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actness, but with great attention and perseverance; they at the same time, and in the same motion, moved on obliquely, or sideways, so that the circle performed a double complex motion in its progression, and at stated times exhibited a grand or universal movement, instantly and unexpectedly to the spectators, by each rank turning to right and left, and taking each others places the movements were managed with inconceivable alertness and address, and acco panied with an instantaneous and universal elevation of the voice."

"The Cherokees, besides the ball-play dance, have a variety of others equally entertaining. The men especially exercise themselves with a variety of gesticulations, and capers; some of them are ludicrous and diverting enough; and they have others, which are of a martial order, and others of the chase; these seem to be somewhat of a tragical nature, wherein they exhibit astonishing feats of military prowess, masculine strength and activity. Indeed all their dances and musical entertainments seem to be theatrical exhibitions or plays, varied with comic interludes. The women however conduct themselves with becoming grace and dignity."

Caroline. Is it not wonderful that the In

dians should have such a variety of amusements, and that they should observe so much order, and propriety in their entertainments?

Mother. The beneficent Creator of the Universe hath implanted in the human breast a love of order and a strong desire for happiness; and when this desire of enjoyment interferes not with the serious duties of life, these social meetings for entertainment harmonize the spirits, and are productive of friendship and cordiality towards each other, and we thus testify our gratitude by enjoying with innocence and simplicity the gifts of heaven. No people in the state of nature are without harmless amusements; the natives of the new discovered Islands, in their public exhibitions, display great prowess and skill, accompanied with much order and regularity; the famous navigator, Cook, says, their movements and dexterity, are much superior to what is found among Europeans. Dancing is common to all nations, and is by some consecrated, by devotional exercises, expressive of gratitude; it was so considered by the Israelites when they rejoiced before the Lord for their deliverance from the Egyptians, " and Miriam, the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with

timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them, sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously."

Our puritan ancestors denounced all amusements, however innocent; their extreme scrupulosity, in this respect, made them view with a jealous and suspicious eye the joyous disposition of the Indians; and they were much disturbed and alarmed on being told, that some whom they had put in confinement, (from the apprehension that they might be induced to join their countrymen in defence of their rights,) had endeavoured to beguile the tedious days of their captivity, by resorting to some of their wonted sports. A military guard was sent to silence and prevent them from dancing, or pleasing themselves with music, as such amusements were deemed to indicate a hostile intention; though these natives had ever manifested the most friendly feelings toward the settlers. The great attention given to things, wholly unimportant in themselves, and having no connection with the doctrines or precepts of Christ, which they professed to follow, led our ancestors most frequently to neglect the weightier matters of the law. Some allowance should however be made for the austerity of the settlers, when we

call to mind the disgust they had justly entertained for the revelry, and criminal indulgence, of the courtiers in the mother country, whose revenues were exhausted in furnishing entertainment for the sovereign and his parasites, which should have been employed in defence of the kingdom, and in promoting the happiness of the people.

Elizabeth. I hope, mother, you have more to tell us from Mr. Bartram; I should think that those who read his accounts of the Indians, would be convinced how much we have wronged them?

Mother. It is difficult to convince those who have an interest in being deceived, and the pride of opinion operates very powerfully on common minds. Mr. Bartram describes very many towns, similar to those I have already related; one village in which they were received and entertained, in somewhat different style is worth noticing.

"The chief of the village (says Bartram,) conducted us to a grand airy pavilion in the centre. It was a square a range of pillars or posts on each side supporting a canopy composed of palmetto leaves, woven or thatched together, which shaded a level platform in the centre, that was ascended to from cach side by

two steps or flights, each about twelve inches high, and seven or eight feet in breadth, all covered with carpets or mats, curiously woven, of split canes dyed of various colours. Here being seated or reclining ourselves, after smoking tobacco, baskets of the choisest fruits were brought and set before us.-The fields, surrounding the towns and groves, were plentifully stored with corn, citruls, pumpkins, squashes, beans, peas, potatoes, peaches, figs, oranges, &c."

"The Muscogulges are said to be ingenious, sensible and virtuous men, bold and intrepid, yet quiet and peaceable. They are supposed to be most ingenious and industrious husbandmen, having large plantations, or country farms, where they employ much of their time in agricultural improvements, after the manner of the white people; by which means their territories are more generally cultivated, and better inhabited, than any other Indian republic that we know of. It appeared to me, from observation, and what information I could get, that the Indians have rational notions of the soul's immortality, and of a future state of social existence; and in order to inculcate morality, and promote human happiness, they applaud and praise worthy actions as commendable, and necessary for the support

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