uses a pen, which I thought no way
suitable for my
small abilities.
Being frequently in company with the Stockbridge
Indians, I was induced to believe they are superior,
especially the women, to many under our name, who
make a high profession of religion.
Travelling through this settlement, I beheld
the pleasant situation of the
houses of the natives on
a rising ground, near a clear, running, stream,
sur-
rounded with trees which are evergreen;—my mind
was considerably
humbled on seeing the manner in
which they lived, and how free they were
from those
cares and wants, that luxury and pride have intro-
duced.
Their composure and serenity are remark-
able. After a long absence of an
Indian, they do not
show that ecstacy on his return, that we do in
meeting
a friend in such a case; but, when a suitable time
offers, he
says, Satandoxry gawchee! that is, So,
friend, art thou still in the valley of
tears?
About this time, I was informed of an interesting
circumstance, which
occurred among the Wyandot
nation of Indians, with a deputation from Congress.
It appears that in consequence of some encroachments
of the white people upon the borders of their land, a
demur or dissatisfaction arose among the Indians, and
the affair demanded the attention of Congress
appointed a certain number of judicious men, of their
body, to investigate the grievance. The Indians
being informed, a council was called; and at a time
appointed, the deputies met them, and requested to be
furnished with information of the boundaries of their
territory. When, to their great surprise, a young
Indian stepped forth, and on behalf of the council, in
a solemn manner, spoke thus: He who causes the