Historical.

ABORIGINES OF NORTH AMERICA.

On the population and Tumuli of the Aborigines of North America. In a letter from H. M.

Brackenridge, esq. to Thomas Jefferson.-Read Oct. 1, 1813, before the American Philosophical society.

I have seen old volumes in

hundred and twenty years since the character of the population, which left the traces of the second fortifications, of which so much has been said, and period, underwent a change. The appearances of which have been attributed to colony of Welch, are nothing more than the traces of pallisadoed towns or villages. The first travellers mention this SIR-From a knowledge that research into the custom of surrounding their towns with pallisades; history of the primitive inhabitants of America, is the earth was thrown up a few feet, and pickets one of your favorite amusements, I take the liberty which they are represented in the engravings. placed on the top. of making this communication. My attention to The Arikara and Mandan villages are still fortified the subject was first awakened on reading, when in this way. The traces of these are astonishingly a boy, the observations contained in the notes on Virginia, and it has become with me a favorite numerous in the western country; I should not theme of speculation. I often visited the mound, exaggerate if I were to say that five thousand might and other remains of Indian antiquity in the neigh hundred acres. From some cause or other (and be found. Some of them inclose more than an borhood of Pittsburgh, my native town, attracted by a pleasing interest, of which I scarcely knew suffice to effect it) the population had been as we know that there are enough which might the cause, and afterwards read, and heard with delight, whatever related to these monuments of tonishingly diminished immediately before we be the first, or rather earlier inhabitants of my native came acquainted with them; and yet Charlevoix country. Since the year 1810 (without previously mentions a town of the Mascutin tribe (at present intending it) I have visited almost every thing of this kind, worthy of note on the Ohio and Missis. sippi; and from examination and reflection, something like hypothesis has taken place of vague wanderings of fancy. The following is a sketch of

the result of those observations:

incorporated with the Kickapoos) containing a thousand families? The barrows, or general re ceptacles of the dead, such as examined by your self, may be classed with the pallisadoed towns, though they are much more numerous; they are, in fact, to be found in almost every corn field in 1. Throughout, what is denominated by Volney, often met with where there is no appearance of the western country. The tumuli, or mounds, are the valley of the Mississippi, there exist the traces of a population far beyond what this extensive and Pallisadoed villages or fortifications, or of barrows. 3. The first and more ancient period is marked fertile portion of the continent is supposed to have possessed: greater, perhaps, than could be support- by those extraordinary tumuli or mounds. I have ed of the present white inhabitants, even with the reason to believe that their antiquity is very great. careful agriculture practised in the most populous The oldest Indies have no tradition as to their parts of Europe. The reason of this is to be found authors, or the purposes for which they were in the peculiar manners of the inhabitants by whom originally intended; yet they were formerly, I it was formerly occupied; like those of Mexico, might almost say instinctively, in the habit of their agriculture had for its only object their own sing them for one of the purposes for which they sustenance; no surplus was demanded for commerce with foreign nations, and no part of the soil, susceptible of culture, was devoted to pasturage; yet extensive forests filled with wild animals would still remain. The aggregate population of the country might be less, but that of particular dis tricts much greater. We must, in this way, ac. count for the astonishing population of the vale of Mexico, when first known to the Spaniards; per haps equal to any district of the same extent of climate. The astonishing population of Owyhee and Otaheite, must be accounted for in the same way.-There are certainly many districts on the Ohio and Mississippi equally favorable to a numer. ous population. When I contemplated the beauty and fertility of those spots, I could scarcely believe it possible, that they should never have supported a numerous population; such a fact would form an exception to what has usually occurred, in every other part of the globe.

The old chief Du Coin told Mr. Rice Jones that were at first designed, to wit, as places of defence. the mounds in the American bottom had been fortified by the Kaskaskias in their wars with the Iroquois. An old work by Lafitau, a jesuit, which met with at New Orleans, contains a curious plate in which one of these mounds, fortified by pallisades on the top, and large beams extending to the hotwell as fortifications, are to be found at the junction tom, is assaulted by enemies. These tumuli as of all the considerable rivers, in the most eligible positions for towns, and in the most extensive bodies of fertile land. Their number exceeds, perhaps, three thousand; the smallest not less than twenty feet in height, and one hundred in diameter at the base. Their great number, and the astonishing size of some of them, may be regarded as furnishing, with other circumstances, evidence of their antiquity. I have been some times induced to think, that at the period when those mounds were 2 In the valley of the Mississippi, there are population as numerous as that which once animatconstructed, there existed on the Mississippi, a discovered the traces of two distinct races of peoed the borders of the Nile, or of Euphrates, or of ple, or periods of population, one much more Mexico and Peru.

ancient than the other. The traces of the last are 4. The most numerous, as well as the most conthe most numerous, but mark a population less advanced in civilization; in fact they belong to the siderable of these remains, are found precisely in same race that existed in the country when the the part of the country where the traces of nuFrench and English effected their settlements on merous population might be looked for, to wit this part of the continent: but since the intercourse from the mouth of the Ohio (on the east side of of these people with the whites, and their astonish. ing diminution in numbers, many of their customs have fallen into disuse. It is not more than

See Humboldt, vol. II. page 127.
SUP, TO VOL. XVI.

They are to be seen in many old volumes in the present library of congress, which contains the most valuable collection of books on America to be found in any part of the world.

M

the Mississippi) to the Illinois river, and on the stands in the midst of alluvium, and there is no west side from the St. Francis to the Missouri. Inatural hill nearer than two miles."

am perfectly satisfied that cities similar to those Such are the appearances of antiquity in the of ancient Mexico, of several hundred thousand western country, which I consider as turnishing souls, have existed in this part of the country. proof of an ancient and numerous population. The Nearly opposite St. Louis there are the traces of resemblance to those of New Spain would render two such cities, in the distance of five miles, on probable the existence of the same arts and cus the bank of the Cohokia, which crosses the Ameri toms; perhaps of an intercourse. The distance can bottom at this place. There are not less from the large mound on Red river, to the nearest than one hundred mounds, in two different groups; in New Spain, is not so great but that they might one of the mounds falls little short of the Egyptian be considered as existing in the same country. pyramid Mycerins. When I examined it, in 1811, From the description of the Adoratorios, as they I was astonished that this stupendous monument are called, it appears highly probable that the of antiquity should have been unnoticed by any mounds on the Mississippi were destined for the traveller: I afterwards published an account in the same purposes. Solis tells us, that every consider.. newspapers at St. Louis, detailing its dimensions, able place had a number of them, upon which describing its form, position, &c. but this, which kind of tower was erected, and which gave rise to I thought might be almost considered a discovery, the belief of those who first visited the coast of attracted no notice: and yet I stated it to be eight New Spain, that they had been cities with numerous hundred paces in circumference (the exact size of steeples;† from which circumstance they bestowed the pyramid of Asychis) and one hundred feet in upon it the name of their native country. The four height. The mounds at Grave creek and Marietta great cities to which the general name of Mexico are of the second or third class. The mounds at was given, contained two thousand of these AdoraSt. Louis, at New Madrid, and at the commence-torios or Teocalli; at the first glance, this vast ment of Black river, are all larger than those of population, equal perhaps to London or Paris, ap Marietta. The following is an enumeration of the peared to be crowned with in numerable towers and most considerable mounds on the Mississippi and steeples. Architecture was perhaps too much in on the Ohio; the greater part I examined myself its infancy to enable them to build to any great with such attention as the short time I had to spare height—a mound was therefore raised, and a build. would permit:

ing erected on the top. It was in this way the tem1. At Great creek, below Wheeling. 2. At Pitts, ple of Belus at Babylon was erected, and Egyptian burgh. 3. At Marietta. 4. At Cincinnati. 5. At pyramids of the second class, which are solid, and New Madrid-one of them 350 feet diameter at probably the most ancient. Besides being places the base. 6. Bois Brulie bottom, 15 miles below of adoration, the Teocalli also served as fortresses; St. Genevieve. 7. At St. Genevieve. 8. Mouth of they were usually the last places to which the the Marameck. 9. St. Louis-one with 2 stages, inhabitants of the cities conquered by Cortez re another with 3. 10. Mouth of the Missouri. 11. On sorted, after having been driven from every other the Cohokia river-in 2 groups. 12. Twenty miles quarter. They were enabled from the position, below-2 groups also, but the mounds of a smaller form, and the tower on the top, to defend them. size-on the back of a lake, formerly the bed of seives in these situations to great advantage.— the river. 13. Near Washington (M. T.) 146 feet Placed from the bottom to the top of the mount, in height. 14. At Bator. Rouge, and on the bayou by gradations above each other, they appeared (as Manchac--one of the mounds near the lake is Solis in his animated style expresses it) to conchiefly composed of shells; the inhabitants have stitute a living hill; and, at first, judging only from taken away great quantities of these for the pur- the experience of their own wars, they fancied pose of making lime. 15. The mound on Black themselves unassailable. river, of two stages, with a group around it.

From the oldest book extant, the bible, we see

At each of these places there are groups of exemplified, in numerous instances, the natural mounds; and at each there probably once existed predilection for resorting to high places, for the a city. On the other considerable rivers which are purpose of worship; this prevailed amongst all natributary to the Ohio and Mississippi in Kentucky, tions, and probably the first edifice dedicated to Tennessee, state of Ohio, Indiana territory, &c. the Deity was an elevation of earth, the next they are equally numerous. But the principal city step was the placing a temple on it, and finally and centre of population was between the Ohio, churches and mosques were built with steeples. Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois. I have been This having prevailed in all countries, may be informed that in the plains between the Arkansa considered as the dictate of nature. The most and St. Francis, they are numerous and some very ancient temples of the Greeks were erected on large. They resemble the Teocalli, in these im- artificial or natural elevations of earth; at the preportant features, 1. In their positions the cardinal sent day, almost every part of Europe and Asia, points are observed with considerable accuracy. 2. exhibit these remains of tumuli, the rudest, though The larger mounds have several stages. 3. In perhaps the most lasting of buman work. The every groupe there are two mounds much larger mausoleum generally holds the next place to the than the others. 4. The smaller mounds are placed

around symmetrically. A closer examination would *See the second account of the Teocalli of New show a resemblance in other particulars. It is Spain, by Humboldt, pages 16, 41, 44, 123, 170, &c. doubted by Humboldt whether advantage had not vol. II. New York edition, 1811.

been taken of some natural rise, in the formation Mr. Robertson, who is disposed to lessen every of the pyramid of Cholula; with respect to the thing American, and to treat with contempt, unmound of Cohokia there can be no doubt, for it worthy of a philosopher, all their acts and advance. ments in civilization, attributes this to the imagina*See the chapter on the Antiquities of the Valley tions of the Spaniards, inflamed with the spirit of of the Mississippi, in the views of Louisiana,' by quixotic adventure. the author of this memoir, p. 181. Pittsburgh See appendix to Volney's views of Americs,

edition, 1814.

Clark's travels in America, &c.

With sentiments of the highest respect, I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

H. M. BRACKENRIDGE.

Baton Rouge, July 25, 1813.

Friends' Memorials,

SUBMITTED TO CONGRESS AT THE LATE SESSION.

temple; and, what is remarkable, all nations in innocent people that ever lived, and in the arts their wars have made the last stand in the edifices as much advanced as were the ancient Persians consecrated to their gods, and near to the tombs or Egyptians; and not only in the arts, but even in of their ancestors. The Adoratorios of New Spain, the sciences. Was ever any work of the old world like all works of the kind, answered the three superior to the two roads from Quito to Cusco ? purposes, of the temple, the fortress, and the Pardon me, sir, for troubling you with this long, mausoleum. Can we entertain a doubt but that and perhaps tiresome letter, dictated probably by this was also the case with those of the Mississippi?the vanity of personally communicating my crude The antiquity of these mounds is certainly very theories to one who holds so distinguished a place great; this is not inferred from the growth of trees, in that temple of science which belongs to every which prove an antiquity of a few centuries, but age and every country. from this simple reflection; a people capable of works requiring so much labor must be numerous, and if numerous, somewhat advanced in the arts; we might therefore look for works of stone or brick, the traces of which would remain for at least eight or ten centuries. The great inound of Cohokia, is evidently constructed with as much regularity as any of the Teocalli of New Spain, and was doubtless cased with brick or stone, and crowned with buildings; but of these no traces remain. Near the mound at St. Louis, there are a few decay. ing stones, but which may have been casually brought there. The pyramid of Papantla, in the northern part of the Intendancy of Vera Cruz, unknown to the first conquerors, and discovered a few years ago, was still partly cased with bricks. We might be warranted in considering the mounds of the Mississippi more ancient than the Teocalli, a fact worthy of notice, although the stages are still plain in some of them, the gradations or steps have disappeared, in the course of time the rains having washed them off. The pieces of obsidan or flint, are found in great quantities near them, as is the case with the Teocalli. Some might be startled if I should say that the mound of Cohokia is as ancient as those of Egypt! The Mexicans possessed but imperfect traditions of the construc tion of their Teocalli; their traditions attribute them to the Toultees, or to the Olmees, who proba. bly migrated from the Mississippi.

To the senate and house of representatives of the
United States, in congress assembled.
The memorial and petition of the representatives
of the religious society of Friends in the states
of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and the adjacent
parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectfully
represent:

That your memorialists, viewing with sensa. tions of deep commiseration, the suffering of the aborigines of this country, arising from their uncultivated and savage mode of life, have been engaged for several years, with the permission of the executive, in attempting to diffuse the comforts of civilization among some of those tribes which are scattered along our northwestern frontier. In the prosecution of this important undertaking, we have acquired a knowledge of their habits, their sufferings, and their susceptibility of improvement, which has increasingly excited our sympathy and more deeply interested our feelings. Under these impressions, and with a solicitude to promote their advancement towards that condition in which the mind is expanded by reason and instruction, and dignified by the influence of religion, while the resources of nature are rendered subservient to the comforts of the rational agent, we are induced respectfully to call the attention of congress to the subject.

Who will pretend to speak with certainty as to the antiquity of America-the races of men who have flourished and disappeared-of the thousand revolutions which, like other parts of the globe, it has undergone? The philosophers of Europe, with a narrowness and selfishness of mind, have endeavored to depreciate every thing which relates From the habit of depending on game for a to it. They have called it the new world, as precarious sustenance, they have been naturally though its formation was posterior to the rest of led to adopt an itinerant and wandering mode of the habitable globe. A few facts suffice to repel life; and the continual pressure of an overwhelming this idea: the antiquity of her mountains, the re- white population, has successfully driven them mains of volcanoes, the alluvial tracts, the wearing from situations on which they might possibly have away of cataracts, &c. and the number of primitive been induced to form permanent settlements. Thus languages, greater perhaps than in all the rest of the darkness in which they have been involved, has been protracted, while the same causes have evidently tended to the extermination of the race.

the world besides.

The use of letters, and the discovery of the mariner's compass, the invention of gunpowder and We are sensible that the general government, of printing, have produced incalculable changes by adopting a more humane and liberal policy, has in the old world. I question much whether be- in some measure counteracted this tendency, and fore those periods, comparatively recent, there endeavored to meliorate their condition by securexisted, or could exist, nations more civilized than ing to them reservations of land, granting them the Mexicans or Peruvians. In morals, the Greeks annuities, and by taking other measures to proand Romans, in their most enlightened days, were mote their civilization. But the power of habit not superior to the Mexicans. We are told that long formed, and descending from father to son, these people sacrificed human beings to their through a series of successive generations, cannot Gods! did not the Romans sacrifice their unfor- be supposed to be removed, but by time and patient tunate prisoners to their depraved and wicked perseverance. These habits, however, are beginpleasures, compelling them to kill each other? ning to lose their influence, and an evident proWas the sacrifice of Ephigenia, to obtain a favor-gress towards civilization has been made by those able wind, an act of less barbarity than the sacri- tribes to which our attention has been more fices by the Mexicans of their prisoners on the particularly directed; and others are desirous of altar of their Gods? The Peruvians were exempt obtaining similar assistance. But the funds which from these crimes-perhaps the mildest and most your memorialists possess, are altogether inade

quate to accomplish those benevolent purposes which the present situation of those tribes so loudly demand, and for the accomplishment of which we believe the present an auspicious period. They are convinced of the utility, and desire the opportunity of acquiring school education; and the scarcity of game on their reservations, renders it indispensably necessary that they should find some other resources, from which to draw the means of subsistence, But this resource they cannot find in agriculture, without the application of more funds than have heretofore been provided for their benefit.

As objects of charity-as buman beings, involved in ignorance and want, their condition appeals loudly to the benevolence of the general govern ment. As the late proprietors of extensive and fertile tracts of country, from which the nation is deriving a vast emolument, and on which individuals are enjoying the bounties of nature, they might appeal to our justice and liberality.

ment of that portion of these people to whom they have been enabled to extend assistance, of the practicability of recovering them from the state of barbarism and suffering in which they have too generally been permitted to remain: and, whilst your memorialists are aware of the existence of the humane and improving system which the government of the United States has also carried amongst some of the Indian tribes, and appreciate the benevolence of the motives which have influenced those efforts, they feel it their duty to state, that the application of the limited means, which have from time to time been employed, has generally hitherto been defective, and failed of producing the benefits expected and intended, from the admission of improper persons to trade with, or reside amongst the Indians, the influence of whose corrupt examples has, in many instances, greatly counteracted and defeated those efforts. In this opinion your memorialists are confirmed, from the many years' experience and observation which they have had in the course of their labors amongst these people.

The fostering hand of government must be extended for their relief; or, we apprehend, the greater portion will not only remain in their present state Your memorialists are sensible of the right the of intellectual darkness, but ere long, they must citizens of the United States claim, to hold inter. be reduced to accumulated miseries, from the pres-course with the Aborigines, under the laws re sure of want,

At one of their towns, we have built them mills, assisted them in opening farms, furnishing them with farming utensils, and placed a family of our friends among them, to instruct them in useful, domestic arts; and we have the satisfaction to observe their condition improved, by their form

gulating that intercourse, and also of the opinion
which some entertain, of their privilege to extend
their enterprize in any and in every direction where
rewards appear to await it; but your memorialists
can see nothing to justify individuals in pursuing
any course, for their private emolument, that shall
endanger or destroy the lives of their fellow men;
provisions of the

ing habits of increasing industry and sobriety, and
obtaining the necessaries of life in greater abun-laws which guarantee to them
dance.

and if there be a deficiency in this privilege, your

When we compare the condition and progressive state of improvement of the tribes which have been thus assisted, with that of the others, who are destitute of such advantages, we cannot but de plore the lack of means, to diffuse more extensively, the inestimable blessing of civilization,

memorialists respectfully solicit that such laws may be revised, and radically amended, and that such additions be made to the existing general sys tem, as shall best tend to promote the safety, im provement, and happiness of the Indians.

When we contemplate the numerous evils which have been inflicted on the natives of this continent, We, therefore, respectfully petition, that con- and especially upon that portion of it which we gress take into consideration the deplorable condi- now inhabit, since the time of our first intercours tion of these children of the wilderness, and appro- with them, and that whole nations of these people priate funds to open schools among them, furnish have already been so entirely exterminated, that them farming utensils, and other necessary imple- no trace of them now remains, except their names; ments; and thus assist them in the prosecution of and when we consider that the same system which those advances in civilization, which are essential to human happiness.

Signed by direction of a meeting of the representatives of the religious society of Friends aforesaid, held at Mount Pleasant, in the state of Ohio, the 20th of the 11th month, 1818,

By JONATHAN TAYLOR, clerk.

To the senate and house of representatives of the

United States, in congress assembled: The memorial of the representatives of the yearly meeting of friends, held in Baltimore, for the western shore of Maryland, and the adjacent parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectfully sheweth

has, in so short a space of time, produced such destruction, is still, with but little exception, in full operation, and must, if not timely arrested, sweep from existence the remaining tribes which yet inhabit our country, we think it cannot fail to excite, in every benevolent mind, deep regret, and to awaken a feeling of commiseration and of tenderness towards this helpless and oppressed part of our great family. It is a melancholy reflection, that these people have hitherto, with but few exceptions, received at the hands of those who have succeeded to their domain, little but reiterated wrongs and outrage: instead of their having been united to us by acts of benevolence and kindness, we have failed to extend to them, except partially, that liberality and justice which they had a natural right to claim; and, instead of recognizing them as members of our common family, and extending to them the benefits of our superior knowledge in the arts, and our Christian advantages, they have been disregarded, and kept at a distance.

That your memorialists have been for a number of years past, engaged in endeavors to introduce amongst some of the Indian tribes bordering on the western frontier of the United States, a more perfect knowledge of agriculture, and of some of the most necessary arts of civil life, with the view of reclaiming them from the deplorable situation] Under these considerations, your memorialists to which they have been reduced, and of prepar- have deemed it to be their duty respectfully, but ing their minds for the influences of the gospel; earnestly, to solicit the attention of congress to the during which time your memorialists have had eritical situation of those of our Aborigines wha abundant evidence, in the progressive improve- inhabit the western and north western fronties of

The Indian Nations.

the United States: their weakness and their suf-and how soon will his odors shut up, and his beauty ferings give them a strong claim upon the hu-be withered? manity and protection of our government; and your Our Indians are manifestly declining, not only memorialists earnestly entreat that this may be so in numbers, but also in their intelligence and effectually extended to them, as to arrest the corporeal vigor. The native dignity of the Ameritorrent of destruction which has so long been can savage is fast descending into the squeamish poured upon them, and rescue our country from and contemptible gypsey. But to whom is he the reproach of their final extinction. indebted for this? and to whose account will be charged this depreciation-this overthrow of original majesty? The arrearage of justice due these people darkens the western horizon The FROM "THE LIBRRTY HALL." day may come when the forests will topple under You will confer a favor by giving publicity to the thunder. We have long heard its muttering, the following extract of a letter from the super- and have seen the flashes. Remains of victims intendant of Indian affairs at Washington city. The scorched by the blaze are now in the desert: their writer shows an ardent desire to reclaim from bones yet bleach, unburied, in the wilds. Who savage barbarism, the numerous tribes of Indians, prepared those vindictive elements? who is charge.. who reside within our western limits. This is an able for the effects of their fury? I fear this point object worthy of the writer, and of the nation. remains too partially considered! If it did not. The glowing language and striking imagery con- we should soon behold a light in the north, and tained in the letter, show, that Mr. MrKenney's west. The darkness would retire, and the glare pen pourtrayed his feelings. kindled by revenge, would be succeeded by a a light, pure, tranquil and peaceful.

WESTON, (Heights of Georgetown,)
March 10, 1817.

Rev. JOHN GAMDOLD,

Spring place, Cherokee county.)

Notwithstanding all that has passed, I will yet hope that justice will be heard. It is a principle some times slow in its operations, but always sure. SIR-Your very acceptable favor of the 7th Janu. And if its voice be rejected, because uttered in ary last, arrived in the order of the mail. The the plaints of distress, it will break out at last, perusal of it afforded me pleasure, though it was in the majesty of its power overturning and conmingled with pain. It can never cease to be a sub-founding the negligent, the inattentive and the ject of gratification to contemplate the efforts of cruel.

benevolence in the wilds-far removed from the I am sustained in the hope that something will more genial incidents which embellish and make be done at last, on reviewing the history of the life happy. It is true, happiness is not necessarily illustrious men who have presided in succession confined to populous cities or crowded settlements: over the affairs of our republic. They have been, it is a principle in the mind. Its base is CONTENT- all of them, advocates for the amelioration of the MANT, and its ou works and adornings are the condition of our Indians. The last address to the beautiful morals and piety of the gospel. GOD, congress, by our late presiden, MADISON, in which, their author, is alike felt, in a state of high preservation, are those exalted "In the wide waste, and in the city fullviews of national policy with which he is so familiar, And where a vital breathes, there must be joy." was a recommendation also in behalf of these sufIt is painful, however, to contemplate the sadness fering people. His eye could not close on political of the destiny of our Aborigines. If they had affairs without taking a parting glance at the disinal carved it themselves, there would be less cause of condition of the nations of our forests. The first pity: but they did not. The chains they wear are address of the president, MONROE, the American not of their own forging: they were prepared and ARISTIDES, wherein are all those pure principles riveted by other hands. And is there no power which his heart has so long and so ardently cherishcompetent to break the feiters? There is, my ed, contains also a reference to the Indians. He dear sir. It needs only to be exercised: and here justly considers an attention to their interests in lies the condemnation. Wherefore is it permitted the light of a moral obligation: and thus it ought to to remain dormant? Ah, my God! and shall man be viewed. These are his words: With the Indians be forsaken always, in proportion to the extremity IT IS OUR DUTY to cultivate friendly relations, and to of his wants and sufferings? And shall distress act with kindness and liberality in all our transactions. be receded from as its claims rise? and because Equally proper is it TO PERSEVERE IN OUR EFFORTS of its magnitude! This, alas! is too commonly TO EXTEND TO THEM THE ADVANTAGES OF CIVILIZAthe case. But this cannot be so always. Justice TION. and benevolence must at last triumph; and the conThis gentleman, whose feet have pressed every quest will pervade even the wilderness But to be round on the ladder of fame, and who now stands neglected; uniformly, systematically neglected!-who upon the last and highest, has endeared himself could endure it? Who has not felt the influence to his countrymen, more especially by his labors of neglect? And if those of us who, surrounded and his virtues. But why have I thus written? Not with ten thousand comforis, are not proof against for the sake of distinction, surely-for wherever its torpor, wherefore condemn the Indians, who are not only strangers to attention, but of whom scarcely any body condescends to think? Let not the untractableness of these unfortunate people or their habits be attributed to any necessity of their nature. No-they are men. But neglect freezes every where; and oppression excites to vengeance. -Civilized blood, in its most refined state, no less than the savages, moves slowly and tends to re frigeration, under the influence of neglect. And though "man in society belike a flower full blown in Ets native bed," still let him feel himself neglected,

*It is not the intention of the writer, by any means, to charge the people of the western country with a want of duty towards the savages.-He believes, that, notwithstanding the injuries they have experienced during the late war, from savage depredation and savage cruelty, they would be among the first to aid in the civilization of the Indians, and guard by this policy against such injuries in future. But the object is a national onc; and can only be speedily and entirely attained, by the interposition of the general government.