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Introduction

Near the west bank of the Coneaught River there are the remains of an ancient fort. As I was walking and forming various conjectures respecting the character, situation, and numbers of those people who far exceeded the present race of Indians in works of art and ingenuity, I happened to tread on a flat stone. This was at a small distance from the fort; and it lay on the top of a small mound of earth exactly horizontal. The face of it had a singular appearance. I discovered a number of characters which appeared to me to be letters, but so much effaced by the ravages of time that I could not read the inscription. With the assistance of a lever I raised the stone. But you may easily conjecture my astonishment when I discovered that its ends and sides rested on stones and that it was designed (( as )) a cover to an artificial cave. I found (( by )) examining that its sides were lined with (( stones )) built in a conical form with (( the point )) down -- and that it was about eight feet deep. Determined to investigate (( the )) design of this extraordinary work of antiquity, I prepared myself with necessary requisites for that purpose and descended to the bottom of the cave. Observing one side to be perpendicular nearly three feet from the bottom, I began to inspect that part with accuracy. Here I noticed a big, flat stone fixed in the form of a door. I immediately tore it down and lo, a cavity within the wall presented itself; it being about three feet in diameter from side to side and about two feet high. Within this cavity I found an earthen box with a cover which shut it perfectly tight. The box was two feet in length one and half in breadth and one and three inches in diameter. My mind filled with awful sensations which crowded fast upon me (( and )) would hardly permit my hands to remove this venerable deposit, but curiosity soon gained the ascendancy (( and )) the box was taken and raised to open (( its cover. )) When I had removed the cover I found that it contained twenty-eight (( rolls )) of parchment; and that when (( examined )) appeared to be manuscripts written in elegant hand with Roman letters and in the Latin Language. They were written on a variety of subjects. But the roll which principally attracted my attention contained a history of the author's life and that part of America which extends along the Great Lakes and the waters of the Mississippi. Extracts of the most interesting and important matters contained in this roll I take the liberty to publish.

Gentle Reader, tread lightly on the ashes of the venerable dead. Thou must know that this country was once inhabited by great and powerful nations, considerably civilized and skilled in the arts of war; and that on ground where thou (( now )) treadest many a bloody battle hath been fought, and heroes by thousands have been made to bite the dust. In the history given of these nations by my author you will find nothing but what will correspond with the natural sentiments we should form on viewing the innumerable remains of antiquity which are scattered over an extensive country. This is an evidence of the author's impartiality and veracity. But if any should pretend that the whole story is fictitious or fabulous...

To publish a translation of every particular circumstance mentioned by our author would produce a volume too expensive for the general class of readers. But should this attempt to throw off the veil which has secluded our view from the transactions of nations who, for ages have been extinct, meet the approbation of the public, I shall then be happy to gratify the more inquisitive and learned part of my readers by a more minute publication. Apprehensive, that skeptical, illiberal, or superstitious minds may censure this performance with great acrimony, I have only to remark that they will be deprived of a great fund of entertainment (( which those )) of a contrary disposition will obtain. My compassion will be excited more than my resentment and there the contest will end. Now, Gentle Reader, the Translator who wishes well to thy present and thy future existence entreats thee to peruse this volume with a clear head, a pure heart, and a candid mind. If thou shalt then find that thy head and thy heart are both improved it will afford him more satisfaction than the approbation of ten thousand who have received no benefit. And now permit me to admonish thee, that if thou shouldst reside in or travel through any part of the country...

Chapter I
An Epitome of Some Part of the Author's Life and of His Arrival in America.

As it is possible that in some future age this part of the Earth will be inhabited by Europeans and a history of its present inhabitants would be a valuable acquisition, I (( proceed )) to write one and deposit it in a box secured so that the ravages of time will have (( no )) effect upon it. That you may know the author I will give a succinct account of his life and of the cause of his arrival, which I have extracted from a manuscript which will be deposited with this history. The family name I sustain is Fabius, being descended from the illustrious general of that name. I was born at Rome and received my education under the tuition of a very learned Master. At the time that Constantine arrived at that city and had overcome his enemies and was firmly seated on the throne of the Roman Empire, I was introduced to him as a young gentleman of genius and learning and as being worthy of the favorable notice of his Imperial Majesty. He gave me the appointment of one of his secretaries, and such were the gracious intimations which he frequently gave me of his high approbation of my conduct that I was happy in my stations.

One day he says to me, "Fabius, you must go to Britain and carry an important (( letter )) to the general of our army there. Sail in a vessel and return when she returns."

Preparation was made instantly and we sailed. The vessel, laden with provisions for the army, clothing, knives and other implements for their use, had now arrived near the coasts of Britain when a tremendous storm arose and drove us into the midst of the boundless ocean. Soon the whole crew became lost and bewildered. They knew not the direction to the rising sun or polar star; for the heavens were covered with clouds and darkness had spread her sable mantle over the face of the raging deep. Their minds were filled with consternation and despair. What could we do? How (( to )) be extricated from the insatiable jaws of a watery tomb? Then it was that we felt our absolute dependence on that Almighty and Gracious Being who holds the winds and storms in His hands. From Him alone could we expect deliverance. To Him our most fervent desires ascended. Prostrate and on bended knees we poured forth incessant supplication; and even Old Ocean appeared to sympathize in our distress by returning the echo of our vociferous cries and lamentations. After being driven five days with incredible velocity before the furious wind, the storm abated in its violence; but still the wind blew strong in the same direction. Doubtful whether the wind had not changed her point we gave the ship full sail and let her drive. On the sixth day after, the storm wholly subsided, the sun rose clear and the heavens once more appeared to smile. Inexpressible was the consternation of all the crew. They found themselves in the midst of a vast ocean. No prospect of returning. All was lost. The wind blowing westwardly and the presumption was that it had been blowing in that direction during the whole of the storm. No pen can paint the dolorous cries and lamentations of the poor mariners; for the loss of friends; for the loss of every thing they held most (( dear. ))

At length a mariner stept forward (( into )) the midst and proclaimed: "Attend O friends and listen to my words. A voice from on high hath penetrated my soul and the inspiration of The Almighty hath bid me proclaim, 'Let your sails be wide-spread and the gentle winds will soon waft you into a safe harbor. A country where you will find hospitality.'"

Quick as the lightning's flash joy sparkled in every countenance. A hymn of thanksgiving spontaneously burst forth from their lips. In full confidence that the divine prediction would be accomplished, they extolled the loving-kindness and tender mercies of their God and promised, by the assistance of his grace, to make ample return of gratitude.

On the fifth day after this we came in sight of land. We entered a spacious river and continued sailing up the (( river )) many leagues until we came in view of a town. Every heart now palpitated with joy and loud shouts of gladness expressed the enthusiastic transports of our souls. We anchored within a small distance from shore. Immediately the natives ran with apparent signs of surprise and astonishment to the bank of the river. After viewing us for some time, and receiving signs of friendship, they appeared to hold a council for a few minutes. Their king then stept forward to the edge of the bank and proffered us the hand of friendship. And by significant gestures invited us to land, promising us protection and hospitality. We now found ourselves once more on terra firma and were conducted by the King and four chiefs into the town whilst the multitude followed after, shouting and performing many odd gesticulations. The King ordered an entertainment to be prepared for his new friends which consisted of fish, boiled beans and samp. The whole was placed under a wide-spreading oak in wooden dishes. A large clam shell and a stone knife were provided for each one. The King then came forward with about twenty of his principal subjects and seated us -- being twenty in number -- by the side of our repast. He and his company then took seats in front. After waving his hand and bowing all fell to eating, and a more delicious repast we never enjoyed.

The repast being finished, our attention was called to a collection of about one thousand men and women who had formed a ring and invited our company to come forward into the midst. After gazing upon us for some time with surprise, we were permitted to withdraw and to take our stand in the ring. About forty in number then walked into the middle of the ring and began a song with such a discordant and hideous modifications of sounds and such frantic gesticulations of body, that it seemed that Chaos had brought her Furies to set the world in an uproar. And an uproar it was, in a short time. For the whole company fell to shouting, whooping, and screaming; then dancing, jumping, and tumbling with many indescribable distortions in their countenance and indelicate gestures. In fact they appeared more like a company of devils than human beings. This lasted about one hour. They then took their places in a circle and, at a signal given, gave three most tremendous whoops; they then instantly dispersed, playing many antic capers and making such a confused medley of sound by screaming, whooping screeching like owls, barking like dogs and wolves, and croaking like bull-frogs, that my brains seemed to be turned topsy-turvy. And for some time I could scarce believe that they belonged to the human species.

Chapter II
An Account of the Settlement of the Ship's Company and Many Particulars Respecting the Natives.

Chapter III
Many Particulars Respecting the Natives

Interest as well as curiosity invited an acquaintance with our new neighbors. They were called in their language Deliwans. They were tall: bodies well proportioned, straight limbs, complexions of a brownish hue, broad cheek bones, black wild rolling eyes, and hair black and coarse. To strangers they were hospitable; true to their engagements; ardent in their friendship. But to enemies, implacable, cruel, and barbarous in the extreme. Innumerable hordes of this description of people were scattered over an extensive country, who gained their living by hunting the elk, the deer, and a great variety of other wild animals; by fishing and fowling, and by raising corn, beans, and squashes. Shooting the arrow, slinging stones, wrestling, jumping, hopping, and running were their principal amusements; and prizes would often be staked as a reward to the conqueror. Their clothing consisted of skins dressed with the hair on; but in warm weather, only the middle part of their bodies were encumbered with any covering. The one half of the head of the men was shaved and painted with red and the one half of the face was painted with black. The head was adorned with feathers of various kinds and their ears and noses were ornamented with rings formed from the sinews of certain animals, on which were suspended smooth stones of different colors. Thus clothed, thus painted, thus ornamented a Deliwan made a most terrific appearance. They held festivals at stated times, which varied in the manner of conducting them, according (( to )) the object they had in view. At one of their annual festivals their ceremonies were peculiarly singular and different from any that were ever practiced by any nation. Here a description would give us some idea of their religion and would gratify the curiosity of an ingenious mind. When the time arrives, which is in September, the whole tribe assemble. They are dressed and ornamented in the highest fashion. The women in particular have their garments and heads so adorned with feathers, shells, and wampum that they make a very brilliant and grotesque appearance. They form a circle; their countenances are solemn. A speaker mounts a stage in the midst. At this moment two black dogs led by two boys, and two white dogs led by two young damsels enter the circle and are tied (( with ropes. ))

The speaker then extended his hands and spoke. "Hail ye favorite children of the Great and Good Spirit, Who resides in the Sun, Who is the Father of all living creatures, and Whose arms encircle us all around, Who defends us from the malicious designs of that Great Malignant Spirit that pours upon us all the evils we endure. He gives us all our meat and our fish, and causes the corn and the fruits to spring up, and makes us to rejoice in His goodness. He hath prepared a delightful country to receive us, if we are valiant in battle or are benevolent and good. There we can pick all kinds of delicious fruit and have game and fish in abundance and our women, being improved in beauty and sprightliness, will cause our hearts to dance with delight. But wo unto you wicked, malicious, mischievous mortals; your lot will be cast in a dark, miry swamp, where the Malignant Spirit will torment you with mosquitoes and serpents and will give you nothing to eat but toads, frogs, and snails.

But O my dear friends, all hail. Here is a custom which is sanctioned by time immemorial. Look steadfastly on the black dogs and let not your eyes be turned away when they are thrown on the sacred pile and the flames are furiously consuming their bodies. Then let your earnest prayers ascend for pardon and your transgressions will flee away like shadows and your sins will be carried by the smoke into the shades of oblivion. When this solemn expiatory sacrifice is ended then prepare your souls to partake of the holy festival. Each one will receive a precious morsel from these immaculate, snow colored dogs in token that your offenses have all evaporated in the smoke of the holy sacrifice, and that you are thankful to the Benevolent Spirit for the abundance of good things that you enjoy, and that you humbly anticipate the continuance of His blessings and that He will defend you against the evil designs of that Malignant Spirit, who gives us gall and wormwood, and fills our bosoms with pain and our eyes with tears."

He then proclaimed, "Let the sacred pile be erected and the solemn sacrifice performed." Instantly about one hundred men came forward with small dry wood and bundles of dry sticks and having thrown them in one pile within the circle they sat the pile on fire. The black dogs were knocked on the head and thrown on the top. In a moment all was in a blaze and the flame ascended in curls to heaven. The whole company assumed the most devout attitude and muttered in sounds almost inarticulate their humble confessions and earnest requests.

When the dogs were consumed and the fire nearly extinguished, the ceremonies of their sacred festival began. The white dogs, which were very plump and fat, were knocked on the head and their throats cut. Their hair was then singed off, having first their entrails taken out, and being suspended by the nose before a hot fire, they were soon roasted, thrown upon a long table, and dissected into as many pieces as there were persons to swallow them. The company immediately formed a procession, one rank of men, the other of women. The men marching to the left and the women to the right of the table, each one took a piece and devoured it with as good a (( relish )) as if it had been the most delicious morsel.

Having completed these sacred ceremonies with great solemnity, the whole company formed themselves into a compact circle 'round the stage. Ten musicians immediately mounted and facing the multitude on every side sang a song. The tune and the musical voices of the singers pleased the ear, whilst the imagination was delighted with the poetic ingenuity of the composition. The multitude all joined in the chorus, with voice so loud and multifarious that the atmosphere quaked with terror and the woods and neighboring hills, by way of mockery, sent back the sound of their voices improved by tenfold confusion. Perhaps, Reader, you have the curiosity to hear the song. I can give you only the last stanza and the chorus.

For us the Sun emits his rays,
The Moon shines forth for our delight.
The stars extol our heroes praise,
And warriors flee before our sight.

Chorus

Deliwan to chahee poloo,
Manegango farwah teloo.
Chanepanh, lawango chapah,
Quinebogan hamboo gowah.

The solemnities are ended and in their opinion their poor souls are completely whitewashed and every stain entirely effaced. A little diversion will now dissipate the solemnity and inspire them with cheerfulness and merriment. The whole tribe repair to the top of an hill. At one place there is a gradual slope a small distance and then it descends about twenty-five feet in an almost perpendicular direction, at the bottom of which is a quagmire, which is about ten feet in length and the soft mud is about three feet deep. At each end the ground is soft but not miry. Down this declivity twenty pair of very supple and sprightly young men and women are to descend. If by their agility and dexterity they escape the quagmire, a piece of wampum will be the reward of each fortunate champion; but if they plunge in, their recompense will be the ridicule and laughter of the multitude. In making this decent, six young women and five young men by a surprising dexterity in whirling their bodies as they descended, cleared themselves from the quagmire. The rest as their turns came plunged in and came out most woefully muddied, to the great diversion of the spectators. The incident which excited the most merriment happened when the last pair descended. By an unlucky spring (( he failed )) to clear himself from the quagmire. He brought his body along side of the declivity and rolled his whole length into the midst of the quagmire where he lay, neither heels up or head up, but horizontally, soft and easy. But alas, when one unlucky event happens another follows close on the heel. The fair, plump, corpulent damsel, his affectionate sweetheart, came instantly, sliding with great velocity. She saw the woeful position of her beloved. She wished him no harm; she raised her feet (( and )) this brought the center of gravity directly over the center of his head. Here she rested a moment. His head sunk; she sunk after him. His heels kicked against the wind like Jeshuran waxed fat, but not a word from his lips. But his ideas came in quick succession. Thought he, "What a disgrace to die here in the mud under the pressure of my sweetheart." However his time for such reflections (( was )) short. The tender-hearted maid, collecting all her agility in one effort, dismounted and found herself on dry land in an instant. Not a moment to be lost; she seized her lover by one leg and dragged him from the mud; a curious figure, extending about six feet six inches, on the ground, all besmeared from head to foot, spitting, puffing, panting, and struggling for breath. Poor man, the whole multitude laughing at thy calamity, shouting, ridiculing. None to give thee consolation but thy loving and sympathetic partner in misfortune.

" Upon my soul!" exclaims Droll Tom. "Stern foremost! That bouncing lass ought to have the highest prize for dragging her ship from the mud." She was cleaning the filth from his face.

Chapter IV
A Journey to the Northwestward and Removal.

Gracious God! How deplorable our situation! Are we doomed to dwell among hoards of savages and be deprived of all social intercourse with friends and the civilized world? And what will be the situation of our offspring? Will they preserve our customs and manners, cultivate the arts and sciences, and maintain our holy religion; or will they not rather degenerate into savages, and by mingling with them become the most awful race of beings in existence? Who can endure such reflections, such heart-rending anticipations? They pour upon my soul like a flood and bear me down with the weight of a millstone. O that my head were waters and my eyes a fountain of tears; then my intolerable burthen should be poured forth in a torrent and my soul set at liberty. But behold, the Light springs up and beams upon my soul. She brings in her train Hope, that celestial goddess; that sure and strong anchor; that dispenser of comfort and pleasing anticipation; and that dispeller of corroding grief and black despair. She bids me review the exploded reasoning of a great philosopher and compare it with my own observations. Perhaps the result will point out a safe road to the land of our nativity. Thus I reasoned respecting the solar system of which the Earth is a part. Provided the Earth is stationary, according to the present system of philosophy, then the Sun, the Moon, and the planets, being at an immense distance from the Earth, must perform their revolutions 'round her with inconceivable velocity. Whereas, if according to the Platonic System, the Earth is a globe and the Sun is stationary, then the Earth by a moderate velocity can perform her revolutions. This scheme will represent the solar system as displaying the transcendent wisdom of its Almighty Architect. For in this, we behold the sun suspended by Omnipotence and all the planets moving 'round him as their common center in exact order and harmony. In this we can easily account for days and nights and the different seasons of the year. When the Earth presents one part of her face to the Sun it is day; when that part is turned from his beams it is night. When she varies to the south, the Sun shines upon us in a more perpendicular direction. The Sun beams become more dense and the heat increases. As she returns back the heat decreases in proportion as this part of Earth loses its perpendicular direction to the Sun and the cold becomes more intense in the same proportion. This accounts for the various seasons of the year; appears correct and consistent; and highly honorable to the divine perfections. But behold the other system. The Earth firmly fixed on a firm foundation; perhaps as some say, on a giant's back who stands on a prodigious rock. Its surface widely extended, nearly horizontal, and its sides cut down straight or perpendicular to the very bottom; below which is a fathomless abyss. Pray, Mr. Philosopher, what man was ever there and looked down? And what prevents the ocean, unless it is dammed with earth and rocks, from pouring down and losing itself in this horrible abyss? But how extensive is this terra-aqueous surface? Indeed I am of opinion, if this system is true, I am nearly at one end of it.

But the hypothesis is too absurd and inconsistent. The earth must be of a spherical form and a westerly course will lead us to the land of our nativity. Perhaps this is a part of the eastern continent, or perhaps only a narrow strip of the ocean intervenes? On no other principle can we account for the emigration of the ancestors of those innumerable hoards of human beings that possess this continent. Their tradition is that their ancestors came from the west; and they agree in their information that at the distance of fifteen days' journey in a westerly direction, there are nations vastly more numerous, powerful and civilized than themselves. The Earth therefore must be of a spherical form, a globe, and a westerly course will lead us to the land of our nativity. On what principle can we account for the emigration of the ancestors of those innumerable hordes of human beings that possess this continent? Their tradition tells them that they emigrated from the westward. From this I draw the conclusion that the sea, if any, which intervenes between the two continents at the westward is not so extensive, but that it may be safely navigated. We are also informed by some of the natives, that at the distance of about fifteen days' journey in a northwesterly course, there is a great river which runs in a westerly direction, they cannot tell how far, and that along the banks of this river there are great towns and mighty kings and a people who live in a state of civilization. From all these considerations I am determined to remove; pursue a westerly course; and seek the delightful country of my ancestors.

I immediately communicated my determination and the reasons on which it was founded to our little society, who joyfully acquiesced. It was thought to be the most prudential to find out the disposition and character of the inhabitants who were settled along the Great River, lest we should fall into the hands of robbers. For this purpose my man Crito, and myself, and a Deliwan for an interpreter, set off. We passed through a country interspersed with villages, inhabited by the same kind of people as the Deliwans, until we came to a great mountain. Having passed over this, we had not traveled far before we came to the confluence of two great rivers, which in conjunction produced a river which was called Ohio, deep enough for the navigation of ships. Here was a large town or city inhabited by a distinct race of people from any we had seen before. We were immediately conducted to the king and were received very graciously. And having asked a number of very pertinent questions and received answers to his satisfaction, I then made known to him our business and had all my requests granted. As we proposed to move into his territory he offered to furnish us, for our convenience, with four mammoons and four men to manage them. These were an animal of prodigious magnitude, even bigger than the elephant, which the natives had tamed and domesticated. They were very sagacious and docile and were employed in carrying burthens, and in drawing timber, and in plowing their land. Their hair at the Spring season was about seven inches in length and was of a fine woolly consistence. And being sheared off at the proper season, was manufactured into coarse cloth. And the milk of the females, which they produced in abundance, afforded a very wholesome nutriment. Having thus succeeded beyond our expectation, we made as much expedition to return as possible. We arrived in safety without any material accidents. The little society I had left were greatly rejoiced on our return and highly pleased with the account we gave of the country we had visited and at the sight of the extraordinary and prodigious mammoons which we had brought to convey our baggage. No time was lost to make preparation for the journey. The Captain, Mate, and myself went to the King and held a conference with him and the chiefs and obtained leave to depart, though with apparent regret and reluctance. Sacks were provided from coarse cloth to receive the most valuable part of our goods and furniture. These were thrown across three of the mammoons. The other was caparisoned, in a manner too tedious to describe, for the accommodation of our women and children. They were all mounted upon him and rode with great convenience and safety. Being thus prepared and ready; thus having resided among the Deliwans two years; and being prepared to take our departure, the king and his chiefs and many of his principal subjects came forward to take an affectionate farewell. This was done on both sides, with mutual expressions of the most ardent and sincere friendship and the most earnest wishes and prayers for future prosperity and happiness.

Having taken our final adieu, I observed honest Crito shedding tears very plentifully. "You seem to be affected," said I. "God bless Your Honor," said he, "when I think how kind and generous these poor Deliwans have been to us, I cannot help feeling an affection and friendship for them. We were obliged to anchor amongst them. We were strangers and helpless and they were ignorant savages; yet they held out the hand of kindness and treated us as brothers and sisters. Have they not fulfilled the law of Christian charity? O that they were good Christians. May God forgive their ignorance and unbelief and reward them for their kindness and generosity. We passed on. No obstacles impeded our journey until we came to the Great River Suscowah, which runs between the Deliwah River and the Great Mountain. The water being too deep for fording, we built a small boat and with this at times we conveyed the whole of the baggage and company across, except the manager of the mammoons, who mounted them and forded and swam them across. We then proceeded on by slow marches. But in crossing the Great Mountain we had some difficulties to encounter. (( We )) received no material damage, but finally arrived safely at the great city Owhahon on the twenty-fifth day after our departure from Deliwan.

Fatigued with a long and difficult journey, great joy and gladness were visible in every countenance, and all were disposed to establish our residence here until further information could be obtained and further measures concerted to prosecute our journey to Europe. The King and his principal officers proffered us every assistance necessary to make our situation agreeable. They assigned us, in compliance with our request, a number of houses on the bank of the river at a little distance from the city. We made him some valuable friendship but not as a compensation. For such was the high sense of honor which this prince sustained, that when he made a present, he would take it as an insult to offer him anything as a compensation. Having now once more become settled, our little community continued the same regulations which they had established at Deliwan and all things proceeded in peace and our affairs prospered.

Chapter V
A Description of the Ohians and Manner of Procuring a Living

I am now to describe a nation who have but little resemblance to those innumerable tribes of savages who live along the coasts of the Atlantic. Their complexion, the form and construction of their bodies, their customs, manners, laws, government and religion all demonstrate that they must have originated from some other nation and have but a very distant affinity with their savage neighbors. As to their persons, they were taller on an average than I had ever seen in any nation. Their bones were large, limbs straight, and shoulders broad; their eyes rather small and sunk deep in the head. Their foreheads were prominent and the face below tapering in such a manner that the chin was formed nearly to a point. As to their complexion, it was bordering on an olive, though of a lighter shade. Their eyes were generally of a dark brown or black. Their hair of the same color, though I have sometimes seen persons whose hair was of a reddish hue They clothed themselves in cloth which was manufactured among themselves from the hair of the mammoons and from cotton which was transported from the southwestward. The men wore shoes and long stockings, wide trousers, a waistcoat, and a garment with wide short sleeves which came down to their knees, and in cold weather a cloak over the whole. The covering for the head was generally a kind of a cap which ran up high and tapered to a point. This was generally made of fur skins and was ornamented with feathers. It had a small brim in the shape of an half moon to project over the forehead. The women, besides stockings and shoes, wore a short petticoat, a shirt of cotton, a loose garment with sleeves which they girded 'round them with belts, and a cloak. They had various ornaments such as ribbons made from cotton and colored with different colors, the most beautiful feathers that could be obtained, and shells of various kinds. Indeed the higher class of women were extremely fond of ornament and placed a large share of their happiness in the brilliancy and gaudy appearance of their garments. The people obtained their living generally by the cultivation of the land and by tending and managing certain animals which had been so long domesticated that they had lost their wild nature and become tame. Corn, wheat, beans, and squashes and carrots they raised in great abundance. The ground was plowed by horses and generally made very mellow for the reception of the seed. It was the occupation of a certain part of the men to tend upon the tame animals, to drive them to pasture, and keep them from straying, and feed them when the snow was on the ground. Two men would tend twenty mammoth, which were indifferent whether they fed on grass or cropt the bushes. When these animals were fat, their flesh was highly esteemed. They had droves of elk, which they had so tamed and tutored that they could manage them as they pleased. Tenders would (( lead )) and they would follow them like a flock of sheep. And it was but seldom that any left their companions. The elk constituted a considerable part of their animal food. The horses were managed in the same way and the people thought their meat to be a savory dish. They had large numbers of turkeys and geese, which though originally wild; yet, by treating them with great familiarity, by cropping their wings, and feeding them frequently, they discovered no disposition to ramble off, but propagated their species and laid eggs in abundance. Hunting and fishing were the employments of some; others followed mechanical business; and others carried on a bartering trade to the southwestward, in order to furnish the people with cotton and other articles whose production was not congenial to their climate. By pursuing these various employments they generally had a plenty of provision at all seasons and were comfortably clothed. And here I would remark as one striking characteristic of this people, that they observed great neatness in their dress, in their cookery, and in their houses. The manufacture of iron and lead was understood but was not carried on to that extent and perfection as in Europe. A small quantity of iron in proportion to the number of inhabitants served to supply them with all the implements which custom had made necessary for their use. By hammering and hardening their iron they would convert it nearly into the consistency of steel and fit it for the purpose of edged tools. The pottery business was conducted with great ingenuity, and great quantities of stone and earthen-ware consisting of vessels of every construction which were needed for family use, were manufactured in every part of this extensive country. These vessels they ornamented with pictures with the likenesses of various kinds of animals and trees and impressed upon them such colors as would strike the fancy with delight. The females of the most wealthy class would often have a large and superfluous quantity of this brittle furniture to decorate one apartment of the house. The vessels they arranged in such order as to make a display of taste and impress the mind with the agreeable sensation of beauty. In architecture there can be no comparison with the civilized nations of Europe. In their most wealthy and populous cities their houses and public buildings exhibit no elegance, no appearance of wealth and grandeur; all is plain and nothing superfluous. But convenience appears to be the whole object they had in view in the construction of their buildings of every kind. Their houses were generally but one storey high, built of wood, being framed and covered with split clapboards or shingles and in the inside the walls were formed of clay, which was plastered over with a thin coat of lime. Their houses seldom consisted of more than three apartments. As to their chimneys, they construct a wall of stone about five feet high against which they build their fires. From the top of this wall they construct their chimney with thin pieces of split timber, on the inside of which they plaster wet dirt or clay which completely covers and adheres to the timber and prevents the fire from having any operation upon it. The inside of their houses, as the women generally practice neatness, makes a much better appearance than the outside. "It is my opinion," says Trojanus, "that this people display a taste in building which is formed upon the true principles of reason. Their houses are sufficiently spacious for convenience. No expense or labor (( is )) thrown away in building useless apartments or in erecting their houses higher than what convenience requires. The whole catalogue of ornamental trumpery is neglected. This in Rome produces more than half the labor and expense in building." "Yes," says Lucian, "and without this, these laboring people must starve for the want of employment and the citizens of the Roman Empire would be deprived of the honor of possessing a splendid capital and of the exquisite pleasure of beholding the greatest exhibition of human ingenuity in the elegance, the splendor, the symmetry and beauty of their houses, their palaces and public edifices." "True indeed," replies Trojanus, "men may be dazzled and delighted with such objects for a moment. But could not wealth be better bestowed upon to promote the interest of the community and for charitable purposes, and these artists better employ their strength and ingenuity in producing some substantial benefits to themselves and others?"

Rejoins Lucian, "The course reason dictates is to avoid extremes. A slab-colored world would tire the senses by its uniformity and too much ornament and splendor would cease to please by its frequency. Besides, lofty houses can more easily be overthrown by tornadoes or tumbled down upon our heads by earthquakes." "The course" says Lucian, "that reason dictates is to avoid extremes. A slab-colored world by its uniformity would tire the senses and by its possessing too much ornament and splendor cease to please."

Chapter VI
Description of the Learning, Customs (( and )) Religion of the Ohians

Learning appears to be so consonant to the nature of man and a convenient share of it so easy to obtain, that some may wonder why it is not universally defused through the world. But the wonder would cease when it is considered that mankind with but few exceptions (( are taught )) to walk in the track of their fathers and to pursue the road marked out by their education.

If we can place any reliance on the dark annals of ancient history, it is a certain fact that letters are indebted for their existence to the inventive genius of certain extraordinary characters. Egypt and Chaldea contended for the honor of being the first who invented letters. Perhaps they were invented in each nation nearly at the same time. Though the most probable conjecture is that they were communicated from one nation to the other. Let this be as it may -- could no other nation in the world produce as great geniuses as Egypt or Chaldea? Is there any natural obstacle to prevent their production in America as well as in Asia? Whatever may be the reasonings of some on this subject, the fact is that I found some share of learning, though in a very imperfect state, among this people. At present I shall wave the account of its introduction and shall merely describe the state of learning as it existed among the Ohians. They had characters which represent words, and all compound words had each part represented by its appropriate character. The variation of cases, moods, and tenses was designated by certain marks placed under the character. They generally wrote on parchment; and beginning at the right, wrote from the top to the bottom, placing each character directly under the preceding one. And having finished one column or line, they write the next on the left of that and so continue on until they cover the parchment if the subject requires it. It is of considerable labor and time to obtain such a knowledge of their characters and the application as to be able to read with fluency and to write with ease and accuracy. In their principal cities and towns the government appoints learned men to instruct the sons of the higher class of citizens, and in the course of four or five years, they will make such proficiency as to become tolerable scholars.

The works of the learned are not very voluminous. Records are kept of the transactions of their governments. Their constitutions and laws are committed to writing... ( A Sacred Roll in manuscript is preserved among the records of their emperors and kings.)... and are dispersed through the empire. And much pains is taken to defuse the knowledge of them among the people. In all their large towns and cities they have deposited under the care of a priest a Sacred Roll which contains the tenets of their theology and a description of their religious ceremonies. This order of men publish comments upon these sacred writings; they publish some tracts on moral philosophy and some containing a collection of proverbs and the wise sayings of their sages. But the kind of composition in which they most excel is poetry. In poetic numbers they describe the great events which take place and the exploits and mighty achievements of their heroes. In soft elegies they paint the amours of lovers, and in pathetic strains they delineate the calamities and sorrows of the unfortunate. In their assemblies it is very common for a certain class of the learned to entertain the company with a repertoire of poetic pieces describing the battles and exploits of their warriors; or to sing some amorous or witty ballad. As for theaters they have none. But as a kind of substitute there are actors, who entertain the people by pronouncing dialogues or plays, in which they display all the arts of mimicry and express in their countenance, their gesture, and the tone of their voices, the different passions of the human mind. As only a small proportion of the people are instructed in the arts of reading and writing, of consequence the great mass must possess a large share of ignorance, but not so great a share as savages who have no learning among them. They hear the conversation and the lectures of their sages. They are entertained with... Their poetic orators entertain them with the productions of their poets, containing the history of great events and mighty achievements. Their actors divert and please them by exciting the various passions... At the same time communicating instruction and correcting the natural savageness of manners by... and as the epics they rehearse contain many ideas and sentiments tending to expose the deformity of vice, the folly of superstition, and the disgustfulness of rude and clownish manners, the people of consequence are improved and considerably refined. Add to this their living in compact towns or cities in which there is a constant and reciprocal communication of ideas; which of course would have no small effect to inform their minds. To all these causes combined the great mass of the people are indebted for possessing a considerable share of knowledge and civilization.

(( Chapter )) VII
Religion

In every nation there is some kind of religion. And in every religion, however adulterated and corrupted there are some things which are commendable, some things which serve to improve the morals and influence mankind to conduct better than what they would do, provided they pursued the natural dictates of their depraved minds without any restraint. As this sentiment is an established maxim, which has been believed in every nation, from the earliest ages of time, hence it has been the policy of all governments to encourage and protect some kind of religion. In examining the religious system, sentiments, and precepts which are believed and practiced throughout this extensive empire and which are encouraged and protected by the government, I found some things which are common to the various systems of theology in Europe and Asia and some things which have no resemblance to either. From the Sacred Roll, as it is denominated, I shall extract the tenets of their theology and a description of their religious ceremonies. It expresses them to this effect:

"There is an Intelligent Omnipotent Being, who is self-existent and infinitely good and benevolent. Matter eternally existed. He put forth his hand and formed it into such bodies as he pleased. He presides over the universe and has a perfect knowledge of all things. From his own spiritual substance he formed seven sons. These are his principal agents to manage the affairs of his empire. He formed the bodies of men from matter. Into each body he infused a particle of his own spiritual substance, in consequence of which man in his first formation was inclined to benevolence and goodness. There is also another great, intelligent Being who is self-existent and possessed of great power but not of omnipotence. filled with infinite malice against the Good Being and exerts all his subtlety and power to ruin His works. Seeing the happy situation of man, he approached so near as to touch his soul with his deleterious hand. The poison was immediately defused and contaminated his passions and appetites. His reason and understanding received no injury. The Good Being, looking upon his unhappy offspring with infinite love and compassion, made a decree that if mankind would reduce their passions and appetites under the government of reason he should enjoy blessings in this world and be completely happy after his soul quits his body. Death dissolves the connection. Ethereal bodies are prepared for the souls of the righteous. These bodies can pass through any part of the universe and are invisible to mortal eyes. Their place of residence is on a vast plain which is beautified with magnificent buildings, with trees, fruits, and flowers. Here they enjoy every delight which... No imagination can paint the delights, the felicity of the righteous. But the wicked are denied ethereal bodies. Their souls naked and incapable of seeing light, dwell in darkness and are tormented with the keenest anguish. Ages roll away and the Good Being has compassion upon them. He permits them to take possession of ethereal bodies and they arise quick to the abodes of delight and glory.

Now, O man, attend to thy duty and thou shalt escape the portion of the wicked and enjoy the delights of the righteous. Avoid all acts of cruelty to man and beast. No crime is so horrid as maliciously to destroy the life of man. Defraud not thy neighbor, nor suffer thy hands secretly to convey his property from him. Preserve thy body from the contamination of lust. And remember that the seduction of thy neighbor's wife would be a great crime.

Let thy citizens be numbered once in two years and if the young women, who are fit for marriage are more numerous than the young men, then wealthy men, who are young and who have but one wife, shall have the privilege, with the permission of the King, to marry another until the numbers of the single young men and the single young women are made equal. But he that hath two wives shall have a house provided for each and he shall spend his time equally with each one. Be grateful for all favors and forsake not thy friend in adversity. Treat with kindness and reverence thy parents. Forsake them not in old age, nor let their cheeks be furrowed with tears for the want of bread. Bow down thy head before the aged, treat thy superiors with respect, and place thy rulers and thy teachers in the most honorable seat. Let rulers consult the welfare of the people and not aggrandize themselves by oppression and base bribes. Let religious teachers walk in the road which leads to celestial happiness and lead the people after them. Let parents restrain the vices of their children and instruct their minds in useful knowledge. Contention and strife is the bane of families and the destruction of domestic happiness. Being yoked together the husband and wife ought to draw in the same direction. Their countenances will then appear beautiful -- shine with the effulgent beams of friendship and love. Peace and harmony will attend their habitation and their affairs will prosper. Hold out the hand of kindness and friendship to thy neighbor; consider him when reduced to indigence and distress. He is as dear to the Great and Good Being as what thou art. To afford him relief will be pleasing to thy Maker and an expression of thy gratitude. Envious and malicious souls are almost incurably contaminated with that hellish poison which first disordered the soul of man. Partake not of their guilt by joining them in the malignant work of slander and detraction. Their intended mischief returns upon their own heads and the slandered character of the innocent and just shines forth with increasing luster. Let the stranger find an hospitable resting place under thy roof. Give him to eat from thy portion, that when he departs he may bless thee and go on his way rejoicing. Say not to thyself, 'I will indulge in inactivity and idleness and lie upon the bed of sloth and slumber away the precious moments of time.' For in this thou art unwise. For disease will attend thee, hunger will torment thee, and rags will be thy clothing. Let industry and economy fill up the measure of thy waking moments; so shall thy countenance display health and sprightliness. Plenty shall supply the wants of thy family and thy reputation shall be respectable. But I behold a being in human form, from whom I turn away with disgust and abhorrence. He is covered with so much dirt and filth, that no ethereal body is provided for him nor can he be received into the abodes of the blessed. Suffer not thy bodies or thy garments to remain long besmeared with dirt and filth. Cleanliness prevents many diseases and is pleasant to the sight. But from a dirty, filthy mortal we turn with disgust and abhorrence. As the Great Author of our existence is benevolent to all his offspring, so it becomes us to be benevolent to our fellow beings around us. Our country is one body and we are part of its members. We are therefore bound to maintain the rights and privileges and the honor and dignity of our country at the risk of our lives. Great rewards attend the brave and their exploits and achievements in contending against tyrants and in defending the rights of their country will be celebrated on the plains of glory.

But the vision now expands and directs our contemplation to fix on His attributes, Whose spiritual substance is commensurate with infinity. As only a single particle from His substance constitutes our souls, how small, how diminutive, must we appear in the view of Omniscience. We must therefore contemplate His attributes through the medium of His works and admire with profound reverence and adoration His wisdom, goodness, and power which are visible in the formation and arrangement of all material bodies and spiritual beings. He requires us to supplicate His favors and when received, to express our gratitude. As our passions and appetites often get the ascendance of reason, we are therefore bound to confess our faults and implore forgiveness. Now that you may know and keep all these things which were made known by divine inspiration, it is ordained that on every eighth day ye lay aside all unnecessary labor; that ye meet in convenient numbers and form assemblies. That in each assembly a learned holy man shall preside, who shall lead your devotions and explain this Sacred Roll and give you such instruction as shall promote your happiness in this life and in the life to come. Once in three months ye shall hold a great festival in every city and town and your priests shall sacrifice an elk as a token that your sins deserve punishment, but that the Divine Mercy has banished them into shades of forgetfulness. Be attentive, O man, to the words of truth which have been recorded and pay respect to all the commandments which have been written for your observance. Your Maker will then be pleased to see you rejoice in the participation of his favors and to behold your faces brighten with the benign beams of cheerfulness."

Chapter VIII

An Account of Baska:

Among the great and illustrious characters who have appeared in the world in different ages as instructors and reformers of mankind, Baska is entitled to a conspicuous place. The place of his nativity is not recorded, but the first notice which is given of him is his appearance at the great city of Tolanga which is situate on the banks of the Sciota River. He was attended by his wife and two little sons. The fashion of their garments was different from the natives. Their complexion likewise was a little whiter. Baska was grave, solemn, and sedate; reserved in his conversation. But when he spoke wisdom proceeded from his lips and all were astonished at his eloquence. His fame spread rapidly through city and country and he was celebrated as a man of the most brilliant and extraordinary talents. He was conducted to the King and introduced to him. The King asked him from what country he came. His reply was at a great distance from the westward. He then asked him induced him to come into his country. He replied...

Chapter VIII

Perhaps, Reader, before we describe the government of the Ohians, it might be proper to relax our minds with a few sketches of biography. The character which will best connect with the history of the learning, religion, and government of the Ohians is that of the great and illustrious Lobaska. He is the man who first introduced their present method of writing; who first presented them the Sacred Roll which contains the tenets and precepts of their religion; and who formed their political constitution as it respects the connection of various kingdoms or tribes under one government.

There are many anecdotes, which tradition has handed down respecting this extraordinary man, which have the complexion of fables... the miraculous and hence I conclude they must be fabulous. As for instance, he is represented as forming a curious machine and having seated himself upon it, he mounted into the atmosphere and ascended a great height. And having sailed a considerable distance through the air, he descended slowly and received no damage. That multitudes of astonished spectators had a number of times seen him perform this miraculous exploit. And that he declared that when he took these excursions his extraordinary wisdom and knowledge was communicated to him. If he did in fact perform such exploits, no wonder that he managed an ignorant people as he pleased. But as it is not my intention to amuse my readers by a splendid relation of fables I shall confine myself to facts which cannot be contested. The place of his nativity is not recorded. The first account given of him was his appearance in the great city of Tolanga which is situate on the banks of the Sciota River. When he entered that city he was attended by his wife and four sons, the eldest of whom was about eighteen years of age. He himself appeared to be about forty. His personal appearance was commanding, being of middling stature, of a bold frank countenance, and eyes lively and penetrating. In his general deportment he was cheerful, yet displayed much sedateness and gravity. He was affable and familiar in conversation but not loquacious. He never would converse long on trifling subjects, had a wonderful facility to intermix some wise sayings and remarks, and of turning with dignity and gracefulness the attention of the company to subjects that were important and interesting. None could then withstand the energy of his reasoning and all were astonished at the ingenuity of his arguments and the great knowledge and wisdom which he displayed. His fame spread through the city and country and multitudes frequently assembled and importuned him to give them instruction. Always cheerful to gratify the curiosity and comply with the reasonable requests of the multitude he entertained them by conversing with them familiarly and by exhibiting public discourses. All were charmed with his wisdom and eloquence and all united in pronouncing him to be the most extraordinary man in existence and generally believed that he held conversation with celestial beings, and always acted under the influence of divine inspiration. The people were very liberal in their donations, which enabled him to support his family in affluence. Having thus in a short time established a character superior with respect to eloquence to man who had ever appeared before him in the nation, he then, at an interview which he held with the King and the chiefs, told them that he had invented the art of expressing ideas by certain marks or characters. And having explained the nature of the subject to their full satisfaction, he then proposed to establish a school, for the instruction of the sons of the principal subjects of the King. The proposal was received and accepted with much gratitude and cheerfulness. A house was immediately prepared for the accommodation of scholars; and in a short time the numbers amounted to nearly two hundred. But here it must be observed that the art of making and applying the characters to the words which they represented was taught principally by his sons. They had all received an education from their father and even the youngest, who was but about eleven years old, could read and write with great correctness and facility. He superintended their instruction and very frequently gave them lectures on scientific and moral subjects. His scholars made great progress in learning and delighted their parents with the improvements they had made in literature, civilization, and refinement. He still continued to associate among the people and was indefatigable in his labors to dispel their ignorance; correct their superstition and vices; to excite their industry; and to defuse a more accurate knowledge of the mechanical arts. The manufacture of iron in particular was not known; this he taught a number by showing them how to build a small furnace and to cast iron-ware; and then how to build a small forge and refine pigs and convert them into iron. He had resided among the Sciotans about three years and the happy effects of his labors were visible to all observers. A great reformation had taken place in the morals and manners of the people. Industry had increased; agriculture and the mechanical arts had received great improvement; and houses were built on a more commodious and elegant construction. But not willing to stop here, the benevolent mind of the great Lobaska meditated a more important revolution. Now the propitious era had arrived and the way was prepared for the introduction of that system of theology which is comprised in the Sacred Roll. In the first place he read and explained the whole system to the King and the chiefs of the nation, who cordially gave it their approbation and gave permission to propagate it among the people. Under a pretense that this system was revealed to him in several interviews which he had been permitted to have with the second son of the Great and Good Being, the people did not long hesitate, but received as sacred and divine truth every word which he taught them. They forsook their old religion which was a confused and absurd medley of idolatry and superstitious nonsense and embraced a religion more sublime and consistent, and more fraught with sentiments which would promote the happiness of mankind in this world.

Whilst the Sciotans were thus rapidly progressing in their improvements they were unhappily disturbed by the certain prospect of war. Bombal, the King of the Kentucks, a nation which lived on the south side of the Great River Ohio, had taken great umbrage against Hadokam the King of Sciota. This Bombal was the most haughty and powerful prince, who reigned in this part of the western continent. It had been the custom for several ages for the King and chiefs of the Kentucks to have the exclusive right to wear, in their caps, a bunch of blue feathers, which designated their preeminence over every nation. The Sciotan princes, envying them this distinguished honor and considering themselves as being at least their equals, assumed the liberty to place bunches of blue feathers upon their caps. This in the opinion of the Kentucks, was an unpardonable offense, if persisted in, and a most daring insult upon their super-eminent dignity. After a solemn council was held with his chiefs, Bombal, with their unanimous consent, dispatched a messenger to Hadokam, who thus proclaimed:

"Thus saith Bombal, the King of Kings and the most mighty prince on Earth: 'Ye have insulted our honor and dignity in assuming blue feathers, which was the badge of our preeminence. Know ye that unless ye tear them from your caps, ye shall feel the weight of our vengeance.'"

Hadokam replied, "Tell your master that a great company of wolves made an attack upon a city to rob the citizens of their deer and elk; and they let forth their dogs upon them, which attacked them with such fury and courage that they fled, mangled and torn, to a most dreary swamp. Here by the most plaintive howling, they lamented their sad disaster and disgrace."

An answer so shrewd and insulting, it was expected, would soon be followed by an invasion. Measures must immediately be taken for the defence of the kingdom. Lobaska was invited to sit in council. All were unanimously of (( the )) opinion that to comply with the haughty demand of Bombal, by tearing the blue feathers from their caps, would be degrading the honor of the nation and a relinquishment of their natural right. They were likewise sensible that the most vigorous exertions were necessary to save the country from ruin. The opinion and advice of Lobaska was requested. "It is my opinion," says he, "that by using a little stratagem this war might be brought to a conclusion which will be honorable to this kingdom." "We will pursue," says the king, "your advice and directions." "I shall be happy," says Lobaska, "to assist you with my best advice. Call immediately into the field an army of three thousand men. Provide two thousand shovels, five hundred mattocks, one thousand wheelbarrows, and one hundred axes. I will give directions how to make them."

Not a moment was lost; the army was assembled and implements (( were )) provided with the utmost expedition. And they marched down the river to a certain place where the army of the enemy must pass in order to arrive at the city of Tolanga. At this place the hill or mountain came within less than a mile of the river and flat or level land intervened. Here Lobaska directed that a canal should be dug from the river to the hill. That it should be eight feet wide and eight deep and that the dirt which they dug should be thrown into the river, except what should be wanting to lay over thin pieces of split timber, which should be extended across the canal, and so weak and slender that the weight of a man would break them down. This novel invention was soon carried into effect and the work completely finished. Every precaution was used to prevent any intelligence of these transactions from getting to the enemy. In the meantime Hadokam brought into the field seven thousand more of his warriors, men of brave hearts and valiant for the battle. The indignant King of the Kentucks by this time, had assembled an army of thirty thousand men who were ready, at the risk of their lives, to vindicate the preeminence of their nation and the transcendent dignity of their King and his chiefs. At the head of this army, Bombal began his march to execute his threatened vengeance on the Sciotans. As he entered their country he found the villages deserted and all the movable property conveyed away. Not a man to be seen until he came in view of the army of Hadokam, who was encamped within a small distance of the canal. Bombal halted and formed his men in two ranks extending from the river to the hill. He had a reserved corps, who were placed in the rear of the main body.

Having thus arranged them for battle, he went from one wing to the other proclaiming aloud, "We have been insulted, brave soldiers, by these cowardly Sciotans. They have assumed the blue feather, the badge of our preeminence and exalted dignity. Behold it flying in their caps. Will your high-born souls submit to behold such dastards place themselves on equal ground with you? No, my valiant warriors, let us revenge the insult by the destruction of their puny army and the conflagration of their city. Make a furious charge upon them and the victory is ours. Let your motto be 'The Blue Feather' and you will fight like wolves robbed of their puppies."

Hadokam had by this time, formed his army in order of battle close to the edge of the canal and extended them only in one rank from the river to the hill. As the Kentucks approached within a small distance, the Sciotans gave back and began a retreat with apparent confusion, notwithstanding the pretended exertions of the King and his officers to prevent their retreating. Bombal, observing this, commanded (( his men )) to rush forward on the full run, but to keep their ranks in order. This they instantly obeyed as one man; and as soon as their feet stept on the slender covering of the canal, it gave way and they fell to the bottom, some in one position and some in another. A disaster so novel and unexpected must have appalled the stoutest heart and filled their minds with amazement and terror. Nor did this complete the misfortune of the army of Bombal. An ambush of the Sciotans, who lay on the side of the hill opposite to the reserved corps of the Kentucks, rushed down upon them in an instant. Surprise and terror prevented resistance; they threw down their arms and surrendered. The retreating army of Hadokam immediately returned with shouting to the edge of the canal. Their enemies, who but a moment before thought themselves invincible and certain of victory, were now defenseless and wholly in their power. Lobaska was present and saw the success of his stratagem. His great soul disdained revenge on an helpless and prostrate enemy. He conjured the Sciotans not to shed one drop of blood, but to be generous and merciful. Bombal had now recovered from his surprise and seeing the deplorable situation of his army, his haughty soul felt the keenest anguish. "Where" says he, "is the King of the Sciotans?"

"Here I am." says Hadokam. "What is your request, my brother?"

"Reduced" says he, "by a stratagem, the most ingenious and artful, to a situation which subjects us wholly under your power, and in which you can take ample revenge, I now implore your generosity and compassion for my army. Spare their lives and then name your terms; and if I can comply with them, without degrading the honor of my crown, it shall be done."

"Your request" says Hadokam, "is granted. Surrender your arms and let your army return in peace. As for Your Majesty and the chiefs of your nation who are present, you will give us the pleasure of your in our return to the city of Tolanga, and there we will execute a treaty of peace and amity that shall be advantageous and honorable to both nations."

These terms were accepted and the Kentucks returned in peace to their own country, not to describe exploits and bloody victories but the curious stratagem of Lobaska. The two kings and their splendid retinue of princes, having arrived at Tolanga... every attention was paid by Hadokam and his chiefs to their honorable visitors. Hadokam made a sumptuous entertainment at which all were present. The next day both parties met for the purpose of agreeing to terms of peace and perpetual amity. "What are your terms?" says Bombal.

"Lobaska" says Hadokam, "shall be our arbitrator. He shall name the terms. His wisdom will dictate nothing which will be dishonorable for either party." "Your proposal, says Bombal, is generous. Lobaska shall be our arbitrator." Lobaska then rose. "Attend" says he, "to my words, ye Princes of Sciota and Kentuck. You have all derived your existence from the Great Father of Spirits; you are His children and belong to his great family. Why then have you thirsted for each other's blood, for the blood of brothers? And what has produced this mighty war? A blue feather, may it please Your Majesties, a blue feather, a badge of preeminence. It is pride; it is cursed ambition and avarice which devastate the world and produce rivers of human blood. And the wars which take place among nations generally originate from as trifling causes as the blue feather. Let this be the first article of your treaty: that any person may wear a blue feather in his cap, or any other feather that he pleases. Let this be the second: that the individuals of each nation may carry on a commerce with each other and that they shall be protected in their persons and property. Let this be the third: that I shall be at liberty to establish schools in any part of the dominions of Kentuck and furnish them with instructors as I please; that none shall be restrained from hearing our instructions; and that we shall be patronized and protected by the King and his chiefs. � Let this be the fourth: that perpetual peace and amity shall remain between both nations. And as a pledge for the fulfillment of these articles, on the part of the princes of Kentuck, that the eldest son of the King and four sons of the principal chiefs shall be left as hostages in this city for the term of three years."�

These terms met the cordial approbation of both parties and were ratified in the most solemn manner. Thus happy was the termination of the war about the blue feather!

(( It )) having taken place, Lobaska proceeded with indefatigable industry and perseverance in his benevolent schemes of enlightening and reforming mankind. and how happy would it be for mankind, if all wars about as trifling causes as this, might terminate in the same way. The benevolent mind of Lobaska soared above trifles. Viewing all mankind as brothers and sisters he wished the happiness of all. Hence he made provision in the treaty with the Kentucks for the introduction of schools among them. This was the first step, which he foresaw would introduce improvements in agriculture and the mechanical arts; produce a reformation in their morals and religious principals; and a happy revolution in some part of their political institutions. Bombal had become so captivated with Lobaska that he solicited him to bear him company to his own dominions. He consented, and when he had arrived at the royal city of Gamba, which is situated on the River Kentuck, he there pursued the same course which he had done at Tolanga and his success answered his most sanguine expectations. The people were now prepared for the introduction of a school. He returned back to Tolanga and sent his second son and three of the most forward scholars of the Sciotans to establish a school at Gamba. In the meantime his intention was to make some amendments in the government of Sciota. But as there were several cities and a great number of villages that acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Sciotan King, which still were ignorant of the principles and doctrines which he taught, he found it necessary to visit them and to introduce instructors amongst them. In this work he was engaged about two years. And the happy effect of his labors were now visible in various kinds of improvements and in the reformation of manners, morals, and religion. The way was now prepared to introduce his system of government. The chiefs of the nation were invited to attend a grand council at Tolanga.

When they were met, Lobaska rose and presented them with the following constitution of government: "The king of Sciota shall be styled the Emperor of Ohian and the King of Sciota. His crown shall be hereditary in the oldest male heir of his family. The cities and villages which now acknowledge his jurisdiction, or who may hereafter do it, shall be entitled to protection from the Emperor. If invaded by an enemy he shall defend them with the force of the Empire. Once every year the chiefs shall meet at Tolanga to make laws for the good of the nation."

These young men, having imbibed the spirit and principles of their great preceptor, spared no exertions to instruct their scholars and to defuse useful knowledge among the people. The happy effects of their labors were visible in a short time. The people embraced the religion of Lobaska and became more industrious and civilized. In their various improvements in agriculture, the mechanical arts, and literature they even rivaled the Sciotans and appeared to be as prosperous and flourishing. Even Bombal himself declared that the termination of the war about the blue feather, which at first appeared unfortunate; yet, as it occasioned such happy effects among his people, it gave him more satisfaction and pleasure than what he could have received from the reputation of being a great conqueror.