This evening, a number of Indians came to our
camp, viz. Col. Lewis, Capt. John, and a very old
chief, named Beechtree, or King Doe, and several
young warriors, painted red, with black streaks. —
Some had their ears cut in strings, with trinkets in
them; and they mostly had bobs of wampum, metal,
or bright shells, hung in their noses. They had
two of their wives with them— each had a child
laced with its back to a board — the front side made
of skins, lined with soft flannel, and a canopy of
curious work like embroidery, overhead — of like
workmanship, were the laces and bandages with
which the infant was fastened in — these they loose
with great facility, and take out the babe. The
whole has the appearance of a case, narrow at bot-
tom, and widens upwards — it is about two feet in
length, and has a bow to the front side of it, to go
over the mother's breast, when she carries the child.
There were about eleven Indians in this company;
Kirkland, their missionary, was with them, and in-
terpreted for us. The old chief said he heard we
were there, and with trembling knees, leaning on
his staff, he had come to see us; as we were on the
work of peace, he rejoiced to see us on that errand,
and hoped the Great Spirit would bless our endea-
vours, with which he united, and did not know
what he lived for, except it was to see it. Captain
John spoke to like import, and said he was glad
some of the sons of Onas were along. We imparted
some small tokens of respect to the women and chil-
dren, who after a visit of about two hours, went
away, with some of the young men. The old ones
staid and supped with us on the bank of the lake,
and then departed.