo, grow great niimhers of the maple or fugar tree, and around them vitics loaded with grapes creeping to their verv tops. From the Lake upwards few mountains are to be fcen, and tliofe but fmall. Near the River St. Croix refide three bands of the Nawdovveliie Indian^, called tiic Ri- ver Rands. This nation is compofcd, at prcfcnt, of eleven bands. They were originally twelve; but the Allinipoils fome years ago revolting, and leparating themlclves from the others, there remain only at this time eli ven. Tholb 1 met here are termed the River Bands ; beeaule they chiefly dwell near the banks of this Ri- ver: the other eight are generally dif- tinguiihej J; 1 'I 1' ^:: n I t ;. X It [ 60 ] tinguinied by the title of the NaudoweA fic3 ot' the Plains, and inhabit a country that lies more to the w. Ihvard. The names of the former are th' Nchoeata- •wonahs, the ]\lawtavvbaunt(.)wahs, and the ISliah(wcento\vahs, and confilt of .1- bout ton;- hundred warriors. A little bctbrc I m^t with thef- three b"'"»ds I fell ill with a jxuty of the Maw- tawbauntowahs, amounting to torty war- riors and their familits. With thefe I relided a day or two, during which time live or lix ot their number, who had been out on an excurhon, returned in great liafte, and accjuaintcd their companions tliat a large party of the Chipeway war- riors, "• enough," as they cxprelfed thcm- felves, " to Iwallow them all up," were cloie at th.lr heels, and on the point of attacking their little camp. The chiefs applied tt, me, and derued 1 would put mylelF at their head, and lead them out to oppoie their enemies. As 1 was a ilranger, and unwilling to excite the an- ger pf either nation, I knew not how to iwl ; and never tound mylelf in a greater diLmma. Had 1 reuiled to aliill the Kaudowefhes I Ihould have drawn on mvfelf [ 6. ] myfelf their diijilcafurc, or \v,\d I nut the C'hlpcways with holHlc intciitluns, I Uiould Imvc made that people my Foes, and had I hccii fortunate enoi.gli to have tl'caped then- arrows at this time, on lome future occalion fliould proh.ihly have expe- rienced the Icverlty ot their rt vcnge. In tills extremity J chofe the middle courle, and dtllred that the NaudovvcHies would lutlcr me to meet them, that I mlglit en- deavour to avert their I'ury. To this they rcludantly aflented, being perl'uaded, from the inveteracy which had long prevailed between them, that my remonftranccs would be vain. Taking my Frenchman with me, who could fpeak their language, I haften- ed towards the place where the Chipeways were fuppoled to he. The Naudowellics during this kept at a diftancc behiiid. As I approached them with the p'lpe of peace, a fmall party of their chiefs, coniHliiig of about eight or ten, came in a friend- ly manner towards me ; with whom, by means of my interpreter, I held a lo:ig converlaclon ; the refult of which was, that tlieir rancour being by my [nrlua- fions la lome meafure mi.\lhiied, they a- grecd M i ' ^ ^ut their inteu'ions in cxccvirion. They aeeordii'gly t'dlowcd my advice and innncdintclv prepared to flrike tlieir tents. Whilil they were doing this tliey loaded me with thanks ; and when I had ilen thiin on hoard their canoes 1 purlued niy route. To this adventure I was chiefly indebt- ed for the friendly reception I aiVerwarda met with from the Naudoweli'ics of the Plains, and for the refpcd and honours I received during my abode among them. Ai:d when I arrived many months after at tlie Chi]Kway village, near the Otto- waw lakes, I found that my fame had reached that place before me. The chiets clilei ami for t in for natio niied forty wifhc gener; riors ( ibain iiiid, t of the and w lolutio countr the i; comm fincerc As I c lies aftt of iorv Abu Saint tefith remark Indians Dwell ii \A t «3 ] cliicfs received nie with great cordiality, ;iiul tlic elder part of them thanked me for the milehiet' I liad prevented. Tliey informed me, th.at the war hetwceu their nation and the Naudowililes had conti- nued without interruption for more than forty winters. Tluit they had lonj^ wllhed to put an end to it, but this was generally prevented by tlie young war- riors of eitlier nation, who could not re- ibain their ardour when they met. They faid, they Ihould be happy if fome chief of the fame pacific dilpoiitlon as myfelf, and who pofli-fl'ed an equal degree of re- folution and coolnefs, would fettle in the country between the two nations ; for by the interference of fuch a perfon an ac- comnK)dation, which on their parts they lincercly deiired, might be brought about. As I did not meet wny of the Naudowcf- fies afterwards, I had not an opportunity of forwarding fo good a work. About thirty miles below the Falls of Saint Anthony, at whicii 1 arrived the tenth day after I left I /ike Pepin, is a remarkable cave of an ama/Zuig depth. The Indians term it Wakon-tecbe, that is, the Dwelling of the Great Spu-it. The entrance M- IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V. m -^ /. {./ A 4\% %. (/^ 1.0 I.I 2.5 2.2 1.8 1.25 !.4 1 6 •• 6" ► HiotDgraphic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 0 f/j '/. '^ i .iifeiiWr [ 6+ ] entrance int^ it is about ten feet wide, the height of it five feet. The arch within is near fifteen feet high and about thirty feet broad. The bottom of it confifls of fine clear fand. About twen- ty feet from the entrance begins a lake, the water of which is tranlparenc, and extends to an unfearchable diftance; for the darkncfs of ti-e cave prevents ail at- tempts to acquire a kr.owledg.j of it. I threw a ^mall pebble towarus the interior parts oF it with my utmoll flrength : I could hear that it fell iiu ■> the water, and not'vvithflaiiding it was of fo fmall a fize, it ouled an aftoniiliing and horrible noife that icverberated through all thofe gloomy regions. I found in this cave many Indian hieroglyphicks, which ap- peared very ancient, for time had nearly covered them with mofs, fo that it was with difficulty I could trace them. They were cut in a rude manner upon the in- fide of the walls, which were compofed of a ftone fo extremely foft that it might be eafily penetrated with a knife : a ftone every where to be found near th& Miliiliippi. The cave is only acccflible by by a lies J A caver bands tiiefe iiig in on o/K bones which when t ciJs, ai: enfuing Ten tbony tj natives t the Miil mentions «i large elude, '^^and t]]J trance, b| cepted. river myl when I high iandl height. *t t 65 ] by afceiidlng a narrow, fteep paflage that lies near the brink of the river. At a httle diftance from this drearjr cavern is the burying-place of feveral bands of the Naudoweffie Indians ; though thefe people have no fixed relidence, liv- ing 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 coun- cils, and to fettle all public affairs for the enfuing fummer. Ten miles below the Falls of St. An- thony the River St. Pierre, called by the natives the Wadapawmenefotor, falls into the Miliiilippi from the weft. It is not mentioned by Father Hennipin, although a large fair river : this omiffion, I con- clude, muft have proceeded from a fmall ifland that is fituated exactly at its en- trance, by which the fight of it is inter- cepted. I fhould not have difcovered this river myfelf, had I not taken a view, when I was iearching for it, from the liigh lands oppofite, which rile to a great height. E Nearly 14 fJi t 8« 1 Nearly ovcr-ngalnfl this river I was obliged to leave my canoe, on account of the ice, anil travc 1 by land to the Falls of St. Anthony, where I arrived on the I 7th of November. The Mifliliippi from the St. Pierre to this place is rather more rapid than I had hitherto found it, and without iilancls of any confuleration. Before 1 left my canoe I overtook a young prince of the Winnebago Indians, who wa3 going on an cmbafly to fome of the bands of the Naudoweilies. Find- ing tiiat 1 intended to take a view of the Falls, he agreed to accompany me, his curiofity having been often excited by the accounts he had received from lome of his chiefs : he accordingly left his flimily (for the Indians never travel without their houdiolds) at this place, under the care of my Mohawk fervant, and we pro- ceeded together by land, attended only by my Frenchman, to this celebrated place. We could diftincSlly hear the noife of the water full fifty mih s before we reached the falls ; and I was greatly pleafed and furprized, when I approached this afto- nilhing work of nature : but I was not Igng at liberty to indulge thefe emotions, my my hiivi 1 that • he hi the C refide him t his ac make He ac thedr his tot wore ( orname pofed o ^ar-rins t i. [ 6? ] my attention being called off by the be- haviour of my companion. Tlie prince had no loonergained the point that overlooks this wonderful cafcade, than he began with an audible voice to addrefs the Great Sj^rit, one of -wdiofe places of relidence he imagined this to be. He told him that he had come a long way to pay his adorations to him, and now would make him the beil offerings in his power. He accordingly firil: threw his pipe into the ftream ; then the roll that contained his tobacco ; after theife, the bracelets he wore on his arms and wrifts ; next an ornament that encircled his neck, com- pofed of beads and wires; and at laft the ear-rings from his ears ; in (liort, he pre- lented to his god every part of his drefs that was valuable : during this he fre- quently i'mote his breait with great vio- lence, threw his arms about, and appeared to be much a:5itated. All this while he continued his adora- tions, and at lencjth coiicludcd them with fjrvent petitions that the Great Spirit would conltantly afford us his protedlion on our travels, giving us a bright fun, a blue Iky, ;audclear untroubled waters : npr would he £ 2 leave ; ^■ iff ! tJ "' M r [ 68 ] leave the place till we had Ihioaked together with my pipe in honour of the Great Spirit. I was greatly iurprized at beholding an inftance of fuch elevated devotion in i'o young an Indian, and inftead of ridicul- ing the ceremonies attending it, as I ob- ferved my catholic fervant tacitly did, 1 looked on the prince with a greater degree of refpedl for thefe fincere 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 con fee rated place. Indeed, the whole condu6l of this young prince at once amazed and charmed me. Duri-ng the tew days wc were together his attention feemed totally to be employed in yielding me every aliillancc in his power ; iind even in io fhort a time he gave me in- jiunit rable proofs of the moft generous and dilintereitcd friendfhip; fo that on our re- turn I parted from him with great reluctance. W'hild I beheld the artlel's, yet engaging manners of this unpoliflied favage, 1 could not help drawing a comparilbn between liim and lome of the more rehncd inha- bit-iuts of civilized comitries, not much, 1 ©wn, iijL favour of the lattei'. 1 theii a Fr thefe the 1 tives. whic] mojfl dicuia beJow rerider lb tlia appear M ^^ I 69 ] The Falls of St. Anthony receivvd their name from Father Louis Hennipin, a French mifiionary, who travelled into thefe parts about the year 1680, and was the firft European ever feen by the na- tives. This amazing body of waters, which are above 250 yards over, form a moft plealing cataradt ; tliey fall perpen- dicularly about thirty feet, and the rapids below, in the fpace of 300 yards more, render the defcent confiderably greater ; fo that when viewed at a dlftance they appear to be much higher than they really are. The above-mentioned traveller has laid them down at above fixty feet ; but he has made a greater error in calculating the height of the Falls of Niagara; thole he aflerts to be 600 feet ; whereas from latter obfervations accurately made, it is well known tliat it does not exceed 1 40 feet. But the good father I fear too of- ten had no other foundation for his ac- counts than report, or, at beft, a flight inlped:ion. In the middle of the Falls flands a fmall ifland, about forty feet broad and fomewhat longer, on which grow a few cragged hemlock and fpruce trees ; and E cj about K'"U«'fl 1 -f" m i:h 11 m ii- i > •:!) 1,1 1 " i ■'1 ■I h [!' [ ? [ 7° ] about half wjy between this iflancl and the eaOeiii Hiore, is a rock, lying at the very edge of the fall, in an oblique poli- tion, that appeared to be about hve or lix feet broad, and tliirty or forty long. Thefe falls vary much from all the others I have fccn, as you may approach clof; to them without fir.dinp" the leail: obftrudtion from any intervening hill or precipice. The country around them is extremely beautiful. It is not an uninterRipted plain where the eye finds no relief, but compo- fcd of many gentle afccnts, which in the fummer are covered with the fineft ver- dure, and interlperled with little groves, that give a pkaling variety to the prolpedt. On the whole, when the Falls are inclu- ded, which may be feen at the diftanceof four miles, a more pleaiing and pi<5lurefque view cannot, 1 believe, be found through- out the universe. I could have wiihed that 1 had ha})pencd to enjoy this glorious fight at a more feafonab e tiiiie of the year, whilft tiie trees and hillocks were clad in nature's gay eft livery, as this muft have greatly added to tlie pleafure 1 re- ceived ; however, even then it exceeded my warmefl: expectations. I have endeavoured to i ,^ I .^ yi 0 ^'4 \ W 'I'"'"" l■^"^ k m K h I, wm ft- lf'«'l •'llhli;:ii f ' .i .•1 t i , i 1 II 1 1' i 1 . 1: [ 'V to enc tJic /Ian and ber I nbJe cngj< of b fpot, the i wJiici A not jftant theii whici and Hi the ceedec friend Franc To tl name \ <\'i\ 111 i [ 7' ] to p;'ivc the reader as juft an idea of tiiis enchanting fyot as pofiJjle, hi the plan jinncxetl; but all tlclcrijjtion, whether ol* the pencil or the pen, muilfali ialinitely (hurt of the original. At a little diftance below the falls Aiinds a Imall iiland, of about an acre and half, on which grow a great num- ber of oak trees, every branch of which, able to fiipport the weight, was full of eagles iiefts. The reafoii that this kind of birds refort in llich numbers to this fpot, is that they are here fecure from the attacks either of man or heart, theii retreat being guarded by the Rapids, which the Indians never attempt to pafs. Another reafor is, that thev find a con- ftant fupply of food for themfelves and their young, from the animals and fifli which are dalhed to pieces by the fiiUs, and driven on the adjacent (hore. Having fatisfied my curLofity, as far as the eye of man can be fatisfied, I pro- ceeded on, ftill accompanied by ii^y 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, aud this was the ex- E 4 tent I »f i;rf 1 t [ 7^ ] tent of his travels, as well as niliie, to- wards tlie north-well:. As tiic kalon vva> fo advanced, ajid the weather extremely cold, I was not able to make lb many oblervations on there parts as I othcrwilc lliould have do:ie. It niiglit however, perhaps, be nccel- fary to obfcrve, that In the little tour 1 made about the Falls, after travelling four- teen miles, by the fide of the Miiiiilippi, 1 came to a river nearly twenty yards wide, vviiich ran from the north-eall, called Rum River. And on the 20th of No- vember came to another termed Goole Ri- ver, about twelve yards wide. On the 2 ill I arrived at the St. Francis, which is about thirty yards wide. Here the Miirif- lippi itlclf grov.'s narrow, being not more than ninety yards over ; and appears to be chiefly compofed of fmall branches. The Ice prevented mc from noticing the depth of any of thele three rivers. The country in lome places is hilly, but without large mountains ; and the land is tolerably good. 1 obferved here many deer and carraboes, fome elk, with abun- dance of beavers, otters, and other furs. A little above this, to the noith-eail, are a number nu Ian the wit iiun yon( 1 high and ( thus to tli We a uorthi vigabj conlid than t that is owing the w ments branchi cure power. I wiJJ hd Convey great from II ^ulph [ 7. ■» number of fmall lakes called the Thou* Iknd hikes ; the parts about which, though but little frequented, arc the hd\ within many miles for hunting, as tlic hunter never fails of returning loaded be- yond his expedatlons. The Mifliliippi has never been explored higher up than the River St. Francis, and only by Father Hennipin and myfclf thus far. So that we are obliged folely to the Indians, for all the intelligence we are able to give relative to the more northern parts. As this River is not na- vigable from the fea for vefl'cls of any confiderable burthen, much higher up than the Forks of the Ohio, and evea that is accompliflied with great difficulty, owing to the rapidity of the current, and the windings of the river, thofe fettle- ments that may be made on the interior branches of it, muft be indifputably fe- cure from the attacks of any maritime power. But at the fame time the fettlers will have the advantage of being able to convey their produce to the fea-ports with gn/at facility, the current of the river, from its lource to its entrance into the Oulph of Mexico, b;^ing extremely fa- vourable » i- ■lei- ■M ;li C 74 ] vouroble for doing this in fmall craft. This might ahb in time be facilitated by canals or Shorter cuts ; and a communi : cation opened by water with New- York, Canada, &:c. by w»iy of the lakes. The Forks of the Ohio are about nine hundred miles from the mouth of the Miiriihpnl, following the courle of the river ; and the Meilbrie two hundred miles above thele. From the latter it is about twenty miles to the Illiiiois river, and from that to the Ouilconfui, which 1 have given an account of, about eight hundred more. Oil the 25th 1 returned to my canoe, which I had left at the mouth of the River St. Pierre; and here I parted with regret from my young friend the prince of the Winnebiigc^ies. This river being clear of ice by reafon of its weftcrn furuation, I found nothing to obrtruct my parage. On tlic 28th, being advanced about forty miles, I arrived at a fmall branch that fell into it from tne north ; to which, as it had no name ihat I could diftinguifli jr by, 1 gave my own; and the Reader will iind it i.i-tlic pJ'^n of my travels denomi- nated Carver's River. About forty miles higher up I came to tlie Forks of Verd ahd eni in Piel imil i uto by, Ucs /ei'd r 75 ] and Red Marble Rivets, which join at fome little diftance before '..hey enter the 3t. Pierre. The River St. Pierre, at its juni §^ 11 "l ,1: J ^!j !ii [ 78 ] there than it is in the interior parts of America. This I can, from my own knowledge, alTcrt, as I found the winter, that I palTcd to the weftward ot the Mif- iiffippi, far from fevere ; and the north- wefl wind blowing on thofe countries confiderably more temperate than 1 have often experienced it to be nearer the coaft. And that this did not arife from an uncertainty of the leafons, but was annually the cafe, 1 conclude, both from the fmali quaJitity of fnow that then fell, and a total difuie of fiiow ftiues by thefe Indians, without which none of the more eaftern nations can poffibly travel during the winter. As naturalifts obferve, that air refem- bles water in many refpedls, particularly by often flowing in a compadl body ; and that this is generally remarked to be with the current of large flreams, 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 direction ai the Miffiflippi does; till meethigwith the north winds (that from a fimilar cauic blow up the Bourboii from Hudfon's Bay) Ba) lak( of i in it vere meni grefs pand( trad do. Ac natun inipro the lai count 1 knoi here bodies fo eacf ^"ppofij may pf hneans varies. On (as I 4 ^y trs met wil - \i { I llHB [ 79 ] Bay) they are forced acrofs the great lakes, down the current of the waters of the St. Lawrence, and united, com* Init thofe ravafies, and occafion thofe fe* vere winters, experienced in the before- mentioned countries? During their pro- grefs over the lakes they become ex- panded, and confequently affedl a greater tra£t of land than they otherwife would do. According to my fcanty knowledge of natural philofophy this does not appear improbable. Whether it is agreeable td the laws eftablifhed by naturalifts to ac* count for the operations of that element* I know not. However, the defcriptioii here ^ven of the fituation of thefe vaft bodies of water, and their near approach to each other, with my own undigefted fuppofitions of their effect on the winds* may prove perhaps, in abler hands, the means of leading to many iifcful dlfco* veries. On the 7th of December, I arrived (as I faid before) at the utmoft extent of my travels towards the weft; where I met with a large party of the Naudow- «Hie Indian-s, amon|j whom I relided feven months. ^^^^i^^^ ■r\ [ 80 ] months. Thefe conftituted a part ot the eight bands of the Naudoweflies of the Plaitis; and are termed the WawpeentO" wahs, the Tintons, the Afrahcootans, the Mawhaws, and the Schians. The other three bands, whofe names are the Schlanele, the Chongoufceton, and the Waddapaw- jeftin, dwell higher up, to the weft of the River St. Pierre, on plains that, according to their account, arc unbounded ; and pro- bably terminate on the coaft of the Pacific Ocean. Tlie Naudoweflie nation, when united, coniifls of more than two thou- fand war. ors. The Aflinipoils, who re- volted from them, amount to about three hundred; and leagued wdth the Killifti- nocs, live in a continual ftate of enmity with the other eleven bands. As I proceeded up the River St. Pierre, and had nearly reached the place where "thei'e people were encamped, I obferved two or three canots 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 precipitation, left their canoes to float as the current drove them. In a few minutes I perceived fome foi in > [ 8, ] fotne others ; who, as fooii as they Game 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 oii which the Indians had landed. How- ever, I ftill continued my courle, latif- fied that the pipe of peace which was fixed at the head of my canoe, and the Englifli colours that were flying at the ftern, would prove my fecurity. After rowing about half a mile farther, in turn- ing a point, I difcovered a great number of tents, and more than a thoufand In- dians, at a little diftance from the fhore. Being now nearly oppofite to them, I or- dered my men to pull dirc6tly over, as I was willing to convince the Indians by fuch a ftep, that I placed fome confidence in themi As foon as I had reached the land, twd of the chiefs prefented their hands to me, and led me, amidft the aftonifhed mul- titude who had rnoft of tliem never feen a white man before, to a tent. Into this we entered, and according to the cuftom that unlverlally prevails among" every Indian nation, began to Imoke the, F pipe ^ \B P i I '. !'; i :)■ [ 82 ] pipe of Peace. We had not (lit long be- fore the crowd became lb great, both around, and upon the tent, that we were in danger of being crufhed by its fall. On this wc returned to the plain, where having gratified tlie curiofity of the com- mon people their wonder abated, and ever after they treated me with great refpe6l. From the chiefs I met with the moft friendly and hofpitable reception; which induced me, as the feaibn was fo far ad- vanced, to take up my refidence among them during the winter. To render my ftay as comfortable as poilible, 1 firft en- deavoured to learn their language. This I foon did fo as to make myfelf perfectly intelligible, having before acquired fome flight knowledge of the language of thole Indians that live on the back of the fettle- ments ; and in conlequence met with every accommodation their manner of living would afford. Nor did 1 want for fuch amufcments as tended to make fo long a period pafs cheerfully away. 1 fre- quently hunted with them; and at other times beheld with plealbre their recrea- tions and paftimes, which I fhall de- scribe hereafter. Some- S ^thi. terta they fions vent I ties f Frenc I had great many JKurop Ih »i grea fome point gaining produc( tliole tl Nor wj for I |; inteJligc plans o they vvi tained rn cal kno\^ cnce on .iieceflarv ^ temined them, i„ rltumt I '"^' "="- 'hey gave me „f ^Z^"/ ^e account, fi""^. with a narrat r ? ' ""' '''^"^- ^esfought''iSlTE,lS^^r g'-eat attention to 1 If "'"'7^ P"'' raaiiv pertinent z}^ '"''' """^ '"'ftcd I I'eldthe^. convert: irth • a great meafure to nrT r ""^ "' W -formation X VT 'Y"l Ponn I had conftantly i^. Zj tU T, g'-""'"g a knovviedce nf , ' "'"^ "^ P^duce, both ofZir' t "°" ""^ t'lo/b that lav f„ . r '^°""t'7, and Nor wa I difi!''- ' T'^"-'-'"' °f them. i"te]li„^nce 1, '™"./hem much ufeful 'hey were^l tln^d :t:t ^'l ^''^'' caii.no;:^etr?;Tr,°'''^''-s-g-pi"- ^b^^j -i Placed not mnr N A^ 1 ^nce on them o i i ^'^ "^"'^'^ depend- r 2 as .(•' ii fi i I ! 'K :| i IM 1 ■ ,i i'i t 84 ] as I afterwards found confirmed, by other accounts, or by my own obferva- tions, 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 anfwer$ the fame purpofes, notwithftanding it is of a yellow call:. Their iketches are made in a rude manner, but they feem to give as juft an idea of a country, al- though the plan is not fo exad, as more experienced draughtfmen could do. I left the habitations of thele hofpita- ble Indians the latter end of April 1767 ; but did not part fiom them for feveral days, as 1 w^as accompaiiled on my jour- ney by near three hundred of them, a- mong whom were many chiefs, to the inoutli of the River St. Pierre. At this fcafon, thcfe bands annually go to the great cave, before mentioned, to hold a grand ' council with all the other bands ; where- in the/ fettle their operations for the en- fuing year. At the fame time they carry with them their dead for interment bound up in buiiklo'^s Ikins. Befides thofe that accompa- ,1 ! i\ [ 85 ] accompanied me, others were gone be- fore, and the reft were to follow. Never did I travel with (b cheerful and happy a company. But their miith met with a fudden and a temporary allay from a violent ftorin that overtook iis one day on our paflage. "VVe had juft landed, and were preparing to fet up our tents for the night, when a heavy cloud overfpread the heavens, and the moft dreadful thunder, lightning, and rain if- fued from it, that ever I beheld. The Indians were greatly terrified, and ran to fuch ihcltcr as they could find; for only a few tents were as yet ere<5led. Apprehenfive of the danger that might en- fue from ftanding near any thing which could ferve for a conductor, as the cloud appear- ed to contain fuch an uncommon quantity of the eledrical fluid, 1 took my ftand as far as pofTible from any covering ; chufing rather to be expofed to the peltings of the ftorm than to receive a fatal ftroke. At this the Indians were greatly furprized, and drew conclufions from it not unfa- vourable to the opinion they already en- tertained of my refolution. Yet I ac- knowledge that I was never more atfe^Sted F 3 in n\ I .'4 '< \ [ 86 ] ill my lit'i-; tor norhiiig fcarccly coiiUI rxcvcd t\\c tcrrilic jccnc. 'VUc peals oF tliundn- were 1(> loml that tlioy (book the oaitli ; :uul llio li^litniiij^ tl.iihal along tlu; gmiiiul in flrcanis of liilpluir; {'o that the liulian chitts thcinlilvcs, although their courage in war is ul'ually iiivincil)le, couKl not help trembling at the horrid i'omlutfVion. As loon as the llorm was over, they {!( eked around me, and in- ibrmed me that it was a proot' ot' the an- ger ot" the evil i])irits, whom they were a[>preheiilivc that they had highly of- teiuldl. . Wiicn we arrived at the Great Cave, and the Indians hail tlepolited the remains of their decealcd friends in the burial- place that ihmds adjacent to it, they held their great council, into which I was ad- mittcdj and at the iame time had the ho- nour to bo inftallcd or adojHed a cliief of tbcir bands. On this occalion 1 made the following fpeech, which 1 inlert to give iny readers a fpecimen of the language and manner in which it is necelVary to ad- dreis the Indians, fo as to t.Migage their attention, and to render the ipeaker*s ex^ prcHiou'i (Jehv «4 (I u he ih of nts, itccl the. UK [ 89 ] f* me, when I return again tx) my own •* country, to acquaint the great king ♦* of your go(xl dilpofition towards liitn ** and Ills llibjcds, and that you wilhcd '^ for traders from the Engliih to como *' amoi'g you. Being now about to •' take my leave of you, and to return to '* my own country, a long way towards ** the rifuig fui^, I again alk you to tell f mc whether you continue ot the lama ** mind as when 1 Tpoke to you in coun- ** cil laft winter ; and as there are now feveral of your chiefs here, wixo came ' from the great plains towards the let- ting of the lull, whom I have never ** fpoke with in council btforc, I afk *' you to let me know if you arc all '* willing to acknowledge yourlelves tho ♦* children of my great mailer tlie king ** of the Eaglifh and other nations, as 1 (hall take the firft opportunity to ac- ' quaint him of your delires and good intentions. I cliarge you not to give heed '* to bad reports ; for there are wicked " birds flying about among the neigli- *' bouring nations, who may whilpcr evil f' things in your ears againft the Englifh, '* contrary to what I have told you ; you " muft i v..^-:Ti t 93 3 from the governor when I left MichlHi- mackinac. But finding from fomc In- dians, who pafled 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. 1 therefore returned to La Prairie le Chien, where I procured as many goods from the traders I left there the preceding year as they could fpare. As thcfc however were not fufficlent to enable me to renew my firft dcfign, I de- termined to endeavour to make my way acrofs the country* of the Chipeways ta Lake Superior ; in hopes of meeting at the Grand Portage on the north fide of it, the traders that annually go from Michil- limackinac to the north-weft; of whom T doubted not but that I ftiould be able to procure goods enough to anfwcr my pur- pofe, and alfb to penetrate through tlioie more northern parts to the Straights of Annian. And I the more readily returned to f-a Prairie le Chien, as 1 could by that means the better fulfil the eng;igcincnt 1 had ''™l • 1,- ii. i! -. i s a t 9+ ] had made to the party of Naudowcflici* mentioned at the coneUilion of my fpeech. During my abode with this people, wi(h- ing to fccure them entirely in the interefl; of the Englidi, 1 had advifed fome of the chiefs to go to Mlchillimackinac, where they would have an opportunity of trad- ing, and of hearing the accounts that I had entertained them with of my coun- trymen confirmed. At the fame time I had furnilhcd them with a recommenda- tion to the governor, and given them every direction iieceflary for their voyage. In confequcnce of this one of the princi- pal chiefs , and twenty-five of an inferior rank, agreed to go the enfuing fummer. This they took an opportunity ot doing when thcv came with the reil of their band to attend the grand council at the mouth of the River St. Pierre. Being obliged, oi\ account of the difappointment I had juft been informed of, to return i'o far down the Miililfippi, 1 could from thence the more eafdy fet them on their journey. As the intermediate parts of this river ^rc much frequented by tlie Chlpeway:>, with whom the Naudoweflies are continu- ally at war, tliey tliought it more pru- dent, :i'' il J [ 95 iltMit, being but a fmall party, to take the advantage of the night, than to travel with me by clay ; accordingly no fooner was the grand council broke up, than I took a friendly leave of thefe people, from whom I had received innumerable civili- ties, and purlued once more my voy- age. I reached the eaflcrn lide of Lake Pepin the fame night, where 1 went afhore and encamped as ufual. The next morning, when I had proceeded fome miles farther, I perceived at a diftance before me a fmokc, which denoted that fome Indians were near ; and in a (hort time difcovcred ten or twelve tents not far from the bank of the river. As I was apprehenfive that this was a party of the Rovers 1 had before met with, I knew not what courfe to purfue. My at- tendants perfuaded me to endeavour to pafs by them on the oppofite fide of the river ; but as I had hitherto found that the heft way to enfure a friendly reception from the Indians is to meet them boldly, and without (hewing any tokens of fear, I. would by no means confent to their pro- polal. Inftead of this I croflld diredly over. V. •li i i' jiivr I Pit i ' I '"'i < 'ii;' I r *it •:) , i t 06 ] over, and landed in the midft: of theiti, for by this time the greateft part of theni were {landing on the (here. The firft I accofted were Chlpeways Inhabiting near the Ottowaw lakes ; who received me with great cordiality, and Ihook me by the hand in token of friend* fhip. At fom'e little diftance behind thefe flood a chief remarkably tall and well made, but of fo ftern an afped that the moft undaunted perfon could not behold him without feeling fome degree of terror* He {eemed to have pafled the meridian o^ life, and by the mode in which he was painted and tatowed, I difcovered that he was of high rank. However, I approached liim in a courteous manner, and expelled to have met with the fame reception I had done from the others : but to my great furprize he with-held hif hand, and look- ing fiercely at me, faid in the Chipeway tongue, ** Cawin nifliiihin faganofli," that is, ** The Englifh are no good/* A» he had his tomahawk in his hand, I ex- pelled that this laconick fentence would have been followed by a blow ; to pre- vent which I drew a piftol from my belt, and, holding it in a earelefs pofition^ pafled not I dlani Frcn Chip the ( told /leady they c Englii the Gr ever re polTeflo fort is Find en re to whil/l ])ofe I fook u pitched Indians, down to my Freii ^y the '■II n to ^'-e beiiclc t3 iM t 'il ] 5:)afled 'clofc by him, to let him fee I \va not afraid of him. I learned foon after from the other In- dians, that this was a chief, called by the French the Grand Saiitor, or the Great Chipeway Chief, for they 'denominate the Chipeways Sautors. They likewlfe told me that he had been always a fleady friend to that people, and vviieii they delivered up Michillimackinac to the Englifh on their evacuation of Canada, the Grand Sautor had fworn that he would ever remain the avowed enemy of its new pofleflbrs, 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 {laid ; but that he might not fup- j)oi*e I was driven away by his frowns, I took up my abode there for the night. I pitched my tent at fome diftance from the Indians, and had no fooner laid myfelf down to reft, than I was awakened by my French fervant. Having been alarmed by the found of Indian mufic, he had run to the outfide of the tent, where he beheld a party of the young flwages (lancing towards us in an extraordinary' G manner, sm ■.,i{i if Mi,. J' ' I. I' I" 1 i - \ •;! [ 98 ] manner, each carrying in his hand a torch fixed on the top of a long pole. But I fhall defer any further account of this un- common entertainment, which at once furprized and alarmed me, till I treat of the Indian dances. The next morning I continued my voyage, and before night reached La Prairie le Chien ; at which place the p».ty of Naudowcffies foon over- took me. Not long after the Grand Sautor aHb arrived, and before the Naudowellies left that place to continue their journey to Michillimac- kinac, he found means, in conjunction with fome French traders from Louifiana, to draw from me about ten of the Nau- doweflie chiefs, whom he prevailed upon to go towards thofe parts. Tiie remainder proceeded, according to my dire(5lions, to the Englilh fort ; from whence I afterwards heard that they re- turned to their own country without any unfortunate accident befalling them, and greatly pleafed with the reception they had met with. Whilft not more than half of thofe who went to the Ibuthward, through the difference of that fouthern €hmate from their own, lived to reach their thei )at]d Sant more vctcr Jengt cam]) tradei i/ig {\ indiai Chien habit t the na War wi to refli all ho: This n amo/ig ence, ried on at th( icribcd^ t)f wh] beiiig ii of eve i-eftridlic iic utilij [ 99 ] their abode. And fince I came to Eng- land I have been informed, that the Grand Sautor having rrndcred himlelf mofii and more difgudful to the Engli(h by his in- veterate enmity towards them, was at length ftabbed in his tent, as he en- camped near Michillimackinac, by a trader to wliom I had related the forego- ing ftory. I Ihould have remarked, that whatever Indians happen to meet at La Prairie le Chien, the great mart to which all who in- habit the adjacent countries refort, though the nations to which they belong are at war with each other, yet they are obliged to reftrain their enmity, and to forbear all hoftile a£ts during their flay there; This regulation has been long eftablilhcd among them for their rriutuai conveni- ence, as without it no trade could be car- ried on. The fame rule is obferved alf^ at the Red Mountain (afterwards de- fcrlbcd) from whence they get the flone bf which they make their pipes : thefe being indifpenfable to the accommodatioii of every neighbouring tribe, a fimilar reftridion becomes needful, and is of pub- lic utility. G 2 The ; I 1 ; ! 1 \ .1 1 tM n [ lOO Tho Uivi r Sf. Pinn whirh nini lhroUj;lMlh I. nitom s ot tin Niutlnwfl- oniMlM , ;iln)imiliiij^ uilli ;ill the m ( . ii,irir« ol lil> , thai j\rou Iponl.mrovillv ; ,\\u\ willi A \\\\\c kwUwaUou \t ini|;Iit he in.ulr to r MOiUH'o oven tin 1 uwjiits ol iih W .1,1 vii*- j;io\vs lu tr ui jv* Ml .ilninilaiu',- ; and t\(.MV pait \ iilK,] \\ II h li\ I Iv ml miv nn- «K'i tluir loail> ol livnis, Inih as |>hnu?., t;ia|Hs, ami apj^los ; tlu' nu'ailows arc iovrii'*l Willi hops, and nianv lorls ♦>! Vf- gvtahlcs; wliilll iho j;rt)\unl is i\o\\\\ with \]U\{\\ roots, with .ni>;vliva, Ipikmaril, and tiinind-nuts as larjn' as luns « j'j's. At. A \\\\\c tlillanvi" lioMi the Inks o\ ihc li- \er Ave cn^\iUM\a\s, tron^ which \o\\ \\a\c VKWb that vanno t I >o r\i-ei\ Kd (AMI hv tlu^ n\v>wards tlv^ Millifiippi, is Cv)nipoled entirely of white lloac, ot" the Uiwc loll naliiu: as that I liav( rhe 1 |Hai,- as \\ part ( wiail iKani I an I the (I time, an hit. N(.i hie Km indi,.)!. »l)c\V h. I'l thc(, latiui I Mialv( likew ol whi "1 ^;()(K a hliK paint ; mixini' fo pain 'l'lu)le JHentit)n >\itliit; lit i.we l^W I lOI ] tlu' IliMic il) till i ( oiiiitt V . Unt \\\\M itp- |n';irs ii>in.nk:il)lr is, tli.it tlw < nioiii ni it t<< as uiutr as tlu" iliivni llinw. 'I'ln nntvv;inl pait nl it was i:ruinl>l(«l I IV ill' Willi 1 aiui wiatlui into lit aps oi I.mkI, nl wliu h a luautiivil romptililmn iui|'!il In mihI ; or, 1 am ot cpiiniM) lh.it win n pin|)ri Iv Ik .i(<'i| till" llunc itli ll woiiitl }»^niw li.iiilti Ity \\\\\c .IIH 1 li.>\t' a vriy iM»l)l" It I I 111 auliil' CUin*. Nr.irtluit l>raiu li wliicli isfrf «>1 ivtlliniif, tml mI wIi'uIi lluv lirw the how Is oi tin II pipi ,. hi Imni* vi thcU' parts is hMiml a him k h,\nl rlav, nf v.ithcr ilofir, ol whirii the NaiulowcHit's lis ciuifitry ma kc: 1 1 i« ir l.uniiv u ti iilih V\ likewik ahoiiiuls with a milk while rlav, otw'hicli china w.uo ini^;hi hr mavlcnpial m goodnclii to the Aiiatic ; and alio witli a hluc clay that Icrvcs th(^ Indians lor paint ; with this lilV they contrive, hy mixing it with tiu- red lloiic powdiaed, to paint themtelv* s ot didcirnt colours. Tiu)le liiat can jjct the hlue clay here mentioned, paint themtelves very imicK with it; particularlv when tliey arc ahout CJ i to I « : J ifj ,•. fu*"'^: ^ i| * 'ji i [ I02 ] to begin their fports and paftimes. It h ^llb efteemed by them a mark of peace^ as it has a refimblance of the blue Iky^ "ivhicii with them is a fymbol of it, and made life of in their ipceches as a figura- tive expreflion to drnote peace. W hen they wi(h to Ihew that their incUnations ^e pacific towards other tribes, they greatly ornament both themfelves and their belts with it. Having concluded my bufinefs at La Priiirie le Chien, I proceeded once more \ip the Miifiliippi^ as far ks the place where the Chipeway River enters it a lit- tle below Lake Pepin. Here, having en*- gaged an Indian pilots I dire<5ted him to ifleer towards theOtto^^aw Lakes which lie iiear the head of this river. This he did^ and I arrived at them the beginning of July- The Chipeway River, at its jundiion with the Miffiflippi, is about eighty yards wide, but it is much wider as you ad- vance into it. Near thirty miles up it leparates itnto two branches, and I took jpny ^ouife through that which lies to the f aftward, . : , " The my the was . the I done that ( but I found ^ , dtnl m The [ 103 ] The country acljoiiviig to the river* for about lixty miles, is very level, and on its banks lie fine meadows, where larger droves of buffiiloes and elks were feeding, than I had obferved in any other part of my travels. The track between the two branches of this river is termed the Road of War between the Chipeway and NaudoweiTiC Indians. The country to tlie Falls marked in the plan at the extent of the traders tra- vels, is almoft without any timber, and above that very uneven and rugged, and clofely wooded with pines, beach, maple, and birch. Here a moil remarkable and aftonilhing fight prefented itfelf to my view. In a wood, on the eaft of the river, which was about three quar- ters of a mile in length, and in depth farther than my eye could reach, I ob- ferved 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 Ibme years ago, but how many 1 could not learn, as I found no inhabitants near it, of whom I G 4 could w hi. i 1 31" [ 104 ] could gain informat.on. The country oa the wtft lidc of the river, from being lefs woody, had efcaped in a great meafure this havock, as only a few trees, were blown dov/n. Near the heads of this river is a town of the Chipeways, from whence it takes its name. It is fituated on each fide of the river (which at this place is of no con- fiderabie breadth) and lies adjacent to the banks of a fmall lake. This town con- tains about forty houfes, and can fend out upwards of one hundred warriors, many cf whom were fine flout young men. The houfes of it are built after the Indian manner, and have neat plantations behhid them ; but the inhabitants, in general, fecmed to be the nailiell: people I had ever been among. I oufervcd that the women and children indulged themfelves in a cuf- tom, which though common, in fome degree, throughout every Indian nation, appears to be, according to our ideas, of tlie moft naufeous and indelicate nature ; that of fearching each other's head, and eating the prey caught therein. Iii July I left this town, and having croflbd a number of fmall lakes and car- r ying ■ .1 'II [ '°S ] ry'ng places that Intervened, came to a head branch of the River St. Croix. This branch I J^fcended to a fork, and then afcended another 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. Here I came to a fmall brook, which my goide tliought might be joined at fome diftance by il reams that ''vould at length render it navigable. The water at firil was fo fcanty, that my canoe would by no means Iwim in it ; hut having flopped up fevcral old beaver dams whi h h.d been broken down by tiie hunters, I was ena- bled to proceed for fome miles, till by the conjundion of a few brooks, thefe aids became no longer necellary. In a fhort time the water increaf. J to a mod: rapid river, which we defcended till it entered into Lake Superior. This river I named after a gentlemen that defired to accompa- ny me from the town of the Ottagaumies to the Carrying Place on Lake Superior, Goddard's river. To the welt of this is another fmall river, which alfo empties itfelf into the Lake. This I termed Strawberry River, from ! ( :l* :it i'i-ji ii'h M 1: ,«' II iiii'i r L io6 ] from the great number of ftrawberrlcs of a good fize and fine flavour that grew on its banks. ' The country from the Ottowaw Lakes to Lake Superior is in general very un- even and thickly covered with woods. The foil in fome plr.jes tolerably good, in others but indifferent. In the heads of the St. Croix, and the Chipeway Rivers, are exceeding fine flurgeon. All the wll- dernefs between the Milliffippi and Lake Superior is called by the Indians the Mof- chettoe country, and I thought it moft juftly named ; for, it being tlien their feafon, I never faw or felt fo many of thofe infedls in my life. The latter end of July I arrived, af- ter 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 th*". Lakes De Pluye, Dubois, &c. carry over their canoes and baggage wbout 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 ' M [ '07 5 t)6uncled by rocks, except towards the fouth-wcft pnit of the Bay where I firft entered it, tl)ere it was tolerably level. At the Grand Portage is a Imall bay, before the entrance of which lies an ifland that i'.itercepts the dreary and unin- terrupted view over the Lake which other- wife would have prelentcd itfelf, and makes the bay ierene and plcafant. Here I met a large party of the Killiftinoe and Aliinipoil Indians, with their rcfpe6live kings and their families. They were come to this place in order to meet the 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 thole yet difcovcred, received its name from fome French traders who accompa- nied a party of Indians to Hudfon's Bay fome years ago : and was thus denomi- nated by them in honour of the' royal fa- mily of France. It is compofed of the waters of the Bourbon River, which, as I have before obferved, rifes a great way to the fouthward, not far from the northern heads of the Mifiiilippi. ;*?■ •i: r 'Is JiiiiiiTiit irr^'-"f*^'f*t^^*^ '■'. v i I. "o8 1 This I .akr IS aboiii ( 1 j;I.ly mil CS 111 IciiimIi, iiorlli .iiul loiilli, .iiul is iicaily cm 111. u It I i.i:; no v< I V \a\i\c i illatui: on i(. '\'\\c l.iihl on tlir (.allcni liilc is vriy ^nnul ; Jiui lo (lie UHitli-v-'i.ll tliiic arc joiuc inoiuilaiiis : in niaiiy otlur parts til d lii; K 10 air nanvn plains, [)i)^s, aiuliuoralks. its latitiulc is l)ct\vc( n liliy-two aiul lilty- li>ur iK-|\ivcs iioilli, and it Tu s iKaily ioutli-wcll iVoin Hudlon's \]av. As tlinniivh ils norlhcin Situation the wea- ther (hero is (Xticnuly eoKI, only a lew .UHiwals .lie lo he (ouiul in the country that holders on i(. '!'luy gave me hut ;\n iiuhlierent aeci>unt either (v. the hialls, There are iiKleed Ionic I niiis, or till U'S. hullaloes olalmall li/c, which arc lat ami • ooil ahout the latt(M- end ol iummer, with a lew moole and eariihoo deer ; how- ever this dLlivieney is made vij) liy the iurs o\ L\c\v \o\ l that are to I. )e met with in great plenty around the I ,akc. The liiul tpru» Kr rjtnvinii Iieie is elue tly 1 ir, cedar a \ pruce, UKl iiMue maple. Lake W'innepeek, or as the I'^rencli write It l>ae Ouinijmjue, which lies near- I il to the Unvgoing, is compotcd ot' the liunc waters. It is in Iciurth ahout two hundred KeijK lirn.'.e nij)oi flic ^ 'lu/idi (|iianti ivMives [ »^9 1 hiitulrctl miles fioith ami (()n(Ii ; ifs iMc.idtli lias never been proin rly afcer- falneil, l)Ut is fiippoletl to he ahoiit one Iniiulrctl miles in its wide fl part. Tliis I .ake is very full oi" illands; tliele are, how- ever, of no great mni^nitiide. Many c:on- liilerahlc rivers empty thcmfelves into it, which, as yet, are not (iiftini^nifluHl hy any names. Hie waters are Oon d with lidi, iiieh as trout and Ourgeon, and alf(> with others ot a linaller kind peculiar to thele lakes. 'I'lu- huul on tlie l()urh-wef} part of it is very good, efpecially ahout the entrance; ot a large hranch ol the River H(Jurhon which flows iVom the fouth-welh On this River there is a fav'lory that wa* huilt !)y the Krench called Fort J .a Keine, fo which tlu' traders iVom Miehil- limackinac reiort to trade with tlic A(li- nipoils and Kiiliflinots. 'I'o this place the Mahahs, who inhahit a country two luuulred and fifty miles iouth-wcfl-, come ;vllo to trade with tluni; anil hring great quantilies of Indian coin to exchanj'o iov knives, tomaliawk-, and other articles. Thclc people aie fuj^polcd to dwcdl on [X'm M- K I ii I ,1 ■ I L it ( •: t «'o 1 fomc of the branches of the river of tho Lake Wmticpak has on the liorth- eaft: ftMiic moiintaliib, incl on the cad tiin'iy ban en |)lains. TUa maj)k or i'u- gar tree [^nnvs licrc In g'cat plenty, and there is likcwilc gathered an amazing quantity ol rice, which [irovcs that grain will flourilh in thclc norrluMii climates as well as in warma*. Jiufraloes, car- raboo, and moofe deer, are numerous in thefe parts. The bulla Iocs of this ccuintry elitler irom th^ole that arc found more to ttic foiilh only in li/,c ; the former being much Imallcr: jull as the black cattle of the northern parts of Great Britain differ from Englifh oxen. On the watcrtJ that tall into this Lake, the neighbouring nations take great num- bers of excellent furs. Some of thefe they carry to the factories ami fet- tleracnts belonging to the Hudlon's Bay Company, .lUated about the entrance of the Bourbon River: but this they do with relu£lance on feveral accounts ; for ibme of the AHinipoils and KilliflinoeSj who ufually traded with the Company's ^rvants, told mc, that if they could be iure fu M an cJt pu. the the tlic" J true opin prob froin ders : fcITioi quiret of th t-'mpJc dudio ders trade quite tiiey t\ tiieir Compc nioii i Was h Couipaj 8 f.^W-"' V \ Ill [ «>• 1 fure of a conftant lupply of goods fiotu Miclillliinackinac, they vvoukl not traJa any where cllc. They ihcwccl iiu; i'owm cloth aiul other articles that they had jnirehaled at Hud foil's Jiay, with which they were much dillatl^lieil, thiiikiug they had hecii greatly impoled upon iu the barter. AUowuig that their accounts were true, ' could not help joining in their opinion. Biit this diilatisfa^lion might probably proceed, in a great meafure, from the intrigues of the Canadian tra- ders : for whilft the French were in pof- feflion of Michillimackinac, having ac- quired a thorough knowledge of the trade of the north-weft: countries, they were employed on that account, after the re- duction of Canada, by the Englifh tra- ders there, in the eftablifhment of this trade with which they were themfelvea quite unacquainted. One of the metliods tliey took to withdraw thefe Indians from their attachment to the Hudfon's Bay Company, and to engage their good opi- nion in behalf of their new emj)loyers, was by depreciating on all occalions the Company's goods, and magnifying the advantages 1 ^ f "i ] ndvantaj^cs thnt would arilc to tlicm fmrrt trafficking entirely witli the Canadian traders. fii this they too well fucceeded, and tVom this, douhtlefs, did the diflatii'-* faiJilion the AfiiniptMls and Killilliiioes ex- prelVed to nic, partly proceed. lUiC another rciilon augmented it; and this was the length of their journey to the Hudfon's Bay factories, wiiich, they in- formed me, took them up three months during the ibmmcr heats to go and re* turn, and from the fmallnefs of their ca- noes they couKl not carry more than a third of the beavers they killed. So that it is not to be wotidercd at, that thcfe Indians Ihould vviih to have traders come to relide among them. It is true that the parts they inhabit are within the limits of the Hudlbn's Bay territories, but the Company murt: be under the nccellity of winking at an encroachment of this kind, as the Indians would without doubt pro- tect the traders when among them. Bc- fides, the paffports granted to the traders that go from Michillimackinac give them liberty to trade to the north-weil about Lake Superior; by which is meant Fort La Rcine, Lake Winnepeck, or any other otl] nu Tn rc/ii I by t lifh from on it ^j'ruc lip a uearJ_y Winn places, about breadtl iHands, i [ "3 ] Other parts of the waters of the Boiirhon River, where the Couriers dc Hois, or Traders may make it moft convenient to rcliile, Lac du Bois, as it is commonly termed by the French in their maps, or in Eng- lifh the Lake of the Wood, is fo called from tlie multiplicity of wood growing on its banks ; fuch as oaks, pines, fns, fprucc, &c. This Lake lies ftill higher up a branch of the River Bourbon, and nearly eaft from the fouth end of Lake Wiiuiepeek. It is of great depth in fome places. Its length from eaft to weft about feventy miles, and its greatcH: breadth about forty miles. It has but few illands, and thele of no great magnitude. I'he filhcs, fowls, and quadrupeds that are found near it, vary but little from thofe of the other two lakes. A few of the Killiftlnoe Indians fometimes encamp on the borders of it to fi(h and hunt. This Lake lies in the communication between i^ake Superior, and the Lakes Winnepeek and Bourbon. Its waters are not cftcemed quite fo pure as thofe of the other lakes, it having, in many places, a muddy bottom. H Lac t\ i ■ ii,'- I ■ %■ I i'; [ "4 ] I>ac 1^1 Pluyc, ft) called by the French, in Englifh the Rniny L«ike, is fuppofctl to have acquired this name from the firft travellers, that jjafled over it, meeting with an uncommon deal of rain ; or, as fomc have affirmed, from a mift like rain occafioncd- by a perpendicular water- fall that empties itfelf into a river which lies to the Ibuth-wcft. This Lake appears to be divided by an Illhnius, near the middle, into two parts : the weft part is called the Great Rainy Lake, the caft, the Little Rainy Lake, as being the leafl diviiion. It lies a few miles farther to the eaftward, on the fame bra?ich of the Bourbon, than the lafl-meutioned lake. It is in general very (hallow 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 and good ; and fome excellent fifti are taken in it. A great many Ibvvl refort here at the fall of the year. Moofe deer are to be found in great plenty, and likewife the carraboo; whofe Ikin for breeches or gloves exceeds by far any other to be met with in North- Nor ders phcc covei fidera E.1 ^naJI the gi into I lakes render Cult t( dfous, voyage parts. Red Jake at Bourbo, Red R ^nd a be On one cl Die by i^ears ali VVinnep parts adj frequentc feives. C "5 ] Nortii-America. The land on the bor- (Icrs of this Lake is eftecnncd in Ibnic places very good, but rather too thickly covered witli wood. Here rcfidc a con- fulerable band of the Chipcways. Eaftward from this I_^ake lie fcvcral fmall ones, which extend in a ftring to the great carrying place, and from thence into Lake Superior, Between thefc little lakes are fevcral carrying places, which renders the trade to the north-weft diffi- cult to accomplifh, and exceedingly te- dious, as it takes two years to make one voyage from Michiliimackinac to thcfe parts. Red Lake is a comparatively fmall liike at the head of a branch of the Bourbon River, which is called by fome Red River. Its form is nearly round, and about fixty miles in circumference. On one fide of it is a tolerable large ifland, clofe by which a fmall river enters. It bears almoft fouth-eaft both from Lake Winnepeek and from Lake du Bois. The parts adjacent are very little known, or frequented, even by the lavages them- felves. Br PI Not i i- if; [ '«6 ] Not far from this Lake, a little to the fouth-weft, is another called White Bear Lake, which is nearly about the fizc of the lafl mentioned* The waters that com* pofc this Lake are the moft northern of any that fupply the Miffiflippi, and may be called with propriety its moft remote loiirce. It is ied by two or three fmall livers or rather large brooks. A few miles from it, to the fouth* caft, arc a great number of fmall lakes, none of which are more than ten miles in circumference, that are called the Thouland Lakes. In the adjacent coun- try is reckoned the fmeft hunting for furs of any on this continent ; the In- dians who hunt here feldom returning without having their canoes loaded as deep as they can fwim. Having juft before obferved that this Lake is the utmoft northern fource of the Mifliflippi, I (hall here further re- mark, chat before this river enters the Gulpli of Mexico, it has not run lefs, through all its meanderings, than three thouland miles; or, in a ftrait line from north to fouth, about twenty degrees, which [ >«7 ] which Is nearly fourteen hundred EngllfK miles. Thefe Indians informed me, that to the north- weft of Lake Winnepeek lies aL other whofe circumference Vaftly ex- ceeded any they h?.d given me an account of. They defciibe 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 form the communication between Hud- fon*s Bay and the northern parts of 'lie Pacific Ocean. There are an infinite number of fmall lakes, on the more weftern parts of the weftern head-branches of the Miliiflippi, as well as between thefe and Lake Win- nepeek, but none of them are large enough to luppole either of them to be the lake or waters meant by the Indians. They likewile informed me, that fome of the northern branches of the MeHbrie 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 H 2 fron> m "f. ;■ ^t %i r "8 ] from llifni, this is the io;ul []\cy t-.Afi \\\\y w \\h\\ \v,n p.nfir; ni.ikc lliiii cxrui- UiV\r. \i|vMi till IVnvnct's .\\n\ VnSxw.wvmcr.^ n;itioiis inh,il>)iini> loinr hrjuu'lios of the ]Vh'll»tu' Ki\.i. In thr r«ni»)trv hi lotij^- in|]i t.) (h»lr |v(^plc It ip irtiil, thnl Man- ili:^kf:> nn hnjiicntly ioiiiul, n fj»riirs (if root r(i( i\il>hn;» h\im;\n V ins\, ol" IK) th 1v\ t {^ and th;U (Ikir aro inoix' XM U'd than fmh .is nrt- tlilcovcrcd ahout iho Nile in Netin r-ICthioj^irt. y\ hit It to the north-wed: of the he;uU ot the iM.lio!i(» ami fht- St. Pienx?, the liuh.ms fuiiho told nic, that thcrt- was a Tj.mon jv.th(i- 'niallti- am! whithhvHtri!ig trihoF, who cultivate tho grouiul, aiul (^,is tar as 1 coulil ^»ather troni tluir t xprdiions) in Ionic tiirafure, the arts. To this account they added thrit Ibnic ot the natit)ns, wlu) inhahit {\iOU- parts that he to the well ot the Shinmg Mountains, have gx)ld lo plentv among theni that liu y make their moll common utenlils of it. Thele moun- lams {^ which 1 (hall dcfcrihe more par- ticulaily hereafter) divide the waters that fall into the South Sea from thole that run into the Atlantic. 'I pofri Were uho an a( • •f ll fiiatd fion i I'll fl Ml at, Jion tl rver f and hi liom uilh u <>l i7ia| at an as tlu f ;i tr.idil iiiiimj).! fliey n( fliat lh< f( iiifii laud, a lioni t <.\cuilio iiijin t %!■■ f I f (. ■) 1 Tlir propic (luf Hiiift^ iic;ir tlx ni arc Tup* pofrtl to l»c loin* ol tin tlidntut liilicf^ \]\,\\- were trihuhuy to iIk MtxiiMii Kiii^r;, ;iii(l wlu) IIkI tioin tlu'ir native country lo If < k ilvli tli(( in .nyluin in Hk Ic parts, ahont the tinv n I tlu! concpud ol M(\i(o \yy tlir Spa- ntan more th(\n two (( iituiicf^ a|n) As tome ionlnniatu'ii ol llii; Inppoli- tioii it is iTniinkMJ, that tlicv liivc cl lo- >n i«f]k'' cif I'm 111 » 1 Z' I V)fl.lk«^ (lirinlt^lvcs lo Imnr loitufrv, lliit 1 ny <;ii from flu- Jcn-coall'^. uh- i«' nnl' th(*y r;)iiM ho lc( iiu- irom liuh «li;il)()lir;il riKMinrs. TIkv ncronliiu'l\ lit (Uit ui»I\ fl ini j;imih( s, ;iiu 1 .lid r a onj; pivrr|»vi tiatioji, Itttldl tlumli'lvrs tic ;ir fluli^ moiin tains, whvw tluy cnmlUilrJ thry luul foiiiul a pl;u(> ol porfKH iMiiiitv. Tlir W'imul )np(Hs, I luvll Min on tlu^ \1V< 1 (xvl loin I I l:iv liu'.ul V t\c:\ Ictl ot) ar(^ likrAMlr liippolrd f«) In- Ionic lliol Imv; l>aiul 1hm\i the Mr\lri\n toiintrics il But ll u\ iiir A h\c U o i^wc only an iinpn fv\^l ;uTount of ihrii oiii>iiial nluKaio rii U'v lav tlu'v liMinrrlv c;iino a pi rat \v tioin {he \v(l]\v;\nl, ami wcro ilrivrn I wnis to t.ikr vci'w jf;\" anionjv the Naiulow rfiirs ; h\): .\:>\hc\ air cntiirly ip^noiaiK o( tile arts, or of the vahio ol' }>«>K1, it is ra- th( 1 lo Iv- nij>po1al, tli.1t they were »lii- vin Iroin ihrn ancient Icttlenicnts hy the ili;d al\n-e-ni(Mi(uincu cniii^r.ints, as they [ia on towauis their pretcnt hahitation. '1 hele fiij^politions, howevu, niav wan; eonfiniation ; for the iinallei tii!u\s ol In- dians are tiihjeCl to Inch various altcratiiMi: m their places of ahocW, lioni the wa ley arc continually cng.iged in, that it is tl alinei \ (I t I 2 I ] tlllKlfl iii\p(illil»lo to iircrrtiiin, nffrr lialf ;i rrutiiiy, tlir oilgiiial litviiifion of any of !l u'ln. SI 'y\\;\\ lAuyv of mountains, of wliich tlio iiiinn|> M oiMitauif arr a pa irt. I) )(|nii at Mt'xiro, and rontiimin}' noitlnvani on tlio baik, (M to llir (mH of" California, frjiaratn llio watcisi of tliofo numerous rivns that lall citlu r into the ( sulpli of M( xico, or llir (iiil|')< ol C'alilornia. l''rom tlicf'tc lOJitinuinp tltcii ( ourlr Oill nortliward, l)c- t\vt;(M\ tlic i ourccs ol" tl\r MiKill tl IP nvcrs that run in to th i|»|»i am th So I >ou they appear to etui in ihont toity-icvni or lorty-cight iKgrrrs ol" north latitude; where a mmihcr ol rivers aril'-, and empty ihrmfelvcs either into the South Sea, into lludi t)n s H; 'X' or into the watci that (ommunieate hetueen thii two tea^ Anioni' thrle mountains, I hole that lie to the wed oF the River St. Pierre, arc called the Shijiin!', Mountain., Iiom an iiilinit(^ luuuher ol ehryilal (lonrs, of an anu/.inpj fl/,c, with which they arc co- vered, ami which, when the tiin (hincs fidl upon them, fparklc fo as t«) he Iccn at a very i^icat diflancc. Tl n^ i; I ! «;■. '-II iiti ' [ 123 } This extraordinary range oi" mountains IS calculated to be more than three thou- fand miles in length, without any very confiderablc intervals, which I believe furpailes any thing of the kind in the other quarters of the globe. Probably in future ages they may be found to contain more riches in their bowels, than thofe of Indoftan and Alalabar, or that are produ- ced Oil the Golden Coaft of Guinea ; nor will I except even the Peruvian Mines, To the welt of thefe mountains, when ex- plored by future Columbufes or Raleighs, may be found other lakes, rivers, and countries, full fraught with all the necef- faries or luxuries of life ; and where fu- ture generations may find an afylumy whe- ther driven from their country by tne ra- vages of lawlefs tyrants, or by religious perfccutions, or relu6laiitly leaving it to remedy the inconveniences arifing from a fuperabundant increafe of inhabitants ; whether, I lay, impelled by thefe, or al- lured by hopes of commercial advantages, there is little doubt but their expectations will be fully gratified in thefe rich and unexiiauiled climes. Ki Poi fore tile 1 fc'aic conli tlirec fion\ hauft for t] Of lilg o and Jo feeing chief f KiJJiHj vour Great the tra( tention Jt wou. trick, But [ 123 1 But to return to the Afiinlpoils and- KUliftinots, whom I left at the Grand Portage, and from whom I received the foregoing account of the lakes that lie to the north-weft of this place. The traders we expeded being later this feafon than ufual, and our numbers very confide rable, for there were more than three hundred of us, the ftock of provi- fion we had brought with us was nearly ex- haufted, and we waited with impatience for their arrival. One day, whilft we were all exprelT- iiig our wiflies for this delirable event, and looking from an eminence in hopes of feeing them come over the Lake, the chief prie{]: belonging to the band of the Kiiiiftinoes told us, that he would endea- vour to obtain a conference with the Great Spirit, and know from him when the traders would arrive. I paid little at- tention to this declaration, fuppofmg that it would be productive of fome juggling trick, juft fufficiently covered to deceive the ignorant Indians. But the king of that tribe telling me that this was chiefly undertaken by the prieft to alleviate my anxiety, and at the fame time to convince me fi f ; : :i J^ i Li I W r '»♦ ] }wc liow much 'mtrrcft lie liail with thrt Great Spirit, I. thought it neo (Vary to rc- (liaui my atilniadvcrlions on his dcligii. The following evcfiing was fixed upon for this ipiritual conference. When every thitig had been proj>erly prepared, the king came to me a;nl led mc to a capacious tent, tlie covering of which was (hawm up, fo as to render vviiat was tr;uda«,Ming within vifildc to thof'e who (\ood without. Wo found the tent i'urroundrd hy a great numlx'r ot the Indians, hut we readily gained achnifhon, :\ui\ feated jurfelves on iVijis laid on the ground for that pur- fole. In the centre I ohlerved that there was a place of an ohlong fhapc, which was com- folcd of" ibkes thick in the ground, with in- tervals hetween , lb as to torm a kintl ot chci\ or cofh)i, large enougli to contain the body of" a man. Thele were of a middle iV/,e, ^nd jijnced at fucli a dilhuicc from each other, that whatexer lay within them was readily to he diicerncd. The tent was rerfcdly illuminated hv a great lumihcr of torches made of I'plinters c\it from the pine or birch tree, which thclndians licUl in their hands, hi ( 1 >X^^^ Ill [ «M ] In a few minutes the piieft entered ; when ;)ii amazing large clk*8 ikir being ii)rciKl on the ground, juft at my feet, lie laii! himicif down upon it, after having rtript himlelf of every garment except tliat which he wore dole about his middle. Being now proftratc on his back, lie firft laid hold of one fide of the ikin, and folded it over him, and then the other; leaving only his head uncovered, This was no li>oner done, than two of the young men who flood by took about forty yards of ftvong cord, made alio of an elk's hide, and rolled it tight round his body, fo that he was completely I'wathcd 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 inclo- fure. I could now alio difcern him as plain as I had hitherto done, and I took care not to turn my eyes a moment from the objedl: before me, that I might the more readily detect the artifice, for fucli I doubted not but that it would turn out to be. The prieft had not laiii in this fituatiori tiiorc thsui a few fccoiids, whcjj he began to .'4 ;!' it f$ M' \ ?l';-^ s iP* .JL^ ' li.- '|| )■* i,.i [ ..6 ] to mutter. This he continued to do for fome time, and then by degrees grew loudiir and louder, till at length he fpokc arciculately ; however what he uttered was in fuch a mixed jargon of tlie Chipeway, Otta^vaw, and Killiftinoe languages, thaC I could underflaiid but very lutle of it. Having continued in this top'j for a con- lidcrahle while,, he at laft exerted his voice to its utmoft pitch, fometimes raving and icraetimc^ praying, till he had worked himfelf into iucli an agitation, that he foamed at his mouth. After having remained near three quar- tern of an hour in the place, and conti- nued his vociferation with unabated vigor, iae lecmed to be quite exhaufled, and re- mained fpcechleis. But in an inftant he ijn'ung upon h's feet, notwitliflanding at the tim.e he was put in, it appeared impof- fible for him to move cither his legs or arms, and fhaking off his covering, aa quick as if the bands with which it had been bound were burned afunder, he be- gan to addrefs thofe who ftood around in a firm and audible voice. " My Brothers," faid he, *' thft Great Spirit has deigned *' to hold a Talk with his fcrvant at my " earneft n ^ 1 JlEl (( t( <( (( (( <( (( eariieft requeft. He has not, indeed, told me when the pcrfons wc expe£t will be here, but to-morrow, (oon atterr the fun has reached his higheil point in the heavens, a canoe will arrive, and the people in that will inform us when the traders will come." Having laid this, he ftepped out of the inclofure, and after he had put on his robes, dil- mifled the affembly. I own I was greatly ailonifhed at what I had feen, but as I obferved that every eye in the company was fixed on me with a view to difcover my fentiments, 1 carefully concealed every emotion. The next day the fun (hone bright, and long before noon all the Indians were gather- ed togetheron the eminence that overlooked the lake. The old king came to me and alked me, whether I had fo much confi- dence in what the priefl had foretold, as to join his people on the hill, and wait for the completion 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 where the others were afiem- bkd. Ev€ry eye was again fixed by turns on £-fta»aMrg'."SI" MKIui. ' il ' I !i' ! I [ .z8 ] on mc and on the lake ; when juft as t\\(3 fun had reached his zenith, agreeable to what the prieft had foretold, a canoe came round a poiiit of land about a league dif- tant. The Indians no fooner beheld it, than they fent up an univcrfal fhout, and by their looks feemed to triumph in the intertft their priefl thus evidently had with the Great Spirit. In lefs than an hour the canoe reached the Ihore, when 1 atteiulcd the king and chiefs to receive thofe who were oi: board. As foon as the men were landed, we walked all together to the king's tent, where according to their in\ariable cuftom We began tolmoke ; and this we did, not- withftanding our impatience to know the tidings they brought, without aiking any queftions ; for the Indians are the molt deliberate people in the world. However, after fome trivialconverfatien, the king in- quired of them whether they had fcen any thing of the traders ? the men replied, that they had parted from tlicm a few days be- fore, and that they propofed being here the fecond day from the prefent. They accordingly arrived at that time greatly to our fatisfadion, but more particularly fo /b to this prieft ine/it( Til carry the re] with I circuir. (Xtraor vouch i •iggerati feJf a ( tlieni al them to out wifj my read impreflio them to f^iey pJe,i I havl finipoiJs, ^lere, ar^ dowe/iics or imagii] ^'^ generil liberty, ]| t^ieir couj [ ^29 ] fo to that of the Iiullaiis, who foiuul hy tliis event the importance hoth of their prieft and of their nation, greatly aug- niented in the iight of a ilranger. This ftory I acknowledge appears to carry with it marks of great credulity in the relator, l^ut no one is Icfs tindurcd with that weakiiefs than my{v\i. The circumftanccs of it 1 own arc of a very extraordinary nature ; however, as I can vouch for their heins; free from either ex- nggeration or miiieprefentation^ hcing my- felf a cool and difpaflionate obk rver of them all, I thought it neceflary to give them to the public. And this I do with- out wilhlng to miilend the judgment of my readers, or to make any fuperl1:itious impreflions on their minds, but leaving them to draw from it what conclufioiis they pleafe, 1 have alreadv obfcrved that the Af- finipoils, with a party of whom I met here, are a revolted band of tlie Nau- dowelhes ; who on account of fome real or imagined 'grievances, fur the Indians in general arc very tenacious of their liberty, had feparatcel themielves from their countrymen, and fought for free- I dom I' • " •;i" 1' '-■::S2totSK'r'!!S*a;?i, ; . j;l ^H t '30 ] (^oni at the expencs of their eale. For the country they now inhabit about the borders of Lake Winnepeek, being much farther north, is not near fo fertile or agreeable as that they have relinquilhed. They ft ill retain the language and man- ners of their former aflbciates. The Kiliiftinoes, now the neighbours and allies of the Aflinipoils, for they alfo dwell near the fame Lake and on the waters of the River Bourbon, appear to have been originally a tribe of the Chipe- ways, as they fpeak their language, though in a different dialedl. Their na- tion corJifts of about three or four hun- dred warriors, and they feem to be a hardy brave people. 1 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 factories which be- long 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 delay, was not much alleviated bv J' V [ '3' 1 by their arrival. I again found my ex- pectations difappointed, for I was not able to procure the goods I wanted from any of them. I was therefore obHged to give over my defigns, and return to the place from whence I firft began my extenfive circuit. I accordingly took leave of the old king of the Killiftiiioes, with the chiefs of both bands, and departed. This prince was upwards of fixty years of age, tall and flightly made, but he carried himfelf very ercvfl. He was of a courte- ous, affable difpoiition, and treated me, as did all the chiefs, with great civi- lity. I obferved that this people flill conti- nued a cuftom, that appeared to have been univerfal before any of them became ac- quainted with the Manners of the Euro- peans, that of Complimenting ftrangers with the company of their wives ; and this is not only praaifed by the lower ranks, but by the chiefs themlelves, who efteem it the greatell: proof of courtely they can give a ftranger. The beginning of OcbDber, after hav- ing coarted round the north and eait bor- ders of Lake Superior, I arrived at Ca- I 2 dot's V Jll m ">r:,i-ji ikiiiia iil I'l [ »32 1 dot's Foit, which adjoins to the Falls of St. Marie, and is fittiatcd near the fbutli- wcfl: corner of it. Lake Superior, formerly termed the Upper Jvakefrom its northern iltuation, is 1() calied on account of its heing fuperior in magnitude to any of the lakes on that vaft continent. It might juftly be termed the C'alpian of America, and is fuppoled to he tli(> largell '>ody of frefli water on the globe. Its circumference, according to tlie I'rench cliarts, is about fifteen hundred miles ; but I believe, that if it was coailed round, and the utmoft extent of every bay taken, it would exceed fix- tecn hundred. After 1 fnfl: entered it iVom Goddard's Iviver on the Wcd bay, 1 coafted near twtlve luuidred miles of the north and eall (bores of it, and obferved rhat the greatefl part of that extenfive track was bounded by rocks and uneven ground. The water m gi^ieral appeared to lie on a bed of rocko. When it was calm, and tlie fun Ihone bright, 1 could lit in my canoe, whrre the de]>th was upwards of fix fathonjs, and plainly fee huge piles of fuMie at the bottom, of dilKrcnt Ihapes, fume i it llMl the was iuiul. on ii my s oi" cs of I pes. [ ^3 ] Ibmc of which appeared as if thcv wciv Jiewn. Tlic water at this tinu; was as pure and trnnl'parent as air ; and my canoe feemed as if it luinj^ fuipended in that element. It was impoHihle to look attentively through this limpid medium at the rocks below, without fuidinp, be- fore many minutes were elapled, your head fwim, and your eyes no longer able to behold the da///ling Icene. I difcovered alfo by accident another extraordinary property In the waters of this lake. Though it was In the month of July that 1 pafled over it, and the lurfaca of the water, from the heat of the funu- amblent air, impregnated with no fmall degree of warmth, yet on letting down a cup to the de])th of about a fathom, the water drawn from thence was fo exce(n\c-T ly cold, that it had tbe iame cifcS: whiu received into the mouth as ice. The lituation of this lake Is variouily laid down ; but from the moil exad ol)- fervations I could mak^-, it lies between forty-lix and fifty degrees of north lati- tude, and between eighty-four and nine- ty-three degrees of well longitude from (l»e meridian of London. I -ml. 1 I iierc i;„ { SI Tlirrr \\yr ni;iny ill\n«l"< in tlil^ hike* two nl uhii h ni( vn v \;\\\u ; nnd il \\\v. l;ii\t] nl flu-m is jMopri (in nillivnliiHu tluMr -.^pivMis lo l>r Inllieicnt to form o\\ vmUa tonluK'i;\Mt^ p!o\iiuc; rlpri;i;\llv on HI Ko\,il, wliiil) 1 innot hv Iris flinn nn Iwiiulvi «1 miles loiijr, ;uul in mnnv ^ n;u( lo'M l> >>:ltl. Hoi lhc'< is; MO \V,1V \\ \y\\\y\\i ol ;Um M'linnv.' fhf <"x;K 1 fli 'V l('t<)r»li VlMl v lui :il \N i\ s kept ,1 Inn 1' iH U\ {\\r {' irnt n looncr on tl\i; 1,)lns. l^'i\^n"> whiU I ronlvi !\ulicr hv thrir diironrU, th(V Uippoir thnn to Ivivc K^n, from tluir U\i\ intl^^ miction, the vc- fulcncc ot the C^roat Spiiit ; ami nlatr manv ^.k f '1^ 1 inntiy IK Hn.l oils (1 (irifs t)l v\n limit IT lent jiml niii^iiiil I ricks tlu«t lind licfMi oypcri- enc((I l)v \yn'\\ us ucif uMi^'vd tluou^li (Ircf^ (il wriitlur lo V,\Vr i]](]tcv nii thrui. Our ni {\\v C'liip''\v;iv rliii Is told nir, tlinJ i(}\nv ol tluir pinplr iKiiip^ otiif dii- veil on tl»«^ ill.iiid ol M.uiropis, wliiili lies townrtJF? \\\v Moilli-rull pnit ol tin hike, found on if l;n|.\' «pi;uilitirF; ol a Ic nvy fliiliiiijr Vf'llow l;ind, tli;if Ironi fli( if d' » Irription nnill linvi; been gold water lifter them, and eoinniand -d rlicni to deliver back what tbey bad taken ;iw.iy. Terri- tied at bis gigantic i}:iture, and I- ring tliat be bad neai ly overtaken ibem, tiny were gbid t«' n Oore tbeir thining t real lire ; on wbieb tlu y were fnlieied to d( jiart with- out further mob rtation. Since this in- cident, nv) Indian that bab ever Ik ,ird of it, will venture near the tame haunted VoaiK Jk'iidcs this, tbey recounted to l4 nx' ■t j m 't::.\ ^^ [ :^' 1 nu mnny otlici iloiics ol iIkIc Iflaiulb, njii.illv t.ibiilous. 'l"l \0 ■o\iiitiv oil 11,1. luiith aiu til <) (.lil y.wt S «' 1 AWV •uin )! IS \\ rv nioiiii- l.llllOUS .linl iMl U 1 I 1' \U .1 tlin I 11 I II r; ml iiUIn loM III tlu- wiiiln, iiial llir hiij luixinpjlnit lilili |(>\\ir in tin- luiutmr, vcg^clalivMi tluir i> \ii\ ll \' ; aiul couk- I'ai nioi\' de- l;eio\is ih.in the iVuit 1 hav e eoinpaiMl it tvi, In twlihllandiii!; that is lo hi^^hly cileeriKvi m lunone : it oiows on a fliruh ol tiie n.itui c o[ a \ me w ilh 1 eaves iimi- to tlivMe oi tne i^ia aiK 1 1 am pel uae..e. l. w.i;- it 1 1. implanted into a wainui anvi more kindly climate, it would prove a nieil rare M\d delicious tVuit. '1 * o iclvc noit /;oji it, t of tl (he f; ifle f whii/ from to aiK tliiit I C'onip. p.uty ii)va(I*'( in the take/ 1 i'lOllj.l lliini t liad in .i/id i\ iiavin^) 'ortufic, ioiiiicr Not i^iouutai I [ '37 J *r\vo very larg* rlvns empty flinn- iclvcs i to this l.iisc-, on llu^ north and north-rail luir ; oiif is called the Nipc- jM)n kivcr, or, as th'; French pionouncc it, the Allanipr^on, whitii Icails fo a hanil ot the ChipLways, idhai.itin}', a I.ikc ot* the lame name, and the other is firmed ihi' Miehipicooton Kiver, the lomee ot' wliieh is litiic^ied towanls [amcs's ii.iy, from whence thei • is hiir a (hort carriage to another river, which em|)ti{\s itjell into that hay, at a iort heloitgiii}» to the L'omp.iiiN. It was hy this paMage that a paity ot Kiench Irom Miclnlliniackinac invaded the lettleioc nts ot" that Society in the n ij;n ot" ijineu /\mi( . Having taken and ilellroycd their h)rts, they hri)»ij',ht the camion which they toutid in (hull to the ("ortrefs I'rcfm whence llicy had ilineil : tlu K were hn.ill hrafs pieces, .nid nniain there to this preleiit time; having, through thi nhial revohitions of loitunc, iitnrned to tlie poflcMioii ol' thcii; leinier mailers. Not tin- from the Nipegon is a fm.dl river, that, jull he fore it enters the lake, has a piMpendicvdar tail from the top ot a inouulain, of iiiorc than lix huiidied feet. Being ;i fi I I 1 1 1 II h I 1 1 O: 1 r imf [ '.?» 1 Hriiig very lumow, it appeal r at a diftaiicc like a white garter iiilpeiKleil in the ait. A few Indians inhabit rouiul thccaftcrfi honi* IS of this lal:c, Inppoicd to hr the remains of* the Algonkins, who fornu riy polid ny the iKujuois olC'a- nr.da. l«iK ;*\ipriior has near forty ri- vers that iAi into ■ lonie of which are of a G(Militlcrahle fi/.e. On the lb\ilh iide of it is a rcniark.ihlc point or ca[)e, of phout lixty miles in lenpjth, called Foint C'liegom(p,an. It n\ight jik properly be termed a |h ninlnla, as it is neaily i^fni- ratrd fion^ the continent, on the call tide- hv a narrow hay tliat extends from cart to wcrt. Canoes h.avc b\it a Ihort po!taj;e aciofs the iilhmns, whereas it" the V coafl it round, the voyage is more than an bundled miles. AU>ut that didancc to the vxft of the rape jviil ticicribed, a conficierablc river ialls into the lake, the head of which is compokd o{ a great artemblage of fmall ibeanis. Ihis river is irmarkable lor the abundance of virgin copper that is found tHi and near its banks. A inetai \\\\w\\ Wfi p/n ni.ii tho wirl beds Jay i A } ^i^i^ [ '39 ] wlilfh is mrt vvltli alio in fcvoral other pincrs Dii tills roalK I obfcrvcd that niar»y of the (iuall iOatuls, particularly tholl' on the eaftcni fhores, were covered with eopprr ore. They appeared like beds oi copjieras, oF which many tuns lav in -'^ final 1 li)ace. A conipaiiv of advcfiturers from I'^ng- land hegan, loon after the con(]iicfV of Cannda, to hring away tome of this metal, hut the diflrai'hd fituation of aftairs in Ame- rica has obliged them to relimpiifli their fcheme. It mir;ht in future times be made a \ery advantageous trade, as the metal which cofts ?\othing on the fpot, and requires hut little cxpence to get it on board, could be conveyed in boats or ca- noes through the Falls of St. Marie to the Ifle of St. Jofeph, which lies at the bottom of the Straights near the entrance into Lake Huron ; trom thence it might be put on board larger veflcls, and in them traniported acrols that lake to the Falls of Niagara ; there being carried by land aerofs the Portage, it might he con- veyed without much more oblhiK^ion to Quebec. The cheapncfs and cafe with which any quantity of it may be pro- cured, tell ' , rM im-i' ■ .<;u:^: m w :iV*#'^*^' i^ttJlf^acr"^- — — - * U: [ MO ] cure J, will make up for the Icngtli of way that it is ncccflary to tranfport it be- fore it reaches the fca-coafl:, and enable the propricLors to feinl it to foreign mar- kets on as good terms as it can be ex- ported from other countries. Lake Superior abounds with vnricty of filli, the principal and befl arc the trout and llurgcon, which may be caught at ahnoil a/iy lealbn in the greateft abun- tlancc. 'I'lie trouts in general weigh about twelve pounds, but fomc arc caught tliat exceed fifty. Belidcs thcfe, a Ipe- cies of white fi(h is t4ken in great quantities here, that refemble a ihad in their Ihape, but they are rather thicker, and lefs bony ; they weigh about four pounds each, and are of a delicious tafle. The befl way of catching thefe fiih is w ith a net ; but the trout might be taken at all times with the hook. There are llkewife many forts of I'maller filh in great plenty here, and which may be taken with cale ; among thele is a fort refembling a herring, that are generally made ufe ol" as a bait for the trout. Very fmall crabs, ]iot larger than half a crown piece, arc found both in tliis and Lake Michegan. Thio as til high, /hips. ibutii- ofSt. Stralgi name ; Cadot, propriei keep pc very ftr it is im when cc might p; Thou fore obfej vers, ma yet it do of the w ^y theih [ '4> ] Tills lake is as much affcHflcd by {loini!} ns the Atlai'.tic Octaii ; the waves rim as higli, and are equally as dangerous to fhlps. It dlfeharges its waters from the routh-caft corner, through the Straights of St. Marie. At the upper end of thefe Straights ftands a fort that receives its name from them, commanded hy Monf. Cadot, a French Canadian, who being proprietor of the foil, is flill permitted to keep pofllUlon of it. Near this forf is a very ftrong rapid, againil which, though it is impolhble for canoes to afcend, yet when condudled by careful pilots, they might pafs down without dangei-. Though Lake Superior, as I have be- fore obferved, is fupplicd hy near forty ri- vers, many of which are confiderablc 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 eva- cuation. How fuch a fuperabundance of water can be dii'pofed of, as it muft cer- tainly be by fomc means or other, with- out which the circumference of the lake would be continually enlarging, I know not : that it does not empty itfelf, as the Mediterranean Sea is fuppofcd to do, i)y iiMiii '..1 • Vl.'' m 11 i [ '42 i an under current, which perpetually countcrads that near the furfacc, is cer- *ai]i ; lor the ftream which falls over the rock is not more tliaii five or fix feet in depth, and the whole of it pafles on through the Straights into the adjacent lake ; nor is it probable that fo great a quantity can be abforbcd by exhalations; coalequently they mull find a paflage through fonie i'ubterrancan cavities, deep, unfathomable, and never to be explored. The Falls of St. Marie do not defcend perpendicularly as thofe of Niagara or St. Anthony do, but confift of a Rapid which continues near three quarters of a mile, over which canoes well piloted might pafs. At the bottom of thefe Falls, nature has formed a mod commodious ftation for catching the iifh which are to be found there in immenfe quantities. Perfons landing on the rocks that lie adjacent to it, may take with dipping nets, about the months of September and Odlober, the white fifh before-mentioned ; at that fealbn, together with feveral other fpe- cils, they croud up to this fpot in fuch amazing fhoals, that enough may be taken to fupply, when properly cured, thou- i m y r- be ill on int : a ns; [age cep, =d. cend rSt. hich mile, pnfs. laturc Dii for tound .[ '43 ] thoulluids of inhabitants throughout tlu year. The Straights of St. Marie arc about forty miles long, bearing fouth-eaft, but varying much in their breadth. The current between the Falls and Lake Hu- ron is not fo rapid as might be expedled, nor do they prevent the navigation of (hips of burden as far up as the ifland of St. Jofcph. It has been obferved by travellers that the entrance into Lake Superior, from thefe Straights, affords one of the moft pleafing profpeds ..i the world. The place in which this might be viewed to the greateft advantage, is juft at the open- ing of the lake, from whence may be feen on the left, many beautiful little iflands that extend a conlidcrable way be- fore you ; and on the right, an agifeable fuccelfion of fmall points of land, tliat project a little way into the water, and contribute, with the iflands, to render this delightful bafon (as it might be termed) calm and fecure from the ravages of thoil* tempeftuous winds by which the adjoin- ing lake is frequently troubled. Lake ( ,1'! ^js-i 'H ' ^*i E 144 ] Lake Huron, Into which ^'ou now en- ter from the Straights of St. Marie, is the next in magnitude to Lake Superior. It lies between forty-two and forty-fix de- grees of north latitude, and fcvcnty-nine and eighty-five degrees of weft longitude. Its ihape is nearly triangular, and its circumference about one thouland miles. On the north fide of it lies an ifland that is remarkable for being near an hun- dred miles in length, and no more than eight miles broad. This idand is known by the name of Manataulin, which figni- fies 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 Bay. The capes that il'parate this bay from the lake, are about eighteen miles diftant from each other ; near tlic middle of the intermediate fpace ftand two iflands, which greatly tend to facilitate the pallage of canoes and fmall veflels, by affording them fheltcr, as with- out this fecurity it would not be prutlent to venture acrols io wide a ft i ; and the coaft- ing round the bay would muke the voyage long and t.dious. This bay is about eighty P' P '; ?!»■ [ 145 ] eighty miles in length, and In general about eighteen or twenty miles broacl. Nearly half way between Saganaum Bay and the north- weft corner of the lake lies another, whieh is termed Thunder Bay. The Indians, who have frequented thefe parts from time immemorial, and every European traveller that has pafled through it, have unanimouily agreed to call it by this name, on account of the continual thunder they have always ob- ferved here. The bay is about nine miles broad, and the fame in length, and whil/1: 1 was pafliiig over It, which took me up near twenty-four hours, it thun- dered and llglitened during the greatell part of the time to an exceliive degree. There appeared to he no vilible realon for this that I could uifeover, nor the country in gvneral iiihj\*5l to thunder ; the hills that Hood around were not of a remarkable height, mltlier did the exter- nal parts of them feem to be covered with any fulphureous l'ubll:ance. But as this phujnomenon mull: originate from lome natural caufe, 1 conj;.d:uie that the Ihorco of the bay, or the adjacent moun- raiuii, are cither impregnated witli an un- K. common t I '4^. 1 c«)innmn cjiiaMtilv of liilpluircoii ; in;iltct*, ni coiit.iiu lomr nu"t;il or miiicnil apt to atti.ul ill a j;nat ticj'jcc llio clcc^Ulcal particlt's tli.ir arc hourly homo over them hv tl>'' paiViiit dovuls. Hiil: the l()lutioii <)t this, ami tlu)k' other philolophical re- mark > Nvhiih laUi.illy occur tluoughout thclc pajns, I have to tin- dilcuHiofi oF ahkr hiiuls. 'VUc lilh ill I ,ako Ifuiou air much the ianic as thole iu Lake Suporit)i. S«)inc ot' the laiul oil its hanks is very iertilc, ami projH'i lor cultivation, hut in other parts itislamly ami hanen. 'I"i»e pr(>inoii- torv that li'parates this lake Iroin Lake Miehcj;ai», is coiupoled ot a vail: plain, Ujiuaals o\ oiu" huiuiicd i.\ilcs long, hut varvinix in its hre;u1th, hein;'; tVoni ti n to tit'teen juilis hro.ul. Thi*. tr.iek, as 1 have beton ohlerveil, is iliviiled into alnw)(l an equal poitioii hi twcen the Ottowaw aiiJ C'hiiK-way Imlians. /\t the north-iall: cormr this lake has a ciMunuuiieation with Lake Miehej';an, hy the Strai[;hts ot" Mi- clviiliniaekinac aheavlv tlelcriheJ. I hail like to have omitted a very ex- traordinary clrcumllance relative to thelc Straii;hts. According to ohlervatious made by the Frcucli, \\hilll liiev were in ]iufllliioii min [ '47 1 poflcirion ol" the Imt, iilfhoujvl) {\yr<^ ;.. no tliuru.il ^o(h\ or clil) to |>e prro Ivcd in tin fi^ Wiifcis, yc t iVoin iiii vx-.n^l aftcnti.ni to tlulr Jl.irc, A prii()(li(;i| .ilr* hitlon in tlicMJ has Ikvm <)i(rov( red. It vva ; rh- (crvnl that th. y arolc |)y |iTaceeileil l).Kk to Miehillimackiiiac, ami arrived tl\( re the he^iiiniiig of Novemhcr ! 76-, h KWiiij.', neen hnuteeii months on tl\is cxlenlive tour, (rave Ilea near four ihovil.iinl inilvs, and vllited twelve nations ol liuli.uis lyiiij^», tt) the wefl a!\d north ot this pl.Kv . The winter icttinjr in fiwu alter niv ariiv.d, 1 was ohlij^rd to tarry thtie till the |\ine following, the naviga- tit)i; over Lake Huion lor large vdlcls not heingojHM, i^n aecount oi ihe iee, till that tinii. Meeting here with fociahlc company , 1 jnillevl llule months very .igreeah!\ , and w itluuit luuhng the ('.ours tevlicnis. One ill' mv ehlet' aniule'.iu iits was hat of tilhing lortrouts. i 'uiiph flu Straights ,1 were oovern: with ice, w. fovnu means to make ludi's thro' it. ami leti.ij- d^wn ihong lines ol tittevn yards in length, to whieh were fixed three or four lKH)ks haitedwith the iinall filh iKlorc" delcrihed, wc fre- quently eaught two at a time of forty i 'Ouudi wci^lu ca^h i but the common lizc th \VltI\ tvc- forty U/.c [ '49 1 Ci7.c IS from ten to twenty poiiiuls. Tlicfr tivc inofl tlclicioiis lodil. 'V\\c iTK'fluul ()t pivlcrviiig them (Imlug the thrci- months the winter generally lans, is hy hanj»^inj»; them iij) in t\\v air ; an.! in one ni};ht fhey will he tVo/.(Mi 1<) hart!, tliat tl\^y will keep as wril as il tlry were cured wit!) lalt. I have only pointed t>ur in tljc plan of my travels tlie ciicnit I m \de from my leaving Mielnliimackinae till I ai rived nj;ain at that lort. 'Miole eoinitries tliat lie nearer to tlie eolonies lia\-e l)een lo of- ten and lo miiuitely deiirilKHh tliat .my furtlier account ot them would lie ul( lels. i (hall therefore oidy i;ive \ny reatlers in the remainder ol my jo\n"nal, as I at fnit propolevi, a delcription of tlie otiur great lakes of Canada, many oi" wl»icl\ I Iiavo iiavigated over, ami relate at tlie lame tim <: n few particular incidiMits tliat 1 trull will not be found inapplicable or unentertain» In June 1768 I left Michillimackinac, and returned in tije (Jlailwyn Scliooner, a velVid of alK)Ut eighty tons l)urtlun, over J.ake Huron to Lake St. Claire, where we kit the Ihlp, and proceeded iu boats to K j Detroit, « . • i i M 1 t I - 1 .it I 4, b li: 1- ( 1 [ '50 ] Detroit. This lake is about ninct)' miles in circumference, and by the way of Hu- ron River, whicli runs from the (buth corner of I>ake Huroji, receives the wa- ters of the three great lakes, Superior, Michegan, and Huron. Its form is ra- ther round, and in fome ])laces it is deep enough for the navigition of large vefTels, hut towards the middle of it there is a bar of fand, which prevents tliofe that are loaded from pa(li!)g over it. Such as are in ballad only may find water fuffi- cient to ca^ry them quite through ; the cargoes, howcvr, offuch as are freighted mull be taken out, and after being tranf- ported acrols tlie bar in boats, relhipptd again. Th;? river that runs froi^i Lake St. Claire to i /ake Erie for rather tlie Straight, for" thus might be termed from its name) is called Detmit, which is in French, the Straight. It runs nearly fouth, has a gen- tle current, and depth of water fufficient for fhlps of confide rable l^rthcn. The town of Detroit is iituated on the wefterii banks of this river, about nine miles be- low Juake St. Claire, Almoll: i [ '5' ] Almoft oppofitc, on the caftern fhorc, is the village of the ancient Hurons : a tribe of Indians which has been treated of by fo many writers, that adhering to the reftri£lions I liave laid myfelf under of only defcribing places and people little known, or incidents that have palled un- noticed by others, 1 fhall omit giving a defcription of them. A milhonary of the order of Carthulian Friars, by permiifion of the bilhop of Canada, refides among them. The banks of the River Detroit, both above and below theie towns, are covered witli fettlements that extend more than twenty miles j the country being exceed- higly fruitful, and proper for the cultiva- tion of wheat, Indian corn, oats, and peas. It has alfo many fpots of fine pailiurage; but as the inhabitants, who are ehiv.iiy French that fubmitted to tlie Engllih government after tlie conquefl of tiieie parts by General Amherfl, are more at- tentive to the Indian trade than to farm- ing, it is but badly cultivated. The town of Detroit contains upwards of one hundred houles. Hie (beets are fomc- what regular, and have a range of very con- K 4 vcnicnt ^V' I .U t, ■ a-^M i'sase.i'aiEt.'afcri ;»««£. [ '5'- 3 vcijicnt aiulhaiuliome barracks, with a fpacl- ous parade at the i'outh end. On the well fide lies the king's garden belonging to the governor, which is very well laid out and kept in good order. The fortifica- tions ot" the town confift of a ftrong fiiockadc made of round piles, fixed firmly in the ground, and lined with paliiades. Tliele are defended by fomc fmall baf- tions, on which are mounted a few in- dirtlrent cannon of an inconliderable fize, Jul} fulficlent for its defence againft the Indians, or an enemy not provided with aitillerv. The garrifon, in time of peace, con- fifls of two hundred men commanded by a field officer, who a6ls as chief magiftratc luider the governor of Canada. Mr. Turnbull, captain of the 6oth regiment or Royal Americans, was commandant whc: I happened to be there. This gen- tleman was delervedly effecmed and re- fpcdled both by the inhabitants and traders for the propriety of his coiuhn!:!: ; and I am happy to have an opportunity of thus publickly making my acknowledgments to him, for the civilities 1 received from him during my llay. In * ' ^'ii h [ 'S3 ] In the year 1762, in the month of July, it rained on this town and tlie parts adjacent, a fulphurcous water of the colour and confifbncc of ink ; fome of which being collecftcd into bottles, and wrote with, appeared perfe^lly intelligible on the paper, and anfwered every purpofe of that ufeful liquid. Soon after, the In- dian wars already fpoken of, broke out in thele parts. I mean not to lay that this incident was ominous of them, not- withftanding It is well known that innu- merable well attefted inftances of extra- ordinary pha^nomena happening before extraordinary events, have been recorded in almoft every age by hiftorlans of vera- city ; I only relate the circumftance as a facb of wliieh I was informed by many perfons of undoubted probity, and leave my readers, as I have hitherto done, to draw their own conclulions from it. Pontiac, under whom the party that furprif'^d Fort Mlchillimnckinac, as related in the former part of this work, a£led, was an enterpriling chief or head-warrior of the Miames. During the late war between the Englifh and tiic French ho had been a i\c:\(.\y friend to the latter, and i [ -54 ] and continued his inveteracy to the for- mer even alter peace had been concluded between thele two nations. Unwilling to put an end to the depredations he had been lb long engaged in, he coUeded an army of confederate hidians, confid- ing of the nations before enumerated, with an intuition to renew tlie war. However, inftcad of openly attacking the Knglilh lettlements, he laid a fcheme for taking by furprize thole forts on the ex- tremities which they had lately gained polUllion of. How well the party he detached to take Fort Michillimackinac lucceeded, the Reader already knows. To get into his hands Detroit, a place of greater conle- (juence, and much better guarded, re- ijulred greater refolution, and more con- lummatc art. He of courfe took the management of this expedition on himlclf, and drew near it with the principal body of his troops. He was however pre- vented fiom carrying his defigns into execution by an aj)parently trivial and iinforeleen clrcumlhmce. On lucli does the fate of mighty Empires frequently depend ! The t -55 ] The town of Detroit, when Pontiac formed his plan, was garrifonctl by about three hunched men commanded by Major Ciladwyn, a gallant ofticer. As at that time every appearance of war was at an end, and the Indlaiis fccmcd to be on a friendly footing, Pontiac approached the Fort without exciting any fufpicions in the bread: of the governor or the inhabitants. He encamped at a little diilancc from it, and fent to let the commandant know that he was come to trade; and being dcfirous of briglitciiing the chain of peace between the ICnglifli and his nation, defired that he and his chiefs may be admitted to hold a council with him. The governor ftill unfufpicious, and not in the leaft: doubting the fincerity of the Indians, granted their gcneial's requeft, and fixed on the next morning for their recep- tion. The evening of that day, an Indian woman who had been employed by Major Gladwyji to make him a pair of Indian fhoes, out of curious elk-lkin, brought them home. The Major was fo pleafed with them, that, intending thefe as a prefent for a friend, he ordered her to take $'■: i H IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^^ ^ 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■- {|2.8 |50 ""'^ IM ■^ 1^ 2.2 1" li^ ^ ? ■- |||M m 1.4 1.6 o / <^ /} ^ °% \>' ^ ^^ ^ v* Photographic Sciences Corporation \ S v •1>^ :\ \ ^59 ] time would admit of. Ho walked roiin the fort during the whole night, and liiw himfelf 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 imagin- ing that their plot was difcovered, pro- bably pleafing themfelvcs with the an- ticipation of their fuccefs. As foon as the morning dawned, he ordered all the garrifon under arms; and then imparting his apprehenfions to a few of the principal officers, gave them fuch directions as he thought neceflary. At the fame time he fent round to all the traders, to inform them, that as it was expedled a gr^at number of Indians would enter the town that day, who might be inclined to plunder, he defired tliey would have their arms ready, and repel every attempt of th«t kind. About ten o'clock, Pontiac and his chiefs arrived ; and were conducted to the council-chamber where the governor and his principal officers, each with pif- tols in their belts, awaited his arrival. As m t )■ i ■'■ ',4^ m. V fc"7rr^ I , :- . *! ' '"■.*.;:. ' m «! ■■iii : 1 I .' yi'vin 5Vrl i t -60 ] As the Indians pafl'ed on, they could ndt help obfervhig that a greater number of troops than ufual were drawn up on the parade, or marching about. No fooner were they entered, and feated on the fkins prepared for them, than Pontlac alked the governor on what occalion his young men, meaning the foldiers, were thus drawn up, and parading the ftreets. He received for anfwer, that it was only intended to keep them perfed in their exercife. The Indian chief- warrior now began his fpeech, wh'ch contained the ftrongeft profeffions of friendihip and good -will to- wards the Englifh ; 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 iignal for his chiefs to fire, the go- vernor and all his attendants drew their fwords half-way out of their fcabbards ; and the foldiers at the fame inftant made a clattering with their arms before the doors, which had been purpofely left open. Pontiac, though one of the boldeft of men, immediately turned pale, and trembled ; and inflcad of giving the belt in not of the 3ner the it'iac 1 his were reets. only theii* ng to 36 the go- their 3ards ; made re the left Doldeft 2, and he belt in [ '6, ] in the manner propofed, delivered It ac- cording to the ul'uai way. His chiefs, who had impatiently expcded the lignal, looked at each other with aftonilhment, but continued quiet, waiting the reliilt. The governor in his turn made a fpeech ; but iiiftead of thanking the great warrior for the profefRons of friendihip he had juft uttered, he accufcd him of being a traitor. He told him that the Englilh, who knew every thing, were convinced of his treachery and villainous dchgns ; and as a proof that they were well acquainted with his moft fecret thoughts and intentions, he ftepped towards the Indian chief that fat neareft to him, and drawing afide his blanket difcovered the Ihortened fuelock. This entirely difcon- certed the Indians, and fruftrated their defign. He then continued to tell them, that as he had given his word at the time they delired an audience, that their per- fons fhould be fafe, he would hold his promife inviolable, though they lb little deferved it. However he advifed them to make the belt of their way out of the ibrt, left his young men, oa being ac- L quainted liii: '1; -■! '( iii r i i ^ llii r '^^ I <]\i.\:nfi^l \M(I\ thill 111 n lir iDiis pnrpolrM, i1u)\iM 1 III <\riv mil nl flu m fo piicrs. l*Ollll,U (Mul( .wound li> » Otlll.ulu I llh .Hill* i.itiiMi, .iiul (o m;ik(' t \ciilt < loi Ills (iil|>u i- ons loiulvii'i ; l)»lt tlic im)\ i i iini , (.uii.lu d nl' ihr i.illitv 1)1 III:, pioi. ll.it ions, woiiM luU lilK'ii to liiin. i'lu Iiuli.iiis iinnudi- ntolv l< U lli»' lorl, hut mlh ul oT h' ini' li'iitiMi ol thr «M>V( I iioi's |\i luroijs hch.l" \ i.Mir. thi'v (hi\\v oil ihr in. ilk. ,iiul the luM (l.i\ in.idc ii ici'ul.ii .liLuk iii'on il. iM.ijor (il.idwvn h,\:. iiol ('U.i|M(I ciji- hin lor this uiilhikcn Itiiilv ; loi pio- l\\hl> h.ul hi krpt il \c\\ ot the piiMri|Ml ihivls piilonris, whihl hr li.id them in his in>\\rr, \w luij'hl h;U(' h(\ n .ihic to li.ur hioiii'Jit th(- whok- i«>iilril(M;K"V to iviins, iind h.uc piiVtnt(vl .\ w.v. \U\{ hv- .itoiud lor this ov( liii'Iil , hv the iJiil- l,\nt \KliMUi \\c in.uk' lor nioic^ tluin a V(;u. aniulll .1 vaiulv o( ilik-oiJi.nH - nuiits. Pinini; that poiiod Ionic vnv (ninrt ikninlMus haj^pviunl hcturcn [\\c billcgxi;; and thf jvuiilon, ol which the lollouiiu'" was t\\c principal and moll hloodv. Cap- tain IV1/a1, a bravo oiiicci, prevailed on ti\e i;'■•! 1 ;ii .ik ; Iiiii l'()Hfi;u\ k- ((iviii;; liom loiiw «)!' Ins Iw ii>-lof)f( il w.niKHs, who w \r cdiilhiiil 1 v c iiiployf rl in w .\f(hiiij'^ the m(»rM)iii ol tlic j',.n i ilori, (inu Iv iiitt Ihgcfu'c ol th ir (l( lij;ii, Ji<; (iilkvUil to|Mlh( r the ( liniccll n\ lin troop^, ami in< I (he d l.u Ihik iil ;it lonii' tlilhimc liom his rimi|», ii' .ir a pkic'- (nirc t,ill(''.l lili)«Hly-nii(I|M". As ihi' hi'li.iii.'j wcir v.illly lu|nMit»r m i)iiml)( is lo r.ip- t.iiii Hi !/.( Ps I'luty, he was («u)ii ovci- jiowcMtl aiul iliiv(ii l).uk. I>citi|v now n(,nlv hnri)Uiu!( (I, he Mi'.hK' a vii'oroui lili', and nianv ol his wvu U\\ wltii him. Ilowt'vn-, Major Koiurs, the lct:ond in lonnnanil, ailillul hy 1 avuu nant Iirchain, loumi ni( ans to ihaw oil" tlu- Ihattcncl rc- n\.iins oFthrir littlo army, and condin^lcd th.ni into the t*)rt. Thus conrulcrahly reduced, it was with iliflieuhy the major eonld tlclend the tv)\vn ; iiutwithllanilin^- which, he lield I-. 2 out >■ ii;* i if |! I' '• Si ^i:|r . f MV9-«- 51-. i il« [ "■>» ] o\it aj^aliiH: the liuli.uis till he wns re- lieved, iis after this tlicy made hut few at- tacks oil the place, and only continued to bloekadc it. TheGladwyii Schooner (that in which I attcrwarils took mv pafiiige Iroiri MichU- liniackinac to Detroit, and wliieh I iincf learn was loil with all her crew on Lake ICrii', through the ohllinaey of' the com- mander, who eould not h.' prt;vailed upon to tak'- in luliicient hallail) arrived about t'.iis time mar the town with a re-in- j-i^ricn.i nt a. id nectflarv iuj^plies. But \\ \\nc this vc Ik 1 could reach the place ot its delViti.ition, if was mofl vi^'oioully at- tacked hv a ditachnicnt from Pontiac's army. The Indians lurrounded it in their cnncvs, and luatK' great havock among the crew. At kiij^ih the captain oi" the i'ehooner with a conliderahle numl^r of his men being killed, and the lavages be- ginning t(^ climb up its fide?, from every quartei*, tiic lieutenant (Mr. Jacobs, who afterwards commanded, and was lofl in It) being determined that the ilores Ihoukl not tall into the enemy's hands, and iec- ing nc^ e3ther alternative, ordered the gun- ner to let lire to the powder room, and blow "'i^^iL., i [ >65 ] Mow the ihlji Uj). This orcl r was on th • point of being executed, whin a chief of th.c lIiMoiis, who unilcidooil tlic Eng- I'llli l.ingir.i^v, j.yav'c out to his trlends the iutcnrion ut thf conunandr. On iccuv- \[\^ this iiitclh|»,i iicc the huiians hurried down the iidis of tlie Ihip with tlie gteatcll: precifiitatioii, and u,()t as lar tVom it as pofiible ; whiHl tlic cotnnKiml* r ini- nK'di.itely took ailvaiit.igc oi" their com! ter- nation, and anived without any tintlicr ()h(}iu*!lion at the town. This leaion;ihIe lupply gave the garri- fon frefh Ipirits ; and Pontiac being now convinced that it would not be in his power to reduce the place, propoled aik accommovlatlon ; the governor wKhing as much to g.t rid of luch troublelbnie ene- mies, who ob(h'u6tcd the inrereoinl'' of the traders with the nc ighbouring nations, liftened to his propolals, and having pro- cured advantag ous terms, agreed to a peace. The Indians loon after lep.UMtci, .md ' - turned to tli u* diiferent provinces ; nor have they lince thought proper to uiiturb, at leail: in any great degree, the tran- quiUity of thele parts. ii I ! !• -4^ 1-3 Pontiac U iL^ ' i I - Stl- -"Till I I .^^! TV>nlM»' li' III • I'M w U.I 1. .mi il \,\ li U (' tptid .1(1. Ir till ,innnolil\ )<>' l),i)l Inth.tlo born. l.»\\,inls flu Imij'JiIIi, .mi.I .»|i|'I- millx l>. ( ,h\».mIi. 11 /r;i|tMl. luml. To HW.M.I J.I^Us llt'W .IK.H llM). Ill , ,in«l In III- liii. .1 r.>ritiuv\,im i t.i II, );iu''inm«nl ,iU lowt.l Inin .1 liiiiiil.^im p. iilion. Iliii In < l\"(iris M\\] IMllllMllIM' l|'nil W.Ulltl lliil 1\i|Km linn lo Iv jmiLIuI I.m tin- ,ilK)\\ - niit (', .uul In; I nn.liu I .il l.njMh )',ii \v tiilpi. i.ni!< ; In ili.ii j'.Mitp, III lilt \ r.n I ■ ■^ ■ . I«> I'.cKl .1 tnniuil n» llu- tnuiili\ ol ll\( llliiini,., .1 l.ullilul ln«li.in, wK.) was «~i!lui * ninnniii.'M. «l h\ onr «nli.u- in,i*!r \\\ \\w loiiiuii \\\M lu- tlill i.'Intu.l In > I ajinnill tl-.ou- tin w \\o\\\ I 01 nu'i pre jiivliix;; ir iunx pu> .1 Inciulllnp, in ]^lr.nj;rv] lii;> kniK' inrt> his hc.nt. ;is loon ,is ho h,ui iloiu- Ipo.ikins;, .w.A I, ml Inm ilr.vl on tlu tpot. Hut to ivtuin \\o\\\ this ilii»i\ jjion. I ..->ko V'lio i\<.vivcs ti\v- u.UcMs h\ whii i\ if is iupph.\l ivoiw tin- thioo oioat l.iki :•, ih.iou;;',) th.o v^li.iijvhts i>l IXtuMl, th.U li; ;i: its noith-\Nlt\ mil'. I»ltt.\ii. ll I'lil : ;iinl A rriMU LiMi' |t>ii|v ii.iiiow pniiit ll' ; (111 if. iiKitli IkIc, til, It |Mi<| ' 1 ; I'M 1, \rr.il iMil % into the l.ik' tow.iiils flu- (oulli A ll, *riui(" Mc U\> r.il illuul. II' Ml ill W' (I (M)il nl It (i) ml' ll( (I \\ illi t.itt I' liink' s, til. it it IS v» I \ I'iini'.x r«Mi to l.mil on ilicu. It is impolliMo tli.il .mv [)l.ui" imm pto Iiu'c ;i }M(,ilci iniinl»( I (»l .ill 1011(1; of tlu'k- r<'()- tiles til. in tliii (loos, |Mrtivul.ii ly ot the \\.\[. r-lii.ilv. riic l.ik.' is (ovfM'cil iic.ir tlir li.iiik; (it the itl.iiids witli the l.irp^c }Hiiul-lilv ; the loaves ot whioh lii" ow the 1ml. u'o «»t the watri 1<> ihiok, as to eovct* it ( iitirelv l<>r m.uiy aires ti)|»vth('r ; aiul (Ml < .u h o\ tin lo lav, when I paHrd over it, wre.iths ot watei-liiakrs h.ilkiiiu; in I'l ■ Inn, \vhi( h atuountovl to invii.ul;. The molt roniarkahk^ (ji the ilill'irnt i"[i(oiis th.it inU^tl: this l.iko, is th - hiliinj;- inako, whioh is of the (mall Ipookl d kiiui, anil about (ii'htoen iiiohes ionii". When any thing approaehes, it Hat tons L itlelf |*l».;f^ |-;,i 11% ,j sfvlTi.? lj".i [ '68 ] Itfelf in a moment, and its fpots, which j^re of various dyes, become vifibly brightei: through rage ; at the fame time it blows from its mouth with great force a fuhtile wind, that is reported to be of a naufeous Ihaell; and if di-awn in with the bi'cath of the unwary traveller, will infalhbly bring on a dech'ie, that in a few months muft prove rnortaL there being no remedy yet difcovered which can counteract its bane- ful infi'ience. The ilioiies and pebbles on the (hores of this lake are moft of them tinged, in a greater or lefs degree, with fpots that re- kmbie brafs in their colour, but which areof a fulphureous nature. Small pieces, about the fi'-te of ha/Je-nuts, of the lame 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 bordeirs of it^ and project into the water in a perpendicular direction for many m-L-s together ; fo that whenever fuddeu ft( rms arife, canoes and boats are frequently lofl, as tier^ is no place for them to find a flieltea-. This [ -69 1 This like difchargcs its waters at the north-eaft end, into the River Niagara, which runs north and fouth, and is about thirty-lix miles in length ; from whence it falls into Lake Ontario. At the en- trance of this river, on its eaftern Ihore, lies fort Niagara ; and, about eighteen miles further up, thofe remarkable Falls which are eftctmed one of the moll: extra- ordinarj produftions of nature at pre- fcnt known. As theie have been v'iited by fo many travellers, and fo frequently dcfcribed, % Ihall omit giving a particular defcription; of them, and only obferve, that the wa- ters by which they are fupplied, aftei- taking their rife near two thoufand milea to the north-weft, and paffing through the Lakes Superior, Michegan, Huron, and Erie, during which they liave been receiving conftant accumulations, at length fulk down a ftupeudous precipice of onq hundred and forty feet perpendicular ; and in a ftrong rapid, that extends to the diftance of eiglit or nine miles below, fall nearly as much more : this River ibon a^ ter empties itjelf iflto l^ke Ontano, n ;r; ■k] ThQ !.«? m ■%.5i [ '7'^ ] TIk nolfo of til c\r Kali' mi< In I \r hc;\\i\ ;iti nnvi/.iiig \v.i\ . I nxiM pl,ii!)i (ItOi m|nii 111 l! i Tlir l;iiul Ahowt tlirl'';ills IS cxcrrdiiiplv hill' V ;\iul \inr\( II, hut flir pic .\Ui\ tli.it o\\ t l.r Ni i;i5\;\r:i lM\rr is \riv 1 Piil n ''iMH] CipaM;\llv t(V jniHs .inu piil \ii,h\('. l^\)it Ni;u\.»i.i li.niiis iiiMilv ill iIk^ rn- tn>]U(' of tlu' u.l) I lit! «W L;ils(' OiitiUio, AUi] OU lllO C 111 N i.uinm. U ,1 t (it till \\ .IS l.ikrii Iroiii .Srr;iU_ lu ot lA lUU in tlir \c.\v i ?<;u bv tlu^ loiws . lukr tl ir romni.u.c 1 (^i •ir W ilM.iin )< lion, atii r^t prrlciit i;^ il( tciuK il liv .\ v oiilivKialiK 5m; nl.in, \ ,,\]sc ()nt.iiu> is tlir P' \t, :ukI IcalT of the 1 ivo i\iv.it lakes oi i.\in.ula, Us lit na- tUMl IS h( t\v •r(M\ UMtv-thiop and lortv-tivc tlcpi^Ys ot latitiulo. ami IvturcMi icvcjitv- tix aiul Ifvnitv-innc ilfrrt^s ol \V( \\ I ill- ftitiuir TiK^ <«iini ot it is luarlv oval, Tts Pivatcil Uiii2th Ikmjip; InMn noith-cail lo loiuli-wrO, atul in ni\ iiintcnMico ahovit: lix luin
  • ;■ ] |v.\rt if irccivrs t\\c w;it( rs oF flic Orvvcgo Kivtr, .iml (Ml tlu; iKirfh-cMfl dili hnrgcs i(l(l( into tile Kivir C'.it;ir.K]ni. N^t far from ihr pl.uc v.hnv if ilViii ;, l'\)it l^'mn- ((H.u" lormdly flood, whirli u;i-i f'.ik'.tl Iroin flu l''rriiili duiii;!', fi»'" l;iH: war, in lli(- WAV 175S, l>v ,1 linull •innv ul Pro- vincials uii(l(M C\dotirl iiiadlhrct. M the cnfrim ntOlwrsj^o Uivcr ftaiuln a foil ot thr l.ii\ir name, girrifoin d only at picU'iit hv nil inrcinlid r.iblc party. 'I'hiii lort w.is t.ikrn in tlic year 175^) by tlio I'lvnch, when a jm at part of the rnrrl- ion, which roniifled of the late Shirley's aiul IVpperil's rei;inunts, were niaiiacrei! ill eoKl blood by the lavages. In Lake Ontario are taken many forts ot' liih, aiuoni; which is thcOfwego Bafs, ot an exci'lUnt Havciur, and weighing nboiit three or tour pc^unds. There is alto a liirt called the Cat-head or l^out, wliicli are ill general very large, tome of them weigh- ing eight or t( n pounds ; and they arc cileenK d a rare dilli when properly drelled. On the north-welf parts of this lake, niul to the touth-eall of Lake Huron, is a trilK' oi Indians called the Mitliiauges, wl'.oll- town is denominated Toronto, from th& ,:L..__ ;_:•■■ ■•**.3i«tZt3'jU,i_.-.>— J :;■ m'i'i% [ '7^ ] the lake on which it lies, but they are aot very uumerous. The coujitry abouC Lake Ontario, el]>ecially the more north and eaflcrn parts, is compoied of good l^nd, and In time may make very floiuiih- ijiig- fcttlcraents. The Oniada Lake, fituated near tho head of the River Ofwtgo, receives tho waters of Wood-Creek, which takes its rife not far from the Mohawks River. Thefe two lie {b adjacent to each other, that a jiindion is effeded by fluices at Fort Staawix, about twelve miles from the mouth of the former. This lake is about thirty miks long from eaft to weft, and near fiftten broad. The country around it belongs to the Oniada In- dians. I/ake Champlain, the next in fize to Lake Ontario, and which lies nearly eafl: from it, is about eighty miles in length, north and fouth, and in its broadeft part fourteen. It is well ftored with fifh, and the lands that lie on all the borders of it, or about its rivers, very good. Lftkc George, formerly calkd by the French Lake St. Sacrament, lies to tlie ibuth-wcfl: of the lail-mentiojied Lake, and kl*© i-th )od tho tho I its Lver. :her, [ 173 ] and is about thirty-five miles long from north -eaft to fouth-wcft, 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 difco- vered, they were known by no other name than that of the Iroquois Lakes ; and I believe in the firft plans taken of thofe parts were fo denominated. The Indians alfo that were then called the Iroquois, are fince known by the name of the Five Mohawk Nations, and the Mohawks of Canada. In the late war, the former, which coniift of the Onon- dagoes, the Oniadas, the Senecas, the Tufcarories, and the Iroondocks, fought on the fide of the Englifli : the latter, which are called the Cohnawahgans, and St. Francis Indians, joined the French. A vaft trad of land that lies between the two laft-mentioned lakes and Lake Oiiiario, was granted in the year 1629 by the Plymouth Company, under a pa- tent they had received from King James I. to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and to Captain John Mafon, the head of tliat tamily, afterwards diftinii^uiilitd from, others oFthe lame . ''Mi i 1 [ »ri 1 \;\\\u: nnnir hy iIk Malmiri ot Comirifl'tiMit, 'rikHOiml lie's Ipt cil\( tl in tins j^i.uil aic laiil to lK|vin ton iiiilis liotii llic luml ; (>l llu 1 1- VC18 tli.»l mn imm the i.ill ami ItMilh into KaKo (»r*Mrv ami Lakr C'hamplain ; aiul continiiiM}', Iroiw \\]c\r in a diKxi line \voinl aic iiuIol^ns, aiul iiiuler eeitain jHiialiies ; lui( none ot thele aniountecl, in e.Ue oi oinil- lion in the t'villilnunt o\ ;uiv |.iit ot tht in to toikiture, :\ line onlv eoukl he c\- adeil. On acccHint ol the eontimial wars to which thele paits ha\ e hcen luhi.d, iVoiu theii" tituation hclwei^ii the leltlements of thcEnghl]\, the l^'reneh, anJ the liulians, this grant has been tmUietl to lie doiin.u.t hv hv f w Im( linee i'liai JH'0|)1 (oinc Tl tUr u I .akc rluic lu oil ('i)ly , The n Nipiii, at the Jnio K tawaw the Cal arc cac tunitei 'i'hc Iicaii J'lines'i iioni tl Js inter! ^Hilt citj r K In tl 10 ICil [ ^7S 1 pt opi i( tot s. N()tvvlrhH,i!i(liii|r winch, l(Vit;il towns have Ixtti Irtrlrti jiiuv the laic war, on tlic [jordrrs of Lake i'liamplain, aiul grants inatir to tliflrrc ut; p(>oplc In- the jrovc nior of Nrw York of p.ni t)l rhclr l(Miih)ii(\s, wliicli arc now Ir!- on or. (DUX- .UMU xc(l to tluit piovincc. 'I'Ih k: arc a ^.vrcat mnnhcr of" lakes t1)» norll> olC'anaila, hctwccn Lal)ia I I S»W.ll!W.Si&t*«*>^-* ■• I' ■,:!l Mlj .}-. mW [ '»^- ] lelf, and oblige me to be lefs explicit on points of greater moment. From the obfcurity in which this de- bate is enveloped, through the total dii- ufe of letters among every nation of In- dians on this extenfive continent, and the uncertainty of oral tradition at the diflance of fo many ages, I fear, that even after the moft minute inveftigation we ihall not be able to fettle it with any great degree of certainty. And this ap- prehension will receive additional force, when it is confidcred that the diverlity of language which is apparently diftindt between moft: of the Indians, tends to afcertain that this population was not effedled from one particular country, but from feveral neighbouring tnes, and con;- pleted at different periods. Molt of the hiftorians or travellers that have treated on the American Aborigines difagree in their fentiments relative to them. Many of the ancients are fup- pofed to have knovirn that this quarter of the globe not only exift:ed, but alfo that it was inhabited. Plato in his Timaeus has aflerted, that beyond the ifland which he calls Atalantis, and which according to his ', f^^'m "m [ '83 j his defcription was fituated In the weftera Ocean, there were a great nuniber of other iflands, and behind thoie a vaft Continent. Oviedo, a celebrated Spauifh author of a much later date, has made no fcruple co 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, the defccndents of King Hef- perus, who lived upwards of three thou- fand years ago, and from whom thele iflands received their name. Two other Spaniards, the one Father Gregorio Garcia, a Dominican, the other, Father Jofeph De Acofta, a Jefuii, have written on the origin of the Ameri- cans. The former, who had been em- ployed in the milfions of Mexico and Peru, endeavoured to prove from the traditions of the Mexicans, Peruvians, and others, which he received on the fpot, and from thv-^ variety of chara6lers, cuftoms, languages, and religion obferv-p able in the ditferent countries of the new world, that different nations had contributed to the peopling of it. M 4 The ,1 Hi ^if'^ r '«! 1 'V\\r Imt'J, l';\lll.M IV' /\('nn^> nl {\\^^\^^ \\\^\^ \\:\\c Itlppdird W lo hr I \ \r\\. >«M .\i\li' tu> ;iiu if'Mt nvuliDt h;is nvulr n\«Mi(ion o\ t|»r rni n pat; Vau nui roiu lU() rs. tllMl ill) < Ui»r\ \^\ tiu' noHh o (ll oyv \\]\\k\ 1 jltljoin lo ( :u Al h ml nni W \,\ jmil \( I m 1>V tl\i>1r iTjnons (h,\l lie (o (h.> jimmIi- alto ivi.»'U tld nliniuM\K i>f \i ilcil tlir t>pi(nons ot thrtc Spafiilli iatliiMs, .\ihi ot many oihns who have wuu.n on tho t.uuc lvil)jtlu \i; u^ iihiravouis to rllabliih i!i;U A\ninva \xas v»iiamlv pri>plff«l hv tlir SiNthiins i>« Tajtars; ami that the trant(\)igiat»on *>( th»tr propir happt ne*! ii\>\\ ylUi the ililpettuMt o\ Noah's jiraiuU liMis. Wc uiuWrtak^s to (how, that thr moll northtii\ AnKriiauK |\;iVi' a jrn at> i jrt. n^MaiKx, not oiih \\\ the Ixatiivs oi th< iv countv uano -s, hut altv> in tlirir i-on\- rlcJMon auvl nianiui v)t h\inj', lo thv' ;<.)U Inan.s s< r •"? 1 Id mmIwpi fo (tivitiii'?, xvliM li:irl nllntnl AiiiTiri l»v H'liv "^ < iK fiiljiiHl, jiii'l MVf'r fl Villi cnlilincilt , lie I;IV», lluit if is Wfll IdUiUMi I lull ( iiirliliiiitl WHM Itrif tlif( rivrrf^tl (ill (lie v ;ir «^^)/j, iiih) lintli ( iiuwr;; jiiirl llflt'l;! iiilntin IIR fli!il lllc (MiK liimrfjiirn Wf'ir lettlt'd on iIk' I ,:ik(' nl Mf'v;i((» irt '^ ?, J . II'' ;ulil«« lll:il til' I'- l;ivn|»« q, ;|(> C'onlm}» t<» tlir nnilmm tnulilion nl tli** MrT litnmi;!; loiiJiMjUiMii ly Nnilli /\iiini(j| mull li'.ivn lircu inli!il»il(Ml mi;iiiv np''^ l»o (ore il riMlM K « rive ;lliy lllllMJtjtilMtB Uinw Noivvny l»y wjiy nl f I'lr* iihuid. (lint Ir Is no Ills mfjiiii, l»< nlil'i'v u real Mcxicimw loimc Inl tl ii'ir ritiiMiv m t^ox, nftn liiivinj'; (nlulucd tlio C'lTu ITh- inc(jups, llu' ()((»iiii;iR, ;md nllirr Iihi*- h;uo\i9 liiUiitiiR, who lind \,\kr\\ poflrfliMH ot t\\v I'diiiifry round t\\v \ /Ak(nif i\]( xt((i, liul (';ul\ ot U'llOlO Ipnkc a l.in|»l|;ijr, po- ll;!!,u to ihom (< Ivt II ie i< •ul IVI ( Kiraii!} nu; liktwili.; liippol' d to C\H\\c finln (uinn of lii : \n li n liM 1 -'r i «86 ] of the countries that lie near California, and that they performed their journey for the moft part by Jand; of courfe they could not come from Norwav. De Laet further adds, that though fome 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 illands near the weftern coaft of Africa, parti- cularly on the Canaries, fome ancient edifices were fcen, it is higiily prqbable from their being now deferted, that the inha- bitants may have pafl'ed over to America ; the paflage being neither long nor diffi- cult. This migration, according to the calculation of thofe authors, muft have happened 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 lliips, they r.iight have retired to the Antilles, by ihe w^iy of the weftern ifles, which were e>^a<^ly half way on tlieir voyage. • , ; . He thinks alfo that Great Britain, Ire« land, and the Orcades were extremely proper to iil [ '67 ] to admit of a fimilar conj^j^nrc. As a proof, he inierts the following pnfliigc from the hiftory of Wales, written by Dr. David Powel in the year 1 1 70. This hiilorian fays, that Madoc, one of the fons of Prince Owen Gwynnith, being dlfguftcd at the civil wars which broke out between his brothers, after the death of their father, fitted out feveral veflcls, and having provided them with every thing necefliiry for a long voyage, went in qucft of new lands to the weft- ward of Ireland ; there he difcovercd very fertile countries, but deftitute of Inhabitants; when landing part of his people, he returned to Britain, where he railed new Levies, and afterwards tranf-^ ported them to his colony, The Flemifli author then returns to the Scythians, between whom and the Americans he draws a parallel. He ob^ ferves that leveral nations of them to the north of the Cafpian Sea led a wandering- life ; which, as well as Ihany other of their cuftom?, And way df living, agrees in many circumftances with the Indians of America. And though the refemblances are not abfolutely perfedt, yet the emi- grants, !; .r . t [I { 188 ] grants even before they left their own country, differed from each other, and went not by the fame name. Their change of abode affected what remained. He further fays, that a fimilar like- nefs exifts between feveral American na- tions, and the Samoeides who are fettled, according to the Ruffian accounts, on the great River Oby. And it is more natural, continues he, to fuppo(e that Colonies of thefe nations pafled over to America by crofiing the icy fea on their fledges, than for the Norwegians to travel all the way Grotius has marked out for them. This writer makes many other re^ marks that are equally fenfible, and which appear to be jufl ; but he intermixes with thefe Ibme that are not fo well- founded. Emanuel de Moraez, a Portugueze, In his hiftory of Brazil, aflerts that Anie* rica has been wholly peopled by the Carthaginians and Ifraelites. He brings as a proof of this aflertion the difcoveries tiie former are known to have made at a great diftance beyond the coafl of Africa. The progrefs of which being put a flop to mm '^■i t «89 ] to by the fenate of Carthage, thofe who happened to be then in the newly dif- covered countries, being cut off from all communication with their countrymen, and deftitute of many necefiaries of life, fell into a (late of barbarifm. As to the Ifraelites, this author thinks that nothing but circumcilion is wanted in order to conftitute a perfe£l refemblance between them and the Brazilians. George De Hornn, a learned Dutch- man, has likewife written on this fubje61:. He fets out with declaring, that he does not believe it polfible America could have been peopled before the flood, confidering the Ihort fpace of time which elapled 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 terreftrial ani- mals penetrated into thit country both by fea and by land ; fome through acci- dent, and fome from a formed defigned. That birds got thither by flight; which they were enabled to do by refting on the rocks and iflands that are fcattered about in the ocean. He pm ■|| i U J]. >^fm [ ipo ] He further obferves, that wild beads may have found a free paflage by land; and that if we do not meet with horfes or cattle (to which he might have added elephants, camels, rhinoceros, and beafts of many other kinds) it is becaufe thofe nations that pafled thither, were either not acquainted with their ufe, or had no convenience to transport them. Having totally excluded many nations that others have admitted as the probable firfl fettlers of America, for which he gives fubftantial reafons, he fuppofes that it began to be peopled by the north ; and maintains, that the primitive colonies fpread themfelves by means of the ifth- mus of Panama through the whole extent of the continent. He believes that the firft founders of the Indian Colonies were Scythians. That the Phoenicians and Carthaginians after- wards got footing in America acrofs the Atlantic Ocean, and the Chinefe by wa^ of the Pacific. And that other nations might from time to time have landed there by one or other of thefe ways, or might poffibly have been thrown on the coaft by t«rapeils : 11 nee, through the whole y!i',| j\ { '9^ 3 whole extent of that Continent, both in its northern and fouthern parts, we meet with 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 like events, but that this muft have happened at a time when the whole of the new world was already peopled. After all, he acknowledges that great difficulties attend the determination of the queftion. Thefe, he fays, are occalioned ill the firft place by the imperfedt know- ledge we have of the extremities of the globe, towards the north and fouth pole; and in the next place to the havock which the Spaniards, the firft difcoverers of the new world, made among its moft ancient monuments ; as witnefs the great double road betwixt Quito and Cuzco, an undertaking fo ftupendous, that even the moft magnificent of thole executed by the Romans cannot be compared to it. He fuppofes alfo another migration of the Phoenicians, than thofe already men- tioned, to have taken place; and this was during I ( ^O" 1 |h< 'r\«'\;M» ;)»lv.Mion \\-,1«: m;\»l. \'.\y \\S \\\r IM«(|\ I, n \nt tit Tib- Ot • I , Iw' ;tilil«i, \t.hi iit t\\\i\\ \^{ x'hyh-MW'' 111 lit ntil jm;himI('i \ \\ \r \\} i\y\n y (Vt \) .»( \( ir:^, u Iti. I n I I ' T'.ur^lhj ilun iiN Opl\ti i.M jmO.I, witi, It i; n^^itt , »M lit. tfl.ntvl of Hilj^iminlit : ;it\il ^t\ ilu' V.^ht I itptni.^M lir i-v Itij^pMli .1 Im ( .« ^tt^^^\t\l>t\ \\\\^^\ \\r ililnmtnl llfti Ul^ttil. il\\^\<|\!\i lt«< totiM iitii- lit,' rntn;tti'^ \ \\lt>\lt tl\. pN'lil >\.t^ lililtrtl. u \\ 'W^ lltr W tttijM .\\\\>yS' \\ Ititit \ PhTOi \]\r \.'\\\'\\\\m\ !Vt t, Itr -.tiM^. ttt;tn\ t>|l|i't' O i :\ \:\\V\ xh\v f t'«^tt> .Itll III itl It tluM)?, l^tl ihrft- \ h;l\t' ttol littV' l«^ « lt\Uttri;t|. . V'ot \hc 1;>n>r tr;\IOit 1 \\\\\ \AA'\^\\ \\ lo p;tt^ o\«t iwnttN^Kl!; Nvnivl< on litis ItiltJM'l ; •An»^ t^:^U\^Mt^MM nw li l< \\ ill\ t^\tl\ J^ivino iho trnti\N\<*nt« tM n\o o\ ilttxv \\\o\v. The i\\\\ »M ilut.- t. riittv l\ i'h;\>lr WtV. \\ V\\'\\y\\\\\:\\\, >\ ho tit Iti"; jvNttm.tl o< .A \\n,\^v;r \\s Noillt Aiwciiv:!, itt.tvK U^ \.\U\\ \\s\\w \\ .\\ \;?.v\ \\\\s y<\'.\\\\\\\\Wv^ \W' 0}MilUVi^5 v>'( .1 \:^l\rtx ol' :\ttlltv>is ^^ l iMs ^.vV^*^. u> \\h\K-]\ \w ]\.\$ l\il>jo\t\o*^ Iv.^ «M\ \ f M^ I ^.^^ H l .t|i|< i hllr ■! Mill (||f |;|M. I I nilfiMt iVdltMiil (nine .lilfii tilt \ In i tfi i/|,'»| ;|t, llu V ;nr In iiil' iwMVf n \Villi Hi irtfl;!, >»'ii III- \\:V\ f|IH1<. (I, tlllll i( I- f|l|l|r >) (Mill ll ;|| . ti nliiHt in lliirMHiilirili' llu ltl. Mr It rMVi f.i iilliMv lli;)» A»hiii( i ini|(lif \\:\W IVCfiVnl ilr; |;,() ill||;ll.||;inf') llnMi I'mHiHV itiul Mvit;llil;i 11' ' ll'- M»l(- \\[\\\'^X llV M|lll|\if||»^ f||;|t IIm IJMlllt lltltl ♦ i^Hfj uhiih '.wv fiuidd III lip fniifirr, niulJ li;1\i' I MilU' lltini llidjc «(»imtli»"^, !1Ih1 \\ ln«|. |':lllil|U' |(IV»M (nl ;l juhi.l l|i:lf ^\^h !\vn lirniHpllf M ^5 jnili In llir »|nnli\v;lt(l • \(l I. I !<• Hit II ill;l\V') ;| ( nl|(iliMr;|ho(| ( < o I film iU^nini Ml, h'Mti ;i lldiv li'' Ijiyq l\i ||;H nlirll l|r;nil K I;|l. tl |iV (•";lf||(*r (iitOlnn, ;i I' 11 nth |.(iiii, as sin iMidntihU ( ( I luitll* i nl liit^l lie «. Thi^ l'':dllt I . ■.\{]r\ Ii.l\iii|; InliiMlif ll (in linir in till' inilliiMi-; n! MiW I'^taiK I'Mlrii o\r» III ||u»lr i<| (. Iiiii'l. ( U\r «|;1V fiq ll \v;\^ n,i\tliin;\ ill TailiiiV, In im t a lloiiMi \\nn\aM ulioiu ll. Iiail IniHU.ily- Known ill C'aiKiila. I Ir alki il In r liy \\l).il ;nlvrMfiiii' ih[' li;ul h. ( li (ailird info .\»»>untiy l»» I Ml ( ( to ni\i'«>n. nil \\y< \y << '" •! ''<•' j'l '• • "' \vl\irh 0>r ll>i n \\ \ . l^rlmlh. tn )ll\nt «l. ;»m.mI.. 1 |i Inn . )vnl)nj\ lhnM\)\l> Njnl/ \\\ lu*; ttnnn 1n>in l l\nn. In, I n I iTmI n»>n h U\k\\ .\\\o\\\r\ ;\li.\n o( » U \vm\ 1 >i t n \A kin In « I H.\n> tul nn .\ni n \\ . n to ihiMr o \ .\ \\\o\v \\\\\\\\\\ I iM\nn \ II 1\.nn\uH>\v; Iv n\ 1\\» . nw.h jvUli »1 hnnv ^•\>\^n!\\ t«^ I (Minn \ , ,\n«l n n . 11 «1 ^' l> » < .\« I Ul lOMM.I \ U \ \ X V.Mrn. \x ho \\\y\ .\\\x\\\\l\tx o< t]\ttt \]on« k, h.ul \ MU^I <.\iili«\t ro l1\> ,.\t]\\.u\l l^^ jMuuui\j; l»l, !«l\>\, 'ntl ih.il t.MMf I'.ili \tM;i|Minl ili<- I «pom If j\iM j>innn«l'< in lltitiK iImi iIin ll»in|tjM I onlv :» I'lM, al>i Ion )iil« ih. I inpn . ill. It' \i. linn (iiil 1 1 il I \ j»^i'i ■«, \>Iu. N, nniv\ iilHl.iM«l(n|\, niipjil l»,(\r « ntn. Iinn> I I > n ,imi I ,\\u\ \'.\\\A\\ i (ni \\- h\ .ulv .inunft ^\i.)«l«i!)ll\ 1tMiili\v:ui) iIhv in. I \\ nil « Iinwih J in-^n .||m. i iMr in t In n num. ^« lh< \ liixi in liinr iiliiiiuiont d (Ik.' n.^^I^ I n « nimnirN. I Iripinl. sl>.>ih Snlinns.m.l IMinv ((ipinvt* i]i;l l!i. S«\tiu,m \nilunpnpli,i^n nnrr •!("- p>>p\il,\l» \\ A p^i. ,il . vt^ nl nl V nnnti \ . ;»s Ini a^ ll\r pinn\nulni\ TMlnn : .in«l .\\\o aw .uilhni nl 111, 1 ,l,n. , M.nk Pnl, ;i \\ lu'finn, \xl\n. Ill' 1,\> >. 1,11:; ns, ih.il In thr nnilll- 1 All v>< Vlun;\ ,U\,1 r;Ul,n> , llu'ir ;U< Null i;nuih,ilMt<^l *nvinliu;, \\l\uh nurht I'O N :i *"rinnig I * \^: * - I ■'^ i i !tsai*a«s««?:r»*^,js»cr;i:«stt,-,w--. '■■• :» M [ '96 ] corning the retreat of a great number of Scythians into An\erica. To this he adds that we find in the an- ticnts the nnmcs of fome of thcle nations. Pliny ijK-aks of the Tabians ; SoHnus m;;itions the Apuleans, who had for lieighb(;iirs the Maliagetes, whom Pliny fince aflhres us to lune entirely dilap- piarcd. Ammianus Mareellinus cxprcfly tells us, that the fear of the Anthropo- phagi obliged fcveral of the inhabitants of tbofe countries to take refuge ellcwhere. From ail thelc authorities JMonf. Char- levoix concludes, that there is at leafl: room to conjedure that more than one nation in America had a Scytliian or T.u*- tarian origifial. lie fu'illies his remarks oji the authors he hiiri quoted, by the following oblvrva- tlons : It a[)[)ears to me that this contro- vcrlV may be reduced to the two follow- ing articles; flril, hew the new world might have been j^eoplcd, and iecoiidly, by whom, and by uliat means vt has been peopled. Nothiing, he aiicrts, may be more cadlv anfwered than the hril. America might have been peopled as tlie three other ;.'J ;3 [ ^97 ] rtlicr pnrts of tlicworK] have been. M.uiy (.iifiiciiltles luuc been formed on this ilib- ]ct\, which luive been decnud inlolvable, hut which are far from being fo. The inhabitants of both hemifpheies are cer- tainly the defccndents of the fame father ; the common parent of mankind received an cxprcfs command from heaven to peo- ple the whole world, and accordingly it has been peopled. To bring this about it was neccflary to overcome all fiifficultics that lay in the way, and they have been got over. Were thefe difficulties greater with re- fpccl to peopling the extremities of Afia, Africa, and Europe, or the tranfporting men into the iflands which lie at a confi- derable diftancc from thofe continents, tlian to pafs over into America ? certainly not. Navigation, which has arrived at fo great perfe6lion within thefe three or four centuries, might poilibly have been more perfcd in tholJi early ages than at this day. Who can believe tha;: Noah and his im- mediate defcendents knew lefs of this art than we do ? That the builder and pilot of the largell: (hip that ever was, a Ihip N 3 that ■n w. if r 1 0 W 1 ^\\,\\ W.l : lIiM\uJ ((1 ll.ivrric :\\\ Vlllht UK li I< iJ i.»iul.i to jMi.iul ;i|^niill. (hmiKI 1m^ i^^iu)- \.\]\\ nl. «M (l\o\il(l ucl U,\\c t«Mnn\\mu:i\«ril to tholr ol lu . tlv U rinlts who Inrvivcd \\\u. .uu 1 I ^\ u hoi o lU'. ;ins \c \v,is (o r\r c\)\r t\w o\\W\ til lljr ( ho.»l C'i(;itor ; I "Inv, wlui 1 in h.hivr lu' fliouM not h;Ur nMunwiiuv ,Ui vi hi thrni iho art ol laihnp- \ w .IS >»ot oi\lv nmi*' upon an oi\;\ii, \\ hitl iA\\\\ iuul pauiu'. h\it at th(^ \,\\\\c (iin( CvMlllMCv I VMtl un Its auv irnt hunt: Avhmttjnj,; I'his, hvnv catv is it to pais, rxrhitnr i>l thv- jMliai;r ahcailv (IrUMilnii. h\ lauil lior.\ tlic voail ol Aliiva to Uracil, \u^\\\ the C'anan(S to th*' wrthMU Illamls, AwA lioin thnu lo th(^ AniitK I' loni thi V\\[\\h Ul ov the coati ol Kiamo, d i\c\\ IvHUull.uul, ih(' natiaj'x' is nrithti lonii r.v>i vhiiivvih ; 1 n\i:'hl lav as iii\ich >1 th.it i\"i an, iM (lu lai iannv> CM Thill a 1 nua (i> .•■T an lioni n^nu- \nd iron\ tlUMu lli to thr I to M Uv (AKW Thru^ ,\\c illands at a cvMilivlctahk' iht- tanoo lron\ tho vvMitinrnt ot" ,\lia, whore Vv^ havr not In v n 1;i;jMi/ra lo Iuul inha- bitants, whv then lho\iKl v.\' wonvK^ to ni .Tt Willi j\\>plc 111 America \i N or can \K t »99 1 il he iin;i}'/inrt] ihnt i\\v }m;uuII()Iis ofNt).!!), wluti llu V \V( i(> oMigxil to frpaiatc and lj»i(\ul ihrinfclvr;;, '\i\ vnwi'nrwuty to iho «l( li|Mis ot ( i(ul, tucr llir whole earth, ihoviKI liiul it .ihlohiti ly iinpofllhic to peo- ple almod: one hall" ol" i(. I liavr hrrii inoic copious in my rx- tLU'ls iVoni this author than I Intcuilcil, as his kmIoiis appeal' to he lijllil, anil many 1)1 his i>1)1im v.itions jull. h'roni this rtironiiiun, howcvor, I mull excliulc. (he lK>rics he has intnuluceil ol the I lurori .uul I'ioridan women, wlileh I think I m!j;ht V(Mitvue to pu)nounce f'aljvilons. 1 (hall only atM, to j;lvc my readers a more eomprehetilive view ot Monl. Char- levoix's dilUatation, the method he pro- poies to eonu^ at the truth ol' what wc ue in leareji of. The only means l)y which this can he done, he lays, is hy comparinj;- the lan- iru.ipes t)f the Americans with the tliHer- ent nations, iVom whence we mii^ht iup- pele they have pcregiijiaied. It" we com^ p.ue the i'ormer with thole words that aic conlidered as primitives, it p>Mj>ht pof- iihly Ut us uiH)n lome iiappy dilcovcav. And this way ol alcendinj^ to the original ISI4 ' of i :.-:Juaft. Ml i:Sv i: V " I [ 200 j of nations, which is by flir the leafl equi- vocal, is not lo difficult as might be imagined. Wc have had, and fliU iiave, travellers and miilionaries who have at- taine4 the languages that are fpoken iii all the provinces of the new world ; it would only be ncceflary to make a coUe'ftioa of their grainmars and vocabul,aries, and to collate them with the dead and living lan- guages of the old world, that pafs for ori- ginals, and the limilarity might ealily be traced. Even the different dialed;s, in fpite of the alterations they have under-r gone, ilill retain enough of the mother tongue to furniih confiderable lights. Any enquiry into the manners, cuf- toms, religion, or traditions of the Ame- rican s, in order to difcover by that means their origin, he thinks v/ould prove falla- cious. A difquifition of that kind he ob- ferves is only capable of producing a falfe light, move likely to dazzle, and to make lis wander from the right path, than to lead u^ with certaipty to the point pro- pofed. Ancient traditions are efEictd frono the minds, of fuc.h as either have not, or for feveral ages have (ieen without, thofe helps tfiii i ui- be ve, at- iii ; 't :tioa id to lau- u orl- ly be :s, ill inderr lotlicr >• cuf- Ame- falla- Ihe ob- a falie make than to it pi'o- )rp the or tor thole helps [ 201 ] helps tiiat are necefliuy to prefcrvc them. And in this fituatlon is full one half of the world. New events and a new arrange- ment of things, give rife to new tradi- tions, which efface the former, and are themft'lves cllaced in turn. After one or two centuries have pafl'ed, there no longer remain any traces of the firft traditions ; and thus we are involved in a ftato of uncertainty. He concludes with the f<->llowing re- marks, among many others. Untbre-i i'oQW accidents, tempefls, and Ihipwrecks, have certainly contributed to people every habitable part of the world : and ought we to wonder, after this, at perceivings certain refemblances, both of perfons and manners, between nations that are moft remote from each other, when we find fuch a difference between thofe that bor- der on one another ? As we are ueiLitute of hiftorical monuments, there is nothing,^ I repeat it, b\;t a knowledge of the prir mitive languages that is capable of throw- ing any light upon thele clouds of impe-. netrable darkneis. By this enquiry we fliould at leafl be fatisfied if ™ J. V i i ■;-'r *..! m ■) I J [ 202 ] fatijfied, among that prodigious number of various nations inhabiting America, and differing (o much in languages from each other, which are thofe who make ufe of words totally and entirely different from thofe of the old world, and who conlcquently muft be reckoned to have pafled over to America in the earlieft ages, and thofe, who from the analogy of their language with fuch as are at pre- fent ufed in the three other parts of the globe, leave room to judge that their mi- gration has been more recent, and which ought to be attributed to fhipwrccks, or to lome accident limllar to thofe which have been fpoken of in the courfe of this treatlfe. I Ihall only add the opinion of one author more before I give my own fentl- mcnts on the fubjedt, and that is of James Adair, Efq; who refided forty years among the Indians, and publiflied the h ftory of them in the year 1772. In his learned and fyftematical hiftory of thofe nations, inhabiting the weftern parts of the moll: fouthern of the American colo- nies, this gentleman withput hefitatlon pro- m ■1 w % [ 203 1 pronounces that the American Aborigines are deicended from the Ifraclites, either whilll: they were a maritime power, or foon after their general captivity. This defcent lie endeavours to provo from their religious rites, their civil and martial cuftoms, their marriages, their funeral ceremonies, their manners, lan- guage, traditions, and from a variety of other particulars. And fo complete is his convi«5lion on this head, that he fan- cies he finds a perfed: and indifputable fimilitude in each. Through all thefe I have not time to follow him, and (hall therefore only give a few extracts to (how on what foundation he builds his conjec- tures, and what degree of credit he is en- titled to on this point. He begins with oblerving, that though feme have fuppofed the Americans to be defcended from the Chlnefe, yet neither their religion, laws, or cuftoms agree in the leaft with thofe of the Ctiinefe ; which fufficicntly proves that they are not of this line. Eefides, as our beft llilps are now almoll half a year in failiiig forCnina (our author uoes not here recol- Iccl that this is from a high northern la- titude, ■ .h^-nnr-^^am- ^i;:^' ' ' -awwy;.-^. ,■ -- t .*J:t •i " I. < ■!;■;, I 1 W i I; [ 204 ] titude, acrofs the Line, Siid tlicji back again greatly to the northward of it, and not dirciftly athwart the Pacific Ocean for only one hundred and eleven degrees) or from thence to Europe, it is very un- likely they fliould attempt fuch dangerous difcoveries, with their fuppofed fmall vef- fels, againft rapid currents, and in dark and fickly IVIonioons. He further remarks, that th' is more particularly improbable, as the.e is reafon to believe that this nation was unacquaint- ed with the ufe of the loadftone to dirercccpt, the Hebrew nation were ordered to worlhip, at Jcruralem, Je- hovah the true and living Godj It) do tlic Indians, ftiliiig him Yohewah. The anci- ent Heathens, he adds, it is well known worihipped a plurality ot (Jods, but the Indians pay their religious devoirs to th^* (ireat bencticent liipreme holy Spirit of Fire, who reiidcs, as they think, above the clouds, and on earth alio with un- polluted people. They pay no adoration to images, or to dead perlbns, neither to the ccleftial luminaries, to evil Ipi- rits, nor to any created beings what- ever, Thirdly, bccaufe, agreeable to the theocracy or divine government of Ifracl, the Indians think the deity to be the immediate head of their ftate. Fourthly, bccaufe, as the Jews believe in the minillration of angels, the Indians alio believe that the !iigher regions arc inhabited by good fpirits. Fifthlv, into s the L pcr- nation n, J<^ • lo the 3 aiici- known jut the to thf' ph'it ot- , above ith uii- loiatiou neithei" vil Ipi- what- to the Ifmd, be the believe Indians ions are JFitthly, [ 207 ] l^ifthly, hecaurc the Iiullaii language ami diakrts appear to have the very idiom ;inil i;enins' ot" the Ilehicvv. Their words and ientences being cxpreflive, coiicii'e, eniphatieal, lonorous, and boltl; and otten, both in letters, anil iignifi- cation, arc fy nonimous with the Hebrew language. Sixthly, becaufe they count their time after the manner of the Hebrews. Seventhly, bcdauie in conformity to, or after the manner of the Jews, tiiey have their prophets, high-priefts, and other religious orders. Kigiithly, becaufe their feftivals, fafts, and religious rites have a great refem- blance to thofe of the Hebrews. Ninthly, becaufe the Indians, before they go to war, have many preparatory ceremonies of purification and fiifling, like what is recorded of the Ifraelites. Tenthly, becaufe the Hune taflc for ornaments, and the fame kind arc made ufe of by the Indians, as by the He- brews. Thefe luid many other arguments of a fimilar nature , Mr. Adair brings in fupport of his fiwourite fy flcm ; but I iliould I 'i> Y' m .ii " m [ 208 ] fhould imagine, that if the IjKlinns nre really derived from the Hebrews, among thiir religious ceremonies, 011 which hu chiefly fccn^.s to build his hy|)othcfis, the pil.'icipal, that of ( ircumcilion, would never have been laid alide, and its .very remembrance obliterated. Thus numerous and divcrfe arc the opi- nions of thofe who have hitherto written on this fuhje^ll ! 1 ihail not, however, either emieavour to reconcile them, or to point out the errors of each, but pro- ceed to give my own fen*"imcnts on the origin of the Americans; which are founded on conciufions dr1 Alia And Anv - rieii, vi/,. Jnpon, \\\o or Jeillo, Cin- nia's l.anil, Khrm}\'> Hie, with many other,; (liieoxcrvil hy 'Iteiinikow, antl U:- I'ules tlulr, tVoro lilly tloiviccs north the r<^ ,iiMH\\rnii; '1^1 to l>e a elulU i- ot Itlaiuls th.il. reach as t.ir as Siheria, it is prohahlc troin their j>ro\nnity to Anurica, tli.it it v.- ceivcd its liril inhahitants tioni them. 'I ills cvJMehition is the moll ralion.il 1 am ahl»' to ihaw, luppc^liiig that liii;>' the Ahoiij'ines not lootiujv on this Cvu iii- I'ucltl e.n cti.ii nent, no extvaorJinary ot in the polition or imlacc ot it has t;ik. u 1 il \ct^ liom uumOation:;, e.n-th»piake.s, e any tc\olulions otthi* eartl* that we aiv;',! pKtenl iuuu\juainteJ with. l o me \\ appears hi}'hl nniMOP, ilMl lun tluit it ihoulvl have been peopled li ditlercnt qu.uters, acrots the Oceati, ns others have aiierted. Krom the i'\/v oi the lliips made nl'e ot' in tJiole early anvl tlic want ol the compals, it caniu luppolcd that any maiitiuic nation \\oulJ It, IS lUll ( l)y cliuicc vnifiirc 211 ] () ovr real) ni icarcl liad this i ' '^<'vigl,r,(lvvit/,naH '•?»( i!l ' Were (hivcf) I 'o^;- the /\(|, I 'all', »j^. ly (I ' |'(()|'hrl lOllff af) I'V "Jguagc of the «'vc retained / "■'^"•, the/,. /;,„ oiiK^ fr.ic ^ () 'y ""g'-atcd; iuid tl ^011/ 1 try f.-,.^ ft! )C "n \vh <'nrn "^^ ''"t^. the difl 1 Hcn made di out. h al/ "')pcaris inii/l / Jrive "•••'7 that fcvcTal of ,( "J'giations, as '' 'ip|'(-.ns ( xt ic(c tak(n place. U|)on t|,(.' crciit accid oDir, P'"t-S /how Id i i"()VV(d hy f r.ior- cntal and lavc tical wliol "quiiics, and tl t% after tl 'c niofl CI JcratJon, I ani of ^<^^y^d its Cnil i„|,,,^| opinion, that A '^ "latnrcr^ dch ca IK by w tants iVoni tl ^y of the great /\,cl njenca re- if JJorth- JHcntioned 'ifi,l *.. I . ^'» and Ironi tl t'"^ might 1 t''"fs, and 1 ipeh 5'(» ic/c al one '^^^'^ '>''^n eliccled at clil) P>iit faiy, Chi Jnhah fotii van na, Japoi '^i'>s parts: In ^■rent nn'V 'f.ints of thelc p] '' ^''' '^a,nfchatka, i] ;ir- ic «'^'itr ni col '^'<-^s reletnbli wh o. be J 01 "H'-, features, and /I "g each c i '>mc of liicin lapc; and l^ifed a ac( ^'Jovvicdi il fj [ 212 ] knowledge of the arts and fciences, might have hkcwile rcfembled each other in their manners, cudoms, religion, and language. The only clifTcrence between the Chi- ncfe nation and the I'artars lies in the c\iltiv;itcd ftatc of the one, and the un- jiolillud lituation of the others. The foinu r have h.eome a commercial people, and dwell in houics formed into regular towns and cities ; the latter live chiefly in tents, .,'ul rove about in different hords, wi'icnit any fixed abode. Nor can the long and bloody wars thefe two nations liave been engaged in, extermi- nate their hereditary fniiilitude. The pvefcnt family of the Chinefe emperors is of Tartarian cxtra<^ion ; and if they were not fenfiblc of fome claim bcfides thai of conquefr, i'o numerous a people would fcarcely lit quiet under the dominion of Grangers, It is very evident that foaic of the manners and cuftoHiS of the American Indians reiemble thofe of the Tartars ; and I make no doubt but that in fome future a:ra, and this not a very diftant one, it will be reduced to a certainty, that during louK' g ■. „ .^t U,i [ ^^3 ] fomc of the wars between the Tartars ami tlie Chliiclc, a part of the inhahitants of the northern provuiccs were (h^ivcn from their native coiinlrv, and took re- fiige in feme of the Iflus before-mentioned, and from thenee found their way into Ameriea. At dKleivnt periods caeh na- tion might prove viclorious, and the conquered by turns fly before their con- querors; and from hence might arife the limilitude of the Indians to all tliefe peo- ple, and that animofity whicli exilic be- tween lo many of their tribes. It appears jdainly to me that a great fimilarity between the Indian and Chi- nefe is confpicuous in that particular cuftom of Ihaving or plucking off the hair, and leaving only a fmall tuft on the crown of the head. Tliis mode is faid to have been enjoined by the Tartarian emperors on their acceflion to the throne of China, and confequently is a further proof that this cuftom was in ufe 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 re- O rembluucc, HI 1 fl ^H w ' Si mbi HI' 9 HHS;; fl|' H^^H'IIK ^IB 1 ^■^^Hi'UIE.' ». Il, ' 1 ^^' [ ^H ] icmhlinirc t(^ cnh nthcr, not only in fhrir iounci, Init flkir liyiilltc;Uioi). 'VUv C'hl- Yiripcnli ailavc, ili\)njn>; ,huI fl\e N.mclow- v(\\v Iiuli.ins, wluill^ l.inpuiipv from tlirir litilc liitcrcoiirir with the ICuropcans isfhe UM\ coiruj^tcil, term a ilog, llummiih. The former dciionuiuilc one ipcciis otthclf tea, Ihoiiloiip-; the latter eall their ro- bncco, (lioulaiiau. Maity other of the words iiled by the Iiuliaiis contain the. Ivllables el'.e, chaw, aiul cliu, attcr the dialeCl: ot" the Chinele. There j^rohahlv might be" found a (i- milar coniicv^ion between the lanj^uage oi the Tartars and the AmcMieaii Aborigines, were wo as well aetjiiainted witii it as wc arc, from a commercial iiitercourfe, with tliat of the Chlnei'e. 1 am confirmed in theie conjcx^ures, by the accounts of Kamichatka jnibli(hed a i'cw years ago by order of the em[ircls o\ ]\\\i\h. The author of wlncli iiiys, that the fea which divides tliat |KMii!ilula from America is full of illands ; and that the dlllance between Tfchiikot(koi-No(s, a piomentory which lies at the eallcrn ex- tremity of that country, and the coafi: ot America, is not more than two dcprets and I I;: \^ [ ^ ' 5 ] ;iik1 a linir(;f ;i great circle. lie fiirlhcr fays, that there Is tlie givatt (I realm i to fupj'ofc that Ada aiul Aiunica once joined at this place, as the coaOs of hoth conti- nents ajipcar to have heen hroken Into capes and hays, which anfwercach other; more cipeclally as the Inhabitants of this part of both rclcmble each other in their perlons, habits, cuftonis, and food. I'helr language, intleed, lie oblerves, does not appear to he the lame, but then the inha- bitants of each dlllrlrt in Kanifchatka jpeak a hmguagc as dlllerent from each otlier, as from that fj)oken on the opj)o- fitc coail. Thelc ohlervatlons, to which he adds, the llnfdarlty of the boats of the hihabltants of each coaft, and a remark that the natives of this part of America are wholly llrangers 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 fittlc lefs than a dcmonftration that Ame- rica was peopled from this part of Alia. The limits of my prefent undertaking will not permit me to dwell any longer on this fubje»5l, or to enumerate any otlier proofs iu favour of my hypothefis. I am O 4 how- s'I I •; l:.Kv-* l. 'i Ij |; ' i| II •Sli . 'a m t'l^. [ 2.6 ] however fo thoroughly convinced of the certainty of it, nnd fo defirous have I been to obtain every teflimony which can be procured in its fnpport, that 1 once made an offer to a private fociety of gen- tlemen, ^vho were curious in fuch re- i'earches, and to whom 1 had communi- cated my ientlnicnts on this point, that I would undertake a journey, on receiv- ing fuch fupplies as were needful, through the north-eall; parts of Europe and Alia to the interior parts of America, and from thence to England ; making, as I pro- ceeded, fuch obiervations both on the languages and manners of the people with whom I Ihould be converfant, as might tend to illuflrate the dotflrine I have here laid down, and to fatisfy the curiofity of the learned or inquifitive ; but as this propofal was judged rather to require a na- tional than a private fupport, it was not carried into execution. I am happy to find, fince I formed tlie foregoing conclufions, that they corre- fpond with the fentiments of that great and learned hiftorian Dodor Robinfon ; and though, with him, I acknowledge that the inveftigation, from its nature, is io J 1 I of the have I hich can : 1 once of gen- fuch re- immiiiu- nt, that I receiv- th rough 1 Afia to id from > I pro- on the pie with 3 might ave here lofity of as this re a na- ivas not mcd tlie '' corre- lat great •binfon ; owledge ture, is la f ^'7 ] fo obfcure and intricate that ^h. • tures I have made cm on k '^^'^J^^" nsconjeaures andnr- 1/ '^^^^^^^rcd degree of probabilitjth 1^7 ' ^'"'''' »vith it, and to nfForH ^ ^'S'^' firm fupport. .r^t;"'- =°"^J"fions "continent; and ,/ . " '^'"^'■'=='" " obfervations "'^''''""^"'S to their " <=oaft of Caiiforn a 4 "°«h-weft ''Wintercourr^hTS''^ '"'f^'^^^ '' who feemed tf tJ^em t f 't^'''"^' " North Amer ° n r^,;" ^'^^^'"'^'^ '^e *' of V ."IT Of irfi. [ 2.8 ] *' of North America, and a ufage of ar- '* bkrary iiiftitution peculiar to them.'* One of this incomparable writer's own argumentb in fupport of his hypo- thcfis is aho urged with great judg- ment, and appears to be nearly conclu- five. He fays, •' Wc may lay it down as a certain principle in this enquiry, that America was not peopled by any nation of the ancient continent, which had made confiderable progrefs in civillication. The inhabitants of the New World were in a ftate of fociety fo extremely rude, as to be unac- quainted with thofe arts which arc the firfl: eflays of human ingenuity in its advance towards improvement. *' Even the moft cultivated nations of " America were Grangers to many of " thofe fimple inventions, which were almoft coeval with fociety in other parts of the world, and were known in the earlieft periods of civil life. " From this it is manifeft that the tribes " which originally migrated to America, *' came off from nations which muft " have been no lefs barbarous than their " poftcrity, at the time when they were (6 «t (C a (( (( t( (6 (( kt ti (( <( A._^ (( (( u (( t 219 ] ** firft dlfcovcred by the Europeans. If " ever the ufe of iron had been known ** to the favages of America, or to their progenitors, if ever they had employed a plough, a loom, or a forge, the uti- ** lity of thefc inventions would have preferved them, and it is impoffible that they fhould have been abandoned ** or forgotten." CHAP. II. Of their Persons, Dress, ^c. FROM the firft fettlement of the French in Canada, to the conqueft of it by the Englifh in i 760, feveral of that nation, who had travelled into the in- ner parts of North America, either to trade with the Indians, or to endeavour to make converts of them, have publiftied accounts of their cufloms, manners, &c. The principal of thefe are Father Louis Hennipin, Monf. Charlevoix, and the Baron Le Hontan. The firft, many years ngo, publilhed fome very judicious re- marks, •Kr ffl If I i ■-»» f » »n 1 »n:uV;, uhiih h' \v.*.s (hi bi n» i ( n,»M< <1 !o »lo 1>\ ll\> .niill.imr hf ««M\\t»l (loiu \\ u- «u.ip Monl. W l,\ Jv»ll« . uhnu.r, nil illin,it« lifh to t]>t iM^li.iir. \\\\\ ]\\ loiuc MlptvM; ]\c i\\\ \i\\ fhoit o1 lli,\( Know I. »1^N' wl\ul\ \i w.^s H\ Iw- poW(i tv> h.ut .\n,UM((l iion\ ,! ii his 1, o»u; v« tu'n lu* ;\inonj tl uMn, N, >i u,\s hr iiUviU s ^.\s \\A^ W\'\\ ,\\\vm\\ ohttivid) n v\;\y\ in ms * .\ iwuW |C( Un lu 1 K\s ^ivrn VIS. 'Vhc avwnints |>\il>hth« »! In tl\-' oth.i two. l\UtK"Vl].11 Iv \\\oW 0\ V.Ml,nK\OJ\, ;Uv 1 x<\x ciroiuxnisin tnr jV'tY^r.ij til >hu .il M\ \v\ n\.\n> v>i tin- tloius toKI In tlu' H.\ioii air nu vv \1. lut U)\\ oni< ^^ tllv 1 « lUliS. \\ ho I Ulv lv>t« fii^Vfllcvl r.itv"* tlu'.v j\uts. h.n\^ ;0lo Wiil r» n \\i th\s uiIm^v'^ : hut ;^:- (v\v, il .un ot t i^Mi woiks h.w I H\ n tian ihi l\nohtl\ i.,;uiu.iov. ih r vy\wv \hu\\ iht i\ ,;v irrs mv not hvMUMittwi hv tlui u \\ V o; .1 hA.\ t 1, tus Iv. n donr. taov xvo I r 7.;, I ] tlxin, a'Mlu V li.ivr ( )n< llv ( ••nItiiMl lilt II nlilt I v.Uhmv (O ill \r It Jij'liMi > |M IIH l|»l'' I ol llii- l.iv;»p,('s, aihl tin; ll('|», 'akiii loi lIu ir * onvcilioii. Sim<~ ll\< ( tMujiii (] 1)1 ('ill. id, I, lonir ol «Mii o\VM n»\mli villi n, wlio Imvi- livnl .invoii)', tilt- Iiidi.iM'., ;iiitl It Minttl lln ir l.iii- jV'VV ♦ Ikivi" puMillu'il lilt ii ol»U rv;iti(t;»s ; ]\()\vt vtM MS tlwir liavi Is li.iv. nt)( rxl» lulcd t(> niiv ol ihr iiittiioi p.nt . I lii.il ol, luif linv( only l>< < M in.ul'' .nnonj; ilic ii.ilioiis \\\M 1)01*1(1 oM om li III in« 111 -, a Iviiow- l« (!}'<: ol ihc prmiiiM" .mil iiiu t)nlainiiial< «l tiilloins ami manners ol llit liuliaiis i onM !U)t liavv" IvcM .iei|uirril h\ I Ik in. Tlu' Unillirm trll)i aiu I iholt- ill, If have h(M a conllaiil itiliMVourlr willi I In I' K-iK'n or I'.iiplifl >t li };lni\, cannot havo pn*- lorvcil llun ni.uiiuii; or lluir cnlloins id til ill. tlu ii tMmit\al iMiiltv. T u y Ct)U Id liol avou Lll I arquiiinj; llic vicrs with llir laii- M\c o\ {\\iA'c they tMiivcilal with; and the iVcHjiunt iiito\irati(Mis iUcy cxpni- rnccd tim>uj:^h thi handiil juices intto- ducdl ainon}'^ thcni hv the I'UirojKMiu), have ct)nipktcd a total altciation in thrir chaiadcis. Ill fi: Wi '' i 1 1! iy: i [ ^i^ ] 111 l\nh as thclc", a CDiiliilid mnllcy of |Miiu*i|'l< s oi vilajM s arc only to be dU- ItMVi *1 ; their real ;nul iinpolliili J iiillonis iouM Ik Ik'h auuMij; tlmK nations aKjiu- tliat li:v> li> I'l Init litlli innunimicititJULi with th* jMi)\ini'cs. 'Iluli' I l«nnul in thi' ntMth Will jvnis, aiul tluixMorc llittui iiiyti h th.\t I am ahK to ^\\\i a nior*- jull aaiuint ol the ciilU)ins ami manners ol the Imlians, in thiir ancici\t, pinity, thiin ;'. 'y thiit has In en hitherto piilihlh^ il. I havv^ mavlt ohlervations o\\ thirty n.itiot»s, anvl t!^nij;h moll ot' th^ k- have dilli iwl m theii i.\n}\uaj;es, there h;is apjuaivtl a jvii .il linnlaiity in thi ir manners, anil I'loin thtle have I emleavouieil to extiad the I'oUowing rcmaiks. A% I ill) not piojHile to give a legulai anil eoniuiKil lylK ni ot liuiian concerns, but only to relate luch jiaiticulars ot"the.ii manaeis, culloms, &c. as 1 thourbt moil worth) ot' notice, and which inter- I'erc as little as pollihlc with the accounts given by other writers, 1 muil beu, n\y readers to exculc their not being arranged lyrtcmaticalK', or treated of in a more c\)|Hous manner. The f^ Li-'^ A'-M "^^ * [ ^^3 1 Tlio Indian ?).)ti«ttw, tit) iiol .»pp( ,\r to ine* ro iliHiM lt» wiilrly in tin ir in.ikc, ("olour* or coiiOitiitioii iHtin ( )U linti K r, as r( |>n:- 1( nt< tl l)y l«niu' wiitii's. 'I'Ik v arc in p,r- lural llij'Jif !u.u1( , i.itlu r r.ill aii«i llraif, and you U Idom Ik ,my .iinonj', tlicin d<- i()in\('t! i: (li u\\ (km is ot ,1 rc( Idill 1 or ( oppci t(»l<»ur; their cyi s art" laij^c and Mack, and tlicii hiii ol" the t.iini' Imr, Urt very rarely is it curled ; thry liavc ^unn\ tcctli am 1 tl icn- l)rcatl > IS a'i Iwcct a tl ic air llu V di.»\v in ; tlicir clicck-lnxus rather rnilcil, hur more \o in the women lan the men the 1 ormer arc not (]uiti it) tall as the lOuropean women, however you frequently meet with j^ootl laces anil agreeable pcrlons amonj.^, them, altht>ujwli they are more Inelinctl to he fat than th'j other lex. 1 Ihall H)t enter into a particular e?i- quiry whether tiie hulians are indehtetl to natun art, or the te mperature t) f tl le climate lor the ct)lt)ur of their Ikin, noi Ihall I i]ut)te anv t)t" the contratTK^lory ac- count., I have leatlon this fuhj; 61 ; I (liail oidy fay, that it appears tt) me to he the tindure they received oii[i;Inally Irom the hands of their Creator ; hut at what r •riud 'w: ■ m i;p 'U .]\^h i. .;.f ) ., r 224 ] period the variation which is at prefent v'ifible 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 American were given them, which was the original colour of the firfl inha- bitants of the earth, or which might be efteemed the moft perf^d, I will not pretend to determine. Many writers have aflerted, that the Indians, even at the matureft period of their exigence, are only furnifhed with hair on their heads ; and that notwith- flanding tb.e profufion with which that part is covered, thofe parts which among the inhabitants of other climates are ufu- ally the feat of this excrefcence, remain entirely free from it. Even Do6lor Ro- binfon, through their mifreprefentations, has contributed to propagate the error ; and luippofnig the remark juftly founded, has drawn fevcral conclufions from it re- lative to the habit and temperature of their bodies, which are confequently invalid But from minute enquiries and a curious inlpedlion, I am able to declare (however refpe(Stable I may hold the authority of thefc jn I... [ *^5 J thefe hiftorlans in other points) that theit- aflertions are erroneous, and proceeding from the want of a thorough knowledge of the ciiftoms 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 unbecoming, and take great pains to get rid of it, nor is there any ever to be per- ceived on their fices, except when they grow old, and become inattentive to their appearance. Every crinous efflorefcence on the other parts of the body is held un- feemly by them, and both fexes employ much time in their extirpation. The Nawdowefiies, and the remote na- tions, pluck them out with bent pieces of hard wood, formed into a kind of nippers; vvhiiit thofe who have communication with Europeans procure from them wire, which they twift into a fcrew or worm ; applying this to the part, they prefs the rings together, and with a fudden twitch draw out all the hairs that are inclofed between them. The men of every nation differ in their drcfs very little from each other, except P thofe 4 ■A '\ t ( ' \ , m h .11,, I K 4' i 1 ■' 1 1 f( [ 226 ] tho(c \vb(i tvM\c with tlic ICurnpraiis ; thric exditiii^u' tluir tins lor l)l;\iik«ls, (hilts, uml otIuT npparcl, which tluy w\;u ns nuu'h tor nniniucnt ;>s ricccl- litv. Th'- latter fallvti hy a ginllc avoiiml thrir waitls about lialt a yaul ol hroailrlolh, whi<.h covers I lie inijcllc parts ol tl U'll Innl 1CS. rholr who wear (hiit.^ n>\(M u».\l\( I hem \M\ either at the wrill «>i eoll.u; this woiiKI he a moll iiilul}eral)K, i-oiiliiK m< Ml tt> ih.rm. They throw th.cir i)l.uik(t loole iipoti then' Ihoultiers, niul hoMiiu; tl\e upper Tule ol it i»y the two ilMlU 1 \\ 1th .1 kmlr m one haiul, aiui a l«>haeeo-j)(>ueh, pipe. &e. m theother, thus .ueoiilievl thi V u.\lkahi)Ut in their vil- lages Ol camps : Init ii) tluir v^laiiccs they t.lvK tl om \\\ .u ilu:> voveniip 'riu^U e ame>np tlu men who wi (li t O .11^- jH ai p,,\V(rthan the nil, phiek irom tluii heails .ill the hair except from a \\x)\ on the lor ol it about the li/c ot a crown- pivcr, where it is permitted to grow to i coulivlvMable length. : on this are iiilhiKHl plumes ot- fcatlu rs ot" various colours witii lilver or ivorv ipiills. The iiuiiiiier oleiit- Ime, and ornamenting this pait ol tlu licad diilinguilhes diiierent: nations Irora .»c h otl ur [ 227 J They jvaliit tluir fnccs if (I niul Mnck, whicli tliry cftccin as j^rc.illy oriiameDtnl. 'VUvy alio j)aiiif tlicnilclvcs when fluy |M) to war ; hut the iinthod they make ufc oF (HI this (Kcalioii (lillcis from that whcicin they ii{c it merely as a (lecoralioii. The youiij; liuliaiis, who arc (lefnous of excelling tlulr companions in finery. Hit the outward rim ol l)otli tlicir cars; at the fame time tluy take care not to fepa- rate them entirely, hut leave the fleHi thus cut dill untoueheil nt hoth extremi- ties: arouiul this Tpongy ruliHanee, from the upper to the lower part, they twiil hrals wire, till the weight draws th( am- putated rim into a how ol five or fix inehe.s diameter, and drags it almoil down to the IhouKier. 'I'his dec(jrati()n is elleemeil tt) he cxccffively gay and hecomiiig. It is alio a common cuftom among rheni to bore tlu ir noles, and wear in them pendants of dilVeictit lortj. I oblerved tliat i(ja (hells were much worn hv thole ot the interior parts, and reckoned very ornamental; but how they ])rocu red theiu I could not h.arn : juobably by tluir traf- iick with other nations nearer the lea. ' i ;l j ' ■ ' ff t- -i P :: Th<'.r M t*l V *>" [ 2i8 ] They go without any covering for the thigh, except that before fpoken of, round the middle, which reaches down half Way the thighs ; but they make for their legs a fort of flocking either of (kins or cloth : thcfe are fewed as near to the fhape of the leg as poffible, fo as to ad- mit of being drawn on and off. The edges of the ftuff of which they are compofed are left annexed to the feam, and hang loofe for about the breadth of a hand : and this part, which is placed on the outfide of tlie leg, is generally ornamented by thofe who have any communication with Europeans, ifof cloth, with ribands or lace, if of leatlier, with embroidery and porcu- pine quills curioufly coloured. Strangers who hunt among the Indians in the parts where there is a great deal of fnow, find thefe {lockings much more convenient than any others. Their iTioes are made of the Ikin of the deer, elk, or buffalo : thele, after being fometimes drefl'ed according to the Euro- pean manner, at others with the hair remaining on them, are cut into Ihoes, and fafhioned fo as to be eafy to the feet, and convenient for walking. The edges round 10 of abi vei eit kir Tl: we ufe hai aft( of hoc are rea( rhe ma( mei mo( luw to " the lion I \vh( lipp [ -^9 ] round the ankle are decorated with olcccs of brafs or tin fixed around leather ft ings, about an inch long, which being };laccd very thick make a cheerful 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 tlie fame as that ufed by the men ; the flaps of which hang over the petticoat. Such as drefs after their 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 walft to the knee. On their legs they wear ftockings and ilioes, made and ornamented as thofe of the men. They differ from each other in the mode of dre/Ting their heads, each fol- lowing the cuflom of the nation or band to which they belong,, and adhering to the lurm made ule of by their anceitorjs liom time immemorial. I remarked that moft of the females, who dwell on the eail fide of the Miifii- fippi, decorate their heads by inclofing F 2 their .If s ■ c - ii V f >t>': ' "' f. .11 . md [ -3^ ] tlieir hnir either \n ribands, or in pLites of lilvcr : the latter is only made ule of by the hif^hcr ranks, as it is a coftly ornament. The filver they ufe on this ojta'ion 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 is of a confiderable width ; the next narrower, and made Co as to paf^ a little way under the other; and in this manner they faftcn into each other, and, gradually tapering, dcfcend to the waift, as roprefented in plate N" 11. The hair of the Indian women being in general very long, this proves an txpcnfive method. But tlie women that live to the weft of the Miiilfiippi, viz. the Naudowelfies, the yNfilnipoils, &c. divide their hair in the middle of the head, and form it into two rolls, one againft each car. Tliefe rolls are about three inches long, and as large as their wrifls. They hang in a perpen- dicular attitude at the front of each ear, and dcfcend as far as the lower part of it. A more explicit idea may be formed of this mode by referring to Plate III. - The w^omen of every nation generally plf^ce a fpot of paii;t, about the fizc of a crowu M 5i\ '4i/ :^^ \\\ ^^^^^^^^t^~~4 -z^ M> '^ UH a i F S jB|jj||pW^|||^^^^^ .'■ill |;i 1. '1'' ■ . Mi!i iJ - ■i^ lii ft ^^QM "t-. "^^.^ nPfviWHiESHM i 1 ^rn i^ ^ ••>>••■-■■ 'f.-iiiM ^.-illiv^'^^^^;-; ..a.-^'" -■"ijJ^'''^" 2j, -''*'• 'i ■:.. in li 'JS ii il i i i • [ 231 ] crowu piece, agaiiill: each ear ; rome of them put paint on their hair, and i'uiiie- times a fmall fpot in the middle of the forehead. The Indians, in general, pay a grcatv:r attention to their drcfs and to the orna- ments with which they decorate their per- Ibns, than to the accommodations of their huts or tents. They conftrudt the latter in the following hmple, and expeditious manner. Being provided with poles of a proper length, they faften two of them aeroU, near their ends, with bands made of bark. Having done this, they raife them up, and extend the bottom of each as wide as they purpofe to make the area of the tent ; they then ere£t others of an equal height, and fix them fo as to lupport the two principal ones. On the whole they lay Ikins of the elk or deer, fewed toge- ther, ill quantity fufficient to cover the poles, and by lapping over to form the door. A great number of Ikins are fometimes required for this purpole, as feme of their tents are very capacious. That of the chief- warrior of the Naudow- P 4 ciiies II PJ: i L V \ I , il I' J ! I :l A:: II [ 232 ] elfics was at kaft forty feet in circumfe- rence, and very commodious. They obfcrvc no regularity in fixing their tents when tliey encamp, hut place them juft as it iiiits their conveniency. The huts nhh, wliieli thole who life not tents, cr61 when they travel, for very few tribes have fixed abodi^s or regu- lar towns or villages, are equally fimple and almoft as foon condrufted. They fix fmall pliable poles in the ground, and bending them till they meet at the top and form a femi -circle, then lafli tliem together. Thefe they cover with mats made of rufhes platted, or with birch bark, which they carry with them \n their canoes for this purpofc. Thefe cabins have neither chimniefe nor windows ; there is only a fmall aperture left 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 violently, the fmoke then proves exceedingly troublefbme. They lie on Ikins, generally thofe of the bear, which are placed in rows on the ground ; and if the floor is not large enough to contain beds fufficient for the accomn [ 233 J nccommodiition of the whole family, a frame is crcdtcd about four or five feet from the ground, in which the younger part of it fleep. As the habitations of the Indians are thus rude, their domeftic utenfils are few in number, and plain in their for- mation. The tools wlierewith they fa(hion them are {o aukward and defec- tive, that it is not only impoHible to form them with any degree of neatnefs or cleganco, but the time required i:i the execution is fo coiiliderable, as to deter them from engaging in the manufadure of fuch as are not abfolutely necefl'ary. The Naudoweliies make the pots in which they boil their viduals of the black clay or ftone mentioned in my Journal ; which refills the effeds of the fire nearly as well as iron. When they roaft, if it is a large joint or a whole ani- mal, fuch as a beaver, they fix it as Eu- ropeans do, on a fpit made of a hard wood, and placing the ends on two forke4 props, now and then turn it. If the piece is fmaller they fpit it as before, and fixing the fpit in an eredl but flanting pofition, with the meat inclining towards ^hs m \k' :\i •M i> hmi U lilif^ m\ .^ [ 234 ] the fire, frequently cliange the fides, tiii every part is fufficlcntly roafted. They make their diflies in which they fcrve up their meat, and their bowls and pans, out of tlie knotty excrefcences of the maple tree, or any other wood. They fafliion their fpoons, with a tolerable de- gree of neatnefs (as thefe require much lefs trouble than larger utenfils) from 1 wood til at is termed in America Spoon Wood, and which greatly refcmbles Box Wood. Every tribe are now poflefled of knives, and fteels to rtrikc fire with. Thefe be* ing fo eflentially needful for the common iifes of life, thole who have not an im- mediate communication witli the Euro- pean traders, purchafj them of fuch of their neighbours as are fituatcd nearer the fettlemcnts, and generally give in ex- change for them flaves. If C H A P [ ^35 ] C H A P. III. Of their Manners, Qualifica- tions, £s?c. WH E N the Indian women fit down, tliey place themfelves in a decent nttltitudc, with their knees dole toge- tlicr ; but fronn being accullomed to this polhirc, they walk badly, and appear to be lame. They have no mid wives amongfl: them, their climate, or ibme peculiar happincfs in their conftitutlons, rendering any af- liftance at that time unncccflkry. On thefe occaiions they are confined but a few hours from then- ul'ual employment's, which are commonly very laborious, as the men, who are remarkably indolent, k\ive 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, thouoh it lies at a very conliderable diftance. The women place their children Toon after they are born on boards Ituffed witl^ [ ^36 J with ibft mofs, ilich as is found in mo- raflcs or meadows. The child is laid on its back in one of thcfe kind of cradles, and being wrapped in Ikins or cloth to keep it warm, is fccurcd in it by fmall bent pieces of timber. To thei'e machines they faftcn firings, by which they hang them to branches of trees; or if they find not trees at hand, faftcn them to a flump or ftone, w hi 1ft they tranfa6l any needful bufinefs. In this pofition are the children kept for fomc months. When they are taken out, the boys are fufitrcd to go naked, and the girls are covered from the neck tu the knees with a fhiit and a Ihort petti- coat. The Indian women are remarkably dertnt during their menftrual illnejs. Thofe nations that are moft remote from the European Icttlcments, as the Nau- dowelhes, &c. are more particularly at- tentive to this point ; though they all without exception adhere in Ibme degree to the fame cuilom. In every eamp or town there is an apartment appropriated for their retirc- Rieiit at tliis time, to wliich both fuiglc and [ 237 ] nnd married retreat, and feclude them- ftlvcs with the iitmoft ftri6lne(s during this period from all fociety. Afterwards they purify themfclvcs in running ftreams, and return to their different employ- ments. The men on tlitfe occafions mofl: care- fully avoid holding ap.y communication with them ; and the Naudoweflies are ih rigid in this ohfervance, that they will not fuffer any belonging to them to fetch fuch things as arc ncccflary, even fird, from thcfe female lunar retreats, thougli the want of them is attended with the grcateft inconvenience. They are alio lo fuperftitious as to think, if a pipe flcni cracks, which among them is made of wood, that the pofleiior h.\s vither lighted it at one of thcfe polluted fivs, or held fume convv'rtc wiih a womai\ during her rctir nunt, which is cAccmod by thoiu moll dlfgraceful and wicked. The IndiaiK-. are extremely circumfpect and deUberate in every word and avSlion ; there is nothing that hurries them into :\\\y Intemperate warmth, but that in- veteracy to their enemies which is rooted 111 cv; rv Indian heart, and never can be tridi- r ? « I r ■J ■ •■' II i%m" «i ft ■' I Ii|= i r 238 ] eradicpted. In all other Inftanccs they arc cool, and remarkably cautious, taking care not to betray on any account what- ever their tniotions. ]f an Indian has difcovered that a friend is in danger of be- ing interccptid and cut otT by one to whom he has rendered hinilelf obnoxious, he does not inform him in plain and ex- plicit terms of the hazard he runs by pur- fuiiig the track near which his enemy lies in wait fur him, but he tirfl: coolly afks iiim which way he is going that day ; and having received his anUver, with the lame indiffereia- tells him that he has been infoiired -iiat a dog lies near the lj)ot, whici: flight probably do him a miic!''^jf. 1 is hint proves fufficient ; and his fr'-' •.«(.» „v(Mds the danger with as much caution as if every deiign and mo- tion of his enemy had been pointed out to him. I'his ap'jchy often ihews itfelf on oc- cafions tliat would call forth all the fer- vour of a fufceptible heart. If an Ijidiaii has been abfent from his flmiily and friends many months, either on a war or hunting piU'ty, when his wife and chil- dren meet him at fome diflancc from his habitation, ;es tUcy , taking [it whiU- clian has Tcr of be- one to bnoxious, I and ex- is by pur- neniy li<^s ooUy aiks day ; i^nd with the rat he has s near the do hhii a fufficicnt ; cr with as I and mo- lu.d out to ifclf on oc- lall the fer- iui Indian tamily and )n a war ov t and chil- c from hi:^ habitation, [ 239 ] habitation, uiftead of the afFedionate fen- fations that would naturally arifc in the brcaft of more refined beings, and be pro- dudive of mutual congratulations, he continues his courfc without paying the leaft attention to thofe who furround him, till he arrives at his home. He there fits down, and with the fame unconcern as if he had not been ab- fent a day, fmokes his pipe ; thoi'e of his acquaintance who have followed him, do the fame ; and perhaps it is fevcrai hours before he relates to them the inci- dents wlilch have befallen him during his abfcnce, though, perhaps he has left a tatlier, brother, or fon on the field, whofe lols he ought to have lamented, or h.\s been unTuccefsful in the undertaking that called him from his home. Has an Indian been enga[''"d for Icvcral (lays in the chace, or on any otlier labo- rious expedition, and by accident con- rimied thus long without jod, when lie arrives at the imt or tt . of a friend where he knows his want may be im- inediately fupplied, he tai^s care not to Ihow the leail lymptoms 1 impatience, or to bctrav the extreme* hunger by which he :i > .. 't In ^^r^'l [ 240 ] he is tortured; but on being invited in, fits contentedly dmvn, and fmokes liii pipe with as much compofure as if every appetite was allayed, and he was per- feflly at eafe ; he does the fame if among ftrangers. This cuftom is ftridly ad- hered to by every tribe, as they efteem it a proof of fortitude, and think the rc- verfe would entitle them to the appella- tion of old women. If you tell an Indian that his chiklren have greatly fignalized themfelves againft an enemy, have taken many fcalps, and brought liome many prifoners, he does not appear to feel any extraordinary plea- fure on the occafion ; his anfwer gene- rally is, " It is well," and he makes very little further enquiry about it. On the contrary, if you inform him that his children are (lain or taken prifoners, he makf's no complaints, he only replies, ** It docs not fignify ;'* and probably, for fomc time at leaft, aiks not how it happened. This Iceming indifference, however, does not proceed from an entire iupprtf- fion of the natural affe6lions ; for not- withftanding tluy are efteemed fav;ig'"', I never ft [ ^4. ] never favv among any other people greater proofs of parental or filial tendcrncfs ; and although they meet their wives after a long abfcnce with the Stoical indilTcrcnce juft mentioned, they arc not in general void of conjugal affe^lion. Another peculiarity is obfcrvable In their manner of paying their vifits. If an Indian goes to vifit a particular perfon in a family, he mentions to whom his vifit is intended, and the rell of il>c family im- mediately retiring to the othc r em! of t!ic hut 04 tent, arc careful nc^t to come near enough to interrupt them during the whole of the converfitiDM. The fame method is purfued if a man goes to [>ay his refpetls to one c ' the other fex ; hut then he muft be careful not to let love he the fubjecl: of his dileourlc whilft the daylight remains. Tile Indlari.s dlfcover an amazing faga- city, and acijuire with the grcateft readi- nefs any thing that depends upon the at- tention of the mind. Hy experience and an acute oblcrvation, they attain many perfeclions to which Europeans are llraii- gers. For inilance, they will crols a forefl" or a plain whieh is two hundred (^ miles i \i i if 2 [ Mt -*> '^ ] nilcs in breadth, and reach with girnt txadiiils the jioiiit at uhlcli they intend to arrive, kecjMng duruig the whole ot ai that ipaee in a direct line, wltliout material tlc\ i.ations ; and this they will do ulth the l;;nio cafe, whether the wea- ther I )c tan" or c loLuh Witli 11 th 1 equal acurciicis will they point to that part ot" tlie heavens the Tun is in, tliough it l:e intercepted \)y clouds or fog^, "lklid(.> thl<, they are able to purfue with incrediljle taeility the traces ot man or head, either on leaves or grafs ; and on thi:, account it \-, with great difficulty a ilv inii e!i.ni\' i.lcaiies dilcovcr pe: i-y. Thev aie indebted tor tliefe talents not only tu nature, but to an t. xtraordinary Coinniand ot the intellectual iacultic^, ;e acquired bv an unrc- WiUcn can oi ilv b 4 iiiittLci atUntiun, and by long expoi- tncc Ih il ley are in general very happy in a retentive incnh^iy ; they can recapitulate every j>articular tliat ha.-> been tre-atal of in council, and reineniber thu exacl rime when thele w^re held. Their bclt^ ot" wampinn preierve the I'ubllance of the treaties they liave concluded with th. iiclfji- *: ? [ 243 ] neighbouring tribes for ngcs back, to which they will iinpcnl, ;iik1 rotor with as much p:rlj)icultv an. I r-iuliucls as Euro]icans can to th ir wiIttcMi rccoi\ls. Every ?iati(^.n pavs mvM rcloect t'> okl age. 'I'he aJ.vice ot .1 tathrr uill ii Icioiu meet with anyi xtraorcliiiarv atteiiuloii troiii the youngliKlIaiis, probably they receive it with" only a bare ailent ; but they will tremble before a graiulfirlKr, and fubmit to hisinjunvfllonG with the utinoit alacrity. The words of the ancient part of their community arc cllcemcd by the young ns oracles. If they take during their liunt- ing parties any game that is reckoned by tiiem uncommonly delicious, it is imme- diately prefented to the oldcil of their re- lations. They never fufier themfclves to be overburdeneil \\Irh ear •, l)i;r live in a Hate of perfect tranqiiilHty and content- ment. ]>elnj'^- natur'aliy indoK nt, it provilion j{\i\ killici nt for tlicir llib- firtence can be procur.tl with little trovi- ble, and near at hand, they will not go far, or take any extraordinary pains for it, though by i'o doing th.^y might acquire (^2 grcit-i" [ M4 ] greater plenty, and of a more cftimabic kind. Having much Icifure time tlicy indulge tills indolence to which they are fo prone, bv eating, drinking, orflceplng, and ram- hllng about in their towns or camps. But wlicn iKCcflity obliges- them to take the held, ciilur to oppofe an enemy, or to procure tlicinfclves foot!, they are alert and Inderatigablc. Many inftances of their adivity on thefe occafions will be given when I treat of their wars. The infatuating fpirit of gaming is not confnud to Europe ; the Indians alio ficl the Ixwltching impulfe, and often lole their amis, their apparel, and every thing tlity are poflelicd of. In this calc, however, they do not follow the exam- ])lc of Hioie refined gamefters, for they neither murmur nor repine ; not a fretful word efcapes them, but they bear the frowns of fortune with a philofopiiic compofure. The greateft blemlfli in their charaflcr is that lavage dilpofition which Impels them to treat their enemies with a fcvc- rity every other nation fhudders at. But if they arc thus barbarous to thofe with whom \ii [ 245 ] whom tlicy arc at war, they arc fricfully. hofpitable, and luuiianc in peace. It may with truth he (aid of them, that they are the worft enemies, and the heft friends, of any people in the whole world. The Indians in general are ftranj^crs to the paifion of jcalouly ; and brand a man with folly that is dilbuftfnl of his wife. Among fonu: hands the very idea is not known ; as the mc'l abandoned of their young men very rarely attempt the virtue of manicd women, nor do thefe often put themfelves in the way of iblicitation. Yet the Indian women in general arc of an amorous temperature, and before they arc married arc not the lefs efteemcd for the indulgence of their paflions. Whilft I was among the Naudoweflics I obferved that they paid uncommtvi re- fpc6l to one of their women, and found on enquiry that (he was intitled to it on account of a tranfa£lion, that in Europe would have rendered her infatiious. They told me that when (he was a young woman, for at the time 1 law her ihe v.as far advanced in life, fhehad}^iven what they termed a rice feall. Accortl- ino to an ancient but almoft obfoletc cuf- 0^3 toin IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.! 1.25 ■-IIM |5 0 ^^ IIM l^'l^ ^ ii^ III 2.0 *- t. nil IMUU II 1.8 1.4 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 // L^ U.J. ^ v^ ! ( [ 2+6 ] tom (which, as Hamlet fay&, would have been more honoured in the breach, than the obrcrvance) ihc invited forty of the principal warriors to her tent, where having feaftcd them with rice and veni- ibn, Ihc bv turns renaled each of them with a private deitMt, behind a fcrene fixed for this purpofc in the inner part of the tent. She had the happinefs to obtain by this profufion of courtely, the favour of iier gucfts, and the approbation of the whole i/and. So fenfible were the young In- dians of her extraordinary merit, that they vied with each other for her hand, and in a very Ihort time one of the prin- cipal chiefs took her to wife, over whom file acquired great fway, and from whom flie received ever after inceflhnt tokens of rcfoecl and love. It is however fcarcely once in an age tliat any of their females are hardy enough t) make this feall, notwilhflanding a hul- band of the firfc rank awaits as a fure re- ward the iticcclsful giver of it ; and the cullom, I f.tice find, is peculiar to the N;\U('owciiks» by dren :iun^ and in e The III [ ^-47 1 The Indians in th.'r coinnini il.itc rd'. flrar.gers to nil difliriclion of property, except in the articles of donivftick iif:, which every one confidcrs as his own, and increafes as circnniftances admit. They are extremely lih ral to each other, and fupply the d -fieiency of t!i:ir friends with any fupcrfluity of rh.ir own. In danjrers tlicv readilv rive allillance to thofe of their band v\]io iland in need of it, without any expc(f!;:ir!0!i of return, except ofthoiejiiil: rewards iliat are al- ways conferred by the Indians on merit. Governed by the plain aiicl equitable hnvs of nature, every one is rcw.irded lolcly according to his deferts ; a: id their eciua- lity of condition, manners, and privileges, with that conftant and fociable familiarity which prevails throughout every Indian na- tion, animates them with a pure and truly patriotic ipirit, that tends to the geiicral good of tlie fociety to whieli tb.ey belong. If any ot their nein'hbours arc b.reavcd by death or by an enemy of tlielr elii!- dren, thofe who are po'llefled of the gre.it. 'd number of flaves, fupply the deficiency; and thefe are adoptul by them and treated in every rcfpecl as if they really were Q 4 ' fh,e 1*^ m !:' [ 248 ] the children of the pcrfon to whom they are prefcnted. The Indians, except thofe who live adjoining to the European colonics, can form to themielves no idea of the value of money ; they confider it when they are made acquainted with the ufes to which it is applied by other nations, as llic iburce of Innumerable evils. To it they attribute all the mifchiefs that are prevalent among Europeans, iiich as treach- ery, phuidering, devallations, and murder. Tlicy efleem it irrational that one man fhould be pofillild of a greater quantity than another, and are amazed that any honour ihould be annexed to the poll'cf- lioii of it. But that the want of this ufelefs metal lliould be the caufe of de- priving perfons of their liberty, and that on account of this partial diifribution of it, great numbers Ihould be immured within the dreary walls of a prilbn, cut ctt from that fociety of which they con- flitute a part, exceeds their belief. Nor do they fail, on hearing this part of the European fyftcm of government related, to charge the inflitutors of it with a total want [ 249 3 want of humanity, and to brand them with the names of favages and brutes. They (hew ahuoft an equal degree of indifference for the produ(Stions of art. When any of thefe are (hewn them, they fay, '* It is pretty, I like to look at it," but are not inquifitive about the conftruc- tion of it, neither can they form proper conceptions of its ufe. But if you tell them of a perfon who is able to run with great agility, that is well (killed in hunt- ing, can dired with unerring aim a gun, or bend with eafe a bow, that can dexte- roufly work a canoe, underftands the art of war, is acquainted with the (ituation 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 rap- tures ; they liften with great attention to the pleafing tale, and beftow the highefl commendations on the hero of it. ifW I, i ™f CHAP, [ 250 ] C il A 1\ IV. 'J heir Method of rechomng Tijvie, cfr. CONSIDERING their ignorance of aftronomy, time is very rational- ly divided by the Indians. Thofe in the interior parts (and of thofe I would gene- rally be iinderftood to fpeak) count their years by winters; or, as they exprefs themfelves, by fnows. Some nations among tliem reckon their years by moons, and make them conllft of twelve fynodical or lunar months, obferving, when thirty moons have waned, to add a fupernumerary one, which they term the lofi: moon; and then begin to count as before. They pay a great regard to the nril appearance of every moon, and on the occafion al- ways repeat Ibme jo}'ful founds, flretch- ing at the lame time their hajids towards it. Every IVIonth has v»'ith them a name exprcffivc of its feaibii ; for inftancc, thi.y call the month of J^>Inrch (in whicli tl cii- year f I [ 25. ] year generally begins at the firft New Moon after the wrnal equinox) the Worm Month or Moon; bccaufe at this time the worms quit their retreats in the bark of the trees, wood, &c. where they have fhelterLcl themfelves during the winter. 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 denominating thefe is ob- vious. Augufl:., the Sturgeon Moon; becaufe in this month they catch great numbers of that fifh. Septembe:;, the Corn Moon; becaufe in that month they gather in their In- dian corn. Oclober, the Travelling Moon ; as they leave at this time their villages, and travel towards the places where they intend to hunt during the win- ter. November, the Beaver Moon ; for in this month the beavers begin to take fhelter in their houfcs, having laid up a fufficient ii ■I ! II ■:. ■■? I 'jS-: \ ,• ! : n i >' [ 252 ] lufficient {lore oi* provifions for the win- ter fcaibn. December, the Ilunthig Moon, be- caui'e they employ tills month in purfuit of their game. January, the Cold Moon, as it ge- nerally freezes harder, and the cold is more intenfe in this than in any other month. February they call the Snow Moon, becaufe more fnow commonly falls dur- ing this month, than any other in the winter. When the moon does not fliine they fny the moon is dead; and fome call the three lafl days of it the naked days. The moon's firft appearance they term its coming to hfe again. They make no divlfion of weeks, but days they count by fleeps ; half days by pointing to the fun at noon ; and quarters by the rifing and the fetting of the fun : to exprefs which in their traditions they make ufe of very fignificant hierogly- phicks. The Indians are totally unfkilled in geography as well as all the other fciences, and yet, as I have before hinted, thcv ^11 [ 253 ] tluy draw on their birch-bark very exa^b charts or maps of the comitrlcs with . which tlit-y arc acquainted. The latitude and longitude is only wanting to make them tolerably comj)lete. Their fole knowledge in aftronomy coii- fifts in being able to point out the pole- flar; by which they regulate their courfe when they travel in the night. They reckon the diflance of places, not by miles or leagues, but by a day's journey, which, according to the befl: calculations 1 could make, appears to be about twenty Englifh miles. Thtfe they alfo divide into halves and quarters, and will demonftrate them in their maps with great exaclnels, by the hicrogly- jihicks juft mentioned, when they regu- late in council their war parties, or their moft diftant huntlnfr cxcurfions. They have no idea of arithmetic; and though they are able to count to any number, figures as well as letters appear myflerious to them, and above their coni- prehenfion. During my abode with the Naudowef- fies, fome of the chiefs oblerving one day a draft of an cclipfe of the moon, in a book I m U' 1 ; r i t f : ft il< [ 254 ] book of aflronomy which I held In my hiiDcl, tiicy dcfircd I would permit them to look at it. Happening to give them the hook iliut, they began to count the leaves till th.y came to the place In which the plate was. AFter they had viewed it, and alked many qucftions re- lative to it, 1 told them they needed not to have taken fo much pain.s to find the leaf on which it was drawn, for I could not only tell in an inflant the place, without counting the leaves, but alio how many preceded it. They teemed greatly amazed at my afler- tlon, and begged that I would demon ftrate to them the poliibility of doing it. To this purpofe I defired the chief that held the book, to open it at any particular place, and juit ihcwing me the page, care- iuUy to conceal the edges of the leaves, lo that 1 might not be able to count them. I'his he did witli the greateft caution; notwithftanding which, by looking at the folio, I told him, to his great furprize, tlie number of leaves. He counted them regularly over, and dilcovered that I was exaiSt. And when, after repeated triah;, the [ 25 5 ] tiie liiJlnns found 1 could do it with great rcLidincfs, and without ever erring ill my calculation, they all Icemed as much allonidied a^, it I had rail'd the dead. The only way tliry coukl account for my knowltxlge, wa^ hy conclud- ing that the hook was a fpirit, and whil- pered me anfwcrs to whatever I demanded of it. This circumftance, triflltig as it might appear to thofe who are lefs illiterate, contrihuted to incrtafe my coiifequj-nce, and to augment the fivourahle opinion they already entertained of me. CHAP. V. Of their Government, ^c. EVERY fcparatc body *■' Indians is divided into hands or tribes ; 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 diftinguilhed from others, fo each tribe has a badge from which ii: io denominated : as that of the Eagle, the ^, r' ! I I ,\4(--^' I il I.' fa 4 the r.iiithrr, t\\v 'V%c\^ the BiiHMo, &i &» One l).iii(l ot" the Naudowi (lie ivpreleiitnl hy .1 Snake, another a Tor- toile, a thiiJ a Scjuirid, a lljuith a W'olt, and a lifth a BuOalo. 'I'hiou^'^Ii- out every nation they partieiilari/.e theni- lel VTS in nieaiic a 1 the 1 erlon inie inannir ani 1 tlir ainonii tl leni wil r< nieniher his Uiual ilelcent, ami iliflin- guiih hiiiilelt hy hi.s relpevlive lamily. Did not many eircumllances tend to contnte the lvij)j)o(iti()ii, J Ihoidd ho al- nioft induced to conclude iVoni this dil'- tiuc'^ioii of trihes, and the particular at- tachment of the Indians to them, that they derive their origin, as fume iiavc alierted, from the Ihaelitcs. Befides this, every nation dillinguidi themfelves hy the manner of conllrikl- ing their tents or huts. And lo well veiled arc all the Indians in this didindion, that though there appears to he no dit- ference on the niccll oi)ieivation niado by an V \uope.ui t tl le y \V1 II minic- diately dil cover, iVom the pohtion ot .1 ^)ole left HI the ground, what nation has cncani[i :J .: nicainpcd on the lj)()t many n.oiiths be- fore. Every Naiul has a ch'uf who is tcrinccl the (ircat Chief or theC'hiif Warrior; and who is cholcM ill coiiflderation ot'liis expe- rience in war and of liis approved valour, to dire»n their miHtary operations, and to regulate all eoncerns l)ci()nj;inj; to that de- partment. But this ehlef is not confidered as the head of the llate ; Ik fides the great warrior who is eledcd for his warlik(' qualilications, tlure is another who en- joys a prc-cniinence as his hereditary right, and has the more innnediate management ot* their civil aflairs. This chief nfight ^vith greater propriety he dviioniinated the Sachem ; whole aili lit is neceHary in all conveyances and treaties, to wiiich he affixes the mark of the trihe or nation. Though thefe tW(j are cotifidered as the heads of the hand, and the hitter is ufually denominated their king, yet the Indians are fenfible of neither civil or military fubordination. As every one of them entertains a high opinion of his confcqucnce, and is extremely tenacious of his liberty, all injunctions tliat carry with them the appearance of a politive R command, ..M -I;- t ^S8 I cominiiml, .no iiidautly rcjodoil with icorn. ih\ tMs accovii'.t, it i;- li 5tlt>in that their IcuUms iuv io indilLicct as to f;ivo out any ot the ii i>iilcrs in a peremptory Ailc ; a bare hint trom a chirt" that he thinks I'mh a tiling nccciliiry to he done, In- ',h\ntlv arouli's an inuilntion among thi? ii\tcrior tanks, ami it is itnnudiatcly exe- cuted witli j;viat alacrity. \^y thij me- thod the dil^ulllu! p.'.vt ot* the cotjtmand js evaded, and an authority that tails httle Ihor: ot ablulutc Iway inilitutcd in Its room. A'i\on^ the Indians no viliblc form ut g^overnment is ellaldilhcd ; they allow ot no luch dillitu'hon as magilhate and lub- )ed, cverv one appealing to enjoy an itulc- pendence that cannot be controlled. The objtd ot" gxncrnmen.t among them is ni- ther foreign than domeftiek, tor theii attention Iceins more to be en\pK)ycd in prelevvlng luch an union among the numbers it their tribe as will enable tl,eni to wateh the motions ot their eiv.inies, and {o AC\ agairiil them with conceit aiul vigour, than to maintain interior order by any public regulations, if ;i ichemc tli.iC appears t M9 ] apprart to be of loivicc to tlic K.inmuniry IS propolcil l)y t\w i\\\vf\ every oi»j is at liluMty to cirife whtllirr [\v will afliO in carry inj> it on ; loi fluy liavc no compiil- iory laws tliat lay (hriii under any rrllric- tions. It" violence I8 i()Mjmitt((l, or blood i"^ dial, ilu; ri^'Jit of revcnginp^ tbele tnif"- tlenicatiourc. are left to the l.nnily oF the injured; the ehiets aHiimc neither the power of inflitSling or iiioiLratiug the p'Uuiihmeiit. Some nations where the dignity i^ he- reditary, limit the luterifion to the fe- male line. On the death of a chief, his filler's foil fometimeki fuceerds him in pre- ference to his own ion ; and if he hap- pens to have no fdlei, the nearel!: female relation allumes the dignity. This accounts torawoman beingatthe head ofthcWiiwic- Inigoc nation, which, bt fore 1 was acquaint- ed with their laws, apj)eared flrange to mc. Each family has a right to appoint one of its chiefs to be an alliftant to the prin- cipal chief, who watches over the in- tcreft of his family, and without whole lonfent nothing of a public nature can be cirricd into execution. Thele arc gcne- v.dly chofen for their ability in Ipcaking; R 2 and ^\ ) ' 'i'" :i r ■\\\A \\u\\ onlv MM prnnlll'.l <•' i»»mI(.> tM,» 1n>n*' tn ih) ii I onhi 111 ;«nil |\i ihi.iI nil in M «•'•;. In ll/i; I^imU . uilh I hi n tn \u iM} »o \\ (I nl I" M' I lUi n IM'M" > < >\u < I n". Ml •• MO, M> l!>. Ir. ll;- Im»iI\ mI WMmOMi. V\ln. n In.li I OIM IMi 1\, n.l ill (1\ W :\\<- » M. I.> I < .11 inu !>,>!, ^ 1 M> M \ MM \\\M'''- M? 1 i Mm<: ilnilinn l«.l ; «n. >( M.>\. I'Mn.' » hi. I ilni \ i^x n< < m : V. r ,!, 1, ,1 Intnl. Il * nn.Mi' 1 i\ »'\, w « .>\n\« 1 \1\, l\M\ «V.Mn}\ <^^' *^^''' ' 1: Vxl 1' \\\ \) n.' li' 1.1 \ . I \ ill. in iM » iM>\( «)n< n« M \ 7 ( I 'I (i , ,u 1> n. il ; \\\>\ n.» « Ml. 1 1\, 1. \l\ \\>.Mn. in vm.l. H ilv« M \'n l\\ A \W I. n>,-, I ; ihr }\mu i il Mpi^i.^lvi \u^n o< v'>< > ln,|.. \\ \\ \ < » MnniMnU \\ 1, n\Mv m .\ \\\\\ .M 1. nl ^^^^M.>^M^.\^.«1 i. ii\.s jMn p«M« .\,\(! Is in<^ 1< ><< «1 ni M V in 1, OM i.u vMvnn>v^ \.>' « 1. ^ IU\ \ \ \\i I in. \\\ ,S1 > MN\A \\ : >\!\. n 1\. '\;\> V on. l\i«'- v' n>«l ilni^ \ I ni :^!'- Ih \ .\\\ ir« ■^. (>. ml lo ill .1 Nrv< ii \\ i on> v.\". \o\\v I,-,, I (Ivil 1,, 1.1 U \ll.\U »^* h> I, \( \K l« \\0\nN U u \.\\^ vl \< in ,\ V \\\ \ 1 \v > Ar> ;\» lu«Ul. Ml M'- ■■^• < hi llli'i (K ( ilintt flu II |;|iijMi:i|»» i ; i ViHI':, ;(llil til' 11 III mil' I n| » k |im III' .1 1 ' t I' I 1 1 1 i|l:l)it III. Till ii Oil'- j.; ;|i|ni ti' 'I ^ ni'fi |t||ni'!, rllltl i'l f ijll;l| in ;i||(|iMli' i In ill ll nl •WW mT lllr ilH' Ml lillind'! ||| ill llirii (' I (itcf iIm 'I (III \ f viMi J! I ll' |||(< I Vf 4 Willi mill ll V.I Pill' III » , lull Ih « MlllMKMl « I'll riMlllr, :l( I ni(|ii;|i In ntit lllllill Ml' 1 1 1' >'l < li l|if ' » ll. 'lllr \ niiii|» nicii iM lull' ii '| In It' (nr- li'lll III lllr ; nitni ll^. l|inii|i|| ill' y :l|i li'it ll I'lWi iI In ni!ll& Feasts. MANY of the Indian nations nei^ ther make ufe of bread, fait, or Ipices ; and fome of them have ntver feen or tafted of either. The Naudoweflies in particular have no bread, nor any fubftl-r tute for it. They eat the wild rice which grows in great quantities in different parts of their territories; bu*" they boil it and eat it alone. They alfo eat the fleih of the beafts they kill, without having re» courfe to any farinaceous fubftance to ab- forb the grofler particles of it. And even when they confume the fugar which they have extracted from the maple tree, they ufe it not to render fome other food pa-^ iatable, but generally eat it by itfelf. Neither have they any idea of the ufe of milk, although they might colled: great quantities from the buffalo or the elk; they only confider it as proper for the liutriment of the young of thefe beafls, (Juring their tei^der ftate, I could not perceive [ ^«3 ] perceive that any inconvenlency attended the total difufe of articles efteemed Co ne- ceflary and nutritious by other nations, on the contrary, they are in general healthy and vigorous. One difh however, which anfwers nearly the fame purpofe as bread, is in u(e among the Ottagaumies, the Saukies, and the more eaftern nations, where In- dian corn grows, which is not only much efteemed by them, but it is reckoned ex- tremely palatable by all the Europeans who enter their dominions. This is compofed of their unripe corn as before defcribed, and beans in the fame ftate, boiled together with bears fle(h, the fat of which moiftens the pulfe, and ren- ders it beyond comparifon dehcious. They call this food Succatofli. The Indians are far from being cani^ bals as they are faid to be. All their viduals are either roafted or boiled ; and this in the extreme. Their drink is generally the broth in which it hi^s been boiled. Their fpod confifts of the flefh of the bear, the buffalo, the elk, the deer, the beaver, and the racoon ; which they pre- R 4 pare n 1 y.ii- I tr.r. mi [ ^64 ] pare In the manner juft mentioned. They ufually eat the flefh of the deer which is naturally dry, with that of the hear which is fat and juicy ; and though the latter is extremely rich and lufclous, it is never known to cloy. In tlie Ipring of the year, the Nau- dowcflies eat the infidc bark of a fhrub, that they gather in iome part of their country ; but 1 could neither learn the name of it, or difcover 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 nourifliing. In flavour it was not unlike the turnip, and when received into the mouth refembled that root both in its pulpous and frangible nature. The lower ranks of the Indians are exceedingly nafty in drelhng their vic- tuals, but fome of the chiefs are very neat and cleanly in their apparel, tents, and food. They commonly eat in large parties, fo that their meals may properly be termed feafts ; and this they do with- put being rcftiided to any fixed or regu- lar [ ^65 ] lar hours, but juft as their appetites re- quire, and convenience fuits. They ufually dance either before or af- ter every meal ; and by this chcerfuhiefs, probably, render tlie Great Spirit, to whom they confider themfelvcs as in- debted for every good, a more acceptable facrifiee than a formal and vuianimated thankfgiving. The men and women feaft apart : and each fex invite by turns their companions to partake witli them of the food they happen to have ; but in their domeftic way of living the men and women eat together. No people are more hofpitable, kind, and free than the Indians. They will rea- dily Ihare with any of their own tribe the laft part of their provilions, and even with thofe of a ditFerent nation, if they chance to come in when they are eating. Though they do not keep one common ftock, yet that community of goods which is fo prevalent among them, and their generous difpolition, render it nearly of the fame effedl:. When the chiefs are convened on any public bufuiefs, they always conclude with M '.M !.' * i. T 1'' mi\'U ;,,j,^' '■ ,1 ■I i ■-i-^» [ 266 ] with a feaft, at which their feftlvity and cheerfuhiefs knows no 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 the entertainment. And when they are not engaged in war or hunting, the youth of both fexes amufe themfelves in this manner every evening. They always dance, as I have jufl ob- ferved, at their feafts. In thefc as well as all their other dances, every man rifes in his turn, and moves about with great freedom and boldnels ; linging, as he does fo, the exploits of his anceftors, During this the company, who are feated on the ground in a circle, around the dancer, join with him in marking the cadence, by an odd tone, which they utter all to- gether, and which founds *' Hch, heh, ^' heh." Thefe notes, if they might be fo ■^It :« ' [ 267 ] fo termed, are articulated with a harfh accent, and ftrained out with the ut- moft force of their lungs; fo that one would imagine their ftrength muft be foon exhaufted by it ; inftead of which, they repeat it with the lame violence during the whole of their entertain- ment. The women, particularly thofe of the weftern nations, dance very gracefully. They carry themfclvesere6t, and with their arms hanging down clofe to their fides, move firft a few yards to the right, and then back again to the left. This move- ment they perform without taking any fteps 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 i'o nu- merous, they keep time fo exaftly with each other that no interruption enfues. During this, at ftated periods they min- gle their fhrill 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 ,!| ll*- ■iN'l ft :j [ 268 J U'ith the niulic of the tliunis and chichl- coiK s, make ;ui agreeable harmony. 'I'lic huliaiis have icveral kiiula of ilaiKCH which they ufc on diflcrcnt occa- lions, as the l*ipc or Cahniiatc Dance, the War DaiUi, the Marriage Dance, atul fh(- n.uKi* (>r the Sacririce. The niovdnents in i\\\y one ol thefe are (liHi- milai, hut it is almoil impofiihle to convey any idea of thi- points in which they arc iinhke. Dillerent nations Hkcwife vary hi their manner o\ dancing. The C'liiju'-wayg throw them (elves into a greater variety of attitudes than any other people; fomc- timcs they hold their heads ere«^l:, at others th( y bend them almofi: to the gTovnul ; then recline on one fide, and inim.xliately after on the other. The Naudoweliics carry thcmlelves more up- right, ilep firmer, and move more gracc- tully. liut th( y all accompany their dances with the dil'agrceable noifc juil mentioned. Tlie Pipe Dance is the principal, and tlie moil pleating to a tpet^ator of any of them, being the leail frantic, and tlic flipvcments of it the moft graceful. It is [ ^(>9 ] is but on particiilnr nccafioiis that It U ufcd ; as when ainhafiiiilors from an ene- my arrive to treat of j)eace, or when Grangers of cmiiuiKc |»al's tluoujrli their territories. '^rhe War Dance, which they ufc l)oth before they fet out on their war parties, and on their return from them, ilrikcs terror into flrangcrs. It is performed, as the others, amidll a circle of the war- riors ; a chief generally begins it, who moves from the right to the left, linging at the fame time both his own exploits, and thofc of his anccflors. When he lias concluded his account of auy metnor.ihK'; adion, he gives a violent blow with his war-club againft a j)ofl: that is fixed in the ground, near the centre of the afiem- bly, for this purpofe. Every one dances in his turn, and re- capitulates the wondrous deeds of his fa- mily, till they all at laft join the dance. Then it becomes truly alarming to any ftranger that happens to be among them, as they throw themfelves into every hor- rible and terrifying polture that can be imagined, rehearfing at the fame time the parts they cxped to a6t againll their ene- mies , I -H (i fll'll '. n\ '? If: r *1o .1 inuft ill \\u (i( III. Pininii tlii^ tin v Itnid tltrii ()>:np kiti\i"« in tin it ItitiuU, willi \\M« ll, «1H llw'V >>MlI :»luMlt , Jl(i V lUr»V«My n\on»t'MI in il.\iij',t « nl MiMn»}> r,u h t)ll\riB ll\»o:tlR ; AwA *\u\ t)»»'V noi (Inn) tlu* tlni.urn. «l ntihlmt uiili nunnniv.iMr tlfvlnitv, n nntM not Im- itvoiJnl, jiy thrtr »notini\«i tN« > nilrnd to ivpu (mt llu- in.\nnn in x>ln«l) ilti'V Kill, <• tip, iui«l t;\Kr tl\« n jMil.M\. r>. To l>< ij>J\trn the (ronr, tluv U I \ip (l\(< i inu In.l «t)n in inv o\\h\ I'pJ^' tlvni ,\$ aw ;i(^ n\M\ o{ ii( inon'^. I h;\\» tivi^nrntlv joinr«l in tins *], ith tluin, l>\it it too?! *rnl( il to he i\n MUW \\u\k tonu-nt to ino, n^ I to\il«i not In I .^1i«u n\v ;;pp\t lu nlions ot iron ni^>^ loil\r ilr«;uU\il \xo\n\*l. tl>.n tioin tlu^ vii>U!iCc ^t tl t;ll, k u f^^ 1) \nplo o( th. ooloni< '^ tril .i thi>ntnn*l n\]Kvi]<>us l]o»K> ol the k1(mI Ivnio lailox! Ill f '7' I III t\\\^ (taiiK by \\\r lii niiiilii. Ilowrvn I «lil(nvn( {\\r dunic hr|»in, one ot thi' liidiaiis \\:\n adiniir* d into a Iniii ly whith they t)riu»minal( d VVakon-Kit- ihtwah, that is, the I'linully Socidy ol" {\\v Spirit. This duii ty is loinpolrd oi pel Ions ol l>()th lixrs, hut Imli only can W admitted into it as arc ot unrvccption- able chaiaCUr, and who irccivc iho ap piohation ot the whoK- hody. To tliiij adiuiUvon Iikh ixdrd the I'awwaw dance (in which I law nolhinjj^ that could ^ivc rilc! to the icpoits I liad heard) and the whole, according, to thcii ulual cuiUjUi voucludal with a grauvl leafK '11 ur ' t' I f. ]:* m III' I! iff [ 272 ] The initiation being attended with fome very fingular circumftanccs, which, as I have before obferved, muft be skher the cfFc«St of magick, or of amazing dex- terity, I fliall give a particular account of* the whole procedure. It was perfcnned ut the tin^e of the new moon, in a place appropriated to the purpofe near the cen- tre of their camp, that would contain abuut two hundred people. Being a ftrangcr, and on all occafions treated by them with great civility, I was invited to fee the ceremony, and placed clofe to the rails of the inclofurc. About twelve o'clock they began to aflemble ; when the fun (hone bright, which they confidered as a good omen, for they never by choice hold any of their public meetings unlcfs the (ky be clear and unclouded. A great number of chiefs firft appeared, who were drefled in their bed apparel ; and after them came the head-warrior, clad in a long robe of rich furs that trailed on the ground, at- tended by a retinue of fifteen or twenty perfons, painted and drefled in the gayefl manner. Next followed the wives ot fuch as had been already admitted into the jt>».> id, at- vcnty igaycft Ics ot [\ into tlu: [ 273 ] the foclety ; and In the rear a confufcd heap of the lowir ranks, all contributing as much as lay in their jiower to make the appearance grand aiid Ihowy. When the afleinbly was leated, and filcnce proclaimed, one of the principal chiefs arole, and in a fhort hut mafterly fjx'ech informed his audience of the occa- fion of their meeting. He acquainted them that one of their young men wifhed to be admitted into their foclety ; and taking him by the hand prefented him to their view, a(klng them, at the fame time, whether they had any objedlion to his becoming one of tiieir community. No objedion being made, the young candidate was placed in the centre, and four of the chiefs took their ftations dole 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 cauled him to kneel; another placed himfelf behind liim fo as to receive him when he fell, and the laft of the four retired to the diftance of about twelve feet from him exactly in front. S This •■■ ( I V4 1 i\\\\Mi\ l>.n\n to \yrA 1o Mm y\\\\\ ,.>\iM \}\ A ti \\ nuMni nr> mn^ nnnn«:\l. lo hnn ; ih.il \\ \\\\\\\A llnKr lun^ «]rn\l, l>\ii llv^' '»' xxo\il,l u\ iH. ; U\ \\\\-: l\r luldnl. \]\,]\ \]){ « onumuu. mon. hnwrvn 1\ :V^ n nr». 'iux «nni>il\h'hoi\ loth. ibU intapv'; rn^ox . <1 h\ \\\r x \>n\\y\\\\\\\\ iint-\> wliM 'n h> u,v-\mi th» j>nint ol In \n_o^ A\]nMtt\ «1. l>oo.\n^.' 1o vu-ilirt. tivit his ro\intrn,uuv \V.i<; ihlVoi «v»1. M\y\ \\\>\\ho\x' {'\■^\\^^ rv>i^ \iilUxh At tlus ivuuMUi h. ihrru tonn-- ll.inj; i\\:A r.\'\>r.\\^\\ hoili m \h;\pr iuul»i> Kmii hkr .^ ^\^\:^\ Www, M thr xoim^) nvui. whu ]i 111 nio»l t.> « nt. V h.s »u»Mith. ,\iul lit- iiHi.inr,\ UU .^s nu^tionhls iis \\ h. luvi K\Mi iliot, 'V!\i xhwi th;il \x.\s pluwl K''hiiui Iiio\ ivv\', »\^ \\\\\\ \u lus .uni'-. niui, hN t\w AUillAIKV vM tliv- t>'hr» « WO. l.n»l hi ill v>n th\ i-;ro\invi to .ill .i]^j\\\iA.\vv Iv- H;uing 1 < 1 5 m- 'if a- Ai i n. uiiUl «l«»iu 'J' ll H4. iht'V iininn linfrly rr|»;1M to Hll» lli'l limit;, :H»tl tn lIliKi- liiitt OH thr liiuK, |\ui;)|»_ liiin (mli I»Io\vr, '.u In nird nioH I ;»!( iilUt in.m's tiM)\riy, ;»< his pivfi^it in;U)in\:U(' lituiilion |Mni>iil(i| milv hoiii i\\r lomMf op('i;ilion ol fill l|'iiii, ul l( nir o\ luolion ; Inil ;)l I ncili, ;i|. 1( I nmivinj) n\;nu \ loK nJ Mow , ||i I \y.\\\ to \ii, wcn-.M- (. n»1( ll willi llionj'^ I oiw (illh>ns, ninl ;iii ;\pp;urnt obtlnu'lioit ni h< ; llnn;ii. |hi(. {\u\ \\C\V («>on .\[ ,\\\ i\\U\ M, \\o. ilv (IKi'^hI, the (iHiciiitlng cliirf'i ilil- rolu'd him nl (hr ilo.iths ho luul nlvially ww i'ormed a eirele nromu 1 ll u 11 n. w hrotl ]C\ am 1 tl ie nuilie ilrikinr, njs the- jneat ehiei hmp; a lonj;, ceUhiatni}: a;^ vit'ual th(^ir martial e\- o Kuts. 'I'll 1 dru m. le only tiiutie tlu v »\^ake nir \v:ii d; lime witli imcs ;i(KI tfic cliicl iicnc ;i kiiul of lili ., | iMC(\s thrv hkrwilc iik ornuv I ol lunkcs ;i (hrill |,.ii(|, x\k<\\\ a khhI, wliirli 'I'lir whole aflemhl iiiiltal, ami the d. V were hy I his time net- 'e}'.an liiij'vrs afhded the iniidc Avith (I evera niu 1 tl u ir voice' ic women joimnp in th<> el lorn: at certain intervals, they pKulneed to:;r|| rlcalino; hut fava^^c hannony. a not nil I'l ns was one ot the mo tainments I j.uv whilll I 1 conKl iu)t help laiiirhin ehililifh eulioin I ohltrvid tl ( aiancc oi IMoll ot the inemhcrs car- hands an otter or martin'.- in, wlneh heini; taken whole i hody, and iilleil witl rom the eomnrc Hed, mai 1 wiful, on hiin^'- e a f(]ik-ekinlr;Ut« pi' nhlK {\\.\\\ M |M|lm|\lnh»l hull fxMmi«l:\M ( }'\ii I'. 0' h WIS n< linllili , iind ill, It lll< II Vldf. ,ll l<» I, III ;m linlll, \\ I i nimlr tl\IO\i|ill ill. llilli|MlM>ll nl llir (icillil SiUMoi ; lull I \\ IS illi I w.inl ; iiilninicd tll.ll It nili\lll hi llllrihlfd ;l ; ;| I nin| dl IIH'I it whuli ill, \ ii(n.ill\ p,i\ In llic ( Inch nl 111 I' hn li cAiiv nihi;, n.ilinn wlin li;«p|v n (o (all in unh flinn, iuul i|\;ii ili V (.IK unnl;iMr(s iti llu n V iMuhu'i, \vlii( I\ l\;i(| ;i|ip( .iKil In liilpi I u>\is In juc \\ K lUi u l\ l!i(" ( lli'( is nl till II \ .iiiilv, iiid (i( Iij>j\ril In impirlsnii flic n\nuls nl ihnlc wlinni lliry tluis mIiImI ;in (I»n,(id (>|Mmi>ii nl llu 11 v;iI(M1i ;\\u\ u nminiii}; lulnic I ((>n- \\i\ III ll nmi«»l nn iinilc. t<\vi,»I nl llun uivcs hiniiohl n\« .1 pi.t. iil nl Inmr l»ip,.\r, |nr >\IuMU 1 l»nin*l .\ \k\\ lunic iiimiuls. riiv P.uui- «>( llu- (acrilivo is uo\ In vlriu>n\\n.Uv d lrv>in lluir niliiiujv \ip ;it tlu" l,u\u tinu ;\ t,u ntuT h^ ;uiv pnul nr evil tjMiit. hut IS .1 (l.uu* In whiili tl\r N.ui- iivnx^iii^s s;i\<. th.U tuK lioin bcinj; iiird when I ll.l H I I uluMi niiv piililif liiiliiM:iti «M»iimninrr Itrliill'i llirm. VV III 1(1 I i« lnlt »hmiM»i|» »lirm, ;i liiH KiijH tliM ;n ( iilriil;illv lluiyrd infn lllf MImMI' nl lilt II . IK ,HM|MMI (if , AvIimIi llwy (iMiii tlillmvul. As till! li;iji|M iMf| jull ;il llu' lit W MUtnll, liny f(|(tM|'i| |f ,| link V nIMi II mill li:ivlli|'^ lii;l ill") If Wllfllt ♦ VI I V "Mr III lllf (niM|i |inifno|< ttl it. Al- ii I lllril Irilll, lliiy ;lll jnlli'il Ml ;l «Ihmm«, wliirli lilt y |( until iittiii il'j Ic iii|'^ Itniif- nll;ll nl A H llj'Jiill'i lintllK , ;i l>,lll(» (li iIk; l.ii iilive. c II A r. VIII 11 j Of Ih Klf II II t' ri 'V I ti o. U NT I N ( i i'l till piiiM i|Ml (.(CM. patinn oi llit< IimI liiii'; ; til' V ;iio luiincd to il iimn llitii (;uli' (I yniilli, ;iii(l Il li ;iii cxtiiilr wliii h is f'flrrmrd mo \rii liillHilll.l liilifilli M. Hi i;iii Mi((l1;iiy InWiilch thru h fh A (l(^xfi iM(i rdoliitc liiiM- K iit( . /\ (K^xrtoim niKi III IS Ik:KI IKMlly iM AU glTilt (OiMiatioM l>y llicin A'i A (liHiiip^iiilhrd w.irrior. Sciiiccjy niiy drvirr wITk li tli(" iM^'fiiiity i)l mail liiiLi iiilfovcicd lor ciiliiaiiM^ or do flroyiiig # M M : ^■ 'T» ' I •«• I llmS inp flin*. uiMnil- lint (n|<|>l\ iIkii 1' utMpi ,)M'-. t "III ni>n Mil* I li- in W I. -hi il,. , II > l\p II I' I I I.I ll It 1 »"M » filf, \\\ \ \\\\\ < rii til. imiImIi iH ) |M I nli II t'« |lv II n It III - . Mill lw I Kin '. lit < i«> I t V I MIJi, tinl III. I I It III ll I II H \ '.\\i- • Hti,\ll\ lintimn III iiiiilinji ilun |'Im. iMi \ 11' Ml I MilMil lit. lIllw-Miil) ill, \ )\, tiui'. n I'l iM. ii> . V I I V . t ll, I » < , :iii.l I lit loll.'W til in \< ll il I . H nni v iImoihiIi iIi, I niMl I ml II lllll. I I.M i\ \ N. 1'. \\h \\\ It ill Im.Ii Ml I <' M lK n'.. nl \< \u{ It ill. \ .III i. I nil K. ll III 1) I VII I I>1 I' 11 1- 1 n ll ll 1 1\. H 111 ,11 '. If ^ nr.>j'. Ml l.M Ml I I li n n ■. ,m i h. IimII i' t '< ■ IK . 1 Ik ll. . i . ill. nil >. v|. . 1 1 ll'' i'Ml.tJl' l'iU.|,1h. nit. I, til. intitin, |) i\ inj) ;i «1. j( npi I. il .M Afr \ \h ill .1, << 1 tniit I iTlttU'i •, ;M1lih ;lt ti'tiMl t iT.it .>< iIiMi iniiMi. I nl Iniiil Mi|i ill. ni 1 \u iviit'i til. \ \]y ill 1 iK, In, ll,, put p«M'-« mill (h( pMli. '. lliil ll>;|ll y\) nti ill. tMtii I'l'nl (Vpn'.itinns ,m . iiv.il in ili.ii ji'. - IK'fti « iMllUtls \\ ilU I\ .M( |l< M jiMW (MM'' Ml % in fic (iitMftut V t. .. .11 ll I' Mil t th'Dit (<<) (ll •tllilittll *' lilt I M' )'<))' ticl t MM t I. . I.i' I \\ )t MMI \ t|..(' 1 1 1 M •, i M > i • it • M I I |i lll'tti t It' il j I I I I .|ii||' MM I Im ' 'I* I llJMM, tU»ll I't 'll I'-l MHlil^ illil t MM' Ml MM il'lt t' t» • M ( It. l|< • llM > llM (. I I I •)»»' M I liitM ; iiM (tiji. ) i,ii il ^ iiMt ll r < J ll' y MM \ ii|< •» m( • iiiniMilliMti • (III I I '•' I y M(i» Mcif |»l" ll I'l' I M' • liiiiid ll In I ill ini* »I(M i»i|» •V t r ll \ . Ill tl \\ " 'I ll< I lull III ■ iIm iM.t lid I (mIM' mI Ii< I II itiiMi' til, nil |lii liili'll iM.| mimII |iiv iniiiM' (iHu|_ Imt |||. ^ ImI ill; lill hm Iimmi I I ' I \ Im M 1 1 » 1 1 1 1 1 I III 'I I M I I • < ■ I • t M M I Mil III" 1 1 I" < ll' I I |i l( !■ Ml ' Mnl I I ImIhI I'lM, ll I ll ill' mull I •! I I ' Mil I I Ml ll f ' iljl'l M< ll mIiI||I' III Ml 1 M I lllf I ill . Ill I i| ill ; \ • \ Mill III ill |i I I I I it ill Mil Ml I lis \ ■.l|i|« M < ll' ' ( illl ill.) I <'i'r^ I III I I ill III ill. \' V\\ > I'll |I|M ■ I iMlMf MM . ! ll ll ll I M ll i|| I III Ml I I ' I I V I M »| »' :ltM. I M M M 1 1 I I ill' I M I I ll I \ ■ M • M I 1 1 1 1 M 1 1 1 1 " I I ' ( • » ' I I I I' ill' \ ill ill iMfl I ll' I'll III! I l Ml \ mI j -.niil ill'> lli.il It M ' ll ill' .lil|i|i Imm m| ill . mI I |MI ll I Ik Ml I'l ll :ll|il Ml' Mil ' I I l< Ml I'l I I' III M Ml liMl' I'll' \ ll I I < Ml ill' I' I' I II I ill' ilM ;l(" I'l M I , M lliiili I'. Ml ; nj ill' II III) ll' lli'.ll \in« ii\ < ll tl. ' j ll ■ r M .t It:^-|^ l"> ». •■In [ 286 J The faft being ended, and the place of hunthig made known, the chief who is to condudl them, gives a grand feaft to thofe who are to form the different par- ties ; of which none of them dare to par- take till they have bathed thcmfelves. At this feaft, notwithftanding tht'y have fafted fo long, they cat with great moderation ; and the chief that prefides employs himfelf in rehearfing the feats of thofe who have been moft fuccefsful in the bufmefs they are about to enter upon. They ibon after fet out on the march towards the p?ace appointed, painted or rather bedaubed with black, amidft the acclamations of all the people. It is impoflible to defcribe their agility or perfeverance, whilft they are in pur- fuit of their prey ; neither thickets, ditches, torrents, pools, or rivers ftop them ; they always go ftrait forward ia the moft dired line they poflibly can, and there are few of the favage inhabitants of the woods that they cannot over- take. When they hunt for bears, they en- deavour to find out their retreats ; for, during the winter, thele animals conceal than- place of who is feaft to •ent par- e to par- Ives. At ive failed leratlon ; 'S himfelf i\'ho have lefs they fooii after the place bedaubed lations of I ?ir agility in pur- thickets, vers ftop rward in can, and ihabitants lot over- they en- ats; for, s conceal thcui- t ^87 ] themfelves in the hollow trunks of trees, or make themfelves holes in t!ie ground, where they continue without food, whilil: the fevere weather lafts. When the Indians think they have ar- rived at a place where thefe creatures ufu- ally haunt, they for*- : themfelves into a circle according to ':heir number, and moving onward, endeavour, as they ad- vance towards the centre, to difcover the retreats of their prey. By this means, if zny lie in the intermediate fpace, they are fure of aroufuig them, 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 are wounded. The Indian method oC hunting the buffiUo is by forming a circle or a fquare, nearly in the fame manner as when they fearch for the bear. Having taken their different ftatioiis, they fet the grafs, which at this time is rank and dry, on fire, and thefe animals, who are ex- tremely fearful of that element, flying with precipitation before it, great num- bers m P >. .■*f' ^ I'' , I,. ) '; [ 288 ] bci'S arc hemmed in a fmall compafs, and icarccly a fingle one cfcapcs. They have different ways of hunt- ing tlie elk, the deer, and the cara- boe- Sometimes they feek them out In the woods, to wliieh they retire during the leverlty of the cold, where they are eafily Ihot from behind the trees. In the more nortliern climates they take the ad- vantage of the weather to deftroy the elk; when the fun has juft ftreiigth enough to melt the fnow, and the frolf in the nigiit fornis a kind of cruft on the furtace, this creature being heavy, breaks it with his forked hoots, and with difficulty extri- cates himfelf from it ; at this time there- fore he is foon overtaken and deftroyed. Some nations have a method of hunt- ing thefe animals which is more eafily executed, and free from danger. The hunting party divide themfelves into two bands, and chooling a Ipot near the bor- ders of fome river, one party embarks on board their canoes, whilft the other form- inp themfelves into a femi-circle on the o land, the flanks of which reach the lliore, let loole their dogs, and by this means roufe all the game that lies within thefe bounds ; [ ^89 1 bounds ; they then diivc them towards the river, into which tliey no loonr in- ter, than th'^ grcatcfl: part of thcin are immediately dilpatched hy thole who re- main in the canoes. Both the elk and the hnffalo are very furious when they are wounded, and will return fiercely on their purfuers, and trample them under their feet, if the hun- ter finds not means to complete their dc- Itru^lion, or feeks for fecurity in flight to fome adjacent tree ; hy this method they are frequently avoided, and lo tired witli the purfuit, that they xoluntarll}' give it over. But the hunting in wliicli the Indi- ans, particularly tliofj who i'.hahit the northern parts, chiefly employ them- felves, and from which they reap the greatefl: advantage, is the heaver hu:,tltig. The feaion for this is throughout the whole of the winter, from November to April ; during which time the fur of thcfe creatures is in the greatell: perfection. A defcriptlon of this extraordinary ani- mal, the conftruclion of tiieir huts, and the regulations of their almoft rational community, I (hall give in another place. The hunters make ufe of feveral me- T thods ^^ ti •t"; r w '}■> r;i 'ml V^' -I !■ ':. [ 290 ] thods to deftroy them. Thofe genera] I5F pra^tikd, are either that of taking them ill fnares, cutting through the ice, or opening their cauleways. As the eyes of thefe animals are very quick, and their hearing exceedingly acute, great precaution is necrflary in approach- ing their abodes ; for as they feldom go far from the water, and their houfes are always built clofe to the {ide of fome large river or lake, or dams of their own conftru£ting, upon the leaft alarm they haften to the dcepeft part of the water, and dive immediately to the bottom ; as they do this they make a great noife by beat- ing the water with their tails, on purpofe to put the v.'hole fraternity on their guard. They take them v/ith fnares in the following manner : though the beavers ufually lay up a fufficient florc of provi- iion to ferve for their fubliftence during the winter, they make from time to time excurfions to the neighbouring woods to procme further fupplies of food. The hunters having found out their haunts, place a trap in their way, baited with fmali pieces of bark, or young Ihoots of trees, which the beaver has no fooner laid hold ■il! t 291 ] hold of, than a larj^c Io't of wood flills upon him, r.nd brer.ki bis back ; his ene- mies, who are upon tlie watch, loon ap- pear, and inftantly di (patch the helplcfa animal. At other times, when the ice on the rivers and lakes is about half a foot thick, they make an opening through it with their hatciicts, to winch the beavers will foon haften, on being difturbed at thfeir houfes, for a fiipply of frefh air. As tbeir breath occalions a coiifiderable motion in the water, the hunter has fuf- ficient notice of their approach, and m6-« thods are eafdy taken for knockii g them on the head the moment tluy '^;-r)£ar above the furface. When the houfes of the beavers hap- pen to be near a rivulet, they are more eafily deftroyed : the hunters then Ciit the ice, and foreadijip!: a net u:ieier it, br^ak down the cabins of the beavers, wlio never fail to make towards the d^epelt part, where they are entangled and taken. But they muft not be fufivred to remain there long, as they v/ould foon extricate them- felves with their teeth, which are well known to be exceflivelv Iharp and flrong. r\ The' ■\U \ I' •I 11 i 'If i; I : m ■ ; ? .;■< ;>■■ '■!* f 292 ] The Tiidlans take great care to Iiiiulcr 'rhrir tlnL'S troin toiichuip; the hones of the heavers. The lealons thrv give tor tliele preewitloiis are, thil, that the hones are \o cxeellively h,uil, that ^hcy fpoil the teelh oi the dogs ; aiul, i' condlv, that they are appreluiitivc they fhall lo cxaf- pfiate I lie Ipirits of the heavers hy this jiermiii (M'r, as to lemler the next hunting Icalon unliiccelsfLih Th; Uins ot' thefe animals the hunters cxrlKiiige with the Europeans tor neeet- larics, ami as they are more vahied hy the latter than any (^ther kind of furs, tiiev pay the greatclt attention to this Ipe- cies o[ lumlinr;. Whrn tlu- lndian'>denro_^,hufialos, elks, deer, tve. thev ;\rncrally divide the flcih of tueli as tluy have taken, among the trihe to which they helong. Hut in hunting the heaver a few families uiually ui;ite and divide the Ipoil hetwecn them. Indeed, in the hrll inrtance, they gene- ral Iv pay fome attention in the divilion to their own families; hut no jealoufies or nunnuirin«rs arc ever known to arile on account oi any apparent partiality. Among 3 *<''' to liiiulcr les of the ! for thcli^ bones arc Ipoil the iJlv, that ill to cx.ii- vs by this xt huiuing the hv.ntcrs tor nccel- valued by ikI of flHS, to this ipe- [ 293 ] Among the NaudowiHics, if n pcrlon (hoots a deer, hul'ialo, txc. and it ruii;^ to a confidcrahlc didanec liefon: it (h()|>s, where a jK-rloii hcloiininiv to another tribe, being nearer, \]\\\ iVieks a knife into it, the u,ainc is conliderrd as the property of the latter, notwithllandlng it had been mortally wouiukd by the for- mer. Though tliis eulh)m appears to be nrhitrary and iiMJull, yet that |)et^plc cheerfully iubmlt to it. This dtcilion is, however, very dllfertnt from that jirae- tifed by the Indians on the back of the colonies, wliere the hrd: perlbn that liits it is entitled to the bed (hare. itlalos, elks, Lie the flelh among the But in ilics ufually Iweeu them, they gcne- ;he ilivifion ho jealoufies [\ to arife on lity. Among C H A P. IX. Of their Mintner of nhtki/jg War, ^c\ THE Indians begin to bear arms at the age of fifteen, and lay them afidc when they arrive at the age of fixty. Some nations to the Ibuthvvard, 1 have been informed, do not continue their mi- litary'exercifes after they arc fifty. T3 III ri ! Iff f:\ S • I * lit Fi r 7V4 I f u f\rrv \y\\u\ ni n;iti(»ii there is n (eWl who nr- ;il\v;ivs Jvadv to ;u 1 riH» i ollt-n- livelv o\ ih'tnuiM'lv, ;\s nn.ilioii vttmircfl. I'hiM ;\tr util ;\ii\\'«l. Ivuinjv tlu \ve-j\- yo\)$ {•\)\\\\\yo\\\\ iM vile !|im)I\}; llirin. \i(lii'ii \o iln lilnufnMi ot 1) WW roU!\tn( '^. I Mulv ;i3 Inve ;\n uiUr-» loiiil' \\\t\) tnc l'jii«'pt':lt)s uihIm' 111' «vt touia lu\\\ K 1, inv ;in(l Inr-aims iMit \\\\)U- vvii Mr vKvi lliMjO;' ;\rt' iifnjll' tl lo tll<» >vtlKNM(i nl »1\ Miliiliippi, ami wlic Imvr not :,n <>|-pom\mM n( |MiuIii»linj\ \\u'U\ kpui; o( U(\\|>ons, \\\i bows i»u«l .nrnwi;, ai\*' alio tlic i,\\li/' Trte or war iluh. 'i'll, 1, iliaiis tll.U )nll:il>ll ilill laillin to ilu \\ t <]^^ aril, a I iMini 1 \ \\ bu Ii . \i, ml;; S»'\i\nnig ., \v hull ihcv lallni hv a iliiiig, alKU't a van! aiul hall loivi;^ to llKii ligiit iinils, a link- ..hove the i.lhow. '11 *^ IV l ,1 lo th'' no tlu'lii 11 l,\Hl»«'> ) r\ti nvii^ >n tlu\ Wei- ll/.'' |l\c ('IIm)vv. r f.Q I litv, HR th' V liili' lull l|i((f|, IK v I fill of tlnilHi r\rt lltinii. ri I" ( (tlMlf I V V l.icll tMi'lr llll'i'^; I'kIIcI^. nlvMII|(llM|>^ willi Im(»'? rxhMilivf pliiii ;. tlml- \vli<» ;ilt x.k flc m \rh\ Min tiluin ii; lip hvdt IM (I i tl l« liotirs fill wlii( li ill' V ;nr iiiniinf' d, niji,. iilfs tlicin hi nv( rtiikf » v< n ili I n or rf KM 111 Vfltl cm. I'llP ^' iidiMVcflicM, ulin |t;|d !• ' (I wi w; 11 with this |n'()|df, iidornvd nir, tint nidcli> th» V l<»nld niiir, tlicy w<'i'' Imip of 1)1 i 11^, « u r nil ii« |)iiv<'iii fids Mi'y alwriys took nirr vvhcnrvir tli'y iiuulr nn oidrt, to do ii IP II Im( li rcticnts sh were impidliM'^ i<»r irUidiy, tin y tin n |i;iv- inp, ;< }?,rt;U adv'.inliip^i* nvvv tl»» ir niriTiirt?, w tl lioir wcfipons wuiild nut then: reach uin, Soiiu" n;^ii()HR m,ik(; idf? (A n jivelifi pointtd with hone woikccl iiiUi dilli r'lit himis ; hut tlu ir Iiidi.in wt apoiis in yr~ w \.\\ are hnws mid arrows, and tlif Ihnrt rluh already nu mioiM d. Tlw hitter *;<; made ot" rt very hard wood, and the head ot it tafliiolK d round like a hail, ahont three inches And a halt diameter ; In MTr, 1« 4 rotunt i Pj .. i"^ 'i^. ■i :!'.;< [ ^96 ] rotund part Is fixed an edge rcfcmbling that of a tomahawk, either of fteel or flii.t, whichever thty can procure ; funilar to that reprefentcd in Plate N°l\^ Tl:c da^'jg; r placed near it in the fame plute, is peculiar to the Naudoweirie na-? tion, and pt apcicnt conrtruciion, but they can give no account how long it has been in ule among them. It was origi- nally made of tlint or bone, but fmce they have had communication with the European traders, they have formed it of fieri. The length of it is about ten in- ': ches, and that part clofe to the handle » nearly three inches broad. Its edges are { Jceen, and it gradually tapers towards a 1' point. I'hey wear it in a fheath made ' of dcer*s kather, neatly ornamented with porcupines quills ; and it is ufually hung • by a llring, decorated in the fame man- ner, which reaches a^ low only as the breall. TJiIs curious weapon is worn by a few of the principal chiefs alone, and confider^^d both as a uleful inftrument, and an ornamental badge of fuperiority. I qblcrved among the Naudpwciiies a few targets or ihields made of raw buffalo jiideSj and iu the forn^ of tbofe wkd by "' ' ■ ' .' i the mi II » N < .^ \ % ■ \»» "S V > -V ^ "V ^ ^ X >s "i '',« ^ -^1 > r i- ^^ « - < s. ^ *^. N ^ ^ >- It a 'M 'A- \ 1 t : I ^ r ■0 ■I ( '> [ 297 1 the ancients. But as the numhcr of thofo was Ihiall, and I could gain no iiitclli- gencc ot the lera in which they firll were introductd among thi ni, I fuppolc thoie I law liad defcei'ded tVoni father to Ton for many generations. The reafons the Indians give for mak- ing war againfl: one another, are much the fame as thole nrg'j)' "ii ! 1 m [ 298 ] much animofity. Though Grangers to- the idea of leparate property, yet the mofl uncultivated among them are well acquainted with the rights of their com- munity to the domains they poflefs, and oppofc with vigour every eiicroachment on them, Notwithflanding it is generally fup-? pofed thut from tlicir tcrritoricii being fo extenfive, the boundaries of them cannot be afcertaincd, vtt I am well aflii red that the limits of each nation in the interior parts are laid down in their rude plans with great preciiion. By theirs, as I have before obferved, was I enabled to regulate my own ; and after the mofl ex- adt , obfervations and enquiries found very few inflances in which they erred. But intereft is not either the mofl fre- quent or moft powerful incentive to their making war on each other. The paffion of revenge, which is the diftinguifliing chara£leriftic of thele people, is the moft general motive. Injuries are felt by them with cxquiiite fenfibility, and vengeance purfued with unremitted ar- dour. To this mav be added, that na** tuial excitation wliich every Indian be^ comes hp [ 299 ] comes fenfible of as foou as he approaches the age of manhood, to give proofs of his valour and prowefs. As they are tarly poflefled with a no- tion vhat war ought to be the chief buli- nefs of their lives, thai there is nothing more dehrous than the reputation of being a great warrior, and that the fcalps of their enemies or a number of prifoners are alone to be tfteemed valuable, it is not to be wondered at that the younger Indians are continually reftlefs and uneafy if their ardour is reprefl'ed, and they are kept in a ftate of inadivity. Either of thefe pro- penlities, the deiire of revenge, or the gratification of an impulfe that by de- grees becomes habitual to them, is fuf- ficient, frequently, to induce them to commit hoftilities on forne of the neigh- bouring nations. When the chiefs find any occafion for making war, they endeavour to aroufe ^hefe habitudes, and by that means foon excite their warriors to take arms. To this purpofe they make ufe of their mar- tial eloquence nearly in the following words, which never fails of proving ef- lettual. *' The bones of our deceafed ** country- i ■ iHra i i i m 'i^B' : Hf ' c''^^l^ ■ ;ii til 1 1 1 > >[■ I'- m I 3°o ] ** countrymen lie uncovered, they call out to us to revenge their wrongs, and we muft fatlsfy their rcqucft. Their I'pirits cry out ;igainft us, they mull be apptafed. The genii, who are the guardu;n,^ of our honour, infpire us with a reiolution to ilek the enemies of our murdered bro- ** thers. Let us go and devour thofe by whom tlicy were flain. Sit therefore no longer inavftive, give way to the impulle of your natural valour, anoint your hair, paint your faces, fill your quivers, caufe the forefts to refound with your fongs, confole the fpirits of the dead, and tell them they Ihall be ♦' revenged." Animated by thefe exhortations the warriors fnatch their arms in a tranfportof fury, fing the fong of war, and burn with impatience to imbrue their hands in the blood of their enemies. Sometimes private chiefs aflemble fmall parties, and make excurfions againft thofe with whom thev are at war, or fuch as have injured them. A lingle warrior, prompted by revenge or a dehre to fliow Jiis prowefa, will march unattended far ievcval 4( i: ;i f.: t 'li H ey call ^vrongs, rcqutft. IS, they ii, who honour, to ieek •cd bro- thofe by therefore y to the r, auoiiit fill your I relound fpirits of (hall be tlons the anfport of )urii with ds in the ible fmall inft thofe )r fuch as warrior, to il^ow ended tor levcv^ [ 30' ] feveral hundred nnlcs, to furprize and cut oft'a ftraggling party. Thefe irregular I'allies, however, are not always approved of by the eld^r chiefs, though they are oltcii obliged to connive at them ; as in the inftance before « given of the Naudoweflie and Chipeway nations. But when a war is national, and un- dertaken by the community, their deli- berations are formal and flow. The elders aflemble in council, to wliich all the head warriors and young men are ad- mitted, where they deliver their opinions in folemn fpeeches, weighing with ma- turity the nature of theentcrprize they are about to engage in, and balancing with great fagacity the advantages or inconve- niencies that will arife from it. Their priefts are alfo confulted on the fubjedl, and even, fometlnies, the advice of the moft intelligent of their women is alkcd. If the determination be for war, they prepare for it witli much ceremony. The chief warrior of a nation does not on all occafioiis head the war party him- lelf, he frequently deputes a vrarrior of whole '03 3: W ' ' ! 1 ' ■ ■ A. ..^id'Q. '■■ *l I' I* ' If-'' |;i i [ 30^ ] whole valour and prudence he has i good opinion. The perlbn thus fixed on heing firft dedawbed with bhick, obferves a faft of feveral days, during which he invokes the Great Spirit, or deprecates the anger of the evil ones, holding wliilfl it lafts no converfe with any of his tribe. He is particularly careful at the fanae time to obferve his dreams, for on thefe do they fiippofe their fuccefs will in a great meafare depend ; and from the firm perfuafion, every Indian actuated by his own prefumptuous thoughts is imprefled with, that he fhall march forth to certain victory, thefe are generally favourable to his wifhes. After he has fiifted as long as cuflo'Ti prefcribes, he alTembles the warriors, and holding a belt of wampum in his h-nd thus addrclles them : " Brothers ! by the infplration 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 are not *« yet «( mnm, [ d'^S 1 <■* yet covered, and I am going to pcr- *' form 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 engage, he thus proceeds : ** I have *' therefore refolved to march through ** the war-patii to furprize them. We " will eat their flelh and drink their ** bloocl ; we will take fcalps, and make *' pril'oners; and finould we perifli in this ** glorious enterprize, we Ihall not be for ** ever hid in the duft, for this belt fhall ** 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 declares himlelf his lieutenant, and is Gonfidered as the fecond in command; this, however, is only done by fome diftinguifhed warrior who has a right, by the number of his fcalps, to the poll:. Though the Indians thus afiert that they will eat the fltlh and drink the blood of their enemies, the threat is onlv to be confidered as a figurative exprefiion. Notv\ithflanding they fometimss devour the hearts of thofe they Hay, and drink tlicir Hi t! f 304 ] tliclr bloO'L by wny of bi.ivatlo, or to gra* tify ill a mow comi)''^tc manner tlieir re- venge, yet tbcy ;ire not naturally antbro- popl.agl, nor ever Ked on tbe llc(b of men. Tbe cbleT is now unfiled from bis fable coN'i rinjj;, anointed witb bears fat, and painted, \\i b tbiir leil paint, in liieb fl^,vn(^; as will inakr bini appear moll" tcrrildt; to bis cneniii s. He tbeii bniTs tbe war-ionp-, and c nvmicratcs bis warlike aClions, Having ilone tbis be fixes bis eves on tbe llm and pays bis adorations to tbe (Ireat Spirit, in wbleli be is acciMupanied by all tb.c warriors. Tbis ceremony is ti.rtv)wed witb dances, ilieb as 1 bave belbre delcribed ; and tbe wbole concludes witb a teall wbicb ufu- allv conlids of dojis Hclb. Tbis fcail is bcld in tbe but or tent oC tbe; cbief warrior, to wbicb all tbofc wbo intend to accompany bim in bis ex- pedition iend tbeir di(bcs to be fdlcd ; and during tbe feall, notwitbllanding be bas failed i'o long, be fits compoledly with bis pipe in bis moutb, and recounts the valorous deeds of bis family. I ■f:f A$ HI [ S'^^S ] As tlic hopes oF having their woniuls' (houUl thry receive any, ])rop 'rly trcateil, aiul expeditiouHy eurid, mull Uv. iconic additional iiidueeineiit to th(; warriors to cxpolc theinlelvcs more freely to danger, thepriefls, who alio are tlieir doclor,;, pri- parc Inch iiu'dicines as will pvovc efficaci- ous. With great C( iiinony tliey eollet^t va- rious roots and plants, and pretend that they im[)art to tluni the power of heal- Notwitldlanding this fuperllitious me- thod of jiroceeding, it is very certain that they have accjuired a knowledge of many plants and herhs th.it are of a me- dicinal (juality, and which tluy know how to ule with great (kill. From the time the relolution of cn- gnging in a war is taken, to the dc|artnrc of tlic warriors, the nights are fpent in fcilivity, and their days in m^dsing the hcedfu 1 jireparations. If it is thought neceflary hy the na- tion going to war, to lolicit the alliance of any neighhouring trihe, tluy (Ix vpow one of their chiefs who lpeak,> the lan- guage of that people well, and who is a good orator, and fend to them by him U a belt 1 I U' J ' ' 0 . w' , ' ll , 1 • 1 A^ i^K^^^ I m til' i I. ,^ lii^f'] i^'» in [ 3°6 ] a belt of wampum, on which is fpeclficd the purport of the embafly in figures that every nation is well acquainted with. At the fame time he carries with him a hatchet painted red. As foon as he reaches the camp or village to which lie is dcflined, he ac- quaints the chief of the tribe with the general tenor of his commiflion, who immediately aflcmbles a council, to which the ambaflador 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 em- bafiy. In Ids fpeecli he invites them to tiikc up the hatchet, and as foon as he Jias fiiiiiiied ipeaking delivers the belt. \i his hearers are inclined to become riuxiliarl'.s to his nation, a chief fteps forward and takes up the hatchet, and they immediately efpouie witli fplrit the cnule they ha\'e thus engaged to iupport. But if on this application neither the be It or liatcliet -are accepted, the emiflary coiichides that the people v/liole aliillance he folicits have alrcadv entered Into an allluiice with the foes of his nation, and returns fpecihecl ;in-es that vlth. At h him a camp or d, he ac- with the fion, who I, to which ^ere having d he holds titers, more )f his em- :es them to foon as he .le belt, to become chief fteps atchct, and . Iplrit the to iiippoi"t. neither the jhe emiflary Ac aiiiihuicc Ired into an lation, and returns [ 3^7 ] tcturns with fpccd to Inform his coun- trymen of his ill-fuccefs. The manner In which the Indians de- clare war agaijift each other, is by fend- ing a flavc with a hatchet, the handle of which is painted rc-d, to tlie nation which they intend to breiik with ; and the mcf- fenger, notwithlhinding the danger to which he is expoled from theladdeii fury of thole whom he thus fets at defiance, executes his connnliiion with great fide- lity. Sometimes this token of defiance has fuch an inftanl:aneous etfcdc on thofe to whom it is prcfented, that in the firfl: tranfports of their fury a fmall party will iifue forth without waiting for the per- milfion of the elder chiefs, and flaying the firft of the offending nation they meet, cut open the body and flick a hatchet of the fame kind as that they have juft re- celved, into the heart of their ilaughtered foe. Among the more remote tribes this is done with an arrow or Ipear, the end of which is painted red. And the more to exafperate, they dlfmember the body, to fliow that they eftcem them not as men but as old women. U 2 The '(■' i 1 *il r [ 308 ] The Indians fjldoni take the field in larac bodies, as llich numbers would require a greater degree of indulflry to provkl'j for their fubllftcnce, during their tedious marches tlirough dreary forefts, or long voyages over likes aad rivers, than they would care to l)cfl:(nv. Their armies aie never encumbered with baggage or military ftoies. Each vvnnior, bclides his weapons, carries with him only a mat, and vvhilil: at a diltancc from the frontiers of the enemy fupports himlcif with the game he kills or the filh he catches. When they pafs througli a country where they have no a[)prehenfioiis of meeting wltli an enemy, they ufe very little precaution : fometimcs there are fcarccly a dozen w^arrlors left together, the vdl being dlfperfcd in purfuit of their game; but tiiuugh they fliould have roved to a very confiderable dlftance from the war-path, they are furc to arrive at the place of rendezvous by the hour ap- polntevi. They always pitch their tents long before lup.-fet ; and being naturally pre- fumptuQus take very little care to guard agalnfl ficUl In would iftry to iig their fo lefts, \ rivers, ' :umbered ;. Each rics with a dift.uicc f iupports lis or the H country iifioiis of ufc very there are together, lit ot their lave roved from the arrive at hour ap- Itcuts long irally pre- cc to guard agalnft [ 309 ] againfl: a fiirprl/.c. I'hcy [)lacc great con- fidence in their Manitous, or houn^jld gods, which they always carry with them ; and being jKiluaikd that they take upon them the olfiec of cciitiikls, they deep very f.CLirtly under their pro- tection. Thelc Manltoi.:,, as they arc called by fomc nations, but whicl\ arc termed Wakon, that is, fpirits, by the Nau- doweilies, are nothing more than the otter and martins Ikins I have aheadv defcribed, for which, however, they have a great veneration. After they have entered the enemies country, no people can be more cautious and circumipe^H: : lires are no longer light- ed, no more Ihouting is heard, nor the game any longer purfued. They are not even permitted to fpeak ; but mull convey whatever they have to impart to each other by iigns and motions. They now proceed wholly by ftrata- gcm and ambufcade. Having difcovercd their enemies, they fend to reconnoitre them; and a council is immediately held, during which they Ipeak only in whifpers, U3 to •I ''1. :4 1 11 *r* i 1 • , ]k.. ■?jk 1 j f j [ .1"^ ] to tdiifultM »>rtlic lni( Hij.'^viK"(' iinpartal liy i1h>U' w l)t» U( re l( lit (uit. 'I'l'c .itt.u In is );uui.illv ni.ulc iiil) I)c- iorc k\\\ lur.ik, .il whirl) pt TkhI tliiv liip- pi)K' tluii- Kv ;; ft) I)' iii iIk loiiiKkll i\^v\^. 'rhioUi'liniil \\\r wlinlc ol th r prcicdili)'^ nti'hl t!i< \' will lit III! iiPDn (Iwir facr \\ itlunit lliMiii" •iiu in.iK( Mr If ip. jm«),hIics id ilic liinu' poihin-, cr(.(piiij« j\>ii th(ir li.iiiils aiul lict till tluy an; 11 l^'or wiihli) l)()W-llu)t iA (lu)U liny havr lidliiial to dcllrik'-lion. On a \'nn\A given by the t hid warrior, to whith the whole hiul' V makes aiilucr hv the mo )(] hid COU; yrll^^ thev all (lait iin, and tliuhari'/nii' tluir allows in the iiime ind int, without };lviii<; thiir adverii iiirs tnnc lo n covrr th ii"om the contiihon \\\{o whitii thcv are tiuiUMi, piuir in upon tlnni with tluir war-tluhs or tomaha\; !■ IvS. The Indians think there is lirtK- I'loiv to he aeijuired fiom attaekiii;'; their ciu- niics openly in the lield ; their ^reatell pride is to lurpii/e and defirov. They icIdcMii cni;a}n> without a nhinltell an- pcai.inee ot advanlai;e. ll tlu v liiid the encmv on their riiartl, too ilronplv c ii- ^rcnt^licd, or luixiior in number^, thi v -i o. I* [ ;j" ] I i tire, )r()vu lal 1 1 \(\i' i.i an o|)|i()ituiiit <»f (loliij; fo. Ami fli y <(]ciin it the ^rt.UcU (|U.ilirK.ui()ii i)\ a cliiil* warrior, Jo be al)lc to iiiniiapc an altaik, fo .is fo •'W ticihoy .IS many o( rlic iiitmy as ])o(liblu (iil)K at tl ic; cxpctu-t «)| a lew men, Sometimes tluy |i < inc tluinlclvcb hr- liind trccK, liilloik (1 or Hones, and Jiavwig 111 j^ivcn one oi two loiincis ritiri; before tjiey ilil ire (lilcovcre* I. J' iiropean:; who are nil- ae(]ualnt((l witb this nivtbocl oi l'};bti"}; too olteii fiiul to tliclr roll the ileflMidlvc; .IVu acy () f it. Cieneral Jiraildock was oiif of tM> un- ycar liapjiy number. Marcbinj^ in tht: 1755, to attack I'ort I)ii (^leliic, lie was intercepti d l)y a party ot confederate In- dians in tbe intcred of the P'riiicb, who by this inlidious nietliod ot en^a|^iii"; ioiind means to ckMeat bis army, wbicli conliiled ot" about tbrec tbouland brave and well dilciplincd trcjojis. So lecurely were tbe Indians pofled, tbat tbe iMij^lilli Icarcely knew from wbence or by whom tliey were tbus annoyed. During tbe wbolc oi" tbe engagement tlie latter bad iearccly a light ot an enemy ; and were o!)liged to retreat without the iatibl'acVion ot' bcnig U 4 able 'If IJ ; 1 I I'' [V Sl-!J [ 3'^' ] able to take the leaft decree of revenue for the luuock ma.lc among them. The gciicnil paid tor his temerity with his life, aiul was aceonijiaiiled in his fall by a great number ot brave fellows ; whilli his invilil)k: enemies had only two or three ot" their number wounded. When the Indians fucceed in their filent approaches, and are able to force the camp which they attack, a fcene of horror, that exceeds defcription, enlujs. The favage fiercenefs of the conquerors, and the def- peration of the conquered, who well know what they have to expert fhould they fall alive into the hands of their aflailants, occafion the moft extraordinary exertions on both fides. The figure of the com- batants all befmcarcd with black and red paint, and covered with the blood of the flain, their horrid yells, and ungo- vernable fury, are not to be conceived bv thofe who have never crollld the x'\t- laiitlc. I have frequently been a fpcc'^ator of them, and once bore a part in a fimilar fcenc. But what avldjd to the honor of ir, was, that I had not tfic conloLi- tion of being able to oppole their ihv.ige attacks^ revenge 1. The ,vith his IS fall by ,; whillt r two or hcu- filent the camp )rror, that 'he iavage d the def- ^c\\ know ouUI they ■ aflailants, ^ exertions the com- ck and red blood of and ungo- conccived cd the At- rpc*hlator of I a I'lmilar Ithc horror ic coiiiola- ihclr lavage attacks. [ 3^3 ] attacks. Every circumftance of the ad- venture ftill dwells on my remembrance, and enables me to defcribe •with greater perfjiicuity the brutal fiercenefs of the In- dians when they have flirpri/.ed or over- powered an enemy. 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 delign of this publication, but will ferve to give my readers a jufl idea of the ferocity of this people, I Ihall take the liberty to infert it, apologizing at the fame time for the length of the digreffion, and thofe egotifms which tl^e relation renders unavoidable. General Webb, who commanded the Englifh army in North i^merica, which was then encamped at Fort Edward, having intelligence that the French troops under Monl. Montcalm were making fome movements towards F^ort William Henry, he detached a corps of about fif- teen hundred men, confifting of Englirti and Provincials, to llrcngthen the garrifon. In this party I went as a volunteer among the latter. The 5 ^L i / [ 3^4 ] n ^ i »■'■ The npprehcnfions of the English ge- neral were not without foundation ; for the day after oui* arrival we faw Lake George (formerly Lake Sacrament) to which it lies contiguous, covered with an immenfe numher 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 Cana- dians, and two thoufand Indians. Colo- nel Monro, a brave officer, commanded in the Fort, and had no more than two thoufand three hundred jnen with him, our detachment included. With thele he made a gallant defence, and probably would have been able at laft to preferve the Fort, had he been pro- perly fupported, and permitted to conti- nue his efforts. On every fummons to furrcnder fent by the French general, who ofi'ered the mod honourable terms, his anfwer repeatedly was. That he yet found himlclf in a condition to repel tlie moil: vigorous attacks his befiegers were able to make ; and if he thought his pre- lent force infufficient, he could foon be fupplicd with a greater number, from the adjacent army. But i; tor Lake nt) to I with a ill a kcd by landed 1 Cana- Colo- maiidcd an two xh. hlm,» defence, le at laft pen pi'o- \o conti- mons to general, [e terms, he yet [repel the lers were his pre- foon be Ifrom the [ 3'5 ] But the colonel having acquainted Ge- neral Webb with his fituation, and de-* fired he would fend him fome frefh troops, the general difpatched a meflcnger to him with a letter, wherein he informed him that it was not in his power to aflift him, and therefore gave him orders to furrender up the fort on the beft terms he could procure. This packet fell into the hands of the French general, who im- mediately fent a flag of truce, defiring a conference with the governor. They accordingly met, attended only by a fmall guard, in the centre between the lines ; when Monf. Montcalm told the colonel, that he was come in perfoii to demand pofieffion of the fort, as it be- longed to the king his maftcr. The co- lonel replied, that- he knew not how that could be, nor ihould he furrender it up whilft it was in his power to defend it. The French general rejoined, at the fame time delivering the packet into the colonel's hand, *' By this authority do I *' make the requifition." The brave go- vernor had no looner read the contents of it, and was convinced that fuch were the orders of the commander in chief, and 'k m j1* m\ ', i vf it < '.' i ! !■> :. j; r ii: M m [ 3^6 ] not to be difobeyed, tiian he hung his head In lilence, and reludantly entered hito a ncgoclation. In coniidcration of the gallant defence the garril'on had made, they were to be permitted to marcli out with all the ho- nours of war, to he allowed covered wag- gons to tranfport tlieir baggnge to F^ort Edward, and a guard to protect them from the fury of the favages. The morning after the capitulation was ligncd, as foon as day broke, the whole garrifon, now confifting of about two thoufand men, belides women and children, were drawn up within the lines, and on the point of marching off, when great numbers of the Indians gathered about, and began to plunder. We were at firft in hopes that this was their only view, pnd futrered them to proceed without op- pofition. Indeed It was not In our power to make any, had we been fo inclin- ed ; for though we were permitted to carry off our arms, yet we were not allowed a fmgle round of ammunition. In thefe hopes however we were difap- pointcd ; for prclcntly fome of them be- gan to attack the lick and wounded, wheu fuch S' m. t 3^1 1 fuch as were not able to crawl Into the ranks, notwlthftandlng they endeavoured to avert the furv of their enemies bv their (hrieks or groans, were foon dif- patched. Here we were fully in expefliation that the difturbance would have concluded; and our little army began to move ; but in a Ihort time we faw the front divilion driven back, and difcovered that we were entirely encircled by the favages. We expelled every moment that the guard, which the French, by the articles of capitulation, had agreed to allow us, would have ar- rived, and put an end to our apprehcn- fions ; but none appeared. The Indians now began to ftrip every one without ex- ception, of their arms and cloaths, and thofe who made the leall refiitance felt the weight of their tomahawks. I happened to be in the rear divifion, but it was not Ions: before I Iharcd the fate of my companions. Three or four of the favages laid hold of me, and w hi lit feme held their weapons over my head, the others loon dlfiobcd me of my coat, waiftcoat, hat, and buckles, omitting not to take from n^e what money I had iii it 1 ii 1 i^B 1' ^ 1 \i: It'll ' ' m \im [ 3>8 ] in my pocket. As this was trajifaded clofe by the paflage that led from the lines on to the plain, nt.'»r which a French centinel was ported, I ran to him and claimed his protetflion ; but he only called me an Englilh 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 dirtance ; but innumerable were the blows that were made at me with different weapons as I pafl'ed on ; luckily however the favages were fo clofe together, that they could not ftrike at me without en- dangering each other. Notwithftanding which one of them found means to makt- a thru ft at me with a fpear, which grazed my fide, and from another I re- ceived a wound, with the fame kind of weapon, in my ankle. At length I gained the fpot where my countrymen ftood, and forced myfelf into the midft of them. But before I got thus far out of the hands of the Indians, the collar and wriftbands of my fiiirt were all that remained of it, and my flelh was fcratched and iifa£led im the French im and i only ruft me e midft body of ether at vere the different however ler, that bout en- ilanding to makt- which er I re- kind of ength I ntrymen the midft far out ,ie collar all that 'cratched and [ 3^9 ] tind torn in many places by their favage gripes. By this time the war-hoop was given, and the Indians began to ni-.irder tholo that were neareft to them without ciiftindlion. It is not in the power of words to give any tolerable idea of the horrid icene that now enfued ; men, women, and children were difpatched in tlie moft wanton and cruel manner, and immediately fcalped. Many of thefe favagcs drank the blood of their victims, as it flowed warm fiom the fatal wound. We now perceived, thougli too late to avail us, that we were to cxpc^fl no relief from the French ; and thai, con- trary to the agreement they had fo lately figned to allow us a fuHicient force to protect us from thefe inlults, they tacitly permitted them ; for I could plainly per- ceive the Fniieh olFkers walking afjout r.t li)me dillance, dilcourling tog' thcr v>ith apparent unconcern. For the ho- nour of human nature I would hope that tliis flagrant breach of every liicrcd law, proceeded rather from the lavage diTpc^h- tlon of the Indiana, which I acknowledge it is fom;.timcs alniofl; impn(]i!jle to con- troul. k r! I A '' i i I I 323 ] troul, and which might now unexpe£ledly have arrived to a pitch not eafily to be reftrained, than to any premeditated de- jfign in the French commander. An un- prL'judlced obferver would, however, be apt to conclude, thnt a body of ten thou- fandchriftlai: oo , moft chriftian troops, had it in theii i i/al;; to prevent the maf- facre from bcv ..iin^; ^o general. But whatever was the cauit from which it arofe, the confcquences of it were dread- ful, and not to be paralleled in modern hiftory. As the circle in which I flood inclofed b^^ this time was much thinned, and death feemed to be approaching with hafty ftrides, it was propofed by fome of the moft refolute to make one vigorous effort, and endeavour to force our way through the favages, the only probable method of prel'erving our lives that now remained. This, however defperate, was relolved on, and about twenty of us fprung at once into the midft of them. In a moment we were all feparated, and what was the fate of my companions 1 could not learn till Ibme months after, when J found that only fix or {Qvtn of them peftedly ly to be ated de- An un- ever, be :cii thou- 111 troops, the maf- al. But which it ere dread- 11 modern od inclofed lined, and liing with by Ibme of e vigorous our way y probable s that now perate, was nty of U3 f them. |U feparated, companions onths atter,^ r feven of them [ 321 ] therh effe(n:cd their deiign. Intent only on my own hazardous lituation, I endea- voured to make my way through my lavage enemies in the bed manner pol- flble. And I have often been aftonilhed fince, when 1 have rccolleded with what compofure I took, as I did, every ne- eeflary ftep for my preiervation. Some 1 overturned, being at that time young and athletic, and others I palled by, dextroufly avoiding their weapons ; till at laft two very ftoiit chiefs, of the mod lavage tribes, as 1 could dillinguifli by their drefs, whofe ftrength I could not refift, laid hold of me by each arm, and began to force me through the crowd. 1 now refigned myfclf to my fiite, not doubting but that they intended to dif- patch me, and then to fatiate their ven- geance with my blood, as 1 found they were hurrying me towards a retired fwamp that lay at ibme diftance. But before we hud got many yards, an Englifli gentle- man of Ibmc diliinOion, as 1 could dil- cover by his breeches, the only covering he had on, which were of tine fcarltt velvet, ruihcd dole by us. One of the Indians ii V \A I — 'I !\ 111! yi 'f: D 322 J Ituluvns iiillaiitly k ruu|niili( d lils lioKl, iiiul l|Min^lM^ on tliis new ()l)jt\^l, ciulca- vomeil to Ici/c liiiiJ as his |niy ; but the gcntltiiiaii luinj; Ihoiin, thrtw him o\\ the }.',i(uuul, niul uouKl prohahly liavc got away, hail not he who held my other arm, (iviilti il me to aliill iiis bro- ther. 1 iM/iil the t»p|>ortunity, ami hailened away to join anotiu r party ot L^nivlllJi troops that wax- yet unhrokeii, aiul lloovl ill a hoily at iomc ilillaiice. Bui: hetoii- I had taken many lleps, L halillv call my eye towards the jvontlc- rnaii, and law the Indian's tomahawk ^al)i into his hack, ami hearvl him utter iiis lall j^roan ; this added both to my ipi I d and delperation. I h.id kit this liuiekini; lecne but a few yan's, when a line boy about twelve years ol a,;e, ihar liad hillieito elcaped, eame up to niv, and billed that 1 would let liim lav hold ot ine, lo that he mis»ht lland iome ehance of gittin:; out of the hands (^i' the ia\a«n s. 1 told liiiii that I woidd gi\e him every aliidance in my power, .nd to this puipolc bid him lay hoKl; but in a kw moments he was torn from my lide, and by his (hrieks, 1 judge wa; [ 3^3 ] was fooii tlcniolidKHl. 1 foiiKl not lidp fuigcttiii^ my own r;iics Tor a niiimrc, to lament tlio I'atc ot" \n voinij^ a liifl' n r ; l)iif It was uttt.rlv InijJoHiMo tor nic to taki- any ni to j^icwnt it. I now |M)t once nioir Into tlic niidfl: of friends, hut we were iinal)l ■ to ari()rcl tat li otl ler anv Inecour As tl w . \\.\ til (liviCioii til. It had advanted th( i'lnfliffl: from the tort, I thon^dit there miglit he a poflihility (thoujdi hut a very hare one) of my lorclng a way throuj^h the outer ranks of the Iiulians, and g'ttlnu; to a neij^hhouring wood, width I p- ic ivtci at fomc dHtance. I was fllll eneour.iped to hojH' hy the ahnofl: miraculous pielerva- tlon I had already experiene, d. Nor were my hopes vain, or the eftorts I made ine tKchial. Suffiee it to fay that 1 rcaclkd the wood, hut hv the time 1 had [xnetrated a little way into it, my breath was lo exhaufled that I tln\ w myfclf into a hr.d-ie, and l.iy for i'onrc. minutes apparently at the laft galp. /\t length 1 recovereel the power ot reipira- tion, hut my apj)rehenrions leturned with all their tormcr force, who-n 1 law Icveral favages pafd by, probably in pur- X 2 fuit m I '■':t I- 4: ^mi \u\r I |,\\ , nil iii|\l(l « nnr mi ; !• .w \\ n»|'. no>v» \t I . ' Iw \\ \' \ \> tM ill! «. l\n II llf luu. \Vi\\ . I lliou^'Jil il ni'ill i'IikI lit to jn » I,\hI\< I tioiu llw tilt .\illiil 1« ' IK '^t mv linj'l' iImK Ml i<,\tl »lHliiUi'R. \MiM«liii| ii\lo.niollw« \\\\\ oi llu' uooil. 1 hiill-niil o\\ .\i {,\\\ ;\s \\\f blijM ; .nul llir l»'l:^ nl niio ol nn ll\ot s wtUiUI pi unit tUt ; .nul ;H)( « ^ \\yy\\ |M»y,iV( tlooK. .1 tlic plain \\\\u\\ I \\m\ pill I. \\ . tioiw \\\u lU I (iMiltl (lit 1 < \n \\\M \\\y Moo.lv iliuin llill >.i^;< il with ni\.^lv\tt vl l\n V. \\\]\ \\\>\ lt> tirr n\v \.,nl ot ll\i loltl *lr\\ s Toi tin*. nii;l\t;.. \ .W U\\\\\\\ iv.uh^ii \\>\\ l"vl\\.u«l; \\hii« »n\ l>»>il\ ttVMI U'VO\ll>»l Itl '1 W Ith jMOpi I V .llv' \{s \\ont<*l OixiumIu .\n»l luv \\\\\u\. as t.u as thv- 1. V oll\h.M» »>< \\h laf. ii\. I,\n- ihoJN v\viU« wonM p*; nut. its iilualcoiu- luro 1( Nv.-,^ ronip\ilv »] that iiri»\M^ Inuulivvl i viUmk^ Wiir klllvvi ; \\\Ak\< pillvVUt tl 1>\ \v \C \ 4 u ttrV I. M- n \\\^ . nt 1»» \\\< n» •! 1 \]u\\ \\\« l,\n tluu: f .P5 1 llu ir l;\V;lf',i ' «llli Ml)', I llll l.ll.ll V III till l.ltli I XV II' ( .11 I |i I I nli liV H l< III :IMll III Ml HlnilMil. A li W, tlll(MI|'jl (,l\ iMli.llili .U i III III ^, inliml tliril w.iy |),u l\ IiMIiii ii.iIim (niiiiliV .lil' I li.iviii}; i.'\|v I n lu I tl .1 I'tii); iiiiil \i \-i K { ,ij»tivily . III! I'l.lVr ( nlnll' I Miininll.Hl lilllrllil ;\\viv, l.'nii alhi till titnlwIlMll l»'J',Hi, t'» |li> I'lnuli (,iin|i lo mkUiivoiii tn pio- < nil till |Mi,il(l ,i|Mi(tl liy llu l)i|)nliilinii ; lull III' ii|<|ili( .It mil |iimiii}>^ iiK llrt hi.il, lii: Hin.iniiil llu H III! (iitiii.il W'l lili |i III ii p. Illy v\ hoop. In diMn.iiul s\i|il piolnl hini i»,n K In I'nil lOilvv.iuI. Uul llirli im- li.ippV nmiiKiut'., uliuji \vi iijii pinJM- l\lv li;l\(' lin n pii'Vi liliil, lild lie lucii Iril tn put lui ins n\vn pliiii j, tnjM-tlu r with llir Inis nl In in.mv l»iavt li llnw.i, inui- iloKil m vnM l»lnntl. In wlinli v.ilniii |ji" liul lui II In I.\l( Iv a wiliuJ', miulc (ikIi ill) iinpitiiinn nil liis iniiul, lli.il lu did iinl l»>M)\ lurxivc. lit vlud in al)nul llircc inontlis nl .1 Itinki tl In ail, and willi liutli mij'Jit it l»r l.nd, tli.il lu- w.is ,iii linimm tn In:; mnnti v . I Muan nnl In pnini mil tlic Inllnwinp; ciicuinllanco as thr immcdialc iud'MniMil »ll 01 licavcn, aiK I iiii iiiiii X ail atoiKiiKiit Inr =,lfl i\\ r; i m\ [ 3^-6 ] for tills fl.ui^hrrr, hut I cannot omit that Viry k\v <»i thole dlilircnr trihcs of In- diana thiit fliaml in it «. vcr lived to tctiwn lioiTu-. 'J 'he Ini.dl pox, hy means ot their coinmuniciition with the ICnropcans, toiind it^ WAV IIUJIIP f-> tl Km, iiid made an e(]\vA havot k to what tlu v thcmiclvcs had done. 'I he iinthoils they purhied on the fiiO: attack ot that maiiL;Fi;iiit diloitler, to ii bate the i \(r attuicHng it, i\nd(ied it: iatah W'liihl th li ■''! hi • -tirr [ 33^ J of ti'cir purlucrs. Tiny lomctlnics Icat- tcr leaves, laiid, or dull over the prints of tlicir kct ; lonialnus tnad Ifi each otlicMS lootllij)s ; aiul lon\criiii(S Jilt their feet lb hi<^h, ami trend lo hghtly, as not to make any iniprellion on the ground. But if they lind all rhcic precautions un- availing, and tliat they are near heing overtaken, they lirll diijiatcli and Icalp their priloners, and then diviiling, each endeavours to regain his native country by a ditferent route. Tiiis prevents all far- ther purluil'; for their purluers now de- l"]>niring; eitlier of gratifying their ic- or of releafing thoii of tl K'lj venge, friends who were made captives, return Jiome. h' the iiiccefsful party is fo lucky as to make gootl their retreat unmolelled, tliey li.iilen with tlu; greatell expedition to reach a country where tliey may be i^^^rfedly lecure; and that th.eirwcnind -d ce'inpr ions may not retard their flight, ilk.y carry them hy turns in litters, or if it is in the winter kalon draw them on Hedges. Their litters are made m a rude iiKinner ot the branches of trees. Hieir Hedges (onllil of two linall tliin bjaids about a ioot i 1. U [ 3J' ] foot wide wiieii joliiucl, and near fix fectf long. The fore part is turned up, and tlie lides are bordered with iinall hands. The Indians draw thele carriages witli gn at ealc be they ever fo much loaded, l)y means of a firing which j^aflcs round the l)realL This collar is called a Mc- tvim|\ and is in ufe throughout America, both in the lettiements and the internal parts. Thole uied in the latter are made of leather and very curioully wrought. Tiie priioners during their march are guariied with the greateft care. During the d:'V, if the journey is over land, they are ;.i\' ays held by iomc of the vidorious ;; avty ; if by water, they are fallened to the canoe. In the night-time tluy arc ibetched along the ground quite naked, V itb their legs, arms, and neck failentd to hooks fixi.d in the ground. Befidcs this, cords are tied to tin ir arms or legs, which are IkKI by an Inilian, who in- itaii^Iy awakes at the leall motion of tl]f;m. Notwithftanding fuch precautions are ulually taken by the Indians, it is rc- cord<.d in the annals of New Kngland, that one of the weaker fex, almofl alone, and lA -[i MR|! mt Hi ir« u. ■-*' I: ■■v,j ( > niitl nii;\(ii(1iJ, fninul i))»>aii8 In clikir il»o \ i|j||.iiiri' ol n piiiU »tl w.ininm, ;iimJ ;u»t nnlv In m;ik< Ik i • lr,\|M' Imni •litm, bill (n t> \ i(j»i' lllf 1 ;\\|lr nl lu'l MMlIll I V I MCll. Snn\i" viilit: .>)V»» '• limill l»;»ml <»1 (.',uii\- *\\M\ liuliaiiH, i,ouliHiii)J nl irn wanioip ;\lhiHl«tl l>v ivvonl il)(ii wivc^, mi\(I' an jirviptinn min lln \\.\y\\ Icll K iik iil ; »•! N» \v l,iij;lniul. TlhV lliik'il Imi linnr \\\\\\ \\\ t'u' \UHUl\' <»| tUlf nl llir moll cMrinu lowiis, ami al kiij^lh all- i liiv- \\\\\ kilivtl atui Ual,»(«l Irviial juoplr, Jv)Uit(l j\)( in, to ul •, jinloiu'i a ^Vl»maM \\\\^^ litil ilh lu t a Um\ v»i al)nvil l\vt|\r V(.ar« nl ii\ ;'.f\« . l^un^\ I.iIi-IhJ \\\\\\ \\\y (\ti\i(n tlu'V I'HJ Joiu , lliiv triivalrti louan tl\(n nalivi ^ii luMul \\\\ lUlKS I llll) >nct' am ;i iiiH I oil \\\\\\ ihoin llun (wo captives. 'ri\( ii\ onvi lui'ht o( tl». n u'tii-at, lli \\.-rn,iu, wnolr !»ain. i 1> \\a> Knwi rnuv! a u 1 I) I 1 lolui IVil llak u>i\ Wniiln KW \\\y \\\\'\\ inlUpul luU). SIr- l!'0\l}'|ll tlv llvMiUl l^ ,iM(. in }',' t linn» lu » haiul- ll\v i\iai..ivK;> I>\ \\!\uli ll>rv ueu ii'M- <\iu.\l, ai\vi vkiviinni'vl n tlu vlul Ki t^ 111, kv' a tkip. i.\tc «iivut i lhv~ rv.rn\»-i\ \''l hv I tivwlouK 1\) iLij puipnlc, >\l\« I lU i f 1 1 1 1 ihr rniulutlrcl »li;it Imi rfMirjiirrfifit Wfl'n It'll Il»r|,, iUr (hnvr \^| (ll|i ifl lltrir litlllK \\\v rotih hdtn lit i liiHiiiq. hi Hiiq 0 ic ucrn I )«< lliit;, flv- piif niir «»r iIir tom;ih.i\vl<^ into tlif li.Hid'i of t\\i hoy, l)i(lt]iii|\ luin In IhIIdw hri rx.imp! ; ;m(f t;ll> Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 in. ! !( I!!i .1' [ ^38 ] iblemnity. They recount with an audibJc voice all the brave aclions they have per- formed, and pride themfelves in the num- ber of enemies they have killed. In this rehcarfal they fj^are not even their tormen- tors, but flrivc by every provoking tale they can invent, to irritate and infult them. Sometimes this has the dcfired effect, and ibc fufFerers are difpatched fooner than they otherwife would have been. There are many other methods which tlie Indians make ule of to rut their pri- ibiiers to deatli, but thcfe are only occa- lional ; that of burning is n\oi\ generally VI fed. Vv'hilfl I was at the chief town of the Oftagaumies, an Illinois Indian was brougiit in, who had been made prifoner by one of their war parties. I had then an 0]3portunity of feeing the cullomary cruelties infiiftcd by rheie people on their captives, through the minutefl part of their prucefs. After the previous fteps necefiary to his condemnation, he was carried, early in the morning, to a little dillance from tlie town, where he was bound to a tree. This "A Lulible e per- num- n this )rmen- ng tale infult (k fired patched .d have 5 which leu- pri- [y occa- ;eiienlly 11 of the ail was prifoiier liad then ^U^omary on their part of .us fteps he was a fittle he was This [ 339 ] This being done, all tiie boys, who amounted to a great number, as the place was populous, wore permitted to amufe themlelves with (hooting their arrows at the unhappy victim. As they were none of them more than twelve years old, and were placed at a confideiable dillance, they had not ftrength to penetrate to the vital parts, fo that the poor wretch flood pierced with arrows, and fuftering the confequent agonies, for more than two days. During this time he fang his warlike exploits. He re-capitulated every ftrata^ gem he has made ufe of to fur prize his enemies ; he boafted of the quantity o( fcalps he poflefled, and enumerated the priloners he had taken. He then de- fcribed the different barbarous methods by which he had put the latter to death, and feemed even then to receive inconceivable pleafure from the recital of the horrid tale. But he dwelt more particularly on the cruelties he had pra£liled on fuch of tiie kindred of his prclent tormentors as had fallen into his hands; endeavouring by thefe aggravated infults to induce them y 3 to ( 'I 'i ' .( ■ f i 'i Ij.'I 1 ' i f 1 \ : I y. \ i t mm 1 '■'irr--' iriiiiii-'fliliiin. ; a ™™^ 'J T 1 i .. ! f. ) [ 340 ] to iiicreafe his tortures, that lie might be able to give greater proofs of fortitude. Even in the laft ftruggles of life, when he was no longer able to vent in words the indignant provocation his tongue would have uttered, a fmile of mingled fcorn and triumph fat on his counte- nance. This method of tormenting their ene- mies is coniidered by the Indians as pro- ductive of more than one beneficial confe- quence. It fatiates, in a greater degree, that diabolical lufl of revenge, which is the predominant pallion in the breaft of every individual of every tribe, and it gives the growing warriors an early pro- penfity to that cruelty and thirft for blood, which is fo neceflary a qualifica- tion for fuch as would be thoroughly Ikilled in their favage art of war. I have been informed, that an Indian who was under the hands of his tormen- tors, had the audacity to tell them, that they were ignorant old women, and did not know how to put brave prifoners to death. He acquainted them that he had heretofore taken fome of their warriors, and inftead of the trivial punifliments tliev C 341 ] they inflia-ed on him U^ i j i .. thc-n the moft ™; J 1 f'^'' ''•=^"^'' f- that leaving bound tL,^ ''"™""' = This bravado, which carried wit!> i. a degree oi- i,ifi,It tlmt even L r tomed ear of an Indian couImj^^"" "nmoved, threw his torn, „t rs ff 1-° S"ard, and shortened the duration J u'" torments ; for one of the chtft , an t' him, and r ppinc. nut W i ^ ^^ fuch provoking language. "^ '^""^ Innumerable are thp a^ • , be told of the CO rat and "/. ' • "^^ the Indians, who happen to bf: 7" °' foners by their adverfi^^i.., "i" ""''', P"' have heard are fo afto 1; j • 7 '^'' ^ fem to exceed the utoft?'. *^^ "^^X dibilitv • it ;, hT ^'™''' °f ere- qualities, and bear .vI^C^^ J''^ fortune with a deeree of T. , '''^' uegree of fortitude which ^ has J i' ft it n [ 342 ] hns not been outdone by any of the anci- ent heroes of cither Greece or Rome. Notwithftanding tht le ads of feverity ^xerciled 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 pri- foners belonglnp; to the Englifh colonies jis have happened to be taken by them. Women ot great beauty have frequently been carried off by tliem, and during a march of tlu-ee or four hundred miles through their retired forefts, have lain by their fdes without receiving any infult, and their chaftity has remained inviolate. Inftances have happened where female cap- tives, who have bttn pregnant at the time of their being taken, have found the pangs of child-birth come upon them in the midft of folitary woods, and fa- vages their only companions ; yet from thefe, lavages as they were, have they received every afiiflance their lituation would admit of, and been treated with ^ degree of delicacy and humanity they little expelled. This forbearance, it mufl be acknow- ledged, does not prpcced altogether from their ; anci- c. jverity ofe of hands, -narked le pri- :olonies ^ them, quently iui'ing a d miles ; lain by r infult, nviolate. nale cap- the time unci the n them and fa- ct from ve they fit nation ted with ity they acknow- Iher from their [ 343 1 their difpolitions, but h only inherent In thofe who have held fome communication witli the French nililionnrles. Without intending that their natural enemies the Englifli Ihould enjoy the benefit of their labours, theie fathers have taken great pains to inculcate on the minds of the In- dians the general principles of humanity, which has diffufed itltlf through their manners, and has proved of pubUc utility. Thofe prifoncrs tkat are conligncd to the houfe of grace, andthefe are commonly the young men, women, and children, await the dll'pofal of the chiefs, who after the execution of fuch as are condemned to die, hold a council for this purpof?. A herald is fcnt round the village or camp, to give notice that fuch as liave loft any relation in the late expedition are defired to attend the diftrlbutlon which is about to take place. Thofe women who have loft their fons or huft)ands arp generally fatlsfied in the firft place ; after thefe, fuch as have been deprived of friends of a more remote degree of conlkn- gulnity, or who chofe to adopt fome of the youth. Y4 Th': ;;M 'V «' hm ^i [ 344 ] The dlvlfion being made, whlcli is done, as in other cnft;;, without the Icnft diipute, thofc who have, received any ihare lead them to their tents or huts ; and having iinhound them, wafh and drefs their wounds if they happen to have deceived any ; they tlien cloath them, and give them the moft comfortable and refreihing food their llorc will afford. Whilft their new domeflicks are feed- ing, they endeavour to adminiftcr confo- lation to them ; they tell them that as they are redeemed from death, they muft now be cheerful and happy ; and if they ferve them well, without murmur- ing or repining, nothing fhall be want- ing to make them fuch atonement for the lols of their country and friends, as cir- cumftances will allow of. If any men are fpared, they are com- monly given to the widows that have loft their hulbands by the hand of the enemy, fhould there be any fuch, to whom if they happen to prove agreeable, they are foon married. But fhould the dame be otherwife engaged, the life of him who fiills to her lot is in great dan- ger ; efpecially if fhe fancies that her late hufband [ 345 1 hufl^nnd wants a flivc in the country of Iplrits to which he is gone. When this is the cafe, a number of young men take the devoted captive to fomc diftance, and difpatch liim without any ceremony : after he has been fparcd by the council, they confider him of too little confequence to be intitled to the torments allotted to thofc who have been judged worthy of them. The women are ufually diftributed to the men, from whom they do not fail of meeting with a favourable reception. The boys and girls are taken into the families of fuch as have need of them, and are confidered as flavcs; and it is not uncom- mon that they are fold in the fame capa- city to the European traders who come aml^ng them. The Indians have no idea of moderat- ing the ravages of war, by fparing their prifoners, and entering into a negotiation with the band from whom they hnve been taken, for an exchange. All that are captivated by both parties, are either put to death, adopted, or made flavf s of. And fo particular are every nation in this refped, that if any of their Pi! !■'<■ ' t. r 1 h u ■ ■ ^ i' _ 1 I i: ( i 1 1 ■ ii '' ** ' mPH^ '™ '■ ■*■ .. ^|UDH|H ;;'l^ MWHi Pli ,.;«;•! i ) 1 I |r* ! > \ [ 346 ] their tribe, even a warrior, fhould be taken prilbncr, and by chance be received into the houfc of grace, either as an adopted perfon or a Have, 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 adopt- ed differs not in any one inftance from the children of the nation to which they now belong. Tliey alfume all the rights of thofe whofe places they fupply, and frequently make no difficulty of going in the war-parties againft their own countrymen. Should, however, any of thcfe by chance make their efcape, and be afterwards retaken, they are efteemed as unnatural children and ungrateful per- Ibns, who have deferred and made war upon their parents and benefan, and ought to be ranked among the women. Their partiality to the French has however taken too deep root, for time .'tfelf to eradicate it. i^ ■*' «, CHAP. i^m 3S^ J CHAP. X. Of their Manner of making Peace, ^c* TH E wars that are carried on be- tween the Indian nations are in general hereditary, and continue from age to age with a few interruptions. If a peace becomes neceflary, the principal care of both parties is to avoid the appear- ance of making the firft advances. When they treat with an enemy, re- lative to a fufpenfion of hoftihties, the chief who is commiffioned to undertake the negotiation, if it is not brought about by the mediation of fome neighbouring band, abates nothing of his natural hanghtinefs: even when the affairs of his country are in the worft iituation, he makes no conceliions, but endeavours to perfuade his adverflu-ies tliat it is their in- tcreft to put an end to the war. Accidents fometimes contnljute to bring about a peace, between nations, that otherwife couid not be prevailed on to llrten to terms of accommodation. r\u iiiflaiice •ifj m \ ^ I I. II 'f;'i i',' I ^gi,-*'.; [ 3S^ ] inftance of this, which I heard of hi al- moft every nation I pafled through, I fhall relate. About eighty years ngo, the Iroquois and Chipeways, two powerful 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 thouland of the for- mer made an excurfion from Lake On- tario, by way of Toronto, towards the territories of their enemies. They coafted Lake Huron on its eaft and northern borders, till they arrived at the ifland of St. Jofeph, which is fituated in the ilraights of St. Marie. There they crofl- ed thefe Straights upon the ice about fif- teen miles below the falls, and conti- nued their route ftill weftward. As the Aground was covered with Ihow, to pre- vent a difcovery of their numbers, they marched in a fingle file, treading in each others footfleps. Four Chipeway Indians, paffing that way, obferved this army, and readily guefled from the diredlon of their march and the precautions they took, both the country Hi: 'if of ill al- rough, I s Iroquois il nations, umles a! id or to their d ftreiigth. of the for- Lake Ou- twards the hey coafted d northern ; the Ifland ated in the } they croli- ahout fif- and conti- As the 3\v, to pre- nhers, they ing ill each paffing that and readily their march k, both the country r 353 1 country td which they were haflening, and their defigns. Notwithftanding the nation to which they belonged was at war with the Otta" gauiTiles, and in aUiance with their in- vaders, yet from a principle which can- not be accounted for, they took an in- ilant refolution to apprize the former of their danger. To this purpofe they haftened away with their ufual celerity, and, taking a circuit to avoid difcovery, arrived at the hunting grounds of the Ottagaumies, before 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 they informed of the approach of their enemies. ' , The chiefs 'mmediately collected their whole force, and held a council on the fteps that were to be taken for their de- fence. As they were encumbered with their families, it was impolhble that they could retreat in time ; they there- fore determined to chufe the moft advan- tageous fpot, and to give tlie Iroquois the bell reception in their power. z Not : (, ■r <: I )k' m . . « [ 354 ] Not far from the 1)1.100 where they tlicn happened to he, (Itood two fniall lakes, hetwecn which ran a narrow neck of land about a mile in length, and only from twenty to forty yards in breadth. ConcliKlinj; that the Iroquois intended to pafs through (his defile, the united hands divided tlu ir little party into two bodies of two hundred eaeh. One of thelb took poft at tl\c extremity of the paf» that lay neareft to their hunting grounds, whieh they immediately fortified with a breail-work formed of palifadcs; whilfk the other hod'*' took a compais round one of ti\e lakes, with a delign to hem their enemies in when they had entered the deiile. Their ftratagem fucceeded ; for no fooner had the whole of the Iroquois en- tered the pafs, than being provided with wood for the purpole, they formed a iimilar breall-work on tlie other extre- mity, and thus encloted their enemies. The Iroquois loon perceived their fi- tuation, and immediately held a council on the meafures that were neceflary to be purlued to extricate themlelves. Un- luckily for them, a thaw had ju(l taken place J t 355 1 place, wlilch luid io far clifl[()lvc(l the icc ns to iciulcr it impafliblc, aiirl yet tlicre i\\\\ rcmiiiiic^d fufficlcnt to prevent tlictn from cltlur pafliiig over the lakes oti rafts, or from fwimtTfing acr(;fs. In this dilemma it was a«;reed that they fhould endeavour to foree one of the hrcafl"- Xvorks ; hut tlicy fortn found them too Well defended to c'tfeifl their purpofc. Notwithrtandinj; this diliippointmcnf, with the iifual compofure and unappre- hcnfivcllefs of Indians, they amufed them- iclvcs three or four days in fi(hing. Hy this time the ice hcing quite diUblved, they made themielves rafts, vviiich they were enabled to do by foirie trees that fortunately grew on the Ijiot, and at- tempted to crois one of the lakes. They accordingly fet olF beiorc day- break, but the Ottagau Lilies, who had been watchful of" their motions perceiving their defign, dctaehtd one hundred and fifty men from each of their parties, to oppofe their landing. Thefe three hun- dred marched lb expedltioully to the other fulc of the lake, that thoy reached it be- fore their opponents had gained thc'ihore, Z 2 they }' 'V'/'ii^ 'If ii I 3S^ 3 they being retarded by their poles flicking in the mud. As foon as the confederates arrived, they poured in a very heavy fire, both from their bows and mufquetry, on the Iroquois, which greatly difconccrted them ; till the latter finding their fituation del- perate, leaped into the water, and fought their way through their enemies. This however they could not do without lof* ing more than half their men. After the Iroquois had landed, they made good their retreat, but were obliged to leave their enemies maflers of the field, and in pofleflion of all the furs they had taken during their winter's hunt. Thus ilearly did they pay for an unprovoked excurfion to fuch diflance from the route they ought to have purfued, and to which they were only impelled by a fudden de- lire of cutting off fome of their ancient enemies. But had they known their flr6ngth they might have deflroyed every man of the party that oppofed them ; which even at the firft onfet was only inconfH derabfe, and, when diminifhed by the adlion, :king rived, both 111 the them; 11 dei- fought This ut lof- , they obhged le field. Ley had Thus revoked e route o which den de- ancient |{lrength iman of which inconri-* by the adlon, [ ZS1 ] at^lon, totally unable to make any fland againft them. The viiSlorlous bands rewarded the Chi- peways who had been the means of their fuccefs with a (hare of the ipoils. They prcflcd them to take any quan- tity they chofe of the richeft of the furs, and fent chem, under an efcort of •fifty men, to their own country. The difinterefted Chipeways, as the Incjians in general are fcldom adluated by mercenary motives, for a confiderable time refufed thefe prcfents, but were at length per- fuaded to accept of them. The brave and well- concerted refiftance here made by the Ottagaumies and Sau- kies, aided by the mediation of the Chi- peways, who laying alide on this occa- lion the animofity they had fo long borne thofe people approved of the generous condud: of their four chiefs, were toge- ther the means of effedling a reconcilia- tion between thele nations; and in pror cefs of time united them all in the bands of amity. And I believe that ail the Indians in- habiting that extenfive country, which lies between Qu^ebec, the banks of the' Z3 Miiri%pi III i 1 ii ^1 '1 fsfl \u m W( f.H\\ C 358 ] MlfTiflippl north of the Ouifconfin, and the fettlements belonpins; to the Hudfon*^ Bay Company, are at prefent in a Hate of profound peace. When their reftlefs difpofitlons will not fuffcr them to re- main inn(£live, thcfe northern Indians fel- dom commit hoftilities oneach other, but make excurfions to the fouthward, againfl: the Chcrokets, Cliodahs, Chickafaws or Illinois. Sometimes the Indians grow tired of a war, which they have carried on againil: fome neighbouring riatjon for many years without much fuccefs, and in this cafe they feek for mediators to begui a negotiation. Thefe being obtained, the treaty is thus conduced. A number of their own chiefs, joined by thofe who have accepted the friendly office, fet out together for the country of their enemies; fuch as arc chofen for this pur- pofe, are chiefs of the moft extenfive abilities and of the greateft integrity. They bear before them the pipe of peace, which I need not inform my readers is of the fame nature as a Flag of Truce among the Europeans, and is treated with the grcateil refped and veneration, even "■ ■ '' '' ^i and hn\ ibte ftlefs > re- sfel^ , but rainft ws or d of a igaiaft ' years fe they tiation. is thus ned by office, their is pur- tenfive egrity. peace, aders is Truce ?d with even [ 359 ] by the mofl: barbarous nations. 1 never heard of an inftance wherein the bearers of this facred badge of friendfhip were over treated dilrcl'pet^fuUy, or its rights violated. The Indians believe that the Grea: Spirit never fuffers an infra*5lion of this kind to go unpuniihed. The pipe of peace, which is termed by the French, the Calumet, for what rea- fon 1 could never learn, is about four feet long. The bowl of it is made of red marble, and the ftem of it of a light wood, curioufly painted with hierogly- phicks in various colours, and adorned- with the feathers of the moft beautiful birds, I have endeavoured to give as ex- a£t 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 pleaiing ornaments of this much efteemed Indian 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 ufcd as an introduftlon to all trea- ties, and great ceremony attends the ufe pf it on thefe occafions. 7< 4 Th? 1 ,' II 1 1 1 '; k ! I- jH l|i |i part it is jghly erally iffem- gh'ccd, rns the er this ling it till he ; a£lioii Great licated, licious iid by of the h, and ed the li whofe to for- prefent e herc- two or three [ 36' ] tlircc whiffs, blows tlie fmoak from lila rnouth firfl: towards heaven, and tlien around him upoti the ground. It is afterwards put in the fame man- ner into the mouths of tl)c ambaflhdors cr Grangers, who obferve the lame cere- mony ; then to the chief of the warriors, and to all the other chiefs in turn ac-. cording to their gradation. During this time the perfon who executes this ho- nourable office holds the pipe flightly in his liand, as if he feared to prcfs the fii- crcd inftrument ; nor does any one prc- Uime to touch it but with his lips. When the chiefs who are intruded with the commilHon for making peace, approach the town or camp to which they are going, they begin to fing and dance the fongs and dances appropriated to this occalion. By this time the ad- verfe party are apprized of their arrival, and divefting fhemfelves of their wonted enmity at tl-^ fight of the pipe of peace, invite them tu the habitation of the Great Chief, and furnifh them with every con- yenicncy during the negociation. A council is then held; and when the fpecches and debates are ended, if no ob- ' flrudions Hi' i I If '■m U Ml : lii' ittii nx - \'. f S i ■""■■ [ 36* 3 flruftions arifc to put a flop to the treaty, the j^aintc'd hatchet ib buritd in the ground as a memorial that all anhnoli- tics between the contejuliiig nations have cealcd, and a peace taken place. Among the ruder hands, fuch as have no commu- nication with the Europeans, a war-club painted red is buried infkad of the hatchi t, A belt of wampum is alfo given 011 this occafion, which ferves as a ratifica- tion of the peace, and records to the latcft pofterity, by the hieroglyphitks into which the beads are formed, every ftipu- lated article in the tteaty. Thefc belts are made of (hells found on the coafts of New England and Vir- ginia, which are fawed out into beads of an oblong form, about a quarter of an inch lo.-g, and round like other beads. Being ftrung on leather firings, and fe- veral of them fewed neatly together with {me fuiewy threads, they then compofe the fame, what is termed a Belt of Wam- pum. The fhells are generally of two co- lours, fome white and others violet ; but the latter are more highly elleemed than |be former. They are held in as much eflimatiou rcaty, I the imoli- i have iiTimu- ir-cUib .atchi t. ^cii oil ratifica- to the :k.s into y ftipu- Is found nd Vir- beads of of ail beads, and Ic- ier with compole f Wam- [ 3^3 ] ertlnnatlon by the Indians, as gold, fll- ver, (M- precious ftunea are by the Eu» ropcaus. The belts are conipofcd of ten, twelve, or a greater miiiibcr of firings, ac-" cording to tlic importance of the affair in agitation or the dignity of the perlbn to whom it is p relented. On more triflnig occafions, firings of thcle beads are prefented by the chiefs to each other, and frequently worn by them about their necks, as a valuable ornament. CHAP. XI. Of their Games. AS I have before obferved, the In- dians are greatly addided to gam- ing, and will even flake, and lofe with compofure, all the valuables they are policlied of. They amufe themfelves at Jeveial ioi ts of games, but the principal and moll efteemed among them is that of the ball, which is not unlike the Eu- ropean game ^ teniiis,. ,1|!: The V: r ii ^ . B;- \>: •i I lli'i [ 36+ ] 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 moiftencd to render it fupple, is fluffed hard with the hair of the fame creature, and fewed with its finews. The ball-flicks are about three feet long, at the end of which there is fixed a kind of racket, refembling the palm of the hand, and fafliioned of thongs cut from a deer-fkin. In thefe they catch the ball, and throw it to a great diflance, if they are not prevented by fome of the oppofitc party, who fly to intercept it. This game is generally played by large companies, that fometimes confifl of more than three hundred ; and it is not uncommon for different bands to play againfl each other. They begin by fixing two poles in tlic 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 dire6l line between the goals ; towards which each party endea- vours to flrike it, and \iJiich ever fide firll ;r larger and are ; which iipple, IS the fame ws. The long, at id a kind 11 of the cut from h the ball, if they are le oppofitc played by mes confift • and it is Lids to play 3oles in tlic yards apart, ng to each The ball is It re of the ictwecn the laity endea- ;h ever tide firll f 3(>S ] firft caufes it to reach tlieir own goal, reckons towards the game. They are fo exceeding dextrous m this manly exercife, that the ball is ufually kept flying in different dire(Stions by the force of the rackets, without touching the ground during the whole contention ; for they are not allowed to catch it with their hands. They run with amazing velocity in purfuit of each other, and when one is on the point of hurling it to a great diftance, an antagoniifl: overtakes him, and by a fudden ftroke dafhes down the ball. They play with fo much vcliemencc that they frequently wound each other, and fometimes a bone is broken ; but not- withftanding thefe accidents there never ap- pears to be any fpite or wanton exertions of ftrength to effedl them, nor do any dilputes ever happen between the parties. There is another game alfo in ulc among them worthy of remark, and this is the game of the Bowl or Platter. This game is played between two pcrfons only. Each perfon has fix or eight little bones not uniike a peach-ftone either in fae or ihape' except that they arc qua- drangular ; ''■'M\ \^' t ■ IK t 366 3 ttmngiitar ; two of the fides of which Art coloured black, and the others white; Thefc they throw up into the air, front whence they fall into a bowl or platter placed underneath^ and made to Ipiii lx)und. According as thefe bones prcfcnt the white or black lidc upwards they reckon the game : he that hai^pens to have the grcatefl number turn up of a fim.ilar Colour, counts five points ; and forty is the game* The winning party keeps his placc^ tind the lofcr yields his to another who is nppointcd by one of the umpires ; for a whole village is fometimes concerned in the party, and at times one band plays Again ft another. During this play the Indians appear to be greatly agitated, and at every decilive throw fet up a hideous (hout. They make a thouland contortions, addrcfling thcmfelves at the fame time to the bones, and loading with imprecations the evil fpiiits that afhft their fuccclsful antago- iiifts. At this game fome will lofc their apparel, all the moveables of their cabins, and Ibmetimes even their liberty, not* icti nrfe vvhitci , froiTl platter o ipirt cut the reckon liwc the fimilar forty is is place i r who is :9 ; tor a crned m nd plays appear to dccilive They idJrclhng le bones, the evil id antago- .vill lofc s of their r liberty, not- [ 3«7 ] notwlthftandiiig there are no people In tho univerfe more jvuloua of the latter than the Indians arc. CHAP. XII. Of i/jeir Ma^v.1 AGE Ceremonies, &c* THE Indians allow of polygamy, and perfons of every rank. induJgo themfelves in this point* The chiefs m particular have a feraglio which confifls of an uncertain 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, wltb the children they may bear, to mnintiiin. It is not uncommon for an Indian to marry two fifters ; fometimes, if there happen, to be more, the whole number ; and not- withftandlng this (as it appears to civi- lized nations) unnatural union, they all live m the greateft harmony. The younger wives are fubmiflive to the elder ; and thofe who have no chil- dren, do fuch menial offices for tliofe who arc fertile, as caufes their Situation to differ li I' . 1 u. i"; - * - •» - Ir ■: [ 368 ] differ but little from a ftate of fei'vitud^i However they perform every injundlion with the greatefl cheerfulnefs, in hopes of gaining thereby the affedtion of their fiulband, that they in their turns may h?\ve the happihefs of becotning mothers, and be intitled to the re(pe£t attendant on that ftate. It is not uncommon for an Indian, although ne takes to himfelf fb many wives, to live in a ftate of continence with many of them for leveral years. Such as are not fo fortunate as to gain the favour of their hufband by their fubmif- five 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- lented by him to fome ftranger chief, whofe abode among them will not admit of his entering into a more lafting con- nexion. In this cafe they fubmit to the injunction of their huft)and without mur- muring, and are not diipleafed at the temporary union. But if at any time it is known that they take this liberty with- out firft receiving his confent, they are . punilhed |un£lioii [1 hopes of their •lis may mothers, [idant on 1 Indian, fo many ontinenCe ral years. 3 gain the ir lubmil- l by that continue whole of to be pre- ger chief, not admit .fting con- |mit to the :hout mur- fed at the Iny time it Derty with- I, they are punilhed C 3h \ jninilhed in the fame manner as if they liad been guilty of adultery. This cuftom is more prevalent among the naflons which lie in the interior parts, than among thoie that are nearer the fet- tlements, as the manners of the latter are rendered more conformable In ibme points to thofe of the Europeans, by the inter* courfe they hold with them. The Indian nations differ but little from each other in their marriage ceremo- nies, aiul lels in the manner of their di-^ vorces. The tribes that inhabit the bor- ders of Canada, make ufe of the follow- ing cuftom. When a young Indian has fixed his In- clinations on one of the other fex, he endeavours to gain her confent, and if he fuccccds, it is never known that her pa- rents ever obftruct their union. WLen every preliminary is agreed on, and the day appointed, the friends and acquaint- ance of both parties affcmble at the houie or tent of the oldeft relation of the bride- groom, where a feaft is prepared on the occaiion. The company who meet to affift at the feflival arc fometimes very numerous ; A a they Mi Iii ili ■!^» U' !:-:* f.,Si [ SJ"" J they danrc, they iiiig, and enter Into every other (livcrlioii iitually inat^ centre of the room, they lay hold of the extremities of a wand about four feet long, by which they continue feparated, wliilll the old men pronounce fome Ihort harangues fuitable to the occafion. The mairietl coujile after this make a public declaration of the love and regard thev entertain for eacli other, and llill iiolding the rod between them, dance and ling. When they have finilhed this part of the ceremony, they break the rod inta as many pieces as there are witnelles pre- fciit. every n any thdc aercly britlc- \ thrco lation^ groou^ men. y thclc illlt tor e doovs - br'ule- •ivo her. )ii a mat m, they ch they loUl men luitiible make a nd rep;arJ vuid lllil |;u\cc and this part b rod into vcfles pve- icut, [ 371 ] lent, who caeli ♦■ 'kc a jiieec, niul pieluvc it with great care. Tlif hriik> i , tlif ri rr-coiiduclcd out of the iloor at which (lie entered, where her young e()iii[) anions vv.iit to attend Tier to her lathf I's houle ; there the bride- groom is ohhged to lu'k her, and tlic marriage is eonluniniited. Very (jih 11 tlic wife remains at \u:y lather's houle till Ihe has a child, uh n Ihe packs \i]i her apparel, which is all the tortuiie ihr is generally poliellid of, afid accom[Mnies her huiband to his habitation. When horn any dillike a feparation takes jdacc, tor they are ieldom known to quarrel, they generally give their friends a tew days notice- of their intentions, and tometimes ofter reafons to judit'y tlieir condud:. I'lie witneHes who were prelent at the marriage, meet on the day recpietled at the houle of the cou- jde that are about to it parate, and bring- ing with them the pieces ot rod which they had received at their nuptials, throw them into the lire in the preleiicc of all the parties. This is the whole of tlie ceremony required, and tlie 1 paiation is can led on without anv luurmvinni's or ill-will be- A a 2 twecn 11 I ■ !■ !i'i o [ SV" ] twtcn tlic couple or their relations, and after A kw months thty arc at liberty to marry again. \Vh( n a marriage is thus dlflblvecl, the chiliheii which ]ia\o been proiluccd from it, arc equally divided bctwicii them; and as children arc cfteenKcl a treafure by the Indians, if the fiuml)er hap[ions to be odd, the woman is allowed to take the better half. Though this cuAoni I'eems to encou- rage licklenefs and frequent itvfiarations, yet there arc many of the Indians who have but one wife, and enjoy with her a (late of connubial hapjMnels not to be ex- ceeded in more refuicd l()cieties. There arc alio not a few inllanccs of women prc- lervlng an inviolable attachment to their luiibands, except in the cales beforc-men- tic^ned, which are not conlidered as cither a violation of their chaflity or iideJity. Although 1 have faid that tlie huliau nations differ very little from each other in their marriage ceremonies, there are Ibme exceptions. The Naudowcilies have a lingular method of celebrating their marriages, which feems to bear no relem- blance to thole made ufe of by any other nation ntut ty to I, the from L ; and jy the ic oiUl, ; better [ 373 ] nation 1 pafleil ihroii'^li. When one of thch' young nun has lixcil on a yoinig woman he approves of, Ik- dKcovcrs his padion to licr [larcnts, who give him an invitation to eomc ami live witli them in their tent. He accorilingly accepts the ofler, and hy To doing engages to rcfulc in it for a whole year, in the chara«Ster of a menial fcrvant. Dining this time he hunts, and brings all the game he kills to the family ; by which means the father has an oppor- tunity of feeing whether he is able to provide for tlie iiijiport of his daughter and the children that might be the confe- quence of their union. This however is only done whilft they are young men, and for their firfl: wife, and not repeated like Jacob's fervitudes. When this period is expired, the mar^ riage is lolemnized after the cuftom of the country, in the following manner. I'hree or four of the oldeft mab relations of the bridegroom, and as many of the bride's, accompany the young couple trom their refpedive tents to an opeu part in the centre of the camp. ^ 1 T 1 t Ik 1 if*' my Aa3 Tho ll I r;i 1 '|"|\r (lilt Is ,uul w.iMini'- Iw inj' Ii. ir ;UKinl>l««l 1(» M(«i\i llnin, .1 pinl\ ol llir l\t|. I .11* «liin\H \ip in l\\«» liUils ; nil i ,u ll {i(lt it| ilh Init'i uxi In iit thi ii .11 1 1\ ,)l. rill pi tIK l|« ll t lii< I ill' n .)( tMi.nnl - lli' \\ lioir ;ill, p .M y ^\ illi lln «l lij\i) I'Mlw 11 n\, ( till}',, .111/ 1 ll . tilt in lli.u lilt V iMiplf 111 Ini. (Ill in, iiM M • ti(tiiii)M .11 ilir iiiiiu' limi lilt II n.iin* s, A\c Miinc l<^;Un\\ puMii U llini iiiltntivin:. <^1 li\ inr It'j't tin I ;i> i\Mii niu! wilt . lie thtu iilks ll\< l\V(> >(Min!; p< npit ;»h( 1 ?»At(lv, ulutlhi ll><\ jltjiic ill, It tli« tuiion Miii'Jit i.iKc pl.U(\ ll.wiiip, iKcLiit*) Willi ,in ;uuhl'|t \out' ill, it tht V tie to, ll\' wnni<>rs U\ tluii iiiiow, niul iliJili:U|\t tlitin n\( I |li( lic.ids nl tlit inanitvl p.iir ; this iltMit , llu' iliirt pii)iu)\iMcrs tluin ni.iii .\in] wit*'. Tlir hnJr}\nnMV) tlirn fiini;; nuiiul, .niul !>' inlinj; lu« Ixvly, takes lii^ \\\\<' o\\ his b;u k, it) uliirh niiunuM lu- rariirs lur 'ir.iitili tlu' ;url.uunt"ioiis o( flir ljia'l;itors ju liis tint. This airiiuniy j:, (uccccdal Iv tli«^ niotl pit niihil icM} the new niai- M((i ir,.iM c.m atit>rvl, ami fonr^s ahd ilaiices. avvoriliiii; to the nhial Cvillom, i\MU'hitk- tlu tv ili\ ll. Divorcer 1' \\y \C I > o\ \\\*' \\\ t m\\ nnv ''« HIM Ip >' \n.' ' ll ' 1, tu* n • U. II \r ;\ltn |1),U th> lo to, tlu- rs thviu s V(UH»vl, I? wilo (Ml ;\nirs hci tlHCCC^UHl ,c\v n\;u- LMu;s and culloiu. I :r/5 1 Divolcrs hiipprn (n li lilolll iimofi^ ll»e N;uul(»\vr(lirs, tl)al I li.ul not an ()|)|)(»iln- iMtv ol l(urnm|», how ilicy arc .iitoiii- jilillit (I. Ailnllciy !■; (Oitith^I \\y \h(\u a luln- nns niinr, and |Mini(I)n1 with ilir pj( ;it( ll li^;oni-. Tile IhijImihI in tin l( » atrs hiti 5 (-, and it l( put. It ion iit- V 11 til l1;\ntl uil (' s y rwUu nol( I i AW ai» nill.uuc wlx rni> (Ins tiunlc ol pvjni(hin«Mit was iiillic'li'cU wliilll I trinanvtl ,unonp^ llu ni. 'I he (InKlnn, w h< n tlti; liappi fis, Arc dilhi- initi il .trriirilnif to tin iilnal rnfloni nh- 1h\(Hl by otiu i- Jiaflun: , that is, i\n y arc cqnallv divided. /\mon}\ the Indian n:^ -well a". Vauo- yict\]} nations, there arc many that devote ihetidelvrs to plenlhn\ and not withlhiiul- inj'" the accounts piven hv Ionic nu>d(Uii \vtit(is ot the fiij'iditv ol an Indian con- (Vitntion, h'xonie the /.( aloiis votaiit :. ol rnus. ^iMic vovui}^- \vani(jis th.il ai' thus dirpofetl, li'Idtjni want oppotiunitii s tor p^ratilvnijMJji n- paUion,; ; and as th(^ incnle iilnallv followed on thelc occations *s lathrr linindar, I Ihali dclcrihe it. When one o\ thelc nouiu'' drhaiichecs :nia]!,liicii iVoni the hehaviuui of the pev- A a 4 ion II ,1 :< lf< • i ji E* -J 1<«M 1i<' )\.i • < linii II I'M III , mill i< I ;. tli.it lu' llrtll ii It' > II ilh lilv nl'ltiA I (I, (||,|( llin liull.lli; .U Knnw It (Ijir no lllpi l UMII V, «m h,\\v \\\i\ WW itK.mnI liiliiiidiii.il mil, i x» icpt ill llh III i« I), in It (Mil iiinir-^ III tlnM \\.\\ »M luiiiiiii)» p.iiin , r tli. V 1 (Mil( ipiiiil ly Iincik.iiIn III .1 il.it*' ni ( ipialil V pniltMiit to lli< lull plliuiplc; nl iiiililit. 'I'lir ItUil ill. It Init Is II. 'I ippiclu nlivr nl ;lliv clui'lv or iiMlliniil III ll|( .u nMiiplidiini 111 \ In . pill p.^l. s ll he iMii Jnul .1 » nllVC- nu nt oppnihimiN Ini uMnpN iit iii)', (In in. i> I M« /\s tlu' liuli.U)'^ ;iu iilln iiiidi i ii in. no ;\p- cm n»icK, \i as m iHn lv»n- over ill*' ) in the \11ks, an^l iUU 1 .ill 1 ilr.\lUlt l.\nK(t lo loiu^lHUCS I r/y 1 i Mt< rllu .IpUlMf III nl III' iiili ii(l((| tiiiOirr^, I I, Kill)*, full li)',lil'*| .i( ill) liiiiitlii Mil liir il liii.ill l|iliiil< I nl \V(iM(|, wliK li ;ii)l\v«MR I Ik I'III |Mi(r (i| ,1 IimIi II , III ,l|'|Mn,u In ') llir |t|;K( \\ lirn lljc ii |)(il* , .(III j'/dlly jiiill- 1(1)', llWiy ill' «it\'llll)'^ llnlii III I III ;i(|, )i)^<, ; III I till Up .IU ,iI,C'). II III' tll< n I ll' i Hji, ;IIm| iil'iw 1 mil llr lij'.l"', '•<': III I ill III) hill ll' I ( Miilinu ilinii lliil lii'i niin|t,inv It iinl ilil.ijM' > iMi ; Iml il, ill' i Ik \\;\h ililnivi D il liiiiil' ll III' liid' '; li' i In .III, ;lliil l.llsi < III) linli( r nl lillii. In; nil)'Jll 11 ll .lllllii ll lli.il ,iliy liil ill' I Inll- liliiliiiij') will I'invi' v.iiii, .iiiil tli.it ll i^i iKdll.ity ini liiiii nniiu lii.iti ly In mIiiw. Dniiii)', III': 11. ly III roiKcal; tlw lij'Jif ns intuli .1 i jinililili III (III liollovv ol lu'; IllUlds, ;l!ul il'i ill' Irlll . nl loiilll'. oi tlio iiuliiiirt iwc iilii.illy liij'/ .mil t ijiacioiif;, III- (Uii|)('s williiiiit «|i|(iliMii. It I; \.\h\ tli.ll till ynilli)', WDliK 11 vvliii .idinil tin it nvris oil till ll in.( .ilioii r.ik c I'M .ll (JillC by :iii iMiincdi.itr ni'plii .ilinii In licrhs, Willi till I'otriit (fliiiicy nl wliicli tiny ;irc well .K; the ;ipp;ir-.'nt ;y 1 Would the latter, I'YWC their ather, to avit'c wlic- indc life of LOU of the Ithem as a but what 1 rough the 1 only rcn when :atc of hi" tcntlerncfs »g ' aiul a pe rfou [ 379 ] pcrfon cannot recommend himfclf to their favour by any method more certain, than by paying lomc attention to the youncjer branches of their families. 1 can impute, in fo'uc meafure, to the preients I made to the children of the chiefs of the Nau- dowcfiies- ^hc lioijVitahlc reception I met with when among tliem. There is fome difficulty attends an ex-» planatioii of the manner in which the Indians diflinguifh themfdvcs from each other. Ikfidcs the name of the ai'imal by whlcli every nation and tribe is deno- minated, there arc others that are perlo- nal, and which the children receive from their mother. The chiefs arc alfo diftinguifhed by a name that has cither fome reference to their abilities, or to the hieroglyphick of their families ; and thcfe are acijuircd after they arrive at the age of manhood. Such as have fignalized tlicmklves either in their war or huntiiig parties, or are polfefled of lome eminent qualif cation, receive a name that fcrves to perpetuate the tame of theie actions, or to make their abilitieij confpicuous, • Thus if*" i: i1 I f*-' m m [ 380 ] Tluis the gicat warrior of tlic Naii- <]tnvtfiks wasnniiuilOtt;'.hl()ii|;()()Uili(licaIi, that is, the (Jrcat l^'athcr o(' Snakes ; ottah heing in I'Jiglilli faihcr, toiigooni threat, ami hlhcah a inakc. Another chlet' was called I Ioiiah[)awjatiii, vvhieh tneans a Iwitt runner over the mountains. Aiul when they adopted n\e a chicfaniont;; them, they named mc !Shehay|l,«), wiiieh ilc^niiits a writer, or a jxrlbn that is cu- rious in making- hieroglyphicks, as they faw me ottcn writing. C 11 A P. XIII. Of ibcir R E L I c5 I o N. IT Is very difficult to attain a pcrfevft knowledge ot tjic religious principles ot the Indians. Their ceremonies and clocbincs have been (^^ often ridiculed by the Europeans, that they endeavour to couceal them ; and if, after the greatell intimacy, you dcfu'e any of them to ex- plain to you their lyilem of religion, to prevent your ridicule they intermix wltli it many of the tenets they have received ironi N;ui- iikcs ; K)tl Ki- wi IK'h itains. \tnonp; wlvicU is cu- s they pcvfcv:!: •mciplcs lies aiul lulcd by |vo\iv to gvcatcll 1 to cx- hon, to i\\ with Ircccivctl from [ 38' ] from the Frciv:h niiinoiiaiics, To that It h ;lt lall rcmlcicd an unintelligible jargon, and not to be depended upon. Such as 1 could difcovcr among the Naudowcllies, for they alio were very re- ferved in this point, T fhall give my rea- ders, without paying any attention to the accounts of others. As the religion of that people from their iituation appears to be totally unadulterated with the fuperlVi- tions of the chure!! of Rome, we fliall he able to gain from their religious cul- tonis a more pcrfetft idea of tiie original tenets and ceremonies of the Indians in general, than irom thofe of any nations that approach nearer to the fettlcments. It Is certain that they acknowledge one Supreme l^eing or Giver of T.ife, who. prefidcs over all things. The Chipeways call this beinp- Manitou or Kitchi-Ma- nitou ; the Naudoweflies, Wakon or Tongo-Wakon, that is, the Great Spi- lit ; and they look up to him as tlic lource oi good, Irom whom no evil can proceed. "^I'lKy alio believe in a bad fpi- rit, to whom they afcrlbc great power, and fuppofe that through his means all the evils which belall mankiiid aic inliided. To ir ■ It ii.: '.it" i't V ; i- < i |l F u i 1 u 1 i- i • 1 sji i: l-i ! - ! 5,ii i :i J [ 382 To hiin tlicrcfore do they pray In their tlirtrcflcs, hcggiiig that he would either avert their troubles, or moderate theni when the}'" nre no longer avoidable. I'iicy lay that the Cilrcat Spirit, who is iulinitely good, neidier w/ifhes or is able to do any mllchief to mankind, but on the a)ntrary, that he ihowers down on them all the hleiliiigs they del'erve ; whereas the evil ipirit is continually em- ployed in contriving liow he may punifh the human race ; and to do which he is not only poireiled of the will, but of the 2X)Wer. Tiiey hold alfothat there arc good fplriCs of a kller degree, who have their particular departments^ in wnicli they are condantly contributing to the happinefs of mortals. Thcfe they luj')pofe to prelidc over all the extraordinary produdions of nature, fuch as thole lakes, rivers, or mountains that are of an. uncommon magnitude ; and likewife the bcafts, birds, filhes, and even vegetables or ftones that exceed the reft of their ipjcies in tizc or fingularity. 1\) all of thelc they pay lomc kind of adora- tion. Thus when they arrive on the borders of Lake Superior, on the banks of ill thc'u' td either tc thcni e. :, who is )r is able , but oil down on dclerve ; ivally em- ay punilh lich lie 19 but of the good fy\nU piiiticulai* conrtantly f mortals. ver all the hture, iiich uitaiiis that Itude ; aiul ■s, and cvcu^ the reft of liuity. '1'^^ Id of adora- \\\'c oil the the banks of [ 383 ] of the Mlflifiippi, or any other great body of water, they prelcnt to tlie Sj)iiit whci reiides there lonie kind of ofl'cring, as the prince of the Wiiniebagoes did when ho attctided me to the Falls of St. An- thony. But at tiiG fame time 1 fancy that the ideas they annex, to the word Ipirit, i? very diilcrent from the conceptions more enlightened nations entertain of it. They appear to faihlon to thcmfelves corporeal reprelejitations of their gods, and believe them to he of a human form, though of a nature more excellent thaw man. , Of the fame kind arc their fentiments relative to a futurity. They doubt not but they (hall exift >u fome future flate, they however fancy that their employ- ments there will be hmilar to thoie they are engaged in here, without the labour and difficulty annexed to them in this period of their e.^iflence. They confequently expert to be tranf- lated to a delightful country, wlicre they ihall always have a clear unclouded Iky, and enjoy a perpetual fpring; wliere the forefts will abound with game, and the lakes with fifh, which might be taken without '!' f 384 ] \vitho\it requiring a paiiif'.il exertion of ikill, or a Jaboriovis purfuit ; in fhort, that they (hall hvc for ever in regions of plenty, and enjoy every gratification they delight in here, in a greater degree. I'o intelled;ual pleafures they arc Gran- gers ; nor arc thcfc included in their jchemc of hnp[>ineiij. But they cxpe«5l* lliat even thcfc animal pleafures will be proportioned and diflrihuted according to their merit ; the ikilful hunter, the bold and fuccefsful warrior will be entitled to a greater Iharc than thole w'ho through indolence or Aant of Ikill cannot boaft of any fuperiority over the common herd. The prlclls of the rndia!is are at the lame time their phyfieians, and their con- jurors ; whilft they heal their wounds ov cure their diieafcs, they ititcrpret their clre;\ms, give them protcdive charms, and I'atisfy that defire whicli is fo prevalent among them of fearching into futurity. How well they execute the latter part of their profeflional engagements, and the methods they make ule of on fome of thefe occafions, I have already (lii wi'i in the exertions of the prieft of the KilHl- tinocs, who was fortunate enough to iue- cccJ rtion of in lliort, ;glons ot tioii tUcy L'CC. arc ftran- In then- cy cxpcdft es will be :ortlitig to , the bokl entitled to lo thi-ougli .ot boaft of ton herd. arc at the A their con- wouuds ov terpret their :harms, and io prevalent tuturity. c latter part Its, and the |on tome ot y llirwii in J the KiUli- \o\%\i to ine- [ 385 J cccd in his extraordinary attempt near I^ake Superior. They frcqut iitly are iuc- cclsfiil likcwiTc in admlnillcring the lahi- brious herbs they have acquired a know- ledge of; bnt that the ceremonies they make ule of during- the adminiflration of them contril)ntc to tluir fuccefs, 1 Ihall not take iij>on me to allert. Wlien any of the people are ill, the pcrfon who is inveflcd with this triple character of dot'lor, pricll:, and magician, fits by the patient day and night, rattling in his ears a goad-ihcll filled with dry beans, calktl a C'hich/icoiie, and making a diliigrecable noile that cannot well be delcribcd. This uncouth harmony one would imagine Ihould difturb the iick perfon, and prevent the good effedis of the doc- tor's prei'eri}:)tion ; but on the contrary they believe that ihc method made ufe of contributis to his recovery, by diverting from his malignant juirpoles the evil fpi- lit who has intlided the diforder; or at kail that it will take otF his attention, fo tliat be Ihall not incrcafe the mahuly. This they are credulous enougii to imagine he is coullaatly ou the watch to do, and would }j b carry if ;i i ! f- n ^': ) Iv^ [;!f Ti* ■ }L H I [ 3S6 ] carry his Inveteracy to a fatal length if they did not thus charm him. I could not difcover that they make life of any otlicr religious ceremonies than thofe I have dcfcribed; indeed, on the ap- pearance of the new moon they dance and fing, but it is not evident that they pay that planet any adorations ; they only feem to rejoice at the return of a lumi- nary that makes the night cheerful, and which Icrves to light tlkm on their way when they travel during the abfence of the fun. Notwithftanding Mr. Adair has aflerted that the nations amono: whom he refided, obferve with very little variation all the rit s ..]3pointed by the Molaic Law, I own I could never difcover among thofe tribes that lie but a few degrees to the north- weft, the lc:\i\ trace b of the Jewifli reli- gion, except it be admitted that one par- ticuhir female ciiflom and their divilion into 'ibcs, carry with them proof fuffi- ciciit to ePcablilli this afiertion. The Jcfuits ar.d French miffionaries have alfo pretended tiiat th.e Indians had, when they firil: travelled into America, ibme notion?, thoug!i tliefe were dark and con- ngth if • make ics than the ap- ■ dance lat they cy only a himi- ful, and leir way (fence of IS aflerted e refided, »n all tiie ,v, I own ofe tribes c north- Iwlfli rell- one par- divifion :oof fuffi- iffionanes iians had, America, dark and con- [ 3S7 J confufed, of the chrllliau InAItiition ; that they have been greatly ap;itat.'{l at tfie light of a crols, and given proofs hv the impreflions made on them that they were not entirely nnacqnaintcd with the lacrcd myftcries of chriftianity. I need not iay that thefe are toogharing abfurdltics to bo credited, and could only receive their exiftcnce from the zeal of tliofe fathers, 'vho endeavoured at once to o;ive t' public a better opinion of the fuccefs of their mifhons, and to add liipport to the caufe they were engaged in. The Indians appear to be in their reli- gious principles rude and uniiiflrucled. The do6lrines they hold are few an! fim- plc, and fuch as have been getierailv ini- preflcd on the human mind, bv fome means or other, in the moif i<;nora;it rm has re- ic ceremo- •ful influ- of courfe than gra- lon to de- [than to fe- ipAngs. ;rtain thefe ,fe of every been ilhi- mined [ 389 ] mlficd by that religion which only can dilpcifc the clouds of liipcrftition and ig- norance, and they arc as free from error as a people can be that has not been fa- voured with its in{lru6live dodrincs. CHAP. XIV. Of their Diseases, ^c, TH E Indians in general arc healthy, and fubje^t but to few difeafcs, many of tliofe that afHi(5t civilized natioi:is, and are the immediate confcqiienccs of lux- ury or floth, being not known among them; however the hardihips and fatigues which they endure in hunting or war, the hi- clemency of the feafons to which they are continually expofed, but above all the extremes of hunger, and that voraclouf- nefs their long excurlio \s confequently fubjedl them to, cannot fail of impairing the conftitution, and bringing on difor- ders, Pains and weakneffes in the ftomach and breail are fometimes the refult o, their long fafting, and confumptious of the B b 3 excellivc % iii ^-3 p'l 1 :T 1 3M "■ ■ T^.f ; !» ilU'l' J5 I s »- s ■ U' if ■1 •» Im ; .* ' ' m i ^1 [ 390 ] cKccflivc rarip,uc ;iml\'K;Lnt c- .'icllls they rxp».U l' ' i.ilclws lo t'loin th^ ii Inlancy, bct'oi\' tlkv 1ki\.' llivurtlj iuilieiciit ti) l\ij>|n)il thiin. I'lUt tlic (lil()nl'.r tv) wliich tlh V .111' iiu'll tiiNjrv*l, is the plrurlly ; li)rllu iMr.iu.iiul Uiiicii, tluyapjily Muir jMMiiil iiiiKiU aiu! ni\Li\atlvc a",aui(l the j^ciKiahty o\ rhiii comphiliits, i'wcatiiii',". M Ik' in in;,*, r in whi'li they ciMilltiicl' thiir (lows tor this j>iir|'olc Ki as toUows. 'Huy i'w ii-'w ral lir,.ill [^oLs in the grouucl, the tons of which ihvV tv\ifl: toi'ether lb y y ns to lorni a rotui.;:a : this frame th( tovt r with ikiiis or hl.uikctj an I tl K hu t tl V tiM.in o\\ wiili io luiieh mat) that ij an' IS 1-. j t t':o] n entiling through any 'h crevice; a liuali Ijaee h/mg (^nly iett juil AJijeier.t to ire. p in, which is l.nn.cili- .e 1 \- ilt. con final I lOK I L 111 I lu ni ii'ullc of til IS hiiiK UBV ll ley piac rei 1 hot [ones. of heat. ci] whi'ch ilivV jMHir w.itcr till a ilts that piotluees a grt.at digree 'il, IS c.mies a'l iniianraneous Hi rl Ilea: tjcjn, wlneh ti.ey mcreale ; I [;:\i;;C:' CtM^tiiiiial in it ior lonk' tini; icy I r 1 ipira- tncy imii 1^ VI 111 k K. iv J la; n to the .Ipl toth- liRam, anu piuiigv into ti'-C w ater; and aUvr ncarc d aU\ il batl }i'^ o lUcy mcy, \t to inly ; ■ t\u ir ji\ the .tin I';, nilvuct ^tUcv lb nc tlicy u\ tbcy ty, tlvAt iUi],U any Iclt juil "l.lUlA'tU- 0 o\ tU'i^ red Uv't Ll- tlU a .It <.v J,U"^ Ik: iicavcit ]; and .\U'-r [ 391 ] halhliig tli'.rcln for about Iialf a iniiuito, they put on tlkir cloatlis, lit down and linoak with j;rcat conipoluiv, tlu)rouL',hly pcrliiadcd tiiat the Riiicdy will prove clii- cacious. They oiun make \\i\: uf tlii^; ludorikMous method to retVelli themlch'es, or to prepare their minds for the manage- ment oF any bulincls that reijuirej uiicom- mt)n dehheration and lligaciry. They are likcwilc atiiicKd with tlic dropi'y and paralytic com])l.iints ; which liowcvcr arc hut very leldom known among them. As a remedy for thelc as well as for fevers tiiey m ike ufc of lotions and decoctions, coin[H)letl of hcrhs, whicii the phyllcians know peril ^lly well how to compound and apply. Uut they never trull to medicines alone ; they always have rccourfe likewlle to fomc fuperftltl- ous ceremonies, without which their pa- tients would not think the jihydcal pre- parations fufficiently powerful. With equal judgment they make ufe of ilmplcs for the cure of wounds, frac- tures, or bruifes ; and arc able to extnicl: by tlieie, wltliout incllloM, Iplinters, iron, or any lort of matter by whicii tlic wound is cauled. In cures of this kind 1,'f ,|s f 7'* .1 I ii b 4 they ^ |f *' - t&i' [ 39'^ ] they arc extremely dextrous, and com- plete them in much leis time than might be cxpetfled from their mode of proceed- ing. With the ikin of a fnake, which thofe reptiles annually flicd, they will alfo extract fplinters. It is amazing to fee the fnddcn <^fficacy of this application, not- vvithftanding there does not appear tQ be the leafl: moifture remaining in it. It has long been a fiibjed of difpute, on V hat continent the venereal difeafc firfl: received its defcruftive power. This dreadful malady is fiippofed to have origi- nated in America, but the literary conteft ftill remains undecided ; to give lome elu- cidation to it I (hall remark, that as I could not difcover the Icall: traces among the Naudovveffies with whom I refided fo long, and was alfo informed that it was yet unknown among the more wef- tern 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 iouthern tribes are greatly af- fiicled with it; but they have all of them acquired a knowledge of fuch certain and expeditious com-! iroceed- :h thofe /ill alfo 3 lee the on, "Ot- ppcar to 11 it. • difpute, al difeafe :r. This lave origi- iry conteft iome elu- that as I ices among 1 refided ied that it more wef- venture to js origii^ ill ,s that have Europeans greatly ai- lull of them certain and expeditious r 393 ] pxpcdltlous 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 increaf-* cd to fuch a degree, that hy the tunc we had reached the town of the Wuincba- goes, he was unable to travel. Having made his complaint known to one of the chiefs of that tribe, he told him not to be uneafy, for he would cng .ge that by following his advice, he (houM be able in a few days to purfue his journey, and in a little longer time be entir'^ly free from his diforder. The chief had no fooner fiiid this than he prepared for him a deco£tion of the bark of the roots of the prickly afh, a tree fcarcely known in England, but which grows in great plenty throughout North America; by the ule of which, in a few days he was greatly recovered, and having received diredions how to prepare it, in a fortnight after his departure from tliis place perceived that he was radically cured. If I'll ■■" ;i' 3: .1! rH Hi'- :;, if"! ' IJ: « I, II ■■ ■! w i;f [ 394 ] If from CACcilivc cxcrciJc, or the ex- tremes of hv at or co\d, ihey are anv(fleJ w\t\\ paii.s in tluir limlis or joints, they icarlfy the jnuts atk\:leJ. I'liole nati(M\s \vhi>ha\e no iMnun.iee with Eiirojuans do tl'.is with a Iharp ihnt ; ami it Is lur- priznig to lee to ]u)\v line a j.oint they liavc the dexterity to hrlng them; a lan- cet can Icarcely exceed In iliariineis the inilnirnents thtv make i;f this unniallea- ble fubthmce. They never can be convinced a pcrloii is ill, whilll: he has an .ipp..tite ; but \\hen he rejcv!:ls all kind of nourilV JiiCnt, they confiderthe dileale as dangeious, and pay g'cat attention to it. And during the continuance of the dilorder, the phy- lielan. refuies his patient no lort of food that he Is ddirous of. 'llulr dcKlors are i '.)t only fuppoiul to he IklUcd in the phyfical treatment of difeales, but the common people beUevc tliat by the ceremony of the chichicoue. iifually made nle ot\ as before deicrihcd, tlievare able to iiain intelliiiv iiee from the jpirits of the caule of the coiiijdaints with which tlk\ .ue riftiicled, and are thereby the b>.Uer enabled to fnul remedies UjI' them. i-acd they \ticns i It; iiir- ■ tluy :U the nalK'-^" . per foil c; h\.\t IV iiiSnt, , during he pby- vippoicil :;ncnt ot beUcvc I'lchi^'OiK- Iclciihcd, tvom tlu". "lilts with : thcrchy iCiVics t^'i-' them. [ 395 ] them. They tlllcovcr fomcthlng fupcr- natural in all their dilcafcs, and the j^hy- lic adminitlered mull invariably be aided by thelc luperftitions, Somctiiiics a iiek pcrfon fancies that his dilordcr ariies i'lom witchcraft; in this cafe the phylician or juggler is confulted, U'ho aUcr the ulual preparations gives his opiniDii on the Ihite of the dllcafe, and fiwpi' ntlv funis fome nienns for his cure. But notwithllaiiulng ihe Indian pliyficians always annex thele fupcrlVitioiis ceremo- nies to thi-ir prelcrlptiojis, it is very cer- tain, as I have already ohlerved, that they exercife their art hy principles which are founded on the knowledge of fimples, and on experience which thev acquire hy an indefatigable attention to their opera- tions. The followiuG" florv, which 1 received from a pcrton ot uiidoubtetl credit, proves that the Indians are not only able to rea- fon with great acutcnels on the caufes and lymptonis of many ot the dilorders whicii are attendant on human nature, hut to apply with equal judgment proper remedies. i'i 1] I u t. i [ 3'K' ] 111 TViiobfcot, a iLttlciiicnt in the pro- v'mcc of Main, in tlic iioith-ca(l: parts of Now ICnixland, the wile ot a l()klier was taken in labi)ur, ami notwitiillanding every tuceRary ailiilanec was given lier, could not be tlclivcreil. In tliis litviation ihe remained for two or three days, tlic perions arouml her expeClini:; that the next p^ng would put an end to her cxillencc. An Indian woman, who aeeidentidly palUd hy, heard t^e groans ol" tlie un- happy lulFcrer, and cnquirid tVoni whence they jMoceeded. Being made acquainted with the defperate circumliances attend- ing the cale, ihe told tlic informant, that if fhe might he permitted to lee tlie per- lon, Ihe did not doubt but that Ihc could be of great fervice to her. Tlie furgeon that had attended, and the midwife who was then prelent, hav- ing given up every hope oi preferviiig their patient, the Indian woman was al- lowed to make ute of any methods Iho tliouiilit proper. She accordiiiiilv took a oil o • liandkerchief, and bound it tii'lit over the nole and nivuitli oi the woman : this iiranediatelv brouiWit on a fuffocatiiHi ; and ivts ol- ji: was uuVing u Iki', tu;\t\on ys, the ,\at the to hci- >acntL\lly the un- t \v\\cuco :qua'inted -s attcutl- •Aut, th.U the pei- hc couUi. cka, i^i^^^ at, hav- ncieiving 1 WAS a\- thcuU the »lv took i^ uvht ovoi- nuin : this .iiVocat'ion ; i\lK\ [ 397 ] and from the flruggles that confcquently cnl'ued ihc was in a few fccoiuls delivered. Tlie moment this was atchicved, and time enough to prevent any fatal cfFc£t, the handkerehicf was taken off. The long fiilllring patient thus happily re- lieved from her pains, foon after per- fectly recovered, to the aftonilhment of all tliole who had hceii witnefs to her delperate fituation. The reai'on given by the Indian for this hazardous method of proceeding was, that dcfperate diforders require delperate remedies ; that as (he obferved the exer- tions of nature were not fufficicntly for- cible to ciYcdi the dehrcd cont'equence, ihe thought it neceflary to augment their force, which could only be done by fome mode that was violent in the extreme. ', 'i: C II A P. 11 it 4'' ^"•ii C 398 ] li v: i ;«|J .'HBfiuB ilii ^^K^nlS fflffiBMIi* m' \l\r^ i' •■ ' ^ f !* W " CHAP. XV. Of the Manner in which they treat their Dead. AN Indian meets death when it ap- proaches him ill his hut, with the fame rclblution he has often faced him in the field. His indifference relative to this important article, which is the Ibiirce of lb many apprehenlions to almoft every other nation, is truly admirable. When his fate is pronounced by the phylician, and it remains no longer uncertain, he harangues thofe about him with the greatcfl compofurc. If he is a chief and has a fiimilv, he makes a kind of funeral oration, wliich he concludes by giving to his children fuch advice for the regulation of their condu(5l as he thinks necelliuy. He then take? leave of his friends, and iffues out orders for the preparation of a fcaft, which is deiigned to regale thofe of his tribe that come to proiiounce his culo- gium. After It their \ It ap- vith the him ia ativc to le Ibiu'ce oft every When ihviici'in, Irta'ia, he ith the family, oration, to his ilation of ary. ^^ land iffues f a fcaft> Ll Ue of bis his culo- [ 399 ] After the hreath is departed, the body is dreflied in the fame attire it iifuallv worj whilft living, his tlicc is painted, and he is fcated in an erect pofturc on a mat or Ikiii placed in the middle of the hut, with his weapons by his lide. His relations being feated round, eaeli harangues in turn the deceafed ; and if he has been a great warrior recounts his heroic adions nearly to the following purport, wliich in the Indian language is extremely pe.'-icai and pleafing. *' You ftill fit among us, Brother, *' your perfon retains its ufual refcm- " blance, and continues fimiiar to ours, *' without any vifible deficiency, except " that it has loft the power of action. *' But whither is that breath flown, *' which a few hours ago f.^nt up linoke to the Great Spirit ? XVliy are thofe lips filent, that lately delivered to us exprelfive and pleafing language ? why *' are thofe feet motionleft, t'lat a Ihort " time ago were fleeter than tlie deer on *' yonder mountains ? why ulelefs hang '•' thofe arms that could climb the talleft *' tree, or draw the touidieft bow ? Alas! *' every part of that franx' wliich we '' lately 'fl ij: P (■■,■ I' tl h [ 400 ] lately beheld with admiration a^d wonder, is now become as inanimate as it was three hundred winters ago. 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 Spirits, with thofe of thy nation that are gone before thee ; and though we are left behind to perpetuate thy fame, we ftiall one day join thee. A(?:uated by the re- fpedl we bore thee whilft living, we now come to tender to thee the laft a£l 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 predeceflbrs 'vho are gone before thee ; hoping at the fame time, that thy fpirit will feed with their fpirits, and be ready to receive ours, wlien we alfo ftiall arrive at the great Country of Souls.'* In fliort fpeeches fomewhat fimilar to is does every chief fpeak the praifes of s departed friend. When they have fo on ai-»i lanimate tcrs ago. oaii thee 0 us, 01' )Uiied in 5 in the rith thofe lie before eft behind {hall one y the re- living, we ,ee the laft r power to fcht not lie become a eld, or the ake care to predeceflbrs hoping at fpirit will d be ready alfo (hall of Souls." vt fimilar to Le praifcs of they have fo f 401 ] fo done, if they happen to be at a great diftance from the place of interment ap- propriated to their tribe, and the perfoii dies during the winter feafoni they wrap the body in Ikins, and lay it on a high flage built for this purpofe, or on the branches of a large tree, till the fpring arrives. They then, after the manner defcribed in my Journal^ carry it, toge- ther with all thofe belonging to the fame jiation^ to the general burial-place, where it is interred with fome other ceremo- nies that I could not difcover. When the Naudoweflies brought their dead for interment to the great cave, I attempted to get an infight into the re- maining burial rites ; but whether it was on account of the ftench which arofe from fo many bodies, the weather being then hot, or whether they chofe to keep this part of their cuftoms fecret from me, I could not difcover ; I found, however, that they confide red my curiofity as ill- timed, and therefore I withdrew. After the interment, the band to which the perfon belongs, take care to fix near the place fuch hieroglyphicks as (hall ihow to future ages his merit and accom- C c; plifhments. ;l i.i m i ■ ;'■ r ■ If f I: ■ \ ■ 1:' # > .t t i V t a ■ J^ [ 402 J plifliments. If any of thefe people die in the fummer at a dlftance fronn the bnrying-ground, and they find it impof- fible to remove the body before it putre- fies, they burn the flelh from the bones, and prelerving the latter, bury them in the manner dcfcrlbed. As the Indians beHeve that the fouls of the dcceafed employ themfclves in the lame mannc. in the country of fpirits, as they did on earth, tha»- they acquire their food by hunting, and have there, alfo, enemies to contend with, they take care that tlicy do not enter thofe regions de- fencelefs iiiid unprovided : they confe- quently bury wi^-'^ *Lem their bows, their arrows, and all the other weapons ufed either in hunting or war. x^s they doubt not but they will likewife have occafiou both f )r the necefllii Ics of life, and thole things they elleem as ornaments, they uiually depolit in then- tombs fuch Ikins or ftufts as they commonly made their garments of, domcftic untenlils, and paint for ornameriting their pcrfons. The near relations of the deceafed la- ment his lofs with an appearance of great lorrow and anguilh ; tliey weep and howl and !|;[' Ic die n the mpof- putre- bones, cm ill 5 fouls in the rits, as rt their c, alfo, ,ke care ions cle- conl'e- vs, their us :s ufed doubt occafioa kI thoi'e they ch ikins de their md paint eafed la- of great Bind howl and [ 403 ] and make ufe of minv cofitoitions, as they fit in the hut oi tent around the body, when the intervals between the praifes of the chiets will permit. One formality in mourning for the d':'ad among the Naudowellies is very different from any mode I obferved in the other na- tions through which I paflied. The men, to ihow how great their lorrow is, pierce the flefh of their arms, above the elbows, with arrows ; the fears of which I could perceive on thofe of every rank, in a greater or lefs degree ; and the wometi cut and gafh theii- kgs with (harp broken flirts, till the blood flows very plenti- fully. Whilft I remained among them, a couple whofe tent was adjacent to mine, loft a fon of about four ytars of age. The parents were fo much aife£led at the death of their favourite child, that they purfued the ufual tcftlmonies of grief with fuch uncommon rigour, as through the weight of forrow and lofs of blood, to occafion the death of the father. The woman, who had hitherto been Incon- folable, no fooner faw her hufband expire, C c 2 than . l!/' .^^0^ .i I it It > l^f*- ■■': ,* than (he dried up her tears, and appeared cheerful and refigncd. As I knew not how to account for fo extraordinary a tranlitlon, 1 took an opportunity to alk her the reafon of It; teUing her at the fame time, that I (hould have imagined the lofs of her hulband woukl rather have occafioned an increafe of grief, than fuch a fudden di- minution of it. She informed me, that as the child was fo young when it di'^d, and unable to fupport itfclf in the country of fpirits, both (he and her hulband had been appre- henfive that its fituation would be hr from happy ; but no fooner did fhe behold its father depart for the fame place, who not only loved the child with the tendereft affedlion, but was a good hunter, and would be able to provide plentifully for its fupport, than flie ceafed to mourn. She added, that (he now faw no reafba to continue her tears, as the child on whom Ihe doated was happy under the care and protection of a fond father, and (he had only one wilh that remained un- gratified, which was that of being her- felf with them. Expreflions ;arcc\ t for k au [\ of :hat I f her led ail len - lenfibility, he is not unmindful of the jclalms either of connubial or parental ten- ilernefs ; tlie little ffory I have introduced in the preceding chapter of the Naudow- eiiic woman lamenting her child, and the immature death of the father, will elucidate this point, and enforce the af- lertion much better than the moil iiudied arguments I can make ufe of. Accuf- )peans) ampled or the ;em the ut as a fociablc confider adopted ith them : lives in .of many lave been ffert, that difference wife and difference tham ii>- 1 of the ental ten- ntroduced Naudow- ild, and her, will ;e the af- fi {ludied Accuf- r 4'« ] Accuftomed from their youth to innu- merable hardfliips, they foon become fu- perior to a fenle of danger or the dread of death ; and their fortitude, implanted by nature, and nurtured by example, by precept, and accident, never experiences a moment's allay. Though flothful and inactive whilft their ftore of proviiion remains unex- haufted, and their foes are at a diftance, they are indefatigable and perCcvering in purfuit of their game, or in circum mint- ing their enemies. If they are artful and defigning, and ready to take every advantage, if they are cool and deliberate in their councils, and cautious in the extreme either of dilcoveriiig their fentiments, or of revealing a fecret, they might at the fame time boall: of pof- fefling qualifications of a more animated nature, of the iagacity of a hound, the penetrating light of a lynx, the cunning of the fox, the agility of a bounding roe, and the unconquerable fiercenefs of the tyger. In their public charafters, as form- ing part of a community, they poflefs an attachment for that band to which tliey belong, :- r 1 t f '■ J 'U«iJlti' Ml 1 1 )■ II' I I s ^ [ 412 ] belong, unknown to the inhabitants of any other country. They combine, as if they were acftuated only by one foul, againft the enemies ot their nation, and banilii from their minds every confidera- tion oppofed to this. They confult without unneceflary op- pofition, or without giving way to the excitements of envy or ambition, on th^ meafures ueceflary to be purfued for the deftrudion of thofe who have drawn on themfelves their difpleafure. No felf- i(h views ever influence their advice, or obftruiH: their confultations. Nor is it in the power of bribes or threats to diminifli the love they bear their coun- try. The honour of their tribe, and the welfare of their nation, is the firft and moft predominant emotion of their hearts ; and from hence proceed in a great mea-f fure all their virtues and their vices. Actuated by this, they brave every dan^ ger, endure the mod exquifite torments, and expire triumphing in their fortitude, ncc as a perfonal qualification, but as a national charadleriftic. From i! » ' J Its of , as it foul, .1, and ilidera- iry op' to the on the for the drawn No felf- advice. Nor is hr€ats to eir couu- and the ifirft and lir hearts ; treat mea-f ;ir vices, /erv dan" [torments, ] fortitude, but as a From [ 4-3 ] From thence alfo flow that Infhtiahld revenge towards thofe with whom they are at war, and all the confequent horrors that difgrace their name. Their uncul- tivated minds heing incapable of judging of the propriety v^f an a£tion, in oppoli- tion to their paflions which are totally infenfible to the controuls of reafon or hu- manity, they know not how to keep their fury within any bounds, and con- fequently that courage and refolution which would otherwife do them honour, degenerates into a favage ferocity. But this fhort diflertation muft fuffice ; the limits of my work will not permit me to treat the fuhje6t more copioufly, or to purfue it v/ith a logical regularity. ' J 'he obfervations already made by my rea- ders on the preceding pages, will, I truft, render it unneceflhry ; as by them they will be enabled to form a tolerably juft idea of the people I have been defcribing. Experience teatbes, that anecdotes, and relations of particular events, however trifling they might appear, enable us to form a truer judgment of the manners and cuftoms of a people, and are much inore declar;;tory of tlicir real flatc, than the tnjPRV f [ 414 J the nioH: ftutlicd and elaborate difquifition, without tlicib aids. C H A P. XVIL / ! Of their Language, HieroglY' p H I c K s, Ssfc. T Vi ( S\ i -iiicipal languages of the na- t .cS rf North Aineiica may be divided i'Uo toiu claflcs, as tlicy con tilt of fuch as arc made ufe of by the nations of the Iroquois towards the eaftcrn parts of it, the Chipeways or Algonkins to the nortli-wcft, the Naudoweihes to the well, and the Cherokecs, Chickafaws, &c. to the fouth. One or other of thefe four are uled by all the Indians who inhabit the parts that lie between the coaft of Labradore north, the Floridas fouth, the Atlantic Ocean caft, and, as far as we can judge from the dilcoveries hitherto made, the Pacific Ocean on the weft. But of all theie, the Chipeway tongue appears to be tlic moll prevailing ; it be- ing held in fuch elleem, that the chiefs of every tribe, dwelling about the great lakes, fition. OGLY- the iia- may be r cotUiit : nations rn parts lis to the the well, , &c. to hefc font ,o inhabit coaft of .uth, the las we can to made, lay tongue »g' it be- thc chicts the great lakes, C 4.5 ] lakes, or to the wertwaid of the(e on the banks of the Millillipi)!, with thofc as tar fouth as the Ohio, and as far north as Hud- ion's Bay, confilVing of more than thirty dificM-cnt tribes, fpcak this hmguage alone in their councils, notwithOanding each has a peculiar one of their own. It will probably in time become iiiii- verlal among all the Indian nations, as none of them attempt to make excuriions to any great diftance, or are conlidercd as qualified to carry on any ncgociation with a dillant band, unlefs they have acquired the Chi pe way tongue. At prefent, befides the Chipcways, to whom it is natural, the Ottawaws, the Saukies, the Ottagaumies, the Killilli- noes, the Nipcgons, the bands about Lake Le Plcuve, and the remains of the Algonkins or Gens de Terre, all con- verle in it, with fome little variation of dialedl ; but whether it be natural to thefe nations, or acquired, I was not able to difcover. I am however of opinion that the barbarous and uncouth dialedl of the Winnebagoes, the Menomonies, and many other tribes will become in time totally r'i m-}! [ 4>6 ] totally cxtiiitSl, and this be adopted in It* itcad. The Chipcway tongue Is not incum- bered with any unneccH'ary tones or ac- cent one of their nation. Some authors have pretended that the Indians have armorial bearings, which they blazon with great exattnefs, and which diftinguilh one nation trom ano- ther ; but I never could obferve any other arms among then. , than the fymbols al- ready defcribcd. D a 2 A Ihort 1. » I ' J'- I" ]m i 1 i ;S if* i.*^ JJ !■; II' ■A, ^i t 420 ] A (liort VocAntTT.ARY of the Chlpcwny Language. N. B. Tlii« people do not make ufc cither of the confonants F or V. ABOVE Abandon Admirable Afterwards All Always Amil's Arrive Ax A (lies AHift Spiviink Piickiton PUaiViih M'lp'idach Kok'inum KokiiJi Niipi:ch Takoucbin Ping^ne Maw'incwah B Ball AJcivin Bag, or tobacco-poucliG^tVi/Tt'^^z;/ BarrcU Owcnta%vgnn l^cat Pakkite Bear, a Mackivab Bear, ipcway •r of the [ Bear, a young one Beaver Beaver's (kin Be, or to be Beard Bccaiilc Believe Belly Black l^lood Body Bottle Brother Brandy, or Rum Bread « Bieech Breeches Buck 421 ] Makon Amtk Ap'im'iniqui TapaU M'lCcbiton Mfwinch 'Tilcrituah M'ijl)cvinut Mil) kiiute Mijloix) 1 oe ShiJJjcgo Nc'co>ifi/s ScMUiiwnwlhifj PiibntifJ.ufran Mifcnufab Kipokitie Koufiib IVillhctcb "yi ,,,jH '' 1 S '\ ■ ' 1 ■' 1 . \\ n m Bear, Canoe Cheman Call Tefljenekaw Chief, a Okcinuw Carry Pctoti Child, or Children Bobc'ojlnn Coat Capdlcwian Cold, 1 am Kckiitch Dd ^ Come lr» ttil i-* Vk h I' t' :'* , [ Come on Come to Comrade Concerned Corn Covering, or a BLm ket Country Courage Cup 422 ] Moppa Pemotcha Neechee Tallcw'Jfi Mclomin ^ JVaifbewion "Tiii^iva w nillJii Oldwgan Dance Nemeh Dart Shcfhikwet Die, to Nip Dim Mackoan Dog Mm Dead Neepoo Devil, or evil Spirit Malcho-Manitou Dog, a little one Alcmon Done, it is done Shiah Do 7'ojhilon Doubtlefs Ontclatoubah Dreis the kettle Pouiwoh Drink Minikwah Drunken Ouifquiba Duck Chickhip Earth [ 423 J •Earth ulukzvJ/i Eat Ozv'ilfuit Each Papeglk Euglifh Sagaunop Enoug 1 Mim'iHc Equal, or alike 'Tawbifcouch Elleem Nawpetelimaw Eyes IVjjk'mkh'x M t , Earth Faft V^aUchlc Fall I'onkifiji Far off IFatfaw Fat Pimtnitee Friend N'tconnls Father Noofah Few, or little Maungis Fatigued Tiiukwijji Field Town Klttegaumlc Fire Scuita Fire, to ftrike Scutecke Find NiintounaWiJW Filh Kickon Fork Najfawokwot D d 4 Formerly i' i*« : hi FouumIv l''oi \\ .Uvl V\\\ /(', to l''i\"i /,cs haul I'lill [ 4^4 ] If ilkili^OH Kijiti M,rp^iH J\Ioi//lint'f G C'tocI, ov ihc Circ.it SjMrit Cil.Ui^, .1 lulriDr (uv.xl CukhI lor t;othiiig Kiich'i Mjfii/cu Pnuniifi'iiiv JcckiVs'jJin MdLiiv U 'j'lvl'i'tun ^'ihiiriniiKV Ciowrii CKMKtal, or Cony-l KiUf.'j Oki.ir; :w niaiuiir in Cliiv t '^.V/Vv,u/j;j;;//Z> (ii\at JSt 4i:^,ou C iicvily Ciurs Sinvfiiwkjji Harf H t 425 3 I Inrc I I cart I late Halt Hair, luimnii Hair of bcalU Haiiill'oinc 1 iavc I (cad I leave 1 1 I Icrb 1 lore Hi.Klcii 1 lonour 1 lot I ll)\V I low many Hunt Hut, or Iloufc H JJ\nvpnns J^Iichczvtih SbifigiiNr/'/Uiiw Niizv/hi/ l.'llfts PeWiiJ Cannirimnnc Oujlccouiin Spauifikitk'win Mejajk ylcomia Kcmouch Kntave?it Jke/hotfa Tiiivne Tawncm'tlik Kczvajja ! f; «' I H.uf iiuhaiis Iron Ilhitunvbiih Pewawbick ]flai4 if* .1 1 if**'' [ 426 ] Ifland Minis Immediately Webatch Indian Com Mittavmin Intircly Nawpitch Impoftor MaivUiwt'iJJic It might be fo ^awnccndo K Kettle Ack'ikons King, or Chief Okeniaw Keep Ganwerimaiv Knife Mockoman Knife rhat is crooked Cooiawgon Know T bicker emaw L Hi ill Hi- %\% i:-.:^. \ 1 Mj P 1 r-, ft* '■ Leave Pockhon Letter Maivjignaugon Life Nouchimiywni ' Love Siwkie Long fince Shawjhiii Liuid Carriage Caffatawgon i Lolc [ 427 ] Lofe Packi/augue Lie down IVecpemaiv Little Ifaubijheen M Meat JVeas Much Nibbilaw Man Jlliffinape March, to go Pimmoujjte Marry JVeewin Medicine Majkikk Merchandize Alokochtgon Moon Debicot Mortar to pound in Potitawgon Male Nape Miftrefs Neremoufin - N Needle Shawbor.k'm Near Pewiich Nation Irinee Never Cawikkaw Night Debicot No Kaw Nofe Toch Nqthicg Kakego kV "■■ ^.. 11' ! £1 Not hi Ft IS n '\' ■ i ■i C 428 ] Kawmifchi Kagutch Nought, good ioxlMalaUt nothing J Not yet Not at all Old Otter Othec Kawwejhine Tsikkik Coutack Pipe Poagan Part, what Part *Tawn(ipe6 Play Packeigo Powder, gqn, or duft Pingo Peace, to make Pecacotlche Pray ^awlaimia Proper SiJwfega Prelentiy Webatcb ^\\\\ni\^\^ , , MinniJJin Qujck Kegotch iLegardl [ 429 3 R u Regard JVawbema Red Mi/cow Refolvc ^ibellndon Relation ^awwemaiv Refpca: Tawbawmica Rain ' Kimmewan Robe Ockolaw River Sippim Run, to Pitchebot ' s Sad ^alimiffie Sail Pemtfcaw Sack, or Bag Majkhnot Sea, or large Lake Agankltchlga'wmlnk Shoes MaukiJJln Ship, or large Canoe Kitchi Cheman Sorry Nifcott'iffic Spirit Manitou Spoon Mickwo/i Star Alank Steal Kemautln Stockings Mitlaus Strong 1^' (? 'jk./rMif—— [ 430 ] Strong; Sturgeon Sun Miifl.'kiiHiViih L.divmack KJis Sword Shuau^^an Surpri/iiig' Sec Since . . '■Mjpi'iLh Shi It Ptipi!ivkwc'iin Slave ITjcka?;^ Sleep Sit down :NippiC Mir.t.'pin % i ,JI Take Teeth That There This Truly Together Tohatto Tongue Tired Too little Too much Thank you P.'ncinfidiih .Tibb'it Miiivhab U'litfuuikbl Maumhih Kikit Aldivinawwee Seniiiu Outon T'lnvkonpc OJaummang'is Mcgwatch To-morrow To-inonow [ 43' ] To-morrow tlie day 7 /v r i r ' yOuJivawbunk Warriors Water War Way Well then ! What is that ? What now ? Whence Where. White Who is there ? Wind Winter Woman Wood Wolf w Semauganaujh Nebbi Nantaubaulaiv Mlckon Tiiuneendab I IP'awzveivin ? ^Uiigonic ? Tab IVaubc Sluagonie Mauhah f Loutin Pcpoun Ickivee Mittic Mawhingon ■ 1 ) " II ■morrow Yefterday Yet Pt'tchilciwgo M'lnnewatch Young IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // 1.0 !r*- IM I.I 1.25 |<<3 12^ 2.2 t ■- IIIIM u U III 1.6 Photographic Sdences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 %^ Wvf f/u [ 432 ] Voung Yellow IVifconekiJt IVazzo, ^he Numerical 'Terms of the Chipeways; !■- : One Two Three Four Five Seven Eigh: Nine Tea Eleven Twenty Thirty- Forty Fifty Sixty Seventy Eighty P/fljik ; . Ninch . • •/ Nijfou . Neau Naran NingowfwqjfoU Nitichowajfou Nijfowaffuu Sho7igaffou . ^ Mittauffou Mittauffou Pafhik Ninchtawnaw N'tjfou Mittawnaiv "Neau Mittawnaiv Naran Mittawnaiv \ Ningoutwaffou Mit' \ tawnaw \ Nitichowaffou Mit- \ tawnaw J Nijjowajfou Mit- \ tawnaw Ninety ipewaysi Ninety Hundred Thoufand 433 ] iSho?igq[fou Mittazv^ \ naw C MittauJJou M'lttaw-* \ naw \MittauJuu MUtaiip^ \ JouMittaivnaw. u A Short Vocabulary of the Naudo< weffie Language. I:: hAi Axe A Appaw B Pajhlk aiv Beaver Chawhah awnanxf Buffalo T^awtongo awnaw Bad Shejah 'lawnaiv Broach Muzahootoo vafou Mit^ Bear, a Wahkonpejah ) ajou Mit- c V Canoe Waahtoh V Cold Mechuetah Ninety Child, a Male IVechoakfeh , Ee Child, l'!|f 1 ' uls II I, < '■a f U; 1 ^«;L ■"'I ■■II' \4' ' > \- [ 434 ] Child, a Female U^ahcheekfeh Come here Accooyouiyare Dead Deer Dog Eat Ears Eyes Evil D Negujh 'Tohinjoh Shungufi Rchawmenaw Nookah EJhtike Shejah A M Fire Father Frenchman Falls of Water Friend Paahtah Otah Neehteegujh Owah Menab Kitchiwah Good Give G Wojl'tah Accooyeh Go t 435 J Go away Accoowah God. or the Great J^^^^^^ Spirit J Gun Muzah JVakon Great T'ongo Gold Muzaham H Hear Horfe Home, Of meftic Houfe Heaven Iron I, or me do- King, or Chief Kill I NookiJJjon Shuetongo Shuah ^eehee Wojhta l!eebec Muzah Meoh K Otah Negufitaugain} ■m fi f^-jii 't! Go Eea Little 1. [ 436 ] f* M ^'^ n t .-I Jit ' J |l! 1 ■'■- Little Jejl'in Long 'Tons-Qom Lake ^o7igo Meneh Love Khwahtncab Oh M Much Otah More Otenaiv Moon Oweeh Mouth ■ Eeh Medal Muzah Otah !Vline Mewah Milk Etfawbob N No Heyah Near JeeJilfia'W o Hopmiyahie I Pipe [ 437 ] Pipe Shanuapanv Pipe of Peace Shanuapaw IVakon R Rain Owah Meneh Ring Muzantchupah Round Chupah S Shaweah Smoke Salt Water Menis ^eah See, to Ffitaw Sleep EJJjteemo Snake Omlijhcaw Sun Paahtah Spirit IVakon Spirituous Liquors Meneh IVakon Snow- Sinnee Sup rizing Hopiniayan Silver Muzaham n ■:. \ ilHri;i. r Pipe Ee Tobacco 1 ,Mt& a ,1 h :l i f 5 If- .) Hi ■ I "II IF' 7 ■pi q' If 1 1 ' ■ lil H^tl [ 438 ] Tobacco Shawfaffiizv Talk Oivchchin Tree Ochiiiv There Dnche Woman Wonderful Water What Who is there? Wicked W Jf imir.kcjijh Ihpimyiire Mcneh T^awgodache ? Heynhacht^ You , , Chce Young Hinvpawna'w You arc good IFafljtah Chee You are a Spirit IVakon Chce You are my "good "lirajhidh Kitchiwah Friend ^ Chec No Good Heyuh JViTJlHah, n^ m 'Tbi [ 439 ] Tbe Numerical ^crms nf the Naudowejics. II 1 One 1 Two 1 Three 1 Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Tea i Eleven Twenty Tliirty w Forty ee 9 Fifty Kiuhinvcih Sixty (J.^tah. Seventy JFnnchjw Noompciw 7 \nvtrwncc I'ohob Scnvhttttee Shawco Sbawcopee Shahlndohtn Nebochunganong fVegochuftgationg C JFegachunganong ]J IFonchaw C JVegochunganong 2 Noompaw < JVegochunganong ) Tawmonce C JVegochunganong 1 Toboh C IFegochunganong J Sawbuttee C JVegochunganong 2 Shawco J JVegochunganong \ Shawcopee '^Q 4 Eighty 'I » IDJJHi ^ flkt- iHI^ 1 1 ■ S' 'If y ?!■•» [ 440 ] Ninety Hundred Tliouf^uid I Shahtndoh'ni S Wcgochunganon^^ I A'c6o:/ju/?giinong Opohig 5 If-^egocbu/igijmNg To this fliort vocabulary of die Naiidor wciTic language, I fliall adjoin a Tpecimen ot" the manner in wliicli tlity unite their words. 1 have cholcn for this purpofc a fhort fong, wiiich they hng, v^'ith fomc kind of mL'lody, though not with an^/ appearance of poetical meafure, when they fet out on their hunting expeditions : and have given as ne;ir a tranflatioii as the diifereuce of the idioms will permit. Alc'Jj accoozvah cjhtaiv pnatab ncv^njh- tmvgaiv fjcjab mcnab. 'Tcngo Wakon vicob wrjblii, piiatah accoovcah. Hopini- yabie o%veeb accoovec nieob, wn/bta paiah olob lobhijob mcob tecbec. 1 will arife before the fun, and afcend yoiuler hill, to fee the new light chafe away the vapours, and difperlb the clouds. Great Spirit give me fuccefs. And when the lun is gemc, lend mc, oh moon, liohv I fiofip; iViong HOflg Specimen lite their purpolc ith Ibmc vith au^l rheii they oiis : ciud )ii as the mit. h negiilh- Ifakon Hopiiii- !hta fatah Ti^.d aicend aht chafe le clouds. And whea loh moon, li^hl t 441 ] light fuffjci; nt to g *dc me with fafcty back to my tent leaden with d.cr ! C H A P. XVIII. Of the Beasts, Birds, Fishks, Rep- T I L E s , ^«t/ I N s E c T s , zvh'tch are found in the interior Parts of North Jinic ' ricii. OF thcfe I fhall, In the firfl: place, give a catalogue, and afterwards a defcription of fuch only as are cither pe- culiar to this country, or which differ in feme material point from tliofe that arc to be met with in other realms. OF THE BEASTS. The Tyger, the Bear, Wolves, Foxes, Dogs, the Cat of the Mountain, the Wild Cat, th.. Buffalo, the Deer, the Elk, the Moofe, the Carrabou, the Carcajou, the Skunk, the Porcupine, the Hedge-hog, the Wood-chuck, the Raccoon, the Martin, the Fiflicr, the Mulkquafh, Squirrels, Haves, Rabbits, the !t|! i.'« r 442 ] ihc Mole, t\\c Wca/.cl, the Moufe, the l^MtiKHilc', till- H<.'avcr, the Otter, the Aliiik, aiul li.its. n til 'JH te-i:- -:,.^ t ' : ^^ O^ The 'r>(.'KR. The Ty^cr of Aiur- iici\ ivknu)Ics 1m Ih.ijv tholo ot" Africa ami Alia, i)ut is coiiliJiiahly fhinller. JNor cKks it .ipj car to he \o fierce anil ravenous as they are. The colour of it is a ilavkilh ialhuv, and it Is intirclv free i'voiu Ipots. 1 law one on an illand in the Chlpeway River, of which 1 had A very good view, as it was at no great illlhuKc from me. It liit up on its hinder parts like a dog; and ditl not I'eeni either to he appreheniivc of our ap- proach, or to diicover any ravenous in- clinations. It is however very llldoni to be met with in this part of the world. I'iie lU'^AR, Hears are very nume- rous on this continent, but more parti- cularly lb in the northern parts of it, and contribute to furnilh both Ibod and beds for almoll every Indian nation, Tlu^le of America ililter in many refpecis irom thofe either of Greenland or Ruliia, ^hey being not only fomewliat fmaller, but timorous !, the the Amr- AtVica iniallcr. rcc anil ir of it (Iv iVce Hand ill I had no j2,vcat on its did not ■ our ap- nous iii- Icldonx of the numc- irc par ti- ts of it, libod and II nation, rcipt'cls ii- Ruliia, lallcr, but timorous [ 443 ] timorous and iiiolllnlivc, unK'fs they are pinched by I "^i*, or linarting from a U'DUtid. The 1 ^ht of a man terrifies them; and a ilo^ will put fevcral to flight. riiey are extremely fond of grapes, and will climb to tlie top of the hlghefl trees in queft of them. This kind of food renders their flelh exceirivcly rich and fmely flavoured; and it is con- fcquently preferred by the Indians and traders to that of any other animal. The fat is very white, and bcildcs being fwcet and wholefome, is poflefled of one valu- able quality, which is, that it never cloys. The inhabitants of thele parts conftantly anoint thcmfelves with it, and to its eflicacy they in a great meafure owe their agility. The fealbn for hunt- ing the bear is during the winter ; when they take up their abode in hollow trees, or make thcmfelves dens in the roots of thofe that are blown down, the entrance of which they Hop up with branches of fir that lie Icattered about. From thefe retreats it is laid they ftir not whilil the weather continues levere, and as it is well known that they do not provide them- selves with food, they are fuppoled to be enable4 !^1 S.4I f/ WM ■k3a Mi Wi' i :' 'it ■:' '", SI r:\ n n kill ir ' iV mi 1 m\ [ 444 ] enabled by nature to f'liblift for fomc months without, and during this time to contiiiut^ of the fame bulk. I'iic WOLF. I'hc vvoh'cs of North America are much Jcls than thoic which are met with in other parts of the world. They liave, hiovvevcr, in common with the reft of their fnccics, a wildncfs in their looks, and a ficrcenefs in their eyes ; not- withftandi'.ig wliich they are far from be- ing lo ravenous as the Jluropean wolves, nor will they ever attack a man, except i!iey have rxcidentaily fed on the flcih of t/iofe ilaiii in battle. When they herd 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, inclining to black, I'he F(3X. There are two forts of foxes in North America, which differ only in their colour, one being of a reddifh brown, the other of a grey; tfiole of the latter kind that are found near the river Miliillippi, are extremely beautiful J their hair being "1 a fnie lilver g..ey. DOGS. f'l fome ime to North which W(xUi. ii\ with ill thcii- :b ; not- rom be- wolvcs, , except , flcih of icy herd e winter, »lc noife. nds ; one tlic other forts of licli cUifcr being of a grey; lare found extremely fine iilver DOG 3, [ 445 ] DOGS. The dogs employed by the Indians in huntiiig appear to be all of the fame fpccies j th^y carry their ears credl, and greatly refemblc a wolf abojt the head. They are exceedingly ufeful to them in their hunting excurfions, and will attack the fiercefl of the game they are in purfuit of. They are alfo remark- able for their fidelity to their mafters, but being ill fed by them are very trouble- fome in their huts or tents. The CAT of the mountain. This creature is in (liape like a cat, only much larger. The hair or fur refembles alio the Ikin of that domeftic animal ; the co- lour however differs, for the former is of a reddifh or orange cafl, but grows lighter near the belly. The whole fkin is beau- tified with black fpots of different figures, of which thofe on the back are long, and thofe on the lower parts round. On tlie ears there are black ftripes. This crca- ture is nearly as fierce as a leopard; but will feldom attack a man. The BUFFALO. This bcaff, of which there arc amazing numbers in thcle parts, is larger than an ox, has fliort black horns, with a large beard uncr his cliin* m i !»'< ■I^..l i 446 ] chin, and his head is fo full of hair, that it falls over his eyes, and gives him 1 frightful look. There is a bunch on hia hack which begins at the haunches, and increallng grac^ually to the Ihoulders, reaches on to the neck. Both this ex- crefcence and its whole body are covered with long hair, or rather wool, of a dun or moufe colour, which is exceedingly va- luable, efpecially that on the fore part of the body. Its head is larger than a bull's, with a very fhort neck ; the breaft is broad, and the body decreafes towards the buttocks. Thtfe creatures will run away at the fight of a man, and a whole herd will make off when they perceive a fingle dog. The flefh of the buffalo is excel- lent food, its hide exceedingly ufeful, and the hair very proper for the manu- facture of various articles. The DEER. There is but one fpe- cies of deer in North America, and thefe are higher and of a flimmer make than thofe in Europe. Their fhape is nearly the fame as the European, their colour of a deep fallow, and their horns very large and branching. This beafl is the fwifteft on the American plains, "nd they herd toge* .flT*- r, that him a on his 6^5 and 3ulders, this ex- covered )f a dua ngly va- e part of a bull's, breaft is vards the run away lole herd e a fingle is excel- |y ufeful, lc manu- one fpe- and thefe lake than is nearly colour of J very large Ibe fwifteft I they herd toge* [ 447 ] together as they do in other other coun- tries. The ELK greatly exceeds the deer in iize, being in bulk equal to a horfe. Its body is fhaped like that of a deer, only its tail is remarkably fhort, being not more than three inches long. The co- lour of its hair, which is grey, and not unlike that of a camel, but of a more reddilh caft, is nearly three inches in length, and as coarfe as that of a horfe. The horns of this creature grow to a pro- digious Iize, extending fo wide that two or three perfons might (it between them at the fame time. They are not forked like thofe of a deer, but have all their teeth or branches on the outer edge. Nor does the form of thofe of the elk re- femble a deer's, the former being flat, and eight or ten inches broad, whereas the latter are round, and confidejably nar- rower. They ihed their horns every year in the month of February, and by Auguil: the new ones are nearly arrived at their full growth. Notwithftanding their fize, and the means of defence nature has tur- nifhed them with, they are as timorous as a deer. Their Ikin is very ufeful, and will U: i. 1 1^^*| i ir i p i i.: <• if I? I: 1*^ t 448 1 will ilrcls as well as that ot'a buck. They feed on giafs in the luniincr, and on mols or buds in the winter. II1C MOOSE is neailv about the lizc of the elk, and the horns of it arc almoil: as cnoi nmus as that animal's ; the (leni of them however are not quite fo wide, and they branch on both lules like thofe of a deer. This creature alio Iheds them every -year. Though its hinder parts are very broad, its tail is not above an inch long. Jt has feet and legs like a camel, its head is about two feet long, its uj>pcr lip mucli larger than the under, and tlic nof- trils of it are I0 wide that a man nfight thrull his head into them a coniiderable way. I'he hair of the moole is light grey, mixed with a blackiih red. It is very elallic, for though it be beaten ever ih long, it will retain its original Ihape. The flelh is exceeding good food, ealy of digeftion, and very nourilhing. The i\ofe, or upper lip, which is large and ioole from the gums, is ellecmed a great delicacy, being of a hrm confidence, bc-^ tween marrow and grillle, and when pro- perly drelfed, affords a rich and lulcious dilli. Its hide is very proper for leather, being They 1 mofs be lizc (Iciu of ic, and iie of a ni every ^xc very its hcatl pper lip the not- n might ifKlcnihlc is light 1. It is ;atcn ever 1K\1 Ihape. I, eaiy of The llarge aiul x\ a great tencc, be* |,vben pro- id lufcious )r leather, being [ 449 ] being thick and flrong, yet foft and plia- ble. The pace of this en ature is always a trot, which is lb ex}icdltious, 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 d.er kitid, it never herds as thole do. MoH: authors confound it with the elk, deer, or carrabou, but it is a Ipeeies totally different, as might be difcovered by attending to the dclcriptioii I have given of each. The CARRABOU. This beaft is not near fo tall as the moole, however it is Ibmetliiiig like it in Ihape, only rather more heavy, and inclining to the form of the al's. The horns of it are not flat as thole of tlie elk are, but round like thole of the deer ; they alio meet nearer together at the extremities, and bend more over the face, than either thole of the elk or mooie. It partakes of the fwiftnefs of the deer, and is with difficulty over- taken by its puriliers, Tiie flelh of it likewile is equally as good, the tongue particularly is in high elteem. The Ikin F f being ! i r !•,.. -r^ ■ti [ 45^ ] being findoth aiul tVcc tVom veins, is i\6 valuable as Ihainov. The CARCAJOU. This creature, wliieh is oi' the eat kin into a tree, aiul taking his llation on i'oiuc oi the branches, waits till one o( thvUi, driven by an extieme ot heat or cold, takes Ihelter under it; when he lallensupon his neck, ami opening the jugular vein, loon brings his prey to the round. This he is cn.ihlevl to do by his lono tail, with which he encircles tlie bodv ot his adveriaiv ; and the only ml "* . . . means tluv have to ihun tiuir tate, is bv tlvino- iniiiiediatelv lo the w;iter, bv this method, as the cneajvui h.is a j;ivat dillike to that ckp.Knt, he is i'ometimes o'ot rid ot* betbre lie can Llied Ins pur- pole. The SKUNK. This is tlie m.oll: ex- traordinary animal th.at the American woods produce. U is rather lis than a pole-cat, aiul o\- tlie Tame Ipecies ; it is thereto! e often n-iiilaken lor that creatr.re, but is very ditieixnt trom it in many points. It 19 ivi ntui'c, tcni- \ilH)n ing l^'^'i ciiic of ; when uni\ the y t\) the 0 l>v his •rWs the he only f.\te, it^ :\u\\ by Is a r;reat v.nctuue^'. \\u' puv- 1 American L's than a ■\cs; it li^ It crciiture, ill many roiutS. [ 45 > ] M)U\ti Its 11 km or lur is loiis; ami liun- JT '^^ nl Llirt' wiTue mixed in Idmk jil.iees with hlaek, K) that it app a;s to be llvuKil ill partieular jxuls with hlaek, without heiM^', cilhet Tpottvcl or (1 y\\K\ Jts tail is lodi; aiul vrry l)iil]iv like th.it of ii fox, aiul it !i\es elTklh in the vvooils and hcdpes. Ih't its ( xtraordiiiarv iiowers «T > I arc only lliewn when it is purliiud. As fooii as he linds himtelt in dan^-vr lie fls to a areat dilhmee rri)m behind a ec imall rtream ol water, iW \o luhtle a na- ture, and at the lamr time ot lo power- ful a liiiell, that the air is tainted with it for halt a nide in eiienmleienee ; and his puriiicrs, whether mm or dogs, he- ing alniod- lulioeated with the {letieh, are obliged to give over the purluit. On this account he is ealKd liv tlu Fre leh, En- iant du Diable, t'l > Child ot the Devil ; or Bete Puante, the Stiidvimr Beaii. It IS ilmotl imno iil)U to ilcienoe tlu noifome clKds ot the hciuid wuh which this creature is iupphed bv nature ior its defence. W a drop ot' it talh on your cloaths, tlicv arc rendered fo dilaLrreeable that it is impoflible ewr albr to wear tl lem or if any of it enters vour.eveHds F f 1 the % ; \ /.' I m »lw.¥ ■ 'i'i the pain becomes intolerable for a long time, and perhaps at laft you lofe your ilglii-. The linell of the fkuiik, though thus to be dreaded, is not like that of a putrid cnrcale, hut a fl:roiig foetid effluvia of mulk, which dilpleafes rather from its pe- netrating power than from its naufeouf- nefs. It is notwithllanding confidered as conducive to clear the head and to raifc the ipirits. This water is fuppofed by naturalifts to be its urine ; but 1 have dif- fc(!n:ed many of them tbnt I have fhot, and have found witbin their bodies, near the urinal velfels, a fmall receptacle of water, totally diftind from the bladder which contained the urine, and from which alone 1 am fatisficd the horrid flench proceeds. After having taken out with great care the bag wherein this water is lodged, 1 have frequently fed on them, and have found them very fweet and good ; but one drop emitted taints not only the car- cafe, but the whole houfe, and renders every kind of provifions that are in it un- fit for ufe. With great juftice therefore do the French give it luch a diabolical name. The loiu', your t of a avia of Its pe- ufeoul- \ei-ed as to vaifc ofed by -^ave dii- hot, and near the jf water, jr which ^Ich alone proceeds, teat care lodged, 1 and have )od; but the car- ^d renders in it un- therefore diabolical [ 453 ] The PORCUPINE. The body of an American porcupine is in bulk about the lize of a Imall dog, but it is both /horter in length, and not fo high from the ground. It varies very much from thofe of other countries both in its fhape and the length of its quills. The former is like that of a fox, except the head, which is wot fo (harp and long, buc re- fembles more that of a rabbit. Its body- is covered with hair of a dark brown, about four inches long, great part of which are the thickncfs of a ilraw, and are termed its quills. Thefe are white, with black points, hollow and very ftrong, 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 flelh in the leaft degree, they will fink quite into it, and are not to be ex- tracted without incifion. The Indians ufe them for boring their ears and nofes to infert their pendants, and alfo by way of ornament to their ftockings, hair, &c. befides which they greatly efteem the flefh. Tl)», 1 ■M 1 : 1 ii 1 1 • ! 0 I ,if The Ff3 The 11 j"'i .' [ f I I' [ 454 ] The WOOD-CHUCK Is a ground animal ot" the fur kuid, about the lizc of a martin, being nearly fifteen inches Ic g ; its body however is rounder, and his legs fliorter ; the fore paws of it are broad, and conftruflcd for the purpofe of digp,li)g holes in the rM'ound, where it burrows like a rabbit ; its fur is of a grev colour on the redtlilh cjff, and its flc(h tol rable food. The RACOON is fomewhat lefs in fizc than a beaver, and its fe..'t and legs are like iliole of that creature, but fliort in proportion to its body, which relem- bles that of a badger. The lliape of its head is much like a fox's, only the ears are fliorter, more round and naked, and its hair is alio fimihir to thit animal's, be- ing thick, long, foft, and black at the ends. On its face there is a broad ftripe that runs acrois 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 fhape ; the tall is long and royind, with annular llripes on it like thofe of a cat ; the feet have five long Header toes armed with fharp claws, by ^vhich LC of iches and it are )ie of ere it \ gvcv s flclll lefs in it (iK)lt releni- e of its the ears cd, and al's, be- c at tlie ad ftnpe he eyes, IS black, fa dog; of a dog long and 1 it like five long laws, by ■^vbich [ 455 ] which it is enabled to clhnb up trees like a monkey, and to run to the very extre- mities of the boughs. It makes ufe of its fore feet in the manner of hands, and feeds itlelf with them. I'he fle(h of this creature is very good in the months of September and Oclobtr, when fruit and nuts, on which it likes to feed, are plehty. The MARTIN Is rather larger than a fquirrel, and fomewhat of the fame make ; its legs and claws however are confidcra- bly Ihorter. Its ears arc iliort, broad, and roundilh, and its eyes fhine in the night like thofe of a cat. The whole body is covered with fur of a browniih fallow colour, and there are fome in the more northern parts which are black ; the Ikins of the latter are of much greater value than the others. The tall is co- vered with long hair, which makes it a})- j)ear thicker than it really is. Its flefh is fometiraes eaten, but is not in any great efteem. The MUSQUASH, or MUSK-RAT, is fo termed for the exquifite mulk which it affords. It appears to be a diminutive of the beaver, being endowed with all the F f 4 proper- ,'ii-l. - 1. ;, i if*l^ [ 456 J properties of that iagaclous animal, and >vaMts notliing Imt lizc and Ak np;tli, being not much higgi r than a large lat of the Norway brctd, to rival the cnature it lb much rcfcmhlps. Was it not for its tail, which is cxa r, and ditfer from them only iu colour; the variegated alfo re- femble theiu In fliape and figure, hut are very htautiful, being fniely llriped with white or grvy, and I'ometimcs with red and black. The American flvino; iquirrel is much lefs than the European, being not above five inches long, and of a ruflet grey or afli-colour on the back, and white on the under parts. It has black prominent eyes like thofe of the moufe, with a long flat broad tail. Vty a membrane on each iide which reaches from its fore to its hind legs, this crea- ture is enabled to leap from one tree to another, even if they ftand a confiderable diftance apart ; this loofe ikin, vviiich it is enabled to ftretch out like a fliil, 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 provilions as the others, and is eafdy tamed. The BEAVER. This creature has been fo often treated of, and his uncom- mon abilities fo minutely defcribed, that any further account of it will appear un- necef- I : 1. - l'^ , [ 458 ] iieceffary; however for the benefit of thofe of my readers who are not fo well ^rnuainted with the form and properties of tliis fagacious and ufcful animal ^ I (hall give a concile dcfcription of it. The beaver is an amphibious quadruped, which cannot live for any long time in the wa- ter, and it is fald is even able to exift en- tirely without it, provided it has the con- venience of fomctimes bathing itfclf. The lar[?eft heavers are nearly four feet in length, and about fourteen or fifteen in- ches in breadth over tlie haunches ; they weigh about fixty pounds. Its head is like that of the otter, but larger ; its fnout is pretty long, the eyes fmall, the ears fliort, round, hairy on the outfide, and fmooth within, and its teeth very long ; the under teeth ftand out of theii' mouthb about the breadth of three fingers, and the upper half a finger, all of which are broad, crooked, frrong, and lliarp ; belides thofe teeth called the incifcrs, which grow double, are fet very deep in their jaws, and bend like the edge of an axe, they have fixteen grinders, eight on each fide, four above aiid four below di- vedly oppofite to each other. With the former cfit of Co well 3perties 1 (hiill I'he i, which the "wa- cxift eii- the con- :lf. The ftct in ftcen lil- ies; they s head is rger ; its iiall, the le outfide, eeth very of theiv ee fingers, of which .nd iliarp; uiciicrs, ;ry deep in :;dge of an |, eight on below dl- With the formei' [ 459 ] former they are able to cut down trees of a confidtrable lize, with the latter to break the hardcfl Ihbftanc^s, Its legs are ihort, particularly the fore legs, vvhicli are only four or five inches long, and not unlike thofc of a badger ; the toes of the fore feet are leparate, the nnils placed ob- liquely, and are hollow like quills ; but the hind feet arc quite different, and fur^ niflied with membranes between the toes. By this means it can walk, though but llowly, and is able to fwim with as much eafe as any otlicr aquatic animal. The tail has fomewhat in it that refembles a fifli, and feems to have no manner of re-» lation to the reft of the body, except the hind feet, all the other parts being limi- lar to thofe of land animals. The tail is covered with a Ikin furnifhed with fcales, that are joined together by a pellicle ; thcfe fcales are about the tliicknefs of 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 length, and broader in the middle, where it is four inches over, than either at the root or the extrerqity, It is about two inches thick near rp ^i:ir\ ''^^ I H '! I ft r 460 ] near the body where It is almoft round, and grows gradually thinner and flatter to the cD'l. The colour of the beaver is different according to the different cli- mat, s in which it is found. In the mofi: northern parts, they are generally quite black ; in more temperate, brown ; their colour becoming lighter and lighter as they approach towards the fciuth. 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 fome- times extends to two inches, gradually diminilhing towards the head and tail. This part of the fur is harfh, coarfe, and Ihining, 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 quarters of an inch in length, and is what is commonly manufadtured. Caf- tor, which is ufeful in medicine, is pro- duced from the body of this creature ; it was formerly believed to be its tefticles, but later dlfcoveries have fhown that it is contained in four bags lituated in the lower belly. Two of which, that are called the fuperior from their being more elevated ound, tter to tver is It cli- e moft r quite ; their hter as . The , except i-t; that n length it Ibme- rradually and tall. firle, and ther part down, fo k, about gtU, iu^d red. Caf- Is pro- ature ; it tefticles, II that it ed in the that are iing moi'^ elevated [ 461 ] elevated than cne others, are filled with a foft refinous adhefive matter, mixed with fmall fibres, greyKh without, and yellow within, of a ftrong difagreeable and pe- netrating fcent, and very inflammable. This is the true caftoreum ; it hardens in the air, and becomes brown, brittle, and friable. The inferior bags contain an undluous liquor like honey ; the colour of which is a pale yellow, and its odour fomewhat different from the other, being rather weaker and more difagreeable ; it however thickens as it grows older, and at length becomes about the confiftence of tallow. This has alfo its particular ufe in medicine, but it is not fo valuable as the true caftoreum. The ingenuity of tliefe creatures in build- ing their cabbins, and in providing for their fubfiftence is truly wonderful. When they are about to chule themfelves a ha- bitation, they aflemble in companies feme- times of two or three hundred, and after mature deliberation fix on a place where plenty of provifions, and all neceflaries are to be found. Their houfcs are always fituated in the water, and when they can lind neither lake nor pond adjacent, they endea- 'i ! I , '. 1«l [ 462 ] endeavour to fupply the defeat by flop- ping the current of fome brooV or Tmall river, by means of a caufewiiy or dam* For this purpofc they let about tilling of trees, and tliey take care to chule out thofe that grow above the place where they intend to build, tliat they might fvvim down with the current. Having fixed on tj^oie that are proper, three or four beavers pLicing tiiemlelves round a large one, lind means vvitfi their ilrong teedi to bring it down. I'hey alfo pru- dently contrive that it fliall fall towards the water, that they may have the lefs way to carry it. After they have bv a coiitinuance of the lame labour and in- duihy, cut it into propor lengths, they roll thefe into the water, and navigate them towards tlie place where they are to be employed. Without entering more minutely into the meafures they purfue in the conftruclion of their dams, I fhall 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 tranlport it to the place where it is requifite, they conllru6t them with as much Iblidity and regularity as "wr ^ ftop- r fmall (r dam* tcUing -lulc out ; where r might Having three or round a ir llrong alio pru- I towards I the leia \avc hy a r and iii- rths, they navigate |hey are to ing more ^ey puriue s, 1 ihall ,red a kind laid it on had before the place llru6t them regularity [ 463 ] as the mort: experienced workmen could do. The formation of their cabbins is 110 lefa 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 lome point of land that advances into a lake. The figure of them is round or oval, and they are falhioned with an ingenuity equal to their dams. Two thirds of the edifice {lands above the water, and this part is fuffici- ently capacious to contain eight or ten inhabitants. Each beaver has his place alfigned him, the floor of which he curi- oufly flrews with leaves, or fmall branches of the pine tree, fo as to render it clean and comfortable ; and their cabbins are all lituated fo contiguous to each other, as to allow of an caly communication. The winter never furprizcs thefe animals before their bufinel's is completed, for by the latter end of September their houfes are finiflied, and tliLir ftock of piovilions are generally laid in. Thcfe conlKl: of fmall pieces oi wood v. hole texture is ioft, inch as the poplar, the alpin, or willow, &:c. which they lay up in piles, and dif- pofe of in fucli n^ianner as to preierve their moifturc. Was I to cnum.erate ever/ tf i [ 464 ] every inftancc of fagaclty that is to be difcovered in tliefe animals, they would fill a volume, and prove not only enter- taining but inll:iud:ive. The OTTER. This creature alfo is amphibious, and greatly relcmbles a bea- ver, but is very diflerent from it in many rcfpe^s. Its body is nearly as long as a beaver's, but confidcrably lels in all its parts. Tlie muzzle, eyes, and the form of the head are nearly tlie lame, but the teeth arc very unlike, for the otter wants the large incilbrs or nippers that a beaver has ; inftead of thele, all his teeth, without any diftinclion, are fnaped like thofe of a dog or wolf. The hair alfo of the former is not half fo long as that belonging to the latter, nor is the colour of it exaclly the lame, for the hair of an otter under the neck, ftomach, and belly, is more grcyilh than that of a bea- ver, and hi many other refpecls it likewife varies. This animal, which is met with in moft parts of the world, but in much greater numbers in North Ame- rica, is vtry mifchievous, and when he is clofely purfued^ will not only attack dogs but men. It generally feeds upon to be would entcr- cilfo 13 a bea- a it ill ■ as long ;s in aU and the le lame, for the ■ nippers thele, all tion, are ,lf. The if fo long inor is the 1- the hair lach, and of a bea- t like wife [-1 is met d, but in rth Ame- nd when not only rally feeds upon t 465 ] lipon fifti, efpecially In the fummcr, but in the winter is contented with the brirk of trees, or the produce of the fields. Its flefli both talles and i'mells of filh, and is not wholefome food, though it is fome- times eaten through necelhr 7. The MINK is of the otter kit id, and fubfifis in the fame manner. In Ihape and fize it refemhles a pole-cat, b:iug equally long and flendcr. Its ikin is blacker than that of an otter, or almoft any other creature, " as black as a *' mink," being a proverbial expreffion in America ; it is not however fo valuable^ though this greatly depends on the fealbn in whicli it is taken. Its tail is round like that of a fnake, but growing flattilh towards the end, and is entirely without hair. An agreeable mufky fcent exhales from its body ; and it is met with near the fources of rivers on whofe banks it chiefly lives. Gg OF I' ' ! ;( it;;' M f 466 ] OF THE BIRDS. The Eagle, the Hawk, the Night Hawk, the Filh Hawk, the Whlpperwill; the Raven, the Crow, the Owl, Parrots, the Pelican, the Crane, the Stork, the Cormorant, the Heron, the Swan, the Ciooie, Ducks, Teal, the Loon, the Water-Hcn, the Turkey, the Heath- cock, the Partridge, the C)uail, Pigeons, the Snipe, Larks, the Woodpecker, the Cuckoo, the Blue Jay, the Swallow, the Wakon Bird, the Blackhird, the Rcdbird, the ThruOi, the Whetlaw, the Nightingale, the King Bird, tlie Robin, the Wren, and the Humming" Bird. The EAGLE. There are only two forts of eagles in thcfe parts, the bald and the grey, which are much the fame fize, and fimilar in ihape to thole of other countries. The NICtHT HAWK. This Bird is of" the hawk fpecies, its bill being crooked, its wings formed for fwiftnels, and its fhape nearly like that of the common hawk ; ':.; ;■! y. he Night ippervvill, , Parrots, 3tork, the 3wan, the .0011, the le I Icath- , Pigeons, :)ecker, the : Swallow, kbird, the lietlaw, the the Robin, • Bird. e only two the bald and le fame lizc, :)le of other This Bird is cine; crooked, nels, and its the common hawk ; [ 467 j and m colour rather darker If .'o r ' ^^'^ fei but in the ^t • l'''''^y the approach of t ni:^^^-"'^' '' and darts it(Mf • •= '^' " "'" '"bout, ''e.d 0/ tl ,,, ' 7''-'''"' S-"1>'>13 at the " "f tnc belated travdl.T P.f tiiunder-ftower ti.ef. L ^'^'"■'•' '* gethcr ^ „ ^ '" '''' '"' ''""^■"'W-'J to- obte "t. ro;:rr ' ^ '^-'--^ ^- The FISH HVU^^^T'""- Ae Jatter in It n ^'"''^^ ''^'^^Wes name from ,i K, T\ '"' ''^'^^'-^ ^is nft ; It Ikims over tlip 1 ,1. &/'";"'"/ and fometimes LlJr t ""^ "^'''•^• the water .s i u ° '" ^^■'^i^^'"*^ o'« and h!' , ''"'■^'•^ '° ^''^'^- to it and having by (bme attradive n drawn the fift within ,v7 , ^ "''' ^akes Ufa of is fuppofed^!^ b '" 'f contained in a fm,>i h. f ^" °'^ which natu e htt r^ '" '^' ^°''^' ^"^ Supplied hi. :L\f;iT7zf;' th.spurpofe; itishowe^vervtV"' ?hat any bait touched witla drl r u" o;l colieaed from this bTN tL:2^ ble lure for all forts of fift ,^1 r the angler great fuccefs. ' '"'"^^' '^Sz The 1.1 tP »« ''if ■t M5! m [ 468 ] Tlic WHIPPERWILF., or as It is termed by tlie liuliaiis, the Miickawifs. This extraordinary bird is fomcwhat like tlic laft-nientioned in its (hapc and co- lour, only it has Tome whitifh ftripes acrofs the wings, and hkc that is feldom ever feen till after fun-lbt. It alfo is never met with but during the I'pring and fummer months. As Toon as the In- dians arc informed by its notes of its re- turn, they conclude that the froft is en- tirely gone, in which they are feldom deceived ; and on receiving this afl'urance of milder weather, begin to fow their corn. It acquires its name by the noifu it makes, which to the people of the co- lonies founds like the name they give it W hipper-will ; to an Indian car Muck-a- wifs. The words, it is true, are not alike, but In this manner they ftrike the ima- gination of each ; and the circumftancc is a proof that the fame founds, if they are not rendered certain by being reduced to thi^ rules of orthography, might con- vey different ideas to different people. As foon as night comes on, thefe birds will place themielves on the fences, ftumps, or itones that lie near fome houfe, and repeat r 469 ] repeat their mclanclioly note, „„Vt, . vanatioM till midnight '^1;^ ""'""^ fomc of the inhnbitft^ of^tt ['"r ?' ~, think if this i^d'i'^ '^■«'- lioufe, that it l,ctoke„, V'"'"-^ "" ="'7 the inhabitants ofTt '^"^ '"'*'V t<> The OVVL ^i i that is found on tlJ't °? -^ ^"^ °^ "'^'s heingofafi„ei:!7j;""'"^P'"'"--'ge.- Jour pleafingl^ fhaded and fpottfd father HSI;ra';eSn'\r .""1 '^ fhe fize of the Europ'^rerln '^o;^ '''""' '«> colour, and witl> long C J th -^r'^' .ces differs from all others fi^bi I /^V IS about twelve inche. In!. J' ''''"'^'' -dhaifbroad;:t:fer:ii:r' tinues to the end, where it iTm Vl °"" • ,, -^ aeicuption to one fort tfmf JS, the wood duck, or i. ^N l^' f term \r n i , ' ^ ^"^ I'rrinch t^rra it, Canard^branchus. This fowl ^ -5 receives '\i 'M{- I hM 1 ^^^Ihi j n 1 1 1 ■ if] i [ 470 3 rec'ivfs Its name frum its fiequentlng the vvoQtls, ;uitl ptrcliiiig on the branches of tr'.'cs which no otlKr kind of water fowl (a cliarac"lrriilic that tliis ftill prc(erves)i^ ki.own tv) do. It is nearly of a fize with other ducks, \ti plvnnage is beautifully Vfiricgatcd, nind very briHiant. The flcfh of it alio, as it feeds but little on fi(h, is finely flavoured, and much lliperior to any other ibrt. The TEAL. I have already remarked in my Journal, that the teal found on the Fox river, and the head branches of the Milllllipi/i, are perhaps not to be equalled for the fatnels and delicacy of their ftcfli by any other in the world. In colour, {hapc, and fiz,c they are very little ditierent from thofe found in other countries. The LOON is a water fowl, ibmc- what Ids than a teal, and is a fpccies of the dobchick. Its wings are Ihort, and its Kgs and feet large in pro^)ortion to the body; the colour of it is a dark brown, neai ly appioachi.g to black, and as it feeds only on lilh, the flJh of it is very ill-tlavoured. Theie birds are exceedingly i/imble and ixpcrt at diving, fo that it is rjniuil iLn^^oliiblc for one perJon to fiioof: tUciTi, r»g the ;hcs of •r fowl rves) r> ^e with LitifuUy he atlh fith, is r to any c marked x\ on the s of the equalled ii-aclhby ur, fliapc, ii-ent from 1, Ibmc- pccies ot -lort, and ion to the k brown, and as it It is Very cceedingly that it is to filOOE t\\tn\, [ 47. ] them, as they will dcxtiouily avoid tlic fhot by diving before they reach them ; lb that it requires three perfons to kill one of them, and tliis can onlv be done the moment it r;iites his head out of the w.i- ter as it returns to the lurtacc after div- ing. It h d lowevcr onlv rcpavi, the trouhic th ihl( taken to obtain ir, by the exceUcnt fport it affords. The PARTIUDGE. Then-, arc three iorts of partridp^es here, the brown, the red, and the black, the lirll of which arc moll: eflecmcd. Tlicy are all luudi larger than the European partridges, being nearly the fize of a hen plicaliuit ; tii-ir lioad and eyes are alfo like that bird, ami they ha\'<- all long tails, which they fj^rcad like a. tan, but not ere^i:l ; but contrary to the cuftom of thole in other countries, they will perch on the brandies of the poplar and black birch, on the buds ol" ^'. hieh they feed early in the morning ami in the twilight of the evening during the wiiiter months, when thcv are enfiiy Ihof. The WOODPECklCR. Ihis i:; a very beautiful bird ; then^ is owe foit whole feathers are a mixture of vaiions colours ; and another that is 'orown ail Ct rr 4 n\ei' \l Mi ''A k I 472 ] over the body, except the head and neck, wliicn are of a fine red. As this bird i^ fuppol'ed to make a greater noife than or- dinary at particular times, it is conjeart of tlie body •brown, mixed with a ruddy yellow, and chequered with many regular lines of a deep black, gradually fnading toward* a gold colour. Jn Ihort the whole of this dangerous reptile is very beautiful, and could it be viewed witli Icfs terror, llich a varieyattd arrani!;e- ment of colours woul' be extremely pleafuig. Hut tlufe are only to bj ileii ill y ■■; IT I't; M w If i f!. » il [ 480 i in their highcfl: perfection at the time this creature is animated by refentment ; then every tint rulhes from its fubcutaneous reccfs, and gives the furface of the Ikin 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 upper part. The rattle at its tail, from which it receives its name, is compo{ed of a firm, dry^ callous, or horny fubftance of a light brown, and confifts of a number of cells which articulate one within another like joints; and which increafe every year and make known the age of the creature; Thefe articulations being very loofe, the included points ftrike againft the inner furface of the concave parts or rings into which they are admitted, and as the fnake vibrates or Ihakcs its tail, makes a rattling noile. This alarm it always gives when it is apprehenfive of danger ; and in an inftant after forms itlclf into a Ipiral wreath, in the centre of which appears the her ered:, and breathing forth v.ngjaiice againft either man or bcait that Ihali dare to come near it. In this attitude he awaits the ■ ;| i ■" Jl le this ; then aneoua ,e Ikin I pal'ifli roaches jrmixed . The receives n, dry* a light of cells her like ery year creatarci ooie, the ;he inner ■ings into Id as the makes a ays gives |r ; and in a Ipiral pears the Iv ng-ance [hall dare he awaits tlie [ 48. ] the approach of his enemies, rattHnjr his tail as he fees or hears them coming on. By this timely intimation, which heaven feems to have provided as a means to countera(5l the mifchicf this venom- ous reptile vvould othcrwife be the per- petrator of, the unwary traveller is ap- prized of his danger, and has an oppor- tuniJy of avoiding it. It is however to be obferved, that it never atSts ofFcnfively ; it neither purfues or flies from any thin^ that approaches it, but lies in the pofit. a defcribed, rattling his tail as if relu6lant to hurt. The teeth with which this lerpent effe(5ts his poifonous purpofes are not thofe he makes ufc of on ordinary occafions, they are only two in number, very fmall and fharp pointed, and fixed in a finewy fubftance that lies near the extremity of the upper jaw, refembling the claws of a cat ; at the root of each ofthefe, which might be extended, con- tradted, or entirely hidden, as need re- quires, are two fmall bladders which nature has fo conftruded, that at the fame inftant an inciiion is made by tlie teeth, a drop of a greenifh poifonous liquid enters the wound, and taints with H h its ]>f ^a P [ 482 ] its deftru£llve quality the whole mafs of blood. Ill a moment the unfortunate vidim of its wrath feels a chilly tremor run through all his frame ; a fwelling immediately begins on the fpot where tlic teeth had entered, which fpreads by degrees over the whole body, and produces on every prrt of the Ikin the variegated hue of the fnake. The bite of this reptile is more or lefs venomous according to the feafon of the year in which it is given. In the dog-days, it often proves inflantly mor- tal, and cfpecially if the wound is made among the linews (ituated in the back- part of the leg above the heel ; but ia the fpring, in autumn, or during a cool day which might happen in the fummer, its bad effects are to be prevented by the immediate application of proper remedies; and thefe Providence has bounteoufly fiipplied, by caufing the Rattle Snake Plantain, an approved antidote to the poifon of this creature, to grow in great profufion where-ever they are to be met with. There are likewife feveral other remedies belides this, for the venom of its bite. A decodlion made of the buds or bark of the white a/h taken inter- nally lafs of ftunate tremor celling lere tlic degrees )n every 3 of the is more le feafoa 111 the :ly mor- \ is made :he back- ; but ill ing a cool i fummer, :ed by the remedies; ounteoully :tle Snake Ite to the in great to be met eral other venom of the buds ^ken inter- nally [ 483 ] nally prevents i s pernicious cfFe£ls. Salt '13 a newly diicoverotl rem (\y, and iF applied immediately to tiic part, or the wound be walhtd with brine, a cure might be af- fined. The fat of the reptile alfo rubbed on it is frequently found to be very effica- cious* But though til® lives of the per- fons who have been bitten might be pre- ferved by thefe, and their health in fome de- gree reftoi'ed, yet they annually experience a flight return of the dreadful fymptoms about the time thev received the inftilla- tion. However remarkable it may ap- pear it is certain, that though the venom of this creature affe(5ts in a greater or lefs degree all animated nature, the hog is an exception to the rule, as that animal will readily deftroy them without dread- ing their poifonous fiings, and fitten on their flefh. It has been often obferved, and 1 can confirm the obfervation, that the Rattle Snake is charmed with any harmonious founds, whether vocal or in- ftrumental ; I have many times {ccn them even when they have been enraged, plac« themfelves in a lirtening pofture, and continue immovablv attentive and fuf- ceptible of delight all the time the mu- H h 3 fick f 111 m\ hti ••V4 •'4 ; i1 •i I i'aL m i i' [ 484 ] Tick has lartod. I ihould hnve rcmarkccU that when the Rattle Snake hltcs, it drops its iiiuler jaw, and holding" the upper j.uv cYcdi, tlirows itlclf in a curved line, with great force, and as quick as lightning, on the ohje(5l of its refent- nient. In a moment after, it returns again to its dcfenfive poflure, having difengaged its teeth from the wound with great celerity, hy means of the pofition in which it had placed its head when it made the attack. It never extends itfelf to a greater diftance than half its length will reach, and though it fometimes re- peats the blow two or three times, it as often returns with a fudden rebound to Its former ftate. The Black Rattle Snake differs in no other rcfpcil: r^om the yellow, than in being rather fmaller, and in the variegation of its colours, which are exa^Vly reverfed : one is black where the other is yellow, and vice verfa. They are equally venomous. It is not known how thcfe creatures engen- der ; 1 have often found the eggs of le- veral other fpccies of the fnake, but not- withftanding no one has taken more pains to acquire a perfect knowledge of every property ,jv, Mil ,,,; tcs, it iig the curved uick as rclcnt- ns agiuii llngagcd th great litiou ill when it ncls itfclt' Its length times re- ncs, it as cbound to k Rattle r-om the fmaller, colours, e is black and vice ous. It es engen- rrrs of I'e- but not- |norc pains of every property [ 485 ] property of thcic reptiles than myfelf, I never could difcover the maun r ia which they bring forth their younp;. 1 once killed a female that had leventy younj^ones In its belly, butthefe were per fed I y formei.1, and I faw them jufl before retire to the mouth of their mother, as a place of fecurity, on my approach. The gall of this fcrpcnt, mixed with chalk, ar^- formed into little balls, and exported from America for medicinal purpofes. They are of the nature of Galeoign's powders, anJ are an excellent remidy for complaints incident to children. The flefh of the liiake alfo dried, and made into broth, is much more nutritive than that I vipers, and very efficacious againft conlumptions. The LONG BLACK SNAKE. Thefe are alio of two forts, both of which are exadly fimilar in fliape and fize, only the belly of one is a light red, the other a faint blue ; all the upper parts of their bodies are black and fcaly. They are in general from fix to eight feet in length, and carry their heads, as they crawl along, about a foot and half from the ground. They ealily climb thehlgh- ^i\ trees in purfult of birds and fquirrels^ Hh which ^^ r \^ i' '■1 ■ f I > . 1 ii |;L [ 4^6 ] which nre their chief food; atui theic, it is faid, they charm hv their looks, and render incapahlt; of ticaj iiig from thom. I'helr api^eaiancc carries tenor vvitli it to thofe who are uiiac(|uainteu with their inahihty to hurt, hut they are perfcdJy inoffeiiiive and free from venom. The Sl'RlFi:!) or GARTER SNAKE is exaclly the iiune as that fpecies found in other eliinates. The WATER SNAKE is much like tiie Rattle Snake in (hape and lize, but h iiot endowed with the fame ve- nomous powers, being quite harmlefs. The HISSING SNAKE 1 have already particularly defcribed, when I treated, in my Journal, of Lake Erie. The GREEN SNAKE is about a foot and half long, and in colour fo near to grafs aud herbs, that it cannot be dif- covered as it lies on the ground ; happily however it is free from venom, otherwiie it would do an infinite deal of milchief, as thole who pafs through the meadows, not being able to perceive it, are deprived of the power of avoiding it. Th(? THORN -TAIL SNAKE. This reptile is founded in many parts of America^ It Its of [ 487 ] America, but it Is very icldotn to be iecn. It is of a middle fize, and receives its name from a thorn-like dart in its tail, with which it is faid to inflid a mortal wound. The SPECKLED SNAKE is an aqueous rcvitilc about two feet and half in length, but without venom. Its Ikin, which is brown and white witii fome fpots of yellow in it, is ufed by the Americans as a co\er for the handles of whips, and it renders them very pleating to the fight. The RING SNAKE is about twelve inches long; the body of it is entirely 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 fre- quently 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 1762, near Lake Champlain, by Mr. Park, a gentleman of New England, and made a prefent to Lord Amherft. It was about a foot long, and in lhap3 H h 4 likp ^':! -f I , 1 '.J [ 488 ] like the common fnake, but It was fur- niflied with two heads exadly fimilar, which united at the neck. Whether this was a dilVmcl fpecies of Ihakes, and was able to propagate its hkenefs, or whether it was an accideiiial formation, I know not. The TORTOISE or LAND TUR- TLE. The iliape of this creature is fo well known that it is unneceflary to de- fcribe it, There are (even or eight forts of them in America, fjme of which are Jjeautifully variegated, even beyond de- fcription. The Ihells of many have fpots of red, green, and yellow in them, and the chequer work is compoled of fmall iquares, curioufly difpofed. The moil beautiful fort of thcfe creatures are the fmalleft, and the bite of them is faid to be venomous. LIZARDS, &c- I! II Though there are numerous kinds of this clafs of the animal creation in the country I treat ot\ 1 fliall only take notice ' ■ of Ut'- :his was iher [lOW JR- is fo ) de- forts li are 1 de- have [hem, ed of The es are s faid bds ot in the notice of [ 489 ] of two of them ; which are termed th^ Swift and the Slow Lizard. The SWIFT LIZARD is ahout fix inches long, and iias four legs and a tail. Its body which is blue, is prettily flriped with dark lines (haded with yellow; 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 quickeft eye : fo that it might more juftly be faid to vanifli, than to run away. This fpecies are fuppoled to poifon thoie they bite, but are not dangerous, as they never attack perfons that c^pproach them, chufing rather to get fuddcnly out of their reach. The SLOW LIZARD is of the liime (hape as the Swift, but its colour is brown ; it is moreover of an oppofite dlf- pofition, being altogether as flow in it^ movements as the other is fvvift. It is re- markable that thefe lizards arc extremely (jrittle, and will break off near the tail as ^afily as an icicle. Among the reptiles of North America there is a fpecies of the toad termed the TREE TOAD, which is nearly of thq :i',. ■' 1 «-v i t 490 ] the fame fhape as the common fort, but f^naller and with longer rlaws. It is xifually found on trees, il-icking clofe to the bark, or lying in the crevices of it; and fo nearly does it reiemble the colour of the tree to which it cleaves, that it can with difficulty be diftinguifhed fron^ it. Thefe creatures are only heard during the twilight of the morning and evening, or juft before and after a fhower of rain, when they make a croaking noife fomewhat ih filler than that of a frog, which might be heard to a great diftance. They infeft the woods in fuch numbers, that their refponfive notes at thefe times make the air refound. It is only a fummer animal, and never to be found during the winter. INSECTS. The interior parts of North America abound with nearly the fame infe^ls as are met with in the fame parallels of la- titude ; and the fpecies of them are fo numerous and diverfified that even a fuc- and: defer iption of the whole of them would tM ■ft^ t"ica as la- ib luc- Icni ul4 t 491 ] would fill a volume; I (hall therefore confine myfelf to three forts, which I believe are almoft peculiar to this coun- try ; the Lightning Bug, the Water Bug, and the Horned Bug. The LIGHTNING BUG or FIRE FLY is about the fize of a bee, but it is of the beetle kind, having like that infe6t two pair of wings, the upper of which are of a firm texture, to defend it from danger. When it flies, and the wings are expanded, tht.re is under theie a kind of coat, conftrntVcd alfo like wings, which is luminous ; and as the \n{ed: pafles on, caufes all the hinder part of its body to appear like a bright fiery coal. Having placed one of them on your hand, the under part only Ihines, and throws the light on the fpace beneath ; but as foon as it fpreads its upper wings to fly away, the whole body which lies behind them appears illuminated all around. The light it gives is not conftantly of the fame mag- nitude, even when it flies ; but feems to depend on the expanfion or contra(5lion of the luminous coat or wings ; and is very different froni that emitted in a dark nigh^^ 1'. M t 492 ] tilght by iliy wood or ll>nic klinJs of filh, it h.uiiig nnicl; more the nppc;ii- ;incc ot' rr;\l firo. They Iccni to he \h\\- iihlc ol the powt r they aiv poiii iii il of, ;)iul to know the moll liiitahle time iov exeiiint; it, as in a very tlark flight they a\e iiukIi more mimcrous than at any o{\k\ time ri \ev are on Iv iJ (( n lunniir th»' lummer montlis, |«hu^ J^'ly* ;iihI Angull, and then at no other time hut m the night. Whether from tlieir co- 1 om, w not th ,-hicl 1 IS a ( liifky I Mown, tl lev are ui\ diiecrnahle, or from tlieu' retir- ing to holes aiul devices, 1 know not, hiu thev are never to he di (covered in the day. 'riiey ehieHy are Icen in low jwampy land, and appear like iiimimer- ahlc tranlidit gleams of light. In dark niglits when there is much lightning, uiihour rain, they leem as it they wilheil cither to imitate or ailill the lladies ; h)r grt1)ci-. Will cna!)lr you to rc;ul almolV tlio (in.illcn print. The WATKH HU(J is of a hrowii colour, nln)Ut the (iAc of a pea, and in Ihapc nearly oval : it has many legs, hy means oF whieh it yinWc^ over the finraec of the water with Inch increilil)l(; (\vift- nefs that it fccnis to Hide or dart itlclK along. Tlie HOR Nl'M) IJIKJ, or as it is iometimes termed the STACi Bl'lETM-:, is ol a didky hrown colour nearly ap- pn>aching to hlaek, ahout an inch antl halt Ion ai ul halt an inch hroail. It has two large horns, which grow on each (ide oF the head, and meet hori/.on- tally, and with thefe it pinches very hard ; they are hranchcd like thoie of a ling, from whence it reerivrtj its name. They Hy ahout in the evening and p'rovc very tr()ul)lelome to tliofi- who are in tiic fields at that time. 1 mwil not omit that the LOCHJST is a leptennial iidc^St, as they are only ieen, a fmall numher of ih.i''i'iers e)y this piiuliaiity thcv njav l)c irailllv known. 'V\\c riiul or inliili' bark is »>l tlu- lame thlikmls as tli.it ol'iitlui tiiHS, luit its coK)ur is a liiu; bri[;lit Nvllow ; inloimkh that il it is but lli^litly baiulkil, il will leave a ilaiii on tliv' lingers, wlTub laiuiot calily be walhivl away ; antl il' in tbc Ipiing yovi prti v\\ t\\c ba;k, aiul tomb tbc lap, wblcb llun riU's bctwun tb.it ami tbr l)Oily t>r tlu' tiw, it wiP If.ui- li) ilcij) .i tinv lUii ibat it will laprnc ibrcc or lour ila> s to wear it iWl". Many iikliil tjuali- lios lvlon};in}^ to this ti\c I lioubl not will he ilila)Vc'rc(l in tinu', iKruKs its proving a vabiable acquilition to tbo |uir( in '»! il > wc.ir O ,|f| lorn ilni.iM, y oil "";; Mm,' : I l( I riiijioii )Ut M iv '''•'• VVICKoi )(• ;| ^"•^' '^ «'i/iinu„i,i;,;, <|U.lli| ami K'K ()i H'( Ic I < ) III ^^^^'KWH'K ir wl iU<- \ V ui '"ni if (,y. \ (>(»(] n ''"•''"'sul.id fl in tl> I ""'" |MV flu I'lc of /,/ •■' "i.ittrr ,,i ,1 UMIcc III- "■ t'>/,f,/l, n' lily pifcl ca/ioc,.; 10 I or a/i i\d •li'|»lo| y "fi ^'s 'ts iuUwt 'Mfal t,, ,|,.„. ^^'"'i llu".^ ,1 ^'■("afly '"■"'■n.il ,,(•„. 'ind it ivc t/ ' "'"UIV, f/,.„. ji irou^./ I It. and 'ju.iliiy l""r«'lc: lor Ik. If,; , caiiiiol "''!.!;"■ -^ ^••'"licln.M 'l"""'M i'<»^vrl• .,1 rt'ict/.ifc /irtvdl ''h /urr'['oN '• hin I g^it li /,(• and VV()(>( u< a f •/ 'f;S h;uU, u'iiiel "'M'" l>r (lid »atc ic pKttdy I I' "(• off/ '"/'."'I'loi r^'^" ^ui- liic- ui '"olflrd. 'I'l ''"'^'' ^"loorl, -unl «' u (/od i '■ '^' ^ '•'"■'U;t.l)j;d, Vci 'vcib. 1 :; > I If )!'()< cuvcacd [ 5^^ i covered with fmall hard burs which fprliig from the branches, that appear not unhke buttons, and from ihefc 1 believe it receives its name. NUT TREES, The Butter or Oihiut, the Walnut, the Hazlenut, the Beechnut, the Pecan- nut, the Chefnut, the Hickory. The BUTTER or OILNUT. As no mention has been made by any authors of this nut, I (hall be the more particu- lar in my account of it. I'lic tree grov>^s in meadows, where the foil is rich and warm. The body of it feldom exceeds a yard in circumference, is full of branches, the twigs of which are (hort and blunt, and its leaves relemble thofe of the walnut. The nut has a (hell like that fruit, which when ripe is more furrowed, and more ealily cracked ; it is alio much longer and larger than a walnut, and contains a greater quantity of kernel, which is very oily, and of a rich agreeable flavour. 1 am perliiaded that a much purer oil than that of C 501 j of olives, might be extm/^^A e P"'-Ple; and it i, fZ 'I ^'' ' 8''°^ being either darW^';r;*"-^,«>^''e. tl>e month i„ wl,ich it hZTf"'^ '" The BEECH NUT Tl-,. g'ows exaai, ,i,.e E" of Ltnle" ^""^ lii Europe, yet ,> nrW ^^ "''^"^^ martins, Ihoirreir °".;^'"'^'' l^ears, not fo prickly . !^', "'"^"^hefimt, hut ^orm is nearly, triang It 'v4?'^'-^^ t-es of them he f4,„j X;' q. -t.- woods and fupp,^ ^j.^ food gTat u, m' leaves, which arc white rnnt:« t-es during the whol winte ' A T "" tion made of them i, .T/ ■' '-■''°'^- f'iouscurefor'rn^, S-'-pe. hurninp- or fmLr ^^"lui anie from fortholLt&:ir"''-'f°-ive froft. "'"^ "'•^ "'PI«d by the ThcPECANNUT ;.- r i_ ■^ -3 wahiur, I' 311 »l lil »lli fP!] r m m [ 5^2 ] walnut, bfing about the fize of a mli^- (\V\np- acorn, and of an oval form ; the ihcll is cadiy cracked, and the kernel ihapcd like that of a walnut. This tree grows chlrflv near the llMnoi.s river. The niCKORV is alio of the walnut kind, and bears a fruit nearly like that tree. There are ftveral lorts of them, which vary onlv in the colom- of tho wood. Bting of a very tough nature, the wood is p lurally ufed for tlie handles vr axes, 6cc. It is alio very good inc wood, •and as it burns an excellent iugar dilUll? from it, • F R u 1 T r R i: i: s. 1 need not to obfcrvc that ihele are all tlie fpentmeous produt'\i(Mis of nature, which have never received tlie advantages of ingr.fting, traniplanting, or maiun- The crab apple-tree, the plum-trte, and the cherrv-tree. The CRAB APIT.E-TRl'E be us a irult n ui- Irtf, Is ;i [ 5^3 ] fruit that Is much lusnr and bettor il.i- vourcd than thofc of" l'Airop(\ The PlAJM-'rUl-:!-:. rhn-v arc 1.VO forts of phuTis ill tins country, one a large fort of a purpl; call on one lulr, and red on the reverie, rh(^ fteonil totally green, and much Imailer. \\n\\ thelo arc of a good flavour, and ,i\v greitlv cfl-ccmed liy tlie Indians, whole tafle is not rcfuied, but who are iatislied with the prochidions of natine in their luiiniproved ilate. Tlic CHERRY-TREK. There are three forts of cherries in this country, the black, tlu" red, and the fand cherry; the two latter may with more projiricty be ranked among the (hrub , as tjie bufh that bears the land cherries almofl creeps along the grounil, and the other riles not above eight or ten f ( t l?i height ; how- ever 1 (hall give an accoujit of them all in this place. The black cherries an' about the fi/.c of a currant, and hang in chillers Tike grapes ; the trees which bear them being very fruitful, they are gen- rally loaded, but the fruit is not good to eat, however they give an agieeable flavour to brandy, and turn ft to the colour of ela- 1 i 4 igt. \\ ! :i '.^ I t S04 ] ret. Tlic red cherries grow in the grcatcft profulioii, and hang in bunches like t!ic black fort jufl defcribcd ; fo tliat the bufhcs whicli bear them appear at a dirtancc Hkc Iblid bodies of red matter. Some people athnire this fruit, but they partake of the nature and tafte of alum, leaving a diliigrecable roughnefs in the throat, and being very aftringcnt. As I have already defcribed the fand cherries, which greatly exceed the two other lorts both in flavour and fize, I fliall give no furtiier defcription of them. The wood of the black cherry-tree is very ufeful, and works well into cabinet ware. SHRUBS. The Willow, Shin Wood, Shumack, Safi'afras, the Piickly A(h, Moofe Wood, Spoon Wood, Large Elder, Dwarf Elder, Poilbnous Elder, Juniper, Shrub Oak, Sweet Fern, the Laurel, the Witch Ha- zle, the Myrtle, Winter Green, the Fe- ver Bufti, the Cranberry Bufh, the Goof- berry Bulh, the Currant Bulh, th:j Whir- tie '-;ji t 505 ] tie Berry, the Raibcrry, the Balck Berry, and the Choak Berry. The WILLOW. There are fevcral fpecics of the willow, the mofl remarka- ble of which is a fmall fort that grows on the banks of the MiHiffippi, and fomc other places ac'jaccnt. The bark of this flirub fuppUes the beaver with its winter food ; and wlierc the water has walhcd the foil from its roots, they appear to confift of fibres interwoven together lika thread, the colour of which is of an in- ^xpreihbly fine fcarlet ; with this the In-r dians tii)ge many of the ornamental parts of their drefs. SHIN WOOD. This extraordinary fhrub grows in the forefts, and rifing like a vine, runs near the ground for lix or eight feet, and then takes root again ; in the fame manner taking root, and fpring- ing up fuccelfively, one ftalk covers a large fpace ; this proves very troublefome to the hafty traveller, by ftriking againfthis {bins, and entangling his legs; froni which it has acquired its name. The SASSAFRAS is a wood well known fpr its medicinal qualities. It might w i 506 ] nilc'nt with equal propriety be termed a tree as a (hrub, as it fomctimes grows thirty feet high ; but in general it does not rcaeh higher than thofe of the (hrub kiiul. The Laves, which yield an agree- able frag'*ancc^ are large and nearly lepa- jAted into throe divifions. It bears a reddifh brown berry of the fize and fhapc of 1*1- mcnto, and which is fonnctimes iiied in the colonies as a fubftitute for that fpicc. The bark or roots of this tree is infmitcly fiipcrior to the wood for its life 1ji medi- cine, and I am fuprlzed it Is fo feldom to be met with, as its efficacy is fo much greater. The PRICKLY ASH is a (Tirub that fometimes grows to tlie height of ten or fifteen feet, and has a leaf exatflly refem- bling that of an aih, but it receives the epithet to its name from the abundance ot lliorr thorns with which every branch is covered, and wliich renders it very troublefome to thofe who pafs through th:.^ jpot where they grow thick. It alio bears a ilarlet berry, which when ripe, has a fit ry talle like pepper. The bark of this tree, pnrtieularly the bark of the roots, i,^ higb.ly cllcemcd by tlie native;? for its mcdi-- I Ml. ; [rs a lis ts [ 507 1 medicinal qualities. 1 have already nicii- tioncd one liiOancc of its cdicaty, and there is no di)nl)t hut that the diCiK^ioii ni' it will cxiuditiouily and radically amove all inipurit'c". of the hlood. The MCK/SIC WOOD grows ahout four fc( t h [;h, and is , very full of branches ; hut what reiuK rs it worth no- tice is its hark, which is of lo Hronj^- and pliahle a tcxtun;, that hcing j)eclcd oil" at any f( alon, and twilled, makes ecjually as good cordage as htm p. TIk SIH)0N wood is a fpecies of the laurel, and the wotxl when favvul re- iemhles hox wood. The ALDER or ]':[J)I«:R, termed the jK)ilonous elder, nearly reienihlub the other lorts ifi its leaves and hrafiches, hut it grows much ftraiter, and is oidy tound in Avamps and moifl lolls. Thi'. Ihrub i ; endowed with a very extraordinary (juality, that renders it pollonous to fome conOitutlons, which it efi"e6ts if the perion oJily ajiproaches wirhiu a f( w yards of it, whilft others may even chew the leaves or the rind without receiving the leaft detriment from them : the poifofi however is not mortal, though it operates very 1 1 III li'i ^hi i [ 5°8 ] very violently on tlic infct^lcil pcrfon, whole body and lieail Ivvcll to an amazing lizc, and arc covered with eruptions, that at their height rcfemblc the confluent 1mall-po\. As it grows alio in many of the prvAinccs, the inhabitants cure its venom by drinking railron tea, and anoint- ing the external parts with a mixture conx- poleil ofcrean end marHi mallows. Tir: l.::ilvlJB OAK is exadly fimilar to the x.k .ce, both in its wood and leaves, aiid lik "hat it bears an acorn, but it never riles from the ground above four or five feet, growing crooked and knotty. It is found cliiefly ciJi a dry gravelly toil. The WiTCn IIAZLE grows very bulhy, aliuut ten feet higii, and is co- vered early in May with numerous white blolibms. When this (hrub is in bloom, the Indians efteem it a further indication that tiie frolT: is entirely goiic, and that they might low their corn. It has been faid, that it is poflefled of the power of attracting gold or filver, and that twigs of it are made ufe of to difcovcr where the veins of tliele metals lie hid ; but 1 am appreheulive that this is only a falla- cious rs re [ 509 ] clous (lory, and not to be tlepcMKloil on j however that liippolitlon has given It the name of witch hazlc. The MYRTi.E is a (hiub About four or five feet high, the leaves of which are hirger than tliole of the coiiuiion myrtle, but they fmell exa^fkly alike. It bears linall berries, which are generally Cidled Bay Berries, and thcfc arc full of a gluey fubftancc, which being boiled in water, fwims on the iurface of it, and becomes a kind of green wax ; this is not fo valu- able as bees-wax, beinp; *''f ^^ more brittle nature, but mixed with it makes a pood candle, whicli as it burns lends toiih an Agreeable Iteiit. WINTER GREEN. This is nn ever-green of the fpecies of the myrtle, and is found on dry heaths ; the tlovvcrs of it are white, and in the form of a role, but not larger than a iilver penny ; in the winter it is full of red berries about the fize of a lloe, which are fmooth and round ; thefe arc prelervcd during the- fevere fcafon by the fnow, and arc at that time in the higheft perfedion The In- dians eat thelc berries, elteeminp thcni very balfamic, and invigorating to the lloiriuch. M i ! [ 5>o ] floniach. Tlic people iiihabltijig the In- terior colonies ftecp both the Tprlgs and herrics in beer, and ufe it as a diet-drink tor cleanling the blood from Icorbutick di (orders. I'he KEVICR BUSH grows about five or fix feet high ; its leaf is like that of a lilach, and it bears a reddlfh berry of a fpiey flavour. The ftalks of it are excef- lively brittle. A decodion of the buds or wood is an excellent febrifuge, and from this valuable property it receives it$ name. It is an ancient Indian remedy for all inflammatory complaints, and like- wife much elk'cmed on the lame account by the inhabitants of the interior parts of the colonies. The CRANIiERRY BUSH. Though the fruit of this bufli greatly refcmblcs in lize and appearance that of the com- mon fort, which grows on a fmail vine in moraffes and bogs, yet the bufli runs to the height of ten or twelve feet ; but it is very rarely to be met with. As the meadow cranberry, being of a local growth, and flourilhing only in moralies, cannot be tranl'planted or cultivated, the former, if removed at i proper feafon, WQuld the tr- im- ill to is rhe IC'i al L 5M ] would be a valuable acquifitlon to tlio garden, and with piojJtr nurture prove equally as good, if not better. The CHOAK BERRY. Tlie fluub thus termed by the natives grows about five or fix feet high, aiul bears a berry about the fizc of a Hoc, of a jet black, which contains feveral fmall feeds within 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. ROOTS and PLANTS. Elecampane, Spikenard, Angelica, Sar- faparilla, Ginlang, Ground Nuts, Wild Potatoes, Liquorice, Snake Root, Gold Thread, Solomon's Seal, Devil's Bit, Blood Root, Onions, Garlick, Wild Parfiiips, Mandrakes, Hellebore White and Black. SPIKENARD, vulgarly called in r!ie colonies Petty-Morrell. This plant aj)- pejirs to be exadly the fame as the Aiia- lick I'i vi' ♦-'^^ t 5'» J lick rpikciKud, (I) much valiial by tho ancients. It grows near the rides of brooks in rocky places, and its flem, which is about the fizc of a goole quill, fprings up like that of angelica, reaching about a foot and a half from the ground. It bears bunches of berries in all refpcds like thole of tlie elder, only rather larger. Thelc are of fuch a balfamic nature, that when infuled in fpirits, they make a moft palatable ami reviving corilial. SARSAPARH J.A. The root of this plant, which is the moft eftimablc part of it, is about the fr/.c of a gooie quill, and runs ill dilFerent dirctflioMS, twined and crooked, to a great length in the ground ; from the principal llem of it fprings many fnialler fibres, all of which are tough and flexible. From the root inunediatcly (lioots a ftalk about a foot and half long, which at the top branches into three ftcms ; each of thcfe has three leaves, much of the fliape and fizc of a walnut leaf; and from the fork of each of the three ftems grows a bunch of bluifli white flowers, refembling thofe of the fpikenard. The bark of the roots, which alone Ihould bo uicd in medicine, Is of a bitterifh fla- vour, ir. iirtl. [ 5^3 ] vour, l)vit ;ir()!ii;4tic. It Is dL-(civ;:cJly iftcciiKil tor Ito niciHeiiiiil virtues, l)cint; a jiciitlc iiklorilu:, ;iiul very powerlvil in ntteiuiatiiig the l)looil when impaled by jnols humours. GINSANCt is a root that was once fuppoled to grow only in Korea, iVom whence it was ufually exported to Japan, and hy that means touiul its way to Eu- rope ; hut it has lately heen dilcovercd to be alio a native ot" North America, where it grows to as great pcit'eclloii and 13 equally valuable. Its root is like a Imall carrot, hue not To taper at the end ; it is fometimes divided into two or more branches, in all other relJHCts it refem- blcs Tarlaparilla in its growth. The ta(le ot the root is hittcrilh. In the eaftein parts oi' Alia it bears a great price, bciiij^ there con(idercd as a panacea, and is tlu: lall: rctuge of the iniiabitants in all difor- ders. When chewed it certainly is a great ftrengthener of the ftomach. GOLD THREAD. This is a plant of the fmall vine kind, which erows in fwampy places, and lies on the ground. The roots fpread themfelvcs jufl under the fur face of: he morafs, and arc cafdy K k drawn I'i i| ii; I Ii( r 1 \-- .V, : tin [ 514 J drawn up by handfuls. They refcmble A Lirgc entangled Ikain of thread of a fine bright gold colour ; and I am perfuaded would yield a beautiful and permanent yellow dye. It is alfo greatly cllecmed both by the Indians and colonics as a re- medy for any forenels in the mouth, but the tade of it is ex(]uifitely bitter. SOLOMON'S SEAL is a plant that grows on the fides of rivers, and in rich mea- dow land. It rifes in the whole to about three feet high, the ftalks being two feet, when the leaves begin to fpread themfelvcs and reach a foot further. Every fibre of the ioot has an impreffion upon it about the fize of a fixpence, which ap- pears as if it was made by a feal, and from thele it receives its name. It is greatly valued on account of its being a fme purifier of the blood. DEVIL'S BIT is another wild plant, which grows in tlie ticlds, and receives its name tioni a print that lecms to be made l)y teeth in the roots. The In- dians lay that this was once an univcrfal remedy for ever}' dilbrder that human na- ture is incident to : but fomc of the evil I'pirits jfcmblc f a fine rfuaded mancnt llecmed as a rc- th, but ant that ich mca- to about two feet, cmfelvcs :ry fibre upon it ^'hich ap- lllal, and It is being; a |ld plant, receives ns to be The In- lunivcrfal Lillian na- thc evil rpirits [ 5'5 ] fpirlts envying mankind the poflLiTion of fo efficacious a medicine gave the root a bite, vvhicli deprived it of a great part of its virtue. BLOOD ROOT. A fort of plantain that fprlngs out of the ground in li^c or feven long rough leaves, the veins of which are red ; the root of it is like a fmall carrot both in colour and appear- ance; when broken, the infide of it is of a deeper colour than the ouifule, and dlftils fcveral drops of juice that look like blood. This is a ftrong emetic, but a very dau* gerous one. HERBS. Balm, Nettles, Cinque Foil, Eyc' bright, Sanicle, Plantain, Rattle^ Snake Plantain, Poor Robin's Plantain, Toad Plantain, Maiden Hair, Wild Dock, Rock Liverwort, Noble Liverwort, Blood- wort, Wild Beans, Ground Ivy, Water Crefl'es, Yarrow, May Weed, Gargit, Skunk Cabbage or Poke, Wake Robin, Betony, Scabious, Mullen, Wild Peafe, Moufe Ear, Wild Indigo, and Cat Mint. K k 2 SANICLE '1 .* A A 'i [ 516 ] SANICLE has a root which is thick towards the upper part, and full of fmall fbrcs below; the leaves of it are broad, roundifh, hard, fmooth, and of a fine Ihining green ; a ftalk rifcs from thefe to the height of a foot, which is quite fmooth and free from knots, and on the tt)p of it are fevrral fmall flowers of a rcddilh white, fhaped like a wild rofe. A tea made of the root is vulnerary and halinmick. RATTI.E SNAKE PLANTAIN. This ufcful herb is of the plantain kind, :ii)il itf leaves, which fpread themfelves t.111 the ground, are about one inch and halt wide, and five inches long ; from the centre of thefe arifes a fmall ftalk nearly fix inches long, which bears a little Avhite flower; the root is about the lize of a goofc qulII, and much bent and divided into lev enil branches. The leaves of this herb are more eflficacious i:han any other part of it for the bite of the reptile from ivhicli it receives its n.ame ; and being chewevl and applied immediately to the wound, and fome of the juice fwallowed, feldoiii fails of averting every dangi-rous fymptom. So convinced are the Indians of , 1, .a thick fmall broad, a fine iiefe to ; quite on the rs of a id rofe. ary and TAIN. n kind, emfelves [ich and ; from U ftalk s a little c fize ot divided s of this ,iy other lie from d being to the bl lowed, ingnous Indians of [ S^l ] of the power of this infillihlc antidote that for a trifling bribe of fpirituoiis li' quor, they will at any time permit a rat" tie fnake to drive his fangs into their flefli. It is to be remarked that during thofc months in which the bite of thele creatures is moft venomous, that this ••'^medy for it is in its greatcll- pci lection, and moft luxuriant in its growth. POOR ROBIN'S PLANTAIN is of the fame Ipecies as the lad, hut more di- minutive in every reljKol ; it receives its name from its fi/.e, and the poor land on whicli it grows. It is a good midieii.tl herb, and often adn\iniil:cred with fuccel.-; in fevers and internal wcaknellcs. TOAD PLANTAIN refcmbks the common plantain, only it grows much ranker, and is thus denominated becaulc toads love to harbour under it. ROCK LIVERWORT is a fort oi liverwort that grows on rocks, and is of the nature of kelp or mofs. It is eftecmed as aa excellent remedy againft declines. GARGIT or SKOKE is a large kind of weed, the leaves of which are about i\\ inches long, and two inches and half \)road ; they rcfcmble thofe of fpinnge in K k 3 rh i-; in) It! Illf ' i Ii [ S>8 ] tl'icir colour and tcxtinr, hut not in (hapc- The root is very large, from which, fpring dilTerent ftalks that run eight or ten feet high, and are full of red herrics ; tiicte hang in cinders in tiic month of Scpti m- hcr, and are generally call d pigcofi ber- ries, as thoie birds then feed on thcui. When tlic leaves Uvii Iprlng from tiie ground, after being hoikd, they arj a nu- tritious and wholclonij vegetable, but when they are grown nearly to their full iize, they acquire a poifonous quality. The roots apjdied to the hand:> and feet of a perfon afflicted with a ftver, prove a very powe rful ab(()rbcpt. SKUNK CABBA(iE or POKE is m herb that grows in moill and fwarnp'/ plucer. The leaves of it are about a foof: long, and fix inches broad, nearly o\ai '^'\f rr.thcr pointed. "VUc roots are e<)ri;t,oled of great numbc which is made ul e i> i.>\ tne colo nies :or tri f ribies, a lotion ot the piople in :';j . of the itch-. Tliere iflues a ftrong mulky fmell from, this herb, fomething like the animal o'c the lame name before defcribcd, and ou tiiat account it i.. lo tcrnkd. 9' '' WAKE i4 [ 5^9 WAKE ROBIN is an herb that grows in fwampy lands ; its root refcmblcs a fmall turnip, and if tafted will greatly inflame the tongue, and immediately con* vert it from its natural Ihapc, into a round hard fubftancc ; in which ftatc it will continue for fomc time, and during this no other part of the moutli will be alfev, i« ^ I fhall not enter into a minute defcrl]>- tion of the flowers abovc-recited, but only ]vi\ oblerve, that they much rclemble tliole of the iame name which grow in fOurope, aid arc as beautiful in colour, and n<- perfe vV» *^ r^ ^^^■ Photographic Sdences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 873-4503 [ 5^6 ] and in this manner might be prclcrvcd for feveral months. I am feiifible that I have not treated the foregoing Account of the natural productions of the interior parts of North America with the precifion of a naturahft. I have neither enumerated the whole of the trees, fhrubs, plants, herbs, &c. that it produces, nor have I divided them into clafles according to their different genera after the Linnacan method : the limits of my Work, in its prefent flate, would not permit me to purfue the Subjcift more copioufly. However, if the favour of the Public fliould render a future edition necef- fary, as I trufl:, from the number of Subfcribers who have already favoured me with their Names, will be the cafe, I then propofe to enlarge it confiderably, and to infert many interefting particulars and defcriptions, which the frze of the prefent Edition obliges me to curtail or entirely to omit. A P P E N- cfcrved treated natural uts of 311 of a me rated plants, : have I ding to Linnacarx ork, in rmit me ;opioufly. e Public n necef- mber of ured me cafe, I iderably, rticulars of the urtail or APPENDIX, PEN- T H E countries that lie between the great lakes and River Mifliffippi, and from thence fouthw^ard to Weft Flo- rida, although in the midft of a large continent, and at a great diftance from the fea, are fo fituated, that a communica- tion between them and other realms might conveniently be opened ; by which means thole empires or colonies that may hereafter be founded or planted thertin, will be rendered commercial ones. The great River Mi/lilfippl, which runs through the whole of them, will enable their inhabitants to eftabiilh an inter- courfe with foreign climes, equally as well as the Euphrates, the Nile, the Danube, or the Wolga do thole people which dwell on their banks, and who have no other convenience for exporting the produce of their own country, or for importing thofe of others, than boats and vefiels of light burden : notwith- ftanding If if II if 11 • 1 'I 111 1«; m {\ M\\\\\\y\ \\\\\\\\ \\\r\ ^\W^' \\r\0\\\v poW r ) • U\\y\\, n\n'-. 1i.M\^ mohN to ioulh. '.^Iwl I imUv rlu- i\h>\u«th'; i^\ It. \xln. h 'Mp,! In. Ii I -AwA \\\y^\'\ /nUtN. Tlut'i ^,\\i^\n,^^l^ i'«\:\nK'; i^x' »o\« ». tl \xi •.mIvu nu\ W I, IK (oHnn. mdijM*, uhM it» t (I ^,U I O ; -.^lul ill inoir HOlthrlH )VtM!, ,»ii Iv.t l.ill.MV, iKiu'J. Iillllilln u \n« xvoo •.\M« I « \n \\\\\\ \rM\. rnliht I ir in>n. o>i\l;, l\ii\il»ii. toin. lirf :1Ht| \\\\'\f'i, Uv\'uV-i r;\\\\\ •.\\\i\ I'iirlc! I'M 'Ivitijv 'V\uW s\Hirli3, v\illt nliirit il -.I'Mnunl'^ rVfn to jMnrulinh. luiiv I" lniil|'Miti.l totl\rOiji»f |q |,1 1** \\\ in flHl Inn M I N rw Oil ''Mfl'^ pinvf imfiirtullv t" llir iiiffMinl I'Hl'-ic:, tjiry \\\:\y V\\\i\ !i tv;iv infn Hk' < Jlllpll of Mfxi ( tj t'd liy tlif Uivf'f Ili'iviHc, ulii' l| rMipH itlf'H llnlti llif Mil)illi|»|»i. nftft pnljjiijj tliiniipji I .nl